Chapter 66 Part 2

But back then, Xie Linlang had no reputation at all, and no auction house would accept his pills. In a fit of rage, Pei Ji headed to the Sword Fighting Platform.

With one man and one sword, he began defending the arena, facing thirty-seven cultivators of the same level in total. He suffered severe injuries multiple times, surviving only thanks to Xie Linlang frantically feeding him various pills, until he finally walked off the platform standing.

Xie Linlang had brought many pills, intending to find agents at Mountain Ring Immortal Road, but they all ended up used on Pei Ji.

As Pei Ji rose to fame from that battle, Xie Linlang caught the eye of numerous pill experts, auction houses, and merchant associations, with invitations and collaborations pouring in.

But Xie Linlang hadn’t been happy at all back then.

True, from the moment he set foot on the pill Dao, he had hoped Pei Ji could take pills suited to his constitution and cultivation method right after any injury.

Yet Pei Ji, relying on his help, wantonly squandered his body. Xie Linlang had been furious beyond measure.

That was their first quarrel. They were still just senior-apprentice brothers then, not having pierced the window paper, yet each cared deeply for the other, making the fight especially painful.

Back then, Xie Linlang had tossed and turned sleeplessly, his heart aching with anger.

But now, gazing at the crowds above and below, Xie Linlang couldn’t help feeling envious.

He envied that self who could extravagantly spend and even get angry. If it were him now, he would have long since clung to his senior brother, letting the man take whatever he wanted.

At that moment, Xie Linlang suddenly felt an itch on his cheek.

He turned his face sharply and discovered Kill Matt Night Senior gently pecking at him with his beak.

As Xie Linlang looked over, Night Senior tilted his head, his crimson eyes revealing very human-like confusion, as if asking what was wrong.

Xie Linlang abruptly reined in his thoughts.

He closed his eyes for a few seconds, then recovered his gentle smile, shook his head, and turned to Shen He.

Night Senior irritably clacked his beak. Tch, Shen He was still so damn annoying! Better just kill him!

After regulating his breathing for a while, Shen He felt much better. Looking at the bustling Mountain Ring Immortal Road, he grew restless.

“I wonder if we can take some time to shop around here.”

Xie Linlang reminded Shen He, “Things here are quite expensive, unless you know someone who can offer insider prices.”

Senior Brother Qian, standing nearby, overheard and couldn’t help chiming in. “That’s true, but Mountain Ring Immortal Road is the largest material distribution center on the continent. You can find many obscure items here, and price be damned.”

Xie Linlang nodded. “That’s true.” He thought for a moment. “Right, I heard there’s a Treasure Hunt Market here. We cultivators always run into strange materials we can’t identify. We could try our luck there.”

Shen He’s eyes lit up. Right! Even if my discernment isn’t enough, the Jade Pendant Master is right here!

Shen He looked at Xie Linlang expectantly.

Xie Linlang smiled faintly. “Let’s see the sect’s arrangements first. If there’s time, we’ll go check it out.”

As they spoke, a youth in white robes sauntered over.

“Yo, Silent Night Palace folks are here?”

“Oh, Fellow Daoist Ying.”

Jin Ling Zhenren hurried forward to greet him. “How have the White Bone Sect folks been?”

The newcomer was naturally Ying Xiaotian. The young man quickly scanned the group, his gaze pausing imperceptibly on Xie Linlang’s shoulder. His casual demeanor sharpened noticeably.

“We White Bone Sect members have been here three days already. Gossip Sect left this morning, freeing up a courtyard. I’ve already reserved it. Come on, I’ll take you to the resting place.”

Jin Ling Zhenren asked, “Any arrangements or word from Jiuxia Mountain yet?”

“Jiuxia Mountain opens its gates the day after tomorrow. We’ll head over via Teleportation Array tomorrow afternoon.”

Ying Xiaotian shrugged. “Jiuxia Mountain seems to plan announcing something during this. Tianling Sect also mentioned wanting to discuss some matters with everyone. Xuanming Sect sent people too—it seems rather troublesome…”

The two Soul Transformation cultivators walked ahead, still conversing, but they tacitly erected barriers to prevent sound leakage.

The disciples behind only needed to focus on the Mustard Seed Realm trial. The elders would handle everything else.

Pei Jiye heard it all clearly and sneered inwardly.

Jiuxia Mountain was truly gathering all the heroes this time. Their dear martial uncle must be thrilled.

A second-rate sect, descended from ancient times yet always excluded from the top tiers. The martial uncle, appointed Sect Leader by the previous one, still carried the awkwardness of an illegitimate position.

Now, borrowing Xie Linlang’s Mustard Seed Realm, Jiuxia Mountain finally qualified as host to invite fellow Daoists, expanding its influence. The martial uncle could finally boast of elevating the sect to first-rate status, proving himself superior to Shen You Zhenren.

With that thought, the Kill Matt little bird’s gaze turned icy cold. He dissolved into a black shadow and vanished.

Xie Linlang paid no attention to Kill Matt Night Senior. He followed the disciples to the lodging courtyard, confirmed his room, and was immediately dragged out by Shen He, who wanted to head to the Treasure Hunt Market.

Xie Linlang said, “Hold on. I know another place where we might pick up free Spirit Stones.”

Shen He blinked in surprise, curiosity piqued. “Free Spirit Stones?”

Xie Linlang revealed a gentle smile. “Exactly. Mountain Ring Immortal Road has an Alchemist Alliance Association with regular alchemist assessments. For first-time participants, the higher your assessment rank, the greater the rewards.”

Xie Linlang patted Shen He’s shoulder meaningfully. “This master has taught you for so long. It’s time to test your learning progress.”

Shen He stood dumbfounded.