https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-129-The-Sparrow-Meets-Another-Sparrow-the-Fool-Hears-Another-Fool/12900098/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-131-Canyon-Cold-Pond-Ice-Spirit-Cold-Aura/12900100/
Chapter 130: Ganyuan Mountain Range Anomaly, Beast Uprising
Chapter 130: Ganyuan Mountain Range Anomaly, Beast Uprising
"Ugh!"
A dry retch, followed by a mouthful of blood.
Mixed with the blood were bits of internal organs.
This clearly showed the severity of the person's injuries.
However, he was still relatively lucky.
Sima Wenjie looked at his brother Sima Xian, who was on Second Sister Sima Huiniang's back, with a worried expression.
Their eldest brother had used a secret technique to activate his essence and swallowed a Blood-Boiling Pill, then single-handedly fought against two Wood Element Dragons.
In the end, when the six dragons from the Green Musk Dragon-Gathering Flag erupted, Sima Xian pushed away Second Sister Sima Huiniang, who was standing in front, without any regard for his own safety.
As a result, his injuries were so severe that he was almost on the brink of death.
"Third Brother, don't get distracted. Be vigilant and find a safe place to land."
Sima Wenjie heard the urgent but calm command and quickly regained his focus.
He soon found an empty room.
After checking it out and confirming it was relatively safe, he entered the room.
The moment he relaxed, he felt a wave of dizziness.
"Second Sister, our eldest brother—"
"He's not dead yet, what are you worried about!"
Sima Huiniang glared at him and threw him a bottle of pills.
She then took out a large pile of pills, identified them briefly, and stuffed them into the unconscious Sima Xian's mouth.
Finally, she poured a bottle of golden liquid down his throat.
Not only that, she also used her Spirit Energy to help Sima Xian refine the medicinal effects.
Time ticked by.
Under the anxious gaze of the siblings, Sima Xian slowly opened his eyes.
He opened his mouth, trying to say something, but fresh blood seeped out uncontrollably.
"Eldest Brother, don't speak. Focus your mind and take advantage of the Yang Water's effects to heal yourself."
Sima Huiniang, the second of the three cultivators, spoke these words.
Despite being the second, she was the leader among them.
Whether it was doing business, attending auctions, or in battle, she was usually the one in charge.
The battle had been too intense, and the eldest brother had been determined to die, which had temporarily overshadowed her presence.
Hearing the words "Yang Water," Sima Xian's eyes trembled, and a hint of tears glistened in them.
Sima Wenjie exclaimed, "That's the spiritual medicine you prepared for your breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment stage, why—"
"Go guard the door, in case of trouble!"
Sima Huiniang glared at him.
Then, looking at Sima Xian, who wanted to speak but couldn't, she forced a smile.
"Eldest Brother, please, you must live."
"It's just a bottle of Yang Water. As long as the three of us are alive, we'll have a chance to get it again."
"Your injuries are severe, but if we act quickly, you might not die."
Sima Xian's lips moved slightly, and he finally managed a weak nod.
With Huiniang's help, he sat up cross-legged and tried to mobilize his Spirit Energy to heal his injuries.
The third brother, who was guarding the door, was in better condition. He hadn't been the main fighter and had spent most of the time looking for weaknesses in the array.
After taking some pills, he had gradually recovered.
His mind was split between the outside and inside, and his anxious heart gradually calmed down.
"It's strange. The person who appeared at the end was incredibly bold, daring to snatch an exquisite magical artifact right from under our noses. He even deliberately destroyed the array's core, giving us a chance to escape."
"I wonder who that person is."
"If I ever get the chance, I'll repay him properly."
"Second Sister, do you think that person might be someone we know? We have many friends at the Great River Market, right?"
"Second Sister?"
When he received no response, Sima Wenjie suddenly turned around.
His eyes fell on Sima Huiniang, who was half-reclined against the wall, unconscious.
The power of the exquisite magical artifact was not something easily resisted.
It was because the two of them had taken the brunt of the attack that he, the third brother, had suffered the least.
"Second Sister, don't scare me!"
"Where are the pills?"
"Didn't they catch up?"
"Indeed, with my speed, most people can't react in time when I launch a surprise attack."
"If it weren't for some opportunists who came afterward, that Storage Bag would have been mine."
Luo Chen paused, his breath nearly imperceptible.
He pushed open a door, and his eyes, imbued with Spirit Eyes Technique, quickly scanned the room.
Finally, his gaze landed on a cabinet at the front.
Luo Chen's eyebrows raised, and a smile appeared on his face.
A moment later, he was sitting on a soft bed of straw.
The original owner of this place was quite a coward!
The house was secluded, and there was a highly concealed basement below.
If not for the Spirit Eyes Technique, which was highly sensitive to Spirit Energy, he wouldn't have noticed the Spirit Energy trap at the entrance.
Unfortunately, the trap exposed the existence of the hidden room.
"This place is good. It can serve as a base for entering and exiting the city in the future."
Luo Chen was satisfied. He then reviewed the battle to ensure he hadn't left any traces that could be followed.
That Full Qi Perfection cultivator, Qiu Bai, was not someone to be underestimated.
He had cleverly bid for the exquisite magical artifact at the Zhenlong Black Market and then left hastily.
Luo Chen had thought he was just putting up a front, but it turned out he had set up an ambush outside.
Moreover, he had left spies at the auction.
This allowed him to identify which targets were easy to prey on.
One of those spies happened to be the person who had competed with him for the Yang Water.
Qiu Bai and Liu Han!
From their conversation, they seemed to be from the Flowing Light Market.
It was said that the Flowing Light Market was extremely barren, with very few resources.
The atmosphere of killing was extremely intense!
From the battle, it was clear they had some skills.
Whether it was setting up ambushes or fighting head-on, their every move surpassed ordinary Ninth Level Qi Cultivators.
Even Sima Huiniang, who Luo Chen considered to be quite capable, was easily manipulated.
However, they were from the Flowing Light Market.
Even their allies dared to stab them in the back.
"If I remember correctly, the magical artifact that killed Qiu Bai at the end was clearly the high-grade Odd Qi Technique that one person brought out during the independent auction phase."
{
"Title": "The Auction of the Spirit medicine pavilion",
"Content": "The location of the spirit medicine pavilion, situated in the northern street three alleys,ilion, was chosen for its strategic significance. The map of the entire city was spread out before him, showing all the key locations for trading and refining valuable resources. The auction house, located in the center of the city, was a significant hub for these activities. The climate here, known for its unpredictable weather, added an element of excitement to the already dynamic environment. The spirit Medicine Pavilion, surrounded by a variety of shops and stalls, was a bustling place. Many Cultivators and traders frequented it, making it a hub for high-value resources and rare items. The largest market for spiritMedicine was located here, attracting many Cultivators and traders. The Auction house itself was a grand Hall, with multiple levels and intricate designs, ensuring a fair and efficient trading process. The spirit medicine Pavilion was known for its strict rules and regulations, ensuring fair Play and preventing any foul play. The Auction of the spirit medicine pavilion was a significant event, drawing in many participants and spectators. The Auction house itself was a grand structure, with multiple levels and intricate designs, ensuring a fair and efficient trading process. The spirit medicine pavilion also featured a variety of valuable resources and rare items, making it a bustling place for both trading and refining valuable resources. The Auction of high-value resources.",
"Chapter": 127,
Luo Chen blended into the crowd and quietly entered the inner city.
He saw Zhou Yuanli standing guard at the city gate, but didn't see the other bodyguards.
"From this, it seems that Zhou Yuanli is the one Uncle Mi trusts the most among the bodyguards."
"Otherwise, there would be no reason for him to come to the city gate so early."
Luo Chen didn't look back and put Zhou Yuanli far behind him.
Actually, he had already guessed.
Among the five bodyguards, Zhou Yuanli was the strongest and the most mature and steady.
It was most fitting for Uncle Mi to trust him and entrust him with the task of monitoring Luo Chen.
This was good!
At least there would be a relatively reliable person in charge of security.
Luo Chen, laden with his harvest, returned to the courtyard.
He didn't appear in front of everyone until the sky was completely bright, yawning all the while.
"Stealing people last night?"
Seeing his lazy appearance, Qin Liangchen laughed and scolded him.
Luo Chen was taken aback, then grinned foolishly.
He really did go to steal someone!
The person he stole from must be furious!
To have such a high-grade magical artifact stolen right in front of him.
He could only hope that the storage bag he obtained contained enough inheritance.
Meanwhile.
In some unknown place, Liu Han, covered in dust, stared at the storage bag with lifeless eyes.
"Is a Great Qi Perfection cultivator this poor?"
There were no spirit stones, which he could have guessed.
After all, when Qiu Bai bought the high-grade magical artifact at the Zhenlong Black Market, he didn't have enough spirit stones and had to gather several equivalent spirit materials to barely make up the difference.
But he didn't expect that the storage bag contained nothing except for one high-grade magical artifact and one medium-grade defensive magical artifact.
That's right, nothing at all!
No talismans!
No pills!
No spell manuals, mechanical puppets, spiritual medicines, or precious materials. Nothing at all.
His wealth was cleaner than his face.
No wonder Qiu Bai was so eager to kill and steal outside.
How could a cultivator be this poor?
"I really did a sin!"
Liu Han felt like crying, for this, he had sacrificed a high-grade odd qi technique magical artifact.
After the alchemy session in the afternoon.
Luo Chen took the bodyguards on a tour of the outer city.
As they walked, he casually inquired about the various districts of the outer city.
For example, where most out-of-town cultivators gather, and how many shops are run by local cultivators.
He also asked about how the Mountain Breaker Gang's assets are distributed in the outer city.
It must be said that the five bodyguards were all old hands in the gang, and could answer many things off the top of their heads.
Luo Chen then realized that the Mountain Breaker Gang was not as simple as it appeared on the surface.
The shops in the inner city, the brothels, taverns, and the newly built clothing shops in the outer city last winter, were all thriving.
Unfortunately, things had been too chaotic recently, causing these businesses to see a significant drop in profits.
"If the Sect Leader gets enough good things from the Golden Core Relic and successfully forms a golden core, our Mountain Breaker Gang could become a Golden Core force, and there's a good chance we could even establish a sect!"
The thought of building a sect filled Dong Fangliang with enthusiasm.
At that time, they would be sect disciples, and it would be something to boast about!
Luo Chen sneered; forming a golden core was not that easy.
Forming a foundation was more manageable; with enough external resources, plus sufficient talent and a bit of luck, there was a good chance of success.
But forming a golden core involved spirit veins!
Without a suitable third-rank spirit vein, ordinary independent cultivators had no chance of forming a golden core.
Breaking through realms and daily cultivation were two different things.
Moreover, Luo Chen didn't really want Uncle Mi to form a golden core; if that happened, he would truly be just a mere tool in Uncle Mi's eyes.
During their conversation, Luo Chen also casually inquired about the black market.
This time, he asked about the ordinary black market, the lower-level ones.
He didn't expect such things to be so widespread.
The five bodyguards, each contributing a few words, gave Luo Chen a complete picture.
"There is a small black market in each of the four directions!"
This was truly surprising to Luo Chen.
One of the black markets was even organized by their own Mountain Breaker Gang, often used to auction resources useful to mid-cultivation cultivators.
For a while, the medium-grade Jade Marrow Pills that Luo Chen refined were highly sought after at the black market.
"Seriously? That thing was so popular?"
"We sell them in bulk!" Before becoming Luo Chen's bodyguard, Dong Fangliang had guarded the entrance of the black market.
Yes, his position was the same as the Wang-surnamed cultivator who warned Luo Chen at the Zhenlong Black Market.
Mainly because of his tall and imposing figure!
"Moreover, they are often auctioned alongside other resources."
"Hall Master, you might not know, but during that time, we consistently auctioned the Jade Marrow Pills you refined. The prices were not high, but it did gather a lot of attention. For a while, the Mountain Breaker Gang's black market had the highest number of participants in the entire outer city black market scene."
Luo Chen's eyebrows twitched; he now understood why his reputation as "Dust Pill" was growing.
It turned out the gang was secretly promoting him!
Indeed, if a black market regularly auctions pills from an alchemist, it can indeed gather a lot of attention.
As they chatted and walked around, Luo Chen soon arrived at the foot of Qing He Mountain.
From a distance, he saw a young man with a face like jade and a cold demeanor, bare-chested, showing off his well-defined muscles, swinging a hammer and striking the iron ingot repeatedly.
Tsk, the scene was just too beautiful!
"Xiaoduan, busy?"
Duan Feng looked up, his lips twitching. Wasn't this obvious?
Luo Chen waved his hand, "Come, you five, go stand in a line behind, and stand up straight!"
The bodyguards were a bit dazed but subconsciously walked to the banner.
"Next, I will say a phrase, and you will repeat it loudly."
As Duan Feng's pupils dilated in shock, Luo Chen smiled, "The wind is blowing, the rain is falling, no need to fear if your magical artifact is broken."
Zhou Yuanli opened his mouth and repeated it softly.
The others did the same, their voices barely audible.
Then they heard Luo Chen bellow.
"Didn't you eat?"
"Speak louder!"
Zhou Yuanli's face turned red. He swore that even at his most humble moments, he had never done such a thing.
Just as he hesitated, the loud shout from Dong Fangliang beside him erupted.
"The wind blows, the rain falls, no need to fear if your magical artifact breaks!"
"Huh?"
Luo Chen's gaze was fixed on Zhou Yuanli. This old rascal had been slacking off earlier.
"Again, don't let me catch you cutting corners. Otherwise, scram back to Chief Mi, I, Luo Chen, can't afford to keep a useless mouth that can't even open properly."
"Listen up! Don't think a few spirit stones are too expensive; Fenghai Blacksmith Shop offers the best value!"
Zhou Yuanli gritted his teeth and stiffened his neck. The next moment, he closed his eyes tightly.
"Don't think a few spirit stones are too expensive; Fenghai Blacksmith Shop offers the best value!"
Five late-stage Qi Cultivation cultivators simultaneously shouted this phrase with their spirit energy.
The loud voice rose into the clear sky, startling the cranes in the clouds.
All nearby independent cultivators couldn't help but glance over.
What a loss of face, fellow clansmen! — Zhou Yuanli.
He dared not shout any less. Luo Chen was watching him closely. If he really had to return to Uncle Mi, the outcome would be even more humiliating.
Afterward, Luo Chen improvised a few catchy rhymes and promoted the magical artifact shop on the spot.
Only when Duan Feng looked at him with a pleading expression did he reluctantly stop.
Waving his hand, he said, "Go further away. Look at your wimpy selves, you’re not even enthusiastic about shouting slogans. How can I rely on you when we encounter bandits?"
Zhou Yuanli, Liu Qiang, and the others scattered like frightened birds, quickly running far away.
They couldn't afford to lose face.
Especially since they weren't obscure figures; many independent cultivators in the Great River Market knew them.
Once the others had moved far away, Luo Chen's expression turned serious.
"How has the recent profit been?"
Duan Feng sighed.
Just seeing his expression, Luo Chen's heart skipped a beat.
However, Duan Feng's next words greatly relieved him.
"Before, I was too arrogant and never heeded your advice."
"This magical artifact business indeed earns much more than my constant fighting."
Under Luo Chen's gaze, he gestured a number.
Two thousand!
Luo Chen's eyes widened. It had only been less than half a month since the opening of Fenghai Blacksmith Shop! And they had already earned this much?
After Duan Feng explained in a whisper, Luo Chen finally understood.
The spirit stones earned from repairing magical artifacts were only a few hundred.
This job was very time-consuming.
The real profit came from buying and reselling second-hand magical artifacts.
Many second-hand magical artifacts seemed severely damaged, but in reality, the cultivators just didn't know better.
Duan Feng would buy them at a low price, repair them slightly, and restore them to eighty or ninety percent of their original power.
Then he would sell them at a high price.
The Ganyuan Mountain Range was already the place with the highest damage to magical artifacts in the Great River Market.
With the increasing intensity of conflicts, this trend had spread even further.
In a short time, Duan Feng continuously bought low and sold high, and the profit margin from the price difference was enough to make people take notice.
"I have several severely damaged mid-grade magical artifacts in my possession, acquired for just two to three hundred spirit stones."
"Give me some time to repair them, and each one can be sold for seven to eight hundred spirit stones."
"The only constraint is the lack of manpower."
Duan Feng pointed to the iron ingots in front of him, "For example, hammering this refined iron is the most basic task, but it consumes a lot of manpower and time. Actually, a regular mid-stage Qi Cultivation cultivator, or even an early-stage one, could handle this."
"If I can save enough time, I can focus on researching the array formations I have. Perhaps I can repair high-grade magical artifacts in the future."
Luo Chen had never seen Duan Feng speak so much in one breath.
But Luo Chen listened very attentively because this was Duan Feng's area of expertise.
Halfway through, Luo Chen realized what Duan Feng's dilemma was.
In essence, it was the same as when he was refining pills.
Some basic tasks didn't require much skill.
But without help, they were very time-consuming.
And this problem was actually very easy to solve!
People?
They were always the most abundant resource.
Even in the cultivation world, there were plenty of low-tier independent cultivators available for use!
"This is easy, I—"
Just as Luo Chen was about to offer help, he hesitated and stopped.
He and Duan Feng looked toward Qing He Mountain.
A large number of cultivators were frantically fleeing from the massive mountain path, which was shaded by ancient trees.
When there are a hundred people, it's like a mountain and a sea!
At first glance, it seemed as if the fleeing cultivators were being pursued by ferocious beasts.
Cultivators outside the mountain stopped their activities, looking at the fleeing independent cultivators with suspicion.
Their clothes were covered in blood and claw marks.
It was as if they had just been through a fierce and deadly battle.
Closer! Closer!
Soon, the vanguard of the fleeing cultivators reached outside the mountain.
Luo Chen didn't hesitate and sent Liu Qiang to catch a mid-stage Qi Cultivation cultivator.
"What happened? Why are you so panicked!"
The cultivator, who had been focused on escaping, was furious at being caught.
But seeing the group of late-stage cultivators in front of him, he couldn't help but shiver.
"Senior, the beasts in the mountain have gone berserk and are attacking humans indiscriminately."
Beasts gone berserk?
Luo Chen's brows furrowed, and he asked directly:
"What about the leading Foundation Establishment cultivators?"
The cultivator, in a panic, replied, "A few days ago, the Heavenly Craft Spirit Seizing Array suddenly contracted, pushing out all independent cultivators below the Foundation Establishment stage. We don't know the current situation of those Foundation Establishment cultivators!"
Array contraction?
Duan Feng seemed to understand something and softly said, "This usually happens when the array's energy is insufficient, and it needs to protect the core area."
Luo Chen's eyebrows raised.
It seemed the conflict over the Golden Core Relic had reached its most critical moment.
Releasing the cultivator, Luo Chen gazed into the distance.
With his doubled Spirit Eyes Technique, he could see much farther than any other Qi Cultivation cultivator, almost like a thousand-mile eye.
In his line of sight, agile figures darted and flew among the towering ancient trees.
In the forest, towering figures over ten feet tall ruthlessly pursued and killed the fleeing cultivators.
"Let's go back!"
Luo Chen said calmly, "A wise man does not stand under a collapsing wall!"
(End of Chapter)
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