Witch Clan Cultivator

At the hour of Xu (7-9 PM), the sky darkened.

Shen Long and Qian Dafu appeared at the entrance of a small courtyard with red tiles. To the left of the entrance hung a blue wooden plaque with the three large characters "Maple Forest Courtyard" written on it.

Qian Dafu sent a Sound Transmission Talisman and waited quietly.

"Fellow Daoist Qian, it's been a long time."

A woman's voice rang out.

Qian Dafu looked in the direction of the sound and saw a beautiful woman in her early forties wearing a blue dress walking towards him, with Huang Xiuyun beside her.

"Fellow Daoist Shen, it's been a long time."

Huang Xiuyun greeted Shen Long; she was only at the Foundation Establishment Early Stage.

"Fairy Huang, it's been a long time."

Shen Long smiled slightly.

"Senior Brother Shen, you two know each other!"

Qian Dafu was somewhat surprised.

Shen Long nodded, his gaze falling on the Green-Skirted Young Woman, and said politely, "My name is Shen Long."

"This humble servant Yu Xiu, and greets Fellow Daoist Shen."

The Green-Skirted Young Woman introduced herself.

At that moment, the courtyard gate opened, and Zhao Feng came out.

He had already advanced to the Foundation Establishment Realm, but was only in the Foundation Establishment Early Stage. Seeing Shen Long and Huang Xiuyun, he was somewhat surprised and said with a smile, "Long time no see, Fellow Daoist Shen, Fairy Huang, please come in and have a chat."

Shen Long and his three companions went inside, and Zhao Feng closed the courtyard gate.

Inside the courtyard stands a three-story yellow pavilion and a yellow stone pavilion. Inside the stone pavilion hangs a huge Moonlight Stone, which emits a soft white light that illuminates the entire courtyard.

Five men and three women sat in the stone pavilion. At the head of the group was a voluptuous White-Skirted Woman with snow-white skin, who possessed the cultivation level of the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment.

Shen Long saw Lu Yudie, Wei Tianbao, and Lin Sisi. Lu Yudie and Wei Tianbao had both advanced to the Foundation Establishment Realm, but were only at the Foundation Establishment Early Stage.

Wei Tianbao and Lu Yudie greeted Shen Long, both of them somewhat surprised that Shen Long had actually advanced to the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage.

"It's been many years. I didn't expect Fellow Daoist Shen to have reached the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage. Let me introduce you, this is Senior Brother Lu Feng."

Wei Tianbao pointed to a tall young man in a blue robe and said.

"My name is Shen Long, and I greet Fellow Daoist Lu."

Shen Long clasped his hands in a fist salute and said.

Lu Feng nodded, which was his way of greeting him.

"I am Li Shuang. I heard from Fellow Daoist Qian that Fellow Daoist Shen is Alchemist."

The White-Skirted Woman spoke with a smile, her tone warm and friendly.

"Hmm, I've learned a little bit. Is Madam Li also Alchemist?"

Shen Long said.

"No, sit down and let's talk."

Li Shuang greeted them warmly, inviting them to sit down and pouring them tea from the teapot.

The group chatted idly, and the topic turned to the war between the Five Sects of Qin and the Four Sects of Zhao. Zhao Feng asked curiously, "Fellow Daoist Shen, didn't you participate in the war? I asked the fellow Daoists of the Spirit Control Sect about you, but they all said they didn't know you."

"No, I was assigned to another location and didn't participate in the war."

Shen Long explained.

He won't reveal his undercover work experience to avoid unnecessary trouble.

"I've heard that your sect's Fellow Daoist Han possesses extraordinary strength, having killed more than ten Foundation Establishment Cultivator. Is he also participating in this Mystic Yang Dharma Assembly?"

Shen Long asked casually.

"Fellow Daoist Shen is referring to Senior Brother Han Long, right? Senior Brother Han didn't come; he's probably trying to break through to the Golden Core Realm."

Zhao Feng said.

"Our Senior Brother Lu from the Tyrant Blade Villa is also quite strong; he killed two Foundation Establishment Late Stage Cultivator."

Wei Tianbao said proudly.

"Fellow Daoist Lu?"

Shen Long looked at Lu Feng.

"It wasn't me, that was my elder brother Lu Han."

Lu Feng explained.

"Senior Sister Lin is no slouch either. She led her team to capture a Second Rank Mineral Vein and killed seven Foundation Establishment Cultivator in the process."

Qian Dafu said.

"Compared to Fellow Daoist Lu, I am far inferior."

Lin Sisi spoke modestly, but a smug look appeared on her face.

"It's strange, really. The Azure Cloud Mountain Range are on the border between the two countries. Logically speaking, both countries have sent people to explore them. If there were really mineral veins, they would have been discovered long ago. There's even a Golden Jade Ore Vein."

Huang Xiuyun asked curiously.

"The mineral veins are formed later in life, and their quantity is not fixed; otherwise, the metal veins in the Immortal Realm would have been completely mined out long ago."

Lu Feng explained.

"I know it was formed later in life. What I mean is, why does the Golden Jade Ore Vein appear in the Azure Cloud Mountain Range when it doesn't appear anywhere else?"

Huang Xiuyun added.

Li Shuang said, "The metal veins in the cultivation Immortal Realm were indeed formed later, but it took too long. Even if they were formed later, they should have been discovered long ago. There are rumors that they were left behind by the Fire Sun Race and were previously hidden using Formation."

"The Fire Sun Race? That can't be! So many years have passed, what kind of Formation is so powerful that it could operate for millions of years?"

Huang Xiuyun asked in confusion.

"Your Fairy Huang, you may not know this, but some Fire Sun Race have fled the East Hua Cultivation World. They have hidden some cultivation resources, such as mines, Secret Realm, Spirit Herb Garden, and Spirit Eye Spring. They will return after their cultivation has greatly improved. It's not easy to take the mines with them, but mining some is no problem. This has happened before."

Zhao Feng explained.

"The Fire Sun Race!"

Shen Long was somewhat surprised; he hadn't expected to be connected with the Fire Sun Race.

"Is that so?! No wonder."

Huang Xiuyun suddenly realized.

"Without evidence, we can't be sure it was left by the Fire Sun Race. However, one thing is certain: the Fire Sun Race left behind many Secret Realm, some of the Secret Realm remain undiscovered to this day. The Tang Clan of the Shu Kingdom discovered one of these Secret Realm and obtained a large amount of cultivation resources, transforming themselves from a minor clan into the number one cultivation Lineage in Fire Sun Race Shu Kingdom."

Li Shuang looked on with envy.

The value of a Secret Realm is immeasurable. The Tang Clan discovered a Secret Realm and soared to great heights.

"Yes! At its peak, the Fire Sun Race was the number one clan in the East Hua Cultivation World, incredibly wealthy. What a pity."

Lu Feng said in a regretful tone.

"There's nothing to regret. The Fire Sun Race brought this upon themselves. They joined forces with the Barbarian Race to attack our Human Race, so they deserved to be wiped out by the Barbarian Race."

Li Shuang disagreed.

After chatting for more than an hour, Li Shuang suggested exchanging cultivation resources, which was unanimously agreed upon by everyone.

Shen Long traded Yellow Apricot Pill for two Spirit-Nourishing Fruit and some second-tier refining materials. The only drawback was that he didn't get any Second-Rank Flood Dragon Blood Essence.

Qian Dafu exchanged some materials for making talismans, Shen Long guessed that he was giving them to Ye Yuqing to make talismans.

Lin Sisi successfully traded for the Demon Core of Second-Rank Demon Bird.

After the exchange, everyone chatted for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea before returning home.

After leaving Maple Forest Courtyard, Shen Long Shen Long n't gone far when Lin Sisi called out to him.

"I didn't expect Junior Brother Shen to be Alchemist. You're welcome to visit me sometime."

Lin Sisi said.

Among the disciples who entered the sect at the same time, only a few advanced to the Foundation Establishment Realm. Shen Long and Lin Sisi both cultivated to the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, while the others were only at the Foundation Establishment Early Stage.

Shen Long is a second-tier Alchemist and one of the 72 Talents, which makes Lin Sisi think highly of him and take the initiative to curry favor with him.

"I'll definitely come over for a visit when I have time."

Shen Long agreed.

Lin Sisi nodded, then turned and left.

"Senior Brother Shen, seize the opportunity! I've heard that several senior brothers are pursuing Senior Sister Lin. Hehe, if I marry Senior Sister Lin, I'll have a Core Formation Cultivator as my backer."

Qian Dafu transmitted his voice.

Shen Long smiled calmly and said, "Junior Brother Qian, please don't misunderstand. This is the first time we've spoken since we joined the sect."

Lin Sisi has the Master Golden Toad behind her, Core Formation Cultivator as her backer. Since entering the sect, Lin Sisi has never had any interaction with Shen Long and other disciples who entered at the same time.

Mountains may crumble, people may run away; only yourself is truly reliable.

"Hehe, if it were Senior Brother Gu, he definitely wouldn't let this opportunity pass him by."

Qian Dafu chuckled and joked.

Gu Tianhong has already advanced to the Foundation Establishment Realm, but he doesn't focus much on cultivation. Instead, he pursues female cultivators with powerful backgrounds or abundant wealth.

Shen Long smiled calmly, "Everyone has their own ambitions."

Qian Dafu took out a golden Dharma Disk, cast a spell, and frowned.

"What's wrong? Is something the matter?"

Shen Long asked.

"No, that's not it. A friend informed me that there's an Underground Auction tomorrow night at the Golden Jade Pavilion, but I have something to do tomorrow night."

Qian Dafu said.

"What is so important?"

Shen Long asked casually.

"Hehe, I've made an appointment with a few shopkeepers to discuss some business with them."

Qian Dafu chuckled, his face full of smugness.

"What cultivation resources do you need? I'll keep an eye out for them. Talk to them properly, and just ask if you need Spirit Stone."

Shen Long said.

"I really need it. I need 20,000 Spirit Stone. I plan to buy some cultivation resources and sell them back home. I'm sure I can make a profit."

Qian Dafu said.

Shen Long took out a Golden Storage Bag and handed it to Qian Dafu, saying, "There are 30,000 Spirit Stone in here. You can decide which items you want to buy! When Underground Auction be held?"

"Tomorrow night at dusk! I'll definitely have a good talk with them, I guarantee I'll make a fortune."

Qian Dafu patted his chest and assured him.

Shen Long nodded. He knew Qian Dafu's character. Qian Dafu was obsessed with business and managed his shop very carefully, keeping detailed records of every expense, which Shen Long checked.

Otherwise, Shen Long wouldn't have been so generous as to give Qian Dafu 30,000 Spirit Stone to buy goods.

Shen Long nodded, and the two strolled around the street.

As he passed a fork in the road, Qian Dafu ran into two business associates. He greeted Shen Long and then went to discuss business with his friends.

Shen Long strolled along the street, looking around.

Half an hour later, he appeared in a vast Bluestone Square with many stalls, and he walked around and looked at them.

He spends his free time wandering around here, hoping to find a bargain, but so far he hasn't managed to find one.

He suddenly quickened his pace and came to a small stall. The stall owner was a burly man in his early forties, dressed in a golden robe, Sha Qi aura and possessing the cultivation level of the Foundation Establishment Late Stage.

The stall displayed a variety of Monster Beast Material, as well as spirit medicine and Spirit Wood.

"What kind of Demon Beast's Inner Core is this?"

Shen Long pointed to a blood-red Demon Core and asked.

"The Inner Core of a late-stage, second-tier Blood-Transforming Butterfly. In order to kill this demon, one of my friends was killed."

The burly man in the golden shirt explained.

"I want this Demon Core."

A melodious, bell-like female voice rang out.

As soon as the words were spoken, a bell rang, and a fragrant breeze wafted by as a slender Green-Robed Maiden appeared in front of the stall.

The Green-Robed Maiden had some mysterious patterns on her skin, which seemed to be naturally formed. She wore a lot of silver ornaments, and a green bell on each of her hands and feet.

Judging from his aura, he possesses the cultivation level of the Foundation Establishment Late Stage stage.

"The Witch Clan!"

Shen Long frowned slightly. He had read descriptions of the Witch Clan Witch Clan in ancient books and had also seen their images in the Shadow-Returning Crystal of the Scripture Depository.

He was certain that the Green-Robed Maiden before him was a Witch Clan.

"I want to exchange my talisman-making materials; I'm only exchanging, not selling."

"That's what the burly man in the golden robe said."

The Green-Robed Maiden took out a Cyan Jade Box and handed it to the man in the golden robe. The man in the golden robe opened the jade box, and inside was a piece of crystal clear green jade.

The burly man in the golden robe beamed with delight and looked at Shen Long. Shen Long took out a Cyan Porcelain Bottle, handed it to the man, and said telepathically, "This is a bottle of Beast Spirit Pill, how about it?"

"This Demon Core belongs to the fairy."

The burly man in the golden robe returned the porcelain bottle to Shen Long and gave the Demon Core to the Green-Robed Maiden.

Shen Long didn't say anything; it was the owner's right to sell the item to whomever they wanted.

The Green-Robed Maiden put away the Demon Core and strode away.

Shen Long continued to stroll around and bought some refining materials.

After a short while, he left the Bluestone Square and returned to the Spirit Control Garden.

He entered a secret room, sat cross-legged, and began to meditate and regulate his breathing.

······

In a secluded Blue-tiled Courtyard, an Purple-Robed Old Woman with a ruddy complexion sat in a Cyan Stone Pavilion. A Green-Robed Maiden walked in; she was the girl who had bought the Demon Core.

"Grandma, I bought a late-stage, second-tier Blood-Transforming Butterfly Demon Core."

The Green-Robed Maiden smiled and said, her face full of pride.

"Duo'er, be careful. This isn't our Witch Clan's territory. Don't be so conspicuous."

The Purple-Robed Old Woman gave her instructions.

"I know, Grandma. Oh, by the way, there's an Underground Auction tomorrow night with many Foundation Establishment Cultivator participating. I plan to go and hopefully get some good stuff."

Wu Duo'er's face showed anticipation.

"We've come all this way to the East Hua Cultivation World not for sightseeing. Keep an eye out for news about that traitor. Hopefully, we can find him soon and go back as soon as possible."

"Purple-Robed Old Woman said, her voice heavy.

"I understand, Grandma. However, the cultivation Immortal Realm is so vast that finding him won't be easy. So many years have passed; perhaps he has passed away and his cultivation has vanished. That item may have fallen into the hands of Human Race or Barbarian Race."

Wu Duo'er analyzed.

"It's possible that within a certain range, the treasure we brought might be able to sense the location of this treasure. Let's search around a bit more and hopefully find it. This treasure is of paramount importance to our Witch Clan. Over the years, the High Priest has sent out a large number of people to search for this treasure, but they haven't found it yet. If we find it, it will be a great achievement."

The Purple-Robed Old Woman looked on with longing.

"I hope so!"

Wu Duo'er nodded.

······

The day passed quickly, and the next evening, darkness fell.

In the Spirit Control Garden, the door to a secret room opened, and a Blue-Shirted Youth with ordinary features walked out. It was none other than Shen Long, who had changed his appearance.

He used the Hundred Illusion Mask to change his appearance and put on casual clothes.

This is Mystic Yang Marketplace. Shen Long came here with Core Formation Cultivator. Logically speaking, he shouldn't be afraid even if he wins a good bid. However, he is used to being cautious and plans to use a fake appearance to participate in the Underground Auction.

After leaving the Spirit Control Garden, Shen Long quickened his pace.

In less than a quarter of an hour, he appeared at the entrance of a nine-story Golden Pavilion, with the three large characters "Golden Jade Pavilion" engraved on the plaque.

He strode in. The hall was filled with tables, where a dozen or so cultivators sat in twos and threes, sipping tea and chatting. An elderly man in his sixties, wearing a green robe, sat behind the counter, looking through the account books.