Longevity starts with choosing Hextech enhancement

Chapter 426 Offering Treasures, Invitation, and the Sword-Breaking Demon Lord
We returned to Moshifang City without any problems.

Xiao Chen continued to purchase the last few third-tier spiritual items that he had not yet reached the required amount for, according to the list from the Reverse Immortal Alliance.

However, before he had even visited a few shops, he noticed a large group of people approaching him.

The leader was none other than the Master Mo Yin, who was in charge of guarding the Mo Shi Fang market.

He was followed by dozens of followers of varying cultivation levels, including several late-stage Qi Refining cultivators.

What combination is this?
Normally, the attendants of a Golden Core cultivator are at least Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Firstly, nothing less would be sufficient to demonstrate the power of a true master.

Secondly, for any Golden Core cultivator, obtaining a few Foundation Establishment Pills is incredibly easy; most of the time, it's just a matter of a few words.

Therefore, even if the servant boy serving him is not very talented, he can always succeed in breaking through by taking a few Foundation Establishment Pills.

Not to mention a Golden Core cultivator like Master Moyin, who already controls the market and has abundant resources.

So it wasn't just Xiao Chen who was curious; many cultivators along the way also noticed the anomaly and followed along to watch the spectacle.

"This humble one pays respects to the True Lord Zhenhai!"

Ignoring the large crowd around him, Master Mo Yin walked up to the shop and immediately bowed in greeting: "Your Excellency's presence is an honor to our humble abode in Mo Shi Fang!"

His words stunned everyone around him, whether they were his followers or the cultivators watching the spectacle.

Then, realizing what was happening, he immediately shouted, "Greetings, True Lord!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen walked out of the store and said, "No need for formalities, just say what you need to say."

He wasn't surprised that the other person recognized him, after all, they had met before, and he hadn't deliberately tried to hide his appearance.

It was only to facilitate the transaction that he suppressed his cultivation aura so as not to frighten the stall owner or shopkeeper.

The main problem was that when there was no suppression of the aura in Cangming Market at the beginning, sellers spoke very cautiously, which seriously affected the normal transaction efficiency.

Therefore, Xiao Chen had no choice but to suppress his aura and pretend that he was just an ordinary early-stage Golden Core cultivator.

What puzzled him now was why Master Moyin had brought such a large group of people to find him.
Moreover, instead of coming to pay his respects quietly, he made such a big fuss, as if he was afraid of not attracting attention.

Xiao Chen's ears twitched slightly, and he could hear the whispers of rogue cultivators several hundred feet away.

Some exclaimed in surprise that it was Zhenhai Zhenjun, while others marveled that Zhenjun looked even younger than the rumors suggested.

"Reporting to the True Lord!"

Master Moyin stepped forward and reported with a smile, "Someone recently took down the bounty, saying that they have an ancestral treasure to offer to you, sir."

“I’ve already had it examined, and they can’t find anything wrong with it, but it certainly doesn’t look like an ordinary object.”

"Therefore, I brought them here to pay their respects to you, sir."

Oh I got it.

Xiao Chen did indeed issue a bounty for the Star Sand Wave Shield fragments.

But after waiting for almost a year and no one came, I thought I was going to have worked for nothing.

Unexpectedly, someone has now taken on the challenge.

He immediately asked, "Where is the item? Did you bring it?"

Master Mo Yin immediately answered, "Reporting to Your Excellency, the item has been brought; it's on him!"

Then he turned his head and frantically winked: "Tian Ergou, what are you still standing there for? Hurry up and present the treasure for the True Lord to examine!"

A middle-aged Qi Refining cultivator behind him trembled upon hearing this.

He then walked up with his head slightly lowered, took out a red cloth bag from his pocket, opened it in his palm to reveal a piece of debris inside.

Xiao Chen immediately picked up the fragment and examined it carefully.

This fragment is quite large, twice the size of the fragment I obtained from the Cangming Immortal Sect last time.

It even has some spirit patterns on it, so it's very easy to identify.

Almost the instant Xiao Chen picked it up, he recognized that the fragment was indeed from the Star Sand Wave Shield.

He nodded in satisfaction: "Not bad, it is indeed what I offered as a reward."

"Do you want to take the spirit stones with you, or do you want to exchange them for spirit items?"

Upon hearing this question, Tian Ergou finally mustered up his courage, raised his head, and glanced at Xiao Chen.

He swallowed hard and stammered, "May I ask...may I ask, Your Excellency, if I choose...if I choose spirit stones, how many spirit stones can I get in return?"

He seemed a little uneasy after he finished speaking.

So he steeled himself and mustered his courage to ask, "I heard that someone in the south exchanged a small fragment for a million spirit stones."

"My piece should be bigger than his, so shouldn't I be able to sell more of it?"

In fact, Tian Ergou had seen the bounty notice a long time ago, but he didn't believe it at first.

Just kidding, even if such a good thing were true, it certainly wouldn't be available to low-level rogue cultivators like them.

It's highly likely that once word gets out, it will be forcibly taken away by someone else.

It's better to keep it; who knows, maybe we'll be able to use it when a great talent comes into the family someday.

Therefore, he not only did not accept the award, but he also did not tell his wife and children, keeping this family secret to himself.

However, not long ago, the Cangming Immortal Sect sent people everywhere to promote themselves.

Tian Ergou also heard about the million spirit stones.

He asked an acquaintance to inquire about the situation, and wow, it was actually true!

Upon further inquiry, it was discovered that Zhenhai Zhenjun was a spendthrift who had no regard for money even during his Golden Core stage.

And so he finally fell for it.

What does a million spirit stones mean?
That's more money than he could earn in a hundred lifetimes.

Therefore, he mustered his courage and sought help from his clansmen and friends from his hometown to help him take down the bounty.

She was even a little scared after seeing Xiao Chen.

But when it came to actually asking about the price, he somehow found the courage to look up and try to bargain.

Until just now, after all those words had been spoken.

Tian Ergou suddenly realized he had come to his senses, and then a wave of fear washed over him.

He quickly lowered his head, not daring to meet her gaze again.

"Bastard thing!"

Master Moyin immediately jumped out and shouted, "Who taught you to spout nonsense here? Huh?"

"Even if this thing is real, whether it's valuable or how much it's worth is up to the True Lord to decide."

"You're actually raising the price here."

"I think you've really eaten the heart of a bear and the gall of a leopard; you don't know the immensity of the world!"

His harsh reprimand startled Tian Ergou, who quietly turned around to look behind him.

However, the clansmen and fellow villagers who came with them all lowered their heads like quails, not daring to utter a single breath.

"you shut up!"

Xiao Chen glared at Master Mo Yin: "How dare you speak like that?"

"If it weren't for the fact that you brought people here, I would show you what it means to be a chatterbox right now."

He then softened his tone and reassured her, "Tian Ergou, right? Don't worry, we'll just do as the bounty order says."

“Your piece is indeed larger, and I can tell you it’s almost twice the size.”

"So if you want to exchange for spirit stones, I'm willing to offer two million spirit stones."

Are you satisfied with this price?

Upon hearing this, Tian Ergou's mind went blank, and he immediately saw the room full of spirit stones that he had dreamed of before.

He immediately nodded repeatedly, like a chick pecking at rice, saying, "Satisfied, satisfied!"

Xiao Chen readily put away the fragments and asked, "Then let's pay in full on the spot. What do you plan to use to store the spirit stones?"

Tian Ergou immediately pulled out three different styles of storage bags from his pocket.

He respectfully presented it with both hands: "Your Excellency, I brought a storage bag with me before I came."

It's clear that he had prepared in advance.

However, I have indeed never seen a lot of money.

Xiao Chen chuckled: "These three storage bags can't hold two million spirit stones, they might not even hold two hundred thousand."

"Alright, Mo Yin, go and get thirty large storage bags."

"Then help him pack up all these spirit stones and take them with him."

"After you're done, personally escort him home to prevent any troublemakers from causing trouble, understand?"

After saying that, Xiao Chen waved his hand and released spirit stones that almost filled the entire street.

At this moment, not only Tian Ergou, but even the Golden Core cultivators watching nearby couldn't help but widen their eyes.

It is foreseeable that they will spontaneously spread what they saw and heard today.

This was exactly the effect Xiao Chen wanted.

Let more people know that you are really paying, and then they will take the initiative to come to you with the fragments.

They even had people with time or who wanted the reward search for the fragments on their behalf, and then some lucky person would bring the fragments to their door.

"Please rest assured, sir, as long as he is within the territory of Moshifang City, I will ensure his safety."

Master Moyin happily accepted the task.

That's great. The reason he didn't keep the fragments for himself and even went to great lengths was because of Xiao Chen's words.

With such a position, as long as he doesn't commit any major offenses, his position as the head of the market is practically secure.

Although Xiao Chen is not the True Lord of their Mozhang Sect.

But it doesn't matter, the final result is about the same.

For people like them who have virtually no hope of breaking through, being able to help the True Lord is the greatest honor!
However, after this incident occurred.

Xiao Chen's subsequent trading efficiency became incredibly slow once again.

Fortunately, he had already visited three markets and purchased almost everything he needed.

In the end, it only took half an hour to gather the remaining items.

So they set off directly back to Cangming City.

Xiao Chen had only stopped by Cangming Tower to pick up the pastries he had ordered.

Upon entering, they discovered that Master Yunya was personally guarding the stack of pastry boxes.

It seems like they are waiting for someone.

Upon seeing Xiao Chen enter, a smile immediately appeared on his face, and he cupped his hands in greeting: "Greetings, Senior Xiao."

"I have come on the orders of the sect leader to present the invitation to the grand ceremony to you, senior."

As he spoke, he took out an invitation with a red background and gold lettering from his storage ring and handed it over with both hands.

Oh?
Xiao Chen took it with a hint of curiosity and immediately flipped through it.

It turns out that he was the only remaining member of the Cangming Immortal Sect who had gone into seclusion to break through to the Nascent Soul stage during the previous invasion of the sea races. He finally succeeded in breaking through recently and has been temporarily given the Dharma name Mingxiao Zhenjun.

The addition of a Nascent Soul True Monarch is a joyous occasion for any sect.

Therefore, Iron Fan Zhenjun immediately wrote several invitation letters by hand and then dispatched his disciples to deliver them to various sects.

The person responsible for paying respects to Xiao Chen was naturally still Master Yunya.

The invitation also mentioned that, given the current stable situation, arrangements have been made for True Monarch Mingxiao to undergo seclusion and cultivate in order to consolidate his realm.

He is scheduled to emerge from seclusion in six months and celebrate with a Nascent Soul Ceremony at the sect's grand ceremony.

We hereby extend this letter of invitation and sincerely invite Zhenhai Zhenjun to take time out of his busy schedule to attend this grand event.

Wait, I don't think I've ever held a Nascent Soul Ceremony?
Xiao Chen couldn't help but sigh, "It's really good to be a cultivator from a sect."

After breaking through to a higher realm, fellow disciples would help with the ceremony. Unlike me, I was all alone.

However, on the other hand, when Xiao Chen broke through to the Nascent Soul stage, Su Li stayed by his side the whole time.

In terms of cultivation level, this is quite a high standard.

Besides, he was in the midst of a critical moment when the sea creatures were invading, so he didn't have time to hold any ceremonies.

Moreover, not only him, but also Rift Sky True Lord, Thunderbolt True Lord, and others were unable to attend to it.

Thinking about it carefully, then it's alright.

"I see, congratulations!"

While offering his congratulations, Xiao Chen put away the invitation: "Please tell Fellow Daoist Iron Fan that I will definitely be there that day, barring any unforeseen circumstances."

He then chatted with Master Yunya for a couple of minutes.

She also gave him a different flavor of pastry.

He then put away the remaining ninety-nine portions and returned to Silent Island.

Now that we had gathered all the spiritual items, we could have taken them over to trade.

However, after thinking about it, Xiao Chen decided to postpone the time a little and avoid the limelight.

Don't go there and run into the search team, that would be embarrassing.

You must allow yourself at least twelve hours for the emblem to charge, in case of the most extreme unforeseen circumstances.

So Xiao Chen stayed on the island for a few more days.

They also took out the spiritual herbs they had bought along with the supplies they had purchased earlier, and continued to stockpile more Qinglu Foundation Building Pills.

This finally piqued Su Li's curiosity: "Aren't you busy going out lately?"

In previous years, Xiao Chen would usually go out and travel around after the New Year.

They come back every few months at the earliest, and sometimes not until before the next Chinese New Year.

However, this time he stayed, contrary to his usual behavior.

Su Li couldn't help but have many guesses in her mind.

Could it be that enemies have come knocking, so they need to stay on the island to avoid trouble?

"Well, how should I put it?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen thought for a moment and explained, "This year's situation is special. I may go out occasionally, but I will stay on the island most of the time."

"That just so happens that you said you wanted to talk to someone."

"Then I'll have to volunteer myself."

"Over the years, I've traveled all over the country and experienced a lot of things, and seen a lot of scenery."

"We could talk about this for a year and still not finish."

Oh, I see. It was a special case.

Su Li was both worried and happy upon hearing this: "In that case, you should stay on the island for a few more days."

"If there's nothing absolutely necessary to do, there's no need to take the risk."

"I also have a lot to tell you."

As a result, Su Li also adjusted her cultivation plan.

She had originally planned to spend more time with Xiao Chen while he was around.

After he leaves, I will focus on cultivating the secret arts of the witch clan and learning witch runes.

However, since Xiao Chen will be staying on the island for a long time in the coming year...

Then Su Li can't just sit idle; she has to actively absorb the power of the moonlight.

Firstly, doing so allows you to obtain blood crystals with stronger effects.

This is very important to Xiao Chen, because even after he breaks through to the fourth level of body refinement in the future, blood crystals will still be of paramount importance.

Secondly, practicing the secret techniques can also help Su Li break through to the next realm as soon as possible.

This is a win-win situation, and there's no reason to keep dragging it out.

I spent a few more pleasant days on the island.

By the twenty-eighth day since the last transaction, which was almost a month later, an additional 10% of the profit had been lost.

Xiao Chen then set off again for the new cultivation world.

Because I gave myself a head start.

Therefore, immediately after completing the traversal, he activated the "Silent and Shadowless Spell" and the "Refraction Illusion Technique" to conceal his spiritual fluctuations and physical presence.

Then they patiently waited for twelve hours in the small ravine.

Until he felt that the emblem in his sea of ​​consciousness had been fully recharged and he could travel back at any time.

Xiao Chen then stepped out with peace of mind and readjusted his disguise.

Disguised as a mid-stage Golden Core cultivator, he leisurely made his way to Guiyun Market.

Because he waited so long to come back.

Therefore, they successfully avoided the first round of rigorous investigation after the arrival of the Holy City envoy.

As for the Guiyun Sect's Golden Core disciples on duty along the way, they could only investigate the rogue cultivators in the wilderness and plunder them for profit.

For Xiao Chen, those challenges were practically non-existent.

He arrived at the entrance of Guiyun Market in no time.

Then, mingling with the crowd, I looked towards the huge wooden wall painted white.

Unsurprisingly, the wanted notice for the 'poison-stealing rat' has been withdrawn.

However, dozens of new arrest warrants were added.

The highest row of posters, the largest and most eye-catching, features an almost blank wanted poster.

Xiao Chen looked closely and saw that, apart from the fact that the person appeared to be a cultivator with a fire spirit root and that the target's cultivation level should be between the mid-stage and late-stage Nascent Soul realm, there was nothing else.

There were no extra clues.

I don't know their name, whether they are fat or thin, old or young, or even whether they are male or female.

To make it easier to describe, I had to make up another nickname—the Sword-Breaking Demon Lord.

So Xiao Chen got another nickname.

And you know what, this nickname is both simple and direct, and concise enough.

Anyone in the know would immediately understand what was going on.

As I said before, Xiao Chen didn't care about these empty titles; let them call him whatever they wanted.

Anyway, once he breaks through to the Nascent Soul stage, he will naturally be revered by all.

At that time, all titles except for honorific titles will be abolished.

Since it's something that will be replaced sooner or later, then it doesn't really matter.

They easily slipped past the entrance check.

Xiao Chen skillfully left a mark at the familiar spot.

Before long, Zhang Cunfu tiptoed into the alley.

He was looking back almost every few steps, appearing very furtive.

"Why are you so nervous? You've exposed a problem even when there was none before."

Xiao Chen appeared from behind him again.

As a result, with a gentle tap on the shoulder, Zhang Cunfu almost jumped up.

Once he took a closer look, he quickly expressed his loyalty: "Senior Xiao, it's so great to meet you."

"Over the past two weeks, the situation outside has become increasingly tense. I have been praying for you day and night, hoping that you will be safe and sound."

"Thank God you are safe and sound."

Zhang Cunfu's voice was tinged with excitement and a sob, and he even squeezed his eyes together, but ultimately his acting was not up to par, and no tears fell.

"Stop pretending."

Xiao Chen wasn't buying it. He took out a storage ring and tossed it over: "The supplies we agreed on last time are all in here. Go check if they're still there."

"If you're there, remember to ask for that extra 10%."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Cunfu immediately dropped his worried expression and stood up straight with a 'whoosh': "Please rest assured, sir!"

They really do change their tune faster than turning the pages of a book.

"What's been going on in the market these past two weeks?"

Xiao Chen asked directly, "What's the Guiyun Sect's version of events?"

Zhang Cunfu immediately told him everything he knew.

What was ultimately made public was the account of the Rebel Alliance's malicious retaliation, as reported by True Monarch Guiyun.

After all, no matter how much internal speculation there may be, the outside world must say the same thing.

In this way, if the truth is found out in the future, it will be discovered that the Rebellious Immortal Alliance was indeed behind this.

That would be like hitting the jackpot by accident, making a perfect prediction in advance.

If it turns out that the Rebel Alliance wasn't behind it, then they should take the blame even more.

Otherwise, we can't just expose the big shots behind the scenes.

In addition, a group of ten special envoys from the Holy City arrived at Zejing Blessed Land five days ago.

A three-day-long large-scale investigation has just concluded.

According to the information Zhang Cunfu obtained, it included eight Nascent Soul True Monarchs and two Golden Core late-stage cultivators.

Furthermore, there are rumors that one of the late-stage Golden Core cultivators is surnamed Mo and is suspected to be a member of the Mo family.

The specific investigation results are not yet available.

However, in the past few days, Guiyun Sect has arrested many cultivators and taken them back for questioning, causing widespread panic throughout the Zejing Blessed Land.

"Eight Nascent Soul cultivators were sent at once."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Chen's gaze sharpened: "Wow, there really are quite a few."

The Holy City is truly wealthy; judging by its current status, it can practically treat Nascent Soul True Monarchs as Golden Core cultivators.

He's becoming increasingly interested in that place.

But while I may have an interest, I'll definitely keep my distance for now.

I'll consider venturing into the Holy City after I've made sufficient preparations.

"Is there anything else?"

Xiao Chen asked the question as usual before parting ways.

Zhang Cunfu seemed to have been waiting for this question for a long time, and immediately replied, "Reporting to senior, I do indeed have a request."

"Since the Holy City envoy arrived, the internal investigation within the sect has become increasingly severe."

"I don't know which damned bastard actually slandered me for selling spiritual items in private and threw mud at me."

"As a result, yesterday an elder from the sect's internal affairs department came to the warehouse and took away the account books."

"Senior, you must also know that no account in this world is truly immune to investigation."

“When you encounter those heartless beasts, they can find bones in an egg.”

"I'm not worried about bribing those little devils, the key is that I lack a generous gift that can catch the eye of that Elder of Internal Affairs."

"But if I don't give him some benefits, I really won't dare to close my eyes at night."

"Please, senior, have mercy and save my dog's life!"

(End of this chapter)