Chu Xuan was in the middle of packing up his stall when he felt the unmistakable gaze of the two talisman makers watching him from behind. Despite his casual demeanor, his soul strength far exceeded that of most Nascent Soul cultivators, making it nearly impossible for him not to sense their scrutiny.

"It's normal to attract envy when one earns too much," he mused internally, shaking his head slightly. "But of all people, why must it be me?"

He quickly gathered his belongings and was about to leave. After all, it was a bit of a "blessing" to have people willingly deliver themselves to his doorstep. However, just as he was about to make his exit, a soft voice called out to him, "Senior!"

Chu Xuan turned around to see the Golden Core female cultivator who had almost been forced into the sea by him earlier.

"What is it?" he asked casually.

The female cultivator lowered her voice, "I saw the two talisman makers from Black Wind Island watching you from behind just now. It seems they're plotting something. They might try to make a move against you. You should be careful when you leave Desolate Island."

Chu Xuan couldn't help but chuckle softly at her warning. He looked at her again, sizing her up more carefully. She had a pleasant expression, certainly above average in appearance. The only feature that truly stood out were her long, well-toned legs, which were undeniably striking.

"What's your name?" he asked, his tone still nonchalant.

The female cultivator's face lit up, eager to answer, "My name is Chen Xin, I'm from Rocky Peak Island. May I ask for your honorable name, senior?"

"I am Liu Zhenxiaong," Chu Xuan nodded, his eyes already moving past her.

He could tell that this woman probably thought his ability to trade demon soul talismans meant he had some real strength. That's why she had decided to warn him.

He recognized the type—sharp and calculating, always looking for an opportunity to gain something. Chu Xuan had encountered plenty of such people before, so he saw right through her intentions.

Chen Xin flashed a smile and continued, "I have a third uncle who is also a Nascent Soul cultivator. He's about to leave Desolate Island. He is a Nascent Soul Seventh Layer cultivator and specializes in escorting people from Desolate Island back to Moon Island. Since a Nascent Soul late-stage cultivator is guarding him, the people from Black Wind Island won't dare make a move. If Senior doesn't mind, you could board my third uncle's ship, and we can leave together. It would also be a form of protection."

Chen Xin grinned, adding, "For Golden Core cultivators, the price is only fifty medium spiritual stones. If you're willing to offer a higher price, we can provide better and safer services."

Chu Xuan couldn't help but chuckle again. So it was all just a business deal. It was to be expected. After all, with so many powerful cultivators around, one could easily be devoured if not careful.

Chu Xuan looked at her, amused. "I see. You're offering me a ride, aren't you?"

Chen Xin smiled innocently, but there was a glint of calculation in her eyes. "Of course, Senior. Consider it a small favor from me."

He paused for a moment, considering her offer. "How much are you charging for the 'better and safer' services?"

Chen Xin's smile grew wider, clearly sensing that her hustle was working. "Well, if you want a private escort and some added security, we could go up to one hundred spiritual stones."

Chu Xuan couldn't help but shake his head, still smiling. "How about this, you go ahead and make arrangements, and I'll think about it. I might even take you up on your offer."

Chen Xin nodded eagerly, clearly pleased that Chu Xuan had shown some interest.

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"Of course, Senior! I'll make the arrangements immediately!"

As she scurried off, Chu Xuan couldn't help but muse, "Well, at least this won't be a boring trip."

Golden Core cultivators banding together for safety was quite normal, but...

Chu Xuan was about to decline the offer when suddenly, a figure walked quickly toward them. "Xin'er, why haven't you left yet?"

Chu Xuan turned his gaze to see a middle-aged cultivator, plump and slightly bloated, walking toward them. As soon as the middle-aged man saw Chu Xuan, he immediately sensed the Nascent Soul aura around him and cupped his hands respectfully. "I am Chen Huozhao. May I ask who this esteemed fellow daoist is?"

Chu Xuan had already thought of a fake name. He smiled faintly and replied, "Liu Zhenxiong."

Chen Huozhao immediately broke into a smile, "Ah, so it's Fellow Daoist Liu. A pleasure to meet you. I was just admiring your sale of the demon soul talismans earlier—impressive!"

Chen Xin quickly explained the situation to her uncle, and Chen Huozhao's expression changed slightly. "Fellow Daoist Liu, I recognize those two Nascent Soul talisman makers from Black Wind Island. They're ruthless and dangerous. Anyone who dares to interfere with their business usually ends up with a tragic fate.

"This trip back to Moon Island, there are already two Nascent Soul cultivators and twelve Golden Core cultivators traveling with us. If you're worried about trouble from Black Wind Island, you're welcome to join us. We'll have your back."

Chen Huozhao patted his chest, making a solemn vow. "Fellow Daoist Liu, rest assured! I've been in business for many years and have always been honest in my dealings. I would never deceive you! All I need is ten percent of the profit you made from the talismans today, and I will personally ensure your safety. No one will dare touch a hair on your head!"

Chen Xin nodded eagerly, adding, "Yes, yes, senior, you can be at ease! With so many people boarding the ship, if we treated you poorly, the others would certainly take notice. We would never do such a thing."

At this moment, two more cultivators walked over swiftly. One of them, without waiting to approach, impatiently called out, "Fellow Daoist Chen, what's going on? I'm in a hurry to get home. Why aren't we leaving yet? If you keep delaying, I'll find someone else to travel with."

The other cultivator frowned and added, "Are you still trying to get more people? Never mind him, can we just pay extra and get going?"

Chu Xuan couldn't help but smile internally. However, he maintained an expression of thoughtfulness on his face, pretending to contemplate the offer for a long moment before finally gritting his teeth and replying, "Fellow Daoist Chen, what you don't know is that although I made quite a bit from selling the demon soul talismans, the cost of production is also quite high."

"The profit this time isn't as much as it seems... sigh... Honestly, I do have some tricks up my sleeve. If someone really does target me..." He paused for effect. "I'm not someone who can just be easily dealt with."

Chen Huozhao's eyes widened slightly. "Fellow Daoist Liu, you're truly someone who values money over life..." He hesitated but couldn't help but continue, "Black Wind Island is known for being domineering, and their strength is overwhelming. You're alone. If they surround you, there's only one outcome—death. It's better to come with us. The more allies, the greater the chance of survival."

Chen Xin quickly followed up, "Yes, even if Black Wind Island is powerful, they wouldn't dare to attack such a large group on a ship. They're worried about angering everyone."

Chu Xuan shook his head slightly. "My mind is made up."

Without further hesitation, he took out his flying boat and sailed off, leaving the island in his wake.

Nearby, a Nascent Soul cultivator frowned. "This kid is stubborn and won't listen to reason."

Chen Huozhao squinted his eyes. "He's clearly wary of us. A smart one, after all. Hmph, I'm curious to see how he plans to deal with the Black Wind Island pursuers on his own."

Chen Xin seemed to be mulling something over. "He was able to take out so many demon soul talismans, so he must have some tricks up his sleeve."

Chen Huozhao smiled faintly. "Maybe. But let's not waste time on him. Let's go find some other easy targets."

...

Meanwhile, Chu Xuan was already cutting through the waves on his flying boat, making his way across the sea.

As expected, shortly after his departure, two figures who had been waiting for this moment followed him, piloting their own boats to trail behind. Cultivators in the market who witnessed this couldn't help but shake their heads.

"Those two are definitely going to chase after him."

At the same time, Chen Huozhao and his group were huddled around a Nascent Soul cultivator in the early stages.

"Did you see that? Those two are going after him."

Chen Huozhao pointed at the two rapidly disappearing flying boats, his expression gentle but calculating. "Anyone with wealth or who hinders someone's profit will become a target. Come aboard my ship, and I'll guarantee your safety. What do you say?"

The Nascent Soul cultivator immediately nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, yes, of course!"

...

Elsewhere, Chu Xuan had already invited the two pursuing cultivators into the Heavenly Corpse Tower without any drama. After all, they were just two Nascent Soul cultivators at the third stage.

...

The next day.

When Chu Xuan appeared, full of vitality, at his original stall, the surrounding cultivators were stunned.

"Didn't Black Wind Island send two people to chase you? How are you still here, completely unharmed?"