The extraordinary journey begins with the Ouroboros Stele.

Chapter 141 The Demonic Whale Forest

Outside the Whale Killing Headquarters, Fulanwu stopped Lin Fei's blue sports car, and Lin Ye opened the car door and got into the passenger seat.

"Boom—Boom—"

After a burst of engine noise, the taillights disappeared at the end of the road.

Inside the car, Fulanwu looked straight ahead. "Junior brother, fasten your seatbelts. We're going to a herb-gathering area."

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Lin Ye raised an eyebrow. "Where is the herb-gathering place?"

"The herb-gathering sites are the foundation of the Tantric martial arts tradition. Without the resources of the herb-gathering sites, it is difficult to support Tantric martial arts practice."

"The place where you took the core disciple assessment was a first-grade herb-gathering area, which is also one of the foundations of our Crimson Whale Sect."

At this point, Fulanwu took off his sunglasses, "The herb-gathering site we're going to this time is of grade two."

"Is there any difference?" Lin Ye asked.

After a moment's thought, Fulanwu said, "The resources in first-grade herb-gathering sites are not very effective for martial arts practitioners, while second-grade sites can cover most of the cultivation needs of martial arts practitioners."

"Furthermore, the Secret Martial Forces only allow exclusive control of Grade 1 herb-gathering sites; all Grade 2 herb-gathering sites are publicly accessible."

"However, only martial artists below the level of fighters are allowed to enter the second-grade herb-gathering area, while fighters are allowed to enter the third-grade herb-gathering area."

"The Three-Rank Herb Gathering Site also has another name: Grotto Heaven."

"The cave is essentially a real world, and it was even inhabited by native humans."

Lin Ye was somewhat surprised, "Originally? It's gone now?"

Fulanwu nodded. "It's said they were taken out by the Black and White Society, but some say they were all killed. Only a few survived and became live test subjects in various laboratories."

Lin Ye understood slightly upon hearing this, "How did the herb-gathering area come about?"

He thought of the place where the bear and the man had gathered herbs. That place was clearly not in the same dimension as the present world. It was similar to the Land of Flowing Shadows, but not quite the same.

Fulanwu shook his head. "It's said to involve a big secret, related to the most powerful superhumans, even those at the sect leader level might not know it."

"If you have the chance, you can ask your master; he might know something."

Lin Ye didn't ask any more questions, but simply nodded and silently took the route map to check the route.

According to the map, we are getting close to Tieqin City, and at the current speed, we should arrive around tonight.

Time flies, and it's almost midnight.

Suddenly, a bright light appeared ahead on the wide road. Looking into the distance, it turned out to be a parking lot, which appeared abruptly by the roadside.

A few minutes later, the vehicle drove into the parking lot, and Fulanwu removed his seatbelt.

"Let's go, there's still a long way to walk."

After getting out of the car, the two walked into the mountains along the mountain path behind the parking lot.

After passing through a forest, we arrived at a high point.

Lin Ye looked down and saw a valley that resembled a modern village, with many people and bright lights.

Large areas of buildings are situated there, mostly wooden houses, with very few concrete buildings.

"Where is this place?"

He could sense that the villagers below were mostly martial artists at the third level of fist techniques, with a small number at the Zhen level, and even some secret martial artists.

"This is a trading market formed by the herb-gathering area, and it is also the largest martial arts trading market in Tieqin and the surrounding dozen or so cities."

"Initially, this place was just a resting place for secret warriors entering the herb-gathering area. Later, as the number of people increased, it gradually developed into a trading market."

"Nowadays, going to the herb-gathering area has become a side job."

Fulanwu explained, "Let's go downstairs."

Before long, the two arrived at the entrance of the trading market, where there was only a simple door frame with the words "Iron Piano Market" hanging on it.

Apart from that, there were only two earthquake inspectors, and not even a gate.

Lin Ye asked with some confusion, "Isn't this market managed by anyone?"

Since there are gathering places, naturally some people will want to become managers.

Fulanwu shook his head. "Martial artists, especially secret martial artists, are not many who are well-behaved. Only the Tieqin Li family has the title of manager in this market, but they generally won't show up unless there is a major bloodshed."

As they spoke, the two arrived at the checkpoint, and Fulanwu looked at Lin Ye.

"Let's choose a code name. Apart from a few well-known figures, no one here uses their real name."

"My code name is Blue Whale, your second senior brother is Execution Whale, and the third brother is White Whale."

Lin Ye pondered for a moment, then said, "The End Whale."

He was the last disciple, and the use of "the end" is very fitting.

Fulanwu's eyes lit up, and he nodded with satisfaction, "Alright, Demon Whale."

After the inspection, the two did not go to the central trading avenue, but instead walked into a small path behind the village.

Not long after, we stopped in front of a courtyard with low walls, inside which was a wooden building resembling a martial arts hall.

"This is one of our Red Whale Sect's properties here. The herb-gathering area will not be open for some time."

"Let's rest here tonight and go buy some supplies later."

After entering the courtyard and choosing a room, Lin Ye was called out by Fu Lanwu.

After turning a few corners outside, I arrived at a three-story wooden building.

It was a pavilion that sold secret medicines, with the words "Dongyun Pavilion" written on the signboard.

Stepping inside, the interior design has a very traditional Chinese style, resembling an ancient pharmacy.

There were more than a dozen wooden tables in the lobby where people could see doctors and treat injuries.

"Dongyun Pavilion is the largest pharmacy in Tieqin Market. It's relatively affordable, and you can also get treatment here after you're injured."

"Furthermore, there are secret martial artists from Dongyun Pavilion here, so there are generally no disputes between martial artists, making it a relatively quiet place."

"The Pavilion Master is an old man over a hundred years old. It is said that he was a pharmacy apprentice when he was young. He is quite nostalgic, and this Dongyun Pavilion was built in imitation of his pharmacy back then."

Fulanwu began his introduction, leading Lin Ye directly to the second floor, clearly familiar with the place.

Upon reaching the second floor, the number of people dwindled to only three or five, but each of them was a martial arts practitioner.

After the two appeared, several gazes swept over them. Fulanwu glanced at them and then hurriedly looked away, lowering his head to look at the medicine shelf without saying a word.

"Splash~~"

The curtain inside the counter was lifted, and an elderly man in his sixties, dressed in gray cloth, walked out with a smile.

"Lord Blue Whale, we are so sorry for not greeting you properly! We are so sorry for not greeting you properly!"

Fulanwu smiled. "Shopkeeper Li, you're too kind. I've come to buy some Poison Barrier Pills."

Manager Li was somewhat surprised upon hearing this and glanced at Lin Ye beside him.

"I will have someone prepare it now. Please come inside for a chat."

As he spoke, he gently gestured for the two to enter the inner cabinet behind the medicine cabinet.

Fulanwu nodded. "Thank you for your trouble."

The three entered the cabinet. Lin Ye looked around in surprise, his gaze falling on a white bead.

His senses were actually restricted by the field emanating from this thing.

"Don't be surprised. This is a special jade stone crafted with the aura of a martial artist. It can isolate the senses of a martial artist and prevent conversations from being leaked."

Fulanwu spoke, gesturing for Lin Ye to sit down beside him.

After the two were seated, Manager Li served two cups of fragrant tea.

He looked at Fulanwu, "Lord Blue Whale, are you planning to enter the herb-gathering area?"

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