"Immortal Rong, what happened at the Market City earlier?" Wei Zhong asked as he arrived at the Chamber of Commerce, noticing the numerous Loose Cultivators hurrying past.
"Fellow Daoist Chu, you missed quite a spectacle. A Nascent Soul cultivator attacked the Azurewood Sect's Grand Formation. To avoid trouble, the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild activated its own defensive formation."
"A Nascent Soul cultivator? Why would such a high-ranking expert target the Azurewood Sect?" Wei Zhong suddenly recalled the murderous intent he had sensed in Zhiming Cave. Could it be that the Nascent Soul cultivator brought Luo Mingyan to the Azurewood Sect? That would certainly make sense.
Before Rong Ju could reply, a maid knocked and presented her with a Message Sword. After inspecting it, Rong Ju's expression shifted to surprise as she handed the sword to Wei Zhong.
"Unbelievable! After barely surviving that ordeal, the Azurewood Sect's Eighth True Disciple has been accepted as a disciple by a Nascent Soul Senior."
As Wei Zhong read the message, his suspicions were confirmed. A hint of wistfulness crossed his face. "Who would have thought my old friend would encounter such an extraordinary stroke of fortune?"
After exchanging pleasantries, Wei Zhong steered the conversation toward spirit wine.
"Immortal Rong, to be honest, I recently perfected the recipe for the Second-Tier Azure Spirit Brew," Wei Zhong said.
"Oh?" Rong Ju, who had been reclining, suddenly sat upright.
Just as Wei Zhong produced the wine recipe and a finished bottle of spirit wine, Ruan Liuzhen quietly entered the room.
After sampling the brew, Wei Zhong asked with a hint of anticipation, "Manager Ruan, what do you think of my spirit wine?"
Ruan Liuzhen pondered for a moment before replying, "Not bad. It's definitely a Second-Tier Spirit Wine, with a significantly enhanced ability to nourish the physical body. While it can't match the Wang Clan's Body Tempering Pills in potency, its mildness and abundant quantity make it an excellent value."
"The Wang Clan's Body Tempering Pills?" A flicker of confusion crossed Wei Zhong's eyes.
Rong Ju explained, "The Wang Clan is Cloud Prefecture City's foremost Nascent Soul alchemical family, renowned for their Body Tempering Pills. These are their signature product for cultivators at the Physical Foundation Establishment stage, serving the same purpose as our Qi Harmonizing Pills for Spirit Cultivators."
Understanding dawned on Wei Zhong.
"Physical cultivation is rare in Wild Plains Prefecture, so it's natural you haven't heard of them, Fellow Daoist Chu," Rong Ju continued. "Miss values your Azure Spirit Brew so highly precisely because she intends to pit it against the Wang Clan's Body Tempering Pills."
"So, does that mean my spirit wine passes muster?" Wei Zhong asked.
Ruan Liuzhen nodded. "Of course."
She produced a palm-sized White Jade Token, spiritual light shimmering from her fingertips as she inscribed the characters "Chu Zhong" upon it. Tossing it to Wei Zhong, she said, "This is your White Jade Token, granting you the status of Guest Elder in the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild. From today onward, Fellow Daoist, you are a member of our guild.
"Besides serving as proof of your position, this token is also a magic tool. It is inscribed with a Third-Tier defensive technique capable of withstanding a full-force strike from a Core Formation cultivator. Once you refine it, the technique will automatically activate in the face of fatal danger."
Wei Zhong examined the token, astonished by the immediate benefits of joining the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild. A passive Third-Tier defensive technique was immensely practical for someone like him, who had only reached the Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment realm.
"Thank you, Manager Ruan!"
She shook her head. "This is merely what you deserve. From now on, Fellow Daoist, we are colleagues. I look forward to exchanging insights with you often."
"Indeed, indeed," Wei Zhong replied.
He suddenly noticed the number "9" floating above the token. Curious, he asked, "May I inquire as to the meaning of this '9'?"
After Rong Ju explained, Wei Zhong finally understood that the "Nine" represented Contribution Points within the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild, an internal system developed to value rare spiritual treasures that were difficult to price conventionally.
The "Nine" stemmed from the Jade Forest Green wine recipe he had provided to the guild, a First-Tier fruit wine recipe that had earned him Contribution Points over the past decade.
These points originated from a percentage of the spirit stones the guild earned from his recipe, a share of the points earned when other Chamber of Commerce members exchanged Contribution Points for the recipe, and even occasional rewards from Seniors who recognized its value.
"Although the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild is a commercial organization," Rong Ju explained, "some rare spiritual treasures are too scarce to be valued solely by spirit stones. Our predecessors developed this Contribution Point system to address that. Using Contribution Points instead of spirit stones also offers preferential treatment to guild members.
Fellow Daoist, you can probe the Token with your divine sense to view the available spiritual treasures.
However, these Contribution Points are hard-earned, so please use them wisely."
Wei Zhong nodded and focused his divine sense on the Token. A list of spiritual treasures and their corresponding point values appeared:
"Low-Grade Foundation Establishment Pill: 20 Points
Mid-Grade Foundation Establishment Pill: 30 Points
High-Grade Foundation Establishment Pill: 50 Points
..."
As Wei Zhong explored the information stored within, the sheer variety of rare spiritual treasures dazzled his eyes.
The inventory included spiritual treasures and medicinal pills of all grades, even the Dustfall Pill that had fetched over forty thousand spirit stones at the auction.
Roughly speaking, one Contribution Point is equivalent to one hundred spirit stones, though they aren't directly interchangeable. For ordinary spiritual treasures, this conversion holds true, but for rare items unavailable on the market, a Contribution Point's value can skyrocket, potentially being worth hundreds or even thousands of spirit stones.
"Tsk, they even have the cultivation technique I practice! Is this what the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild obtained from the Azurewood Sect? So their inheritance wasn't complete after all. But the price is truly staggering."
Wei Zhong scanned through other cultivation techniques and discovered that 3,000 Contribution Points could already secure several manuals leading directly to the Nascent Soul stage.
Withdrawing his divine sense from the list, Wei Zhong asked, a hint of confusion in his voice, "I recall Miss Shan mentioning that this Chamber of Commerce also possesses the Spirit Body Forging Method. Why can't I find it listed here?"
Ruan Liuzhen was somewhat surprised and exchanged a glance with Rong Ju. "I didn't expect Miss Shan to have told you about such matters. However, Fellow Daoist, you won't have access to secret techniques of the Spirit Body Forging Method's caliber just yet. You'll need to accumulate at least one hundred Contribution Points before it becomes available."
After a brief exchange, Wei Zhong finally understood the token's basic functions. He stowed it away and asked curiously, "Do either of you know when this Demonic Cultivator Uprising will end? Although I've become a Guest Elder of the Chamber of Commerce and can handle matters with the Azurewood Sect, I'm still worried about being slain by these ruthless Demon Cultivators."
"That..." Ruan Liuzhen hesitated. "I'm afraid I can't divulge the specifics. My only advice is for you to exercise extreme caution. While your Second-Tier Spiritual Island is protected by a Second-Tier Formation, it ultimately won't withstand a Core Formation cultivator. The best course of action would be to abandon the island and relocate to our Chamber of Commerce's Clan Grounds. With me overseeing things, your safety would be assured."
Wei Zhong lowered his head in thought. As merely a minor Guest Elder, Ruan Liuzhen's concern likely stemmed from professional courtesy.
Wei Zhong understood that Manager Ruan was not his personal guardian and couldn't guarantee his safety at all times. Moreover, according to Luo Mingyan, a Nascent Soul Power might intervene directly, and Wei Zhong couldn't be certain they would respect the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild's reputation.
"Manager Ruan," Wei Zhong asked, "do you know the way to leave this place and reach my estate?"
Ruan Liuzhen looked surprised. "Fellow Daoist, are you planning to leave Wild Plains Prefecture?"
Wei Zhong wiped nonexistent sweat from his forehead, feeling a little embarrassed. "These past few days have been torment due to the Demonic Cultivator Uprising. One of my fellow Daoists in the Demon-Exorcising Squad nearly died at the hands of a Core Formation Demonic Cultivator, and I fear it's only a matter of time before my turn comes.
"Moreover, the Azurewood Sect here isn't particularly friendly to us Loose Cultivators, so I've decided to leave."
"I never expected you would be willing to abandon the foundation you've built over so many years," Ruan Liuzhen remarked.
She understood how difficult it was for a Foundation Establishment Loose Cultivator like Wei Zhong to find a Second-Tier Spirit Ground and gradually develop it into a thriving base.
Wei Zhong laughed nonchalantly. "These are merely external possessions. What could compare to my life? Resources can always be regained, but once life is gone, it's truly gone."
"Besides, I'm not simply abandoning the Spirit Island. Selling it will fetch a considerable sum of spirit stones, won't it?"
"That may be true, Fellow Daoist, but few Loose Cultivators possess your decisive resolve," Rong Ju remarked, a hint of surprise and curiosity in her gaze as she studied Wei Zhong.
"If you truly wish to leave Wild Plains Prefecture, there is a way. Periodically, our Chamber of Commerce sends caravans through this prefecture. They typically stay for several days before continuing their journey. These caravans are often led by Core Formation cultivators, ensuring a high level of security. You could join one when it departs. As for their final destination, I'm afraid I don't know—you'll have to inquire with the Caravan Leader yourself. The next caravan is scheduled to arrive in just over a month, so you should use this time to prepare thoroughly."
"That's more than enough. Thank you, Manager Ruan," Wei Zhong said, cupping his hands in a respectful bow.
"There's no need for such formality, Fellow Daoist. However, there's one crucial point you must remember: since you'll be using the Chamber of Commerce's trade routes, it's essential to avoid any trouble along the way. Therefore, please refrain from bringing any dependents with you."
"Hmm, could I at least bring a few maids to attend to my daily needs, and perhaps a young nephew from my family?" Wei Zhong asked, a hint of reluctance in his voice.
Wei Zhong asked hesitantly, "Would it be too much to ask for a few extra spots?"
Rong Ju added, "A few extra people shouldn't be a problem, though ultimately it depends on the caravan leader's discretion. As a Guest Elder of our Chamber of Commerce, they'll likely show you some consideration."
Relieved by this assurance, Wei Zhong bowed his farewells and departed on his flying boat.
Inside the room, a white-haired elder materialized.
Rong Ju bowed respectfully. "Elder Yan."
The old man nodded, took a sip of the spirit wine, narrowed his eyes slightly, and sighed contentedly. "This wine is truly extraordinary. It even has a subtle effect on Core Formation Spirit Cultivators like myself. In my estimation, it surpasses the Wang Clan's Body Tempering Pills."
"Naturally," Rong Ju replied. "Miss's judgment is impeccable. While the Wang Clan's Body Tempering Pills are potent, they're also brutally harsh. Each dose feels like torture, nothing like the comfort of sipping this wine. Moreover, this spirit wine seems to possess a faint restorative quality. Prolonged consumption could even heal hidden injuries to one's Dharma Body—a truly invaluable property."
After careful consideration, Ruan Liuzhen cautiously suggested, "This wine recipe is of immense importance to Miss Shan. Perhaps Elder Yan should escort it to her personally?"
A sharp glint flashed in the white-browed elder's eyes. "Without my assistance, Fellow Daoist Ruan, can you confidently defend this outpost? The impending Demonic Cultivator Uprising is only going to escalate."
"There's no need to worry," Ruan Liuzhen replied. "With the Sky-Seizing Formation and the imminent arrival of Fellow Daoist Hu Yang, who has recently achieved Core Formation, we'll be more than capable."
The white-browed elder lowered his head slightly. "Then we shall proceed according to Fellow Daoist Ruan's arrangements."
Upon returning to the island, Wei Zhong immediately summoned Xie Linghua and the other women to explain the upcoming plans.
"Master is leaving?" the three women asked in unison, their voices filled with astonishment.
"I have no choice," Wei Zhong said. "According to information I obtained from the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild, the Demonic Cultivator Uprising is far from over. In fact, it's expected to intensify. Soon, Core Formation Demon Cultivators will likely become commonplace, and they will formally declare war on the Azurewood Sect. We Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining cultivators would be helpless against such a tide. We must prepare ourselves now..."
After his explanation, the three women finally grasped the gravity of the situation.
"Wherever Master goes, Ling'er will follow," Xie Linghua declared without hesitation, her eyes brimming with unwavering trust as she gazed at Wei Zhong.
Deeply touched, Wei Zhong gently took her small hand. Turning to the other two women, he noticed their hesitation.
"Master, we..."
"There's no need to rush," Wei Zhong interrupted. "Even I don't know where this journey will lead once we leave the estate, and I can't guarantee your safety. For Qi Refining cultivators like yourselves, this would undoubtedly be a considerable risk.
You still have time to think it over carefully. Give me your answer in a month."
"Yes..."
The two women withdrew. Xie Linghua leaned in to explain, "Master, they..."
Wei Zhong cut her off. "I understand, I understand."
Xie Linghua was a refugee from a fallen cultivation family, completely unattached and free to devote herself entirely to Wei Zhong.
The other two women, however, hailed from nearby cultivation families and still had parents, siblings, and other family obligations to consider. They couldn't simply abandon their homes to wander with Wei Zhong.
"Master," Xie Linghua continued, "what about Jia Qi? He's become deeply infatuated with Little Girl He. I fear..."
Wei Zhong frowned and summoned Ning Jiaqi to his side with a voice transmission.
Ning Jiaqi, who had been attempting to refine a High-Grade Qi Nourishing Pill, immediately abandoned his work and rushed over. When he learned of Wei Zhong's plan to relocate the entire household, his face registered utter surprise.
After a moment of hesitation, he said, "Uncle Chu... Jiaqi... Jiaqi may not be able to leave with you."
Wei Zhong sighed. "Is it because of that girl, He Yatou?"
Ning Jiaqi nodded.
Still just a young heart.
Xie Linghua tugged at Wei Zhong's sleeve. "Master..."
Wei Zhong understood that after years of living together, Xie Linghua had come to regard Ning Jiaqi as her own son. She was now imploring him to find a solution that would satisfy everyone.
He rose to his feet and addressed Ning Jiaqi. "Come with me."
Curious, Ning Jiaqi followed Wei Zhong aboard the Green Boat.
"Uncle Chu, where are we going?"
"The Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild. Since you're unwilling to leave with me, I'll secure a reliable backer for you. In Wild Plains Prefecture, there are only two powers worthy of mention: the Azurewood Sect and the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild. The Azurewood Sect will soon be embroiled in a conflict with Demon Cultivators, sending you there would be like throwing you into a fire pit. That leaves only the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild."
"Fortunately, I happen to be a Guest Elder here," Wei Zhong said. "With this position and your exceptional talent for alchemy, securing you a place of refuge shouldn't be too difficult."
Moments later, Rong Ju noticed Wei Zhong returning with a young Daoist in tow. Curious, she asked, "Fellow Daoist, who is this?"
"This is a junior member of my clan," Wei Zhong replied. "I was hoping to find him a place of refuge here..."
Shortly after, Wei Zhong and Rong Ju were enjoying spirit tea in a pavilion.
"I never imagined you were not only skilled in spirit wine crafting, Fellow Daoist Wei Zhong, but also secretly nurturing such a young alchemist!" Rong Ju exclaimed.
Wei Zhong smiled faintly as the pavilion door slid open, revealing an old Daoist with a neatly trimmed mustache, followed by Ning Jiaqi.
"Master Xue, what are your findings?" Wei Zhong inquired.
The old Daoist cupped his hands in salute. "Immortal Rong, after careful examination, Fellow Daoist Chu's claims are indeed true. This young man possesses extraordinary talent for alchemy. In just over a decade of self-study, he has mastered the refinement of mid-grade Qi Nourishing Pills. His success rate consistently exceeds fifty percent, far surpassing my own at his age."
Upon hearing this, all three broke into smiles.
Wei Zhong turned to Rong Ju. "Immortal Rong, may I inquire about my request from earlier?"
"Young Ning's innate talent is undeniable," Rong Ju replied. "Of course, I grant it. In fact, Master Xue, wouldn't you consider taking him as your disciple?"
Wei Zhong seized the opportunity, sending a telepathic suggestion to Ning Jiaqi.
Ning Jiaqi immediately dropped to his knees. "Master, please accept this disciple's obeisance."
Xue Hongen chuckled heartily as he helped Ning Jiaqi to his feet. "Good disciple, rise quickly!"
Seeing his plan succeed, Wei Zhong turned to Ning Jiaqi and said earnestly, "Jia Qi, Fellow Daoist Xue is a grandmaster who has immersed himself in the Path of Alchemy for decades. He refines all the Foundation Establishment Pills in the shop and has even refined Third-Tier Medicinal Pills multiple times. You've never had a proper master before. Now that you've become Fellow Daoist Xue's disciple, you must cherish this opportunity."
"Ah, it's just that I've been refining pills for a bit longer," Xue Hongen replied modestly, though a smug smile never left his face. "Nothing worth mentioning, nothing worth mentioning..."
Moments later, Wei Zhong departed alone, leaving Ning Jiaqi behind with Xue Hongen at the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild. Xue Hongen explained that Ning Jiaqi's self-taught alchemy skills lacked a solid foundation, which could hinder his future progress. He insisted on correcting these deficiencies.
Wei Zhong readily agreed, reasoning that the guild was safer than Black Lake Island anyway.
For the next month, Wei Zhong focused on finalizing the transfer of the Second-Tier Spirit Island. Few cultivators could afford its value, and the frequent incursions of Demon Cultivators near Sea Moon Lake made it even harder to sell.
"Fellow Daoist, why not transfer this island back to my Li Family?" Li Haowen suggested, cradling his cup of spirit wine.
Wei Zhong considered it briefly. Since he had originally acquired the island from the Li Family, returning it seemed reasonable.
"What price are you prepared to offer, Fellow Daoist Li?"
Li Haowen subtly moved his lips, transmitting his offer telepathically to Wei Zhong. Chen Guisong, observing their secret exchange, grew increasingly curious and restless.
"Are you two engaging in clandestine dealings? Why all the secrecy?"
Wei Zhong chuckled softly. Li Haowen's proposed exchange had indeed startled him:
A Divine Sense Secret Technique—Soul-Startling Thorn.
This unique technique involved condensing one's own divine sense into needle-like projectiles, then refining them using a specialized tempering method to create potent divine sense artifacts.
"I never imagined you possessed such a technique, Fellow Daoist," Wei Zhong transmitted in genuine surprise. "It truly expands my understanding."
"It was just a stroke of luck," Li Haowen said. "I must remind you, Fellow Daoist, that the power of this technique relies entirely on the strength of your own divine sense. The stronger your divine sense, the more potent the technique will be..."
Wei Zhong nodded, understanding the implications. The Soul-Startling Thorn was, in essence, a costly tactic: inflict ten thousand points of damage on the enemy while suffering eight thousand in return.
Despite the risk of damaging one's own divine sense, it could prove invaluable in critical moments.
"I've also cultivated this technique," Li Haowen cautioned. "With my divine sense strength during the early Foundation Establishment stage, the Soul-Startling Thorns I could conjure were of limited efficacy at best, barely capable of subduing Second-Tier Demonic Beasts with weak wills. If you intend to use it against cultivators, Fellow Daoist, exercise extreme caution."
Wei Zhong nodded and accepted the jade slip. Li Haowen's voice continued, "In addition to the agreed price, I'll add another ten thousand spirit stones. I hope you'll leave behind the remaining formations on the Spirit Island..."
Wei Zhong readily agreed. He had already sold or stored most of the valuable spiritual treasures in his Grotto-Heaven, leaving only immature seedlings on Black Lake Island.
As the three conversed, Xie Linghua approached. "Master," she reported, "most of the servants on the Spirit Island have been dismissed."
As she spoke, a hint of wistfulness flickered in Xie Linghua's eyes.
"Brother Chu, are you truly leaving Wild Plains Prefecture?" Chen Guisong remained incredulous.
To abandon a network cultivated over years, to sell off Spirit Island so readily—this was inconceivable to Chen Guisong, a man dedicated to managing his family's affairs.
"Of course," Wei Zhong replied. "I've sold Spirit Island and have nowhere else to settle. Surely you don't expect me to move in with the Chen Family?"
"Haha, Fellow Daoist Chu, the Chen Family would be honored to have you," Chen Guisong chuckled, clearly understanding Wei Zhong's jest.
"Fellow Daoist Chu's detachment is something neither of us can ever hope to emulate," Li Haowen sighed, plunging Chen Guisong into a momentary silence.
Wei Zhong poured spirit wine for both of them. "We've fought demons together for years and forged a bond. Let me offer this warning: the Azurewood Sect will likely face a prolonged struggle against demonic cultivators. Please exercise extreme caution and don't risk your lives for petty gains."
"Brother Chu, will the situation truly deteriorate that much?" Li Haowen asked earnestly.
Wei Zhong nodded. "Most of our demon-exorcising efforts have been focused on Qi Refining cultivators. Foundation Establishment demonic cultivators have been rare. But if they begin to appear frequently, the sect's forces may struggle to contain them."
"However, I fear that Foundation Establishment Demonic Cultivators will soon become the dominant force. They're likely to originate from Demonic Sects, and their combat techniques will rival those of Foundation Establishment cultivators from renowned sects like the Azurewood Sect.
"After you two leave, try to join forces with other Foundation Establishment Fellow Daoists. Don't act alone and risk being killed by Demon Cultivators..."
Having delivered these stern warnings, Li and Chen solemnly committed Wei Zhong's words to heart. As they departed, they were visibly anxious and distracted.
"Sigh!"
This was precisely why Wei Zhong had never established a cultivation family. Descendants brought burdens, forcing one to consider the family's welfare in all matters.
In times of righteous-demonic conflict, one would inevitably be dragged into the fray, just as Li Haowen and Chen Guisong had been.
The days ahead would undoubtedly be fraught with peril for the Li and Chen families. After the righteous-demonic conflict, their very survival was uncertain.
Even if they chose to relocate their entire clans now, the journey across mountains and rivers would be long and treacherous, perhaps worse than staying put and relying on their established foundations to weather the storm.
As Wei Zhong watched the island's lights gradually extinguish, a profound sense of loneliness washed over him.