The Shadow Ghost, with a hint of schadenfreude in his voice, spoke with a credibility that belied his current predicament. Though a Person of Longevity himself, he was now a Tiger in Trouble. His personal experiences held valuable lessons. It was rare for Yu Ci to formally seek advice, but now he did, "What should I do now?"

"Leave quickly."

The Shadow Ghost's response was decisive. He then added, "Is it fun in the Hunting Ground? Remember, even the fiercest beasts need to feed to regain their strength after exhaustion. And it's obvious why those two are here. Don't forget where the Mysterious Nimbus Guide is now!"

Yu Ci was jolted into action.

※※※

To the onlookers, Yu Ci appeared to ponder momentarily on the spot before calling over Wan Quan, who was nearby, and asking, "When does the Hundred-Turn Wind Tunnel event start?"

"In about half a month."

Wan Quan, harried by Bao Yun's incessant questions about the recent seismic disturbances, was relieved to be summoned by Yu Ci. He approached, excited, "Not to mention anything else, but with the 'One Breath Through the Heavens' technique Senior displayed today, there will surely be no issues."

"Postpone it for now."

"Ah?" Wan Quan blinked in surprise, "Could it be that Senior is…"

He considered Yu Ci's possible financial embarrassment, but Yu Ci replied, "I've just received news about the Mysterious Water Gleaming Rock Vein. I need to travel for a while. We can talk about the Hundred-Turn Wind Tunnel when I return."

"Is that so?"

The reason was barely sufficient. Wan Quan didn't understand why the delay; the vein wasn't going anywhere. What difference would half a month make? Nevertheless, as a middleman, he knew to comply with the demands of a formidable client like Yu Ci, "I'll make the arrangements."

At that moment, another tremor struck. Wan Quan, unable to say more, excused himself and dashed out, shouting, "The earth shakes! Quickly, deploy the Great Cover…"

An earthquake? Have you ever witnessed tremors from two epicenters thirty miles apart?

Yu Ci shook his head, his gaze sweeping the area, intending to leave when suddenly he felt a presence. Turning, he saw Lu Qing just finishing her conversation with the supporting cultivators and heading back. He might have ignored it, but her pallor startled him.

In just a short moment, the female cultivator's face had lost all color, her lips even showing a faint blue. Bao Yun also noticed her condition and hurried over to inquire. Yu Ci stepped forward and asked, "Is Market Master Lu unwell?"

"It's an old ailment, nothing serious."

Lu Qing managed a rare, slight smile and formally bowed to Yu Ci, "I am much indebted to you for your assistance today, Daoist friend."

Yu Ci, never one to take credit, could tell that Lu Qing was preoccupied with worries; even as she smiled, her brows remained furrowed. After exchanging a few pleasantries that led nowhere, Lu Qing asked Yu Ci about his plans for the coming days. He repeated his well-prepared response, to which Lu Qing nodded in agreement:

"It's best to deal with the Natural and Earthly Treasures earlier. Especially with the Troublesome Autumn upon us..."

She seemed to grow reflective but did not delve further. Instead, she gestured for an attendant to bring over a tray with two items on it: one was a head-sized, spherical crystal with over a dozen apertures, and the other, a jade plaque in the shape of an inverted seashell with a gentle curve.

"Those two Fierce Culprits were ruthless. Had you not intervened, Daoist friend, who knows what disaster they might have wrought. I see you are adept at summoning spirits and banishing ghosts; this item will be of use to you. Additionally, please accept this modest travelling fund to enhance your journey."

Yu Ci was taken aback. On the tray lay a Soul Capturing Orb and a plaque containing several Dragon Palace Shells. Regardless of their value, Yu Ci hadn't expected any reward for his actions. He was about to decline when Lu Qing, showing signs of exhaustion, softly said:

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

At the outset, I must apologize for any offense I may have caused, Daoist friend. Please turn a blind eye to it, but the market cannot afford to feign confusion. Accept these items, Daoist friend, so that our conscience may be at ease."

Having said that, one could sense the sincerity of their heart. Yu Ci was also aware that the Red Tooth Store sought nothing more than a peaceful existence in Yin Cave City, where it was crucial to maintain good relations with various factions for survival. After some thought, he decided not to stand on ceremony. The Dragon Palace Shell and such could be set aside, but the Soul Capturing Orb was worth investigating. He accepted the two items, and Bao Yun, standing beside him, revealed a smiling face.

With nothing more to say, they exchanged courteous farewells.

Yu Ci left the Red Tooth Store, pondering his future moves. He was determined to visit the Mysterious Water Gleaming Rock Vein, and after that, a trip to Abundant Capital City was in order. The upcoming "As-You-Will Dharma Assembly" in half a year seemed an excellent occasion, and it would also provide a chance to lay low for a while.

Lost in thought, he arrived outside the Hundred-Turns Pavilion and was about to enter when suddenly someone burst out from an angle, reaching out to grab him. Yu Ci was startled, his Primordial Qi instinctively flaring and setting his limbs in motion, ready to unleash a palm strike. But the person cried out in surprise, exclaiming:

"Esteemed guest, you have finally returned!"

"Steward Wen?"

Recognizing the familiar face, Yu Ci quickly halted his palm strike, sparing him the misfortune of being impaled. Yet seeing the portly figure before him, sweating profusely, Yu Ci had a bad feeling. As expected, Steward Wen, clutching his sleeve and looking relieved, said, "Esteemed guest, please come quickly. Our Boss third He has arrived and is requesting your presence for a discussion."

He tugged a few times, but Yu Ci stood firm, frowning as he said, "That's rather unfortunate, as I was just about to embark on a long journey..."

"There's no rush, no rush."

Steward Wen seemed truly frantic, his words becoming jumbled. In the midst of this confusion, someone laughed abruptly, "Is this the False Taoist who summons souls?"

The voice was rough and grating, furrowing brows upon entering one's ears. Steward Wen, upon hearing these words, jerked violently, his grip on Yu Ci's sleeve tightening as he turned and responded, "Boss Third He, this is the Soul Chaser Master."

Yu Ci turned around, and it seemed as if a gust of wind had passed; in the blink of an eye, a figure had already approached him: "You're heading out, and we're heading out too, let's go, let's go, it's on the way!"

Was the road ever so convenient?

The newcomer's body blocked the nearby light, and Yu Ci, already tall, had to look up to face Boss Third He. The latter's bear-like stature exerted a tremendous pressure, though the real source of intimidation was the surging power within him.

This was a Vacuum Walking Cultivator. Yu Ci's attention wasn't fully captured by this man; his gaze flickered, noticing several other figures behind him, each with an aura, some ostentatious, some somber, none of them pushovers.

His brow furrowed, but before he could respond, another person emerged from behind Boss Third He, cupping his fists in a smile, "Boss Third He is a bit brusque and his words rough—no offense meant."

The speaker was a man with a gentle demeanor, fair skin, and a rather pleasing smile when he did so: "This time, we've come to ask for Soul Chaser Daoist friend's assistance, in the very business you excel at. The reward is negotiable..."

As he spoke, the effeminate man glanced aside. Steward Wen quickly perked up, saying, "If the esteemed guest participates in this matter, the several items you seek to purchase from This Establishment will be supplied to you as a priority. We will waive our commission and moreover, drop the price by fifty percent!"

This was tantamount to covering half of Yu Ci's costs. Calculating with the rather stable Dragon Palace Shell currency of Yin Cave City, regardless of the already acquired Mysterious Cave True Incense and the known whereabouts of the Mysterious Water Gleaming Rock, just the Five-Thunder Spiritual Wood and Heart-Connecting Spirit Jade alone would save Yu Ci at least ten thousand in wealth, the equivalent to an Eight-Heavens Refined Ritual Implement.

It appeared to be a normal transaction, yet it was this very normalcy that was so peculiar. In the lawless North Wilderness, for the strong to engage in fair trade with the weak was akin to a weasel paying a New Year's visit to a chicken — an omen of ill intent.

He didn't outright refuse, though. Stubbornness in such a situation would only lead to a broken neck, and he wasn't foolish enough for that. Instead, he simply inquired, "Where to? For what purpose?"

"Just to attend to Brother Dao's usual line of work. As for the location, it's not far from the city."

Yu Ci suddenly understood. Of course, it was the Abandoned Mine District, the final resting place of Boss fifth He and others. Were these people seriously seeking their own demise?

Even if Boss third He and his companions were not fully aware of the situation on-site, nor did they know the identity of the killer, the intermittent tremors of the earth's strata should have given them a hint of the level of power at play. To probe into such matters now, was it bravery or sheer folly?

"I must respectfully decline!" Yu Ci shook his head, "The affairs of your Noble Clan are too much for me to be involved in!"

The effeminate man simply smiled and took a step back, "Then there's nothing to be done!"

Immediately after, the towering figure of Boss third He stepped forward, his sinister laugh accompanying his fan-sized hand as it reached down:

"Today, you have no choice but to go, whether you want to or not!"

"Wait!"

Yu Ci's forceful shout stopped Boss third He in his tracks, and then he saw Yu Ci raise his hands with a wry smile, "If you're going to start a fight now, I might as well go!"

This time, it was Boss third He who was uncertain. He turned to look at Steward Wen, "Can this False Taoist actually get the job done?"

Steward Wen could only offer an awkward smile.

*******

I have also posted the following more chapters [All free]: https://www.readgates.com/article/74a39e