I'm in Yellow Maple Valley, and I have one equipment slot!

Since our parting at the Tiandu Trade Fair, I have had no contact with Nanlonghou for almost twenty years.

Unexpectedly, the other party found his cave and even extended an invitation to explore the ancient ruins.

Ancient cultivator's remains?

That's interesting.

Such places, though dangerous, often hold unexpected opportunities.

Whether it's cultivation techniques, elixirs, magical treasures, or other rare and precious materials.

just.

It is unknown when this Marquis of Nanlong arrived, or how long this communication talisman has remained within the restriction.

Zhou Yuan held the communication talisman, a thoughtful look in his eyes, his mind racing.

Ancient repair ruins discovered by the Marquis of Nanlong...

Based on the original timeline and the consistent style of Nanlonghou, Zhou Yuan was almost certain that the "ancient cultivator's cave" mentioned by the other party was most likely related to the Cangkun Shangren who was famous throughout the south ten thousand years ago!

Ten thousand years ago, the Venerable Cangkun appeared out of nowhere as a rogue cultivator. His cultivation was boundless and his supernatural powers and spells were unparalleled among his contemporaries.

He once single-handedly overpowered the leaders of both the righteous and demonic paths at the time, and was recognized as the number one person below the Nascent Soul stage in the Tiannan cultivation world!

The cave dwelling he left behind is enough to drive many Nascent Soul cultivators crazy.

However, this seemingly incredible opportunity is actually a meticulously planned and terrifying trap that has lasted for thousands of years!

The original work reveals that Master Cangkun met with misfortune ten thousand years ago when he ventured into the most dangerous place in the south, "Fallen Demon Valley".

A fragment of the soul of the ancient demon "Blood Flame," which was sealed in the valley, forcibly possessed the body!

After the ancient demon split its soul and possessed the body of Cangkun Shangren, it did not immediately cause harm. Instead, it continued to operate under that identity for a period of time and secretly set up a so-called "Relic Mansion".

Its purpose is not simply to preserve the legacy, but to select the "destined ones".

To be precise, it is to select cultivators who have sufficient strength and are eager for ancient secrets and top-level inheritances!

Outside this ruined mansion, powerful restrictions were set up. Those who could break through the restrictions passed the first round of selection, proving that they had sufficient strength and potential.

Upon entering the ruins, the "treasures" and clues obtained will guide the acquirer step by step to the depths of the Fallen Demon Valley, to find the core area described by the "Blood Flame" split soul as "the place where the Venerable Cangkun passed away" or "sealed with a shocking secret".

The ultimate goal is to lure these selected, powerful cultivators into trying to break the "Blood Curse Gate" that seals the "Blood Flame" main soul!

Once the seal is loosened or broken, the ancient demonic blood flames that have been suppressed for countless ages will be able to see the light of day again and wreak havoc on the world!

This is a conspiracy spanning tens of thousands of years, using the inherited treasure as bait and greed as the line to catch the big fish that can help them escape!

"Marquis of Nanlong... have you already gone to explore and encountered an insurmountable barrier, and that's why you've come to me for help? Or are you preparing to go and want to find helpers in advance?"

Zhou Yuan secretly pondered this in his heart.

He was already aware of the risks.

He won't go into the ancient demon trap.

The treasures in the mansion left behind by Master Cangkun are real.

Moreover, the clues there can help find the method for refining the Seven Flames Fan, a magical treasure that connects heaven and earth.

"This matter is worth considering."

Zhou Yuan suppressed his thoughts and put away the communication talisman.

There is too little information at the moment, and the Marquis of Nanlong left behind a communication talisman at some unknown time. We need to find out the current situation first.

He first settled the five women, Yuan Yao, Yan Li, Zi Ling, Mei Ning, and Ouyang Qing, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the environment on Ling Shu Mountain and each choose a quiet room in a separate residence to live and cultivate.

After giving a few brief instructions, he left the cave and headed to several of the larger gathering places of cultivators in Dongyu to gather information.

Several days later, Zhou Yuan returned to his cave, a look of understanding on his face.

He learned some very important information: several months later, the once-in-a-century "Tiannan First Trade Fair" will be held in "Tiantian City", which is within the territory of the Tiannan Nine Kingdoms Alliance!

This Tiannan First Trade Fair is the largest and highest-level event in the Tiannan cultivation world, held once every hundred years. In the past, it was hosted by the Righteous Alliance and the Six Demonic Sects in turn.

However, more than a hundred years ago, due to the rampant expansion of both the righteous and demonic paths and their constant warfare, their reputations were damaged, and many neutral cultivators and forces harbored doubts about the trade fairs they hosted.

Therefore, the right to host the last two editions has fallen into the hands of the "Nine Nations Alliance," a relatively neutral alliance of multiple countries.

This Tiancheng Trade Fair is the second one since the Nine Kingdoms Alliance took over its management.

"Kentian City...The First Trade Fair in Southern China..."

Zhou Yuan suddenly realized.

According to the original plot, it was during this trade fair that Marquis Nanlong took advantage of the gathering of high-level cultivators from all sides to secretly recruit several Nascent Soul cultivators, including Han Li, to form a team to explore the Cangkun Ruins.

"In terms of time, there is absolutely enough time."

Zhou Yuan pondered.

Since Marquis Nanlong has extended an invitation, and given the timing of this grand event, he is very likely to go to Tiancheng, partly to gather the necessary supplies, and partly to continue searching for suitable candidates.

This is a good opportunity for me to observe the movements of the Marquis of Nanlong up close.

Back in his cave, he told the women about his plan to attend the First Trade Fair in Southern China.

"The largest trade fair in southern China? That sounds exciting!"

Yanli's eyes lit up, and she immediately became interested. She grabbed Zhou Yuan's arm and shook it, saying, "Brother Zhou, take me to see it! I've never seen what the biggest trade fair in Tiannan looks like!"

Yuan Yao smiled gently and said, "Yes, Brother Zhou. When we were in the Chaotic Star Sea, we only saw the market in Tianxing City. This century-old grand event, which is famous throughout Tiannan, must be extraordinary. It would be good to see it and broaden our horizons." There was also anticipation in her eyes.

Zi Ling, Mei Ning, and Ouyang Qing remained relatively quiet.

Zi Ling has a cold and aloof personality and is not very interested in crowded and noisy places; Mei Ning feels that her cultivation level is still low (late stage of Foundation Establishment) and is afraid of causing trouble for Zhou Yuan; Ouyang Qing is a disciple and does not dare to take the initiative to ask.

Zhou Yuan glanced at Yuan Yao and Yan Li's expectant eyes, hesitated for a moment, and then nodded in agreement: "Alright, then Yuan Yao and Yan Li, you two will come with me. Zi Ling, Mei Ning, and Qing'er, the three of you will stay in the cave to cultivate for now. The spiritual energy here is abundant, and there is a great array protecting it, so you are safe. If you feel bored, you can also take a walk in the nearby mountains..."

"Yes, Master."

"Um."

The girls responded in unison.

After making the decision, the three of them made some preparations and set off.

The journey from Dongyu Kingdom to Tiancheng, Yu Kingdom, of the Nine Kingdoms Alliance is not short and requires traversing multiple countries.

As Zhou Yuan flew with the two women, he appreciated the vastly different landscapes of Tiannan and the Chaotic Star Sea.

Along the way, they indeed encountered many other groups of cultivators heading to Tiancheng.

Those with higher cultivation levels were led by Nascent Soul cultivators, while those with lower levels were in groups of Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining cultivators. They either piloted flying boats, rode spirit beasts, or flew directly on magical artifacts. Their goal was clear: to attend the once-in-a-century grand event.

There were even two brief clashes along the way, which shows how attractive the trade fair was and added a touch of tension to the journey.

Several months later, the three finally arrived at the core region of the Nine Kingdoms Alliance—the Kingdom of Yu.

After flying for several more days, a majestic city gradually revealed its awe-inspiring outline on the horizon ahead.

Khotan!

This city was not built on a plain, but rather relied on several continuous mountain ranges, cleverly incorporating several towering peaks into the city. The city walls were built along the mountains, winding and undulating, reaching a height of hundreds of feet. The entire city was constructed of a kind of "Ink Gang Stone" with a bluish-black metallic luster, on which runes appeared and spiritual light flowed.

The city is filled with palaces and pavilions, with flying eaves and brackets reaching into the sky. The entire city covers an area of ​​more than 100 miles, and is magnificent and spectacular, even surpassing the First City of the Righteous Alliance!

However, while Zhou Yuan, Yuan Yao, and Yan Li found the scene impressive, they were not particularly shocked.

There was no other reason than that they had all witnessed the true behemoth of the Chaotic Star Sea—Tianxing City!

It was a miraculous sea city built on a giant island, stretching for thousands of miles, with a permanent population of hundreds of millions!

Compared to Tianxing City, Tiantian City, though magnificent, is ultimately several levels below in terms of scale and grandeur.

"It's quite impressive, but it's still a bit smaller than Tianxing City."

Yanli muttered something under her breath.

Yuan Yao nodded slightly in agreement.

The three of them activated their escape techniques and, when they were still a hundred miles away from Tiancheng, they followed the faintly visible warning runes in the air and the increasing number of cultivators walking on the official road below, and landed on the ground.

This is the rule of Tiantian City. To prevent chaos in the city and to show respect to the organizer, the Nine Kingdoms Alliance, unless they are special guests or specially invited VIPs, any cultivator must enter the city on foot within a hundred miles of the city.

Zhou Yuan, unwilling to attract attention over such a trivial matter, led the two women and followed the bustling crowd toward the city gate that resembled a crouching beast.

Passing through the heavy city gate, which was over ten feet high and covered with restrictive runes, the clamor and the rich aroma of cooking instantly rushed towards us.

The city streets are wide enough for ten carriages to travel side by side, and shops line both sides with fluttering banners, selling all kinds of cultivation items, from low-level talismans, pills, and materials to some rather extraordinary magical artifacts and spiritual herbs.

The streets were teeming with people, shoulder to shoulder, a mix of cultivators and mortals. The sounds of hawking, bargaining, and the chatter among cultivators created a vibrant, bustling atmosphere.

The air was filled with the strange aroma of various spiritual herbs, elixirs, and materials from demonic beasts, as well as the fragrance of food and fine wine.

"So many people!" Yanli exclaimed excitedly, looking around. Yuanyao also curiously observed the city scene, which was so different from the style of the Chaotic Star Sea.

Zhou Yuan didn't linger. After determining the direction, he led the two women toward the city center.

The closer you get to the center, the cleaner the streets become, and the taller and more exquisite the buildings are. The cultivation levels of the pedestrians are also generally higher. Core Formation cultivators are not uncommon, and occasionally you can even feel the subtle yet powerful aura of Nascent Soul cultivators.

After traveling for about half an hour, an area shrouded in a soft white light appeared ahead. The area covered by the light was quite large, and pavilions, exotic flowers and plants could be vaguely seen inside. The spiritual energy was also much richer and purer than that outside.

At the entrance to the light barrier, several Foundation Establishment cultivators, dressed in uniform armor and exuding considerable aura, were guarding the entrance and verifying the identities of those entering.

This is the "Gathering Immortals Garden," a special rest area prepared by Tiancheng for Nascent Soul cultivators and their entourages who come to participate in the trade fair.

Only Nascent Soul cultivators are allowed to enter with a small number of followers, upon presentation of an invitation or proof of their cultivation level.

Zhou Yuan walked to the entrance without taking out any invitations, but simply released a trace of his mid-Nascent Soul spiritual pressure.

The guards' expressions immediately turned serious, and the leading general, who was at the early stage of Core Formation, quickly stepped forward and respectfully saluted.

"Greetings, senior..."

Zhou Yuan was too lazy to waste words, so he simply raised his hand and made a seemingly casual swipe towards the white light shield.

A concentrated burst of magical power swept across, and the seemingly solid light barrier rippled like water, silently cracking open a passage large enough for several people to walk side by side!

Zhou Yuan's understanding of formations and restrictions has reached a state of perfection. Although the outer light barrier of the Gathering Immortals Garden is extraordinary, it is still no match for him.

"this……"

Seeing that Zhou Yuan had opened the forbidden passage so easily, the guard general dared not be negligent in the slightest. He quickly stepped aside, bowed, and said, "Senior, your abilities are truly extraordinary! I have been rude! Please come in, Senior! You may choose any unoccupied pavilion in the garden to stay in!"

Zhou Yuan nodded slightly, and Yuan Yao and Yan Li, their faces showing surprise and admiration, stepped into the light barrier.

Inside the light shield, there was indeed a hidden world.

Scattered throughout the garden are hundreds of independent pavilions, each with a unique style but all quite elegant. Each pavilion is shrouded in a faint, independent aura of light, clearly to protect the privacy of its inhabitants.

At this moment, nearly half of the attic has been illuminated by a protective aura, indicating that it has been taken over.

Zhou Yuan, accompanied by two women, strolled through the area, searching for an unoccupied pavilion.

After walking for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Zhou Yuan spotted a three-story, elegant bamboo building located by a small lake. It was constructed primarily of green bamboo and white jade, and its protective aura had not yet been activated.

He was about to step forward and use his magic to activate the core of the attic's protective barrier, thus completing the recognition of the attic as its master.

Just then, not far away, another magnificent three-story pavilion built of mahogany opened its doors, and a graceful figure stepped out, its protective aura spreading like ripples on water.

She was a woman dressed in a light blue palace dress, with a graceful figure, her hair styled in a high bun, her face beautiful and her temperament gentle and graceful. She was none other than the Water Cloud Fairy, the elder of Haoran Pavilion who had helped Zhou Yuan refine the Wind and Thunder Wings.

Fairy Shuiyun was clearly surprised to meet Zhou Yuan here. She paused for a moment, then smiled with perfect delight as she stepped forward and curtsied, saying, "Fellow Daoist Zhou? What a coincidence! I never expected to meet you here."

Her gaze swept over Yuan Yao and Yan Li beside Zhou Yuan, and a hint of amazement flashed in her eyes.

Both women were stunningly beautiful. Yuan Yao was as aloof as the moon, while the other was as beautiful and radiant as a flower. Moreover, both of them had reached the late stage of Core Formation!

Such a woman, possessing both beauty and cultivation, is rare even in major sects. Yet, she is now flanking Zhou Yuan, their relationship self-evident.

"The quality of this concubine... is truly astonishing."

Fairy Shuiyun sighed inwardly, her opinion of Zhou Yuan's "methods" rising even higher.

The fact that this Fellow Daoist Zhou could subdue such beautiful and talented women as concubines and make them willingly follow him suggests that his charm and skill far exceed his apparent cultivation level.

"Fellow Daoist Shuiyun, it's been a long time." Zhou Yuan returned the greeting with a cupped hand, his expression calm.

"It has indeed been a long time."

Fairy Shuiyun smiled gently, her tone carrying familiarity and a hint of barely perceptible inquiry, "It has been decades since we parted ways in Tiandu. I did not expect that Fellow Daoist Zhou would not only be more charming than before, but also come to the Tiannan First Trade Fair in Tiantian City. It seems that Fellow Daoist is very wealthy and determined to win this once-in-a-century event."

Her words weren't entirely flattery. Back at the Tiandu First City Trade Fair, Zhou Yuan's purchase of Gengjing and Hupo Grass, spending hundreds of thousands of spirit stones, had left a deep impression on her.

To be able to participate in that level of trade fair, and to come to this even larger Tiannan First Trade Fair, means that one's financial resources are far beyond those of ordinary independent cultivators.

"Fellow Daoist Shuiyun, you flatter me." Zhou Yuan waved his hand modestly, his tone calm. "I am but a wandering cultivator who has been drifting overseas for many years. I have only accumulated a little bit of savings, which is nothing compared to your abundant resources backed by the Haoran Pavilion. I came here mainly to broaden their horizons and try my luck."

Shuiyun Fairy naturally didn't believe his "low-key" explanation, but she didn't point it out; she just nodded with a smile.

Just then, from another direction, the door of an ancient-style stone pavilion opened, and a short figure stepped out.

This person was no more than four feet tall, with fair skin, red lips and white teeth. He wore two topknots on his head and a red short shirt embroidered with flame patterns. He looked like a rich boy of seven or eight years old, and was very endearing.

However, the spiritual energy emanating from him was clearly at the early stage of the Nascent Soul realm! Moreover, it was solid and substantial, indicating an extremely solid foundation.

"Huh? This person looks so strange..." Yanli, being straightforward, couldn't help but whisper to Yuan Yao upon seeing the Nascent Soul cultivator who looked like a child, her beautiful eyes full of curiosity.

The boy seemed extremely sensitive to gazes, and immediately turned his head to look over. When he discovered that it was a Core Formation female cultivator looking at him with curious eyes, his brows furrowed, and a hint of displeasure and annoyance flashed in his eyes, as if someone had touched a sore spot.

But when his gaze swept over Zhou Yuan beside Yanli and he felt the unfathomable spiritual pressure of the mid-stage Nascent Soul, the anger on his face instantly subsided, replaced by a calm expression that did not match his age.

Zhou Yuan also looked over.

Upon seeing the boy's appearance, he immediately understood his identity.

Fire Dragon Boy!

Born into the Ancient Sword Sect, one of the three major sects of the Yunmeng Mountains, he is one of the few remaining Nascent Soul elders in the sect.

The reason he maintains his youthful appearance is not because he has practiced a method to preserve his youth, but because he accidentally ingested a strange "youth-preserving herb" when he was young, which caused his physical development to stagnate and he remained a child forever.

This matter was a source of great anxiety for him, and he was most sensitive to others discussing his appearance.

"So it's Fellow Daoist Lan! I didn't expect you to arrive even earlier than us!" Fairy Shuiyun clearly recognized Fire Dragon Boy and greeted him with a smile, breaking the slightly tense atmosphere.

Fire Dragon Boy nodded to Water Cloud Fairy in response, but his gaze remained fixed on Zhou Yuan, carrying a hint of scrutiny and... barely perceptible surprise.

The more he looked at Zhou Yuan, the more he felt that he had seen the man's appearance somewhere before, and he had a strange sense of familiarity.

"That's it! It's that mysterious expert that Senior Brother Jin mentioned!"

Fire Dragon Boy was startled, and suddenly remembered.

Decades ago, his senior brother, Jin Wuhuan, the Grand Elder of the Ancient Sword Sect, fought against a mysterious sword cultivator in the Yunmeng Mountains.

After a brief exchange, Senior Brother Jin admitted defeat and highly praised the other man's swordsmanship, even personally drawing a portrait of him.

The person in the portrait bears a striking resemblance to this "Fellow Daoist Zhou" before them! Especially their composed demeanor, which is almost identical!

"An overseas rogue cultivator? Zhou Yuan?"

Fire Dragon Boy's mind raced, but his face remained impassive. He even deliberately looked away, as if it had just been a casual glance.

"Fellow Daoist Shuiyun."

Fire Dragon Boy's voice was clear and crisp, yet carried a hint of maturity. He addressed Water Cloud Fairy, then turned to Zhou Yuan, cupped his hands in a gesture of respect as if they were meeting for the first time: "This fellow Daoist looks unfamiliar. May I ask your name? I am Lan Ming from the Ancient Sword Sect."

"Zhou Yuan, a rogue cultivator."

Zhou Yuan also cupped his hands in return, his expression indifferent. He naturally noticed the fleeting surprise and doubt in the Fire Dragon Boy's eyes, and guessed that the other party might have heard of him from Jin Yong, but since the other party pretended not to know him, he went along with it.

"So it's Fellow Daoist Zhou, a pleasure to meet you."

Fire Dragon Boy nodded in apparent realization, then changed the subject, saying to Water Cloud Fairy, "Fellow Daoist Water Cloud, Fellow Daoist Zhou, you've come at the perfect time. I just received a message from an old friend, inviting me to a small exchange meeting of fellow Daoists, held in the 'Crystal Dragon Pavilion' within this Gathering Immortal Garden. I've heard that all the attendees are Nascent Soul cultivators, and the items they've brought are quite interesting. Would you two be interested in joining me?"

A small exchange meeting?

Zhou Yuan's heart stirred slightly.

These private exchange meetings, organized by familiar or equally matched Nascent Soul cultivators on the eve of or during large-scale trade fairs, often reveal rare and precious items that are inconvenient to trade in public.

Moreover, those who can participate in such exchange meetings are mostly prominent figures in Tiannan, and perhaps they can find out some clues about the Marquis of Nanlong or the Cangkun Mansion.

"Oh? There are such small exchange meetings? I am naturally delighted to accept Fellow Daoist Lan's invitation."

Fairy Shuiyun smiled and looked at Zhou Yuan, "Fellow Daoist Zhou, why don't we go and take a look together? Perhaps we can gain something from it."

"Alright, since we have nothing else to do, let's go and see for ourselves."

Zhou Yuan nodded.

He told Yuan Yao and Yan Li to go back to the bamboo house they had chosen to rest, while he, along with Fairy Shuiyun and Fire Dragon Boy, headed towards a certain place in the Gathering Immortals Garden.

The three walked and chatted, with Fairy Shuiyun and Fire Dragon Boy mostly talking about interesting anecdotes from Tiannan recently. Zhou Yuan occasionally chimed in, and the atmosphere was quite harmonious.

Before long, the three arrived at a three-story pavilion called "Crystal Dragon Pavilion".

This pavilion has a rather unique design, constructed entirely of some kind of translucent crystal, which refracts a dazzling array of colors under the sunlight.

However, Zhou Yuan's gaze casually swept over the open door, and his eyebrows involuntarily twitched slightly.

Inside the first floor of the attic, there was a bustling scene typical of a secular restaurant!

Dozens of tables were filled with guests of all kinds, men, women, young and old, who were toasting each other, talking and laughing loudly, and exchanging toasts.

Several waiters, carrying trays laden with food and wine, moved nimbly among the tables and chairs, loudly announcing the arrival of dishes. The air was filled with the aroma of food and wine, and the place was bustling with activity.

On one side of the attic door, there is a wooden sign about a foot in size with the words “This building is reserved, outsiders are not allowed” written in black and conspicuous words.

This scene was completely out of place with the quiet and elegant environment of the Juxian Garden, and even more so with the atmosphere of a private exchange meeting between Nascent Soul cultivators.

"A clumsy illusion..."

Just as a strange feeling arose in Zhou Yuan's heart, the Great Evolution Divine Lord's undisguised contemptuous divine thought transmission from the Bamboo Tube Cave Heaven behind him directly rang in his mind.