Misty Rain Market.
Countless cultivators gazed at the sky dome, trembling inwardly as Lu Pingâan departed riding a spiritual bird.
Although Patriarch Sima was gravely injured, his qi was withered, and his strength was down to less than sixty percent of his peak.
But the overwhelming and shocking False Core-level spiritual pressure during the brief exchange earlier was unmistakably real.
Yet such a lofty False Core Patriarch was being hunted down so miserably, suppressed and captured.
And the one who called himself a cultivator from Bi Lake Mountain dragged this False Core Immortal like a prisoner behind his spiritual bird, completely disregarding the opinions of others.
What was this?
Was it an act of dominance!?
This... was simply tyrannical, wasnât it?
"The Sima Family of Profound Martial Ridge is an established False Core family. Can Bi Lake Mountain really act like this without fearing their retaliation?"
"Indeed, such behavior is outright humiliating, shamelessly blatant humiliation."
"If one has this level of strength, what is there to fear from the Sima Family?"
"When did Bi Lake Mountain produce such a formidable False Core Patriarch? This person doesnât seem like Lu Changsheng, the ancestor of the Lu Family."
"Judging by his battle style, itâs not that of a Law Cultivator but rather a Body Cultivator."
"A False Core Immortalâwill I ever be able to touch this realm in my lifetime?"
Many cultivators whispered among themselves, hearts trembling with awe.
Their eyes were fixed in the direction Lu Pingâan had vanished, filled with reverence, fear, envy, aspiration, and other complex emotions.
"I heard that several months ago, in Red Leaf Valley Market under Bi Lake Mountainâs domain, there were robbers causing havoc. The Lu Family had a daughter who inherited the Lu Family Ancestorâs Talisman Path legacy, who single-handedly killed five Foundation Establishment cultivators. And now someone like this has emerged."
The Misty Rain Marketâs prefect, Yan Lan, gazed at Lu Pingâan as he departed, filled with a sense of awe.
As a Foundation Establishment cultivator and the prefect of a marketplace, she paid close attention to many matters of the cultivation world.
"I think this person resembles Lu Pingâan, the eldest son of the Lu Ancestor of Bi Lake Mountain..."
Beside her, Prefect Yu, dressed in a pale blue dress, charming in appearance and with an icy demeanor, spoke up.
"Lu Pingâan?"
Yan Lan exclaimed in surprise: "Isnât Lu Pingâan only at Foundation Establishment Mid-Stage?"
"I canât say for sure;
I just feel his appearance bears some similarity."
Yu Fei gently shook her head and said softly: "If this person truly is Lu Pingâan of Bi Lake Mountain, then Bi Lake Mountain is poised for true ascension."
"I recall that the Lu Ancestor of Bi Lake Mountain is not even a hundred years old yet. If this person really is Lu Pingâan of Bi Lake Mountain, then at this age, with such cultivation, isnât Core Formation within reach?"
Yan Lanâs eyes revealed a trace of envy and longing.
Both sisters had risen from being loose cultivators to their current position, surpassing 90% of other cultivators.
But to advance further was akin to climbing the heavens.
Seeing Lu Pingâanâs remarkable cultivation at such a young age, her heart was filled with emotion.
"Sister, the Sima Family conducts itself with brutal dominance. Today, their False Core Patriarch sought aid from our market, but we turned him away. If they harbor resentment afterward, it could spell trouble for us."
At this moment, the worry in Yu Feiâs eyes became evident as she voiced her concerns.
The Misty Rain Market was a decent establishment, reasonably renowned.
But compared to an enormous force like the Sima Family, it was insignificant.
If the Sima Family truly targeted them in retaliation, they wouldnât be able to withstand such fury.
"That possibility isnât out of the question."
Yan Lanâs expression grew serious as she spoke: "Feiâer, do you have any suggestions?"
Their Misty Rain Marketâs growth had been achieved not only due to the sistersâ strength but also because of their strategy of forging relationships and avoiding meddling in disputes between other forces.
"If this person truly is Lu Pingâan of Bi Lake Mountain, I think we should pay a visit to Bi Lake Mountain..."
Yu Fei deliberated briefly before suggesting: "Once the Lu Family of Bi Lake Mountain successfully ascends to the ranks of False Core families, they will inevitably expand their influence."
"If we pledge allegiance at this time, Bi Lake Mountain will likely welcome us and value our gesture as an act of loyalty."
"Sister, you are currently at Foundation Establishment Sixth Layer. If you were to obtain a Second-Order High-Grade Breakthrough Pill, you could advance to Foundation Establishment Late Stage sooner."
"Bi Lake Mountain has top-tier alchemists who can refine Foundation Establishment Elixirs, so they should be able to craft Second-Order High-Grade Breakthrough Pills..."
"Not to mention, compared to the Sima Family, Bi Lake Mountainâs reputation is relatively favorable right now. Recently, the Lu Familyâs matriarch, Lu Miaoge, even extended invitations to other forces for alliances."
As Yu Fei spoke, she paused, looked at her sister, and smiled: "Besides, the fame of the Lu Ancestor of Bi Lake Mountain is widespread, and if Sister is willing..."
Before she could finish, Yan Lan lightly slapped her younger sister and interjected: "Stop teasing your sister like that. If you have such thoughts, your sister certainly wouldnât stop you."
Ending the jest, she continued earnestly: "Since thatâs the plan, Feiâer, prepare a gift and head to Bi Lake Mountain to test their stance."
"Sister, you must be careful. If the Sima Family grows aggressive, abandon the market if necessary."
Yu Fei understood that her sister was stationed at the marketplace, and the arrival of the Sima Family to interrogate them could bring potential dangers, so she reminded her earnestly.
"Donât worry. Unless a False Core Patriarch comes in person, the marketâs Great Formation ensures that not even a Foundation Establishment Late Stage cultivator could stand against me."
Yan Lan smiled.
...
Lu Pingâan was oblivious to the ripple effects his actions at Misty Rain Market had caused.
He was merely following the instructions of his aunt to stir up as much commotion as possible.
Riding his spiritual bird and dragging Patriarch Sima, Lu Pingâan raced toward the caravanâs encampment.
Along the way, some cultivators who had previously witnessed Lu Pingâan relentlessly pursuing Patriarch Sima were now seeing this shocking sight.
Upon this encounter, they responded respectfully and stepped aside without protest.
When Lu Pingâan returned to the Jiulian Mountain region riding his spiritual bird, dragging Patriarch Sima, all the spies monitoring the Lu Family Caravan were left speechless, their faces filled with shock.
"This... this... this..."
"Patriarch Sima has been captured!"