There are numerous spirit islands at sea, and their forces are extremely complex.
Good, evil, unorthodox, and demonic forces—dozens of factions roam the seas.
The Eight Immortal Markets have always been neutral, opening their doors wide to all, welcoming all who come regardless of their background.
Chen Shuangbai didn't know anything about the No Return Sect, but hearing Gao Hao's words, although there was a hint of flattery involved, seeing that the man and woman came from the same sect, one at the Foundation Establishment Early Stage and the other at the peak of Qi Refining Perfection, their strength must be quite good.
The male cultivator who stood up was dressed in a light blue close-fitting outfit. He had a handsome face and carried an ancient, sheathed longsword on his back. His aura was sharp. He drank a cup of wine, cupped his hands, and said, "I am Liu Suifeng, and this is my younger sister, Liu Qingmei."
"My brother and I were traveling on the orders of our sect when we were invited by Fellow Daoist Gao, so we came to join in the fun."
"Since Fellow Daoist Chen is a highly accomplished disciple of the Jade Spring Sect, his Swordsmanship must be exquisite. If there is an opportunity in the future, I hope you will not hesitate to offer your guidance."
Oh, so it turns out they wanted to spar with Chen Shuangbai he's also skilled in Swordsmanship.
That's not so surprising.
"Fellow Daoist Liu, you are too kind. There is plenty of time for us to exchange ideas another day."
Chen Shuangbai smiled and agreed, secretly looking forward to it.
He also wanted to see what the differences were between the Swordsmanship styles of sword cultivators at sea and those within the sea.
Besides the Liu siblings from the No Return Sect, several other Foundation Establishment cultivators also came forward, mostly because Gao Hao had said that Chen Shuangbai's Dao of Alchemy skills were quite impressive.
These people are all shrewd, especially since they knew that a batch of [ Mystic Light Illuminating Life Pill ] that could purify the soul had been put on the market last night. They immediately found out that they came from Gao Hao's side.
This latest stunt is most likely related to Chen Shuangbai.
Good elixirs are in high demand at sea.
And such skilled Alchemist are highly respected!
Since there were no prior grudges between them, everyone naturally tried to curry favor with them and make friends, hoping to plan for the future.
This... is spiritual practice!
Chen Shuangbai accepted everyone's invitations and drank a glass with those who came up to her, thus becoming a familiar face to them.
After several rounds of drinks, the dishes were prepared with various flavors.
Seeing that everyone had become quite familiar with each other, Gao Hao put down his wine cup, gently tapped the table to attract everyone's attention, and said seriously, "Gentlemen, today's banquet is for two reasons: first, to welcome Brother Chen and to give him a proper welcome, and second, to take this opportunity to let everyone get to know each other better."
These people were all recruited by Gao Hao.
He would provide some spiritual materials for cultivation each month in exchange for these people's services.
This is also the practice of other branches of the Gao Clan, and they have been doing it this way for hundreds of years.
The Gao Household of Jade Wave Immortal Market, who rose to prominence through the ways of merchants, have the blood of "harmony brings wealth" and "profit above all else" flowing in their veins.
Gao Hao, the third young master, was well-versed in this art. His recruitment of these cultivators was less a matter of master and servant and more like a loose cooperative alliance.
It is precisely because of this loose relationship that so many people are able to join his ranks.
As soon as he said this, some people immediately echoed his sentiments.
"Third Young Master, rest assured, since we have been invited, we will do our utmost."
Chen Shuangbai looked in the direction of the voice and found that the speaker was a brave man with a Sha Qi, who was probably a body cultivator. He then said, "Third Young Master, you distribute so many Spirit Stone stones and materials to us for cultivation every month, so naturally I won't let you waste them."
Gao Hao nodded and praised the man.
But as Chen Shuangbai listened, she gradually came to understand.
He had initially thought Gao Hao was there to discuss the Pearl-Seeking Contest, but judging from the direction of their conversation, it seemed to be about something else entirely.
He didn't know how to speak, so he just listened quietly.
After a banquet...
Chen Shuangbai rarely spoke; he mostly listened.
Listening to Gao Hao's group of retainers chat about recent major and minor events at sea, he gradually understood what kind of help Gao Hao would have them provide in the future...
During each storm season, many of the storms that originate in the inner wind circle are swept out to the outer wind circle.
As the saying goes, wealth can stir people's hearts.
The eight immortal cities were naturally envious, so they studied the [ Spirit-Eroding Hei Sha ] generation after generation and gained some insights. Through a certain Law Artifact they crafted, they could briefly enter the storm to search for the treasures that were born within it.
Each of these treasures could fetch an astronomical price, whether sold directly to the immortal market or used personally, they would be of exceptional quality.
But as the saying goes, risk and fortuitous opportunity always go hand in hand.
Therefore, this is also an extremely risky undertaking.
Gao Hao then said some very polite words and summoned dancers and singers to perform light songs and dances, making the entire banquet very beautiful from beginning to end.
After the banquet ended, Chen Shuangbai did not immediately return to Immortal-Retaining Courtyard, but instead turned around and went for a stroll.
He came here to broaden his horizons; how could he sit idly in the courtyard all day?
Since his distinguished guest, the Third Young Master, wanted to go for a stroll, Steward Liu naturally couldn't do nothing, so he summoned a servant boy to attend to him.
Most of these children were orphans adopted and raised by the Gao Clan family. They were taught various etiquettes from a young age and had an extraordinary perspective.
As Chen Shuangbai walked along, the boy's mouth never stopped talking; he could even tell a legend about a wildflower by the roadside.
Chen Shuangbai found it amusing and let him be.
After resting for a while in a pavilion, the boy returned and greeted them, saying, "Sir, there's a special gathering happening outside. Would you be interested?"
Baohui!
The so-called "treasure fair" actually refers to a private trading gathering that falls between a small exchange and a large auction.
It is usually initiated by a powerful cultivator or force. Those invited are either famous or wealthy. The items traded at this event are often much rarer and more obscure than those circulating in the market.
Most of the treasure fairs in Jade Wave Immortal Market are organized by the city itself, while a small number are held by cultivators or forces using the city's territory.
If the boy says this, then the Immortal Market must have been run by the Immortal Market itself.
Such a treasure trove happens every day; it just depends on whether Chen Shuangbai is interested.
Chen Shuangbai actually became somewhat interested.
Let's go!
The boy exclaimed with delight, clearly this was also beneficial to him, and led the way, guiding Chen Shuangbai into a treasure pavilion. There, the wooden windows on all sides were covered by curtains, and dozens of huge luminous pearls above shone brightly, illuminating everything below with exquisite detail.
Dozens of jade tables and desks were neatly arranged, with jade porcelain teacups, golden censers, and spiritual fruits on them. The air was filled with a faint sandalwood fragrance and a subtle Spiritual Qi.
There were already dozens of cultivators present. Chen Shuangbai glanced around and, without using his Divine Sense, could tell that most of them were at the Late Qi Refining Stage to the Foundation Establishment Early Stage, with only one or two having a deep aura, who should be at the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage.
The group of people were dressed in various styles and had mixed auras. Some were regulars at the Immortal Market, while others, like Chen Shuangbai, were cultivators from the mainland. They were gathered in twos and threes, talking in hushed tones, their eyes occasionally glancing at a slightly elevated jade platform in the center.
[PS: This is the third update today! Please give me gifts! Please leave a 5-star review to improve the rating!]