Time flew like an arrow, the sun and moon shuttling past like a weaver's shuttle. Before anyone knew it, the year 3070 of the Xu Xin Calendar had arrived.
On the morning of the fifth, Li Ling sat in the jade corridor before the Floating Cloud Platform, silently gazing into the distance. Below him, a sea of clouds billowed, and watery mist obscured the view, but with a cultivator's eyesight, he could still make out the faint outlines of buildings.
Before long, the sun gradually rose and the mist dispersed. The growing number of pedestrians on the streets became clearly visible, and the shops opened for business one after another, presenting the bustling, vibrant scene of a cultivation-world market ward.
Nine years had passed since the siege of Northsky Island, and the cultivation world of the North Sea had returned to its customary peace.
Although pirates plundered various places and banditry never ceased, no large-scale invasion had occurred again for the time being. Those great pirates who had reached Foundation Establishment also needed to rest and recuperate; they could not wreak havoc endlessly.
Still, by promptly separating his operations on grounds of safety, Li Ling had successfully brought some eggs back into his own basket. With an increasingly rich variety of specialty products, his market was now putting considerable pressure on Northsky Island.
"It's really developed fast in just a few years. I almost didn't recognize this street."
"Hasn't it just? The incense market has flourished these past years. You might still have to go to Northsky Island for other spirit materials and treasures, but if you only want incense products and ingredients, this place is enough. It might even be better."
"Of course! For incense products, come to the Auspicious Ward. You can't go wrong choosing this place!"
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