The War

After paying taxes, Wu Tao's good mood, with a monthly income of over nine hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones, diminished by more than half.

Loose Cultivators are truly miserable. They have no cultivation resources, no territory, and can only survive by relying on Five Spring Mountain, struggling to make a living by working for Immortal Dao Great Sects like Five Spring Mountain.

Only places with Spiritual Power are suitable for Cultivators to survive.

Places without Spirit Veins, which are mortal lands, have extremely thin Spiritual Power, making cultivation extremely difficult. Once one experiences cultivation, they no longer wish to return to the mortal world.

Moreover, mortal lands have very few immortal legacies and very few people have immortal destinies. Most Cultivation Cities are populated by native Loose Cultivators, generation after generation.

Only a very small number are found from the mortal world, hoping for longevity.

"Alas, regardless of past or present life, without the means of production, one will ultimately be exploited and oppressed by others. Even if I embark on the path of an Artifact Refiner in the Four Arts of Cultivation, I will merely be a high-level wage laborer!" Wu Tao sighed in his heart.

For Loose Cultivators to break free from this predicament and overthrow their oppressors is impossible. The oppressors have resources and exploit you, leading to a widening gap. This only results in increasing despair.

In this cultivation world where strength reigns supreme and the great power of heaven and earth is concentrated in oneself, how can you turn the tables?

Only by becoming stronger yourself, by becoming qualified to join their ranks, is the only way to change your own destiny.

"I am fortunate, I have a game system, and I will definitely change my fate." Wu Tao became invigorated. After his excitement, he couldn't help but recall the incident at Delightful Immortal Restaurant.

"I refused him, and judging by Fang Ming's attitude, he must be angry. However, they are not from demonic sects, so they wouldn't dare to act recklessly. Everything must be done according to the rules set by Five Spring Mountain..."

"Even so, I still need to be careful."

"If it really comes to that..." A trace of ruthlessness flashed in Wu Tao's eyes.

He doesn't provoke trouble, but he doesn't fear it either.

However, he still needs to be fully prepared. He originally saved Spirit Stones to buy a Storage Bag, but he no longer plans to save them. He will first increase the frequency of his Medicinal Baths to improve his strength.

With this thought, he headed to the pharmacy to buy the Medicinal Herbs required for the Medicinal Bath.

"Fellow Daoist Wu, I've said it several times already. I appreciate the goodwill of your association, but I truly don't wish to join any association right now."

Wu Tao looked at Wu Zhongxing opposite him, feeling very helpless.

Over the past month, whenever he went out, he would invariably run into Wu Zhongxing, who would then try to persuade him to join the Artifact Refiner Association.

He neither threatened nor forced him, but instead invited him cordially. Such an approach made it impossible for Wu Tao to get angry.

This led to Wu Tao basically staying at home for a month, cultivating the Sanyang Technique to Temper Body. Today was a market day, so he had to come out, and as expected, Wu Zhongxing clung to him like a persistent fly.

Wu Zhongxing cupped his hands, a smile of inexhaustible patience on his face. "Fellow Daoist Li, it's too difficult for us Loose Cultivators to rely solely on individual ability. Joining an association would be beneficial in countless ways for you, Fellow Daoist Li."

Your argument is valid for any Loose Cultivator Artifact Refiner, but it has no effect on me... Wu Tao stopped paying attention to him and focused on dealing with the Loose Cultivators who came forward to buy Magic Robes.

Wu Zhongxing was not discouraged; he even helped Wu Tao greet customers.

Seeing this, Wu Tao quickly said, "Fellow Daoist Wu, I don't have any Spirit Stones to hire you. Your efforts will be in vain."

Wu Zhongxing chuckled, "Fellow Daoist Li, rest assured, I'm doing this voluntarily. I don't need any wages."

"Suit yourself!"

After closing shop and selling all the Spirit-Absorbing Robes, Wu Tao quickly packed up. Before Wu Zhongxing could say anything else, he quickly bid farewell and fled.

Wu Zhongxing watched Wu Tao's receding back and murmured, "Fellow Daoist Li, I'm sorry!"

Just then, a voice appeared beside Wu Zhongxing, mockingly saying, "Little Wu, I already told you, Li Mo is a tough nut to crack. You won't be able to persuade him. Leave it to me."

Wu Zhongxing's expression changed. "Vice President Fang, President Xie said that if Fellow Daoist Li hasn't joined any other association, we can't touch him. Besides, I'm sure I can persuade Fellow Daoist Li."

Fang Ming let out a cold snort and turned to leave.

Wu Zhongxing clenched his fists tightly, his face filled with regret.

Wu Tao, having escaped Wu Zhongxing, went directly to pay his taxes. This month, he had refined several more Spirit-Absorbing Robes. After paying taxes, he could still earn over eleven hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones per month.

Afterward, he went to Shopkeeper Yu's artifact material shop.

Shopkeeper Yu invited him for a drink.

This was the first time, and Wu Tao wondered what Shopkeeper Yu was up to.

The Tea Room was quiet and serene, with green trees outside the window. Anyone who could open a shop in the Market was not simple. After Shopkeeper Yu poured him a cup of tea, Wu Tao took a sip and praised, "Good tea, Spring Rain Emerald Tea."

Shopkeeper Yu chuckled, "I didn't expect Artifact Master Li to be a tea connoisseur."

Sigh, what do I know? The only time I ever drank this was Spring Rain Emerald Tea... Wu Tao grumbled inwardly, but outwardly he asked, "May I ask why Shopkeeper Yu invited me here?"

Shopkeeper Yu's face showed some joy. He leaned forward slightly and said in a low voice, "Five Spring Mountain and the Ghost Dao Sect might be going to war."

"Five Spring Mountain and the Ghost Dao Sect are going to war?" Hearing this news, Wu Tao's expression changed slightly. "Shopkeeper Yu, you're not joking, are you?"

Shopkeeper Yu said seriously, "Artifact Master Li, would I dare to deceive you? Yesterday, I went to procure spirit materials, and many types of spirit materials were unavailable. These were all essential materials for wartime. I probed around subtly and managed to get this news from them."

"Perhaps in a few days, Artifact Master Li will see some signs of this from the West Outer City."

He told Wu Tao this important news as a gesture of goodwill, a step-by-step approach to mend their previous issue with the Filth Crystals. This was Shopkeeper Yu's plan.

Seeing Shopkeeper Yu's serious expression, Wu Tao's heart slowly sank.

With the war between Five Spring Mountain and the Ghost Dao Sect, the lives of Loose Cultivators would become even harder. Not only would prices soar, but if Five Spring Mountain lost, and the Ghost Dao Sect arrived, with their inhumane methods, Loose Cultivators would surely become materials for their refining.

When the tide recedes, how can any egg remain intact!

Wu Tao felt incredibly stifled by this feeling of not being in control of his own life.

Seeing Wu Tao lost in thought, Shopkeeper Yu reminded him, "Artifact Master Li, once the war begins, you'll need to make more preparations. If there's anything you need help with, as long as it's within my ability, I will certainly assist."

Wu Tao snapped back to attention and clasped his fists solemnly at Shopkeeper Yu, expressing his deep gratitude. "Shopkeeper Yu, this news of yours is too important to me. I will engrave this kindness in my heart. As for other help, there's nothing else."

Shopkeeper Yu was very pleased with Wu Tao's attitude and laughed heartily. "You're too kind, too kind. Artifact Master Li, let's not waste time with pleasantries. Actually, this is a great opportunity for us to make a fortune. While prices haven't risen yet, we can stock up on some life-saving items and sell them at a high price once the war starts..."

Wu Tao nodded in agreement. "Shopkeeper Yu is right..."

Once war breaks out, Loose Cultivators will lose their sense of security and will want to convert all their Spirit Stones into items that can save their lives.

The Small Spirit Shield Robe and Spirit-Absorbing Robe are such life-saving items.

Wu Tao decided to seize this opportunity to make a fortune, otherwise, he would be letting down Shopkeeper Yu for sharing this news with him.

No wonder Shopkeeper Yu was beaming at the thought of the Five Spring Mountain and Ghost Dao Sect clashing. Once war begins, merchants like him, who are shrewd but heartless, deserve to make a fortune.

It's always the low-level Loose Cultivators who get hurt.