That night, Li Ling projected his soul out of his body and flew toward Beyond-the-World Valley.
He kept feeling vaguely uneasy, as though some shift in sentiment had emerged among the unaffiliated cultivators. He decided to go investigate first.
Beneath the night sky, Beyond-the-World Valley was as secluded and tranquil as ever. With the full-moon Market Gathering approaching, more cultivators were coming and going, and nearly all the Spirit Caves at the inn were occupied.
Li Ling manifested his incarnation under the identity of the rogue cultivator Wu You. Before long, he reached the inn's main hall, only to discover that it was already fully booked.
"Are there really no Spirit Caves left?"
"My apologies, Immortal Master. There really are no Spirit Caves left, but we've added some temporary huts where you can stay free of charge."
"Then forget it. Without spiritual energy, one place is as good as another."
Li Ling turned back, found a place in the main hall, ordered food and wine, and began pouring drinks for himself.
Cultivators had powerful minds and could get sufficient rest with a little meditation, so quite a few people had chosen to spend the night here, just as he had.
There was wine, food, and fellow Daoists here. They could chat about rumors and gossip from the cultivation world, while acquaintances could exchange cultivation insights and market information. It was better than going elsewhere and gaining nothing.
The turbid air of the mortal world mingled with the hundred flavors of life, swirling chaotically like the clamor of a bustling marketplace.
Li Ling sat alone for a while, though his attention was actually on the others. Apart from those discussing cultivation methods, who remained silent and communicated through spiritual consciousness, no one lowered their voices. With his perception, he could naturally