Starting at the Nascent Soul stage, a rogue cultivator is incredibly poor.

In Xuanxian City, deep in the western alley, beneath an inconspicuous courtyard.

The secret room had no windows, only a few luminous stones embedded in the walls, which shone with a pale, bluish-white hue.

A figure draped in a black cloak sat with his back to the stone gate, the hood hanging low to obscure his face. The black robe was devoid of any patterns, yet it naturally exuded a composed aura of someone who had long held a high position.

Three steps behind him, a middle-aged man leaned against the stone wall, arms crossed, looking nonchalant, as if the man in front of him was no important figure.

"We are secretly supporting the conservative faction of the Wanxian Dynasty, and the demand for monster materials is increasing day by day."

The man in black robes spoke, his voice hoarse, making it impossible to discern his age.

"This batch of goods needs to be procured as soon as possible. We should make them fight even more fiercely with the reformers."

The middle-aged man didn't even lift his eyelids, only lazily responding:

"I know. The Guixian Sect hasn't been idle either, openly and secretly sending resources and cultivation techniques to the reformists. The two sides originally shared similar ideologies, and now they seem to be even more like brothers. They've put on this show with remarkable skill."

"Hmph." The man in black robes snorted. "Let them fight. The fiercer they fight, the more confident we are."

He waved his hand, seemingly unwilling to say more.

The middle-aged man then straightened up, did not bow, turned around, pushed open the stone door of the secret chamber, and walked out.

The moment the stone door closed, the nonchalant expression on his face vanished, replaced by an icy coldness.

He raised his hand, and a spell was silently cast into the stone gate.

"boom."

A dull thud came from inside the stone door, sealing it completely.

He stood there, silent for a moment, then muttered to himself:

"The pieces have been moved... let's see how far this game can go."

"The fate of the Ten Thousand Immortals Dynasty is sealed, hahaha."

One year and seven months later.

Tingzhu Pavilion, located on Cuiwei Mountain in the western suburbs of Xuanxian City.

Behind the cave, deep in the mountain rocks, lies another newly opened, hidden stone chamber.

The spiritual energy here is much denser than in the previous cave. Qingyouzi used the methods recorded in "Yi Xuan Zhen Jie" to set up several layers of spiritual energy gathering, breath concealment, and protective formations, making it his true place of cultivation.

In the center of the stone chamber, Qingyouzi sat cross-legged.

A crimson demonic insect hovered in front of him. It was more than twice the size of an ordinary crimson fire demonic insect. Its carapace was dark red like blood, with faint golden patterns flowing along the edges. Its compound eyes were deep and dark, and its six legs were sharp as hooks.

"come over."

Qingyouzi extended one finger.

The insect was incredibly intelligent; upon hearing the sound, it slowly flew down to my fingertip, its antennae lightly touching mine, showing great intimacy.

"Two years..." Qingyouzi's eyes showed satisfaction. "After consuming many fire-attribute treasures, I have finally cultivated an Insect King."

With a slight thought, the Insect King flapped its wings and took flight, leaving a crimson trail in the air. Its speed was so great that ordinary Golden Core cultivators could hardly keep up with it. Even more strangely, as it flew, fiery energy naturally condensed around its body, leaving a faint trail of flames behind it.

"Now that it commands the swarm of insects, even a Nascent Soul cultivator can face it head-on when all the insects come out together."

The Insect King hovered for a moment before flying back into the spirit insect pouch in Qingyouzi's sleeve.

He then took out another magical artifact from his storage bag.

It was that "Hundred Demon Net". After two years of nurturing and refining, it has now been completely refined. With a thought, the black net can instantly expand to three zhang. The net lines are extremely tough and have the insidious effect of disrupting magic power and eroding divine consciousness. It is infinitely useful for trapping enemies and protecting oneself.

The other "Soul-Shaking Bell" has also been refined to 70%. Although it is not yet as easy to use as an extension of one's own arm, its sudden activation is enough to shake the soul of a cultivator of the same level and expose their weaknesses.

In the past two years, he has kept a low profile and rarely goes out.

Besides cultivating the "Seven Chapters of Refining the Spirit" and comprehending the "Explanation of the Mysterious Array of Yi", he also cultivated insect swarms and refined magical treasures.

Although his cultivation level has not yet broken through to the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm, his foundation is becoming increasingly solid.

His divine sense had surged dramatically due to cultivating the third chapter of the "Seven Chapters of Refining the Spirit." Now, when fully unleashed, it could reach a radius of 150 miles, far exceeding that of ordinary early-stage Nascent Soul cultivators.

only……

Qingyouzi frowned slightly.

There seems to be some unusual activity in Xuanxian City lately.

About a year ago, the city began to vigorously promote the "Demon Hunting Order," encouraging cultivators to go to sea to hunt demonic beasts and to purchase various demonic beast materials at high prices. For a time, the price of demonic materials in the market soared, attracting a large number of cultivators to form teams to go to sea, and the trend of demon hunting became popular.

Although he was not involved, he always felt that there was a deeper meaning behind this matter.

Over the past two years, I have intermittently inquired and learned that the struggle between the reformist and conservative factions within the Wanxian Dynasty has intensified, spreading from court debates to local conflicts, and even occasionally news of low-level cultivators being killed or injured in combat.

Beset by internal and external troubles, with undercurrents surging.

As Qingyouzi was pondering, he heard faint footsteps outside the cave.

The newcomer deliberately slowed their pace, but under Qing Youzi's current divine sense coverage, they were as clear as a beacon in the darkness.

The footsteps stopped outside the cave, and the person raised their hand to knock.

"Young friend Yun has arrived, please come in."

Qingyouzi's voice came from the depths of the cave, calm and serene.

Outside the door, Yun Yun was taken aback at first, then grinned and pushed the door open to enter.

The front hall of the cave dwelling was simply furnished, with only a few bamboo chairs and a stone table. The table was fully equipped with tea sets, but there was no one in sight.

"Senior? Where are you?"

"Here it is."

A voice suddenly came from behind him.

Yun Yun was startled and turned around abruptly, only to see Qing Youzi standing three feet behind him, looking at him with a half-smile.

"Senior, you... appear and disappear like a ghost!"

Yun Yun patted his chest and then chuckled.

"With my limited cultivation, I have nothing to hide in front of you, senior."

Qingyouzi walked to the bamboo chair and sat down, gesturing for him to sit as well.

The tone was flat.

"You've come here because of the trade fair?"

Yun Yun nodded quickly, his expression becoming more serious:

"That's right! The trade fair is scheduled to be held in March at the 'Juxian Pavilion' in the north of the city. My master recently sent me a message saying that he could introduce you. He said that you had given me guidance, and he would personally handle this matter."

Qingyouzi nodded slightly.

In the past two years, Yunyun has visited frequently, sometimes bringing news from the outside world, and sometimes asking questions about cultivation difficulties.

Qingyouzi, impressed by his diligence, generously offered him guidance. This young man possessed considerable talent and was willing to work hard; within two years, he had progressed from the mid-stage of the Golden Core realm to its peak, just one step away from the late stage.

In return, Yun Yun did indeed find out a lot of useful information for him, including the whereabouts of the "Divine Herb".

The cultivation of Chapters 4 and 5 of "Seven Chapters of Refining the Spirit" requires the "Divine Herb" as an aid. This herb grows in extremely yin places and requires the alternating exposure of the essence of the sun and moon for a hundred years to mature, making it extremely rare.

Yun Yun inquired from various sources and learned that at this Nascent Soul Trade Fair, someone might use this herb to exchange for what they need.

This news was of great value to Qingyouzi.

"Your master has been in seclusion for several years. Will he emerge from seclusion soon?" Qingyouzi asked.

"Exactly!"

Yun Yun rubbed his hands together, a genuine smile appearing on his face.

"Master is in seclusion, trying to break through the bottleneck of the mid-stage Nascent Soul realm. Judging by the days, he should emerge from seclusion in about two months. He sent a message saying that he will definitely come to thank you in person after he comes out. In the past two years, if it weren't for your constant guidance, my cultivation would never have progressed so quickly."

He spoke sincerely.

Qingyouzi waved his hand:

"There's no need to worry about things that are mutually beneficial."

He looked out of the cave window; the distant mountains were like dark eyebrows, shrouded in mist.

Three months later, the Nascent Soul Trade Fair will be held.

Divine Grass, Demon Spirit Stones, other cultivation resources... perhaps, we can also learn more about this undercurrent of events.

It's time to go out for a walk.

"Go back and tell your master," Qing Youzi withdrew his gaze, "I appreciate his kindness. We'll discuss the trade fair then."

Yun Yun rose and bowed deeply.

"I understand."

They left the cave and closed the door.

The footsteps faded into the distance.

In the stone chamber, Qingyouzi sat quietly for a moment, then suddenly raised his hand.

From his sleeve, the Crimson Insect King silently flew out and landed in his palm.

He looked down at the insect king he had painstakingly cultivated over two years, a sharp glint in his eyes.

The insect king flapped its wings, and a faint crimson flame ignited.