Seeking immortality begins with daily intelligence reports.

Sure enough, less than half a month after the new regulations were implemented, several serious incidents were reported in the market.

First, a five-person team from the Wild Wolf Gang, who were at the mid-stage of Qi Refining, encountered a late-stage Tier 1 monster called "Red-tailed Ape." The team was almost completely wiped out, with only one person escaping with serious injuries.

The monster materials they painstakingly hunted were reportedly "kept safe" by another unidentified team.

This incident caused a great uproar, and the Wild Wolf Gang claimed that they would thoroughly investigate the matter, but there has been no result to date.

Immediately following this, internal conflicts erupted within the Giant Tiger Gang.

Rumor has it that the two leaders of the Giant Tiger Gang, both at the late stage of Qi Refining, led a team to besiege a late-stage Tier 1 monster.

A conflict arose due to unequal distribution of resources, and the two leaders turned against each other on the spot and started fighting.

This attracted a pack of mid-stage Tier 1 demon wolves, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides.

If the struggle between powerful factions is like this, one can only imagine what it's like for the lower-level independent cultivators.

Several teams, cobbled together from early-stage Qi Refining cultivators and older, independent practitioners, disappeared without a trace after entering the mountains, as if they had vanished into thin air.

The rumors circulating are that they died from being devoured by monsters because they were too weak, but in reality, it is very likely that they were taken advantage of or used as bait.

The three sects' response was simply to strengthen the maintenance of order at the market's monster-related offices.

As for the disputes in the prison, as long as they do not affect the overall situation of the market, we will turn a blind eye.

The law of the jungle, where the strong prey on the weak and the might reigns supreme, is vividly displayed under these new regulations.

Meanwhile, Li Shenzheng is working hard to hatch the seven-colored python.

The spirit stones were consumed at a rapid pace, and nearly seven hundred were used up in total.

It broke his heart.

He even had the urge to sell the "spirit-devouring beast" several times.

However, he only thought about it and did not actually take any action.

Fortunately, the small snake couldn't swallow it.

After consuming a large amount of spirit stones, the seven-colored python finally hatched.

Its appearance is similar to that of the Red-striped Python, except that its eyes are unusually large and round, and the first red stripe on its body is still faint.

Whether it was due to the influence of its mother's soul or the imprinting effect, the little python appeared very affectionate towards Li Shen upon their first meeting.

The entire process of recognizing the master went very smoothly, and Li Shen named him Xiao Qi.

At this point, the spirit insects, spirit beasts, and soul slaves were all ready.

Li Shen plans to return to Fog Valley next.

The place is littered with corpses and must be teeming with wandering spirits, making it an ideal place to cultivate soul slaves.

The monsters encountered along the way can also be used to practice the coordination between the Soul-Eating Ants, the Seven-Colored Python, the Soul Slave, and oneself.

Having made up his mind, Li Shen went to Lin Xiaoxiao to buy antidote pills and fasting pills, and then set off alone for Laoshan.

Along the way, Li Shen's cultivation level of the fifth level of Qi Refining was already considered above average among rogue cultivators, but now everyone was on edge, and he was a stranger, so no one took the initiative to invite him to travel together.

This situation suited him perfectly.

Just as he was about to step onto the outer edge of the prison mountain, a voice suddenly came from behind him:

"Fellow Daoist, wait a moment."

Li Shen paused, slightly surprised.

The opponent's aura was extremely powerful; it couldn't be detected by divine sense, but it was definitely at least at the seventh level of Qi Refining.

He slowly turned around and saw five people walking towards him.

The speaker was a burly middle-aged man at the head of the group.

Li Shen's gaze swept over the five people, and he quickly made a mental calculation.

This team's strength is considered top-notch in the current market.

The white-robed youth standing next to the middle-aged man at the head of the group had a cultivation level of Qi Refining Level 6.

Behind them were three people, two men and one woman, who were also at the fifth level of Qi Refining.

Why would such a team target me?

He was wary inside, but his face showed just the right amount of hesitation as he cupped his hands and said:

"Is this senior calling me?"

The burly man laughed heartily, his voice booming like thunder:

"Indeed. I am Song Changshan, and my family consists of members of the clan. We plan to hunt a late-stage first-tier demon beast, and the array we need is missing a mid-stage Qi Refining cultivator to activate. Seeing that you are alone and your cultivation level is suitable, I have come to invite you. You only need to contribute to setting up the array, and after it is completed, you will receive one-tenth of the spoils."

Li Xiaoyou?

Li Shen felt a chill run down his spine. He hadn't introduced himself earlier, so how did the other person know his surname was Li?

Before he could ask a question, the man opposite him explained calmly:

"I noticed you when we first started hunting demons. You once overpowered the four major families and took the top spot."

Upon hearing the words "top of the list," the expressions of the men behind the man all shifted, and their gazes invariably turned toward the white-robed youth.

The young man's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes darkened slightly.

Song Changshan's smile remained unchanged as he continued:

"As one of the four Foundation Establishment families in the market, it is not difficult for my Song family to investigate the background of a rogue cultivator. However, young friend Li, rest assured, my invitation is by no means malicious."

Another reason is also to cherish talent.

The market is in chaos right now, and independent cultivators are living hand to mouth. If you, young friend Li, are willing to join my Song family, the family will help you with your contribution points. Why risk your life alone?

If I'm not mistaken, young friend Li, what you're seeking is also the Foundation Establishment Pill, isn't it?

Song Changshan's words were watertight and reasonable, clearly stating the reasons for the invitation, his own background, and the future benefits.

He seemed very honest.

For ordinary rogue cultivators, it would be difficult to resist when a Foundation Establishment family extends an olive branch, not to mention the matter of Foundation Establishment Pills.

However, since the other party had investigated him, it was difficult for Li Shen to trust what they said.

Li Shen pondered for a moment, a hint of flattery and hesitation appearing on his face, which quickly turned into a wry smile as he cupped his hands in greeting again.

"Senior Song, I am deeply humbled by your kindness. My achievement of topping the list that day was purely by chance, as I was part of the Jade Sword Sect's group, not by any real skill. This time, I only intend to stay on the outskirts of the mountain and dare not venture into the territory of late-stage first-tier demonic beasts, lest I jeopardize your important mission. I appreciate your kind intentions."

He adopted a very humble attitude and spoke earnestly, wanting only to get away as soon as possible.

No sooner had he finished speaking than an untimely voice suddenly rang out.

A tall, thin young man with a slightly arrogant look behind Song Changshan sneered:

"Elder Song personally invited you and promised you a family quota and a future with Foundation Establishment Pills. You, a mere Qi Refining Level 5 rogue cultivator, are truly ungrateful!"

"They got a false title by sheer luck, and now they really think they're someone important..."

Before he could finish speaking, Song Changshan's face darkened, and he rebuked him sternly:

"Song Ming! Shut up!"

The oppressive aura, belonging to the late stage of Qi Refining, erupted instantly.

The disciple's face paled, and he lowered his head dejectedly, but he couldn't help but glance at Li Shen out of the corner of his eye, full of resentment.

Song Changshan turned to Li Shen, his smile unchanged, but his tone had deepened:

"I am sorry for my rudeness, young friend Li."

However, I hope that my words will be carefully considered by my young friend Li.

Contributing points is important, but life is the most important thing.

"I can vouch for your joining my Song family; you will certainly not be treated unfairly."

Having said all that, refusing now would seem ungrateful.

Moreover, while the other party appeared to be admonishing a junior, they were actually also trying to remind themselves.

Li Shen's mind raced. He took a deep breath and clasped his hands in a fist salute to Song Changshan:

"Since that's the case... I can't refuse your kind invitation, senior. However, my knowledge of formations is still very rudimentary. I hope you will give me some guidance when the time comes."