Chapter 68: Latest News
Chu Xuan flew around and found that his three senior brothers, Li Xuanming, Liu Zhenxiong, and Wu Teng, were still in seclusion. Indeed, in the mountains, there are no calendars; in cultivation, there are no years. This was to be expected.
After all, once one reached the Foundation Establishment stage, a lifespan of at least two hundred years was guaranteed. Even for those who practiced the demonic path and employed dark methods, reducing their lifespan, they still lived for at least a hundred and seventy to eighty years. Thus, spending three or four years in seclusion was normal.
As for their master, Wan Wuying, he would typically seclude himself for at least ten years at a time. However, Chu Xuan noticed that Xu Ming, Chen Ge, Wei Hua, and Bai Feng, four Qi Refining stage disciples, were busy every day.
As he soared through the sky on his Heavenly Star Flying Sword, he saw Chen Ge and Wei Hua escorting a group of mortal artisans. They seemed to be moving them to a plain within the territory of the Extreme Yin Cave.
"This is a good opportunity to ask them about recent changes."
With a flicker, Chu Xuan appeared above Chen Ge and the others. Sensing a powerful presence, Chen Ge and Wei Hua immediately tensed and prepared for confrontation. Upon realizing it was Chu Xuan, they relaxed.
Chen Ge exclaimed with joy, "It's Uncle Master Chu!"
"Uncle Master Chu, you've only been in seclusion for a few months, how come you're already out?"
Chen Ge and Wei Hua were friends with Chu Xuan before. Now that Chu Xuan had advanced to the Foundation Establishment stage, they respectfully addressed him as Uncle Master. Deep down, they still took pride in having been friends with him.
Wei Hua, addressing the mortals, announced loudly, "This is our Extreme Yin Cave's Foundation Establishment stage Taoist Master, Chu Xuan, Uncle Master Chu!"
When Chu Xuan approached with his flying sword, the mortals had already looked up to him with admiration. Now, hearing Wei Hua's introduction, their respect deepened.
Foundation Establishment stage Immortal Master!
To these mortals, who could not cultivate, he was like a deity!
"I happen to be free; I'll escort you to your destination," Chu Xuan said casually.
If Heavenly Seal Sect deployed its full strength, it could undoubtedly sweep the native sects completely. However, in their desperation to preserve themselves, the native sects would likely fight back fiercely. Heavenly Seal Sect would inevitably suffer some casualties, even deaths among their ranks.
Thus, deciding which faction within the Heavenly Seal Sect should expend its forces against the native sects of Wu Province became a manipulable issue. No matter who it was, they would want to preserve the strength of their own faction as much as possible and strive to reap the most benefits from the victory.
Wherever there are people, there is strife. Even among cultivators who enjoy extended lifespans, this is no exception. As one of the five orthodox sects, with its vast territory and numerous personnel, the Heavenly Seal Sect naturally experiences its share of internal conflicts.
Chen Ge spoke in a conspiratorial tone, "Now, quite a number of cultivators have rushed over from Heavenly Seal Sect's main hall to the Flying Mountain Hall. Just among the Foundation Establishment stage alone, there are five, and Qi Refining stage disciples even more, around seventy to eighty. And that's just the first batch. They all look disheartened as if they are the disgruntled elements within the sect, dispatched here as a form of relegation."
Chu Xuan nodded slightly. No one wants to be involved in such life-threatening tasks. Those first thrown into the battlefield often face a higher mortality rate. This first group sent to the Flying Mountain Hall were either unaffiliated or sacrificial pawns in the ongoing power struggles.
Chen Ge chuckled, "Uncle Master Chu, these fellows are busy trying to boost their powers, employing every means possible. They don't shy away from using demonic methods either."
Chu Xuan smiled faintly, "Judging by your expression, it seems you've made a tidy profit from them."
Chen Ge grinned like a sly fox, "Hehehe, just a small profit from the Qi Refining stage disciples. If Uncle Master Chu joins in, we're sure to make a killing!"
Chu Xuan was intrigued. This was indeed a good idea. Those first batch of cultivators involved in the war would definitely do everything possible to enhance their survival chances. With his collection of blood beads, large blood beads, Yin Evil Qi, corpse puppets, and the techniques, spells, and magical tools obtained from slaying orthodox cultivators, these items would certainly be in high demand.
"Very well." Chu Xuan nodded slightly, giving Chen Ge a few thoughtful glances.
Chen Ge quickly caught on and hurriedly said, "I know the location of the black market. Once we've delivered this batch of mortals, I'll take Uncle Master Chu there!"
Chu Xuan smiled slightly. This young man was proving quite resourceful.
With Chu Xuan, a Foundation Establishment stage cultivator, personally emanating Foundation Establishment stage aura and leading the escort, the journey was mostly free of incidents. Native cultivators intent on slaughtering the mortals withdrew as soon as they sensed Chu Xuan's presence.
Damn it. Why would a Foundation Establishment stage cultivators escort civilians? Retreat.