Chapter 311 - 188: Where Great People and Spirits Thrive

"Friend, this Quasi-Tier Three Demon Beast Crystal Core of yours is too expensive."

In front of the stall, Lin Chang’an appeared hesitant, constantly haggling back and forth.

After all, saving even a little is worthwhile as it all adds up in personal savings.

"Friend, you need to add a bit more."

Eventually, Lin Chang’an, looking strained, took out some Spirit Stones and exchanged them along with some other materials for the Crystal Core.

Upon obtaining the Fire Attribute Quasi-Tier Three Demon Beast Crystal Core, Lin Chang’an could distinctly sense the agitation from the Phoenix Cry Bird inside the Spirit Beast Bag.

Yet, he remained composed, lowered his hat, and disappeared into the crowd with the demon core.

The cultivator who originally manned the stall, however, seemed thoughtful, secretly fingering the Spirit Beast Bag inside his sleeve.

"Though the disguise was well done, there lacks a faint smell of sea beast, and while the mannerisms are very similar, there’s still a slight inconsistency compared to the cultivators residing here long-term."

It appears to be an outsider Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

And outsider cultivators are typically either running from something or here seeking an opportunity, usually with considerable resources.

Thinking about this, the person’s breathing grew a bit heavier.

He himself had arrived here fifty years ago, desiring the opportunity for Core Formation, only to realize over the years how difficult it truly is.

"These outsider cultivators are all fat sheep; first test them, even if it doesn’t work, with my cultivation level, I can still escape safely even when faced with a Foundation Establishment Perfection Cultivator."

Considering his age and that he might miss his chance, a fierce glint appeared in his eyes.

...

"This market is full of good stuff, and there’s an abundance of resources, far surpassing the control over resources in the Seven Kingdoms where most are monopolized."

As a Loose Cultivator, Lin Chang’an naturally understood the benefits of abundant resources as he journeyed here.

He also realized that if these powerful factions, like in the Seven Kingdoms, restricted all kinds of resources, it would make it even harder for lower-level cultivators to fight against demon beasts.

"Even if some factions wanted to impose restrictions, the Bihai Palace and other major Nascent Soul influences are simply uninterested in these. Instead, they want the lower-level cultivators to thrive, enabling the ongoing extraction and expansion of greater profits."

Different levels of cultivation bring different perspectives.

In the Seven Kingdoms, cultivators fear that the Loose Cultivators below might overturn their rule.

Whereas in the Demon Beast Abyss, the leading powers disdain such concerns.

This leads to the scenario where one can see arrays, puppets, Cultivation Techniques, and other treasures being sold in markets everywhere.

Arrays and puppets, once purchased, need ongoing maintenance and repairs, providing continuous profits.

Similarly, powerful Cultivation Techniques also require special Cultivation Spiritual Objects, generating constant profits as well.

"I’ve almost completed my purchases. There’s still plenty of time ahead, ample time to understand and collect further materials."

Lin Chang’an circled around, just about to contact Lao Hu when his heart suddenly skipped a beat.

"Someone’s watching me!"

With his acute perception, he immediately detected someone trailing him—it’s clearly the same cultivator from the earlier transaction of the demon core.

"This truly lives up to the reputation of the fierce and sinister Sea of Ten Thousand Demons; I’ve just arrived and already encountered a Tribulation Cultivator."

Lin Chang’an sighed internally, yet as his eyes twinkled, he considered that perhaps this too was an opportunity—an opportunity to better understand this place.

Calmly, Lin Chang’an discreetly transmitted a message to Lao Hu.

Although he could sense that the other party was just a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, it was safer to have Lao Hu follow discreetly.

Two against one, and he felt confident; even if faced with a Late-stage Foundation Establishment Cultivator, it might not make much difference, especially if considering the Talisman Treasure.

In front of a Fake Pill Cultivator, he might even have the chance to escape.

Furthermore, Lao Hu possesses a Talisman Treasure.

Thinking this, Lin Chang’an donned several disguises, changing identities before leaving the market.

Flying several miles away from the market, an eerie aura suddenly appeared quickly within the forest below.

"Hiss!"

At this moment, an unexpected change occurred!

In the forest below, a ten-foot-long verdant venous snake suddenly turned into a green light and attacked directly.

"Damn it!"

Faced with this sudden ambush, upon seeing it was a venomous snake, Lin Chang’an feigned fear, deliberately slowing his hand movements.

In an instant, the Protective Spiritual Light in front of him was corroded by the poisonous mist, his face turning black as he hurriedly summoned a large bell.

"Who’s there!"

With the loud clash of the great bell, the venomous snake screamed and flew backward, while a figure attacked from behind, causing Lin Chang’an to shout in shock and anger:

"It’s you!"

The opponent was ruthless, seeing Lin Chang’an poisoned, he didn’t hesitate, directly raising a trident Spiritual Artifact, coldly declaring:

"Please, friend, proceed to your journey!"

"Die!"

Reaching this stage of cultivation, a Loose Cultivator doesn’t harbor any naivety.

Feigning to be poisoned, Lin Chang’an naturally wouldn’t reveal so much vulnerability; in a moment of anger, he raised the Cyan Scale Sword and unleashed a powerful Sword Aura.

"A Sword Cultivator!"

Seeing Lin Chang’an’s Sword Aura, this cultivator was momentarily shocked, then revealed an expression of excitement.

Sword Cultivators are typically extremely strong in attack, often possessing great treasures on them.

Both were decisive people, wasting no time as they engaged in battle.

"Moo!"

At this moment, Lin Chang’an summoned the Cyan-Horned Bull, panic-stricken as he began to flee without even looking back.

"Moo!"

The Cyan-Horned Bull widened its eyes, seeing its owner abandon it just as it was summoned.

"A Tier Two Spirit Pet, indeed he’s quite rich, now go to hell!"