Starry Sky Professional

Within the Green Forest Market.

Airships hovered in mid-air, adorned with flags depicting mythical beasts devouring the moon, fluttering majestically in the wind.

Array engravings emerged from the flags, forming the shapes of moon-devouring beasts in black mist, roaring towards the sky with formidable magical power.

Such pressure immediately caused a black jade python within the market to let out a hiss, raising its neck and revealing a fierce gleam in its vertical pupils.

A voice declared, "In the name of the Myriad Beasts Immortal Sect, we shall purge this place of monstrous aura!"

Several voices, infused with spiritual sense and magical power fluctuations, emerged, clearly from Foundation Establishment cultivators, each commanding their spiritual weapons, forming dazzling streaks of light stabilizing the array's core.

These airships, war machines of the cultivation world, could temporarily set up formations when in greater numbers, alongside the banners.

The 'Moon Devouring Formation', boosted by the Qi and Foundation Establishment cultivators' power, had astonishingly reached nearly the third rank.

Under its moonlit shroud, the high-grade second rank black jade python was trapped in place.

Subsequently, several Foundation Establishment cultivators wielded their spiritual weapons in a coordinated assault.

Meanwhile, the Qi Refinement cultivators on the airships occasionally operated them, bombarding the giant serpent with formations.

With a resounding crash, a terrifying shockwave caused the entire mountain to tremble.

The lower-level spiritual beasts that inhabited the market dared not resist, abandoning their nests in a panic, leaving behind chaos.

Soon enough, under a brilliant flash of lightning, half of the black jade python's head was reduced to charred remains, and its body crashed heavily to the ground.

"Ha ha, the inner core of this black jade python was specifically instructed by the Ancestor…"

A burly man rode out on a winged tiger, his cultivation impressively at the later stage of Foundation Establishment, and addressed the other two Foundation Establishment cultivators: "As per our division, the skin, flesh, blood, and bones may be shared with fellow Daoists, any objections?"

"Naturally, no objections. This exploration led by the Myriad Beasts Sect was agreed upon from the start," an elder in black robes said with a warm smile, clearly adept at worldly affairs.

"Nor do we have any objections," said Su Ye, clad in a green robe with a gold waist sash, her face still veiled, and her clear eyes gazing at the now-desolate market with a hint of melancholy.

She felt an overwhelming bitterness in her heart.

Previously, after great hardship, she had escaped from the desolate land. With her Foundation Establishment cultivation, she joined the Qingxuan Sect and became an elder there.

However, she had not expected that with the shattering of the soul tablet of the Supreme Elder Nie Feifeng, the sect would immediately become unstable and volatile.

The familiar desolate land was dominated by sects and clans. Although there was no threat of monsters, the conflicts among cultivators were by no means rare.

Fortunately, at this critical moment, a Foundation Establishment seed of the sect managed to refine a third-tier monster core from their treasury, barely forming a pseudo-core, which helped to calm the people and stabilize the situation.

Forming a core was a true chasm indeed!

Moreover, with the varying quality of the cores, they could be classified as pseudo-core, true core, golden core...

Those with a pseudo-core had a lifespan of only three to four hundred years, with their cultivation unable to progress further. This was often a no-choice alternative for many Foundation Establishment seeds.

True golden core cultivators in the desolate land were rare, and most so-called core formation cultivators had only managed to form a true core.

Those with a true core could live for five hundred years and, if cultivated to core formation perfection, might have a sliver of hope to glimpse the Nascent Soul stage.

Originally, the Foundation Establishment seed of the Qingxuan Sect had a chance of forming a true core if they obtained a core-forming spiritual item.

However, with the news of Nie Feifeng's death and the sect's instability, they had no choice but to break their own pathway and form a pseudo-core.

Thinking of this, Su Ye couldn't help but glance at the black-robed elder beside him.

The Black Heaven Temple was indeed a Daoist temple. Beneath its core formation forefather was an 'abbot' and the 'Three Domes, Five Masters, and Eighteen Heads'.

The Three Domes and Five Masters were all of Foundation Establishment cultivation, while the Eighteen Heads were true disciples at the Qi Refinement stage.

It was said that the master of the Black Heaven Temple had an uncertain fate, seemingly trapped in a secret realm.

The Black Heaven Temple had to rely on their abbot who had perfected Foundation Establishment to barely maintain the situation, quickly aligning themselves with the Myriad Beasts Sect and following their lead.

Their situation was even a bit worse than Qingxuan Sect's.

However, if they could welcome back their core formation forefather this time, the situation would greatly improve.

"Alright, I'll immediately instruct the disciples to clear the market and set up formations..."

The Foundation Establishment cultivator of the Myriad Beasts Sect took the monster core of the black jade python with delight.

Su Ye and the other elder dutifully followed his orders.

The flying boat landed, and a group of Qi Refinement cultivators were tasked with clearing debris and tidying up the houses.

Han Qingyun pushed open a rotten wooden door and immediately covered his nose.

An overpowering stench of beast waste assailed his senses, and amidst the excrement, there seemed to be bits of human bone...

"Cleanse!"

He gestured with both hands, casting several small spells in succession to purify the filth. Only then did his expression ease slightly.

As he looked at the faintly familiar buildings, doubts about his decisions resurfaced.

Together with Su Ye, he had risked life and limb to escape from dangerous lands.

Remembering the losses endured along the way, even he was reluctant to face such a situation again.

Upon arriving at the Qingxuan Sect's territory, Su Ye, with his Foundation Establishment rank, became an elder of the sect. As Su Ye's subordinate, and being a cultivator himself, Han Qingyun was allowed to join the Qingxuan Sect as an outer disciple, despite his age and less-than-ideal spiritual roots.

And then... the Qingxuan Sect suddenly found itself in turmoil.

Although the sect had produced a pseudo-Core Formation cultivator, it could not compare to a true Core Formation master.

'Why did I fight so hard before? What was it all for?' he sighed inwardly, just as a flash of spiritual light caught his eye. Recognizing Su Ye, he promptly approached him. "Elder Su..."

"Nephew Han."

Su Ye nodded slightly, having entered the sect, the terms of address naturally had to change.

"I've cleaned the old grounds of Qingdan Workshop. Would you like to reside here, Elder?"

Han Qingyun began his report.

Su Ye gazed silently at Han Qingyun, speaking with a tinge of melancholy: "Bringing you into the Qingxuan Sect... in hindsight, it may have done you harm..."

Han Qingyun bowed hastily: "Please don't say that... Joining the sect and receiving its support is far better than being a wandering cultivator." He hesitated, "But now, with all this commotion we're causing, I wonder if it's..."

"Are you worried that by recklessly slaying Second-Tier high-grade beasts and causing such a stir here, we might attract the attention of a Third-Tier beast?"

Su Ye's voice was as clear as a spring: "Rest assured, this reclamation effort isn't just the proposal of the Myriad Beasts Sect... there is support from major sects behind us."

For those she considered her allies, she selectively divulged a bit of information to boost morale.

“So that's how it is. Thank you, Miss.”

Indeed, Han Qingyun immediately felt much more at ease…

…

“Has it finally arrived?”

Outside the market, a yellow warbler fluttered its wings and flew away.

Shortly after, a young man in a silver robe performed the Wind Control Technique, soaring gracefully as if riding the wind itself, eyes set on Qinglin Market.

“There are even some Foundation Establishment cultivators…”

Fang Xing murmured, “Could those scouts from before have been the vanguard?”

When a major sect opens up new lands, it never launches a full-scale operation immediately.

Over the past few months, surveillance captured images of quite a few Qi Cultivation practitioners venturing near Qinglin Market for reconnaissance.

Upon witnessing today's spectacle, Fang Xing concluded that this pioneering group must have at least a Foundation Establishment cultivator as a leader.

“Faced with Foundation Establishment cultivators, there's a risk our surveillance could be detected…”

Drone surveillance is a powerful tool against Qi Cultivation stage, but it's at risk against Foundation Establishment's divine sense.

“Judging by the banners, they seem to be from the Ten Thousand Beasts Sect… Could it be that the Core Formation cultivator who fled still harbors ambitions to explore the secret realm?”

“No, that can't be… With two of the three Core Formation cultivators either dead or in flight, his courage wouldn't allow him, unless he's found strong backup… Or perhaps he's merely after the treasures Nie Feifeng took back?”

Fang Xing’s eyes lit up.

Unfortunately, he had already seized those benefits and had no intention of giving them up.

“Perhaps having this route cleared is a good thing… At least it allows me access to the Wild Wastes.”

Fang Xing never forgot that lurking within that myriad sects’ secret realm was a major threat yet to erupt!

Moreover, despite the rich herbal resources here, he had already accumulated quite a reserve.

After truly beginning his journey in cultivation, Fang Xing realized just how inconvenient it was to lack a cultivator’s market.

“Perhaps we can test the waters... see if we can catch a ride on a favorable wind.”

As he mused over this, he suddenly looked in a certain direction, his face showing a hint of compassion.

In the wild, several ‘savages’ had appeared at some point. Seeing the bustling construction of the Qinglin Market, their faces lit up with excitement as they ran to the base of the mountain, loudly crying out, "The higher sect... the higher sect has finally come..."

These were the remnants Su Ye hadn’t evacuated back then.

It's undeniable that the resilience and adaptability of humans are indeed impressive.

After the demonic beasts completely overtook Qinglin Market, some of the market’s survivors burrowed deep into caves while others fled into the wilderness, living in areas with thin spiritual energy. Each of them living off the land... Well, cultivators didn’t suffer that badly, and they all survived resiliently.

...

Underground camp.

Fang Xing entered the alchemy room, casting a knowing smile towards a two-eared, three-legged bronze cauldron.

In his possession was the greatest opportunity, coveted by the world-bound and Core Formation cultivators outside the Ten Thousand Laws Sect.

He cast a spell, causing the bronze cauldron to open with a roar, releasing ten ‘Qi Enhancement Pills.’

Now, these genuine Qi Enhancement Pills, after careful nurturing, had become exceptional elixirs without any toxin!

‘Or rather, the toxins have been reduced to almost zero, which can be naturally expelled through a cultivator’s breathing techniques... thus essentially making them toxin-free...’

After consuming elixirs for so long, Fang Xing had become quite adept at appraising spiritual pills.

He sat down cross-legged and swallowed one Qi Enhancement Pill.

As the Golden Transformation Technique activated, boundless spiritual energy was absorbed from the heavens and refined the medicinal power within his body.

In his dantian, his Qi Cultivation Level Six power reached its peak, naturally breaking through from the mid-stage to the late stage of Qi Cultivation, entering Level Seven!

“The late stage of Qi Cultivation... Back at Qinglin Market, only a few hundred reached this level... It’s quite a feat for a region.”

“A year of diligent cultivation, going from Qi Level Four to Level Seven, the contribution of the Qi Enhancement Pill cannot be understated... Of course, the key factor is my innate talent, breaking through levels without any bottlenecks!”

Chapter 128. Reunion with an Old Friend

“Could it be that the Core Formation master from the Myriad Beasts Sect was too cowardly to come and only sent disciples to meet their demise... After all, it doesn't hurt to lose cannon fodder.”

Days later.

Fang Xing gathered all the information he had, beginning to devise an escape—no, a migration plan.

“It's nice to still have acquaintances in the market...”

“The most convenient way to leave comfortably is surely by taking an airship... The market is so large that the airships transporting supplies can carry quite a few passengers each time...”

“Relying on Su Ye to get myself a ticket shouldn't be difficult.”

The reason for selecting Su Ye was that she knew Fang Xing's strength and wouldn't have any wicked intentions simply due to greed.

Moreover, she had previously signed a second-tier spirit contract, and although her cultivation might now be profound enough to break free from it, doing so would come at a cost.

Fang Xing believed he wasn't worth that cost; after all, he bore no grudge against Su Ye, and their cooperation had, thus far, been satisfactory.

“In addition to that, getting a detailed map and then having my main self lead me away...”

With a relatively safe route, last time Su Ye, at the early Foundation Establishment stage, could guide an entire group of the old, the weak, and the sick out successfully.

Fang Xing couldn't believe that his main self wouldn't manage just as well.

In the past, he was capable of battling second-tier demonic beasts, and his strength has only grown stronger now.

If it came to close quarters, even a cultivator at the peak of Foundation Establishment would be no more than a one-sword affair... Of course, this presupposes having a good sword!

As he ascended in power, the second-tier inferior-grade spiritual weapon level Qinghong Sword was gradually proving inadequate.

“I have plenty of good stuff now; whether it's that second-tier demonic core or the second-tier Bing Huo Divine Thunder Talisman, they'd all draw quite a bit of covetousness...”

“But resources are still scarce here. I ought to venture to unfamiliar lands in search of more resources, especially those energized by the gale’s essence!”

“Additionally, keeping an eye out for Core Formation spiritual items wouldn't hurt... I'm curious about the healing properties of third-tier pills in this world.”

Comparing the local essence of the gale with the universe's unique qi stored in the treasuries had long been part of his plan.

Beyond that, Fang Xing's interest in higher-tier alchemy had grown.

Local martial artists may not be able to take certain spiritual pills, but it doesn't mean those from Blue Star cannot!

If there's a pill that can ‘resurrect the dead and regenerate bones’, couldn't it replace the ‘Revitalizing Water’?

Think of how many credits this exchange saves.

The cultivation world is rich in resources, and they should be fully utilized to substitute some native martial arts resources.

This is the training plan that Fang Xing has set.

Relying on his current cultivation as a true self, achieving this isn't too difficult.

Moreover, with his avatar as a genuine cultivator, he can avail himself of many conveniences.

In the following days, Fang Xing watched as flying boats transported numerous cultivators, restoring Blue Forest Market's bustling activity at an impressive pace.

Immediately after, many were dispatched around the Ten Thousand Methods Secret Realm, conducting a meticulous search.

Fang Xing glanced at the search areas and couldn't help but chuckle.

“Aren't these exactly the places where I fought that third-tier flood dragon back in the day? Especially where the Qingxuan Sect's Core Formation fell… It seems that the Myriad Beasts Sect's Core Formation holds a sliver of hope or has sensed that female Core Formation's subtle maneuvers?”

…

In a dense forest.

Han Qingyun held a small black shield artifact in one hand and a medium-grade flying sword in the other, his expression vigilant.

As he surveyed his surroundings, he grumbled inwardly, ‘The Myriad Beasts Sect wants us to search here but doesn't specify what to look for… they just ordered us to report anything unusual… Are we being used as cannon fodder?’

Having made up his mind, he decided to just make a show of it and then move on.

There's no way he's laying down his life for the upper sects.

As for that treasure?

It's nothing but trouble, best left untouched, even if found, it should be discarded immediately!

"Those poor folks living in the barren lands, hoping for a savior with such anticipation, only to be interrogated one by one when help finally arrives… It is only after the Truth Charm confirms their innocence that they are allowed out, and even then they are assigned to labor work," Han Qingyun thought. Upon reaching this point, he reaffirmed his previous decision to leave home as a wise one.

"To be honest, if anyone were to find some leftover treasure, it would most likely be that senior, 'Fang Yun'. After all, he seems to be a rank two body cultivator who once snatched an opportunity from Elder Su. Even after Su reached the Foundation Establishment stage, he didn't dare to provoke him…"

It seemed that his thoughts during the day had carried over into his dreams at night.

Han Qingyun blinked, and then he saw a fierce-looking black-robed cultivator approaching—exactly Fang Yun!

He rubbed his eyes and immediately put on a sycophantic smile, bowing, “Greetings, senior. It's wonderful to see you in good health…”

“Haha, young man, you have a way with words…” Fang Xing praised him and added, “Meeting an old friend today is indeed a joy… Where is Su Ye? Take me to see her!”

“Yes!”

Han Qingyun immediately led the way, cautiously adding, “Qinglin Market has changed hands. Now, it is the Myriad Beasts Sect in control… A sect master named 'Lian Fengqi' has arrived. He is already at the late Foundation Establishment stage. In addition, the Black Sky Temple has sent a 'Manager Zhang', said to be at the mid Foundation Establishment stage…”

'Manager' is not a name but a title, ranking among the 'Three Overseers and Five Masters' of the Black Sky Temple.

The Three Overseers are the Manager, the Chancellor, and the Chef. The Five Masters are the Masters of Stillness, Hall, Palace, Scripture, and Transformation… Plus a complete Foundation Establishment stage Superintendent—these are the current high-level figures of the Black Sky Temple.

Fang Xing inquired a bit more and learned that Lian Fengqi also has a tier two demonic beast, a Winged Tiger, as his spirit pet. At that, he chuckled, casually pulling an undervalued top-grade magical artifact from his storage bag and tossing it over.

“Thank you, Senior, for the gift.”

Han Qingyun happily accepted it.

“By the way, when you all were migrating, did you have a route map? Give me a copy!”

Fang Xing continued.

Han Qingyun was slightly surprised. He quickly pulled a jade slip out of his bosom: “This is something I made myself, quite rudimentary...”

Fang Xing took it and scanned it with his spiritual sense, giving a slight nod, “Not bad… You are indeed attentive.”

He asked a few more questions about potential dangers on the way, then, through his inquiries, learned that Ding Hongxiu and his granddaughter had arrived safely at the wild lands, while Hua Feiyue had not been so fortunate, having perished in a treacherous area, leaving him silent.

Alongside, Han Qingyun and Fang Xing entered the Qinglin Market. The patrolling disciples, recognizing Han Qingyun's Sky Profound Sect robe, didn't stop to inspect them.

Their path was smooth, leading them effortlessly to the peak where lush spiritual energy enveloped a small courtyard shrouded in white mist.

"Han Qingyun requests an audience with Elder Su!"

Han Qingyun sent out a sound transmission talisman, and soon the mist parted to reveal a charming woman, Little Blue.

"Oh, we have guests! Please, come in," she said warmly.

Little Blue glanced at Fang Xing, a flicker of shock flashing in her eyes, although her face remained cheerful as she led Fang Xing into the courtyard and went off to prepare refreshments.

The courtyard was elegantly simple, with only a single plum blossom tree, its trunk strong like a dragon and emanating a subtle fragrance.

Fang Xing sat down in the courtyard, smiling as he looked at the refreshments Little Blue offered. He gently brushed his hand over the stone table, and two jade bottles appeared out of thin air: "These contain pills beneficial for cultivators in the Qi Refinement stage. Share them between you and the young man."

"Thank you, senior,"

Little Blue expressed her gratitude as she picked up one of the jade bottles and opened it, revealing a pearl-like pill inside. Its nearly transparent structure emitted a concentrated medicinal aroma that lingered in the air.

An adept in identifying pills, Little Blue examined it briefly before exclaiming in surprise, "Is this a supreme-grade pill? Thank you for your generous gift, senior!"

Beside her, Han Qingyun was even more thrilled. Due to his inferior spiritual roots, he needed to consume a large number of pills to enhance his powers.

However, excessive pill consumption often led to the build-up of toxins, making the breakthrough to the next stage even more difficult. Supreme-grade pills, fortunately, circumvented this issue.

"Thank you, friend, for your gift," Han Qingyun expressed his heartfelt gratitude.

Suddenly, the doors to the pavilion opened, and Su Ye, emanating the scent of alchemy and fire, gracefully emerged.

"I apologize for the delay, as I was held up by a cauldron of pills. I hope you don't mind," she said politely.

"Of course, I don't mind," Fang Xing chuckled, observing as Little Blue and Han Qingyun bowed once more before respectfully excusing themselves.

"I wonder, friend, what brings you here today?"

Su Ye lifted her sleeve slightly, revealing another delicate, jade-like hand as she poured more tea for Fang Xing, her voice gentle and soothing.

“Two matters! First, I have a batch of materials from second-order demonic beasts and would like to ask for your help in refining them into a potion called Fiery Blood.”

Fang Xing's body strengthening elixirs had been out of stock for quite some time. While Fiery Blood might not be as potent as Kunpeng Blood, it was certainly better than having no medicine at all. He planned to use the local resources for regular training and would consider exchanging his credits for rare treasures in the treasury if they didn’t suffice for a breakthrough.

“That’s a simple task.”

Su Ye agreed without hesitation. After reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, her alchemical skills had greatly improved, and this request posed no challenge for her.

“The second matter—can you help me purchase a ticket to leave the market by ship?”

Fang Xing gazed at Su Ye, locking eyes through her veil.

He had come in person because he had enough confidence in his abilities. Even if the three major figures at the Foundation Establishment stage of the market joined forces against him, he believed he could still walk away, unless he unwittingly stepped into the death traps of the flying ship array.

“You wish to leave by flying ship?” Su Ye was stunned, then said, “The market is no longer under Qingxuan Sect’s control, but we Foundation Establishment cultivators do have the privilege to ensure the departure of a few Qi Condensation cultivators. However, if it involves a peer at the Foundation Establishment stage… that complicates matters…”

She paused on realizing her own words. To her, Fang Xing still appeared to be an ordinary martial artist.

‘The concealment skills of this friend Fang Yun are truly exceptional. Even knowing he’s at the second-tier body cultivation stage, he’s maintained the guise perfectly, indicating extreme caution in his daily life...’

Su Ye hesitated, “Do you intend to board as a martial artist? If you'll pardon my frankness, that might attract even more attention…”

In the eyes of cultivators, martial artists were considered lowly beings. How could they possibly afford the spiritual stones for a ship ticket, much less secure a Foundation Establishment guarantee?

“No need. This is our first transaction; therefore, I’ll send a nephew at the Qi Condensation stage. You just need to see him off.”

Fang Xing appeared to be testing the waters, preferring someone else to take the initial risk.

(End of Chapter)