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Chapter 87: Yin Demon Sect
Chapter 87: Yin Demon Sect
Lin Changqing nodded slightly and coldly hmphed, "This is indeed the identity token of the Yin Demon Sect from the Biyu Mountain Range."
"Yin Demon Sect!"
Upon hearing Lin Changqing's words, the Qingxi Sect disciples present were all astonished.
Although there were occasional frictions and competitions in the markets among the seven sects of Qingxia Mountain Range, they generally got along harmoniously.
Almost every Qingxi Sect disciple had heard of the Yin Demon Sect from the Biyu Mountain Range after joining the sect.
Rumor has it that this sect specializes in evil practices, committing brutal killings, and even massacring an entire city of mortals.
However, due to the vast distance between the two mountain ranges and the numerous mortal cities in between, coupled with the enmity between the righteous and demonic paths, none of them had ever seen these demonic cultivators.
Now, Lin Changqing claimed that those unaffiliated cultivators were from the Yin Demon Sect, which was indeed surprising to everyone.
If the crowd was merely astonished, then Chu Ning's heart was in turmoil.
He now vaguely guessed that those who appeared in the market after Du Han and the others left were most likely members of the Yin Demon Sect.
Since this emblem belonged to the Yin Demon Sect, and Qi Chongmao had this bamboo token on him, did that mean he was also from the Yin Demon Sect?
If Qi Chongmao was indeed from the Yin Demon Sect, what was he doing in Qingxi Sect? And what about Lu Yunfang and Luo Hongping, the couple who appeared later, who seemed to be looking for Qi Chongmao? Could they be members of the Yin Demon Sect as well?
Were they infiltrating the righteous path? Did they have ulterior motives? Why would they disguise themselves as menial disciples? And was there any connection to the recent beast disaster, where members of the Yin Demon Sect were also spotted?
As Chu Ning's doubts grew, Du Han spoke up, "Uncle Lin, how did the people from the Yin Demon Sect end up near our Qingxia Mountain Range?"
Lin Changqing furrowed his brows slightly and shook his head gently. "The ones who came here are all low-level disciples. It's not clear yet whether they acted on their own initiative due to the beast disaster or if they were instructed by the higher-ups of the demonic path. I have already reported this matter to the sect on my way here. The Enforcement Hall will dispatch people to wipe them out."
Speaking of this, Lin Changqing's gaze fell upon the crowd once more. "I showed you this token as a warning. Before the sect completes the purge, be vigilant and refrain from going out unnecessarily."
"Yes!" the crowd replied in unison.
"Elder Lin, how strong is the Yin Demon Sect?" This time, the question came from Ding Bo.
"Very strong!" Lin Changqing's face turned solemn. "It is said that this sect has over a dozen Golden Core cultivators, and none of our seven sects can match them. Only if our seven sects join forces will we be able to rival them."
"Wow!"
Lin Changqing's words caused an uproar among the disciples.
"Over a dozen Golden Core cultivators?"
"It would take the combined forces of the seven sects to counter them?"
Everyone was aware of the Yin Demon Sect's ill repute, but they had not realized the extent of their strength.
Chu Ning's heart sank as he heard this. The Yin Demon Sect was indeed a formidable force.
He now confirmed that he had indeed stirred up great trouble by killing Qi Chongmao.
However, given the Yin Demon Sect's strength, why would they bother infiltrating with menial disciples?
It was common knowledge that while there were many Qi Refining disciples in the Qingxi Sect, the real decision-makers were those at the Foundation Establishment stage and above.
"Unless there's something about the Qi Refining disciples..."
Chu Ning suddenly recalled the tasks within the sect that were exclusive to Qi Refining disciples.
"I must not speak of this to anyone for the time being," Chu Ning realized with a start.
He was almost certain that the Yin Demon Sect must be plotting something big if they had infiltrated even the menial disciples.
If there were members of the Yin Demon Sect among the menial disciples, what about the outer sect disciples or even these elders?
There could very well be numerous Yin Demon Sect members within the Qingxi Sect!
And if the Yin Demon Sect found out that he had uncovered their infiltration plot, the danger he would face...
Chu Ning shuddered at the thought.
"You all can take a break in the market these days," Lin Changqing said, addressing the Qingxi Sect disciples who had come to provide support.
"I'll be staying here to oversee the market for the next few days, so I won't be able to escort you back. Wait for others from the sect to arrive, and then you can return together. Du Han, you lead them."
"Yes!" Du Han replied and led the group away.
Lin Changqing's gaze then turned to Gu Xiaoqin, Chu Ning, and the others.
"You've lost quite a lot for the sect this time. If there's anything you need the sect to replenish, let me know, and I can send another message to have someone bring them over. I won't be returning to the sect anytime soon, as I need to get the business in the market running again after this delay."
While eradicating the beast disaster was important, the income from the markets also concerned Lin Changqing's personal interests.
"I'd like the sect to send more talismans," Gu Xiaoqin said. "If they don't have any, then some Muling Bamboo or Zijing Bamboo would be fine too. Talismans have been selling well lately, and my stock is running low."
As Lin Changqing heard this, he nodded and turned to leave.
Chu Ning quickly spoke up, transmitting his voice so only Lin Changqing could hear, "Elder Lin, I have something else to report."
Lin Changqing paused in his tracks and said to Gu Xiaoqin and the others, "You guys head back first. I need to discuss some matters regarding the market with Chu Ning."
Gu Xiaoqin and the rest didn't suspect anything and left Chu Ning's shop.
However, Luo Yipeng felt a bit embarrassed. The events that had transpired still made him feel uncomfortable.
After they left, Lin Changqing turned to Chu Ning and asked, "What is it that you want to tell me?"
"Yes, Elder Lin," Chu Ning replied as he took out spirit stones from his storage bag.
"Due to the beast disaster, many people in the market have been buying talismans, and I've accumulated quite a few spirit stones. I want to pay the monthly dues for the Talisman Shop in advance. It's not safe to keep such a large sum on me."
Lin Changqing swept him with his spiritual sense, immediately getting a rough estimate of the amount of spirit stones Chu Ning had taken out.
"Five hundred and fifty spirit stones," Lin Changqing stated.
"This is the monthly dues for the Talisman Shop," Chu Ning said, separating fifty spirit stones from the rest. He pushed forward five hundred spirit stones towards Lin Changqing and then held up the remaining fifty.
"As for these fifty spirit stones, I'd like to ask Elder Lin for a favor."
Lin Changqing's eyes flickered as he looked at Chu Ning, waiting for him to continue.
"I travel back and forth between the Spirit Plantations and the market, and although the distance isn't far, my cultivation is low. If something unexpected happens, it would be inconvenient. So, I'd like to ask Elder Lin to help me find a suitable flying artifact."
Lin Changqing looked at Chu Ning with a hint of surprise. "You want me to help you find a flying artifact?"
Chu Ning nodded. He had been contemplating this idea for a while.
Ever since he had ridden on the elders' spirit boats, he found them extremely convenient and had been considering purchasing his own flying artifact. However, he hadn't had enough spirit stones before, and it hadn't seemed urgent.
Now that he had ventured outside the sect, Chu Ning felt a pressing need for such an artifact. The Wind Riding Technique was too slow, and the escape talismans couldn't sustain long-distance flights.
Having a flying artifact would provide him with a better chance of escape if he encountered danger.
More importantly, Chu Ning had earned a substantial sum of spirit stones this time around. As long as the price wasn't too exorbitant, he felt he could afford it.
At the moment, Chu Ning didn't know where to begin his search outside the sect. Although Shen Zhengquan, being from the Artifact Refinement Hall, might be able to get his hands on one, the rift that had formed between them after recent events made it clear that Chu Ning wouldn't be going to him for help.
Chu Ning's thoughts turned to Zhuang Yunde's previous comments about Lin Changqing, and he decided to give it a shot.
"It's difficult to purchase a flying artifact that can accommodate multiple people, but if it's just a single-person artifact, it should be possible to find one," Lin Changqing replied, the coldness in his tone softening slightly as he put away both piles of spirit stones without making a fuss.
"Since you're asking me for help instead of trying to exchange it at the sect, I assume you're looking for something of better quality."
Lin Changqing paused for a moment, then continued, "Due to the recent tasks that required many disciples to venture outside, the sect might not have any high-quality artifacts left. However, give me a few days. Once things stabilize, I'll take you to Fengxiafang, which is much closer to us than the sect. We'll pay a visit to Yunhai Pavilion there, and you should be able to find something that suits your needs."
Chu Ning's face lit up at the suggestion.
Fengxiafang was a market town located near Feng Canyon, even larger than Qinghefang, which was close to the Qingxi Sect.
Lin Changqing's willingness to accompany him to choose a flying artifact personally was most welcome.
Indeed, it seemed that spirit stones could smooth over many difficulties.
Since he had already broached the topic, Chu Ning decided to continue, "Elder Lin, the Spirit Plant Shops haven't received any valuable spirit plants these past few days.
And regarding the twenty acres of spirit fields outside, I haven't dared to tend to them, so I'm not sure if they've been damaged.
This month's harvest from the spirit plant fields might not be enough to cover the dues..."
Lin Changqing quickly waved his hand, interrupting him. "I'm aware of the situation. A few elders from the sect will be arriving here in the next couple of days. We'll eradicate the remnants of the Yin Demon Sect and any level-three demonic beasts in the area. In a couple of days, you'll be able to tend to your spirit fields without worry.
As for the losses, go take a look at your spirit fields. If there are indeed damages, let me know, and I'll request an exemption from the monthly dues for this month."
Chu Ning expressed his gratitude. His words also hinted that he would share some of the harvest from his spirit fields with Lin Changqing if the fields produced a yield.
This further softened Lin Changqing's demeanor.
After Lin Changqing left, Chu Ning returned to his room with a smile on his face.
It seemed that getting the monthly dues waived for this month would not be a problem.
200 spirit stones was no small amount.
Even though he had earned quite a lot these past few days, he was still pleased.
Chu Ning began to tally up his earnings from the past few days.
When he calculated the total, he was surprised.
Even after giving Lin Changqing 550 spirit stones for the monthly dues, he still had over 4,200 spirit stones left!
(End of Chapter)
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