Clues

"That's true. Perhaps when Senior Uncle Qin returns, he will have already advanced to the Nascent Soul Realm. By the way, which Core Formation Cultivator from our sect Mystic Yang Dharma Assembly this time?"

Chen Jin asked curiously.

For grand events like the Mystic Yang Dharma Assembly, the Spirit Control Sect will send Core Formation Cultivator to lead the team, which is also an opportunity for them to exchange ideas with other Core Formation Cultivator.

"I heard that Senior Uncle Lin will be leading the team, but I don't know if there are any others."

Qin Shuangshuang said.

After chatting for more than two hours, Xu Lin said, "It's getting late, let's stop here for today!"

Shen Long and his group of five nodded, and some released their Spirit Bird, while others released their Spirit Insect, before returning to their respective homes.

They had only flown about ten miles when a thunderclap sounded and a strong wind arose.

"Someone is attempting to break through to the Golden Core Realm! Senior Brother Xu?"

Qin Shuangshuang exclaimed in surprise.

"That's possible!"

Chen Jin looked on with envy.

A group of disciples from the Spirit Control Sect flew in from a distance; they were responsible for maintaining order and preventing any interference.

Unable to get a close look, Shen Long gave up.

The Scripture Depository contains many Echo Projection Bead, which record the insights and images of predecessors who broke through to higher realms. These can be viewed by spending Merit Points; this is one of the benefits of a sect.

If it were Rogue Cultivator, they would have to figure it out on their own, and if they weren't prepared, they would be struck dead by Lightning Tribulation.

Foundation Establishment Cultivator will face Lightning Tribulation when attempting to the Golden Core Realm. If they are not prepared, they will be struck dead by the Lightning Tribulation. Throughout history, many Foundation Establishment Cultivator have been killed by Lightning Tribulation when attempting to the Golden Core Realm.

Back at his residence, Shen Long entered the Green Lotus Pavilion and began cultivating his internal energy.

Half a year passed quickly.

Early that morning, Shen Long left the Green Lotus Garden, released the Snow Wind Sparrow for transportation, and arrived at a vast Bluestone Square where hundreds of Foundation Establishment Cultivator had gathered.

These people all intend to participate in the Mystic Yang Dharma Assembly. They can go to the destination on their own or with their elders from their sect.

Shen Long saw some familiar faces, but he didn't recognize most of them.

He saw Lin Sisi, Lin Sisi was currently in the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage.

"I wonder what kind of experts the Mystic Yang Sect will send to this Xuan Mystic Yang Dharma Assembly. I heard that the Mystic Yang Sect has taken in a disciple with a Heavenly Spirit Root, but I wonder if he will show up."

"The Tyrant Blade Villa will also send experts; at the last Mystic Yang Dharma Assembly, the fifth place winner was a disciple of the Tyrant Blade Villa."

"Hmph, that was last time. This time is different. Senior Sister Yang and Senior Brother Zhao will both participate in the Mystic Yang Dharma Assembly, so they're sure to get a good ranking."

The disciples chatted idly, discussing the matter.

Shen Long's gaze fell on a graceful young woman in a white dress and a thin Yellow-Shirted Man. Both of them had the Foundation Establishment Late Stage and exuded a faint killing Sha Qi, clearly indicating that they had fought many life-or-death battles.

"That must be Senior Sister Yang Xue!"

Shen Long asked curiously.

Qian Dafu nodded and said, "That's Zhao Lei Senior Brother Zhao next to me. By the way, I heard that Senior Brother Xu has advanced to the Golden Core Realm, so he should be called Uncle-Master Xu now."

Xu Yang Yangjin entered the Golden Core Realm, becoming a newly promoted Core Formation Cultivator of the Spirit Control Sect. The Spirit Control Sect disciples on the same peak as him all received a sum of cultivation resources. This was a benefit of the peak's decline, where everyone shared in the glory.

"Our sect has gained another Core Formation Cultivator, it's a pity that Senior Brother Xu isn't from the same peak as us."

Ye Yutang said in a regretful tone.

"If our sect were to produce another Nascent Soul Cultivator, that would be a cause for universal celebration, and we would also benefit from it."

Ye Yuqing said.

"That's too far away for us. If we can achieve good results in this Mystic Yang Dharma Assembly, it will be helpful to our Dao Path."

Qin Bao said.

According to the rules of the Spirit Control Sect, disciples who perform exceptionally well at the Mystic Yang Dharma Assembly will be given priority consideration for selection as one of the 72 Talents 72 Talents, provided there are available spots.

After chatting for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, someone called out, "Uncle Lin and the others have arrived."

The crowd stopped talking and looked up at the sky. A Snow Wing Ice Centipede, more than ten feet long, was floating above the square. Two men and a woman were standing on the back of the Snow Wing Ice Centipede. The leader was a tall old man in white robes.

The old man in the white robe had a fair complexion, bright and piercing eyes, and an aura as vast as the ocean.

"Greetings, Senior Uncle Lin, Senior Aunt Li, and Senior Uncle Xu."

Shen Long and the others said in unison.

The white-robed elder was Master Ice Silkworm, and a handsome young man in a blue robe stood to his left, none other than Xu Yang.

"Is it just you guys? Is there no one else?"

A voluptuous White-Skirted Woman asked the question.

Fairy Ice Centipede, Core Formation Mid Stage.

"Replying to Senior Sister Li, some of our fellow disciples have already departed. We've already notified them, and Foundation Establishment Cultivator who wish to participate in the Mystic Yang Dharma Assembly will arrive early."

Yang Xue reported.

"Since there's no one else here, let's set off!"

"That's what Master Ice Silkworm said."

"You all come up here!"

"Fairy Ice Centipede said, Snow Wing Ice Centipede slowly landed."

Yang Xue and over a hundred other Foundation Establishment Cultivator boarded the Snow Wing Ice Centipede's back. The Fairy Ice Centipede gave a soft shout, "Let's go!"

As soon as the words were spoken, the Snow Wing Ice Centipede flapped its wings gently and flew away into the distance, quickly disappearing into the horizon.

······

The Purple Maple Mountain Range stretch for tens of thousands of miles; this is the ancestral home of the Chu Clan.

Deep within the Purple Maple Mountain Range, one can see a massive city. Above the city gate, a plaque bears the three golden characters "Purple Maple Fortress." Around Purple Maple Fortress, one can see a large number of purple maple trees.

Purple Maple Garden, a strategically important location for the Chu Clan.

A refined-looking scholar in a blue robe was reporting to an Yellow-Robed Elder with a ruddy complexion. The Yellow-Robed Elder had a square face and large eyes, which exuded an imposing aura even without anger, and his presence was as vast as the ocean.

"Ancestor Changshan, everything is arranged. Fifty Foundation Establishment Realm clansmen have been selected to accompany you to Mystic Yang Marketplace to participate in the Mystic Yang Dharma Assembly."

"That's what the scholar in the blue robe said."

"Wenxian, Yanran is inside too, isn't she?"

Chu Changshan asked, taking a sip of the Spirit Tea.

"Of course, Yanying and Yanxiong are both inside. They are both in the Foundation Establishment Late Stage and are quite powerful."

Chu Wenxian said.

Chu Wenxian is the head of the Chu Clan. Chu Changshan led the team to participate in the Mystic Yang Dharma Assembly, and Chu Wenxian was asked to select the elite troops.

"I hope they get a good ranking! You can go and get back to work! Tomorrow at Chenshi (7-9 AM), have them gather at my residence."

Chu Changshan gave the instructions.

"Yes, Ancestor Changshan."

Chu Wenxian agreed and bowed as he withdrew.

······

The Ganyang Mountain Range are located in the central part of the Qin Kingdom, stretching for tens of thousands of miles. In the southwest corner there is a Giant Valley with access in all directions. Outside the valley stands a Golden Stele more than ten feet high, with four large silver characters engraved on it: "Mystic Yang Marketplace".

Mystic Yang Marketplace is the largest Marketplace in the Qin Kingdom and is also controlled by the Mystic Yang Sect Marketplace. It boasts a superior geographical location, abundant cultivation resources, and a large number of merchants and travelers.

The Mystic Yang Dharma Assembly has always been held in Mystic Yang Marketplace, which is one of the manifestations of the Mystic Yang Sect's comprehensive strength. As the Mystic Yang Dharma Assembly approaches, a large number of Foundation Establishment Cultivator come from all over the country, contributing to the prosperity of Mystic Yang Marketplace.

Merchants in the Marketplace offered many good items, and some shops even had their staff shouting at the door to attract customers.

The streets are wide and clean, teeming with people and bustling with traffic, presenting a prosperous scene.

A white light appeared on the distant horizon, rapidly flying towards Mystic Yang Marketplace.

The white light slowed down as it approached Mystic Yang Marketplace, revealing a Snow Wing Ice Centipede over ten zhang long, upon which Shen Long and the others stood.

"We've finally arrived!"

Qian Dafu's face lit up with joy.

Someone is coming.

Master Ice Silkworm looked towards the northwest.

A golden light appeared on the distant horizon, then stopped in a flash, revealing a shimmering golden flying boat. A group of cultivators from the Tyrant Blade Villa stood aboard, led by a burly man in golden robes. The man had regular features and exuded an astonishing spiritual pressure.

"True Man Golden Blade!"

Ye Yutang recognized the man in the golden shirt.

"Fellow Daoist Li! You're leading the team this time."

Master Ice Silkworm greeted them.

"Fellow Daoist Lin, Madam Li, and who is this fellow Daoist?"

The True Man Golden Blade's gaze fell on Xu Yang, his face full of confusion.

"This is Junior Brother Xu; he's come here to broaden his horizons."

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

"My name is Xu Yang! I greet Fellow Daoist Li."

Xu Yang clasped his hands in a fist salute and said.

"So it's Daoist Xu! It seems the juniors have one less formidable opponent at this Mystic Yang Dharma Assembly."

"That's what the True Man Golden Blade joked."

Xu Yang was the leader of the 72 Talents, so the True Man Golden Blade had naturally heard of Xu Yang, but had never met him.

"This isn't the place to talk, let's go inside and chat!"

"That's what Master Ice Silkworm said."

With a flick of her wrist, the Fairy Ice Centipede sent the Snow Wing Ice Centipede flying towards Mystic Yang Marketplace. The True Man Golden Blade then sent his Golden Flying Boat following closely behind.

Upon entering the Marketplace, they dispersed.

Shen Long and over a hundred other Foundation Establishment Cultivator followed Master Ice Silkworm and the other two to the entrance of a vast manor. The plaque above the entrance bore the three large characters "Spirit Control Garden". A man of medium build, dressed in a golden robe, strode in.

"Master, Aunt Li, Uncle Xu, you've finally arrived!"

The man in the gold shirt had a broad smile on his face.

"After some time, Junior Nephew Xu has advanced to the Foundation Establishment Late Stage. Not bad!"

"The Fairy Ice Centipede praised it," she said.

"Not bad, it seems you're quite diligent in your cultivation."

Master Ice Silkworm nodded, gave a word of praise, and strode into the Spirit Control Garden, followed by Fairy Ice Centipede and the others.

The park features pavilions, terraces, waterside pavilions, long corridors, and exotic flowers and rocks.

"You can stay here during the Mystic Yang Dharma Assembly! Feel free to do as you please! Xu You, arrange accommodations for them."

"Master Ice Silkworm gave the order."

"Yes, Master. Junior Sister Yang, Junior Brother Zhao, please come with me."

Xu You said warmly, then led Yang Xue and the others away, arranging accommodations for them.

Shen Long, Qian Dafu, and Qin Bao lived in Green Cicada Courtyard, which had a three-story Cyan Pavilion with several rooms.

"Senior Brother Shen, Senior Brother Qin, how about we go out for a stroll together?"

Qian Dafu suggested.

"No need, I have something to take care of, so I won't be joining you."

Qin Bao politely declined.

Shen Long did not refuse and left Spirit Control Garden with Qian Dafu, strolling around the streets.

This was Shen Long's first time visiting Mystic Yang Marketplace, while Qian Dafu had been Mystic Yang Marketplace before and was very familiar with the Marketplace.

As they passed a fork in the road, Shen Long saw Chu Yanran walking towards him with a tall, handsome man in a golden robe.

After many years, Chu Yanran has advanced to the Foundation Establishment Realm and has the cultivation level of the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage stage.

The man in the golden robe possessed a significantly stronger aura than Chu Yanran, indicating he had the Foundation Establishment Late Stage stage.

"Oh, Fellow Daoist Chu, what a coincidence!"

Qian Dafu saw the man in the gold shirt, let out a soft "hmm," and greeted him.

"My name is Chu Yanying, and this is my cousin Yanran. Fellow Daoist Qian, it's been a while since we last met."

The man in the gold shirt said with a smile.

"My name is Shen Long, and I greet you both."

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

"The last time we met, you were in the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage. Now that we meet again, you've advanced to the Foundation Establishment Late Stage. Congratulations! It seems you can achieve a good ranking in this Mystic Yang Dharma Assembly."

Qian Dafu's tone was warm.

"Thank you for your kind words, but we still have some things to take care of. We'll talk later."

Chu Yanying said, and she and Chu Yanran walked towards another street.

"Junior Brother Qian, are you very familiar with Fellow Daoist Chu?"

Shen Long asked casually.

"No, that's not it. I met him at a party when I was on assignment abroad."

Qian Dafu explained, then, as if remembering something, he said, "Oh right, he also follows the path of beast taming."

Shen Long nodded and walked forward with Qian Dafu. Along the way, they encountered many Foundation Establishment Cultivator, most of whom Qian Dafu recognized. He greeted them, and they all responded warmly, indicating that Qian Dafu had a wide circle of friends.

Half an hour later, Shen Long and Qian Dafu appeared in a Bluestone Square. There were many stalls there, and most of the stall owners were in the Foundation Establishment Realm. The items on the stalls were all kinds of things, which were dazzling to look at.

Shen Long and Qian Dafu walked around and looked around; if they had a good eye and were lucky, they might be able to find a bargain.

Shen Long's eyes lit up, and he suddenly quickened his pace, arriving at a small stall. The stall owner was a refined-looking young man in white. The stall was filled with various items, including Law Artifact, ores, spirit medicine, and Monster Beast Material.

He picked up a Cyan Jade Pendant with a lotus pattern engraved on it. Judging from the fluctuations in Spiritual Qi, it was only Mid-grade Magical Tool.

He examined it carefully and asked, "Fellow Daoist, how much is this Law Artifact?"

This is the Green Lotus Pendant, Law Artifact his father always carried with him; he couldn't be mistaken. It seems his parents were murdered.