Respect

"Fellow Daoist Mu, what exactly is your relationship with the Azure Cloud Sect?!"

Inside a deep, dark cave, the leader of the Bandit Cultivator coldly looked at the Daoist Mu and questioned him.

The Daoist Mu appeared even older and shorter, his aura weak and drowsy. He only opened his eyes when questioned, and laughed dismissively, "Why ask so many questions, fellow Daoist? After all, we have never inquired about your relationship with Rosy Clouds Resting Mountain."

"My surname is indeed Xue, and I come from Rosy Clouds Resting Mountain. I've never hidden it." Xue Changfeng frankly admitted, toying with a small apricot-yellow flag in his hand, but then added with a cold laugh, "But I've always been clean in my dealings. Unlike Fellow Daoist Mu, who, having become Bandit Cultivator, shouldn't have been so soft-hearted, allowing others to discover his origins."

"It's not that I'm soft-hearted, it's just that I'm powerless to do anything about it." Daoist Mu sighed and shook his head, offering no further explanation. Instead, he looked towards the dark corner of the cave and chuckled, "Fellow Daoist Xue, there's no need to be so aggressive. Fellow Daoist Lightless and I are not your subordinates. We're just gathered here to protect ourselves and each get what we need."

"Hmph!" Xue Changfeng snorted coldly, knowing he couldn't subdue this New Method cultivator, so he softened his tone and said, "Fellow Daoist Mu and I have already revealed our identities. May I ask which Dao sect or Lightless clan Fellow Daoist Wuguang comes from?"

In the corner of the cave, what was originally just a dark shadow suddenly twisted and revealed a somewhat human-like shape, though its features remained unclear. A hoarse voice said, "Just Rogue Cultivator cultivator with nowhere else to turn. Fellow Daoists, there's no need for probing; let's get down to business."

Xue Changfeng frowned upon hearing this, but did not press the matter further.

Since Daoist Mu is practicing New Method, he must be related to the Azure Cloud Sect.

Xue Changfeng was not actually surprised.

But this monk who called himself "Lightless" was different.

His origins are unknown, and he prefers to hide his identity, never revealing a trace of himself. His magic is particularly strange; he can not only use darkness to conceal his senses and escape, but also create Lightless zone to trap others.

It is undoubtedly Old Method of practice, but it is really hard to tell which lineage it belongs to.

"Lightless Daoist Wuguang is right." Xue Changfeng, still wary, softened his tone and nodded, saying, "That person has returned from the Azure Cloud Sect and appeared in the market."

"Recently, you and I have caused quite a stir, but we have deliberately avoided mentioning the cultivators and businesses associated with Rosy Clouds Resting Mountain, Azure Cloud Sect, and Supreme Mystery Mountain."

"Anyone who has gathered information will know that they will likely assume we wouldn't dare touch the three companies' businesses, thus lowering their guard."

"The best time to make a move will be when they leave the market and are almost at Supreme Mystery Mountain."

After listening for a moment in silence, Wu Lightless nodded and added, "I heard that in seven days, the Azure Cloud Sect will transport a batch of spirit rice to Danzhou, and then transport it to Xiaolong Little Dragon Mountain via the White Dragon River."

"This transaction is said to be orchestrated by Rosy Clouds Resting Mountain and the South Sea Dragon Clan, involving a vast network of interests; anyone who gets involved will be doomed."

"If that person is cautious enough, he will most likely leave with the grain caravan, and once he reaches Danzhou, he won't be far from Supreme Mystery Mountain."

"If we're going to take action, it should be near Danzhou."

"Any later, and we'll be too close to Supreme Mystery Mountain; I'm afraid something might go wrong."

After all, Supreme Mystery Mountain holds a special position in the Southern Edge Continent, with a long history and profound cultural heritage.

Xue Changfeng glanced sideways upon hearing this.

Finding out information about the grain transport caravan was not difficult; either he or Daoist Mu could do it.

However, the fact that such a person could discover the secrets behind the transaction, involving Rosy Clouds Resting Mountain and the South Sea Dragon species, shows that they must have many eyes and ears and be well-informed.

"Lightless Daoist Wuguang is absolutely right." Xue Changfeng nodded slightly and said softly, "That person cultivates [Yi Wood] and is not skilled in combat. However, when disciples of major sects travel down the mountain, their sects will most likely bestow upon them Law Artifact and secret treasures for protection."

"Also, that person had fortuitous opportunity at Rosy Clouds Resting Mountain, and now has a radiant glow mark on his forehead."

"I have no way of knowing what exactly is so mysterious about it."

"However, I remember that [Rainbow Rosy Clouds] are the essence of the Greater Yang, almost unrestrained by any Daoist tradition, and also have the wondrous uses of being untainted and able to sweep away Law Artifact."

"This is something we must be wary of; many methods are no longer viable." The Daoist Mu, who practiced the New Method Old Method, and added, "As for that person's techniques and methods, I have also gathered information about them."

"One is the Hundred Flowers Illusion Technique."

Secondly, the fragrance of flowers can bewitch the mind and ward off evil spirits.

Thirdly, the peach blossom in his hand can restrain Body Refining techniques.

Then he went on to describe all sorts of details.

Xue Changfeng listened carefully, then gave Daoist Mu a meaningful look.

That person rarely went down the mountain, let alone showed his skills.

Such specific information is extremely difficult for outsiders to obtain, except for the teachers and fellow disciples of Supreme Mystery Mountain.

The Daoist Mu was able to find out so much can't be explained simply by saying that they have a deep connection; he probably knows some of the core figures of the Azure Cloud Sect.

"Illusions? A mere trick, I can break them. But mind-controlling techniques aren't without their countermeasures." Xue Changfeng, holding the small apricot-yellow flag, wasn't dismissive. After a moment's thought, he said, "As for the peach wood body-breaking technique... just avoid close contact with her."

"If the three of us work together, we can almost certainly kill a Early Qi Refining."

Lightless remained silent and nodded slightly.

The Daoist Mu sighed inwardly.

Of the three, he was the only New Method cultivator, making the situation more difficult.

Hua Chunning stayed in the market for several more days before receiving news of the caravan's departure.

Although there were some disturbances caused by Bandit Cultivator around the market, the area was somewhat unstable.

However, recently, the Bandit Cultivator and the market have subtly reached some unspoken understanding.

The market was jointly built by the Azure Cloud Sect, Rosy Clouds Resting Mountain, and Supreme Mystery Mountain.

There were exactly three leaders of the Bandit Cultivator.

One of them even revealed his background, showing connections to the Azure Cloud Sect.

This inevitably leads many people to speculate about the identities and backgrounds of the other two individuals.

Even Hua Chunning herself had doubts, wondering if the sect leader had planted some secret agents without telling her.

Regardless of the truth, it's always good to be cautious.

Hua Chunning then decided to travel with the caravan, as the journey would be safe and secure, and they would return to their sect once they reached Danzhou.

Outside the market, the air was filled with the sounds of people.

Hua Chunning glanced at it, somewhat surprised.

Lin Muyang and Xue Yong were surprised to find that they wanted to escort him personally.

It seems the rumors in the market were true; sending this spirit rice to Little Dragon Mountain was mostly a ruse, and the real purpose was to sell it to the South Sea Dragon Clan.

Besides Lin Muyang and Xue Yong, there was also a cultivator from the Dong Household of Little Dragon Mountain. He had Middle Qi Refining cultivation level, and his aura looked very familiar, suggesting he was cultivating [Kan Water].

The three were exchanging pleasantries.

Seeing Hua Chunning approach, Lin Muyang quickly introduced her.

Hua Chunning nodded slightly in greeting.

Unexpectedly, the Dong Household cultivator was very enthusiastic, even somewhat respectful. "So Fellow Daoist Hua is a high-ranking cultivator from Supreme Mystery Mountain, and Fellow Daoist Liu's junior sister! I've always wanted to pay you a visit, but I was afraid of disturbing your cultivation. I never expected to find myself on the same path."

"If Fellow Daoist Hua needs anything on the road or in the future, please don't hesitate to ask. My Little Dragon Mountain will do everything within our power to help without question."

This surprised not only Hua Chunning, but also Lin Muyang and Xue Yong.

Xue Yong was not only the oldest and of the highest generation, but also very familiar with the Dong Household of Little Dragon Mountain, so he had fewer reservations and asked curiously, "When did Little Dragon Mountain become so closely related to Supreme Mystery Mountain?"

Upon hearing this, the Dong Household cultivator was startled, worried that it might cause a misunderstanding with Rosy Clouds Resting Mountain. He quickly explained, "How dare Little Dragon Mountain presume to associate with a celestial sect?! It is Fellow Daoist Liu Zhijian Fellow Daoist Liu, the current senior disciple of Supreme Mystery Mountain, who has done my Dong Household Little Dragon Mountain a great favor. Our clan specifically sent word instructing me to be absolutely respectful to the Supreme Mystery cultivator."

"Senior Brother..." Hua Chunning's eyes flashed as she asked, "What's wrong, Senior Brother?!"

Lin Muyang and Xue Yong also looked inquisitive.

"Azure Cloud Market is far from Little Dragon Mountain, so the news hasn't arrived yet." The Dong Household cultivator didn't hide anything, and said with emotion, "Fellow Daoist Fellow Daoist Liu broke through on the shores of the South Sea, almost single-handedly forcing back the [Foundation Establishment] Dragon Prince, and even shaking down an ancient secret realm!"

"In a few days, it will probably cause a sensation in Southern Reach and make us famous throughout the world!"