Chapter 144: Someone Stirring Trouble
“Brother Lin, recently quite a number of second-rank pills and talismans have been showing up in the marketplace, there are really many outsiders around.”
Sitting inside the trading marketplace, Old Hu spoke in his usual careless manner, but the smile on his face could not be concealed.
The more good things the marketplace (black market) had, the more people it naturally attracted, and the more profit they earned.
“Old Hu, it’s not just here. Over the past few years, too many cultivators have gathered in Tianxuan City. Pills, talismans, magical artifacts… I’ve even heard that second-rank formations have appeared in the black market.”
Lin Chang’an shook his head. His little stock of talismans and pills was nothing eye-catching.
Besides, Tianxuan City was so vast, and theirs was not the only black market. Good things showed up all the time.
“That’s true. But Brother Lin, you haven’t seen the female cultivators of Shayun Kingdom. Their attire is full of exotic charm, unlike our Yue Kingdom—far too proper and serious.”
On the upper floor of a tavern in the marketplace, watching Old Hu’s words grow more and more outrageous, Lin Chang’an was rendered speechless.
“Old Hu, if you truly have the intention, it’s not impossible.”
Faced with Lin Chang’an’s jest, Old Hu waved his hands repeatedly and shook his head.
“Don’t even think about it! I, Old Hu, just like to talk big for fun. It wasn’t easy to cultivate to this point, I can’t afford to be dragged down.”
As the marketplace business grew more and more prosperous—especially the one under their jurisdiction—the deterrence of six Foundation Establishment cultivators sitting in charge was considerable.
This also made them realize the benefits of building up a force.
“Just look at Old Jia. After decades of hard work, he was just one step away, but in the end he gave up. Truly a pity.”
When Old Hu mentioned this old friend who had shifted his focus to his descendants, he sighed helplessly, his eyes full of regret.
On the path of cultivation, another like-minded Daoist companion had stopped moving forward.
Along the way, they had seen too many who, for various reasons, gave up the pursuit of cultivation, and instead chose to give their blessings to those who still pressed on.
And walking this path themselves, they had felt the weight of this loneliness.
“Alas, things are getting messier lately. More demon beasts have appeared, and at the same time more people are taking advantage of the chaos or hiding sinister intentions. Several incidents have already broken out inside the marketplace.
Although disciples of Master Lu lead Tianxuan City’s guards to defend, Master Lu has been in closed-door cultivation for years. How could he possibly manage everything?”
Even their marketplace usually had to keep two Foundation Establishment cultivators stationed. That showed just how chaotic it had become.
“Yes, the storm is about to come. I wonder how many more years this false peace can last.”
Lin Chang’an let out a long sigh, shaking his head as he looked out the window at the hurried cultivators searching for desired treasures in the black market. The scene felt familiar.
It was as if he saw himself from years ago.
Back then, he had also been one among the endless sea of people below, always fearful of being targeted, forced to tread with utmost caution in everything.
“You think one or two Foundation Establishment cultivators causing trouble would be enough to activate Tianxuan City’s grand formation? And besides, so many cultivators from the Seven Kingdoms have come.
Outwardly they all say nice things, claiming they’re here for the beast tide, but in truth aren’t they eyeing these resources and benefits? Many of them even hope Tianxuan City falls into chaos so they can fish in troubled waters and snatch some gains.”
Regarding such thoughts, Old Hu sneered coldly. Everyone knew this in their hearts.
One could only say that the native cultivators of Tianxuan City, who were rooted and dependent here, were in fact the least willing to see chaos erupt.
Thus, locals and outsiders were naturally bound for conflict.
Outsiders cared nothing for Tianxuan City’s stability, and so their actions tended to be wanton.
In their minds, there was always a thought: At worst, I can just leave. What can you do to me?
“Hm?”
As he and Old Hu chatted, their expressions suddenly shifted. From afar, a stall was clearly in dispute.
And judging from the aura, it was unmistakably Foundation Establishment cultivators.
“Damn it, those outsiders are causing trouble again.”
Old Hu snorted angrily, slamming down his wine cup heavily before flying off.
Lin Chang’an shook his head with a sigh, then followed.
Such incidents had become increasingly frequent. And this, in itself, proved one thing—
That Master Lu’s long absence was causing Tianxuan City’s authority to gradually weaken.
…
In front of a black market stall.
“You bastard thing! This magical artifact belonged to my Martial Nephew. You had better hand it over now, and explain clearly how you obtained it.”
Two burly Foundation Establishment cultivators glared furiously. Having seen a relic of their Martial Nephew here, anger was inevitable.
But the stall owner was only a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator. Under the oppression of two Foundation Establishment cultivators, his face turned pale, though he forced himself to explain through his fear.
“Two seniors, this was something I stumbled upon when hunting demon beasts with a friend…”
“Bullshit! You shady brat, show your true face at once, and confess all your accomplices!”
Just as the two brawny Foundation Establishment cultivators roared angrily and prepared to force the Qi Refining cultivator, a cold light flashed.
“Swish!”
The two burly cultivators shouted coldly as well, activating their mana shields to resist. Yet with a crisp sound, cracks appeared on their protective barriers.
Their pupils shrank, a hint of dread flashing in their eyes.
“More trouble again. Do you outsiders truly not understand the rules, or do you simply not fear death?”
With cold light gleaming, a flying dagger appeared, then fell before Old Hu.
Old Hu seemed casual as he looked at the two, but his aura was anything but weak. In his hand he wielded a long blade, and around the blade hovered three smaller daggers—clearly a rare set-type magical artifact.
At this time, Lin Chang’an also appeared. With a calm face, he shielded the stall cultivator behind him. In his palm, the Green Bamboo Sword shimmered with sword light.
“Two Daoist friends, being in a foreign land, certain rules ought to be followed.”
With Old Hu and Lin Chang’an—two mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators—standing forth, many within the black market felt reassured.
But the two outsiders, one mid-stage and one early-stage Foundation Establishment, were not intimidated in the least. Instead, they barked coldly:
“This man killed my Martial Nephew. Could it be you two intend to oppose us over a mere Qi Refining cultivator?”
Looking for trouble!
Exchanging a glance, Lin Chang’an and Old Hu immediately understood.
It wasn’t envy over their black market profits; more likely they were being used to sow chaos in Tianxuan City, and they just happened to be caught up in it.
But that no longer mattered.
Old Hu’s face had already turned cold. He had invested most of his wealth into this black market, and had yet to even earn it back.
Not to mention the cultivation resources supplied by the market each month—someone daring to cause trouble here was his mortal enemy.
Just then, a voice-transmission entered their ears.
“Brother Lin!”
“Old Hu!”
Meeting each other’s eyes, the two instantly reached a tacit understanding. Lin Chang’an’s expression sharpened.
“Such arrogance. Outside this marketplace, we don’t interfere. But as long as you’re inside, anyone who dares break the rules—don’t blame us for being merciless.”
With a cold face, Old Hu’s long blade exuded a sharp, fierce aura.
The surrounding cultivators watching the spectacle quickly retreated far away.
“Good! Very good! Just a bunch of rogue cultivators banded together to form a black market, and now you dare spout about rules?
You rabble of vagrants are nothing but clowns unworthy of the stage!”
In an instant, the two Foundation Establishment cultivators shouted angrily, their bodies radiating a bronze glow.
Seeing this, Old Hu cried out a warning:
“Brother Lin, be careful! These two are cultivators of Shayun Kingdom’s Vajra Sect. They walk the path of body refinement!”
Yet in that very instant, a massive golden bell brimming with awe-inspiring might crashed down from the sky, slamming shut over the mid-stage cultivator with a thunderous boom.
It happened so fast that the two Shayun Kingdom cultivators were caught off guard.
Old Hu’s heart leapt in shock. His Brother Lin usually seemed like a refined gentleman of the scholarly Dao, yet when it came to fighting, he was even quicker than a robber cultivator.
“Senior Brother!”
With one instantly suppressed, the early-stage cultivator of Shayun Kingdom was filled with fury and shock.
He had never expected these two rogue cultivators to strike so decisively and ruthlessly.
“Despicable!”
With the clash of metal, a streak of azure sword light slashed toward him from behind.
Meanwhile, Old Hu was not idle either. Three flying daggers shot straight for his opponent’s eyes and groin, while the long blade in his hand pressed forward.
“Body cultivator! Do you really think yourself so mighty? I, Old Hu, refuse to believe your skin is tougher than that of a demon beast!”
At the same time, the black market’s formation activated, instantly cutting off any chance of escape.
This sight threw many cultivators in the market into panic. But they weren’t fools—once the formation was activated, anyone causing trouble here was as good as a trapped dog.
In the instant Foundation Establishment cultivators clashed, Lin Chang’an and Old Hu worked seamlessly together, striking with speed against strength.
Two Foundation Establishment cultivators fought ruthlessly, striking only at vital points whenever they attacked.
“You dare!”
“Hahaha! The Vajra Sect flaunts its might, but this is the Yue Kingdom. If your Shayun Kingdom wants to come here, you’d best first slaughter your way through the two countries in between.”
Old Hu’s killing intent surged. To sabotage his marketplace was a grudge of blocking his path. If he did not kill and warn others today, wouldn’t they be pinched at will in the future?
The mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator trapped beneath the Yellow Dragon Bell roared in fury, frantically attacking the bell.
But though the humming tolls of the bell echoed unceasingly, it remained unmoved.
“Brother Lin!”
“Coming!”
Body cultivators might be strong, but their opponents were two mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, and moreover Old Hu and Lin Chang’an were sword cultivators with tremendous offensive power.
In the blink of an eye, several wounds already appeared on the early-stage Foundation Establishment body cultivator. Startled and enraged, he shouted: “If you dare kill me, the Vajra Sect will never forgive you!”
“Die!”
Causing trouble in Tianxuan City meant Master Lu would take the blame.
Old Hu lifted his hand, instantly binding the man with a chain-type magical artifact.
At the same time, Lin Chang’an raised his hand, throwing down five second-rank Ice Talismans as insurance.
Then the two flew high into the air together.
[Giant Sword Technique]
The next moment, countless cultivators stared in shock at the black market’s skies.
Two dazzling lights appeared above: one a massive azure greatsword, the other a radiant golden blade.
The sword and blade shone with sword-light and blade-light spanning over ten zhang. The early-stage body cultivator below was utterly terrified.
“No! Daoist friends, I will leave immediately…”
“Die!”
With cold gazes, Lin Chang’an and Old Hu pinched their sword seals.
The two giant weapons, carrying divine might, crashed down. The body cultivator let out a furious, unwilling howl.
The defensive artifact before him was torn apart, and even his proud physical body could not withstand it.
This was the full-force strike of two mid-stage sword cultivators. Not to mention an early-stage body cultivator—even a late-stage body cultivator would not dare take such a blow head-on.
“Junior Brother!”
Amidst the surging dust, the mid-stage cultivator trapped under the Yellow Dragon Bell roared in shock and fury. He had not expected two rogue cultivators to be so ruthless.
Boom!
With a dull roar, the trapped man managed to lift the Yellow Dragon Bell.
The bell rang loudly as it spun back into Lin Chang’an’s palm. This was because he had not unleashed its full power.
After all, the Yellow Dragon Bell was a top-grade magical artifact; it was better kept hidden.
“Today’s matter will not…”
The Shayun Kingdom cultivator tried to utter threats while fleeing, but before he could finish, a cold light pierced from behind.
His defensive artifacts barely blocked the strike, but when he turned, he saw with horror a black-clad female cultivator staring coldly at him.
The spear in her hand radiated icy qi. With a rebound strike, it shattered his defenses and lunged forward.
“Pfft!”
Blood spurted from his chest. His eyes widened in disbelief.
The newcomer was Yun Yao. It had all happened in a flash.
From her appearance, to blasting aside his defensive artifact, to delivering a fatal spear thrust—everything took place within an instant.
“How… how could this be…”
“Shouldn’t you leave behind an explanation for today’s matter?”
Yun Yao’s cold voice resounded across the marketplace. The long spear in her hand emitted waves of frost, while the cultivator’s flesh visibly turned pale under a layer of ice.
“Late… Foundation Establishment…”
His hoarse voice trembled as the terrifying icy force froze his mana within, leaving him utterly powerless.
With a clean flick of her spear, Yun Yao felled a mid-stage cultivator just like that.
It had happened far too quickly.
In mere moments, two foreign Foundation Establishment cultivators had caused trouble—and then perished.
This both shocked and reassured the countless cultivators in the black market.
When Lin Chang’an saw Yun Yao standing proudly with spear in hand, he froze slightly.
The scene felt familiar. Back at the Prince’s Residence, he had once taught this Little County Princess a spear technique.
The next instant, as the marketplace’s formation dispersed, the news that a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator had appeared spread like wildfire.
Tianxuan City’s patrol arrived belatedly, but their spirit stones had not been paid in vain. Tianxuan City shouldered the responsibility, announcing publicly that they would handle the matter.
…
“My goodness! No wonder Fairy Yun had Brother Lin watching the market these days. She was actually in seclusion, breaking through her bottleneck.”
In the black market tavern, Old Hu looked at Yun Yao with open envy. Late-stage Foundation Establishment!
Even within Tianxuan City, few could claim such cultivation.
“Congratulations, Daoist Yun.”
Lin Chang’an cupped his hands with envy as well.
Back when Yun Yao prepared for Foundation Establishment, he had still been in Qi Refining. By the time he prepared for Foundation Establishment, Yun Yao was already mid-stage.
Now, just as he had broken through to mid-stage, she had stepped into late-stage.
They were always a step apart, though Lin Chang’an believed the gap would shrink with time.
“Brother Lin, you are too polite. After bitter cultivation for years, I finally broke through the bottleneck.”
Yun Yao spoke with emotion. Old Hu might not know, but Lin Chang’an understood clearly.
Yun Yao was not yet seventy, yet already a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. Within a hundred years she could complete Foundation Establishment and begin striving for Core Formation.
Far too young.
Everyone sighed with emotion, though Old Hu could not hide his joy.
Their black market business was already profitable, and many were watching it in secret. Now, with a late-stage cultivator sitting in town, the deterrence was enormous.
Though profits would need some redistribution, overall they stood to gain far more.
In the cultivation world, strength was everything. With Yun Yao’s late-stage cultivation, they would gladly yield some profit.
“The Shayun Kingdom has always been fierce and brutal, known as barbaric bandits. Of the Seven Kingdoms, they are the most disliked. This time, it may well be someone’s instigation.”
The reason Lin Chang’an and Old Hu had been so decisive earlier was because they had already received Yun Yao’s secret transmission.
The profits of the black market were too tempting. Without needing to risk hunting demon beasts, they could enjoy enormous resources, which inevitably drew envy.
As well as cultivators with hidden motives trying to disrupt Tianxuan City.
Thus, even before opening the black market, they had long prepared for such outcomes.
“Gains always come with losses. But overall, with Tianxuan City as our backing, outsiders wouldn’t dare go too far, while we dare to kill without hesitation.”
Lin Chang’an nodded secretly. The benefits they gave Tianxuan City were not for nothing.
Outsiders might stir trouble, but if they truly fought, they feared Tianxuan City’s retribution.
Of course, some might cause chaos once and then leave immediately.
But they were different. They were part of Tianxuan City itself, and followed its rules.
Now that someone had broken them, their harsh response was only natural.
Otherwise, why would Tianxuan City allow these black markets to exist? Weren’t they tools at times?
But tools or not, Tianxuan City truly bore the responsibility.
If the knife killed someone, no one blamed the knife, but the hand that wielded it.
“Come, let’s drink a toast to celebrate Fairy Yun.”
Old Hu’s face glowed with joy.
They had killed, Tianxuan City bore the responsibility, and their black market gained reputation to deter petty troublemakers.
They had profited greatly.