Chapter 163
Chapter 163
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 163
Chapter Title: Illusory God's Might and the Qinghe Crisis
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"Ji Wujin has successfully reached Foundation Establishment!"
This was Chen Jianghe's first thought.
Although he didn't know where Ji Wujin had gotten the news that the Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard auctioned in Qinghe Market City was related to the one in the Beast Taming Market City...
But for Ji Wujin to have found three Foundation Establishment cultivators to leave Qinghe Market City with him, what did that imply?
That man had definitely succeeded in his Foundation Establishment.
Otherwise, he wouldn't dare travel with three Foundation Establishment seniors.
For a Qi Refining cultivator to travel with Foundation Establishment seniors was a mix of safety and risk, for the greatest danger was right beside them.
"Ji Wujin was just here."
Chen Jianghe stepped out of his room. He glanced at Xiao Hei and Maoqiu, who were cultivating in the courtyard, and circulated his magical power, gathering water-attribute spiritual energy to form a murky water screen that concealed them within the yard.
He then slowly opened the courtyard gate, peeked his head out to look left and right, and then returned to the courtyard.
"What should I do?"
Chen Jianghe's mind was in turmoil.
Ji Wujin had his eyes on him, and he might have even found three Foundation Establishment cultivators. The moment he left Qinghe Market City...
...he wouldn't just be facing Ji Wujin, his one pet, and his one puppet. There might be three Foundation Establishment seniors to deal with as well.
Even Xiao Hei and Yun Xiaoniu wouldn't be able to protect him.
"First, I'll notify Alchemist Zhuang and buy a second-tier spirit beast bag."
Chen Jianghe returned to his room, took out a brush and paper, and wrote a message for Alchemist Zhuang, informing him about the situation in the Beast Taming Market City.
He then asked Alchemist Zhuang to help him purchase a second-tier spirit beast bag.
Asking Alchemist Zhuang for help was a carefully considered decision.
He couldn't leave the courtyard at this moment, and even if he could, he didn't have enough spirit stones on him.
Having Alchemist Zhuang buy it for him was equivalent to telling the alchemist that he possessed a second-tier spirit beast.
Although it would expose one of his trump cards, it would also make Alchemist Zhuang rely on him even more.
He hadn't attempted Foundation Establishment, yet he owned a second-tier spirit beast.
If he succeeded in his Foundation Establishment, it would be like having a Foundation Establishment cultivator and a second-tier spirit beast protecting the alchemist's granddaughter and disciple.
Coupled with his connections...
...Gao Peiyao, the Foundation Establishment disciple from the Tiannan Sect.
...Yun Xiaoniu, the Foundation Establishment Ancestor of the Yu Clan.
In other words, as long as Chen Jianghe was alive, his granddaughter and disciple would not face a catastrophic disaster.
After finishing the message...
...Chen Jianghe stepped out of his room, opened the courtyard gate a crack, glanced around, then placed the message in the post box outside the gate, waiting for the flying courier to collect it and deliver it to the Fu Residence at No. 136, Fushou Lane.
After doing all this...
...Chen Jianghe took down the 'In Seclusion' sign from his gate, then returned to his room to calm his mind.
He cast aside distracting thoughts and began drawing spirit talismans.
It was the only way he could quell the turmoil in his heart.
Three days later.
A knock came at the courtyard gate. Chen Jianghe immediately went out, but he didn't rush to open the gate. Instead, he had Xiao Hei stay close to the room.
Then, he channeled his magical power, condensing a murky wall of water to hide Xiao Hei.
Next, his serious gaze fell upon Maoqiu.
"Remember, be ferocious. Use your 'Illusory God' divine ability at full power. You must disguise yourself as a second-tier spirit beast."
"Squeak squeak~"
Maoqiu stood up. Its body, over ten feet tall, frantically beat its chest as it bared its teeth and let out a low roar.
"Yes, just like that. Don't forget to use the 'Illusory God' divine ability."
"Squeak squeak~"
After making the arrangements, Chen Jianghe raised another water screen. It was somewhat murky, but the silhouette of a giant beast was still visible.
Creak~
Chen Jianghe opened the courtyard gate.
Just as he had guessed, it was Alchemist Zhuang who had come in person.
He smiled and went to greet him.
At that moment, Maoqiu's ferocious aura billowed out from the courtyard, accompanied by a roar.
Alchemist Zhuang shuddered and took a step back.
"You beast, shut up, or I'll stew you!" Chen Jianghe immediately turned and shouted into the courtyard.
Startled, Maoqiu stumbled and nearly fell into the pond.
"Squeak squeak~" (Turtle Lord, Master says he's going to stew me. Is he for real?)
After the scolding, Chen Jianghe immediately closed the gate and apologized with a low laugh, "Fellow Daoist, please forgive me. My second-tier spirit beast just broke through and is still in a state of excitement."
"No matter, no matter. Spirit beasts are like cultivators; they all get excited after a successful breakthrough." Alchemist Zhuang took a deep breath.
"I never expected you to have a third-grade bloodline spirit beast, Fellow Daoist. No wonder you live so frugally, despite being a Talisman Master."
"If not for this spirit beast, you probably would have already reached Foundation Establishment."
Chen Jianghe smiled at his words and said, "I came upon this spirit beast by chance. Seeing it had a third-grade, low-tier bloodline with the potential to reach the second tier, I decided to put all my effort into raising it."
"But let's not talk about that. Did you bring the second-tier spirit beast bag, Fellow Daoist?"
"Of course, I did. After seeing your message, I immediately went to the Beast Taming Emporium and purchased this second-tier spirit beast bag." As he spoke, Alchemist Zhuang took out the bag.
Alchemist Zhuang then handed the second-tier spirit beast bag to Chen Jianghe.
"Thank you, Fellow Daoist. It's just that I'm afraid I won't be able to repay the twelve hundred spirit stones right away. Please grant me two years."
Chen Jianghe accepted the bag and cupped his hands in thanks.
"You're being too formal, Fellow Daoist."
Alchemist Zhuang chuckled, waved his hand, and said, "You should quickly put your spirit beast into the spirit space. I still have some matters to discuss with you."
"Alright, please wait a moment."
Chen Jianghe turned and entered the courtyard, promptly closing the gate behind him.
Seeing this, Alchemist Zhuang felt both curious and reassured.
He had tested Chen Jianghe's character many times and naturally had no complaints, but Chen Jianghe's constant delay in attempting Foundation Establishment...
...made him worry that Chen Jianghe might fail.
It wasn't that he was worried his investment would fail, but rather that his granddaughter and disciple would have no one to protect them in the future.
But seeing the second-tier spirit beast that Chen Jianghe had revealed to him gave Alchemist Zhuang a sense of security.
Even if Chen Jianghe failed his Foundation Establishment, with this second-tier spirit beast and his connections, he could still protect his granddaughter and disciple for twenty years.
By then, perhaps Jiang Ruxu and Zhuang Xinyan would have also attempted Foundation Establishment.
Seeing Chen Jianghe's action of closing the gate tightly, Alchemist Zhuang could tell at a glance that there was more to Chen Jianghe than just a single second-tier spirit beast.
He definitely had other secrets.
However, for him, the more tricks Chen Jianghe had up his sleeve, the better.
Especially at this critical juncture.
Chen Jianghe entered the courtyard, refined the second-tier spirit beast bag, and then tried to put Xiao Hei inside.
A purple light flashed from the bag, and Xiao Hei disappeared from the courtyard.
With a thought from Chen Jianghe, Xiao Hei reappeared in the courtyard.
It was just as convenient as the high-grade Spirit Beast Ring.
Next, Chen Jianghe merged the contract imprint from the Spirit Beast Ring with the second-tier spirit beast bag.
This process was very dangerous.
A single misstep could lead to a backlash from the spirit beast.
During this refinement period, the master and spirit pet were in a semi-contracted state. If the spirit pet went berserk, it would lash out at its master.
But with Xiao Hei standing guard, Maoqiu was like a well-behaved baby, doing whatever it was told.
Its timid, large eyes would occasionally steal a glance at Chen Jianghe.
Clearly, Chen Jianghe's scolding and his threat to stew it had been taken to heart.
An hour later.
The grafting of the Spirit Beast Ring and the spirit beast bag was successful.
Chen Jianghe's master-pet contract with Maoqiu, which had been mediated by the Spirit Beast Ring, was now mediated by the spirit beast bag.
With a single thought.
Both Xiao Hei and Maoqiu were drawn into the spirit space.
Chen Jianghe held the Spirit Beast Ring in his hand and smiled faintly. "I'll find some time to sell this at the Hundred Treasures Pavilion."
Then, Chen Jianghe withdrew his spell, and the water screen dissipated.
Opening the gate again, Chen Jianghe walked up to Alchemist Zhuang and apologized, "I've kept you waiting, Fellow Daoist."
"No matter. Come, let's go to my place."
"You go on ahead, Fellow Daoist. I need to make a trip to Qingshui Lane."
"Hasn't Yun Xiaoniu left yet?"
"He left a message two days ago saying he would be leaving in a few days. I'm not sure if he's gone yet," Chen Jianghe said.
"I will go with you," said Alchemist Zhuang.
Chen Jianghe nodded.
They arrived at courtyard No. 116 in Qingshui Lane, the very same one Chen Jianghe had rented for Yu Daniu's family back then.
Seeing that there was no 'Vacant' sign on the gate...
...it meant Yun Xiaoniu hadn't left yet.
Chen Jianghe walked to the gate and knocked on the ring.
After a moment, Yun Xiaoniu opened the gate. When he saw it was Chen Jianghe, his face lit up with joy.
"Uncle, you're finally out of seclusion."
Yun Xiaoniu looked at Chen Jianghe with concern, his gaze filled with determination. "Uncle, you must leave Qinghe Market City with me, no matter what. Otherwise, even if it means offending you, I will have to take you with me."
Chen Jianghe was touched by Yun Xiaoniu's words. He patted his shoulder and said with a smile, "Good lad, you even dare to threaten your uncle now."
"Come, let's go to Fushou Lane. We'll discuss how to leave."
Only then did Yun Xiaoniu notice Alchemist Zhuang was also there. He quickly stepped forward and respectfully bowed as a junior.
If it were any other second-tier alchemist, even a Foundation Establishment-level Alchemy Grandmaster, Yun Xiaoniu would not have bowed as a junior.
But Alchemist Zhuang was different. He was on good terms with Chen Jianghe.
Having been taught the importance of etiquette by Yu Daniu since he was young, Yun Xiaoniu naturally wouldn't be impolite.
Yu Daniu treated Chen Jianghe as his own sworn brother.
Yun Xiaoniu naturally saw Chen Jianghe as his own uncle. How could he be disrespectful to his uncle's friend?
The three of them arrived at Fushou Lane and entered Alchemist Zhuang's courtyard.
They sat down in the pavilion in the courtyard, and Jiang Ruxu brewed them a pot of tea.
Then, she obediently returned to her room with Zhuang Xinyan.
"Junior Sister, are we really leaving Qinghe Market City?"
In the room, Zhuang Xinyan whispered, feeling a little timid about going to a strange place.
She had come to Qinghe Market City with Alchemist Zhuang when she was very young. Now that she had grown familiar with it, she had to leave again.
"I don't know if we're leaving either. We'll have to wait until Master and Senior Chen have discussed it."
Jiang Ruxu also frowned, her bright, intelligent eyes filled with worry.
Thinking about what her master had said when he left that morning, her heart was filled with shock and fear.
At that very moment, under the pavilion in the courtyard, Alchemist Zhuang's expression turned serious.
"Fellow Daoist, is the information in your message accurate?"
Alchemist Zhuang said gravely, "This concerns the safety of nearly ten thousand cultivators. A single misstep, and the entire Qinghe Market City could be destroyed."
Hearing Alchemist Zhuang's words, Yun Xiaoniu connected them to his own earlier worries and understood what the alchemist meant.
He also knew what Chen Jianghe's message to Alchemist Zhuang was about.
"Uncle, was the fourth demonic beast that appeared in the Beast Taming Market City really a Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard?"
Yun Xiaoniu's expression also grew solemn.
"I don't know if it's true or not, but Ruan Tieniu's letter to me clearly stated that the fourth demonic beast was indeed a Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard."
Chen Jianghe nodded and then shared another piece of information about the Beast Taming Market City.
"...The Icy Triangle Python was severely injured and has retreated deep into the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range, but another third-tier demonic beast has descended upon the Beast Taming Market City."
"It's obvious the Zhou Clan has thoroughly offended the great demons of the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range. The Beast Taming Market City is indefensible."
Hiss~
Hearing Chen Jianghe's words, both Alchemist Zhuang and Yun Xiaoniu drew in a sharp breath. They hadn't expected the situation in the Beast Taming Market City to be so dire.
Thirteen Foundation Establishment cultivators had fallen.
One third-tier spirit beast was severely injured.
And all it achieved was severely injuring one third-tier demonic beast, only for the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range to immediately send another to take its place.
This was a clear sign that they were determined to destroy the Beast Taming Market City.
"Uncle, we can't stay in Qinghe Market City. I'm certain that the Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard here is related to the one in the Beast Taming Market City."
"It's very likely the offspring of the one in the Beast Taming Market City. Once news of this leopard gets out, the one from the Beast Taming Market City will definitely unleash a beast tide upon Qinghe Market City."
The more Yun Xiaoniu analyzed, the more he felt that Qinghe Market City was unsafe. He spoke to Chen Jianghe with a serious tone.
"Fellow Daoist, why don't we go to the Immortal Sect Market City to take shelter?" Alchemist Zhuang suggested.
Alchemist Zhuang also felt that Yun Xiaoniu's speculation was correct.
Because when Qinghe Market City auctioned the Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard, the Zhou Clan had been very secretive, only stating that a severely injured second-tier demonic beast was to be auctioned.
They didn't mention the Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard at all.
What did that imply?
They were worried that the other three top-tier immortal clans would find out and come to bid.
How could the Zhou Clan possibly offer up a Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard, a beast with a high chance of becoming a third-tier spirit beast, to aid the other three top-tier immortal clans?
It was well known that the four great immortal clans of the Tiannan Region were not on good terms.
The Zhou Clan would never do something that would aid their enemies.
Since the Zhou Clan wasn't doing it for spirit stones, they certainly wouldn't be kind enough to offer up a Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard to support a Foundation Establishment immortal clan.
This was a clear case of diverting disaster eastward.
And Qinghe Market City met the conditions.
First, Qinghe Market City was also established near the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range, to its northeast.
Second, Qinghe Market City was a large market city, home to the two great immortal clans of Qinghe.
Once the Thunder-Patterned Crimson Flame Leopard was put up for auction in Qinghe Market City, it was impossible for it to be bought by any other Foundation Establishment immortal clan.
"Hmm~"
Chen Jianghe hummed in thought, his gaze drifting involuntarily to the neighboring courtyard.
Coincidentally, they were also discussing matters related to him in the neighboring courtyard.
But Chen Jianghe couldn't see what was happening in the other courtyard.
"Uncle, Alchemist Zhuang, you can go to Qiyun Mountain first. That's the Yu Clan's territory now. You can cultivate there for a while, and after the storm passes, if Qinghe Market City still exists, you can come back."
While inviting Chen Jianghe, Yun Xiaoniu also hoped Alchemist Zhuang would go to Qiyun Mountain.
Alchemist Zhuang was a second-tier Alchemy Grandmaster. If he went to Qiyun Mountain, it would undoubtedly be a great help to the newly established Yu Clan.
It would also allow the Yu Clan to quickly establish a foothold in the eastern part of the Tiannan Region.
Alchemist Zhuang didn't speak, but looked at Chen Jianghe. It was clear he intended to see what Chen Jianghe decided first.
He had five years of life left.
He no longer had time for upheavals.
If Chen Jianghe wanted to go to Qiyun Mountain, he wouldn't mind going there for a while either.
"Fellow Daoist, you should leave Qinghe Market City first. Whether you go to the Immortal Sect Market City or Qiyun Mountain, either is fine."
Chen Jianghe said, looking at Alchemist Zhuang with a solemn expression.
"What do you mean by that, Fellow Daoist? Do you not plan to leave Qinghe Market City?" Alchemist Zhuang asked, looking at Chen Jianghe in confusion.
"Uncle~"
Chen Jianghe raised his hand and said, "I want to leave Qinghe Market City, but someone doesn't want me to."
"Who is it?" Yun Xiaoniu's face darkened.
Alchemist Zhuang also looked at Chen Jianghe curiously. He knew that Chen Jianghe lived a reclusive life in Qinghe Market City and hadn't offended anyone.
How could someone have their sights set on Chen Jianghe?
Besides, Chen Jianghe was on good terms with Gao Peiyao, the Foundation Establishment disciple from the Tiannan Sect. This was something all the upper-echelon cultivators in Qinghe Market City knew.
Logically, no cultivator should be hostile towards Chen Jianghe.
Chen Jianghe gestured with his chin toward the neighboring courtyard.
"You mean Ji Wujin, Fellow Daoist?"
Alchemist Zhuang looked puzzled. "What grudge does Ji Wujin have with you?" he asked Chen Jianghe.
"You two even crowdfunded alchemy together. While not close friends, you had some dealings. Why would he target you?"
Chen Jianghe shook his head.
He couldn't explain, because he wasn't certain Ji Wujin would act against him. What if Ji Wujin genuinely considered him a friend?
The moment this thought appeared, Chen Jianghe's heart shuddered.
He immediately cast the thought from his mind.
His heart instantly felt much calmer.
It wasn't that he was paranoid; it was just that Ji Wujin's actions forced him to be cautious.
Furthermore, he always felt there was something off about the way Ji Wujin looked at him.
Teasing, curious... it was complex and made him feel very uneasy.
"Uncle, is this Ji Wujin a Foundation Establishment cultivator?" Yun Xiaoniu asked.
"He should have successfully reached Foundation Establishment by now."
"Even if he is a Foundation Establishment cultivator, so am I. Why should I fear him?"
Yun Xiaoniu said.
"That's right. Don't you also have a second-tier spirit beast, Fellow Daoist? With Fellow Daoist Yun, you have no reason to fear Ji Wujin."
Alchemist Zhuang quickly added.
Hearing Alchemist Zhuang's words, a flash of shock passed through Yun Xiaoniu's eyes. He hadn't expected his uncle to have a second-tier spirit beast.
At that moment, Yun Xiaoniu finally understood how Chen Jianghe had managed to thrive in Qinghe Market City.
He had even been able to hire three Foundation Establishment cultivators to bring their family from Mirror Moon Lake to Qinghe Market City.
Among peers of the same tier, the combat power of a second-tier spirit beast was higher than that of a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
For a Foundation Establishment cultivator to face a second-tier spirit beast head-on, they needed to meet at least two conditions.
First, they needed a top-tier offensive magical tool.
Second, they needed a top-tier defensive magical tool.
Otherwise, it would take at least three Foundation Establishment cultivators to handle one second-tier spirit beast.
If it were a second-tier demonic beast, its combat power would be even more outrageous, and the baleful aura it emitted could affect a Foundation Establishment cultivator's mind.
Without top-tier offensive and defensive magical tools, it would take three to five Foundation Establishment cultivators to deal with a single second-tier demonic beast.
Chen Jianghe didn't hide Ji Wujin's strength, stating directly, "Ji Wujin has at least one second-tier spirit beast and a second-tier puppet."
"A few years ago, the flying vessel from Qinghe Market City to the Immortal Sect Market City was hijacked. It wasn't the work of rogue cultivators, but Ji Wujin's second-tier puppet and spirit beast."
Upon hearing this.
Alchemist Zhuang was shocked. He never imagined Ji Wujin possessed such profound resources.
And he had even stooped to banditry.
A Foundation Establishment cultivator, a second-tier spirit beast, and a second-tier puppet—this was his visible combat power.
On their side, they only had Yun Xiaoniu, a single Foundation Establishment cultivator, plus Chen Jianghe's second-tier spirit beast.
Who would deal with the second-tier puppet?
Besides, this was only the strength Ji Wujin had shown. Who knew what other trump cards he might have?
"How did you offend him, Fellow Daoist?" Alchemist Zhuang asked with a hint of resignation.
"If I said I never offended him, would you believe me, Fellow Daoist?"
Chen Jianghe also sounded helpless. "In fact, we've even had several friendly transactions."
"But he's still set on dealing with me. Just three days ago, he even left me a message inviting me to leave Qinghe Market City with him. Clearly, he also knows about the crisis the market city is about to face."
"Inviting you to leave together? Isn't that quite normal?"
"He was the one who leaked the news about crowdfunding the refinement of the Foundation Establishment Pill. He also invited me to leave Qinghe Market City with the pill to go 'fishing', and even invited me to attend the auction at the Immortal Sect Market City with him, uh~"
"That's right, the Earth Core Soul Refining Stone and the Thousand-Year Yin Soul Bamboo from the last auction were both consigned by Ji Wujin."
Chen Jianghe looked at Alchemist Zhuang with a smile and said, "Do you think Ji Wujin would be kind enough to help me leave?"
Hearing all this, Alchemist Zhuang understood Chen Jianghe's worries. This was indeed not normal.
There was a high probability that Ji Wujin was trying to lure Chen Jianghe into a trap.
"Uncle, I'll write a letter back and have the Ancestor and Yun Bufan come to Qinghe Market City. Then we can all leave together."
Yun Xiaoniu said after a moment of thought.
Doing so might put him in great debt to Yun Bufan, and he might even be unable to act against Yun Yifeng in the future.
But for Chen Jianghe's sake, he couldn't worry about that.
Chen Jianghe shook his head.
Just then, he began communicating with Xiao Hei through his spiritual platform.
"Xiao Hei, if Maoqiu were to consume second-tier water-attribute spirit cores, how many would it need to break through to the second tier?"
"Four."
Xiao Hei replied via spiritual transmission, "But it would need ten years to completely refine and absorb all four water-attribute spirit cores."
"Four? Ten years?"
Chen Jianghe was taken aback. He asked in a confused spiritual transmission, "Didn't you only need three, and you could become a second-tier spirit beast within three years?"
"What are you thinking? I have the Three Revolutions Demon Ascension Art. What does it have?"
"..."
It seemed impossible for Maoqiu to become a second-tier spirit beast in a short time to change the situation.
Even three years was too long.
A beast tide might descend on Qinghe Market City before three years were up.
Suddenly, Alchemist Zhuang's face lit up with joy, his worried frown smoothing out.
"Don't worry, Fellow Daoist. I've thought of a countermeasure, haha~"