36: Chapter 36: Encounter with a robber

The morning light was faint, and the first ray of sunshine pierced through the thin mist, falling on Chen Jiancang, who was still practicing swords in the courtyard.

His clothes were already soaked with sweat, clinging to his body, but he didn't seem to notice.

After a night of diligent study, his mastery of the 'Rao' character technique had advanced a few points, and when combined with the 'Chan' character technique, he gradually felt a sense of smooth, flowing movement.

Chen Jiancang put away his sword, stretched his somewhat sore body, and thought to himself, "Although I've made some progress, it's still far from being useful in a real battle."

After a simple wash, Chen Jiancang walked into the house, took out a Qinghe Bigu Pill, and swallowed it to replenish the energy consumed during the night.

The cultivation of Lueling Grass in Plot 30 Spiritual Field was of utmost importance, so Chen Jiancang immediately went to the Spirit Field to tend to it, applied Earth Vigor Growing Pellets, and replanted the Lueling Grass.

Despite using Earth Vigor Growing Pellets to restore the Spirit Field's earth power, the Spirit Field's soil was still dry and withered, not having recovered to its original state.

"Sigh, it seems I need to hurry and set up the Gathering Spirit Soil Cultivating Array."

Chen Jiancang sighed. He had searched the Market multiple times, but the Materials for setting up the Gathering Spirit Soil Cultivating Array were always incomplete, and there had been no news of green wood marrow.

Chen Jiancang shook his head helplessly, temporarily put aside the matters of the Spirit Field, hurried to the Chen Family's accounting office, and successfully paid off the loan, feeling a weight lifted from his heart.

Walking out of the accounting office, he decided to try his luck at the Market again to see if he could find green wood marrow.

As soon as he stepped into the Market, the noise rushed towards him.

Chen Jiancang weaved through the bustling crowd, his eyes searching the various stalls.

Suddenly, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure hurrying past. Looking closely, it was Chen Jianyun, whom he hadn't seen for several days. Her expression was flustered, and her steps were unsteady.

"Chen Jianyun!" Chen Jiancang called out, quickly chasing after her. Chen Jianyun heard the voice, stopped, and turned around. Her eyes were red-rimmed, and her face was full of anxiety and helplessness.

"Cang-ge..." Chen Jianyun's voice was choked with sobs.

Chen Jiancang's heart tightened, and he quickly asked, "What's wrong? You haven't been around for several days, has something happened? Don't panic, tell me slowly."

Chen Jianyun took a deep breath and sobbed, "My father went to Qingya Mountain Range to gather herbs, hoping to exchange them for more spiritual stones to supplement the household expenses. Who knew he would encounter a high-order demonic beast in the mountain forest again and only managed to escape back after being severely injured."

Chen Jiancang frowned. It was common for herb gatherers to be injured by demonic beasts; it could only be attributed to bad luck.

But Qin Huai had encountered a demonic beast not long ago, even losing all his Family property.

And hadn't he been refining Qinghe Bigu Pills at home recently? It had only been a few days, why had he gone to the Qingya Mountain Range again?

"Let's go, I'll go with you to take a look."

The two of them jogged all the way to Chen Jianyun's house. Inside, Qin Huai lay on the bed, his face as pale as paper, his breath weak. Although his wounds had been simply bandaged, blood was still seeping out.

Chen Jiancang stepped forward to examine the injuries, his brows furrowed into a 'river' shape. The spiritual energy around the wounds was chaotic, clearly injured by the demonic power of the demonic beast. Ordinary healing pills would not be of much use.

"Chen Jianyun, Uncle's injury requires better healing pills. The Xiao Yun Mountain Market probably doesn't have them. We need to go to the Hundred Pill Hall in the Main Spiritual Vein Market to buy them." Chen Jiancang frowned slightly and voiced his thoughts.

The Xiao Yun Mountain Market also sold healing pills, but most were low-order pills, which would likely have minimal effect on Qin Huai's injuries.

"What should I do?"

Chen Jianyun panicked upon hearing this. How could she, a Mortal, go to the Main Spiritual Vein Market? And she didn't have the spiritual stones to buy high-order healing pills either.

"Chen Jianyun, don't worry. I've observed Uncle's injuries, and they won't worsen significantly in a short time. I'll go to the Main Spiritual Vein Market now to search for healing pills."

"You don't need to worry about the spiritual stones either. I still have some saved up. It's important to treat Uncle's injuries first."

Chen Jianyun's sad and anxious face showed gratitude, and her trust in Chen Jiancang reached its peak. She nodded vigorously.

"Cang-ge, I'll leave it to you."

Chen Jiancang said goodbye to Chen Jianyun and didn't dare to delay for a moment. He controlled his spiritual sword and rushed towards the Main Spiritual Vein Market at full speed. Fortunately, he still had many Qinghe Qi Cultivation Pills, otherwise, with such consumption of spiritual energy for sword flight, his spiritual energy would have been difficult to sustain long ago.

He didn't slow down along the way. When he arrived at the Main Spiritual Vein Market, night had already quietly fallen, but the Market was still brightly lit and exceptionally lively.

Chen Jiancang had no mind to appreciate the bustling night scene and walked directly towards the Hundred Pill Hall.

Upon re-entering the Hundred Pill Hall, a strong medicinal fragrance rushed towards him, invigorating his spirit. The store was spacious and bright, with various medicinal cabinets lining the walls. Each cabinet had a label indicating the name and efficacy of different pills.

Behind the counter, a middle-aged man in a white robe was busy.

His hair was neatly tied back, his face was thin, and his eyes showed a hint of shrewdness.

Chen Jiancang stepped forward and respectfully said, "Senior, I would like to buy healing pills, the kind that treats injuries caused by high-order demonic beasts' demonic power."

The middle-aged man stopped what he was doing, looked up at Chen Jiancang, and asked, "What grade of pills do you want? Our Hundred Pill Hall has healing pills from low-grade to high-grade, and the prices naturally vary."

Chen Jiancang frowned slightly. He knew that high-grade pills were effective, but their prices were definitely expensive, and his spiritual stones were probably not enough.

Chen Jiancang thought for a moment and sincerely said, "Senior, my financial resources are limited. Please recommend a few pills based on my situation so I can consider them."

The middle-aged man nodded slightly upon hearing this, turned around, skillfully searched among the medicinal cabinets, then took out four jade boxes, placed them on the counter one by one, and slowly opened them.

"This is Clear Spirit Dispersing Stasis Pill, a First Order low-grade healing pill. It can initially dispel the demonic power near the wound, relieve pain, and promote wound healing. The price is relatively affordable, only 20 spiritual stones." The middle-aged man pointed to the first pill and introduced it.

"This is Condensing Origin Healing Pill, a First Order Medium Grade pill. It can not only quickly regulate chaotic spiritual energy but also nourish damaged Meridians and stabilize the injured person's vitality. It is very effective in treating injuries caused by demonic power, priced at 80 spiritual stones."

"Look at this Cultivating Origin Restoring Spirit Pill, a First Order high-grade pill. It can deeply repair damaged Meridians, completely remove residual demonic power in the body, quickly restore vitality, and help the injured person recover their life force, valued at 300 spiritual stones."

"Finally, this Heaven Returning Life Sustaining Pill, a First Order top-grade healing pill. Although its effect is not as good as a Second Order pill, it can slightly reshape the body, reverse the danger of severe injuries, and regulate Meridians. However, the price is high, requiring 1000 spiritual stones."

Chen Jiancang listened to the middle-aged man's introduction, constantly weighing the options in his mind.

Although the Clear Spirit Dispersing Stasis Pill was low in price, its effect was limited; the Condensing Origin Healing Pill had good effects, and the price was within an acceptable range, but he worried that the healing effect on Qin Huai's severe injuries would not be enough; the Cultivating Origin Restoring Spirit Pill was effective for Qin Huai's injuries and reasonably priced; although the Heaven Returning Life Sustaining Pill was the best, it was beyond his affordability.

After hesitating for a long time, Chen Jiancang gritted his teeth and said, "Senior, I want the Cultivating Origin Restoring Spirit Pill."

After paying the spiritual stones, he put the pill into his storage bag and hid it, walking out of the Hundred Pill Hall with a heavy heart.

Not long after Chen Jiancang left the Hundred Pill Hall, he keenly sensed several ill-intentioned gazes locking onto him from the shadows.

His heart tightened, but on the surface, his expression remained normal. He walked into the bustling crowd with unhurried steps, trying to shake off the tail.

However, those gazes followed closely like maggots on bone.

"Have I been targeted by magic Cultivators?" Chen Jiancang frowned slightly. Since transmigrating, he had rarely left the Market, and his personal safety had never been threatened.

But today, he had openly purchased healing pills and revealed his wealth, attracting the attention of magic Cultivators.

As he reached the edge of the Market, the flow of people gradually thinned, and three dark figures were still lurking behind him.

Chen Jiancang took a deep breath, suddenly stopped, turned around to face the three dark figures, and sternly shouted, "You cowardly rats hiding your heads and tails, you've followed me all the way, what do you want?" His voice was loud, echoing on the silent edge of the Market.

The three dark figures paused slightly, clearly not expecting Chen Jiancang to suddenly turn aggressive.

The leader, a tall magic Cultivator, snorted coldly, revealing a face full of rough flesh, and said fiercely, "Kid, I'm a bit tight on cash lately, so I want to borrow some spiritual stones from you."

The other two also showed themselves, holding sharp blades, their faces full of greed.

Chen Jiancang remained calm and composed, looking directly into their eyes, and scoffed, "I am a Chen Family Disciple. Are you really going to attack me? This is still within the Market. If I shout, the Chen Family Law Enforcement Hall will arrive in an instant."

"Robbing on my Chen Family's territory, are you tired of living?" Chen Jiancang straightened his back, and an aura of authority belonging to a superior rushed towards them.

This was the innate pressure he, as a Chen Family Disciple, had on these rogue Cultivators who had struggled in the cultivation world.

When the leading magic Cultivator heard this, the hand holding the broadsword unconsciously tightened, and his face alternated between green and white.

"Bad luck, he's actually a Chen Family Disciple."

Chen Jiancang was not wearing the Chen Family Disciple's insignia today, so they originally thought he was a fat sheep.

"Big brother, is this kid bluffing us?"

"I don't think so, ordinary people wouldn't be so calm."

He quietly winked at the two people next to him. The three quickly exchanged glances and understood each other's intentions.

You know, the Chen Family has always had a zero-tolerance attitude towards magic Cultivators. Once they are identified as magic Cultivators, they will definitely be killed by the Law Enforcement Hall.

They originally thought Chen Jiancang was a rogue Cultivator who wouldn't dare to offend the three of them. 'Borrowing' some spiritual stones, they thought, wouldn't cause much commotion. They had succeeded several times before, and they thought this time would also be a fat sheep.

But who would have thought that this young man was actually a Chen Family Disciple? If the Law Enforcement Hall was alerted, they wouldn't be given any chance to explain.

The leading magic Cultivator forced a smile that was uglier than crying, put away his broadsword, and said with a fawning smile, "Oh, a misunderstanding, it's all a misunderstanding! We really didn't know you were a distinguished guest of the Chen Family. If we had known earlier, we wouldn't dare to make such a joke with you even if we had a hundred guts."

The other two also quickly hid their sharp blades behind them and repeatedly nodded and apologized, "Yes, yes, what Big Brother said is right. We were blind and offended you. Please be magnanimous and don't take it to heart."

Seeing their reaction, Chen Jiancang secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but his expression remained stern on the surface. He snorted coldly and said, "Hmph, a joke? This joke you've made is a bit too big. Today's matter, if you don't give me an explanation, how can I let it go?"

The leading magic Cultivator quickly took out some scattered spiritual stones from his storage bag, respectfully handed them over, and said, "This is a small token of our sincerity, just to apologize to you. Please be merciful and spare us this time."

Chen Jiancang glanced at the spiritual stones, reached out to take them, and said in a deep voice, "Let's drop today's matter here, but if there's a next time, no matter where you flee, the Chen Family will not let you go!"

Chen Jiancang didn't dare to delve further. If these three were to become angry out of embarrassment, he would be cruelly killed before the Law Enforcement Hall arrived.

The three magic Cultivators were as if they had been granted amnesty. They nodded repeatedly, backing away while saying, "We wouldn't dare, we wouldn't dare again, we'll leave now, we'll leave now..."

He tidied his clothes and quickly walked towards the Market exit. At this moment, he only wanted to return to Xiao Yun Mountain as soon as possible, give the pill to Chen Jianyun, and save Qin Huai's life.

Not long after Chen Jiancang walked out, suddenly, a loud bang came from the center of the Market, and a dazzling light shot into the sky.

Immediately after, spiritual energy fluctuations spread outwards like surging waves.

Chen Jiancang was startled. He stopped and turned to look. He saw the crowd in the Market fleeing in panic, stalls overturned, and a scene of chaos.

Fearing being caught in the battle, he quickly controlled his spiritual sword and flew towards the direction of the Main Spiritual Vein.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw two Cultivators fighting fiercely. One was surrounded by black demonic energy, while the other was dressed in white with an upright aura, his long sword flashing with cold light.

Chen Jiancang never expected that this time he would coincidentally encounter someone causing trouble in the Market. He could only flee to a location closer to the Main Spiritual Vein for refuge.

"Magic Cultivator! How dare you be so presumptuous in my Chen Family Market!" The white-robed Cultivator shouted angrily, his long sword thrusting out repeatedly. Streaks of sword energy crisscrossed, trying to force the magic Cultivator back.

The magic Cultivator, however, was calm and unhurried. He waved the black Magic Treasure in his hand, and black demonic flames surged out, colliding with the sword energy, producing a deafening roar.

The surrounding crowd was terrified and scattered, trying to avoid the conflict.

Chen Jiancang hid to the side, watching the battle from a distance. Although he was extremely curious, he absolutely did not dare to approach a single step.

He knew the horror of magic Cultivators. Such people were notorious in the cultivation world, using any means to improve their cultivation.

However, this magic Cultivator in front of him dared to cause trouble in the Chen Family Main Spiritual Vein Market; he was simply tired of living.

Just as the two were fighting fiercely, several figures shot out from the high ground of the Market. They were the people from the Chen Family Law Enforcement Hall.

"Bold magic Cultivator, causing trouble in my Chen Family Market, today is your day of death!" The leading law enforcement officer shouted loudly, waving the long whip in his hand. A golden light shot towards the magic Cultivator like lightning.

The magic Cultivator's face changed drastically. He seemed to know the power of the Chen Family Law Enforcement Hall and did not dare to face it directly. His body flickered, attempting to escape.

However, the people from the Law Enforcement Hall were already prepared and instantly surrounded him.

The magic Cultivator was trapped in the center. Although he struggled to resist, under the siege of the Law Enforcement Hall members, he gradually fell into a disadvantage.

"Kill him! Eliminate evil for the people!" The surrounding crowd shouted.

"Magic Cultivators are to be executed by everyone."

Chen Jiancang watched this scene, feeling a sense of emotion. The cultivation world seemed calm, but in reality, it was full of dangers. Under the protection of the Chen Family, he had never experienced such a scene before.

Finally, under the full suppression of the Law Enforcement Hall, the magic Cultivator was captured alive.

The people from the Law Enforcement Hall escorted the magic Cultivator and quickly left the scene, leaving behind only a messy battlefield and the still-shaken crowd.

Seeing that the matter was concluded, Chen Jiancang no longer lingered and quickly walked towards the Market exit.

With this deterrence, the magic Cultivators also did not dare to provoke them again and commit crimes against the wind.

After leaving the Market, Chen Jiancang summoned his spiritual sword. After several hours of flying, Chen Jiancang finally returned to Xiao Yun Mountain. He went directly to Chen Jianyun's house.