Although the Flood Dragon Blood Fruit was supporting Lin Changheng's Body Refining, his progress was still somewhat slow without the East Wheel Willow Wood. He needed to acquire it.

Furthermore, the cultivation of Xiaobai, the Deep Lake Spirit Clam, was on the verge of a breakthrough to Tier Two Middle Stage. He needed to find a Pill Formula or a finished elixir to help it along.

Additionally, Lin Changheng had accumulated a large number of stolen goods that had practically fallen into his lap. He hoped to find a place to dispose of them on this trip.

He could take care of all these matters at once.

...

「Seven days later.」

Lin Changheng departed quietly in the dead of night.

He was like a shadow flitting through the night, completely undetectable.

This time, he did not bring the Black Armored Earth Turtle or the Deep Lake Spirit Clam with him.

After several crushing victories in Magical Combat, he now had a more accurate understanding of his own strength and felt much more confident.

Besides, the two beasts weren't very useful in a surprise encounter, unlike the ambush he'd set for the Cyan-striped Tiger.

It was better to leave them on the island to keep Yan Mingyi company. They could also protect her, which would give him greater peace of mind.

Although she was spending most of her time preparing for Foundation Establishment, she had still made significant progress in the Puppet Dao. She could already refine Tier One Upper Grade Masterpiece Puppets.

This meant that becoming a Tier Two Puppet Master was just around the corner.

Once she achieved Foundation Establishment Cultivation, her lifespan would increase, which would in turn benefit her progress in the Puppet Dao.

...

After arriving, Lin Changheng discovered that the territory governed by the Bixiao Sect was half the size of the lands belonging to the Purple Extreme Sect and the Cyan Mist Temple.

This was because the Bixiao Sect was situated in the fertile heartland of the Song Territory, a much more prosperous region. It was naturally incomparable to the chaotic, barren borderlands of the Purple Extreme Sect and the Cyan Mist Temple.

So, when the territory was originally demarcated, the True Monarch of the Extreme South Palace had made special arrangements.

However, by this point, the Bixiao Sect's territory was only about a third smaller than theirs.

Later, as the pioneering of the Wilderness pushed ever deeper, the Purple Extreme Sect and the Cyan Mist Temple expanded their territories once more after a period of arduous struggle. Now, their lands were about twice the size of the Bixiao Sect's.

And as time went on, this gap would only become larger and larger.

However, they also risked a counterattack from a Beast Tide in the Wilderness, which could wipe out a century of progress in a single day.

In the Cultivation Realm, nothing was certain. One could never rest on their laurels; the only proper path was to proceed as if walking on thin ice.

This newly opened Marketplace was not only in the heartland of the Bixiao Sect but could also be considered in the heartland of the entire Song Territory.

That's right, the heartland of the Song Territory did not belong to the Extreme South Palace, but to the Bixiao Sect.

To the west of the Bixiao Sect was the Floating Immortal City. To the north and south of the Floating Immortal City were the Cyan Mist Temple and the Purple Extreme Sect, respectively.

To the north of the Bixiao Sect was the Profound Ice Valley.

To the south was the Extreme South Palace, long and narrow like a leaf, spanning the entire Southern Song Territory.

It stood like a shield, reminiscent of the saying "the Emperor guards the nation's gate."

To the east of the Bixiao Sect was Yellow Maple Cliff.

This was the basic layout of the entire Song Territory.

...

This Marketplace was quite large in scale. Although it couldn't compare to the Floating Immortal City, it wasn't much smaller either.

In fact, without a massive Fusheng Lake or Feather Immortal Island taking up space in the center, its actual market area was comparable, perhaps even slightly larger.

This market sat on an artificial plain called the Golden Light Plain, built after an entire mountain range was razed.

The marketplace was also called the Golden Light District.

This Marketplace was different from the previous ones under the Purple Extreme Sect's jurisdiction. It wasn't purely a gathering place for Cultivators; surprisingly, many mortals lived mixed among them.

And they seemed to be getting along quite well.

Discovering this, Lin Changheng couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in surprise.

At this moment, he was dressed as a scholar, wearing a long robe and a square cap, standing on the wide bluestone street in the middle of the marketplace, looking at a young, yellow-clothed attendant standing before him.

This young attendant, about fifteen or sixteen years old, dressed in a faded, earth-yellow short coat, was standing somewhat timidly before him. He nervously twisted the corner of his clothes, but his eyes were bright, filled with careful anticipation.

Lin Changheng didn't even need to use his Divine Sense to perceive that the young man's aura was turbid and his body was devoid of any spiritual energy; he was clearly an ordinary mortal.

He was not displeased at being stopped by a mortal. Instead, feeling a bit of interest, he asked in a calm voice, "Oh? How did you determine that I was new to this place? And why seek me out in particular?"

Seeing that this Immortal Master's tone was calm and held no blame, the yellow-clothed attendant's courage grew. He quickly bowed and replied, his words carrying a kind of street-smart quick-wittedness:

"To answer the Immortal Master, my father taught me. He's been a 'Wind Messenger' in the nearby Cyan Dragon Bay Marketplace for most of his life. He often told me that when an Immortal Master first arrives at a marketplace, especially one traveling alone, they'll usually pause at the entrance to look at the signs and directories, with a look of assessment or curiosity. He said as long as we're polite and our words are respectful, even if we're mistaken, the magnanimous Immortal Masters usually won't hold it against us mortals."

After speaking, he scratched his head a little sheepishly, revealing a simple and honest, yet somewhat clever, smile.

Lin Changheng's expression remained calm and noncommittal, but inwardly he thought, 'It's a simple method, but it makes a lot of sense. These 'Wind Messengers' in the marketplace are clearly experts at reading people. No wonder they can make a living doing this.'

The yellow-clothed attendant saw that the Immortal Master before him didn't react, so he could only ask softly:

"Immortal Master, although this marketplace is new, I've already memorized the locations of all the shops and important places. I also know a fair bit of the local gossip. I can be your guide, and for just thirty grains of Spiritual Sand, I can serve you for the entire day."

This statement showed the yellow-clothed attendant had some confidence. If he dared to deceive a Cultivator, he'd risk their wrath. Never mind being killed with a single blow; there were countless ways a Cultivator could torture a mortal and make them wish for death.

Lin Changheng was not a bloodthirsty person, but he didn't want to be a sucker either, so he asked a test question: "Do you know where I can purchase Tier Two Spirit Wood?"

The yellow-clothed attendant nodded repeatedly, like a chicken pecking at rice. "I do! It's in the Divine Materials Tower."

He didn't beat around the bush, answering directly.

"The 'Divine Materials Tower'? Does it have any connection to the Bixiao Sect?"

Lin Changheng asked.

The yellow-clothed attendant opened his mouth, then hesitated, glancing around nervously as if worried the walls had ears.

After all, to make a living in the territory under the Bixiao Sect's rule, the consequences of recklessly discussing the ruling sect were severe. How could a mere mortal have such courage?

"Just say it. No one here can hear us speak."

Lin Changheng smiled warmly, appearing confident and composed.

"Yes, it's said that a high-ranking member of the sect had their family open it here. I overheard a few shopkeepers talking about it."

Although the yellow-clothed attendant believed the Immortal Master's words and spoke up, the tension on his face was very real.

"Oh?"

Hearing this, Lin Changheng's interest was immediately piqued.

The more this was the case, the higher the probability that they would have what he needed.

'It's very likely that, like the Steward recommended by Talisman Master Chu, this is a case of someone enriching themselves at the public's expense.'

'This operation is just bolder and more organized, not a private-deal affair like the last one.'

"I wouldn't dare lie about this. An Immortal Master with your vast Divine Abilities surely has a way to determine the truth," the yellow-clothed attendant added.

"Then lead the way."

Lin Changheng reached out and patted the other's thin shoulder, then suddenly smiled. "Let's go take a look."

"Thank you for your trust, Immortal Master! This way, please."

The yellow-clothed attendant immediately bowed in thanks and quickly led the way.

Lin Changheng nodded and followed behind. The yellow-clothed attendant was all smiles, turning back from time to time to explain some of the marketplace's features to him.

"Do you know where in the market the Auction will be held in seven days?"

Lin Changheng suddenly asked.

"When you were flying here, Immortal Master, did you happen to see the few remaining mountain peaks in this area?"

"I did."

Lin Changheng nodded. This mountain range had basically been cleared away and flattened, but a few peaks had been left standing.

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