Starry Sky Professional

“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.