Mortal's Journey: Reborn as Xin Ruyin, she begins by possessing Qi Yun's body.

An hour passes in the blink of an eye.

Qi Yunxiao leisurely strolled through most of the stalls in the square, a hint of regret lingering in his eyes.

Along the way, his eyes swept over countless stalls, most of which displayed low-grade spiritual herbs, ordinary ores, and some crudely made low-grade magic artifacts—all common goods.

After all, most of the people who set up stalls here are independent cultivators like him and Han Li, with limited opportunities, so the things they can offer naturally don't meet his standards.

He had hoped to find some rarer materials for refining magical artifacts so that he could forge a few more before the Ascension Ceremony, but it seems he will be disappointed now.

Before long, he strolled to the place where he had agreed to meet Han Li. It was next to a huge bronze lamp, with a soft white light and a wide field of vision.

He leaned against the lamppost, his gaze casually sweeping over the passing crowd, waiting for Han Li while secretly making his own plans.

If you really can't find good materials, sell the extra low-grade magic artifacts you have, and then go to the market in Huangfeng Valley later to search for them slowly.

A moment later, a familiar figure appeared in sight; it was Han Li.

Qi Yunxiao's gaze paused slightly, and his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

Han Li did not come alone; he was followed by seven or eight people, both men and women, dressed in various colors. Their auras were mixed, but they all exuded the restraint and sharpness unique to rogue cultivators.

The leader was dressed in a Taoist robe, giving him a rather unique air.

"Brother Han, who are these people?"

Qi Yunxiao quickly stepped forward, speaking calmly, but his gaze subtly swept over the crowd behind Han Li, especially the Taoist priest in the lead.

He already had a guess in his mind, thinking to himself: Judging from their appearance, these people are probably Qingwen Daoist's group. I didn't expect Han Li to be involved with them.

Upon hearing this, Han Li stepped aside, gestured to the leading Taoist, and introduced, "Brother Qi, this is Daoist Qingwen. They are all independent cultivators who usually stick together for warmth and mutual support."

Master Qingwen said that Tai Nan Valley is a mixed bag of people, and with the Ascension Ceremony approaching, acting alone is too dangerous. He invited us to join them so we could look after each other. I was just about to ask you if we should go with them.

Qi Yunxiao's gaze fell on Daoist Qingwen, and he examined him closely.

The Taoist priest with blue patterns appeared to be about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old. He had a fair complexion, no beard, regular features, and a kind face, with a whisk draped over his arm.

She was surrounded by a faint spiritual aura, and looked gentle and refined, with an air of otherworldly grace. At this moment, she was smiling at him.

His eyes seemed gentle, but deep inside there was a subtle scrutiny and calculation.

However, Qi Yunxiao felt no goodwill whatsoever; instead, a strong sense of vigilance arose within him.

He had memories of his past life and knew clearly that this Taoist priest with green patterns was no kind person at all.

He appears to be a leader of independent cultivators, but in reality, he is a member of the Black Fiend Cult. He specializes in disguising himself as an independent cultivator to lure those who are alone and have no background into forming a group.

They were then secretly captured and used for blood sacrifices in cultivation, a method of extreme cruelty.

Knowing that Daoist Qingwen harbored ill intentions, Qi Yunxiao naturally wouldn't invite trouble upon himself.

He bowed slightly to Daoist Qingwen almost without hesitation.

His tone was respectful yet firm as he directly refused, "Thank you for your kind offer, Daoist Qingwen, but I am accustomed to traveling alone and do not like to be accompanied by others, so I will not join your group. I hope you will understand."

Upon hearing this, Han Li was visibly taken aback, a look of surprise on his face, clearly not expecting Qi Yunxiao to refuse so decisively.

He was already somewhat hesitant after being persuaded by Daoist Qingwen.

On the one hand, I feel that sticking together can indeed provide more security, but on the other hand, I feel a little uneasy.

Seeing Qi Yunxiao's decisive refusal, the unease grew stronger, and there was a vague feeling that Qi Yunxiao's choice was right.

Master Qingwen and his group may not be as simple as they seem on the surface.

After a moment's hesitation, Han Li looked up at Daoist Qingwen, his tone firm, a stark contrast to his earlier reluctance: "I'm sorry, Daoist Qingwen, I'd better go with Brother Qi."

The smile on Master Qingwen's face froze slightly, a barely perceptible hint of gloom flashed in his eyes, and his expression instantly turned somewhat unpleasant.

He thought that Han Li was already tempted, and that with a few more words of persuasion, he could bring these two Qi Refining Level 8 cultivators under his control.

Unexpectedly, Qi Yunxiao was so disrespectful, refusing outright, which caused Han Li to change his mind as well.

But he quickly suppressed his displeasure and malice, forced a gentle smile, and continued to persuade them, his tone becoming more and more earnest: "Fellow Daoists, please reconsider."

We independent cultivators are already weak and vulnerable, and we are often targeted by those family cultivators and sect disciples.

With the Ascension Ceremony approaching, the Heavenly Mist Platform Arena is even more perilous. Only by sticking together, supporting each other, and looking out for one another can they be safer and increase their chances of winning in the ceremony.

Han Li remained unmoved, turned to look at Qi Yunxiao, and seeing his resolute expression, bowed slightly to Daoist Qingwen.

His tone left no room for argument: "Thank you for your repeated persuasion, Daoist Master, but I have already decided to stand with Brother Qi through thick and thin, so I will not trouble you any further."

Seeing this, Qi Yunxiao felt both amused and exasperated.

He never expected that Han Li would push him out.

Han Li decisively abandoned the idea of ​​forming a group simply because he refused.

But he didn't say much, after all, it was Han Li's own choice, and staying away from Daoist Qingwen and his group was a good thing for Han Li.

He bowed to Daoist Qingwen again, his tone still respectful, but without any room for softening: "Daoist Qingwen, I am truly sorry to have disappointed you. We two are still used to acting alone."

The smile on Qingwen Daoist's face vanished completely. He silently looked at Qi Yunxiao and Han Li, his eyes cold, and the spiritual energy around him subtly became sharper.

The feigned gentleness completely vanished, and the malice in his eyes was almost impossible to conceal.

After a few breaths of silence, he seemed to realize that further persuasion would be futile, and that forcibly persisting would only expose his identity, which would be a loss.

Finally, he snorted coldly, said no more, gave a wink to the people behind him, turned around first, and left without looking back with Wu Jiuzhi and the others.

The group walked hurriedly, their aura somewhat gloomy.

As they passed by Qi Yunxiao and Han Li, Wu Jiuzhi and the others glared at them fiercely, their eyes filled with resentment and bitterness.

Only after watching their departing figures did Qi Yunxiao's vigilance ease slightly.

He turned to look at Han Li, his tone tinged with helplessness: "Brother Han, you're quite decisive. Aren't you afraid I've made the wrong choice?"

Han Li shook his head, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes: "Brother Qi refused so decisively, there must be a reason for it. Besides, I also have a feeling that they are not good people. It's safer to follow you."