The old man nodded and continued, "The second sect is the Azure Dragon Sect, led by Liu Yan, who is also at the ninth level of Qi Condensation. Unlike the White Tiger Sect, the Azure Dragon Sect is known for its wisdom and calm strategies. They prefer clever maneuvers over brute force, and it is said they have an extensive network of information within the city. They tend to stay away from direct conflicts, but they intervene when their interests are at risk."

Lord Fifth smiled and said, "Azure Dragon, huh? They seem like they're playing the long game. I like that. Let me guess, the third sect tries to find a balance between the two?"

Lord Fifth guessed, using the random memories he had gathered from the cultivators in the starry sky.

The old man laughed and said, "Yes, the third sect is the Golden Phoenix Sect, led by Wang Li. Wang Li is also at the ninth level of Qi Condensation, but his sect focuses on trade. They try to balance between the White Tiger and Azure Dragon by providing resources to both sects. The Golden Phoenix is known for its neutrality, but they do not hesitate to use their power if they have to."

A satisfied smile appeared on Lord Fifth's face due to his successful prediction. He said, "Three sects, each with a powerful figure at the ninth level of Qi Condensation. It seems they are all in a delicate balance. And what about the two great families?"

The old man replied, "The first family is the Lin Family, headed by Lin Dao, who is also at the ninth level of Qi Condensation. The Lin Family is renowned for their skill in alchemy and the production of spiritual pills, with three first-grade alchemists, and even their patriarch Lin Dao is incredibly close to becoming a second-grade alchemist. They own several shops selling pills in the city. They use their influence to gather rare materials and herbs from the market, and they do not hesitate to use their strength to secure their share."

Lord Fifth nodded and said, "Good, good... continue."

The old man continued, "The second family is the Xu Family, led by Xu Ming. Although Xu Ming is also at the ninth level of Qi Condensation, his family focuses on weapon development. They are famous for their ability to produce rare and effective weapons, making them a crucial supplier to the three sects. The two families are constantly competing for resources and influence in the city due to an old rivalry..."

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Lord Fifth smiled and said, "So, we have three sects that compete and form alliances depending on the circumstances, and two major families that vie for resources and control. It seems this place has plenty of trouble."

The old man smiled cautiously and said, "Yes, my lord, the city is in a fragile balance. Each faction tries to assert its influence, but no one wants to be the one to ignite the spark of war."

As Lord Fifth walked alongside the old man through the market, he noticed something odd. Although the man's appearance suggested he was in his sixties or seventies, Lord Fifth, with his spiritual awareness, sensed that the man's bones were still relatively strong, like someone in their forties. There was something incongruous with the premature aging he saw on his face and body.

Lord Fifth suddenly stopped and said, "Old man, there is something off about you. Your bones are still young, but you appear much older. Why do you look so aged?"

The old man sighed, his eyes sinking into sadness, and then said in a low voice, "I was once a strong cultivator at the seventh level of Qi Condensation. I was living a good life in the neighboring village with my young daughter. We lived peacefully until my daughter was struck by a strange illness for which there was no known cure."

Lord Fifth looked at him with greater interest and asked, "And what happened after that? How did you end up like this?"

The old man continued, his voice filled with sorrow, "I searched everywhere for a cure, left no stone unturned. In my journey, I came across a rare herb that I was told could save her life. But I did not know it was poisonous. After using it, the poison began spreading through my body, gnawing at my health and strength. My cultivation dropped from the seventh level to the second level, and my body started aging rapidly, as if I was living all my years in a single moment."

A tear slowly rolled down his cheek, and he added, "I lost so much of my lifespan. I could have lived up to 120 years in good health and strength, but now I can barely stand. All I cared about was saving my daughter, so I sold everything, even my family's treasured pills. But I didn't expect her condition to worsen because of that medicine..."

Lord Fifth felt a twinge of sympathy, then said softly, "So, you did all this for your daughter..."

The old man nodded with difficulty and said, "My daughter is all I have left. I would do anything for her, even if it means sacrificing everything I have."

Lord Fifth pondered for a moment, then said in a more serious tone, "You have truly moved this lord's heart. Very well, I will help you. Once we finish our tour, we will pay a visit to your little daughter..."

The old man smiled gratefully, and despite the pain he was enduring, there was a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Thank you, my lord. I would be happy to assist you in any way I can. I would repay your kindness with my life if necessary."

Lord Fifth looked at the old man with a meaningful gaze before the two continued walking toward the city center.