CHAPTER 546: CHAPTER 432: SLAYING DEMONS

A giant locust tree, over ten feet tall, stood by the side of the official road, surrounded by wild grass and vines, in a flat open field.

This locust tree appeared even more towering.

On the side of the locust tree facing away from the road, there were five tree holes on its trunk, resembling the five senses of a human face.

Gao Xuan, along with Yuanbao, flew swiftly over from the official road, moving faster than a galloping BMW, yet their bodies remained still. In truth, it was the Armor Horse carrying them.

The term Armor Horse is just a figurative expression, not an actual horse; it’s a type of cloud entity capable of fast movement.

Those immortals with profound cultivation often tread on auspicious clouds, which are essentially Armor Horses. However, with superior cultivation, their Armor Horses can traverse the skies and escape the earth.

The Armor Horse Gao Xuan employed could only carry the two of them on the ground, with the gathered cloud energy nearly invisible.

Nonetheless, this Armor Horse could reach speeds of two to three hundred kilometers per hour and surpass most obstacles, making it quite formidable.

After establishing his Foundation, Gao Xuan refined the Nine Peaks Magic Robe, which actually contained a method of Earth Magnet Divine Travel Technique. This magic offered even greater speed, but its heavy consumption prevented him from using it for long durations.

With Yuanbao, he couldn’t use it at all and had to rely on the Armor Horse.

Gao Xuan brought Yuanbao directly to the side of the large locust tree with the tree holes. He knocked three times on the big tree, which then emitted two beams of light from the eye-like tree holes, seemingly casting a glance at the two of them.

Then, the tree hole resembling a mouth opened wide.

Gao Xuan took out a Low-Grade Spirit Stone from his sleeve and tossed it into the tree hole resembling a large mouth.

The spirit stone was swallowed by the tree in an instant. After a brief moment, a door-like crack appeared in the large tree’s trunk, revealing a pitch-black interior.

Yuanbao felt a bit nervous: "It’s so dark in there?"

"Don’t worry, it’s quite bright inside."

Gao Xuan dragged Yuanbao into the crack, and after a brief darkness, it suddenly illuminated.

Yuanbao looked again, realizing she and Gao Xuan were now on a long street.

Along this road paved with blue stones, there were various merchant shops on both sides. On the long street, too, were various stalls selling all kinds of goods.

The street was bustling with people, looking extremely lively.

"So many people!"

It was Yuanbao’s first visit, and everything felt new to her. Her little head turned back and forth as she eagerly took in the sights, almost overwhelmed.

"The Ghost Market was established by the three factions and six sects. It’s fully open every first and fifteenth of the lunar month, and at midnight on other days, until dawn."

Gao Xuan had been here once with his master, so he knew some details about the Ghost Market, and he patiently shared them with Yuanbao.

"The three factions and six sects? Is the Five Elements Sect among them?" Yuanbao asked curiously.

"Yes, the Five Elements Sect was once a major sect."

Gao Xuan said as he gently knocked on Yuanbao’s head, "When you’re out, face things bravely. Don’t disgrace our sect."

Holding her forehead, Yuanbao asked puzzledly, "Others usually say not to cause trouble, but you worded it so strangely."

"What are you afraid of? Your senior brother’s divine skill is starting to take shape. Dominating this crowd is no problem yet."

Gao Xuan boasted with pride for a moment before continuing, "Inside the Ghost Market, fighting is not allowed. This is a rule established by the three factions and six sects. Anyone who fights here stands against them. So don’t be afraid."

Yuanbao suddenly understood why her senior brother was so confident.

Seeing Yuanbao’s relaxed expression, Gao Xuan reminded her, "Even though fighting isn’t allowed, there are still many swindlers here. Don’t get deceived."

The Ghost Market was filled with all sorts of people, making it a haven for swindlers.

The path of cultivation is profound and complex.

Magic, magical artifacts, elixirs, and exotic treasures—who dares claim complete understanding of all?

Even a Golden Core powerhouse can only specialize in one or two areas, there’s no such thing as knowing everything.

Therefore, in this Ghost Market, one might easily fall into traps if not careful.

Gao Xuan reminded Yuanbao, "In one word, abstain from greed. In two words, don’t agree to anything with anyone."

Yuanbao was a bit stunned by Gao Xuan’s words, and she clutched his sleeve tightly, "I’ll just follow you, senior brother. I won’t go anywhere."

"It’s quite safe here, and I need to go to Wanbao Studio to custom order a saddle rack. No need to stick with me, feel free to look around by yourself..."

Gao Xuan advised further, "Just remember what I said, and you’ll be fine."

Feeling intrigued, Yuanbao, persuaded by the bustling atmosphere, thought for a moment and asked, "How will you find me then, senior brother?"

"Just wander this street and don’t stray away. Once I finish, I’ll come find you. Or if you’re tired of looking around, come to Wanbao Studio. It’s the most imposing wooden building in the middle of the street."

Gao Xuan also warned, "Don’t eat anything recklessly. Wait for me, and I’ll bring you something tasty."

Yuanbao hopped away cheerfully, while Gao Xuan headed towards Wanbao Studio.

Wanbao Studio boasted three stories, its eaves soaring high, with emerald green crystal tiles shimmering with radiant colors in the sunlight, looking truly magnificent.

Arriving at the entrance, Gao Xuan, despite his youthful appearance, was handsome and elegant, and his imposing Profound Yellow Daoist Robe further added to his dignified presence.

The most crucial skill for a waiter is their perception, and seeing Gao Xuan’s extraordinary aura, the waiter hastily approached to engage him.

"Master Daoist, please come in."

The waiter nodded and bowed, "What would you need? Our shop is well-stocked. Just let us know..."

His words were somewhat exaggerated, but for a waiter, boasting a bit to attract customers was normal.

This waiter had only just started Qi Cultivation, his skills still shallow, not much stronger than an ordinary person.

Of course, if he really had talent, he wouldn’t be here waiting tables.

After all, this bowing and smile-forced job wouldn’t appeal to someone with any cultivation skills.

Gao Xuan said, "I heard your store is excellent at crafting leatherwork; I want to commission a set of custom saddles."

"I see, please follow me. Our store’s Master Wang is currently in. Feel free to have a chat with him..."

Taking note of Gao Xuan’s distinguished demeanor, the waiter led him directly to Master Wang.

Master Wang was on the second floor, having a room to himself. When he saw Gao Xuan enter, he didn’t get up, just nodded slightly.

The waiter respectfully served the tea before quietly leaving and closing the door.

Master Wang looked quite old, with gray hair, but his eyes were sharp. He should have a Foundation Establishment cultivation level.

No wonder he carried himself so haughtily. As a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, he had truly entered the grand path of cultivation. When encountering someone with whom he had no connections, he could directly call them a fellow cultivator.

The path is long and winding, and even if your cultivation is high, it’s just a step ahead. Without connections, a Foundation Establishment Cultivator is qualified to call you a fellow cultivator.

Gao Xuan sat opposite the old man: "Master Wang, I want to make a set of saddle gear. I recently acquired a Tiger Demon as a mount..."

Gao Xuan briefly explained the situation and then stated his requirements: "The saddle needs to be simple in style but capable of withstanding external forces and able to expand or contract with the tiger’s body..."

Master Wang glanced at Gao Xuan, thinking, this young person subdued a Tiger Demon? It must have been with the help of sect elders.

Tiger Demons are creatures with intense yang energy, and their nature is fierce and cunning. While the young man might not be harmed, the fear is that the Tiger Demon might follow him and cause chaos everywhere.

With this thought, Master Wang felt a bit of disdain for Gao Xuan. He had reached his position through his efforts, and he looked down on cultivators like Gao Xuan who relied on elders.

But business is business. Since this young man seemed wealthy, he decided to overcharge him.

"I happen to have a piece of Thousand-Year Giant Python skin that is impervious to water, fire, knives, and swords, and can stretch or contract at will. The saddle made from it is comfortable and resistant to toxins and filth. Its black color matches well..."

With his two hundred years of expertise in leatherwork, even if his cultivation wasn’t high, he was a master in this line of work.

After such a description, Gao Xuan was tempted, "How many Spirit Stones?"

The old man held up three fingers: "Not much, three thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones."

Master Wang spoke casually, but Gao Xuan, who was drinking tea, almost spit it out.

Their Spirit Field’s annual yield of Jade Crystal Rice would only sell for about one thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones.

Although their sect was small and had little consumption, they still needed to use up at least five to six hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones a year.

Gao Xuan’s master lived very frugally, leaving him with over six thousand Low-Grade Crystal Stones.

For such a small sect, it was already a sizable fortune.

Yet Master Wang asked for three thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones with a single remark, as if stabbing Gao Xuan’s vital artery.

Gao Xuan didn’t want to bargain; the price was ten times more than his expectation, making bargaining pointless.

He stood up gracefully and cupped his hands: "Sorry to trouble you." Having said that, he turned and left without hesitation.

Master Wang was a bit bewildered, wondering what the situation was with this person?

Gao Xuan also shook his head as he left the room; it seemed this place indeed bullied its customers and took him for an easy target, which was simply intolerable.

Gao Xuan descended to the first floor and happened to meet the waiter who had led him in. The waiter greeted him enthusiastically: "Daoist, you’re leaving? Take care."

Following the waiter was a group of young people, led by a man in his thirties, thin, with skin dry and hard like withered wood, and eyes as green and sharp as a wolf’s.

The people behind him were mostly in their early twenties, dressed diversely, each with an inner brilliance and vibrant spirit.

The most striking was a female cultivator in a light yellow Daoist robe, with eyebrows like distant mountains and eyes like autumn water, very beautiful and graceful.

The leader glanced at Gao Xuan, uncertainly asking: "Gao Xuan?"

Gao Xuan nodded: "Senior Brother Yang Wanchun, long time no see."

Yang Wanchun was the disciple of the Sect Leader of the Cyan Wood Sect, and he had met Gao Xuan at the Ghost Market two years ago. Because Gao Xuan’s cultivation was pure despite his young age, the Cyan Wood Sect Leader praised him and told Yang Wanchun to learn from Gao Xuan.

Yang Wanchun disliked Gao Xuan originally due to being criticized, harboring resentment.

Upon seeing Gao Xuan again, he was a bit hesitant to recognize him.

Two years ago, Gao Xuan had been youthful and inexperienced, just a little brat. That’s why Yang Wanchun had been so upset by his master’s comparisons.

Now, Gao Xuan had become a handsome and graceful young man. His brows exhibited a carefree and transcendent demeanor, akin to an immortal.

In face of such an outstanding Gao Xuan, Yang Wanchun was hesitant to recognize him. But he knew the Nine Peaks Magic Robe, identified by the nine different "mountain" characters embroidered in dark gold at the belt. This confirmed Gao Xuan’s identity.

Seeing the two engage in conversation, the group realized Yang Wanchun and Gao Xuan knew each other.

Someone couldn’t resist asking: "Senior Brother Yang, who is this?"

Yang Wanchun replied nonchalantly: "A disciple of the Thick Earth Sect. Technically, he’s my junior brother."

He pondered for a moment before asking: "I heard Master Wan has passed away, is that true?"

The "Master Wan" Yang Wanchun mentioned was Wanli Pingyun, Gao Xuan’s master.

Yang Wanchun’s question was impolite, revealing his coarse nature. Gao Xuan had no interest in quarreling with such people and simply responded: "My master has indeed passed away."

"Oh."

Yang Wanchun said, "So there are only two people left in the Thick Earth Sect."

He chuckled and said: "During this year’s competition, you Thick Earth Sect should just merge with us. My master is generous; we won’t let you starve."

Those with Yang Wanchun, including disciples from the Five Elements Sect and others, were familiar with him and naturally sided with him, laughing heartily.

Indeed, a sect with only two people is quite a joke.

The essential elements of cultivation are wealth, companions, magic, and location, none of which can be lacking.

With only two people, where would they get wealth, where would they get a location? Where would they get magic? Where would they get companions?

It’s important to note that "companions" aren’t romantic partners but fellow cultivators supporting each other. In simple terms, it requires enough influence and connections.

Gao Xuan smiled softly: "The sect has been passed to me, so naturally, I will make it flourish. Your kind intentions, I can only appreciate in my heart."

The conversation was pointless, and there was nothing more to say.

Just as Gao Xuan was about to leave, the female cultivator in the light yellow robe, who hadn’t spoken, suddenly stepped forward to stop him. She gently said: "Fellow cultivator, we’re forming a group to exterminate a Thousand-Year-old Snake Demon. Would you like to join us in slaying demons and upholding the righteous path?"

Before she finished her sentence, the crowd around her showed displeasure in their expressions. Their gazes towards Gao Xuan turned a bit hostile.