Immortality and Cultivation: Starting with Harvesting the Talents of Demonic Beasts

Chapter 315 Demonic Transformation, All Reaching Core Formation

Inside the elegant rooms of the enormous painted ship.

Lin Changheng almost brushed past the two cultivators, a man and a woman.

Their auras were extremely deep and profound, without any concealment. Lin Changheng didn't need to investigate much to know that they were all peak Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Among them, the female cultivator dressed in magnificent palace attire, with her hair piled high and her face stunningly beautiful, had apparently met Lin Changheng once before.

Lin Changheng had seen this woman before at the auction held in Xinfang, under the jurisdiction of the Bixiao Sect.

However, at that time she was accompanied by a group of late-stage Foundation Establishment guards, making quite a show of force that made people afraid to look directly at her.

At that time, Lin Changheng even tried to compete with this woman for a [Wildfire Pill] that could help second-tier spirit beasts break through to the next level. He planned to give it to Xiaobai, who was preparing to break through, but he was met with threatening looks from her guards.

I could only give up with a wry smile.

Those who understand the times are heroes. Lin Changheng was a lone wolf, and at that time he was only a mid-Foundation Establishment cultivator. If he could face a group of fierce late-Foundation Establishment guards and a peak Foundation Establishment cultivator.
At that time, Lin Changheng guessed that this woman was extremely noble and must possess many treasures and skills, so he had no choice but to withdraw from the bidding.

To avoid being killed and having your remains burned to ashes.

Unexpectedly, we met again on a painted boat in the [Immortal City of Extreme Mountains].

Of course, Lin Changheng's appearance is ever-changing, so this woman wouldn't, and couldn't possibly, remember him.

"More than twenty years have passed, and this woman, who is at the peak of Foundation Establishment, still hasn't broken through to Core Formation?"

Lin Changheng glanced at it briefly, then quickly looked away and calmly watched them leave.

But he couldn't help but mutter to himself.

Logically speaking, with such cultivation level and status, resources should be plentiful, and achieving the Core Formation stage should be too easy for her.

After all, Bai Hengwan, the core of [Floating Life Immortal City] and the youngest disciple of Qinglan Sanren, always held an extremely noble status, but she still couldn't travel with such a grand procession.

This woman's background is probably even more astonishing than Bai Hengwan's.

It's either family, elders, or mentorship!

Lin Changheng thinks these three are more likely.

However, the former is directly inferior, since there are no true alchemy families in Songdi, and the elders and masters who can provide such a display must at least be on par with Qinglan Sanren in terms of cultivation.

Qinglan Sanren's cultivation level is at the late stage of Core Formation!
There are very few people in the Song Dynasty with such cultivation levels!
This leaves only one explanation: the other party most likely doesn't want to easily form a core, looks down on a true core, and is seeking... a golden core!
Otherwise, why waste these twenty years?
……

The man beside him, dressed in a brocade robe, had sharp eyebrows and bright eyes, but when he looked elsewhere, his face carried a hint of arrogance.

When his gaze turned to the palace-clad female cultivator beside him, his expression instantly changed!

The arrogance on his face melted away like ice and snow, quickly turning into a gentle smile, his eyes filled with eagerness.

At this moment, Lin Changheng had already changed his appearance, and his aura had been adjusted through the [Concealing Breath Demon Technique], making him appear unremarkable.

The man in the brocade robe glanced at Lin Changheng, and seeing that his cultivation was "only" at the late stage of Foundation Establishment, he looked away without caring.

There was an inexplicable hint of disdain in his eyes, which, combined with the upturned corners of his mouth, was simply infuriating!
The palace-dressed nun glanced at Lin Changheng, this "stranger," with her beautiful eyes like autumn water, and politely nodded slightly, but did not pay much attention to him.

Lin Changheng didn't even look at the man in the brocade robe. He nodded slightly in response to the female cultivator and then left the private room.

But inwardly, he was already sneering.

I thought that once you reach the Foundation Establishment stage, there would be far fewer people like this. After all, those who can cultivate to this level should have some shrewdness and insight.

Unexpectedly, in this [Extreme Mountain Immortal City], I would encounter such a shallow person! That man in brocade robes is only at the peak of Foundation Establishment, yet he dares to look down on me based on just one glance? He truly doesn't know anything!
He wasn't angry because he was looked down upon; at his level of understanding and mindset, he no longer cared about the opinions of such irrelevant people.

He just found it absurd and laughable. It seemed that no matter how high or low one's cultivation level was, there would always be such short-sighted people in the cultivation world who judged people by their superficial cultivation level.

He's probably a spoiled second-generation rich kid who grew up in a privileged environment.

However, if you do this too often, you'll eventually get what's coming to you!

……

At that moment, Lin Changheng arrived at the side of the ship and found that there were already several late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators there.

The four major chambers of commerce clearly knew how to treat guests. They set up a private seating area on the side deck, where spirit fruits and fine wines were placed on low tables. Several musicians played elegant music, and more than ten graceful dancers danced to the music. Their flowing sleeves drew claps and laughter from the late Foundation Establishment stage guests.

Lin Changheng's gaze swept across the crowd, and he was about to find a quiet corner to sit down when he suddenly caught sight of a somewhat familiar figure in the crowd.

again……

Why is it "again"?
Near the ship's side, at a small table, a man dressed as a woodcutter, his hair casually tied up, was drinking alone, his back to the others.

His attire stood out from the other monks' proper attire.

Yet it appears unruly.

It was nearly dusk. He did not watch the singing and dancing, nor did he talk to anyone. He simply looked at the flowing river outside the window and the lights that lit up one by one on the bank, and a sense of loneliness naturally arose in him.

Ye Wugui!
The rogue cultivator Ye Wugui!
He's actually here?
Lin Changheng had encountered this person twice.

One instance was in front of the [Jiazi Secret Realm], when Ye Wugui was still a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator. Lin Changheng traded a rather large [Lava Fire Crystal] with him, and the cooperation was quite pleasant.

Another time was at the auction in Floating Immortal City, where he competed with Lin Changheng for a Core Formation auxiliary medicine under the identity of "Li Feiyu". In the end, Lin Changheng accepted the medicine. Another competitor was Yi Jitian, a prodigy from the South Pole Palace.

This is the third time we've met.

But even if the other party has met him, he won't remember having encountered this person so many times before.

"He came here probably also to try to form his core."

Lin Changheng had a guess that this person should have been at the peak of Foundation Establishment for quite some time.

However, as a rogue cultivator, his access to resources was certainly not as good as that of the man and woman he had just encountered, who could rely on powerful figures. He, like Lin Changheng, could only rely on himself!

This is the drawback of independent cultivators!

Perhaps sensing Lin Changheng's gaze, Ye Wugui turned his head and glanced at Lin Changheng with his weathered eyes.

Lin Changheng was not alarmed when he was noticed. He smiled and nodded at Ye Wugui, then looked away and found a place to sit down.

They began to enjoy the free spirit wine and fruits, as well as the graceful figures of the dancers in the arena.

It must be said that the entertainment activities in [Extreme Mountain Immortal City] are far superior to those in [Purple Extreme Sect] and [Floating Life Immortal City].

Ye Wugui's gaze shifted, but he couldn't discern anything different. He only vaguely felt that the person's gaze was somewhat familiar, but he had seen too many people and things to remember for a moment.

He had no choice but to turn his gaze away and continue looking out of the pleasure boat.

……

But in the elegant room inside the ship's cabin.

The two who had just brushed past Lin Changheng had now walked up to the middle-aged female cultivator's desk.

To everyone's surprise, the woman who had remained motionless in front of Lin Changheng immediately stood up with a beaming smile, her tone clearly respectful and warm: "This humble woman greets Fairy Qu and Young Master Shi!"

"Please register us, Steward Liu." The noble-looking female cultivator in palace attire, whose surname was Qu, spoke in a calm tone, clearly accustomed to such preferential treatment.

"I dare not accept such praise. It is my honor to serve Fairy Qu and Young Master Shi." Steward Liu's smile grew even brighter as she hurriedly took out the registration jade book and began to handle matters for the two of them. Her attitude was completely different from the official and businesslike manner she had shown towards Lin Changheng before.

Furthermore, they did not ask about the two people's hometowns or how they were addressed.

Seeing this, Young Master Shi didn't show anything, clearly used to it as well. He simply snapped open his folding fan and suddenly asked the busy Steward Liu, "That fellow Daoist in black robes just now looked unfamiliar. May I ask where he came from and what his name is?"

"This……"

Manager Liu was taken aback by the question, not expecting it to come out so suddenly. He was momentarily speechless and didn't know how to answer.

After all, the four major merchant guilds are engaged in cultivating relationships with high-level cultivators. Today's late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator may be tomorrow's Core Formation cultivator. No one can predict the outcome of such a connection.

That's why the four major chambers of commerce are investing so widely.

Once you become a couple, and they cherish the past friendship and goodwill, it's a very profitable deal.

Therefore, respect and service are very important for high-level cultivators who are willing to come to the painted boat to participate in the trade fair. Protecting their privacy and not disclosing anything to avoid making them unhappy is also an ironclad rule!
Once it's leaked and discovered by the other party, forget about remembering the good times or the goodwill; you'll be lucky if you don't make enemies!

Manager Liu's smile remained unchanged, but her heart tightened, thinking to herself that this Young Master Shi truly didn't understand etiquette. Having assumed the position of manager in a trade fair jointly organized by the four major merchant guilds, she naturally understood the implications. After a moment's consideration, she smiled with just the right amount of apology:
"Please forgive me, Young Master Shi, but such are the rules of the four major merchant guilds. We must keep the information of all distinguished guests who come to participate in the transaction confidential. If I were to reveal it, I'm afraid I would be kicked out of the guild tomorrow." She explained half-jokingly and half-seriously, pointing out the rules while giving the other party a way out. "However, since that senior has caught your attention, and your discerning eye is always outstanding, known to everyone in Immortal City, the other party must be an extraordinary person."

Her words were perfectly tactful, upholding her principles while also flattering Young Master Shi.

Upon hearing this, Young Master Shi's face flashed with displeasure, but he couldn't press the matter further. After all, he knew the rules of the four major merchant guilds, and if he made a scene over such a trivial matter, he would not only fail to get an answer but also lose face in front of Fairy Qu. He could only reluctantly close his folding fan and snort, "Fine, it was just a casual question."

Fairy Qu remained silent throughout, seemingly indifferent to everything, simply waiting for Steward Liu to complete the formalities.

"However, the senior just now said that he would go to the side to have some spiritual wine and fruit, and enjoy some singing and dancing. Young Master Shi may go there to find him and make friends in person, which would not be a bad thing."

Manager Liu breathed a sigh of relief, then smiled and offered a new solution in an attempt to make amends.

This time, Young Master Shi didn't say anything more, but just tapped his palm with his folding fan, and no one knew what he was thinking.

Seeing this, Steward Liu quickly sped up, respectfully handed the completed vouchers to the two men, and personally escorted them out of the private room.

Her eyes were faintly visible, and she could see that the two of them did not move towards the side of the ship. She then wiped away non-existent cold sweat, knowing in her heart that the matter had passed safely.

At the same time, he also paid attention to that black-robed cultivator. The fact that Young Master Shi specifically asked about him might mean that he was indeed unusual.

Clearly, she hadn't paid any attention to the near miss that had just occurred in the cabin.

Those things that shouldn't be seen or heard, I truly won't touch at all.

……

The high-level cultivator trade fair is in three days.

Lin Changheng did not leave the pleasure boat until the early hours of the morning.

At that time, there were many boats on the river, and groups of cultivators on the banks, bustling about, making it even more lively than when Lin Changheng arrived.

You can even see female cultivators draped in light veils flying onto the river and dancing on the water.

The sounds of string and wind instruments never ceased.

It should be noted that although the Song-Jin War had resulted in a great victory, the pressure on the front lines was still immense, and they could face a counterattack from the Jin forces at any time. However, the decadent scene in the rear made Lin Changheng's eyelids twitch slightly.

It felt strangely familiar.

Such a scene truly existed in the long river of history of my past life.

With a series of swift movements, Lin Changheng weaved and twisted through the inner city streets before safely returning to his cave.

He was so careful because he had some reservations.

He feared that the man in the brocade robe might have a moment of madness and secretly attack him.

Fortunately, his guess did not come true, and there was no tail following him... which was even better.

……

At this moment, Lin Changheng sat cross-legged.

The Dark Flame within his body surged, and the spiritual wine he drank and the spiritual fruits he ate were rapidly refined, becoming the foundation of his cultivation.

"That's really generous."

When Lin Changheng opened his eyes again, a hint of satisfaction and emotion flashed in them.

The spirit wines and fruits provided by the four major merchant guilds are all second-tier items and are not subject to quantity restrictions.

If you eat it and refine it, it will be more or less beneficial to your cultivation.

Although Lin Changheng is wealthy, he is reluctant to indulge in this way of eating and drinking on a regular basis.

Then, Lin Changheng waved his hand and took out two jade bottles.

One of them was filled with crimson poisonous gas.

The other one contained a drop of pitch-black venom that emitted a pungent odor.

They were all obtained from the [Earth Fire Red Lotus Seed].

It is fire poison.

However, the crimson poison gas is a shallow layer of fire poison; while the pitch-black gas is a concentrated, aged fire poison that has turned into liquid.

The sediment has been deposited for nearly a hundred years.

Extremely intense!

He didn't begin immediately, but first used his divine sense and divine light to carefully examine the characteristics of the two bottles of fire poison, and concluded:
The crimson gas is more active and violent, like the embers of a volcanic eruption; while the pitch-black venom is condensed and insidious, like the essence of countless years settled deep within magma, its toxicity restrained yet more deadly.

"The core of the [Fire Poison Demon Art] lies in 'using poison to nourish fire, and fire to enhance the power of poison.' Ordinary toxins, when refined, only enhance their form. These two substances originate from the same source, but their properties differ greatly due to the sedimentation of time. If they can be refined step by step, the poisonous fire may possess both explosive and corrosive characteristics..." He mentally deduced the process and determined a plan to start with the easy and gradually integrate them.

Of course, feeding the two to the [Dark Flame] as nourishment is also an option. The refining of the remaining fire poison last time did have some effect, but the amount was too small. It was like a drop in the ocean for the fire essence needed to upgrade the third-tier [Dark Flame], so we gave up on it.

We don't lack that.

If all goes well, refining these two elements into the [Fire Poison Demon Art] will produce immediate and noticeable effects, transforming it.

Therefore, once the choice is made, one should begin to act.

First, he activated the [Fire Poison Demon Technique], and a wisp of reddish-black "fire poison energy" gathered in his body. Upon slight contact, pain, burning, and numbness simultaneously assaulted his mind, but no real harm was caused.

With a thought, a stream of air rose from his fingertips, rising like smoke, flickering uncertainly.

He carefully drew out a wisp of crimson poisonous gas and slowly swirled it around the rising "fire poison gas".

"laugh--"

When the two touched, they made a slight sound, and the "fire poison" flickered and shifted in color towards red.

"It can devour and merge!" Lin Changheng's spirits lifted!
Next, Lin Changheng focused intently, using his divine sense as a rein to firmly control the fusion process, constantly adjusting the output of his demonic magic, allowing the "fire poison energy" to gradually adapt to and devour this foreign power.

Half an hour later, the crimson poison gas was completely absorbed, and the fire poison gas representing the [Fire Poison Demon Art] stabilized. Its volume expanded slightly, and its reddish-black color began to change. The outer edge remained dark, emitting an aura that was both scorching and corrosive.

"The first step is done. The crucial part is yet to come..."

He took a deep breath, his gaze fixed intently on the drop of pitch-black venom. This substance was extremely potent; the slightest mishap could backfire. He dared not be careless, using his magical power to envelop a hair-thin wisp, slowly sending it towards the "fire poison."

"Buzz!"

The "fire poison" trembled violently, as if a lake had been thrown into a giant rock! The dark red and pitch black colors tangled and clashed wildly, and the intense poison even rebounded through the connection of divine consciousness!

Lin Changheng groaned, his face slightly pale, but his eyes remained calm.

The Evergreen Body operates autonomously, its azure light dissolving the poison's impact. Simultaneously, the [Poison-Dissolving Demonic Technique] surges, while the [Dark Radiance Profound Flame] coils around it, ready to extinguish any fires.

He steadied his mind and fully activated his demonic magic, like taming a wild horse, guiding the core of the fire poison to slowly rotate, extinguishing and absorbing this stubborn venom.

This was an extremely slow and dangerous process. Sweat seeped from his body, was washed away and shaken out by the robe, and it wasn't until late at night that the drop of pitch-black venom was completely absorbed.

"call……"

He let out a long sigh and looked at the "fire poison" that was now coiling and leaping around his fingertips, much thicker than before.

It had now completely turned into a dark red base color, but deep within the heart of the flame, there was a point of condensed, persistent blackness, like the eye of a venomous snake.

The surrounding air was distorted, seemingly corroded, and exuded a chilling, eerie aura.

"It's done!"

Lin Changheng could sense that this transformed [Fire Poison Demon Art] not only possessed the original innate characteristics from the [Poison Fire Bull], but also inherited the stubborn fire poison nature accumulated over a hundred years by the [Earth Fire Red Lotus Seed]. Once it touched the body, it was like a bone-deep carbuncle, extremely difficult to remove, and could also erode magical power and defile the spirituality of objects!
He was quite satisfied and carefully retracted the transformed "fire poison" into his body. Seeing that it did not turn against him and was as obedient and controllable as before, he was completely relieved.

Then the imagination ran wild:
"The power of this [Fire Poison Demon Art] is indeed closely related to the quality of the 'nourishment'. Fire poison refined from ordinary fire-attribute toxins is ultimately inferior. Only by finding such rare and exotic poisons born of heaven and earth can one refine a truly devastating weapon."

Immediately, images of legendary fire-attribute filth such as the "Nine Netherworld Fire Mist Mother," the "Ten Thousand Year Corpse Flame Moss," and even the "Extraterrestrial Heavenly Demon Fire" surfaced in his mind. If these could be refined into fire poison, they could even develop spirituality, undergo infinite transformation, and become incomparably more powerful.

"However, those things are too ethereal and elusive, something you can only come across by chance. Right now, this [Fire Poison Demon Art], enhanced by a century of fire poison, is already incredibly powerful enough to be a decent trump card and another insidious yet effective means of dealing with the enemy."

Lin Changheng was meticulous and did not have unrealistic ambitions.

"The characteristics of this fire lie in its corrosive and continuous damage. It may not be as sharp as the sword embryo when used for direct attacks, but it will definitely be very effective when used for sneak attacks, ambushes, or against body cultivators with strong protective qi and high recovery ability. Moreover... the fire poison and my [Dark Blaze Profound Flame] both belong to the fire element, so using them together will definitely have a better effect."

He habitually considers the position, strengths, weaknesses, and future possibilities of each force.

"In this situation, even a pseudo-core cultivator would be severely affected if I infused this kind of fire poison into their body, and their strength would be reduced by three-tenths. It's truly wonderful!"

……

Lin Changheng originally only wanted to focus on his cultivation and wait patiently for the three-day high-level cultivator trade fair to begin.

The next day, a pale-faced monk came to visit.

"I have no friends in [Immortal City of Extreme Mountains], nor have I expanded my network of contacts. Who would come looking for me?"

Lin Changheng was puzzled, but he still opened the restrictions and the gate at the entrance of the cave.

"I've met Senior Lin."

As soon as he appeared, the pale-faced cultivator immediately greeted him with utmost respect, his attitude perfectly measured.

"May I ask who you are, and what business do you have with me, Lin?"

Upon hearing the words "Senior Lin," Lin Changheng felt a sense of relief, knowing that it was likely related to Zhu Fugui or his wife's family, since he had only used the surname "Lin" in front of these people.

In other places, everyone has the surname "Li," including at the high-level cultivator trade fair.

"I am Gao Huaiyi from the Gao family of Luokun Mountain. There is an important matter that the clan has planned to carry out, and we are looking for a suitable candidate. Fortunately, my son-in-law learned about it and strongly recommended Senior Lin. After discussing it, the clan leaders asked me to come and invite him to discuss whether we can cooperate."

The pale-faced cultivator Gao Huaiyi had clearly prepared his speech, stating his intentions quite clearly and completely, but he temporarily omitted the specific important matters.

Lin Changheng's eyes flickered slightly. He thought that a smart man like Zhu Fugui would not make a fuss about nothing and push him out out of thin air.

In most cases, there is something in this matter that serves one's own interests.

I couldn't help but feel curious.

But on the surface, he said indifferently, "Since it is recommended by Fellow Daoist Zhu, it is not that I cannot meet him. It is just that the specific details are ambiguous, which has left me unprepared."

"This... is indeed not something that can be discussed in public. Even I am not aware of the specifics, and I am afraid of causing any misunderstanding."

Gao Huaiyi stammered, a slight blush rising to his pale face as he revealed an embarrassed smile.

"If possible, Mr. Lin would like to designate the meeting place."

Seeing that he couldn't get anything of value out of the pale-faced cultivator, Lin Changheng settled for a new request.

This is for the sake of stability and security.

"That's perfectly acceptable."

Gao Huaiyi spoke.

And so, the two quickly discussed the matter and agreed to meet at the Lingjiu Restaurant along the river in the inner city five days later.

"It's quite mysterious. If the risk level is too high, I will naturally refuse."

"No matter how great or attractive the returns may be, I will remain unmoved."

Lin Changheng understood this perfectly well, but there was no harm in talking to him about it.

……

This day.

The sky was cloudless and clear.

Suddenly, three clear and melodious bell tolls came from the depths of the painted boat, echoing and reverberating throughout the entire riverbank and heart of the river.

As the bell tolled, the high-level cultivators who had been chatting and admiring the scenery scattered around suddenly straightened up and headed towards the main hall in the center of the painted boat. The musicians and dancers who had been playing also quietly withdrew, and the atmosphere instantly shifted from leisurely to solemn.

Lin Changheng was leaning against the ship's railing, enjoying the view. He straightened his robes and followed the crowd into the main hall.

"Shhhhhh!"

From time to time, streaks of light shot from the horizon, landing on the deck with a powerful and heavy aura.

A fake Core Formation cultivator!

One after another, each with an astonishing aura, there were nearly twenty of them.

Lin Changheng simply followed the gazes of the crowd, glanced at them briefly, and then quickly moved away.

He was secretly astonished; there were so many fake Core Formation cultivators appearing, like dumplings being dropped into a pot—something he had never seen before.

The fake alchemists greeted each other upon meeting. Lin Changheng also heard two somewhat familiar voices, which turned out to be the fake alchemists surnamed Wen and Jia, whom he hadn't gotten along with at the small auction last time.

They're here too!

……

"interesting……"

Lin Changheng's ears perked up, but that didn't stop him from turning his gaze around and taking in the surroundings and furnishings as usual.

The main hall was extremely spacious, with a soft spiritual carpet on the floor and lighting beads embedded in the walls, illuminating the entire hall as bright as day.

In the center of the hall was a half-person-high white jade circular platform, clearly a place to display the goods being traded. Surrounding the platform, dozens of futons were arranged in a fan shape, most of which were already occupied.

Steward Liu was now standing beside the white jade platform. She had changed into a more solemn dark green robe and wore a proper and reserved smile.

Seeing that most of the people had arrived, he cleared his throat and said loudly:
"We are honored that all of you fellow cultivators have graced us with your presence at this high-level cultivator trade fair held by our four major merchant guilds..."

Halfway through his sentence, a sudden commotion broke out in the room, causing Steward Liu to stop talking and turn his gaze toward the entrance of the main hall.

"Thump! Thump! Thump!..."

Lin Changheng followed the gaze and saw a fake alchemist in a black Taoist robe, with a withered face and an indeterminate age step into the room.

"Master Jichen!"

Without anyone even needing to call out his name, Lin Changheng raised an eyebrow and silently recited the person's name.

We've met once before...

This person was originally a cultivator from the Jin Kingdom. Later, his sect was wiped out by the powerful sect, the Cloud Sect. After desperately cultivating to the level of a pseudo-core cultivator, he sought revenge and escaped from the sect's true core cultivator. He then fled to the Song Dynasty and settled down there as a cultivator.

With the ongoing war between the Song and Jin dynasties, this identity has become even more sensitive, and its appearance in the core area of ​​[Extreme Mountain Immortal City] is even more surprising.

You're pretty bold...

This is a subconscious thought for many people.

After all, many things are neither black nor white; they are all decided by the higher-ups, the higher-ups of the South Pole Palace… And the 【Extreme Mountain Immortal City】is heavily guarded. Once “something happens,” it is no different from a net of heaven and earth. Even if you are in danger, you will not change your appearance.

"Hehe, everyone's looking at this old man. Do I have some kind of flower growing on my face?"

Master Jichen slightly raised his eyelids, his turbid gaze sweeping across the entire room. A half-smile curled at the corner of his mouth, and his voice was hoarse like sandpaper rubbing, "Rest assured, I am now a legitimate cultivator from Song, registered in the [Southern Palace]. I am here today only for a transaction, not to cause trouble."

His words seemed to be a monologue, yet also an explanation to all those in the room who harbored doubts.

The mention of "registering at the South Pole Palace" caused many people's eyes to flicker, which meant that he had at least some degree of tacit approval from the local ruler, and perhaps there was more to the story behind it.

Manager Liu spoke up at the right moment, breaking the slightly tense atmosphere: "Senior Jichen is a distinguished guest of our four major merchant guilds, so fellow Daoists need not worry... The rules are the same as before. Fellow Daoists present will take turns going up on stage to bring out the items to be traded. Fellow Daoists below the stage can barter or exchange with spirit stones. Whether a transaction is made or not is to be judged by the Daoists on stage."

Finally, I hope that all of you fellow cultivators will gain something.

Her voice wasn't loud, but it was neither arrogant nor humble, yet it reached everyone's ears clearly. As soon as she finished speaking, the room fell completely silent, and all eyes were focused on the circular platform.

"Hahaha, am I too late this time, Fei?"

Just as a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator stood up to go on stage, a sound suddenly came from the sky above, no less than a thunderclap, echoing across the river! The spiritual pressure contained in the sound made all the Foundation Establishment cultivators present feel a jolt, and even the defensive light screen of the pleasure boat rippled.

Early stage of Core Formation, at least a True Core cultivator!

However, before everyone could recover from the sudden oppressive aura, another clear and melodious voice rang out, like a mountain spring flowing through the air, yet equally imposing, subtly dissolving the oppressive feeling of the first voice:
"Old Ghost Crimson Flame, you still love to shout and yell. Don't disturb the enjoyment of our young friends."

Before the words were even finished, two figures appeared silently at the entrance of the main hall, like ghosts.

The man on the left, dressed in a crimson robe, with his hair and beard standing on end and a rugged face, exuded a fiery spiritual pressure like that of a volcano. He was none other than the "Crimson Flame Old Ghost" who had spoken first.

The man on the right is a scholar in a blue robe, holding a folding fan. He has a refined appearance and a faint smile on his lips. His aura is as deep and mysterious as an ancient well.

Two Core Formation cultivators!

The atmosphere in the arena froze instantly. All the Foundation Establishment cultivators, including Steward Liu, immediately stood up and bowed, saying, "Greetings, True Person Chi Yan! Greetings, True Person Qing Song!"

Both are called "True Persons," but True Persons of the True Elixir and Golden Elixir have Daoist titles to honor them, while False Persons can only be addressed by their surname. This is the difference.

"Greetings, fellow Daoists."

The group of pseudo-core cultivators also stood up and greeted them.

Even the usually composed and serene Master Jichen restrained his casual demeanor, stood up, and bowed in greeting.

Master Fei, the Crimson Flame Immortal, laughed heartily and waved his hand, saying, "Sit down, everyone. We've heard that there might be some interesting items at this trade fair, so we've come to take a look. You all continue, don't mind us."

As he spoke, he and Master Qingsong sat down in the seats of honor that Steward Liu had prepared for them, their gazes sweeping indifferently over the white jade round platform.

(End of this chapter)