The so-called Evil Qi is the malevolent and vile aura released upon the death of living beings. Righteous cultivators usually avoid it at all costs, while demonic cultivators often seek it out.

For a demonic cultivator like Chu Xuan, Evil Qi has a wide array of uses: it can be infused into magical tools, employed in offense and defense, and even utilized in cultivation.

Setting up the Gathering Evil Array at the Haotai Hotel served two purposes: to gather Evil Qi for his own use and to automatically repel intruders who tried to penetrate deeper into the Mist Array.

It was midnight by the time Chu Xuan had both arrays properly arranged. With the Gathering Evil Array in place, along with the corpse puppets he had left behind, it would be difficult for anyone to infiltrate the Haotai Hotel. This secured his base of operations.

"Could this place be considered my cave dwelling?" Chu Xuan suddenly chuckled. "Who would have thought that my cave dwelling wouldn't be on Mystic Azure Realm but on a post-apocalyptic planet?"

Moments later, he returned to the rooftop. He stored Long and Bao back in the Tower.

"Hu, you will command the six corpse puppets and the two dogs. After I leave, guard the Haotai Hotel well. If you're hungry, go out and hunt zombies, but don't stir up trouble. Nod if you understand," Chu Xuan instructed.

"Roar, roar!" Hu responded in a deep voice, nodding repeatedly. Its intelligence had grown significantly over time, now comparable to that of a seven or eight-year-old human child. It understood everything Chu Xuan said.

Chu Xuan felt reassured about leaving Hu in charge. Hu was his first corpse puppet and the most stable and obedient.

After one last look around, Chu Xuan retrieved the Blood Mirror from his storage bag. The mirror's energy was fully charged and ready for use at any moment. He had only delayed his departure to ensure everything was properly set up.

Chu Xuan gently touched the Blood Mirror, and it abruptly engulfed him. In an instant, his figure vanished from the rooftop.

Hu growled softly, suddenly feeling a sense of loss. Its master had left, gone far away. Now, it was up to Hu to protect the master's cave dwelling. It resolved that no evildoers would come near.

…

In Mystic Azure Realm, within a cavern, Chu Xuan's figure appeared without warning. He surveyed his surroundings. The last time he departed, it was from this very cave, then occupied by a bear. Today, it remained unchanged.

Sensing the area, Chu Xuan detected no presence of cultivators nearby. He retrieved the array flags set up previously and pushed aside the boulder blocking the cave entrance. Instantly, sunlight streamed in, the air clear and the breeze gentle. He took a deep breath, and the rich Spiritual Qi filled his lungs, refreshing his spirit.

"I have three objectives this time," he mused. "First, to purchase a cauldron suitable for concocting Foundation Establishment Blood Pills. Second, to acquire the various spiritual herbs needed for the pills. Third, to purchase a high-quality flying magical tool."

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Using a technique to alter his appearance, Chu Xuan headed towards the Peace Market nearby. Indeed, he was returning to Peace Market. Since the Divine Star Sect had already scoured the area once and raided the Wu family estate, they were unlikely to take further action against the Peace Market. Thus, it was safe.

Once again, he arrived at the market square. The market was as usual, unaffected by the grand schemes of the major righteous sects. At most, it provided some extra gossip during meals.

This time, Chu Xuan adopted the guise of a noble young man with a striking appearance. However, his slanted eyebrows and hawk-like nose gave him a sharp, intimidating aura. Clearly, he was not someone to be trifled with.

As before, Chu Xuan didn't rush to make his purchases but instead made his way to a teahouse within Peace Market. He chose his seat carefully—not only was it by the window, but it also offered a clear view of the square's north and south entrances. This allowed him to notice any disturbances quickly.

While sipping tea, Chu Xuan listened attentively to the conversations of other cultivators using a technique that enhanced his hearing. Soon, he had gathered information about the recent events.

"Ten days," Chu Xuan smiled lightly. He had spent three months on Blue Star, but only ten days had passed on Mystic Azure Realm. To the cultivators here, it seemed he had advanced from the sixth to the ninth level of Qi Refining in a mere flick of the fingers.

This rate of progression, even among peerless geniuses, would be envied and unmatched!

"Hmm?"

Chu Xuan's brow suddenly raised, his eyes flicking to a corner where an old man and a young boy sat. Their faces were unfamiliar to him. Upon closer inspection, he noticed traces of disguise techniques. More importantly, he overheard their conversation.

"...Senior Brother Wei, do you think Zhang Cheng will come? Is there a chance he has turned to the Divine Star Sect and become a traitor?"

"That's why we're using disguises and waiting here instead of meeting him directly. We need to observe the surroundings first, don't you get it?"

"Oh, I understand."

"It's a quarter past noon now, our appointed time is at a quarter to one; he should be arriving soon. Stay close and follow my lead when the time comes."

"Alright."

In almost an instant, Chu Xuan guessed the identity of the two men. They were Qi Refining stage disciples from the Infinite Sect, Chen Ge and Wei Hua!

As for Zhang Cheng, Chu Xuan remembered him too. Among the Qi Refining stage disciples, Zhang was a notorious broker, best known for selling second-hand magical tools passed down from senior disciples.

Chu Xuan's own flying sword was acquired through Zhang Cheng. Since it was second-hand, it was cheaper by ten to twenty percent.

"The last time Divine Star Sect raided the Wu family estate, it seems they survived and are still alive. And now they appear in Peace Market... I get it, they are still hiding with the Wu family, which suggests that the Wu family isn't wholly aligned with the Divine Star Sect."

Chu Xuan tapped the tabletop lightly, sorting through his thoughts quietly and quickly organizing his reasoning.

"Going to Zhang Cheng to buy items? That's quite bold."

Chu Xuan shook his head slightly. In times like these, anyone could turn traitor. Reconnecting with disciples separated from the Infinite Sect could lead not to the items needed but to an ambush by righteous cultivators!

"I can't stay in Peace Market any longer; I must leave immediately. Even if Zhang Cheng isn't a traitor, he might still attract unwanted attention. If they get tangled up with me, it would be troublesome."

Chu Xuan stood up immediately. His relationship with Chen Ge and Wei Hua was that of senior brothers, merely casual acquaintances rather than close friends. In unclear and potentially dangerous situations, the first priority was naturally to ensure his own safety.

However, as Chu Xuan's gaze swept past the window, he noticed a figure striding towards the entrance of Peace Market. The man carried a blood-stained package and emanated a fierce killing intent. Yet, his handsome face wore a warm smile, seemingly approachable. Two starkly contrasting temperaments manifested in one person.

Chu Xuan sighed softly.

Here it comes.

Trouble had arrived, faster than he had anticipated.