Chapter 180

Chapter 180: Wandering Outside the Rival’s Residence

“Old Lin, do you think our matter has been exposed?”

When Lin Chang’an invited Yun Yao and Old Hu over, the very first thing Old Hu thought after hearing about it was that their secret had been revealed.

Lin Chang’an gave a wry smile at these words.

“If it truly had been exposed, Old Hu, the ones coming for us would definitely be Golden Core cultivators, not such scheming tricks.”

If a Golden Core cultivator sneaked in secretly, capturing the three of them—mere Foundation Establishment cultivators—would have been as easy as flipping a hand. With Master Lu’s current condition, escaping Tianxuan City would not be difficult at all.

“That’s good.”

At these words, Old Hu secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Ever since their division of treasures from the secret realm last time, though he was happy, he had always lived on edge.

After all, there were three of them! If even one of them leaked anything, the other two would not be able to escape.

“A banquet at Tianxiang Pavilion, this Gu Clan is truly generous—actually choosing the largest restaurant under Xuanyin Pavilion.”

Yun Yao gave a cold laugh and casually tossed the invitation aside.

Lin Chang’an, however, recounted the entire matter gravely to the two of them.

“To act inside Tianxuan City… heavens, that’s not a risk worth taking for us. Clearly, their target is Tianxuan City itself.”

Even Old Hu instantly realized this after hearing it.

The six of them were not worth such a scheme.

“That’s why I invited you, Old Hu, and Daoist Yun over for this Hongmen Banquet.”

Hearing this, Yun Yao frowned slightly.

“Even if the other side is not scheming in this way, it must be tied to the Huang Clan of the Lihuo Palace. This time, I’ve called Old Ghost over.”

Old Ghost, Ghost Three Blades, and the Huang Clan of the Lihuo Palace shared an irreconcilable enmity.

If he learned there was a chance to strike against the Huang Clan, he would rush over without hesitation.

“Fine. With the four of us attending the banquet, it should give the other side enough face.”

Beneath Lin Chang’an’s relaxed smile, however, it was still uncertain who was truly hosting this so-called Hongmen Banquet.

……

The next day, at Tianxiang Pavilion.

Lin Chang’an, Yun Yao, Old Hu, and, upon hearing that this might involve the Huang Clan of the Lihuo Palace, the killing intent–filled Old Ghost all arrived together.

“Esteemed Daoists, please come in quickly. My elder brother has already prepared the banquet.”

When Lin Chang’an and the other three Foundation Establishment cultivators from the black market arrived, Gu Congjian’s face broke into a broad smile.

With this, the Eastern District black market only had two Foundation Establishment cultivators left—hardly enough to pose a threat.

“Daoists, this is my elder brother, Gu Congfeng.”

When everyone ascended to the top floor, the moment Yun Yao appeared, her face veiled in black gauze, the proud Gu Congfeng immediately rose to greet them, his expression unusually solemn.

In the world of cultivation, the strong commanded respect.

“So it is Daoist Yun honoring us with her presence.”

Gu Congfeng first bowed respectfully to Yun Yao, then forced a stiff smile as he glanced at Lin Chang’an, barely nodding his head.

“Daoist Lin, I have offended you in the past.”

He thought that by lowering himself so much, the other party would at least give them a way to save face.

But Lin Chang’an had not come today to reconcile.

After all, they stood on opposing sides.

Before Lin Chang’an could reply, Old Hu snorted arrogantly, glaring with wide eyes at the other side.

He swept Gu Congfeng up and down with a mocking look, then burst out laughing:

“I thought you’d be some three-headed, six-armed monster, or perhaps even a False Core True Lord. Turns out you’re nothing more than a mere mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator—yet you dare act so high and mighty.”

Under this rude mockery, Old Hu even slapped Old Ghost on the shoulder and added:

“Old Ghost, tell me, are you afraid of a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator?”

Old Ghost’s cold eyes swept over Gu Congfeng. Knowing that he was connected to the Huang Clan of the Lihuo Palace, only one thought filled his mind—

Kill!

The killing intent that surged forth made Gu Congfeng’s face freeze, anger boiling in his chest.

Damn it! He had already lowered himself this much, yet they were being far too arrogant.

Seeing this, Gu Congjian quickly rushed to smooth things over.

“Daoist Hu, Daoist Lin, this is all a misunderstanding! A misunderstanding! Consider this a case of not knowing each other until we fought.”

Looking at Gu Congjian’s forced smile and Gu Congfeng’s reddened, humiliated face, Lin Chang’an couldn’t help showing a strange expression.

Why did he suddenly feel like he was the villain here, bullying others?

“Daoist Lin!”

Gu Congfeng suppressed his fury, forcing out an ugly smile.

But Lin Chang’an led the three others forward without sparing him a glance, striding straight inside.

Offend someone?

He was here not just to offend but also to kill.

Still, he had to admit, their acting was convincing.

Beneath Lin Chang’an’s calm demeanor, he remained convinced that they were all in on it together.

The irony was, Gu Congfeng himself was the only one who didn’t know what was happening.

“Please, Daoists, take your seats…”

With an awkward expression, Gu Congjian swallowed his resentment and respectfully ushered them to sit, though he and Gu Congfeng kept their eyes fixed on Lin Chang’an.

This Talisman Master Lin was said to be low-key and unassuming, but who would have thought he held grudges so deeply?

“Daoist Lin, it was my fault before. Today, let me drink three cups as an apology!”

In the powerful shadow cast by the Eastern District black market, even this unyielding sword cultivator had no choice but to bow his head.

At this moment, Lin Chang’an finally understood why Huang Shaohai had always loved to throw his weight around—because it truly did feel satisfying.

Yet seeing Gu Congfeng lower himself so much, a faint suspicion crept into Lin Chang’an’s heart. Perhaps this man was also kept in the dark?

Just as he was about to raise his cup, he suddenly sensed a familiar aura.

It was none other than Qin Feng, who had disappeared for many years!

Lin Chang’an’s lips curved into a dangerous smile as he slowly set the wine cup back down.

“Daoist Gu, your honesty is admirable. But I wonder—how much truth lies in this wine?”

Gu Congfeng’s face darkened. He had fought his way through countless battles, yet even late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators had never treated him with such disdain.

Gu Congjian’s heart was stifled with frustration. Lin Chang’an was going too far!

And what followed was even worse.

Old Hu, after gulping down a mouthful of wine, suddenly slammed the table, flipping it over.

Spiritual wine and spiritual meat spilled across the floor. At that moment, even Lin Chang’an was stunned.

Wait! Old Hu, why so impulsive? We haven’t even collected the gifts yet!

What a money-waster!

“Gu brat, your secret’s out!”

Old Hu sneered coldly as a large saber appeared in his hand.

Gu Congfeng, who had already been enduring unbearable humiliation, froze at the sudden turn of events. His wide eyes went blank, his mind buzzing.

No!

Something was wrong!

The other party wouldn’t cause trouble for no reason.

“Daoist Hu, don’t speak nonsense! What about my Gu Clan?”

Gu Congfeng was just as shocked as he stared at Hu Jin.

But Ghost Three Blades could wait no longer, his killing intent bursting forth.

“Bastards of the Lihuo Palace, today your grandpa will send you to hell!”

His bloodthirsty blade swung straight toward Gu Congjian, who turned pale with terror—he had been exposed.

“Haha! Old Ghost, kill this treacherous dog colluding with the Lihuo Palace first!”

The sudden outbreak threw Tianxiang Pavilion into chaos. Gu Congjian, his guilty conscience exploding, screamed in panic:

“We’ve been discovered! Save me!”

“Damn it!”

Suddenly, just as the formation barrier outside was about to rise, the sound of fierce fighting broke out, and the formation was instantly shattered, plunging everything into chaos.

“Not right! All disciples of the Gu Clan, listen to my command, do not act recklessly!”

Seeing this scene, Gu Congfeng, though not yet fully understanding, knew something had gone wrong.

But Gu Congjian roared instead:

“All Gu Clan cultivators, hear my order! Tianxuan City has already become the setting sun—follow me and the Lihuo Palace to break out of Tianxuan City!”

Good heavens!

Lin Chang’an was also astonished. This play had turned out to be so dramatic—Gu Congfeng truly had no idea, he wasn’t pretending.

“Gu Congjian, you traitor!”

“Elder Brother, look at you! All these years you only cared about your own cultivation. Have you ever cared for the clan? Under your lead, how many years has it been without producing a new Foundation Establishment cultivator? You are unworthy to be the patriarch!”

“Impudent! You traitor! I’ll kill you!”

The Gu brothers turned against one another.

At the same time, cultivators from Xuanyin Pavilion as well as Tianxuan City had already surrounded them.

“Damn it! Gu Congjian, you useless wretch!”

Qin Feng, who had been lying in ambush, cursed furiously the moment he saw the formation break, and without looking back, fled into the distance.

Meanwhile, all throughout Tianxuan City, some cultivators attempted to stir chaos.

Yet Tianxuan City seemed prepared—Foundation Establishment cultivators led patrol squads that swiftly appeared.

At this moment, from Tianxuan Peak, a powerful aura swept out. Instantly, countless restless hearts in the city calmed.

“It’s Master Lu!”

“It can’t be wrong—this is Master Lu’s aura!”

Master Lu had not even shown himself; just by releasing his aura, he pacified the turbulence in Tianxuan City.

“Kill! For the chance at Foundation Establishment!”

“Haha, mine—all mine! A second-rank Demon Core!”

Although a major upheaval did not break out, smaller riots still occurred here and there.

This proved one thing—that as Master Lu aged, his might was gradually weakening.

“Kill!”

From Tianxiang Pavilion came a furious roar. Old Ghost unleashed terrifying killing intent, his eyes bloodthirsty as he slaughtered every Lihuo Palace cultivator in sight.

“Lihuo Palace cultivators all deserve death!”

“Daoist Lin, Daoist Yun, Daoist Hu, my Gu Clan truly did not take part—it was this traitor!”

Gu Congfeng had long since lost his former arrogance, panic written all over his face as he waved his hands. Yet amidst such chaos, it was impossible to clear his name.

“Old Lin, let’s return to the marketplace first.”

“Alright!”

As for Gu Congfeng, Lin Chang’an only felt a trace of pity. To encounter such calamity—the Gu Clan would be skinned even if they survived.

They would have no mind to care for him.

In fact, Gu Congfeng might even thank him later.

Lin Chang’an, Yun Yao, and Old Hu laughed loudly, without the slightest hesitation, heading straight back toward the black market.

On the way, Old Hu still worried for Old Ghost, but Yun Yao shook her head with a sigh.

“Let Old Ghost vent. With Tianxuan City cultivators assisting, nothing will happen to him.”

At the same time, Lin Chang’an also recognized Old Ghost, and could not help sighing inwardly.

Ghost Three Blades—back at Qingzhu Mountain Marketplace, he was a renowned rogue cultivator, the most promising to establish a foundation. What a pity.

Soon, Lin Chang’an, Old Hu, and Yun Yao returned to the marketplace. Compared to Tianxuan City’s turmoil, it was more important for them to stabilize the marketplace.

After all, the marketplace concerned a huge portion of their profit.

……

Eastern District Marketplace.

Though some tried to cause trouble, with Tianxuan City giving priority protection, it was resolved easily.

No great disturbance arose.

“Tsk tsk, now that’s lively. At least quite a few who had long since defected to the Lihuo Palace were dragged out.”

Back at the marketplace, standing in the attic and gazing at the bustling Tianxuan City, Old Hu teased.

But Lin Chang’an only narrowed his eyes. He realized he was but incidental—the real target was Tianxuan City.

Yet his earlier sensing could not be wrong—it was Qin Feng.

He hadn’t expected that old fox, gone for so many years, had secretly colluded with the Lihuo Palace and become a robber cultivator.

“Well, fine then. At least this tracking technique hasn’t been practiced in vain.”

Using another’s own method against them, Lin Chang’an’s calm smile revealed that in the earlier chaos, he had secretly left a mana aura on Qin Feng.

Now Qin Feng, like a stray dog, had no mind to notice it.

“But this Huang Clan of the Lihuo Palace’s tracking technique truly is useful.”

Though Tianxuan City’s unrest was gradually being suppressed, the smiles on Old Jia and Old Hu’s faces faded, replaced by heavy expressions.

“Old Lin, how much longer do you think Master Lu can hold out?”

Lin Chang’an too fell silent. Their black market’s interests were tied to Tianxuan City.

Once Master Lu passed away, Yue Kingdom’s situation would change.

Old Jia sighed bitterly. The turmoil would directly affect their marketplace’s profit.

And Old Hu’s words clearly implied—Tianxuan City, and even Yue Kingdom, would fall into chaos, perhaps even all Seven Kingdoms. This place was no longer suitable to stay.

“The Sea Abyss of Beasts, huh!”

Lin Chang’an also went silent. Yes, just as Old Hu said—if peace could not be found here, then why not go where opportunities were greater?

At this moment, he too had such thoughts. In the Sea Abyss of Beasts, whether cultivation resources or otherwise, the sky was far broader.

Perhaps he could even advance to late-stage Foundation Establishment more quickly.

Originally, he planned to wait until then before leaving. But looking at the present situation, Yue Kingdom was about to face storms.

“Brother Lin, perhaps you should start preparing. As for recent intelligence about the Sea Abyss of Beasts, I’ll get a copy for you from the Divine Sect in a while.”

Yun Yao secretly transmitted, making Lin Chang’an smile and nod.

“Yun Yao, thank you.”

Hearing this, Yun Yao’s gaze grew stern as she looked toward Tianxuan City. But beneath her black hair, her earlobes faintly flushed.

At least when going to the Sea Abyss of Beasts, he would not be blind.

With Old Hu as a companion, and Yun Yao’s intelligence, it would be far safer.

Still, he needed to prepare carefully. It wasn’t as if he would leave immediately; at the very least, he had to secure benefits from Tianxuan City first.

And bid farewell to long-time friends.

This time, the Lihuo Palace’s probe had failed, but also succeeded.

Though Master Lu did not appear, the aura he released made many cultivators sense the twilight of a hero.

Just when it seemed the matter would settle, news came from the front lines—Master Lu’s three disciples had all started returning to Tianxuan City.

And according to rumors, the aged Master Lu walked out of Tianxuan City himself, heading straight for the Lihuo Palace. The frontline, tense a moment before, fell silent at once.

The cultivators of the Lihuo Palace and the Shensword Sect pulled back their defenses—even the Golden Core cultivators withdrew into their sects.

An old Golden Core cultivator at the end of his lifespan—wandering outside his enemy sect’s domain—who would not fear him?