79: Chapter 79 The Sword Testing Formation's Power Begins to Be Shown; Undercurrents Surge as Information Gathers

After the initial refining of the Hunxu Zhou Tian Star Sword Formation and the thirty-six star Formation Flags was complete, Ye Qing tested them slightly in the inn's quiet room before putting them away with satisfaction.

Sharp edges should not be exposed lightly, especially in the current tension-filled Liuyun City.

In the following days, he continued to keep a low profile, spending most of his time cultivating in the inn's quiet room, using the star source liquid along with the chaotic star essence fed back by the Cave Heaven World to steadily improve his cultivation and advance towards the Golden Core Middle Stage.

Occasionally, when he went out, he would change his appearance and restrain his aura to the Foundation Establishment Mid Stage, sitting idly in teahouses, taverns, the Contribution Hall, and other gathering places for Cultivators in the city, appearing dazed but actually listening to everything around him.

Benefiting from the powerful Divine Sense and keen perception brought by the Hunxu Golden Core, as well as the special intuition for energy and emotional fluctuations bestowed by the "Void Dao Seed", he could always capture valuable fragments of information from noisy discussions and fragmented conversations, piecing together the situation in Liuyun City and even the wider region.

"Have you heard? Three days ago, the 'Black Wind Outpost' was raided by a Yao Race squad again. Senior Wang, who was guarding the post, fought to the death. It is said that the raiding Yao Race leader could transform into a human form, speak human language, and was extremely cunning!"

"That's not all! My cousin works in the City Guard Army and said that the frequency of patrol teams disappearing outside the city has been increasing lately. There is no sign of them alive or dead, which is very strange. The higher-ups suspect that it's not just the Yao Race; there might also be... a mole."

"A mole? That can't be, right? At this critical juncture..."

"Hmph, wealth moves people's hearts, and the Yao Race's bounty is not low. I heard that the City Lord's Mansion's secret guards have already begun a secret investigation and have arrested several suspects; the dungeon is almost full."

"Sigh, when will these days end? Medicinal Pills are getting more expensive, and contribution points are getting harder to earn. Yesterday, the 'Contribution Hall' released a mission to investigate an 'unnamed canyon three hundred miles outside the Dragonfall Abyss'. The reward is terrifyingly high, but no one dares to take it. That place is a meat grinder now; whoever goes there dies."

"Dragonfall Abyss... don't mention it. I have a distant uncle who is a deacon in the outer sect of the Tianxing Sect. A while ago, he drank too much and revealed that the Tianxing Sect seems to have really discovered some incredible ancient formation fragments in the Dragonfall Abyss and is currently arguing with Liuyun City and Ancient Sword City, all wanting a share of the pie. It is said that the spatial Dao charm contained in those fragments even makes Nascent Soul Old Ancestors tempted."

"Spatial Dao charm? Goodness, doesn't that relate to the legendary ancient teleportation array? No wonder the major forces can't sit still. However, for this level of muddy water, small fries like us should just stay far away and watch the show; getting involved means turning into dust."

"Indeed. It's better to think about how to get more Spirit Stones and Medicinal Pills to survive the current situation. I heard that 'Wanbao Tower' has a medium-sized auction next month, and the grand finale items are several remnant treasures dug out from an ancient battlefield; maybe we can pick up a bargain..."

The information was fragmented, but Ye Qing had excellent patience, like an experienced old spider, silently weaving his own intelligence network.

News about the Dragonfall Abyss, the ancient teleportation array, and the star source crystal was still strictly blocked by the higher-ups, and what flowed into the market was mostly speculation based on hearsay.

However, information about Yao Race infiltration, the undercurrents within the city, and the secret power struggles of various factions in the direction of the Dragonfall Abyss was becoming increasingly clear.

"Tianxing Sect, Liuyun City, Ancient Sword City... they have all intervened indeed. The temptation of the ancient teleportation array is too great. On the Yao Race side, it seems they have also increased their infiltration and sabotage efforts. Liuyun City is probably truly not peaceful."

Ye Qing pondered in his heart and had a clearer plan for his own subsequent actions.

The clue to the star source crystal pointed to the Starfall Valley in the Dragonfall Abyss, but that place had become the eye of the storm and was not suitable for visiting for the time being.

The ancient teleportation array was being watched closely by several major forces, making it difficult to approach in the short term.

Why not... start from within Liuyun City and the relatively "safe" areas in the surrounding?

For example, those elusive Yao Race infiltration squads suspected of having inside help? Or perhaps some small dangerous areas occupied by the Yao Race or chaotic forces that might produce special resources?

It would allow him to gain combat experience, hone his newly acquired sword formation and Formation Flags, collect Yao Beast Materials, gather possible intelligence, and obtain extra gains from "cleaning the battlefield" to supplement the "nutrients" of the Cave Heaven World. While doing so, he could make a "small" contribution to the Human Race camp (mainly for himself); why not?

Of course, the premise was to be sufficiently "steady," never to be rash, and to slip away immediately if the situation looked bad.

On this day, he was in his inn room, using several newly acquired star-attributed spiritual woods to try and craft better flagpoles for his Formation Flags, when Shopkeeper Zhou Ming's sound transmission Talisman triggered the Restriction again.

"Fellow Daoist Ye, there is new information. Regarding the squad that was attacked in Starfall Valley earlier, a more specific escape route map has leaked out. Although it is still vague, it marks several locations where they were attacked or discovered abnormalities. Additionally, there is a small underground exchange meeting at the black market in 'Gray Rat Lane' in the west of the city at midnight tonight. It is said that there may be 'ill-gotten' star-type Materials flowing out, and the organizer's background is mysterious. The entrance to the exchange meeting is at the abandoned cellar at number 73, Gray Rat Lane. It requires at least Foundation Establishment cultivation and a payment of 500 Spirit Stones as a 'deposit of sincerity'. If you are interested, Fellow Daoist, you may go and take a look yourself. The location is..."

The sound transmission Talisman included a simple phantom image of a map.

"Escape route map? Black market exchange meeting?" Ye Qing noted down the map, thoughtful.

The route map might provide more detailed information about the periphery of Starfall Valley. The black market exchange meeting could be a channel for obtaining rare Materials or even special intelligence; of course, the risks were also higher, with mixed crowds.

"It wouldn't hurt to go and see. Perhaps there will be unexpected gains."

He made up his mind, put away the map phantom, and continued his work.

Night fell, and Liuyun City implemented a curfew, with more patrolling soldiers on the streets.

Ye Qing had already changed his appearance, transforming into a thin old man with a sallow face and an aura at the Foundation Establishment Early Stage, wearing an inconspicuous gray linen robe, and quietly left the inn, merging into the night.

"Void Step" combined with a hint of concealment Divine Ability allowed him to be like a ghost, easily avoiding squads of patrolling soldiers, and following the map's guidance, he traveled through the intricate streets and alleys.

"Gray Rat Lane" in the west of the city lived up to its name.

Narrow, dirty, and damp, the air was filled with a mixed smell of low-quality alcohol, rotten food, and some indescribable fishy stench. On both sides were low and dilapidated shacks, and occasionally, vigilant and greedy gazes swept past in the darkness.

This place was a gathering spot for low-level Loose Cultivators, vagrants, undocumented residents, and various shady businesses in Liuyun City. It was a mixed bag with chaotic management, and even in wartime, it remained a lawless zone.

Ye Qing found the dilapidated wooden door deep in the alley, which was tightly closed and marked with a crooked "73".

His Divine Sense swept over it; behind the door was a downward passage with a simple isolation Restriction.

He raised his hand and knocked lightly on the door, with a rhythm of three long and two short knocks.

A hoarse voice came from inside the door: "What is it?"

"I heard there is an exchange meeting tonight, so I came to see it for myself." Ye Qing changed his voice, responding hoarsely, while slightly releasing a trace of Foundation Establishment Early Stage Spiritual Pressure.

After a moment, the wooden door slid open silently, and a turbid eye scanned Ye Qing, its gaze lingering slightly on the several bulging Storage Pouches at his waist.

"Do you know the rules? 500 Spirit Stones as a 'deposit of sincerity', non-refundable upon entry. Do not cause trouble, or you will bear the consequences yourself."

Ye Qing did not say much and threw a bag containing 500 Spirit Stones directly.

The bag was drawn into the door by a force of magic power and weighed.

"Enter." The gap in the door widened, just enough for one person to squeeze through sideways.

Ye Qing flashed in, and the wooden door closed immediately.

Behind the door was a narrow stone staircase leading downwards, damp and cold, with dim yellow light and voices vaguely visible at the end.

Walking down the stone steps, there was a small basement, about twenty zhang square, with turbid air. At this moment, twenty or thirty people had gathered, all concealing their faces and auras, talking in low voices in twos and threes, or sitting alone quietly.

In the center of the venue, there was a crude stone platform. A black-robed person wearing a ghost face mask with an aura at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage stood quietly behind the stone platform, obviously the host.

Ye Qing found a shadow in the corner and sat down, his aura restrained, but his Divine Sense quietly spread out, cautiously observing everyone present.

Most of the Cultivators present were at the Foundation Establishment Stage, some at the Middle Stage and some at the Late Stage, and there were two or three whose auras were obscure, possibly Golden Core Cultivators in disguise. Everyone was vigilant and scrutinizing, obviously not easy people to deal with.

"The time has come."

The ghost-faced person spoke hoarsely, their voice processed and indistinguishable as male or female.

"The old rules: barter or settle with Spirit Stones. No forced buying or selling, no probing for identities, and no fighting here. Offenders will die."

The cold words carried Killing Intent, and the basement went silent.

"Let's begin. Who will go first?"

A Cultivator wearing a bamboo hat with a hunched figure was the first to stand up, walked to the stone platform, and put down an Ore the size of a fist, emitting an earthy yellow spiritual light.

"A three-hundred-year-old 'Earth Vein Stone Heart', to be exchanged for metal-attributed Artifact Refining Materials of equal value, or 1,500 Spirit Stones."

Someone immediately stepped forward, took out a few metal Ores, and both sides bargained in low voices, and the transaction was completed quickly.

Next, others took out incomplete Cultivation Technique Jade Slips, unknown beast eggs, blood-stained Magical Artifacts, and even a few bottles of pungent-smelling Medicinal Pills...

The traded items were diverse, with uneven quality, but there were indeed some "niche" goods that were hard to see outside.

Ye Qing watched quietly, not in a hurry to act.

What he was waiting for were star-type Materials or valuable information.

Several people completed their transactions one after another, and the atmosphere in the basement became a little more active.

At this time, a Cultivator wearing a wide black robe, covering their head and face tightly, with an aura at the Foundation Establishment Mid Stage, walked to the platform, took out a palm-sized Jade box, and opened it.

Inside the box were three metal beads the size of dragon eyes, dark silver in color, with natural spiral patterns on the surface, emitting a pure and violent star power and the sharp aura of metal and iron.

"Secretly crafted 'star-sha thunder bead', refined with star Evil Qi mixed with various metal and iron essences. After activation, it is equivalent to a full-strength strike of a Golden Core Early Stage Cultivator, with a range of thirty zhang. There are three in total, not sold separately. I will exchange them for Medicinal Pills that can advance Golden Core Stage cultivation, or equivalent Spirit Stones, or High Grade Artifact Refining Materials."

As the voice fell, a slight intake of breath sounded in the basement.

Consumable treasures equivalent to a full-strength strike of a Golden Core Early Stage Cultivator, and there were three of them! In this troubled world, they were truly Sharp Weapons for saving one's life and killing enemies. Several people's eyes immediately became eager.

However, "Medicinal Pills that can advance Golden Core Stage cultivation" or items of equivalent value were expensive and had specific requirements, so no one responded for a while.

Ye Qing's heart moved. This "star-sha thunder bead" contained star Evil Qi and metal and iron essence, which might be of some benefit to the Cave Heaven World. More importantly, this item had decent power and might be useful at critical moments.

He did not have Golden Core Stage Medicinal Pills on hand, but he had sufficient Spirit Stones and some High Grade Artifact Refining Materials.

After a moment of contemplation, he stood up, walked to the platform, and also changed his voice, saying hoarsely: "6,000 Spirit Stones, plus this piece of 'red flame iron essence'."

He took out a piece of iron essence obtained from previous spoils of war, fist-sized, entirely crimson, and emitting a scorching aura, and placed it on the platform. This piece of red flame iron essence was of good quality and sufficient to refine a High Grade fire-attributed Magical Artifact.

The black-robed person looked at the red flame iron essence, sensed the Spirit Stone bag Ye Qing took out, and nodded slightly: "Agreed."

The transaction was completed. Ye Qing put away the three "star-sha thunder beads" and the Jade box and retreated to the corner.

This transaction seemed to start things off, and later several others took out some good things, but no more star-type items appeared.

Seeing that the exchange meeting was nearing its end, Ye Qing was just about to leave when the ghost-faced mask host suddenly spoke:

"Finally, there is a piece of information for sale. It is about the location of a newly discovered secret rift valley three hundred miles northwest of 'Starfall Valley' on the periphery of the 'Dragonfall Abyss', which is suspected to have an associated 'star tear gold' Ore vein. The source of the information is reliable, but the location is treacherous, and unknown dangers are lurking. The price is 3,000 Spirit Stones, or equivalent attack Talismans or Formation apparatuses."

star tear gold? Ye Qing's eyes narrowed. This item was a higher-grade star metal than star pattern steel jade, extremely cold in nature, containing star essence and a special "calming" Dao charm. It was a top-tier auxiliary material for refining star-attributed Flying Swords and calming Magic Treasures, and it was valuable.

More importantly, this item might be helpful for his comprehension of the "yin/soft" and "tranquil" aspects of the Star Dao.

"I want this information." A cold voice rang out, coming from a black-robed person in the corner who had been silent all along and had an obscure aura.

Ye Qing could feel that this person's cultivation had probably reached the Golden Core Stage, just disguised as Foundation Establishment Perfection Stage.

"I offer 3,500 Spirit Stones." Ye Qing spoke lightly, raising the price. He was determined to get this information, not only because of the star tear gold but also because its location was "three hundred miles northwest of Starfall Valley," which might indirectly confirm or supplement the route map provided by Shopkeeper Zhou Ming.

The black-robed person snorted coldly, and a cold gaze swept over Ye Qing: "4,000."

"5,000." Ye Qing didn't care at all. Nowadays, the thing he lacked the least was Spirit Stones.

"You!" The aura on the black-robed person fluctuated for a moment, and a subtle Golden Core Spiritual Pressure flashed past, but it was immediately restrained, obviously wary of the rules here.

The ghost-faced mask host spoke at the right time: "The highest bidder gets it. This Fellow Daoist offers 5,000 Spirit Stones; is there any further bid?"

No one responded. Buying an unverified and dangerous piece of information for 5,000 Spirit Stones was already on the high side.

"Deal." The host handed a Jade Slip recording the information to Ye Qing.

Ye Qing paid the Spirit Stones, put away the Jade Slip, stopped lingering, turned around, and left the basement.

After he left, the black-robed person who had bid stayed for a moment with a cold gaze at the door where he had disappeared, then quietly got up and left as well.

In the night, Ye Qing was like a ghost, shuttling through the alleys, and soon moved away from Gray Rat Lane.

He did not return to the inn immediately but circled around a few times, confirmed that no one was following him, and then returned to Guiyun Residence.

He opened the room's Restriction and took out the Jade Slip.

His Divine Sense sank in, and inside was indeed a relatively detailed map, marking the location of the rift valley, the surrounding terrain features, and some anomalies observed by the information provider—at night, faint blue star brilliance fell like teardrops in the rift valley, so it was suspected that there was "star tear gold".

The location was indeed northwest of Starfall Valley, not far from one of the attack points on the escape route map provided by Shopkeeper Zhou Ming.

"Interesting. star tear gold... it is worth a trip. However, no rush. First, finish the things at hand, then make more preparations."

He memorized the contents of the Jade Slip and then took out the three "star-sha thunder beads".

His Divine Sense carefully probed, confirming that the internal structure was stable and the refining technique was quite exquisite, which should have come from a master. The star Evil Qi and metal and iron essence contained within, although violent, could perhaps be converted into good nutrients or used to strengthen the "sharp" attribute of the sword formation if slowly worn down and purified by the power of the star core of the Cave Heaven World.

He sent the thunder beads into the Cave Heaven World, placed them next to the star core, and let them slowly absorb and transform.

Then, he began to comprehend the newly obtained map of the star tear gold information, combined with existing information, to deduce the best route to the rift valley, possible risks, and countermeasures.

Steady development, never fighting an unprepared battle.

Inside his body, in the thousand-zhang Cave Heaven World, the star core turned slightly, and a trace of imperceptible star brilliance began to slowly wrap around and penetrate the three "star-sha thunder beads", peeling, transforming, and absorbing the Evil Qi and essence within them bit by bit.

In the "sky" of the Cave Heaven World, a certain star that was originally slightly dim seemed to have brightened a little because of this.