CHAPTER 48: CHAPTER 47 SECT INFIGHTING

Besides the "Red Lotus Karma Fire Scripture" in the storage bag, there were many other items, which Lu Yan took out and enumerated one by one.

Inside the storage bag, there were altogether two thousand three hundred Spirit Stones, two middle-grade Magical Artifacts, five bottles of unknown pills, two books, and more than ten Tier One Top-Grade Spirit Talismans.

Apart from these, there was nothing else in the entire storage bag.

"So poor?"

Lu Yan showed a look of surprise in his eyes. This amount of possessions seemed far from matching the status of a Foundation Establishment Great Cultivator from a prominent sect like Cheng Yu.

Just then, the fierce ghosts under Lu Yan’s command, who were searching around the area, began to return and placed two Magical Artifacts in front of Lu Yan.

White Bone Bell, Blood Hook Flying Sword.

Both were top-grade Demonic Magical Artifacts used by Cheng Yu in the previous battle. The White Bone Bell, with its bone as white jade, was already covered with cracks and had been damaged in battle.

And the Blood Hook Flying Sword was also eroded by numerous fierce ghosts, with its spirituality worn down by more than half.

Looking at the two spoils before him, Lu Yan carefully thought about the previous battle.

The Blood-Bearded Giant Ghost’s sneak attack instantly disabled an umbrella-shaped top-grade Magical Artifact. During the battle, more than ten Second-Grade Talismans, a robe, and the blood-colored Lotus Platform for flight were all consumed.

Counted with the beginning use of the top-grade Magical Artifact White Bone Bell and the Blood Hook Flying Sword used during the sneak attack, Cheng Yu’s assets were indeed quite abundant.

Almost all usable items in the storage bag were consumed, so the remaining items were fairly reasonable.

"It’s a pity that most of the Magical Artifacts are destroyed, even the flying Magical Artifact Blood Lotus Platform was shattered by a single blow from the Giant Spirit, otherwise they could still be utilized."

Lu Yan murmured regretfully, and just then, another fierce ghost offered another storage bag, which belonged to He Luyuan.

A mid-stage Qi Cultivator naturally didn’t have much wealth, with barely more than fifty Spirit Stones, yet the low-grade Flying Ship Magical Artifact in the storage bag greatly pleased Lu Yan.

Surveying the battlefield, it seemed that everything was cleaned up. Lu Yan was preparing to recall the fierce ghosts and leave this place.

And at that moment, a fierce ghost suddenly protruded its head from underground, strenuously dragging something from below.

Upon closer inspection, Lu Yan noticed that the fierce ghost was holding an Array Plate deeply buried underground.

The Array Plate seemed to be of the earth attribute, capable of merging with the earth to evolve into an array base.

Lu Yan was immediately overjoyed, personally pulling the Array Plate from the ground.

The words "Gathering Spirit" were clearly written on the Array Plate, and upon close observation, it was discovered to be a Tier Two Array, reminding Lu Yan of the rich Spiritual Qi just upon entering the courtyard.

"Could the rich Spiritual Qi in the courtyard be related to this array?"

However, Lu Yan didn’t have time to research it now.

After storing the Array Plate, Lu Yan’s gaze fell on the three scavenger corpses on the wooden rack.

Lu Yan had only met the three once, and in some way, he had saved their lives.

All three were Transcendents; in the Apocalypse Version, as long as they didn’t actively venture into ruined cities, they could mostly secure their lives.

But who would have thought that with the version update, the three who just escaped one disaster immediately faced a bigger crisis, captured and tormented by Cheng Yu, a disciple of the Red Lotus Demon Sect.

With a light sigh, Lu Yan dropped a Profound Yellow Merit Fire, engulfing the scavenger team’s three corpses.

The fire rose in the mountain forest at night, swiftly turning the small courtyard into a sea of flames, erasing all traces of Lu Yan.

Then, Lu Yan piloted the newly acquired Flying Ship, swiftly heading towards the Cyan Valley Marketplace.

...

At dawn, Lu Yan piloted the Flying Ship out of the Wushan territory.

Looking back at the vast mountain range, Lu Yan finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Lu Yan initially intended to return to the Cyan Valley Marketplace last night but overlooked Wushan’s greatest threat—the ubiquitous demonic beasts.

In one night, Lu Yan accidentally intruded into the territories of three Foundation Establishment Beasts, and was hunted by a pack of beasts.

If not for the protection of the Soul Banner, Lu Yan might not have even remnants left by now.

This frightening yet safe encounter immediately sobered Lu Yan from a slightly inflated mindset.

Among these Loose Cultivators, Foundation Establishment Realm strength undoubtedly stands out, but in the entire Xianxia Version, it’s just above the bottom tier.

In the Xianxia Version, countless powerhouses can threaten him.

And the Xianxia Version is merely one of the world’s version updates, even considered a relatively safe one.

"Future version updates of the world will surely bring more threats; I must not become conceited over mere Foundation Establishment Realm strength."

Whispering in his heart, Lu Yan approached the entrance of the Cyan Valley Marketplace.

Upon arrival at the entrance, Lu Yan saw that a long queue had formed at the marketplace gate, with more than ten Qi Cultivator-dressed in cyan uniforms ordering the Loose Cultivators to line up arrogantly.

Lu Yan was startled, halted his steps without getting closer, choosing to watch from a distance.

Seeing the Loose Cultivators at the front speaking to the Qi Cultivators caused some fierce disagreements, prompting some Loose Cultivators to want to turn around and leave.

Just then, a distant figure flew over, and a young cultivator wearing a robe descended above the marketplace entrance, unleashing a Foundation Establishment aura without restraint.

All present cultivators were instantly taken aback, even those few attempting to leave stopped in their tracks.

Seeing the young cultivator speak loudly, "I am Xie Yun, an Inner Sect Disciple of the Cyan Simurgh Sect, here by the order of the Cyan Simurgh Sect’s Law Enforcement Hall to investigate demonic traces.

If you open your storage bags for an inspection, once cleared, you may enter the Cyan Valley Marketplace."

The Loose Cultivators were immediately in an uproar.

The importance of storage bags to Cultivators is self-evident, especially for the majority here who are Loose Cultivators, each harboring some secrets.

They were here for trading, and if the Cyan Valley Marketplace wasn’t an option, they’d go to other marketplaces; what reason would they have to hand over their secrets to others?

"We won’t enter this Cyan Valley Marketplace!"

"It’s just a marketplace, at worst, I’ll go elsewhere."

Even Lu Yan subtly took a step back.

Other cultivators were merely worried about their secrets being exposed, whereas Lu Yan’s case was entirely different.

If the Soul Banner or Demonic Cultivation Technique within his storage bag were exposed, he’d undoubtedly be branded a Demonic Cultivator, which would bring endless troubles.

"Quiet!"

A clear sound of a sword rang out, and the Flying Sword beside Xie Yun circled, his sharp gaze scanning everyone present.

"This is not a request but an order from the Cyan Simurgh Sect’s Law Enforcement Hall!"

"Once the storage bags are checked and confirmed not to be demonic, you will be allowed to leave. Those who disobey the Cyan Simurgh Sect’s decree will be slain!"

Everyone present became silent like cicadas in winter, unable to meet the intimidating gaze of the Foundation Establishment Great Cultivator.

Even Lu Yan lowered his head, but in his eyes, there was no fear, but rather confusion.

"The Cyan Valley Marketplace is the Cyan Simurgh Sect’s own marketplace. Forcing an inspection of Cultivators’ storage bags is undoubtedly an act that damages its reputation.

With a tarnished reputation, Loose Cultivators will stop visiting the Cyan Valley Marketplace, and this Cultivation Marketplace is bound to decline."

"Moreover, there are many other ways to find Demonic Cultivators. This is undoubtedly the least efficient and most costly method.

Suffering such a high cost with no gain can’t really be about seeking out demonic ways but more like intentionally damaging the Cyan Valley Marketplace, leading to its decline."

Lu Yan thought about Zuo Yu Fairy, who managed only this one Cultivation Marketplace under her jurisdiction after losing the Cyan Forest Marketplace.

"Their target isn’t the Demonic Cultivators; it’s Zuo Yu Fairy.

If the Cyan Valley Marketplace declines further, Zuo Yu Fairy is bound to bear the main responsibility, jeopardizing her True Successor Position.