Translator: AnubisTL
Nanyang Market, Hundred Refinements Pavilion.
Returning to a world brimming with spiritual energy, Li Qing felt utterly drained, both physically and mentally.
"Finally free... that Illusion Toxin Mushroom was truly terrifying," he murmured, a wave of lingering fear washing over him. He sighed deeply.
His life had always been like walking on thin ice, yet even with such caution, he couldn't prevent every hidden trap.
"I must be even more vigilant from now on."
His return to the Great Wilderness Domain wasn't for any particular reason, but rather because Fan Tong's metamorphosis had severely depleted his vital energy. Only by returning to a world rich in spiritual energy could he recover quickly.
"For now, the martial alliance and the Blood Lotus Sect seem to be maintaining a fragile peace. It might be worth investigating the Autumn Mountain Domain again later."
Li Qing muttered to himself, then began cataloging his gains from this venture.
First were several second-tier crimson crystals, capable of triggering metamorphosis in Second-Tier Demonic Beasts—treasures of immense value. He planned to auction these at the black market's second auction, hoping to strengthen the loyalty of its patrons.
Then there was the Illusion Toxin Mushroom. Before leaving, he had harvested a substantial quantity, storing them separately in a storage pouch.
To harvest these mushrooms, Li Qing had endured several days of relentless illusions in the World of Eternal Night. Without his divine sense maintaining clarity, he would never have risked such a perilous endeavor.
Even so, Li Qing had suffered considerable torment, leaving him utterly exhausted both physically and mentally.
The torment of perceiving two conflicting realities—one through his physical eyes and another through his divine sense—was enough to drive a person to the brink of madness.
"I've heard that the stage of shattering one's core to form an nascent soul involves enduring the Great Heart Demon Calamity," Li Qing remarked jokingly. "Could this have been a premature taste of that ordeal?"
He immediately realized another potential use for the Illusion Toxin Mushroom.
"Perhaps there's some truth to that, but it's not something I can consider now. Even if it could temper one's will, that's a matter for later."
"For now, the mushroom's true potential remains untapped."
With that, Li Qing straightened his slightly disheveled robes and slowly walked out of the refining chamber, opening the main gate of the Hundred Refinements Pavilion.
The situation in Giant Deer Prefecture was volatile. Though he had only been away for a few days, much must have transpired in his absence.
Before holding the black market's second auction, he needed to thoroughly understand the current situation in the surrounding area.
"The Ghost Sword Sect only sent one supreme elder? That's incredibly arrogant! After all, it's a millennial yin corpse—can a single core formation True Lord really handle it?!"
"Heh, for both the righteous and demonic paths, the most pressing matter remains the complete annihilation of the Ancient Hua Immortal Dynasty. Naturally, they can't afford to divert too much attention to this."
"A core formation True Lord should be sufficient. No one in Giant Deer Prefecture would dare defy the Ghost Sword Sect."
"It's hard to say. Among the three demonic sects, the Yin Puppet Sect is renowned for its mastery of corpse refinement and puppetry. They might be tempted by a millennial yin corpse."
"..."
The Great Wilderness Domain was divided into the righteous and demonic paths, with the demonic path dominated by three equal powers:
The Blood Spirit Sect, the Ghost Sword Sect, and the Yin Puppet Sect!
These three demonic sects were immensely powerful, truly deserving the title of the "three chariots" of the Great Wilderness Domain's demonic path.
Though all three sects belonged to the demonic path, their specialties differed. For example, the Blood Spirit Sect specialized in the Blood Dao, capturing countless mortals annually to serve as blood slaves through ruthless methods.
The Ghost Sword Sect, specializing in ghost path cultivation manuals, was notoriously sinister and ruthless, operating without restraint and unbound by any moral codes.
The Yin Puppet Sect, true to its name, excelled in corpse refinement and puppet mastery. Their research into corpse puppets had likely made significant progress recently.
Despite their divergent specializations, these three demonic sects could unite and cooperate effectively when confronting the Ancient Hua Immortal Dynasty.
Notably, each of the three demonic sects was led by a True Monarch in the nascent soul realm, marking their peak of power.
This alone demonstrated the terrifying depth of the Ancient Hua Immortal Dynasty's foundations. Even in its current state of decline, it could withstand the combined onslaught of the righteous and demonic paths, stubbornly defending its Imperial Capital.
After gathering this intelligence, Li Qing mentally weighed his options and quickly reached a conclusion.
"With the righteous and demonic paths still focused on the Ancient Hua Immortal Dynasty, and the Ghost Sword Sect preoccupied, now is the perfect time to hold the black market's second auction!"
With the Ancient Hua Immortal Dynasty to the north and the millennial yin corpse from the royal marquis's grand tomb to the south, the Ghost Sword Sect would have no attention to spare for a small trade fair in Sunward City.
Having confirmed these details, Li Qing immediately began planning the black market's second auction with Shen Ningbing.
This time, Li Qing's goal was simple: to attract more foundation establishment realm cultivators.
Thus, preparations for the black market's second auction proceeded in full swing.
Rogue cultivators already active in the black market were the first to learn of the event and began spreading the word themselves.
"Fellow Daoist, remember that black market I mentioned? They're holding another auction soon. You said you wanted to attend—don't miss it this time!"
"This black market auction should have crimson crystals. It's not something to be missed."
"After months of waiting, the auction is finally starting! It's been a long time coming!"
"My Crimson Flame Hound has reached the late first-tier. If those crimson crystals are truly as effective as they say, I'll buy one no matter the cost!"
"..."
The news spread rapidly, gradually gaining momentum and fermenting.
It reached not only rogue cultivators but also cultivators from established sects.
In Sunward City's west district, after the Water Moon Merchant Guild's collapse, another merchant guild from Giant Deer Prefecture had taken over the area.
Naturally, their situation wasn't as prosperous as the Water Moon Guild's had been; they were barely managing to stay afloat.
"Patriarch Fan, the black market in the north district is stirring again. Another auction is planned. Shall we take a look?"
The cultivator addressed as Patriarch Fan was the current head of the Azure Wind Merchant Guild in the west district. Though middle-aged in appearance, he lacked the typical aura of a merchant, instead exuding a scholarly air.
"Oh? I heard the crimson crystals sold at the last black market auction were quite remarkable. It's likely that's what's keeping them afloat."
"We should indeed investigate. If possible, let's acquire a few crystals to examine."
The refined middle-aged man spoke calmly, showing no sign of viewing the newly emerged black market as a competitor.
Meanwhile, in Giant Deer Prefecture, within a cultivation clan occupying a spiritual vein:
"Clan Head, news has arrived from Sunward City. The black market is reportedly selling crimson crystals again!"
A resonant voice quickly replied:
"What a coincidence! We just tamed a Jade Horned Deer last month. Let's send it to Sunward City to investigate."
In an inconspicuous corner of Sunward City, the towering, burly Uncle Fu whispered to the young man beside him, "Young master, the black market in Sunward City is holding another trade fair soon."
"Hmm," the young man replied. "The two crimson crystals we acquired last time didn't trigger the transformative change in the purple kirin beast. We should check this one out too."
The young man's features were strikingly refined, his eyes radiating an innate nobility that marked him as someone accustomed to privilege.
"If this auction only offers ordinary crimson crystals, it's not worth the exorbitant price. The Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid, though we still have some, shouldn't be wasted like that—especially now that Prince Yan's Estate is gone."
"Uncle Fu, how much longer until you attempt core formation?"
Uncle Fu shook his head. "This old servant's aptitude is too dull. Even with the Purple Mansion Spirit Liquid, I can't guarantee success. Such a heaven-defying treasure should be reserved for the young master's future use."
The young man's voice turned somber. "That's too far off. Given my condition, I doubt I'll even live to see it."
"Uncle Fu, our situation is precarious. If you can grow stronger, do so without hesitation. Don't worry about me."
Hearing these words, Uncle Fu's eyes reddened slightly. He replied, "Young master, please don't be so pessimistic. You share the same constitution as the Great Ancestor Emperor, destined to shake the Great Wilderness Domain!"
"The Royal Family is now as precarious as a stack of eggs. Even if it costs me my life, I will ensure your safety!"
The young man remained unmoved, a bitter smile playing on his lips. "We'll discuss this later. Even Father couldn't solve this problem. We can only take things one step at a time."
Meanwhile, the supreme elder dispatched by the Ghost Sword Sect had finally arrived at the royal marquis's grand tomb in central Giant Deer Prefecture.
Having suffered a crushing defeat last time, the Ghost Sword Sect had learned its lesson. This time, they approached the dragon-bearing land with caution.
"Release the captured feng shui masters," the supreme elder commanded sternly. "Let them thoroughly examine the terrain first."
Several feng shui masters, bound by spirit ropes, were immediately released.
These men had once served the Ancient Hua Immortal Dynasty, truly embodying the saying, "Master the art of dragon slaying and sell your skills to the imperial family."
But as the Ancient Hua Immortal Dynasty suffered repeated defeats at the hands of the righteous and demonic paths, these feng shui masters naturally fell into their hands.
Now, they would finally prove useful!
(End of the Chapter)
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