351: Meeting an acquaintance

Decades had passed since his last visit to the Dragon Phoenix Mountain Range.

Returning to this familiar place, Zhou Luo stood atop the flying shuttle, filled with a myriad of emotions.

Back then, with a cultivation of the Qi Refining Fifth Layer, he had ventured into these mountains alone, only to encounter numerous ambushes and narrow escapes.

Ultimately, relying on his trump cards and serendipity, he had managed to survive and reap significant rewards.

Now, he no longer needed to be as subservient or overly cautious as he was then.

In fact, as long as he released a sliver of his Foundation Establishment aura, Cultivators within a ten-mile radius would keep a respectful distance.

This immense change made Zhou Luo even more convinced that improving his strength and growing more powerful was the ultimate path.

If he could truly obtain the remaining two Dual Cultivation techniques from that ruin, his future cultivation would be even faster. Moreover, the women by his side would have better cultivation methods without having to worry about damaging their Foundation.

"Zhou Alchemist, in a moment we shall address each other as Fellow Daoists. Try not to expose your full strength while outside." Long Yunshuang's voice carried through the wind, falling clearly into his ears.

Zhou Luo nodded slightly. "Alright."

Before long, the two entered the Dragon Phoenix Mountain Range, flying through the dense mountain forests.

With more than half a month left before the ruins opened, they had arrived early. To find a place to stay, they naturally headed for the Tianxia Tavern in the Dragon Phoenix Market.

Upon reaching the market entrance, the two disembarked from the flying boat.

As soon as they landed, the handsome man and beautiful woman caught the attention of several Cultivators.

Although they had concealed their cultivation Realm and even slightly altered their appearances, it did not diminish their looks or the temperament they exuded.

Long Yunshuang, in particular, walked with her head held high, making no effort to hide her proud figure. Combined with her noble temperament, she naturally drew the covetous gazes of many Cultivators.

Compared to her, Zhou Luo appeared much more low-key, yet the handsomeness in his features still made him stand out like a crane among a flock of chickens.

Together, they stepped into the market and headed straight for the Tianxia Tavern.

On the streets of the Dragon Phoenix Market, there were significantly more passing Cultivators than last time. The narrow streets were packed with a constant stream of people.

Presumably, they were all drawn here by the ruins.

Even though many were only at the Qi Refining Middle Stage, it was no problem for them to enter the periphery of the ruins to find some treasures suited to their level.

For these Loose Cultivators, they would swarm at the slightest hint of opportunity.

Without the backing of a powerful background, they had to fight for everything if they wanted to achieve a Breakthrough in their cultivation.

Even if they knew the journey was fraught with danger, they would not hesitate.

In comparison, Zhou Luo's decision to join the Lin family back then seemed like a wise choice.

Upon arriving at the tavern, the manager had already received word. Seeing the two, he immediately and warmly ushered them to the tavern's two most prestigious rooms.

"I have invited someone else to join us on this trip."

Before entering her room, Long Yunshuang spoke up.

She hadn't mentioned this at the start and only spoke of it now; clearly, that person was already in the Dragon Phoenix Market.

Zhou Luo wasn't surprised.

When heading to such a place, even a Foundation Establishment cultivator needed to be cautious, so banding together for warmth was a necessity.

"Did he also sign a contract?" Zhou Luo asked.

Long Yunshuang shook her head. "The contract is limited to two people. However, he worked with me in the past, and there are no concerns regarding his character."

She had contacted this person specifically. Years ago, when she served as the manager of a Tianxia Tavern elsewhere, they had stayed in touch and communicated frequently. Thus, for this trip to the ruins, she had invited him along.

Hearing this, Zhou Luo said nothing more, but he silently kept his guard up.

It wasn't that he didn't trust Long Yunshuang's character, but one can never truly know another's heart. Even Foundation Establishment cultivators were not above worldly greed. In the world of immortal cultivation, if one wasn't careful, they wouldn't even know how they died.

He even maintained a level of vigilance toward Long Yunshuang despite the contract, let alone someone she had brought along.

However, he wasn't worried about the other party breaking the agreement.

On one hand, there was the contract's restriction; on the other, he had Xiao Bai in his storage bag. Even if the other party suddenly attacked, he had countermeasures.

Entering his room, Zhou Luo began to meditate and regulate his breathing.

Since he was going to the ruins, he naturally needed to adjust his body to its peak state.

Five days later.

Long Yunshuang sent a message asking him to meet the person who would be traveling with them.

Only then did Zhou Luo leave his room.

Still dressed in her white and blue gown, Long Yunshuang looked highly efficient. She led Zhou Luo toward the center of the market until they stopped before a pavilion.

Looking at the three large characters on the plaque above, "Zhenyuan Pavilion," Zhou Luo's eyebrows twitched slightly.

He had a very vivid memory of this place.

Back then, because of the Longevity Pill, he had drawn the greed of their Foundation Establishment expert, who subsequently sent assassins to capture him.

Had he not been cautious, his bones might have turned to ash by now.

Thinking of the partner Long Yunshuang mentioned, a guess immediately formed in his mind.

"Senior has arrived! Quick, our manager has been waiting for a long time."

Seeing the two, an old man greeted them warmly.

A moment later, they arrived before a room.

Pushing the door open, they saw a middle-aged man in a white robe sitting inside.

He was dignified and tall, exuding a faint, looming majesty. He was none other than the manager of Zhenyuan Pavilion, Qi Chuan.

When Qi Chuan saw Long Yunshuang, he immediately greeted her with a smile. "Fellow Daoist Cloudfrost, you've finally arrived."

He seemed very familiar with Long Yunshuang, addressing her directly by her name.

Long Yunshuang remained indifferent, but her voice softened slightly. "Fellow Daoist Qi, long time no see."

"Long time no see."

Qi Chuan walked over, his gaze happening to land on Zhou Luo beside her.

As he looked over, an imperceptible light flickered in the depths of his eyes.

However, he showed no other signs of abnormality, maintaining his smile and speaking in a gentle voice. "This must be the Zhou Alchemist that Fellow Daoist Cloudfrost mentioned."

Seeing that the other party didn't seem to recognize him, Zhou Luo nodded and echoed, "Manager Qi."

The last time he saw him, he was in disguise. Although that disguise could be seen through, he had changed his appearance again for this trip.

Furthermore, with his Foundation Establishment Middle Stage Realm, it wouldn't be easy for the other party to see his true face. It was normal not to recognize him.

However, there was no guarantee the other party had forgotten the events of the past.

After all, he had killed the assassin the man had sent, and given his own fame, it was impossible for the other party not to have investigated him.

Since the other party wasn't exposing him now, there was no need for him to speak of it openly.

In any case, he would just need to be more on guard once they reached the ruins.

After the introductions, Long Yunshuang and Qi Chuan began to chat, while Zhou Luo sat to the side, listening silently.

Coming here, the meeting was secondary; the main goal was to gather information about the ruins.

Although Long Yunshuang had prepared in advance, the other party was based in the Dragon Phoenix Market and close to the ruins, so he would surely know more.

And indeed, Qi Chuan revealed a piece of important information to the two of them.