Mu Weiwei, Han Jinlong

"No, that's not it. I just wanted to buy some refining materials as a gift for my master."

Shen Long explained.

The woman in the green dress suddenly realized what she meant and said with a smile, "My name is Mu Yuanyuan, and I am the manager of the Seven Clouds Pavilion. These are Third Rank refining materials from our shop. Please take a look!"

She took out a Dharma Disk that shimmered with blue light and handed it to Shen Long.

Shen Long took the Dharma Disk and examined it carefully.

Besides Third Rank refining materials, there are also Third Rank Talisman, the cheapest of which cost 50,000 yuan each, making them very expensive.

Shen Long selected a piece of Millennial Profound Jade and a Glazed Golden Body Talisman, spending 90,000 Spirit Stone. The Millennial Profound Jade is Third Rank refining material; when refined into an ice-attribute treasure, it can enhance its power. The Glazed Golden Body Talisman is Third Rank Defense Talisman.

Third Rank Talisman are quite expensive, especially the Escape Talisman. He wanted to buy an Escape Talisman, but there weren't any available; only attack, defense, and support talismans were available.

Shen Long had over 200,000 Spirit Stone, which he originally planned to use to buy Golden Core Spirit Item. However, the situation had changed, and since he was now fighting on the front lines, it would be better for him to buy a Third Rank Defense Talisman.

Third Rank Talisman are quite expensive, costing at least tens of thousands of Spirit Stone.

Spirit Stone are earned to be spent; if they run out, you can earn more. Shen Long hasn't reached the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment yet, so he can slowly accumulate Spirit Stone.

Even by selling pills, Shen Long could amass a large fortune.

"By the way, may I ask how I should address you, young friend?"

Mu Yuanyuan said in a gentle tone.

"Junior Shen Long!"

Shen Long told the truth.

Mu Yuanyuan's eyes showed a hint of surprise as she said, "So you are Shen Long. You are indeed a man of great talent. I have also heard of your achievements, winning third place in the Mystic Yang Dharma Assembly with Foundation Establishment Middle Stage."

Not long after, a tall, thin middle-aged man came up, took out a Cyan Storage Bag, and handed it to Shen Long.

Shen Long took out a piece of white jade and a cyan wooden box from his Storage Bag. The white jade felt cold to the touch, and he shivered.

He opened the blue wooden box, inside which was a Talisman that shimmered with golden light.

Shen Long put away the two items, paid the Spirit Stone, and left the Seven Clouds Pavilion.

After leaving the Seven Clouds Pavilion, Shen Long continued to stroll around.

After a short while, he appeared in a vast Jinshi Square. In the center of the square was a circular platform with a blue Banner Flag bearing the four large characters "Free Trade Square," its surface shimmering with spiritual light.

There are many stalls here, mostly run by Foundation Establishment Cultivator. The stalls sell a wide variety of items, including pills, spirit medicine, ores, Monster Beast Material, and even Spirit Beast, making it dazzling to look at.

Shen Long would walk around and look at the materials. If he encountered any unfamiliar materials, he would stop and ask the stall owner to broaden his knowledge.

"Your Spirit Ape is way too expensive! It far exceeds the price of a typical second-tier Spirit Beast."

"That's right, the price of one Spirit Ape is enough to buy two Spirit Beast of the same level."

"We have money, but we're not stupid."

A heated argument came from ahead.

"Spirit Ape?"

A curious expression appeared on Shen Long's face as he walked towards the stall in front of him.

A dozen or so cultivators surrounded a stall. The stall owner was a young girl in a long blue dress, with long hair reaching her waist, skin as smooth as jade, and a delicate face, without any makeup.

On the stall was a huge iron cage containing five giant Giant Ape, all blue in color. Judging from their aura, they were all second-tier Spirit Beast.

"This is no ordinary second-tier Demon Beast, but Sea Ape unique to the North Sea Cultivation World. It is gentle in nature, incredibly strong, and proficient in water-based magical Divine Ability. It can help you manage your cave dwelling, serve you tea and water, and even help you in combat. Barbarian Race have strong physical bodies, making them difficult to harm with ordinary Law Artifact. Having a second-tier Sea Ape in hand will make dealing with Barbarian Race much easier."

The Green-Robed Maiden explained enthusiastically.

"Even so, your price is too high! It's enough to buy two second-tier Spirit Beast."

A man in his early twenties wearing a gold shirt frowned and said.

"You get what you pay for. I transported these Sea Ape all the way from the North Sea Cultivation World, which cost me a lot. I should at least make a profit!"

"That's what the Green-Robed Maiden said."

"If it really is Sea Ape from the North Sea Cultivation World, I might buy one. But how can you prove it's Sea Ape from the North Sea Cultivation World, and not Water Ape disguised as one?"

A portly man in a white robe spoke.

His sleeve bore a White Flame pattern, the emblem of the Cold Flame Sect of the Wei Kingdom.

The Wei Kingdom is located at the forefront of the Human Race's territory in the East Hua Cultivation World, bordering the territory of the Sky Wolf Tribe.

There is a large area separating the Wei Kingdom from the Sky Wolf Tribe. The Qingxu Crystal Ore Vein is located in this area. The Wei Kingdom has five sects, with the Cold Flame Sect being the strongest and the largest sect in the Wei Kingdom.

"Yes! Sea Ape and Water Ape differ by only one character in their names. Both are proficient in water-based Divine Ability and look quite similar, but the strength of their Divine Ability differs."

The man in the gold shirt echoed.

"Water Ape aren't so docile. If these were Water Ape, they would have already started causing trouble. There's no sea here, so I can't exactly let them dive into the ocean!"

The Green-Robed Maiden frowned as she spoke.

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

A cheerful male voice rang out.

As soon as he finished speaking, a handsome young man in a golden robe stepped out from the crowd. He was tall and strong with fair skin and held a golden folding fan in his hand.

Judging from the insignia on his clothes, he was clearly a disciple of the Mystic Yang Sect.

"Oh, it's Fellow Daoist Han from the Mystic Yang Sect."

"Fellow Daoist Han is a descendant of True Monarch Xuanyang, yet he knows this woman. It seems this woman's identity is extraordinary."

"Just because we know each other doesn't mean she's of any high status."

The cultivators discussed among themselves, and some of them recognized the origin of the young man in the golden robe.

"A descendant of True Monarch Xuanyang!"

Shen Long asked in surprise.

As far as he knew, True Monarch Xuanyang was the Great Elder of the Mystic Yang Sect, a powerful figure with few descendants. Judging from the age and cultivation level of the young man in golden robes, he should be named Han Jinlong.

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

The Green-Robed Maiden smiled slightly and greeted them.

"Fairy Mu, I want a second-tier Sea Ape."

Han Jinlong spoke.

The Green-Robed Maiden smiled with delight and agreed.

With Han Jinlong taking the lead, the remaining four Sea Ape were quickly sold. Since Han Jinlong, a descendant of Nascent Soul Cultivator, had already bought them, there was definitely no problem.

From their conversation, Shen Long learned that the Green-Robed Maiden was named Mu Weiwei.

"Fairy Mu, I have something I'd like to discuss with you. Would it be convenient if we moved aside for a more detailed discussion?"

Han Jinlong said politely.

Mu Weiwei nodded, put away the iron cage, and left with Han Jinlong.

Shen Long strolled around for a while, bought some second-tier weapon-refining materials and some spirit medicine herbs and fruits, and then left the Free Trade Square.

Back at the Spirit Control Garden, Shen Long ran into Qian Dafu, Qian Dafu said, "Senior Brother Shen, Uncle Lin wants you to go to his residence; he needs to speak with you."

"Okay, I'll be right there."

Shen Long agreed and arrived at a secluded Blue-tiled Courtyard. A blue wooden sign hung at the entrance, with the three large characters "Ice Silkworm Courtyard" written on it.

Just as Shen Long was about to send Sound Transmission Talisman, Master Ice Silkworm's voice rang out. "Shen Long, come in!"

"Yes, Master."

Shen Long agreed and strode inside.

Inside the courtyard stood a three-story Cyan Pavilion and a Cyan Stone Pavilion. Master Ice Silkworm and a scholar of medium build in white robes were sitting in the stone pavilion, talking about something.

"Shen Long, this is Fellow Daoist Bai from the Cold Flame Sect, who is in charge of assigning tasks to all cultivators."

"It's like Master Ice Silkworm began to explain.

"Junior Shen Long greets Senior Bai."

Shen Long bowed.

"This is Fellow Daoist Lin's newly accepted disciple. He is indeed a handsome and talented man. Fellow Daoist Lin said that you are Alchemist, so you will be working in the Heavenly Pill Palace and responsible for alchemy. This is your token for entering and leaving the Heavenly Pill Palace. Once you have rested, you can go directly there."

The scholar in white took out a white token and handed it to Shen Long.

The three kingdoms joined forces to deal with the Sky Wolf Tribe. The Five Sects of Qin, the five sects of Wei, and the Four Sects of Zhao all contributed a large amount of cultivation resources to the treasury, unified the allocation of resources, and gathered together skilled talents.

Among the participants were many second-tier Alchemist, so it was natural to gather them together, provide them with materials to refine pills, and refine pills could accumulate Merit Points Merit Points, which could be used to exchange for cultivation resources.

"Thank you, Senior Bai."

Shen Long thanked him.

"Alright, Fellow Daoist Lin, I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now. Little Friend Shen, please get some rest. You can take up your post later, no problem."

After saying this, the scholar in white rose to take his leave.

"Take care, Fellow Daoist Bai!"

The Master Ice Silkworm rose to see him off, personally escorting the white-robed scholar away.

"You can refine pills in the Heavenly Pill Palace, utilize your skills, accumulate Merit Points, and there's no danger."

Master Ice Silkworm said to Shen Long.

Shen Long was his disciple and Alchemist; it would be easy for Master Ice Silkworm to take care of him.

Staying at the General Headquarters also allows one to refine pills, producing the same batch of pills. Refining pills at the front lines accumulates more Merit Points and also allows one to make friends with other Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

With Master Ice Silkworm Immortal around, Shen Long's every merit will be recorded as at least two. It's good to have someone under a big tree to shelter under, and it's good to have someone in the court to get a good position.

"Yes, Master."

Shen Long agreed. He took out the Millennial Profound Jade and handed it to Master Ice Silkworm with both hands, saying, "Master's birthday is in a few days. This is a small token of my appreciation. Please don't find it offensive."

How did you know it was my birthday?

"Master Ice Silkworm asked in confusion."

He never held birthday celebrations, but Shen Long, knowing it was his birthday, specially bought a gift for Master Ice Silkworm, showing commendable filial piety.

"I asked others for help, and it is thanks to Master's guidance that I am where I am today."

Shen Long expressed his gratitude.

Master Ice Silkworm was indeed very kind to Shen Long, Shen Long always remembered it with gratitude.

Master Ice Silkworm showed a gratified expression and nodded, saying, "It's rare for you to have such filial piety, so I'll accept it. But this is a one-time exception. Your success is the best gift you can give me. Don't bother with these formalities in the future."

"Yes, Master."

Shen Long agreed, his expression respectful.

"Alright, go ahead and get busy!"

Master Ice Silkworm waved his hand, signaling Shen Long to step back.

He watched Shen Long's departing figure, looked at the Millennial Profound Jade in his hand, and smiled knowingly.

Back at the Golden Cicada Courtyard, Shen Long saw Qian Dafu standing at the door.

"Junior Brother Qian, weren't you going out?"

Shen Long asked casually.

"Hehe, I guess Uncle Lin has something for Senior Brother Shen to do, so I thought I'd help you out."

Qian Dafu chuckled.

Master Ice Silkworm must have something to ask Shen Long; Shen Long might need his help.

Shen Long thought for a moment and said, "I do have something I need your help with."

He described Xu Yunfeng's appearance and asked Qian Dafu to investigate the man's background.

"Senior Brother Shen, do you know where he is? Based on your description alone, I might mistake him for someone else."

Qian Dafu said.

"I know, he lives in the Cloud Ghost Pavilion! After you see him, investigate his background first, but don't alert anyone else."

Shen Long said.

When he passed by the Cloud Ghost Pavilion, the Spirit-Tracking Beast warned Shen Long. At that time, the doors of the Cloud Ghost Pavilion were tightly closed, Shen Long guessed that the other party lived in the Cloud Ghost Pavilion.

"No problem, it's a piece of cake."

Qian Dafu patted his chest and agreed.

He took out a Golden Glowing Dharma Disk, cast a spell, and after a few gestures, his face lit up with joy. He said to Shen Long, "Senior Brother Shen, an acquaintance has invited me to meet, so I'll go first. I'll keep an eye on what you mentioned."

"Okay, you can go ahead and get busy!"

Shen Long nodded and watched Qian Dafu leave.

He entered the Golden Cicada Pavilion and came to a secret room.

Shen Long sat cross-legged on a Cyan Prayer Mat, carefully recalling his travels over the years.

He traveled for more than ten years, getting to know many Foundation Establishment Cultivator and also making Foundation Establishment Cultivator with some. Shen Long remembered all the Foundation Establishment Cultivator he had made enemies with.

He just couldn't remember where he had seen the other person before. After joining the Spirit Control Sect, he lived a secluded life, while the other person followed the disciples of the Hundred Ghosts Sect. Could he be a cultivator from the Zhao Kingdom?

Shen Long couldn't figure it out for the time being, so he decided to put it aside for now.

He released the Gold-Eating Ant and fed them.

······

A three-story, blue pavilion with a plaque bearing the three large golden characters "Cloud Ghost Pavilion" was standing there, its doors tightly shut.

Xu Yunfeng and Xu Yiqing were talking about something, their expressions serious.

"What! Shen Long is also in Barbarian-Resisting City?"

Xu Yiqing asked in surprise.

Xu Yunfeng nodded and said, "That's right. He probably doesn't know that we already know he killed Yunfeng and the others. If you encounter him, don't confront him. A gentleman takes revenge even after ten years. Since he's come to the front lines, he should be fighting with the Barbarian Race cultivators. We'll find an opportunity to deal with him."

"I understand, but he's a disciple of Core Formation Cultivator. If we deal with him, wouldn't that give them a pretext to criticize us?"

Xu Yiqing frowned.

They came all this way to deal with the Barbarian Race cultivators, not to fight amongst themselves. If they plot against Shen Long, and the higher-ups of the Spirit Control Sect complain, the Hundred Ghosts Sect might not protect them.

Shen Long is a disciple of Core Formation Cultivator and one of the 72 Talents of the Spirit Control Sect. If they try to trip them up in public, the higher-ups of the Spirit Control Sect will not let them off the hook.

"Only a fool would confront him head-on. We do want to deal with him, but we can't do it openly. Anyway, if we don't say anything, who will know he has a grudge against us? We'll just wait for an opportunity."

Xu Yunfeng rolled his eyes at Xu Yiqing and scolded him.

Xu Yiqing chuckled awkwardly and said, "That's true. I wonder if Yu Yan and Chen Chi have overcome their bottlenecks yet. If they also join the battle, it will make things easier for us."

"That's hard to say. Bottlenecks aren't so easy to overcome. Hopefully, they can! By the way, secretly investigate Shen Long's situation. Knowing your enemy is the key to victory."

Xu Yunfeng gave the instructions.

Everyone has weaknesses, Shen Long is no exception.

Xu Yiqing nodded and agreed.