Third Level of the Ancient Immortal Realm.
The dim sky hung oppressively low, and the heavy clouds created a suffocating sense of pressure. Large drops of rain fell over the distant grasslands, while lightning periodically tore down from the clouds and struck the swamp, erupting with terrifying rumbles.
Less than ten kilometers from that strange swamp, there was not a single dark cloud in the sky. The weather was clear and bright, with gentle breezes and pleasant air—a stark contrast to the endless rain in the distance.
Under this clear sky, quite a few cultivators had gathered. Some had set up stalls to sell goods, some were looking for independent cultivators to enter the swamp with, while others from great clans had come specifically to purchase specialties from the swamp...
"Recruiting independent cultivators to enter the swamp together. Cultivation must be above the Void Refinement stage!"
"Are there any cultivators at the mid Void Refinement stage or above who excel in perception? We can enter the swamp together to search for Thunder Fruits!"
"Urgently seeking a cultivator with a lightning attribute! Come quickly!"
Various recruitment notices were posted here, waiting for suitable cultivators to come inquire. The surrounding area was equally bustling, with many people intensely discussing the terms for entering the swamp together.
Although the major factions controlled the mid- and high-level combat power within the Ancient Immortal Realm, independent cultivators still made up the largest number. The Central River Continent was vast, with countless independent cultivators and small sects. After entering the Ancient Immortal Realm, these people had no way to form stable alliances and could only seek temporary companions while searching for resources.
Though such temporary companions were bound by certain conditions, they were often still unreliable. Conflicts broke out from time to time, yet these