The territory of the Eastern Divine Continent, though not comparable to Heavenly Water Isle, was still undeniably vast.
Therefore, whether in martial cultivation or the immortal path, so long as one was willing to spend time, it was only a matter of sooner or later before gathering a group with fairly decent aptitude.
It was just that the court simply did not have the resources to nurture them.
Especially on the immortal path—even with excellent aptitude, without sufficient resources, once one reached the middle stage of Qi Refining, any further advancement would cost an enormous amount of time.
The Nine Nether Forbidden Land was said to be open to all independent cultivators. It was a rare opportunity to gather resources and best not to be missed.
Moreover, once the location and time of the forbidden land's opening were confirmed, Chen Sanshi would not need to enter alone. He could assign several others to accompany him.
"Little Bamboo."
Chen Sanshi instructed, "Go notify General Zhang Shun and General Sima Yao. Tell them to set aside their current tasks and prepare to accompany me on a long journey."
Zhang Shun possessed a Heavenly-grade Water spiritual root and was currently at Qi Refining Layer 7, the late stage of Qi Refining.
Sima Yao, on the other hand, was on the verge of reaching the middle stage of the True Force Realm.
Bringing these two along might prove useful.
Before departure,
Chen Sanshi placed his natal puppet, Chen Lei, inside the Boundless Hall and informed the Cabinet that memorials could be delivered directly there each day.
The road to The Edge of the World was already familiar.
When passing through Nanling Town, they saw that the crack in the sky still remained. Fortunately, it had not continued to expand and seemed to be in a state of equilibrium.
Before entering Heavenly Water Isle through the ancient teleportation array, Chen Sanshi personally altered Sima Yao and Zhang Shun's appearances with the Art of Disguise and assigned their roles.
Sima Yao was an old hand of Heavenly Water Isle and relatively familiar with the Northern Yang Dao. He was dispatched to Daze Market to investigate matters concerning the seal.
Zhang Shun was to inquire about news of the forbidden land, as well as the current situation of the Bai family in Dusk Valley.
Within Northern Yang Dao, if one spoke of the most convenient place to obtain martial cultivation pill materials, it was still the Bai family. Moreover, since they would be staying here, they needed a place to settle.
Chen Sanshi disguised himself as a middle-aged man. Zhang Shun appeared a few years younger and addressed him outwardly as Senior Brother.
Speaking of which, back when the seal between Heaven and Earth had loosened, Zhang Shun had, by coincidence, drawn the attention of a cultivator and was accepted as a disciple.
However, over the many years since, that cultivator had never appeared again.
Perhaps for high-realm cultivators, more than a decade was nothing more than a single session of seclusion.
In any case, Zhang Shun himself was not anxious and was content to remain in service at court.
As for Chen Sanshi, he headed to the black market.
After reaching Foundation Establishment, the Swallowing Fire Art no longer had any subsequent cultivation method. He absolutely could not allow this to interrupt the rhythm of his immortal cultivation.
More than 2 years ago, he had already left a purchase request. He did not know whether it had borne any fruit. If it failed, he would have no choice but to switch to another cultivation method.
The internal situation of Daze Market had grown even more severe.
As soon as Chen Sanshi entered the trading district, he saw that within the market there were now not only members of the Li family and the Demon-Suppression Bureau, but also disciples of the Shengyun Sect and a large number of outside independent cultivators. It looked like a chaotic mix of fish and dragons, no longer as orderly as before.
The bulletin boards at every intersection were plastered with an increasing number of wanted notices.
Chen Sanshi and Xiao Feng aside, the number of wanted notices concerning demonic cultivators had surged dramatically.
Among them, the two with the highest bounties were the Seven Kill Sect and the Zhuxian Sect.
To the west of Heavenly Water Isle lay two major continents: one called Western Niuhe Continent, the other Chaotic Desolation Yong Continent. The former was ruled by the Buddhist path, while the latter was filled with demonic sects.
The Seven Kill Sect was one of the demonic sects of Chaotic Desolation Yong Continent.
In fact, Daze Market was geographically close to Chaotic Desolation Yong Continent, but due to the vastness of the territory, this was usually not apparent.
In recent years, border frictions had been frequent. The demonic sects of Chaotic Desolation Yong Continent were eager to invade Heavenly Water Isle, treating this rich land as blood sustenance to be devoured entirely.
It was said that the Seven Kill Sect's frequent activity in Daze Market was related to this.
As for the Zhuxian Sect, it was rather special.
It did not belong to any particular demonic continent, yet it maintained forces across various continents of the world, frequently active and killing everywhere.
The wanted notice stated that not long ago, disciples of the Zhuxian Sect had infiltrated a city and slaughtered several independent cultivators. Afterward, in the area around Small Stone Village, they had killed more than a dozen Demon-Suppression Guards of the Demon-Suppression Bureau.
"Small Stone Village?"
Chen Sanshi remembered clearly that Li Ping'an's family lived there. He did not know whether they had been implicated. He could find time to check.
Without lingering, he passed quietly through the market and headed to the black market on Lake-Heart Island, where he found the middleman.
"The Swallowing Fire Art?"
Duan Silu stroked his chin. After recalling for a moment, he said, "Fellow Daoist, your luck is truly good! I actually did manage to gather information about the relevant cultivation method, and it can be cultivated all the way to the Golden Core realm."
"Oh?"
Chen Sanshi asked, "At what price?"
"The other party does not want spirit stones, nor any magical artifacts."
Duan Silu paused. "The seller wants to offer the cultivation method as a bounty."
"A bounty?"
Upon hearing this, Chen Sanshi was already somewhat disappointed. Clearly, he would not risk his life to carry out someone else's task merely for the sake of a cultivation method.
But since he was already here, he still asked, "May I ask what this bounty requires me to do?"
"This…"
Duan Silu stood up, walked to the wooden hut's door and peered outside for a long while. After tightly shutting all doors and windows and pasting up soundproof talismans, he lowered his voice and said, "It's related to the Li family."
"The Li family?"
Chen Sanshi nodded. "Specifically?"
"For more detailed matters, it's not convenient to say right now."
Duan Silu replied, "You'll need to speak directly with the seller when the time comes."
"Fellow Daoist."
Chen Sanshi's tone grew heavier as he said word by word, "You are the seller, aren't you?"
Duan Silu paused, and a wary voice came from beneath the mask. "How did you know?"
"You were a bit too careless."
Chen Sanshi said calmly, "What are the odds? Nearly 3 years apart, and just as I arrive at the black market, someone happens to offer the Swallowing Fire Art as a bounty.
"Moreover, if you were merely an intermediary, you would only be responsible for introductions. How would you know the matter is related to the Li family?
"It seems that even within this black market, people from various sects and factions are present. Why not reveal your identity directly? It would make our discussion much easier."
"Heh…"
Duan Silu let out two indifferent chuckles. "Since we've already come this far, I'm not afraid of you reporting me."
As he spoke, he took out a wooden token from his waist.
Chen Sanshi did not reach out to take it. Instead, he used mana to suspend it midair. On the surface of the token were engraved two characters: Zhuxian.
He teased, "You're really not afraid that I'll seize you right now and exchange you for the bounty?"
"Suit yourself."
Duan Silu retrieved the token and shrugged. "A dead pig isn't afraid of boiling water. I stopped wanting to live a long time ago."
"Your disputes are not something I wish to involve myself in, so you may rest assured—no one will come to arrest you."
Chen Sanshi said evenly, "However, I will certainly not cooperate with members of a demonic sect. Farewell."
"Wait!"
Duan Silu called out to stop him. "The Zhuxian Sect is a demonic sect—but not entirely a demonic sect!"
Chen Sanshi found that difficult to understand.
"Why must you view people with prejudice? Setting other matters aside, since its founding, the Zhuxian Sect has never indiscriminately slaughtered innocents. We are not like those from Chaotic Desolation Yong Continent or Southern Jambu Continent!"
Duan Silu emphasized, "It is precisely because you have successfully established your foundation that I am willing to take the risk to recruit you. As for whether we can cooperate—why not set a time to discuss it properly before making a decision?
"Our ultimate objective is merely to eliminate several major families, including the Li family. If you are an independent cultivator, even if you do not agree with us, there is no reason for you to oppose us.
"After all, the majority of resources in Northern Yang Dao(Beiyang Dao) are monopolized by them. That has nothing to do with us in the first place!"
These words made Chen Sanshi glance at him sideways.
After pondering for a moment, he asked, "Only the Li family destroyed—no harm to innocent independent cultivators or mortals?"
If that were truly the case, then the enemy of one's enemy could indeed be a friend.
"Exactly!"
Seeing that the other party was tempted, Duan Silu pressed on while the iron was hot. "If you cooperate with us, we won't play any tricks like blood oaths. We can directly give you the subsequent cultivation method of the Swallowing Fire Art. We can even help you search in advance for methods beyond Golden Core!
"It's normal for you to have doubts.
"How about this!
"In 10 days, let's meet at the teahouse in Daze Market to discuss the details.
"That place is right under the Li family's nose. No one will dare to set a trap. What do you say?"
"Very well."
After some thought, Chen Sanshi agreed. "We'll meet in 10 days. Farewell."
"No need to see you off!"
Chen Sanshi took a boat away from Lake-Heart Island. As he recalled the earlier conversation, he felt that this disciple of the Zhuxian Sect had a somewhat unhinged air.
As for whether his words were true or false, that remained uncertain for now.
Not long after returning to the market, Sima Yao, who had gone to gather information, arrived at the agreed meeting place.
Chen Sanshi said lightly, "Well?"
"The situation is complicated."
Sima Yao lowered his voice. "Recently, various demonic sects, families, and the Demon-Suppression Bureau have all become intertwined. The Ascension Convention and the Nine Nether Forbidden Land are occurring around the same time. On top of that, people from the Shengyun Sect have arrived. The entire Northern Yang Dao is in utter chaos."
Chen Sanshi responded in a deep tone, "Focus on the matter of the seal."
"Most of Northern Yang Dao is actually under the jurisdiction of the Shengyun Sect. Therefore, the matter of breaking the seal has ultimately been handed over to them.
"For this reason, the Shengyun Sect even dispatched a Golden Core elder.
"However—"
Sima Yao changed his tone. "The major families of Northern Yang Dao do not seem particularly willing."
"Unwilling?"
Chen Sanshi asked, "How would breaking the seal affect them?"
"It seems it would—and significantly so."
Sima Yao gave a faint smile. "These Foundation Establishment families may appear imposing locally, but before the sects above them, what do they amount to? If the Shengyun Sect ordered them all to get lost, they wouldn't dare utter a single word."
"Only…"
He continued, "What exactly they intend to do remains unclear. However, judging from the Li family's reaction, nothing should happen in the short term."
"Golden Core…"
Chen Sanshi could not help but recall Huang Laojiu, the Supreme Elder of the Guiyuan Sect. Merely the escape technique he displayed was far beyond anything a Foundation Establishment cultivator could compare to. If they were to truly engage in combat, it would not even be a contest of a single move.
The situation had grown even more complicated.
Once again, it was that feeling of being unable to control one's own fate…
In the end, the reason was still the same—his strength was not great enough.
"Let's go."
Though a sense of urgency welled up in his heart, his expression remained as calm as a placid lake. Leading Sima Yao away from the market, he made a detour to Small Stone Village before heading to their next meeting point.
The once peaceful village had, at some unknown time, become dilapidated and deathly silent.
The old willow tree at the entrance had been snapped in half at the waist, the cross-section smooth and flat. On both sides of the yellow dirt road, more than half of the thatched huts and mud-brick houses had collapsed. Charred roof beams lay strewn across the road, and severed limbs, left uncollected, lay exposed under the blazing sun.
"This place should have gone through a battle of spells."
Sima Yao said unhurriedly, "Incidents like this happen frequently in Heavenly Water Isle. The scene in this village isn't even considered that severe.
"In the past, when this subject was in Lingqu Dao, I once witnessed two Nascent Soul cultivators suddenly begin fighting over a disagreement. Several cities were destroyed outright."
He paused, then asked, "Your Majesty came here—do you have an old acquaintance?"
Chen Sanshi did not answer. He simply walked deeper into the village. When he saw that the fenced yard at the far end of the village corner remained intact, he finally let out a faint sigh of relief.
"I-Is that Master Ping'an?"
Before he could step inside, a weak female voice suddenly sounded from behind him.
Turning to look, he saw a pale-faced, gaunt woman.
With a metallic rasp, Sima Yao's blade was half-drawn from its sheath before Chen Sanshi pressed it back down. In a low voice, he asked, "How did you recognize me?"
The woman gave a bitter smile. "Other than you, no one else would come to our home."
"You're…"
Looking at her, she appeared gravely ill. "Do you need my help?"
The spirit pills and wondrous medicines used by cultivators could not be taken by ordinary people. They contained spiritual grain and other spirit plants rich in energy, which mortal flesh could neither endure nor digest.
But at the very least, he could find some restorative tonics used by the lowest-tier martial artists. Though judging from the severity of her condition, they might not be of much use…
"N-No, no need—"
To his surprise, the woman refused nervously. Then she handed over a bamboo basket. "Master Ping'an, please trouble yourself to deliver these gold, silver, food, and drink to Grandfather and Grandmother."
After saying that, she did not wait for a response. Leaning on a wooden stick as a crutch, she hurriedly left the village.
Chen Sanshi had no choice but to comply. Carrying the bamboo basket, he entered the fenced yard and pushed open the wooden gate, seeing the elderly couple, Old Man Li and his wife, who had aged considerably.
"The girl came?"
Old Man Li looked at the contents of the basket and hurriedly stood up to peer outside. "She left?"
Chen Sanshi did not have the heart to tell him that the woman's life was nearing its end. After exchanging a few simple pleasantries, he asked about what had happened in the village.
"Who knows…"
Old Man Li sighed. "That night, first some immortal masters from the city came to select women. Then someone attacked them. After that, a third group arrived, and finally the court's Demon-Suppression Bureau. In total, several waves of people came one after another. How could we tell who was who?
"In any case, those who can fly and burrow through the earth—once they're displeased, people die…"
"Several waves of people?"
Chen Sanshi pondered.
Could it truly have nothing to do with the Zhuxian Sect?
Whether it was true or false would require further observation.
Right now, he had one overwhelming impression—
Disorder.
Utter disorder.
It was likely not just Northern Yang Dao. Perhaps all of Heavenly Water Isle—indeed, the entire cultivation world—was like this: foul miasma everywhere, the common people unable to make a living.
After bidding farewell to Old Man Li, Chen Sanshi made up his mind. Once he finished dealing with the matters at hand, he would ask whether the elderly couple was willing. If they agreed, he would send them to Eastern Divine Continent to live out their remaining years in peace.
Who knew where that brat Li Ping'an had run off to over these past years.
Leaving Small Stone Village, Chen Sanshi and Sima Yao met Zhang Shun at the agreed time.
Under his guidance, the three of them quickly arrived at the site of the Ascension Convention.
The so-called "Ascension Convention" was an arena where independent cultivators fought over Foundation Establishment Pills. Nearly every Dao throughout Heavenly Water Isle held one.
In recent days, Northern Yang Dao's Ascension Convention had reached its most intense stage. On average, more than 2 late-stage Qi Refining cultivators were either severely injured or killed each day.
The arena was located atop a mountain peak.
Those responsible for maintaining order were elders dispatched by various families, along with disciples of the Shengyun Sect.
Their own family members and sect disciples were not allowed to participate in the Ascension Convention. It was specially prepared for independent cultivators.
Even so, with thousands of independent cultivators competing for 1 or 2 Foundation Establishment Pills, the scene was extremely bloody.
"Brother Cui! The immortal path is boundless and vast; between heaven and earth there is only a single thread of survival. Since we meet on the arena today, do not blame me for showing no mercy!"
"Brother Zhao, I desire the Foundation Establishment Pill, but I do not wish to harm the brotherhood between us. Let's stop at a decisive point. What do you say?"
"Enough nonsense—let us determine superiority and decide life or death!"
On the arena, two independent cultivators who had been matched by lot were clearly once brothers. But once they began fighting, they quickly lost themselves in bloodlust.
In the end, it was the cultivator who initially declared "life or death" who softened at the final moment, while the one who had proposed "stopping at a decisive point" struck ruthlessly, seizing the opportunity to deliver a fatal blow.
"There's no helping it."
Sima Yao sighed. "The best spirit veins and resources have long been occupied by families and sects. Even if later independent cultivators possess excellent aptitude, the vast majority can only choose to serve one or the other."
"In truth, these independent cultivators are mistaken."
Zhang Shun said, "They shouldn't be killing one another. They should unite and rise up together."
"How difficult would that be?"
Sima Yao replied awkwardly, "In the mortal world, there are still martial artists to suppress them. To accomplish anything, one must have a sect's support. In the cultivation world, even if a few independent cultivators occasionally rise to great power, they only pursue their own longevity. Who would bother about the life or death of others?"
"Sigh… in any case, we can forget about the Ascension Convention."
Zhang Shun said frankly, "The court's resources can only be sought from the Nine Nether Forbidden Land. I've already inquired about its opening time—approximately 6 months from now. As usual, everyone will be allowed to participate."
"And what about Dusk Valley?"
Chen Sanshi asked.
"Dusk Valley's situation is not optimistic."
Zhang Shun said solemnly, "Over the past 2 years, the Bai family has faced increasingly severe isolation. No member of the Bai family is allowed to enter any marketplace of the Seven Great Families. Ordinary independent cultivators are no longer permitted to cooperate with them either, under the pretext that they are suspected of colluding with demonic cultivators.
"Half a year ago, the Bai family even had friction with the Zhu family. Someone was accidentally killed, and now they're practically on the verge of open war."
"And the Shengyun Sect does nothing?"
If Chen Sanshi remembered correctly, the Shengyun Sect governed most regions of Northern Yang Dao.
"They won't interfere."
Sima Yao said calmly, "Back when the Shengyun Sect helped the former court's Emperor Longqing wage war, several nearby families sent people to assist. Only the Bai family tried to remain aloof.
"Moreover, in disputes among subordinate forces, it has always depended on who has deeper connections within the sect. Whoever has stronger ties is in the right.
"The Li family, the Zhu family, and the others all have many disciples within the Shengyun Sect.
"But since the Shengyun Sect does not transmit martial arts, it has no real ties with the Bai family. The fact that it hasn't joined forces with the other families to deal with the Bai family already counts as giving them face."
"Let's go. To Dusk Valley."
Chen Sanshi gave the order.
There was still some time before the Nine Nether Forbidden Land opened. He still needed to find ways to exchange for some resources and raise his strength as much as possible.
Moreover—
Given the current situation, a family like the Bai family, isolated by the entirety of Northern Yang Dao, was undoubtedly a natural ally of the Great Han.
In the future, when dealing with Daze Market, they might prove useful.
The three of them stopped watching and quietly left the Ascension Convention.
At the foot of the mountain, Chen Sanshi unexpectedly ran into an old acquaintance—a Shengyun Sect disciple surnamed Wang.
Had they not met today, Chen Sanshi would have nearly forgotten this person's existence. Back during the war, the man had simply disappeared midway through the fighting.
Unexpectedly, upon meeting again, he was already a middle stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, even one minor realm higher in immortal cultivation than Chen Sanshi.
The Shengyun Sect was the highest authority overseeing the Ascension Convention. Wang stood at the mountain gate, appearing to maintain order.
Unlike most sect disciples, who were arrogant toward independent cultivators, he greeted each passerby with a smile, seeming quite amiable.
On Wang Jun's shoulder stood an ugly, strange bird.
It was precisely this strange bird that caused the Bluebird inside Chen Sanshi's Storage Bag to stir restlessly.
'Revenge?'
He could sense the thoughts of his spirit pet.
More than 10 years ago, outside Qiantang Prefecture, the Bluebird seemed to have had some grievance with that Cold Iron Bird. For over a decade, it had remembered it day and night.
Unexpectedly, they had truly met again.
"Be good. Now is not the time."
Chen Sanshi soothed the Bluebird. He nodded in acknowledgment to Wang, who had cast him a glance, then did not look back and quickened his pace to leave.
Wang watched the departing figure without sensing anything amiss, merely seeing off the flow of passersby.
"Senior Brother Wang!"
A fellow disciple approached. "The elder has given orders. After supervising the Ascension Convention, you are to remain in Daze Market to assist with breaking the seal."
"Me?"
Wang Jun's expression grew solemn. "After the Ascension Convention, I intended to return to the sect and enter seclusion."
"That won't do, Senior Brother Wang."
The disciple said, "The elder specifically named you."
Wang frowned.
More than 10 years ago, he had narrowly avoided that great war and returned to the Shengyun Sect's mountain gate, focusing wholeheartedly on secluded cultivation to establish his foundation.
After emerging from seclusion and inquiring about the outcome, sure enough—not a single one had returned alive.
For the past decade, he had kept a low profile, avoiding all disputes as much as possible. Not long ago, he broke through to the middle stage of Foundation Establishment, only to be summoned here by the sect.
This time, it seemed the commotion would be even greater. They intended to break the seal at all costs.
Moreover, Wang had noticed the undercurrents surging throughout Northern Yang Dao recently. He had no way of predicting how much turmoil and danger lay ahead.