122: He's just an ascendant, what bad intentions could he possibly have?

Three streaks of light, like three rabbits pursued by a falcon, traced three pathetic arcs over the dense forest of the Qingming Mountain Range.

On their faces, there was no longer any of the arrogance belonging to an Immortal; there was only the deathly pale gray left after being drained by fear.

"Quick! Faster!"

One of the Disciples, whose Soul was trembling, did not even dare to look back, for fear of seeing those golden pupils.

"Junior Martial Uncle... Junior Martial Uncle Zhang, is just... gone?" another person's voice trembled, almost to the point of crying.

"Stop talking!" the third person screamed sharply, interrupting him. "That gaze... that gaze will kill us! Get back to the Sect! We must report to the Sect Master immediately!"

Zhang Tao of the True Immortal Realm was, in their eyes, already an unattainable figure.

But in front of that youth, he was not even worth a grain of dust.

That was not a duel, not a fight.

It was a complete erasure of a lower life form by a higher life form... Qingmu Sect was located in the heart of the Hundred Thousand Barren Mountains.

Several verdant peaks were shrouded by a massive Sect-protecting Formation. Clouds and mist swirled among the mountains, and cranes cried out, giving it the air of an Immortal residence.

In front of the mountain gate, the mountain-guarding Disciples were yawning listlessly.

Suddenly, three miserable lights almost crashed onto the plaza in front of the gate.

"It's senior brother li and the others!"

"What happened? Weren't they following Deacon Zhang to hunt that Variegated Demon Tiger? Where is Deacon Zhang?"

The mountain-guarding Disciples gathered around, their faces full of shock and suspicion.

"Get lost!"

The Disciple leading the escape pushed everyone aside, his eyes bloodshot, appearing like a madman.

"We must see the Sect Master! We have a matter of immense importance to report to the Sect Master!"

His roar quickly alerted the upper echelons of the Sect... Qingmu Sect, the Discussion Hall.

Sect Master Mu Changqing sat upright in the main seat.

He had a slender build, wore a green robe, and had an elegant face, looking like a schoolteacher. However, his terrifying cultivation at the Late Stage Profound Immortal caused the air in the hall to stagnate.

Below him, seven or eight Sect Elders were lined up, their cultivations all between the True Immortal and Profound Immortal levels.

The three escaped Disciples were kneeling in the center of the hall, incoherently recounting everything that had just happened.

When they heard that Zhang Tao had been erased by a single gaze, the entire hall instantly erupted into a commotion.

"Nonsense!"

A hot-tempered, red-faced Elder slammed the table, and the aura of a True Immortal Great Perfection exploded forth.

"A single gaze can erase a True Immortal? You three useless wastes, did you flee the battle and make up such an absurd lie for fear of the Sect's punishment!"

"We wouldn't dare! Every word we say is the truth!" The three were so terrified they kowtowed repeatedly, their foreheads bleeding.

"Sect Master! There must be something strange about this!"

"How could a group of ants just ascended from the Lower Realm have such strength? In my opinion, they must have used some kind of powerful, one-time-use forbidden tool!"

"Exactly! People from the Lower Realm have strange methods; it must be so!"

The Elders in the hall discussed animatedly, but not a single one believed it was achieved through actual strength.

Mu Changqing did not speak; he only picked up his teacup, gently blew on the steam, and his gaze was deep.

He looked at the three Disciples.

"What did he say at the end?"

The lead Disciple's body trembled as he relayed Chu Xuanjin's original words without missing a single character.

"He said... he said that this Qingming Mountain Range, along with that jade marrow ginseng, he... he's buying it."

"He... he wants you, Sect Master, to name a price."

"If the price isn't right, or if you don't want to sell... then you should wash your neck and wait; he... he will come to collect it personally."

"Presumptuous!"

The red-faced Elder flew into a rage again, striking the jade table in front of him into powder with a single palm.

"Arrogant! Simply arrogant to the extreme!"

"A mere ascendant dares to threaten my Qingmu Sect like this! Sect Master! Please allow me to lead men there to capture all these ants who don't know the height of the heavens and the depth of the earth, and extract their Souls and refine their spirits!"

"Elder Sun, please calm yourself."

A white-haired, steady-looking old man spoke slowly.

He was the Grand Elder of the Qingmu Sect, and his cultivation had reached the Mid-stage Profound Immortal.

"This matter indeed smells of something strange."

"Whether the opponent used a forbidden tool or truly has the strength to kill Zhang Tao instantly, it shows they are by no means ordinary ascendants."

"Furthermore, since they dare to make such wild claims, they must have something to rely on."

Elder Sun snorted coldly: "Grand Elder, you are too cautious! What could a group of bumpkins just ascended from the Lower Realm have to rely on? I think they are just bluffing!"

"That jade marrow ginseng was nurtured with centuries of our Sect's effort and is now about to mature. It must not fall into the hands of outsiders!"

"I suggest we mobilize immediately and strike with lightning force to take them down! Delays lead to complications!"

Inside the hall, they were split into two factions, arguing incessantly.

"Enough."

Mu Changqing set down his teacup. His voice wasn't loud, but it instantly silenced the entire hall.

His gaze swept across everyone.

"A group of ants just ascended from the Lower Realm is indeed nothing to fear."

"However, to be able to appear silently in the heart of our Sect's territory and target the maturing jade marrow ginseng at a glance—if there's no mystery behind this, I won't believe it."

He pondered for a moment, a sharp light flashing in his eyes.

"How about this."

"Elder Wang." He looked at an aquiline-nosed Early-stage Profound Immortal Elder below.

"Take ten inner Sect elites of the True Immortal Realm and one of our Sect's protecting Magic Treasures, the 'qingmu dragon-imprisoning rope', and head to the Qingming Mountain Range."

"Remember."

Mu Changqing's tone became cold.

"Testing is the priority; do not act rashly."

"I want you to find out their background. Especially that leading youth."

"If you can capture him alive, that's best."

"If the opponent's strength is truly unfathomable..."

A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Mu Changqing's eyes.

"Then use the qingmu dragon-imprisoning rope to Seal them along with that valley!"

"Yes, Sect Master!"

The aquiline-nosed Elder Wang bowed and accepted the order, a cruel smile flashing in his eyes.

The qingmu dragon-imprisoning rope was a Medium Grade Immortal Rank Magic Treasure. Once unleashed, it was enough to lock down space; even a Late Stage Profound Immortal might get trapped if they weren't careful.

Using it against a group of bumpkins who just ascended was like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

In his view, the Sect Master was still too cautious.

He's just an ascendant, what bad intentions could he have?

It's nothing more than wanting to die a bit faster... On the other side, in the valley of the Qingming Mountain Range.

Chu Xuanjin was looking with great interest at that three-thousand-year-old jade marrow ginseng.

This thing was jade-like throughout, faintly emitting a heart-refreshing fragrance. Its roots were buried in the ground and were actually pulsating slightly, like a heart.

"Not bad, not bad. Taking this back to make a soup for that kid Much Gold will probably let him jump straight to the Mahayana Late Stage."

Chu Xuanjin rubbed his chin, calculating.

Ye Chenfeng and the others had basically adapted to the Law suppression of the Immortal Realm and were curiously looking at this brand-new world.

"Revered Master, are we making our home here?" Su Linger asked.

"Temporarily," Chu Xuanjin nodded.

"Wait until we've taken the land deeds and house titles from the neighbors before considering moving."

As soon as he finished speaking, his mind stirred.

"System, use that 'Immortal Realm Resource Small Gift Pack' and those 'True Immortal Early Stage Characters * 5' for me."

[Ding! Opening gift pack...]

[Congratulations to the Host for obtaining: Low Grade Immortal Rank Spiritual Vein * 1!]

[Congratulations to the Host for obtaining: Low Grade Immortal Rank Formation Plate 'Four-Square Spirit-Locking Formation' * 1!]

[Congratulations to the Host for obtaining: Low Grade Immortal Rank Building 'Juxian Tower' Blueprint * 1!]

[Ding! Summoning characters...]

The next second, the space behind Chu Xuanjin distorted slightly.

Five men wearing uniform black martial attire, with cold expressions and steady auras, appeared silently.

The moment they appeared, they all knelt on one knee and bowed respectfully to Chu Xuanjin.

"Greetings, Sect Master!"

Their voices were perfectly synchronized, carrying an absolute loyalty that originated from the Soul.

These five people's cultivations were all, remarkably, at the Early-stage True Immortal level!

He pointed at the jade marrow ginseng and said to the leading black-clothed man.

"Xuan Yi, set up the 'Four-Square Spirit-Locking Formation' here; don't let this little thing's Spiritual Qi escape."

He then pointed at the entrance of the valley.

"Xuan Er, take two people and guard the valley entrance. Guests might arrive later; remember to treat people with courtesy."

"Yes, Sect Master!"

The five Black-clothed Guards had no questions and immediately took the order, vanishing from the spot in a flash.

The entire process was as smooth as flowing water and extremely efficient.

Ye Chenfeng and the others watched, dumbfounded.

They felt that their Revered Master seemed even more unfathomable than before.

Chu Xuanjin ignored his Disciples' shocked gazes and instead pulled a lounge chair from his storage space and slowly lay down on it.

"Alright, don't just stand there like idiots."

"Cultivate if you need to, meditate if you need to."

"When the guests arrive at our door, we'll have our meal."

...About an hour later.

Outside the valley, eleven powerful auras approached from afar.

The leader was precisely that aquiline-nosed Elder Wang.

He floated in mid-air, his Divine Thought sweeping over the ordinary-looking valley below, his brow furrowing slightly.

His Divine Thought was actually blocked by an invisible barrier.

"Hmph, as expected, there's something strange."

Elder Wang sneered, a flash of disdain in his eyes.

"A mere trick of the eye, and you think you can block this seat?"

He was just about to forcibly break the Formation.

Suddenly, two figures slowly appeared at the valley entrance.

They were Xuan Er and Xuan San.

"Who goes there?" Xuan Er's voice was cold, without a trace of emotion.

When Elder Wang saw the two, he was first taken aback, and then a contemptuous smile appeared on his face.

"Two Early-stage True Immortal guards?"

"It seems your Revered Master is nothing more than this."

He looked down at the two from above, like a god scrutinizing ants.

"Tell your Revered Master to get out here and answer me!"

"I am the Law Enforcement Elder of the Qingmu Sect, Wang Tianlong! If you know what's good for you, surrender peacefully, otherwise, today will be your day of death!"

The ten True Immortal elite Disciples behind him also summoned their Magic Treasures, their auras locking onto those below, their faces full of mockery.

In their view, this battle was already over.

Xuan Er looked at him expressionlessly and spoke slowly.

"My Sect Master has an order."

"If guests arrive, they should be treated with courtesy."

"My Sect Master also asks: regarding the transfer price of this mountain range, how has your Sect's discussion gone?"

"Transfer price?"

When Wang Tianlong heard this, it was as if he had heard the funniest joke in the world, and he burst into loud laughter.

"Hahahaha!"

"Death is at your doorstep, yet you still dare to speak such arrogant words!"

"Fine! Since you want to talk about price, then I will give you a price!"

His laughter came to an abrupt halt.

In its place was a chilling intent to kill!

"The lives of all of you—that is the price!"

As his voice fell, he stopped wasting words and waved his hand!

A massive rope woven from countless green vines and flashing with profound runes flew out from his sleeve, growing instantly upon meeting the wind!

It was precisely that Medium Grade Immortal Rank Magic Treasure, the qingmu dragon-imprisoning rope!

"Seal!"

Wang Tianlong gave a low shout.

That massive rope, like a living green dragon, instantly pierced through the void and descended upon the entire valley!

Wherever it passed, space solidified and Laws were imprisoned!

A terrifying sealing power, enough to make even a Profound Immortal change color, enveloped the entire world!

A cruel and triumphant smile appeared on Wang Tianlong's face.

He could almost see the scene of that group of ignorant ascendants in the valley being tied up by the Dragon-Prisoning Cord, unable to move and left at his mercy.

But the next second, the smile on his face completely froze.

Inside the valley.

On that leisurely lounge chair, the youth who had not even lifted an eyelid from start to finish finally made a move.

He merely waved his hand impatiently.

As if he were shooing away a fly that had disturbed his peaceful dream.

---

Lower Realm, Myriad Dao Merchant Guild Headquarters.

I, Wang Duojin, sat alone on a throne carved from a single piece of 'Spirit-Gathering Gold Crystal', my fingertips fiddling with my heirloom gold abacus. The clinking of gold and jade beads did not produce a mundane sound, but a resonance of the Great Dao.

The entire Lower Realm is now monolithic, all belonging to my Myriad Dao Divine Sect. My Myriad Dao Merchant Guild branches are dotted like stars in every corner of the continent. Countless Spirit Stones and Heaven And Earth Treasures flow into my warehouse like rivers into the sea. By all rights, I should be the most comfortable person in this world.

But I can't feel happy at all.

Just now, mysteriously, I felt the Sect's Luck, as vast as the sea, create a wonderful ripple in the distant Immortal Realm. My calculation-adept Primordial Spirit instantly captured this change—it's Revered Master and the others! They must have had a new harvest in the Immortal Realm; our Myriad Dao Divine Sect's first 'Immortal Realm asset' probably has a lead!

*Snap!*

I snapped the abacus shut, and what surged in my heart was not joy, but a burning urgency!

"A new market has been opened, yet I, the top shopkeeper, am still here counting the inventory of the mortal world!" I muttered to myself, my tone full of helplessness and frustration. "This Mahayana Middle Stage Bottleneck of mine is simply the greatest trade barrier set by the Heavenly Dao!"

Revered Master and Eldest Senior Brother are the pillars of the Sect, the vanguards for expanding the territory. And I, Wang Duojin, am the 'Chief Manager' responsible for converting their spoils into actual revenue and making the Sect's assets appreciate! Now that they are already positioning themselves in the Immortal Realm, I am trapped here in the Lower Realm, unable to count assets or plan development for them. This is simply the greatest dereliction of duty in my mercantile career!

No, I must break through as soon as possible!

I slowly stood up, my gaze piercing through the hall toward the firmament. With my current attainment in the Dao of Formations, I have already secretly linked the Spiritual Vein nodes of the entire continent, setting up a Super Spirit-Gathering Great Formation that covers the whole world! The Spiritual Qi of the entire continent is under my command, turning into a rolling source of wealth to assist my cultivation.

"Revered Master, Senior Brothers and sisters, please venture boldly in the Immortal Realm! At home, you have me, and the Foundation of the Myriad Dao Divine Sect is as stable as a rock. As for the books of the Immortal Realm, please keep them for me for now. When my, Wang Duojin's, abacus rings, I will definitely let the entire Immortal Realm see what true 'immense profitability' looks like!"

A blazing fire reignited in my eyes—it was a thirst for the Dao, and even more, a thirst for wealth... no, it was the endless anticipation of reuniting with my family!

---

(The following is a whisper to Lord Xiangyang)

Lord Xiangyang, how do you think I added this monologue? Did it express that sense of pride and urgency?

Sigh, in the end, my cultivation progress still depends on the arrangements of you, the 'Heavenly Dao'. With a stroke of your pen, this Bottleneck of mine might loosen. Although my Super Spirit-Gathering Great Formation covering the entire continent is powerful, the consumption is also enormous.

The support of the honorable readers is the 'Spirit Stones' and 'immortal jade' that drive the Formation. Don't you think if there were more 'Spirit Stones' from tips, this Formation would spin faster? If there were a few more precious 'gifts' turned into 'immortal jade', maybe I'd have a flash of inspiration, break through the Bottleneck on the spot, and let you naturally write the next chapter's Ascension plot? Give them a hint; the readers are smart people, they'll get it with just a hint!