Chapter 2, Qiu Ma's Recklessness (Middle)

Qin Jiang's originally pale face turned a shade of green, and his expression became even more unpleasant

He was commissioned to promote the extravagant behavior of Yan Kaiti in front of the guest from Yangzhou at the tea pavilion just now. That outsider is the young master of the renowned legal instrument manufacturer "Yatian Workshop" in Yangzhou, who has just come of age. He is currently traveling to various places to broaden his horizons while also investigating the industrial conditions of suppliers and potential partners in different regions.

The so-called "City of Monks" is also a term used to distinguish between the cities where the sects are stationed and other cities within the sects, without any formal classification. After all, although the influence of the sects does not change frequently, there will still be variations when measured over centuries or millennia.

Qin Jiang originally regarded this as a somewhat serious prank, but upon witnessing Yan Kai Ting truly galloping through the bustling market, he thought that causing a bit of trouble for a local dandy was not a significant matter. His cultivation level would allow him to stand on equal footing with the elders of prestigious families in any non-cultivator city, and he was not at all afraid of the Yan family's subsequent inquiries.

The storyteller said with hesitation: "I dare not, I dare not..."

However, he can be considered a master at the stage of purification in the path of cultivation. As of now, it is unknown whether he is trapped by a mysterious formation or a secret technique, and he has indeed fallen into a predicament.

Fu Mingxuan sat still, as if he was prepared to stay a little longer. "Master Qin, do you know if there are any other interesting things in this Jade Capital City?"

This youth appeared to be no more than twenty years old, with a handsome and gentle countenance, a tall and slender figure, and a demeanor that was warm and dignified, making one easily overlook his common attire, as if one were facing a young nobleman in a grand hall

No matter how well-informed Ren Guanfeng is, he cannot obtain the information on the core disciples of the Four Sects. How could he possibly know that the first disciple of the new generation of "Xiao Youmen," Fu Mingxuan, actually hails from Yujing and seems to have a close relationship with this Yan Kaitiang

The young man in plain clothes raised his right index finger and gently tapped it on the table, saying: "My surname is Fu"

He quickly turned over his thoughts, weighing the words he was about to say, but the other party clearly had no intention of beating around the bush with him

Regardless of the school or sect, the fundamental rules of cultivation are the same: combat techniques are practiced together, combat cultivation strengthens the body, and doctrinal cultivation enhances understanding

Next, we invite Master Qin to stay at our residence for a few days, which can be considered a fateful encounter in Yujing. Although Fu Mingxuan spoke politely, it did not change the fact that he used an affirmative sentence.

The young man in plain clothes spoke first, his demeanor warm and approachable, as if engaging in casual conversation with a neighbor. "Just now, you mentioned that Jade Capital is not a city for cultivators, which suggests there are sects involved. I wonder, where is the place of cultivation for the immortal masters?"

Who would have thought that instead of encountering the main person, one would instead collide head-on with this great deity before them

This clearly reveals the intentions of others

The storyteller has visible beads of sweat on his forehead. He has long noticed the unusual fluctuations in the flow of people at the tea stall. It is not that he does not want to leave, but rather that even a slight movement of his legs, while still seated on the stool, feels as difficult as pulling his feet out of a quagmire.

Even if the common youth relies on the power of others to command high-ranking masters, his own status is either extremely noble or extremely valuable, making the title of "immortal master" laden with irony

However, such establishments are as numerous as the hairs on an ox, making it difficult to discern whose peripheral forces they belong to at a glance. If one were to follow the leads of the Yan family's competitors, it might be possible to uncover a few suspects, but whether this is merely a smokescreen remains uncertain

And not being on the list, there are thousands of true practitioners with minor supernatural powers, and around one hundred thousand masters, and that is all

What kind of person could quietly trap a master-level practitioner in the Pure Realm?

The scriptures have depicted a magnificent scene in the upper realm where gold and silver pave the ground, and precious trees line the paths. Those who coexist and share longevity with the upper realm are referred to as celestial beings, while those who achieve great mastery of the Dao in the lower realm and gain entry to the upper realm are called immortals. Ordinary practitioners can only look up to those with supernatural powers, and thus the honorific title of 'immortal master' arises from this.

This organization does not excel in military might, yet its reach extends across the vast expanse of the nine provinces, enlisting a large number of merchants and itinerant traders as "informants." It possesses a unique method of information transmission, making its intelligence exceptionally well-informed. Consequently, the primary industry of the Observation Pavilion is the trade of information

Qin Jiang was already psychologically prepared, understanding that this time he would probably not be able to escape easily. How could news of being a core disciple from "Xiao You Men" be so easily heard? He did not struggle unnecessarily; after agreeing, he walked towards the door, where someone was already waiting to receive him

The classics record that in this world, every individual possesses the seed of the Dao, and everyone can cultivate it to strengthen their bodies, solidify their will, resist the harm of demons and the calamity of beast tides, and protect their homeland

The tone of the common youth remains consistent, without any particular intention, yet the storyteller only feels a buzzing sound in his mind, as if his head were being struck inside a large bell, while someone outside is striking it with a wooden mallet

The legal principles emphasize understanding through direct experience, thus there are numerous paths, reminiscent of the notion of three thousand great ways. Among them, the five major categories of alchemy, talismans, formations, music, and instruments have been passed down the longest, are the most widespread, and have developed the most systematic structure

Fu Mingxuan was not overly concerned for himself; he merely inquired whether the requesting party was a little-known trading firm from Dongcheng.

Qinghua, Yanli, Beichen, and Butian, the Four Lords, along with twenty-seven esteemed elders and over a thousand true practitioners. Each name represents a formidable figure in its own right

Fu Mingxuan had merely asked a casual question, but unexpectedly, Qin Jiang provided him with an answer

It is evident that when the storyteller states that it is not the city of monks, he unconsciously reveals his mindset of looking down on ordinary monks after stepping onto the threshold of the Great Dao. Those who attain supernatural powers, even if they have only acquired minor abilities, have reached a level of understanding of the Great Dao that is difficult for ordinary people to surpass, and their perspective naturally differs. Many people, when they look back at ordinary monks, begin to see them with a gaze that distinguishes them as not belonging to the same kind as themselves

In fact, although the Guanfeng Pavilion deals in information, it rarely takes on tasks that require physical effort. Qin Jiang was passing through Yujing this time on official business. After the information transaction was completed, the other party made this request, and the intermediary was a friend he had known for many years. Since it would only take a quarter of an hour's delay on the way out of the city, he readily agreed.

Standing at the center of the continent on the Floating Pagoda Rankings, the latest list comprises merely 1,131 individuals. This means that among the countless cultivators in this world, only this small number has attained great supernatural powers

The Wind Viewing Pavilion, although it has not yet ranked among the Four Gates and Seven Sects, is nonetheless a well-known and prominent force on the continent

Just like Yujing, several hundred years ago, when the jade mines had not yet been exhausted, there were also sects that established themselves there. The bustling scene at that time was different from the current appearance of a trade and logistics hub.

At this point, it appears that this matter is merely a common tactic in business competition

The young man in plain clothes spoke confidently: "Fu Mingxuan." He asked again: "Where is the place of cultivation for the immortal master?"

This surname, this demeanor, suddenly reminded the storyteller of someone, and instantly, the chill that had originally settled in his spine surged from his tailbone to the top of his head. "You... you are... Master Fu!"

Qin Jiang paused for a moment and said: "Three to the upper left, four to the right"

However, at this critical moment, Qin Jiang still adhered to the rules of conduct. Although he explained the ins and outs of the matter, he was unwilling to disclose the names and identities of the client and the intermediary

The storyteller suddenly realized, and then he began to sweat even more, his entire back becoming damp. The first sentence from the young man in plain clothes made him aware of where he had revealed his differences from ordinary people.

The martial arts of combat training originate from military weaponry, with the seven primary weapons being the fist, sword, saber, spear, hammer, axe, and staff. Additionally, there are thirteen unique weapons including the hook, whip, crutch, and sickle. Upon reaching the pinnacle of acquired skills in combat training, one can strike with the force to open mountains and sever rivers with a single blow.

Having achieved mastery and acquired supernatural powers, one may be referred to as a master. Upon witnessing the Great Way, one is called a true person. Upon touching the Great Way, one is honored as a venerable one. Among the myriad paths, those who choose a single practice and have the hope of independently achieving a unique path are revered as lords

Fu Mingxuan sat upright and smiled slightly, saying: "What has my brother done? How could the renowned 'Wind Messenger' personally come to catch him in his mistakes?"

However, while the practice of cultivation may seem easy, achieving success is exceedingly difficult. Most cultivators, throughout their entire lives, are unable to comprehend even a single minor divine ability. Even if one reaches the pinnacle of acquired strength in the realm of combat cultivation, if they are unable to take that crucial step, they will still be unable to touch the threshold of the Great Dao

The storyteller's face turned pale, unable to maintain the demeanor expected of a practitioner of supernatural abilities. He stood up, performed the disciple's greeting, and bowed deeply to the ground, saying, "I am Qin Jiang, the person in charge of the inner gate of the Observation Pavilion"

The Pure Stage is only the second level among the six realms of the Master, but the storyteller's profession is unique, and he is experienced; his own supernatural ability is of the type that perceives hidden matters. To make him fall into this trap without understanding it, he must at least be three minor levels higher.

However, in addition to sweating profusely, the storyteller felt a chill on his back, which was due to the title of 'immortal master' bestowed by the young man in plain clothes.

Qin Jiang understood that his response today was inadequate, which was indeed a calamity. Being a bachelor, he did not make excessive pleas or adopt a tone of lamentation after recognizing the situation. He simply explained the matter in its entirety, without any omissions or alterations.