Living as a Mortal: Grinding Experience Starting from the Underworld

After receiving Zi Ling's telepathic message, Zhang Feng set off for Miaoyin Sect to make the final confirmation.

They went to search for people in the outer seas, or perhaps together with other Core Formation cultivators from the merchant alliance.

We need to ask about this in person and clarify the terms.

When Zhang Feng arrived at Miaoyin Gate, he found Zhao Zheng, Elder Fu, and the two envoys Fan and Zhuo already waiting there.

"Elder Zhang, you've come at the perfect time! Everyone's been waiting for you!"

Fan Jingmei spoke first.

"Please forgive me, everyone, I am late."

Zhang Feng bowed slightly to everyone present.

"Oh, Fellow Daoist Zhang, what are you saying? As a guest elder of the Miaoyin Sect, you are supported by the Miaoyin Sect."

"We naturally need your presence to discuss important matters."

"It's just that I don't see you often, fellow Daoist. If you have nothing else to do, you're welcome to come to my cave for a small gathering."

Zhao Zheng stepped forward with a slight smile and a warm expression.

"Thank you for your understanding, Elder Zhao."

Zhang Feng nodded slightly to Zhao Zheng.

Since being recruited by Zi Ling as a guest elder of the Miaoyin Sect, Zhao Zheng had sent him many messages, but Zhang Feng declined them all on the grounds of refining weapons.

This person, as a special envoy of the Star Palace, and also in cahoots with the Extreme Yin Island, is a two-faced individual.

This kind of person is the quickest to betray their teammates; you shouldn't get too close to them.

"Alright, the reason for summoning the elders here today is the destruction of the Miaoyin Sect's stronghold on Ningcui Island in the Outer Star Sea and the theft of demon beast materials."

"Here are the details; you can check them yourselves!"

Zi Ling took out a memory bead and passed it to everyone present.

Zhang Feng also took the pearl and examined it; the person inside was indeed Qin Man.

"Qin Man of Jiyin Island has openly slaughtered my Miaoyin Sect disciples. This grudge must be avenged."

"Otherwise, my Miaoyin Sect will lose all prestige in the outer seas!"

"I propose that we send someone to teach the disciples of the Extreme Yin Island in the outer sea a lesson!"

Zhao Zheng spoke with righteous indignation.

Zhang Feng pondered to himself, realizing that no one else knew about the message Zi Ling had sent him.

"That's right, we must teach them a lesson."

Elder Fu echoed this sentiment.

"Oh, in that case, which of the two elders would be willing to make a voyage to the outer seas to join the other elders of the merchant alliance in killing Qin Man?"

Upon hearing Zi Ling's words, Zhao and Fu fell silent and exchanged a brief glance.

After a moment, Zhao Zheng finally spoke slowly:

"Purple Girl, Fellow Daoist Fu and I will be escorting a batch of important supplies to Tianxing City next month."

"I really can't find the time."

"I can tell that Elder Zhang has a powerful aura, which means he is not weak in cultivation. He also has a special aura surrounding him."

"Sending him is sufficient."

"Yes, yes, Ziya, the last batch of goods was stolen by thieves from Scorpion Island, we can't afford to lose this batch as well."

"Fellow Daoist Zhao and I will work together to ensure the safety of this shipment."

"Let's leave the matter of going to the outer sea to Fellow Daoist Zhang."

After Zhao Zheng spoke, Elder Fu also expressed his own thoughts.

Neither of them wanted to go to the open sea.

Whether they genuinely didn't want to go or because next month's supplies were too important, remains unknown.

"The two elders are right, but Zi Ling is worried about Elder Zhang going to the outer sea alone..."

As Zi Ling spoke, her gaze shifted towards Zhang Feng.

Zhang Feng received the hint and, recalling Zi Ling's telepathic message, immediately understood.

"Sect Master and Elders, please forgive me. It's not that I'm unwilling, but I've only recently advanced to the Core Formation stage, and my natal magic weapon is not yet fully refined."

"With such weak cultivation and poor combat skills, venturing rashly to the outer seas would likely result in utter annihilation. They are truly unfit for this mission!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zheng and Elder Fu exchanged a glance, their expressions thoughtful.

"Yes, Elder Zhao, the outer sea is dangerous, and your cultivation level is the highest here."

"How about this time, Elder Zhang and Elder Fu escort the supplies, while you go to the outer sea to spread the fame of our Miaoyin Sect?"

Zhuo You Shi suddenly spoke up, wanting Zhao Zheng, who was biased towards Fan Zuo Shi, to go to the outer sea.

"No, Right Envoy Zhuo, this method won't work. These supplies are precious and need Elder Zhao's protection. How about we send Elder Fu to the outer sea?"

Left Envoy Fan immediately launched a counterattack, sending Elder Fu, who supported Right Envoy Zhuo, to the outer sea.

The two argued fiercely, neither willing to back down, which prompted Elders Zhao and Fu to exchange a knowing smile.

Zhang Feng saw everything. The two were feigning discord in front of the elders, but they had probably already discussed a plan with Zi Ling behind the scenes.

"Sisters, please stop arguing. The meeting is important. All three of you have valid points. However, we must do both the mission to the open sea and the escort of supplies."

"What good ideas do the three of you have?"

Zi Ling first tried to reconcile the two women, and then turned her gaze to Zhao Zheng.

Zi Ling's meaning was clear: she wanted Zhao Zheng to come up with a plan.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Zheng first glanced at Zhang Feng, then at Elder Fu, and finally his gaze swept over the two envoys, Fan and Zhuo.

"Well, since Zi-ya has asked for it, I'll offer a solution."

"Revenge is important, but supplies from the inland sea are even more important."

"Therefore, Fellow Daoist Fu and I cannot go to the outer sea; only Fellow Daoist Zhang can go."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Feng's gaze sharpened slightly as he glanced at Zhao Zheng.

"Fellow Daoist Zhang, don't panic. Listen to my explanation. The outer sea is indeed dangerous, but being with the cultivators of the Merchant Alliance will at least provide some protection."

"I see that you are a quick-witted and intelligent person. If there is any danger, you can seize the opportunity to act."

"As long as I don't lose my life, that's fine!"

Zhang Feng frowned slightly upon hearing this. In fact, he and Zi Ling were putting on an act to extract some benefits from Zhao and Fu.

Zi Ling, however, had even more ideas. By leveraging Zhao and Fu's interests to recruit herself, she was killing two birds with one stone.

But Zhao Zheng turned a deaf ear.

"No, Elder Zhao is well aware of the dangers lurking in the outer seas, where monsters roam freely."

"If Elder Zhao insists that I go to the outer sea, I will resign from my position as guest elder and leave Miaoyin Sect at this moment."

Zhang Feng took out the guest elder token and pretended to "leave the group".

"Wait a minute, Elder Zhang, don't be hasty. What you're worried about is your own safety. How about I, Zi Ling, grant you a protective talisman?"

As Zi Ling spoke, she took out a talisman, but her gaze was fixed on Zhao Zheng.

Zhao Zheng's eyes flickered. The presence of an additional Core Formation cultivator had made his plan to usurp the position more risky.

It would be best if Zhang Feng could withdraw directly, but the matters in the outer sea cannot be ignored.

Otherwise, when he takes over Miaoyin Sect, he will have to reopen the overseas channels.

Not to mention that a significant portion of next month's supplies will come from offshore, and if they cannot be recovered, the losses will be substantial.

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, this man is greedy and wants to collect benefits first. Why don't we pool our resources and provide him with some protective gear to get rid of him?"

"We can't let him ruin our subsequent plans."

"If our plan succeeds, the entire Miaoyin Sect will belong to both of us. Then, a mere Zhang Feng will be nothing more than a piece of cake for us to control."

Just as Zhao Zheng was deep in thought, he received a secret telepathic message from Elder Fu.

After a moment's thought, as if making up his mind, Zhao Zheng finally spoke:

"What the sect leader said is true. Fellow Daoist Zhang dares not go to the outer sea for no other reason than the need for safety."

"Therefore, I will temporarily lend you my magic weapon, the 'Seven-Star Silver Bottle,' for your protection."

"You can return it to the person after you complete the task."

what?

Zhang Feng was slightly surprised upon hearing this. This Seven Star Silver Bottle was Zhao Zheng's defensive magic weapon in the anime. How could it be taken out so easily?

"Well……"

Elder Fu looked distressed upon hearing this. Wasn't it said that providing some protective equipment would suffice?

Why did you take out the magic weapon so directly?

Aren't you afraid that the meat bun will be thrown to the dog and never come back?

Elder Fu scanned the mid-level magical artifacts in the storage bag with his divine sense, then turned to the higher-level magical artifacts and talisman treasures.

With a determined look, Elder Fu took out a talisman carved in the shape of a bell, one of the treasures he had embezzled over the years.

"What Brother Zhao said is true. The outer sea is dangerous. I will borrow this item for protection for now."

"I thank the sect leader and the two elders. I will do my best to complete the journey to the outer sea."

Zhang Feng accepted the two talismanic items and the magic weapon, feeling a surge of joy.

"No need for formalities, just complete the task."

Zhao Zheng answered nonchalantly, but his thoughts drifted to his future plans.