That night, Xie Linghua, accompanied by Qi Ting and Bai Yining, entered Wei Zhong's room. They brought news that held little surprise for him.
"Family obligations compel me to seek Master's forgiveness for my inability to remain by your side..."
Wei Zhong expressed his understanding. After a pleasant evening together, he left a generous sum of spirit stones for the two women as a token of gratitude for their years of companionship.
Though not extravagant, the spirit stones were more than sufficient for them to cultivate to the Ninth Layer of Qi Refining.
One day, a caravan arrived. Wei Zhong bid farewell to his few friends and set off alone with Xie Linghua for the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild.
"Fellow Daoist Sikong, this is our newly appointed Guest Elder, Chu Zhong..."
Upon arriving at the guild, Wei Zhong met Sikong Changming, the caravan leader, a Mid-Stage Core Formation cultivator. Dressed in a yellow kasaya with a shaven head bearing the traditional marks of a Buddhist-Daoist cultivator, he appeared to be a member of that path.
When Wei Zhong requested to join the caravan to travel to his estate, Sikong Changming scrutinized him closely. "Your request is not unreasonable, Fellow Daoist, but the caravan's route is predetermined. The cities it passes through may not align with your destination."
Wei Zhong cupped his hands in a respectful bow. "There's no need to worry, Senior. I merely wish to leave Wild Plains Prefecture with you. Once we reach a suitable prefectural capital, I'll depart the group and won't interfere with your mission."
Through conversation, Wei Zhong learned that the escorts were all members of the Chamber of Commerce fulfilling internal missions to earn spirit stones and Contribution Points.
Wei Zhong wanted to offer a gift to build rapport, but the only suitable item he had was spirit wine. Instead, he pressed ten mid-grade spirit stones into the escort's hand.
The escort accepted the stones nonchalantly, his expression softening slightly toward Wei Zhong.
Wei Zhong glanced at the group behind the escort and spotted a familiar figure. "Senior Hu Yang?" he asked tentatively.
The man lowered his hood, revealing a faint smile. "Fellow Daoist Chu, long time no see. I never imagined that after more than twenty years, you'd become a Guest Elder of the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild."
Sensing the man's current aura, Wei Zhong felt a mix of surprise and awe.
In all these years, he's actually achieved Core Formation and joined the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild.
"It's you, Senior, who has made even greater strides in your cultivation, reaching Core Formation while still working for the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild..."
"Ah, I'm merely repaying Miss's kindness by serving her," Hu Yang replied with a casual wave, his expression unchanged.
Manager Ruan, standing nearby, nodded in greeting to Hu Yang. "Fellow Daoist Hu Yang, as a native cultivator of Wild Plains Prefecture, you're intimately familiar with the local environment. We'll need your full cooperation to jointly safeguard this Chamber of Commerce outpost."
Hu Yang clasped his hands in a respectful bow. "It's my duty, and I dare not refuse."
Wei Zhong couldn't believe that Hu Yang, who had been a loose cultivator for so many years, had managed to gain Shan Qin's favor and successfully attain Core Formation. Recalling the Dustfall Pill, worth over forty thousand spirit stones, that the Azurewood Sect and Yan Clan had fought over, he wondered if Daoist Hu Yang had sold himself into servitude.
Choosing not to press the matter, Wei Zhong simply stated his purpose to Sikong Changming and withdrew.
The Chamber of Commerce's departure was still some time away. Wei Zhong visited Ning Jiaqi, urging him to focus on his cultivation and not waste his precious time on romantic entanglements. After bidding farewell to Rong Ju, he joined the caravan as it set out.
Sikong Changming deployed a Flying Boat, its white banner emblazoned with the insignia of the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild fluttering proudly. The escorting cultivators swiftly boarded, followed by Wei Zhong, who bid farewell to the group before leaping aboard himself.
Recognizing Wei Zhong as a Guest Elder of the Chamber of Commerce, Sikong Changming had specifically arranged a slightly larger cabin for him, conveniently located near his own quarters. With a Core Formation cultivator nearby, Wei Zhong's safety was assured.
Gazing through the Flying Boat's window at the shrinking buildings below, Wei Zhong sighed. He was finally leaving the place where he had been reborn.
"Master seems a little reluctant to leave?" Xie Linghua asked gently, leaning against his shoulder.
"Just a touch of homesickness," Wei Zhong replied. "But what about you, Ling'er? Do you feel any lingering attachment?"
Ling'er shook her head softly. "After wandering for so many years, drifting from place to place, those feelings have long since faded. Now, wherever Master goes, Ling'er will follow."
Wei Zhong gently stroked her small hand, closing his eyes to savor this moment of warmth.
While abandoning his established foundation in Wild Plains Prefecture was regrettable, the relief from constant threats to his life made it a worthwhile sacrifice. For him, the benefits far outweighed the losses.
Wei Zhong retrieved his White Jade Guest Token, tracing the inscriptions with his fingers.
Now that I've used the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild as a stepping stone, I have access to high-grade resources. All that remains is to find a safe place to cultivate diligently.
With the Dao of Time, I can also explore some low-risk Secret Realms. Who knows, I might stumble upon another inheritance like Senior Bai He's.
He recalled the rare treasures required for the Spirit Body Forging Method, as described by Shan Qin and Miao Lishan, and muttered to himself, With my mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation base—roughly equivalent to a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator—most dangers that would threaten ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators pose little challenge to me. As for human threats, they're scarcely a concern.
A clear voice rang out.
"Fellow Daoist Chu, might you be available? I've prepared a small banquet and would be honored if you would join us. It would be an excellent opportunity to introduce you to the other Fellow Daoists aboard the Spirit Boat."
Sikong Changming's voice reached Wei Zhong's ears.
Following Sikong Changming's directions, Wei Zhong arrived at the designated spot and found several cultivators gathered.
There were six in total. Sikong Changming, a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator, occupied the head seat, while five Foundation Establishment Fellow Daoists—ranging from early to mid-stage—sat below him.
"Fellow Daoist Chu, please take a seat," Sikong Changming said. "Fellow Daoist Ling, a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, is currently patrolling and assisting with defenses. He'll join us shortly. Let's begin the feast."
Wei Zhong settled into his seat, which was laden with spirit wine and spirit food, a sight mirrored at the places of his companions.
Even Sikong Changming, the Early Core Formation cultivator seated at the head of the table, was heartily swigging spirit wine while holding an unidentified piece of spirit meat in his left hand.
So, he's a monk of unconventional habits after all, Wei Zhong thought, mildly surprised by Sikong Changming's conduct.
A cultivator beside him noticed Wei Zhong's expression and explained, "Fellow Daoist Chu, have you had little exposure to Buddhist cultivators?"
Wei Zhong nodded. "Indeed. May I ask your esteemed name?"
The man had fair skin and a youthful appearance, with an Early Foundation Establishment cultivation base.
"No need for formalities; my surname is Yu. You may simply call me Fellow Daoist Yu," he said, before turning his gaze to Sikong Changming at the head of the table. "Senior Sikong is a Buddhist cultivator, but he doesn't adhere to the strict prohibitions of ordinary Buddhist disciples. The Buddhist Path is merely one among countless cultivation paths, emphasizing a compassionate heart above all else. In other respects, it differs little from our cultivation of ordinary spiritual techniques."
Wei Zhong understood. In the pursuit of cultivation, worldly rules held little sway. Spirit meat and spirit wine were invaluable for enhancing one's cultivation base, and no true cultivator would refuse them.
Over drinks and food, Wei Zhong chatted and laughed with the group, gradually being accepted as one of their own.
"Fellow Daoist, if you're looking for a place to cultivate, why not try the Prefecture City? It's rich in resources, and with enough spirit stones, you could easily find a Third-Tier Spirit Land to cultivate in..."
"That's not ideal. Fellow Daoist Chu is looking for stability, and the Prefecture City is far too complicated, teeming with Nascent Soul powers. You could easily offend the descendants of some senior cultivator without meaning to. It would be better to settle in a nearby prefectural capital..."
After Wei Zhong revealed his intentions, the cultivators eagerly offered advice, giving him a general understanding of the various prefectures within Cloud Province.
"Fellow Daoist Chu, you might consider Luochuan Prefecture," Sikong Changming interjected.
"Luochuan Prefecture?"
From their earlier discussions, Wei Zhong knew the prefecture was named after the great Luo River that flowed through it. Bordering the Prefecture City, it boasted relatively abundant resources compared to other nearby prefectural capitals, including multiple Third-Tier Spirit Veins. More importantly, Luochuan Prefecture wasn't dominated by any single sect but jointly administered by Loose Cultivators and sects, their power evenly balanced.
The Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild was particularly welcoming to Loose Cultivators, especially those with valuable skills. Having cultivated deep roots in Luochuan Prefecture, the guild considered it one of their most important outposts. Wei Zhong, as a Guest Elder, would find it much easier to acquire rare resources through this connection.
"Luochuan Prefecture... Fellow Daoist Ling mentioned being from there. Perhaps you could inquire about it later," Sikong Changming suggested.
Wei Zhong, who had never met Fellow Daoist Ling, was still pondering this when he suddenly noticed Sikong Changming's expression darken. Sikong Changming abruptly stood up and shouted, "Raiders approaching! Everyone, prepare for battle!"
The cultivators immediately abandoned their wine and food, rushing to the deck of the Spirit Boat with Sikong Changming.
The deck was now swarming with cultivators, dozens of Qi Refining cultivators standing in tight formation, Spirit Tools at the ready. Wei Zhong finally saw the Fellow Daoist Ling they had been discussing.
To his surprise, Fellow Daoist Ling was a woman. She wore a deep crimson Daoist robe, her lustrous black hair neatly coiled behind her head. When she turned around, he saw perfectly symmetrical features and fair skin. A small black beauty mark beneath the corner of her right eye added a touch of alluring charm.
"Sister Ling of the Ling Clan, what's the situation?" Sikong Changming asked.
Female cultivator Ling pointed her right hand skyward. A vast flock of birds obscured the sun, completely encircling the Spirit Boat and plunging it into near darkness, with only a few scattered rays of sunlight managing to pierce through the feathered canopy.
"These are likely Black Feather Geese, a highly social species controlled by hidden enemies," she said. "I probed their minds earlier and sensed the presence of unfamiliar cultivators, but I couldn't determine exactly how many are lurking in ambush."
Sikong Changming nodded, waved his sleeve, and commanded, "Spirit Cannons, fire a volley!"
No sooner had he spoken than cannon barrels extended from various points on the Spirit Boat, unleashing a synchronized barrage at the surrounding bird swarm.
However, the cannon fire proved woefully inadequate against the massive flock. Each time a cluster of geese was blasted from the sky, fresh reinforcements immediately filled the gap.
Simultaneously, crimson vines erupted from the flock, coiling around the Spirit Boat. Upon contact with the vessel's defensive spiritual light, they deposited droplets of an unidentified, viscous, blood-red liquid. The corrosive fluid swiftly riddled the barrier with holes.
Seeing the droplets about to drip onto the deck, Female cultivator Ling pinched her fingers into a hand seal. With a flick of her sleeve, she released a circular Formation Plate into the air.
Instantly, a golden light flared as a fresh layer of defensive spiritual light coalesced upon the plate, clashing and straining against the encroaching crimson vines. The golden barrier resisted the blood-red tendrils in a contest of strength and pull.
"They came prepared," Sikong Changming sighed, observing the fierce approach of the opposing forces. He retrieved a small, azure bell, its surface mottled with rust and its body riddled with cracks.
Grasping a black wooden hammer, Sikong Changming shifted his right foot slightly back, took a deep breath, and tensed his muscles. Even the tiny muscles in his face bulged tautly.
With a mighty swing, he slammed the hammer against the Azure Bell.
"Hah!"
The impact produced a resonant clang, sending an invisible shockwave rippling through the cultivators and outward.
The flock of geese overhead abruptly fell silent. Their wings drooped as they plummeted like black raindrops.
A divine sense attack? Wei Zhong eyed the bronze-colored bell with intrigue, surprised to see a magic tool specifically designed to assault one's spiritual awareness.
Its power seemed modest, barely effective against cultivators, but perfectly suited for overwhelming a large group of low-level demon beasts.
"Hmph!"
A muffled grunt echoed from the flock of birds. A massive black banner unfurled slowly, engulfing all the falling geese within its folds.
A pale arm emerged, gripping the banner's pole. A black-robed Daoist with a sinister face materialized, his cultivation base clearly at the Mid-Stage Core Formation realm.
"Fellow Daoist," the Daoist spoke, his voice dripping with menace, "what is the meaning of obstructing the Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild's Spirit Boat?"
Sikong Changming raised his right hand, his voice booming with mana-infused authority.
Wei Zhong, standing nearby, rubbed his ear, clearly feeling the mana woven into the Daoist's forceful question.
The Daoist narrowed his eyes, flourishing his Black Banner to disperse the encroaching wave of mana. "Not bad, you bald-headed monk," he sneered, glancing down. "Brother Crane, we'll need to step up our efforts."
Wei Zhong followed the Daoist's gaze and spotted another group below. At their head stood a Daoist in a white robe, his cultivation base at the Early Core Formation stage. Two crimson-eyed spirit cranes were embroidered on his robe, giving it an eerie appearance.
He held a grotesque orb of flesh dripping with fresh blood, from which four vine-like tendrils extended—the very source of the restraints that had bound the Spirit Boat.
Surrounding him were four Foundation Establishment cultivators, each gripping a differently colored Formation Flag and channeling mana into it. Four streams of vibrant spiritual light converged into the fleshy orb, causing it to emit a bizarre hissing sound.
The blood-colored vines clinging to the Spirit Boat's hull writhed more violently, dripping increasingly copious amounts of crimson fluid. Even Female cultivator Ling's layered protective spiritual light began to flicker and waver.
"It seems we need to take the initiative," Sikong Changming declared. "I'll deal with the Black-Robed Daoist. The rest of you, find a way to break through that strange formation below. Fellow Daoist Ling, maintain the protective spiritual light and guard the Spirit Boat." He turned to Wei Zhong. "Fellow Daoist Chu, you're responsible for the other Loose Cultivators. Can you protect Fellow Daoist Ling?"
In the blink of an eye, Sikong Changming had assigned everyone their roles.
Wei Zhong nodded, watching as the female cultivator Ling continuously channeled spiritual energy into the Formation Plate, completely absorbed in her task.
Sikong Changming snatched the Azure Bell, soared into the air, and charged toward the Daoist wielding the Black Banner. The other five cultivators descended in unison, heading for the strange formation presided over by the Core Formation cultivator.
Wei Zhong was about to observe how the five Foundation Establishment cultivators would fare against the Core Formation cultivator's formation when he suddenly noticed a fresh wave of Robber Cultivators approaching on magic swords, aiming for the Spirit Boat. Among them were two Foundation Establishment cultivators and over a dozen Qi Refining cultivators.
Sighing, Wei Zhong released Nine-Colored from his pouch and pointed to one of the Foundation Establishment Tribulation Cultivators. "Go. Just keep him occupied."
The indolent Nine-Colored slowly stretched her neck, transforming into a giant bird thirty feet wide, and lazily flew toward the designated Foundation Establishment Tribulation Cultivator.
Hovering in the air, Sikong Changming frowned momentarily as two more Foundation Establishment Tribulation Cultivators appeared. However, seeing Wei Zhong release his spirit bird to intercept one while engaging the other himself, he quickly regained his composure.
Turning to face the Black-Robed Daoist, Sikong Changming roared. Golden light erupted from his body as his muscles bulged, his frame swelling visibly within moments. Simultaneously, he channeled spiritual energy into the Azure Bell in his hand, causing the rust on its surface to flake away and a faint golden glow to emanate from the azure metal.
This needs to be resolved quickly, he thought.
The impact felt as if Sikong Changming had struck a layer of cotton. When he tried to lift the bell for another strike, it felt as if it were stuck in thick glue, resisting his efforts.
His heart sank as he glanced below. The five cultivators were struggling to maintain the formation, barely restraining the white-robed Core Formation cultivator, yet unable to stop his assault on the Spirit Boat.
What in the world is that grotesque orb? How can it corrode the defensive spiritual light of a Third-Tier Spirit Boat?
"Daring to lose focus while fighting me?" the Black-Robed Daoist scoffed, unleashing black qi from his banner that coiled around Sikong Changming's body.
"Hmph!" Sikong Changming roared, his voice cracking like spring thunder, shattering the encroaching black qi. He immediately refocused on his duel with the Black-Robed Daoist. Despite the precarious situation, no trace of panic flickered in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Wei Zhong had engaged another Foundation Establishment cultivator—an elderly woman with snow-white hair. She carried a flower basket woven from bamboo strips, from which colorless, toxic fumes seeped, closing in on Wei Zhong.
The moment Wei Zhong inhaled the fumes, dizziness clouded his mind. He immediately held his breath, swallowed an antidote pill, and swept his sleeve to disperse the poison smoke.
But the smoke clung to the woman's spiritual energy, rendering Wei Zhong's effort futile.
Forced to activate his Blackwater Spirit Garment to isolate himself from the poison, Wei Zhong regained a sliver of composure. With a subtle flick of his fingers, he guided his Green Bamboo Sword to strike. Simultaneously, he clutched a fragment of a magic tool in his palm, charging his Flying Throwing Technique.
Seeing Wei Zhong's Green Bamboo Sword flying toward her, the old woman shook her flower basket. A bamboo strip shot out with astonishing speed and resilience, shattering the sword's spiritual light in a single blow. It then coiled around the sword and dragged it into the basket.
Sensing his weakening connection to the Green Bamboo Sword, Wei Zhong sighed inwardly. The sword, after all, was merely an ordinary magic sword among Second-Tier Magic Artifacts, struggling to keep pace with his rapidly advancing cultivation base.
Without hesitation, he activated the Flying Throwing Technique, transforming fragments of his magic tool into streaks of light that rained down on the enemy. Simultaneously, he lightly stepped forward, executing three Grandmaster-level Techniques: Cloud Soaring, Invisibility, and Breath Concealing.
A broad green leaf sprouted from the old woman's flower basket, intercepting all the incoming fragments. By the time she regained her senses, Wei Zhong had vanished without a trace.
She swiftly shook the basket, activating a defensive Spirit Talisman. Just as Wei Zhong's figure materialized behind her, his massive black sword descended, crashing into the talisman's protective glow. The impact shook her violently, forcing her back several steps.
His initial strike missed, Wei Zhong sighed again and vanished once more into invisibility.
"As expected of seasoned Tribulation Cultivators skilled in combat," Wei Zhong thought. "They immediately cast defensive spells the moment I vanished."
He glanced at Nine-Colored, who was struggling against her opponent. Having only recently advanced in cultivation and lacking combat experience, she was barely holding her own against the Robber Cultivator's relentless attacks, relying solely on her escape technique to evade.
The enemy's magic tool effortlessly deflected most of Wei Zhong's wind blades, with only the occasional lightning strike causing them any concern.
When Wei Zhong disappeared, the old woman instantly grew wary. She secretly clutched a Spirit Talisman in her hand, defensively scanning her surroundings for any sign of his reappearance, determined to prevent another surprise attack.
Suddenly, she saw Wei Zhong materialize near Nine-Colored's battlefield and shouted, "Watch out!"
Wei Zhong stood beside Nine-Colored, wielding his massive sword. Golden sword light flowed across the black blade, empowered by the Geng Sword Art.
Alerted by the warning, the enemy sensed the danger. Just as they began to cast a defensive spell, Nine-Colored surged forward, her sharp claws lashing out as thunder and lightning crackled from her wings.
A shield materialized to block Nine-Colored's attack. Turning back, the enemy summoned a Spirit Talisman that transformed into a golden eggshell, encasing themselves within its protective barrier.
Wei Zhong shattered the golden light defense with a single sword strike, then pressed a black orb against the Robber Cultivator's chest.
The cultivator desperately tried to draw a concealed dagger and stab Wei Zhong in the neck, but the blade only struck the Blackwater Spirit Garment's defenses, producing a metallic clang.
Wei Zhong raised his hand toward the cultivator's chest, who barely managed to dodge. But Nine-Colored, having already breached the shield, unleashed a bolt of lightning from her wings, paralyzing the cultivator and halting his evasive movements.
Wei Zhong unleashed his Flying Throwing Technique at point-blank range, blasting apart the cultivator's chest. He raised his sword to decapitate him, but a tearing sound behind him made him grab Nine-Colored and sidestep.
The old Tribulation Cultivator had arrived. Activating several bamboo strips from her basket, she launched them at Wei Zhong's back.
Wei Zhong dodged again, then saw the old woman cradling the mangled corpse, howling in anguish, "Luo'er!"
She produced a White Jade Medicinal Pill and tried to force it into his mouth, but Wei Zhong's attack had completely destroyed the cultivator's internal organs. The pill was useless.
Her gaze, now venomous, locked onto Wei Zhong. "I'll kill you..."
Before the old woman could finish speaking, Wei Zhong vanished again. She immediately stopped talking and retreated, cradling the half-dead body in her arms.
Wei Zhong had merely returned to the Spirit Boat. With a casual strike, he eliminated the Qi Refining Tribulation Cultivator who had just slipped through a gap in the defensive spiritual light.
Noticing the female cultivator Ling struggling to hold her ground and the other crew members locked in combat with the Qi Refining Tribulation Cultivators, Wei Zhong ordered Nine-Colored to stay behind. With a flicker of motion, he surged toward the old woman once more.
Sikong Changming watched in awe as Fellow Daoist "Chu Zhong" effortlessly dispatched a Tribulation Cultivator in the blink of an eye. A look of delight spread across his face.
The Black-Robed Cultivator, however, wore a livid expression. He grunted, shook his Black Banner, and summoned a dark bird upon it. Its amber eyes glowed crimson as thick black smoke billowed forth from the banner.
The smoke spread across the battlefield, enveloping the Spirit Boat and obscuring the sky.
Wei Zhong frowned at the encroaching darkness. He severed a slender bamboo tendril hurtling toward him with his sword and swiftly retreated.
Has this smoke detected my position?
Clearly, his opponent was intelligent enough to understand the immense deterrent effect a Foundation Establishment cultivator as elusive as Wei Zhong could have on the battlefield.
Seeing this, Sikong Changming vigorously struck the Golden Bell in his hand, unleashing waves of golden light. However, these efforts proved largely ineffective against the overwhelming sea of black smoke.
His lips moved subtly as he transmitted a silent message to the Spirit Boat.
Female cultivator Ling's expression shifted slightly as she diverted her attention to activate a defensive mechanism on the vessel.
A surge of azure spiritual light erupted, piercing through the layers of black smoke and utterly obliterating the blood-red vines clinging to the Spirit Boat.
The psychic backlash caused Crane Daoist, the white-robed Robber Cultivator below, to cough up a mouthful of blood.
Seizing the opportunity, a figure concealed his presence and boarded the Spirit Boat. None of the remaining cultivators noticed, save for Wei Zhong, who glanced at the vessel before detecting another aura and shifting his focus.
The intruder navigated the corridors of the Spirit Boat's cabin, arriving at its core. Gazing at the intensely radiant spiritual light, he smiled and drew a magic sword, preparing to destroy it.
Suddenly, an aged voice echoed in his ear:
"Fellow Daoist, infiltrating my Cloud Gathering Merchant Guild's Spirit Boat like this... isn't that rather discourteous?"