386: Slave

The demonization increased from 0.1 to 1, a significant jump, and Xu Sanyan couldn't tell how it was calculated.

The extra racial talent, 'Vigilance,' was actually useless; it only made his perception of danger slightly sharper.

This talent might be somewhat useful for Mortals, but for him, a formidable Soul Refinement Realm expert, it was completely useless.

Xu Sanyan came back to his senses and looked at the statue on the stone platform, which had returned to its original appearance, as if the black dog he had seen earlier was just his hallucination.

But Xu Sanyan was certain it was absolutely not a hallucination!

He guessed that perhaps due to the blessing, he had formed a connection with the divine statue, which allowed him to see the true form of the dog god in that instant.

"How was it?" Xun An Cai pulled him up.

Xu Sanyan slowly shook his head with great difficulty; the omnipresent tearing sensation throughout his body made it hard for him to even speak.

The following days were very calm; Xun An Cai went out on patrols daily, while Xu Sanyan stayed alone in the cave, waiting for the time.

Three days passed quickly, and when Xun An Cai returned, he was no longer there.

...

Outside,

Xu Sanyan held Spirit Stones to restore his magical power, fully recovering his body and feeling his strength ascend to a new level.

Stepping out of the cave, the mist outside grew denser; while not completely obscuring his vision, it significantly hindered it.

And it was still daytime; it would be even harder to see at night.

"Hiss hiss~"

An inexplicable sound came from deep within the mist, seemingly approaching him.

Xu Sanyan's wrist turned, and a dark halberd materialized in his hand; its sharp, cold light glinted off the blade, instantly sending a chill down one's spine.

A monster's silhouette appeared in the mist to the side; first, several tangled beast horns emerged from the thick fog, resembling intertwined branches.

The monster's body was humanoid, walking upright, with a face like an evil ape and large, thick feet; the tangled horns grew on its front, like a unique kind of armor.

Clang—

A cold light flashed, and Xu Sanyan's figure flickered, already appearing behind the monster; the halberd was raised high, and the dark, cold-emitting blade slashed down fiercely.

"Swish—"

The monster was instantly split in two.

This monster was very weak, probably only at the Foundation Establishment cultivation level, and was no match for him in a single strike.

But the appearance of this thing also indicated that Mist Time had completely descended.

Where did these monsters come from, though?

Xu Sanyan didn't know; he put away his halberd and headed towards Qianqiu City.

The journey was safe, and upon reaching Qianqiu City, the city gates were already closed, with a layer of sparkling golden light completely enveloping the entire city, seemingly a Formation.

Qianqiu City had two large Formations; the outer one covered the entire city, while the inner one only covered the Inner city.

There were guards at the city gate; seeing him, they quickly opened a gap in the Formation to let him in. By now, most of the Wang Family members recognized Xu Sanyan; after all, he was also a Soul Refining Realm Grand Cultivator, whom ordinary people dared not offend.

On the contrary, most people even flattered him.

As soon as he entered the city, Wang Ying appeared, leading several people, all looking anxious, and walked towards him.

"Oh, you're finally back! Quickly, follow me to Wave Breaking Mountain."

Xu Sanyan hadn't even sat down before Wang Ying pulled him towards the city gate.

"What's wrong?"

Wang Ying looked left and right, lowering his voice, "Something happened at Wave Breaking Mountain."

"Something happened? What?"

He had only been gone for three days, and Mist Time had just begun; what could have happened at this time?

Wang Ying said with a grim expression, "The Xiao family was attacked by Ghost Beasts and suffered heavy losses; their Family Head died. If nothing unexpected happens, the Xiao family probably won't survive this Mist Time."

Ghost Beasts were the monsters that appeared with the mist; they were named Ghost Beasts due to their terrifying and hideous appearance.

"The Xiao family?"

Xu Sanyan raised an eyebrow, 'No strength, yet they dare to bear the surname Xiao?'

Was this surname so simple?

They deserved to be annihilated!

According to Wang Ying, this Xiao family was a small Family in Wave Breaking Mountain, not strong, and their Family Head was only at the Mystic Path Realm Perfection cultivation level, barely surviving in Luan Yun Mountain.

The various forces under the Wang Family, combined, numbered nearly forty; they relied on the Wang Family for protection, and the Wang Family also needed them for sustenance. Both sides benefited.

The Wang Family naturally hoped to have as many Families under them as possible to earn more profits, so if the Xiao family were destroyed, Xu Sanyan would also look bad.

"In previous years, when such a situation occurred, how was it handled?"

Wang Ying explained, "They could be incorporated into Qianqiu City, or they could be left to fend for themselves."

"Hmm, let's go, let's go take a look first."

Xu Sanyan was also curious about what happened to the Xiao family. Normally, strong monsters wouldn't appear in the Early Stage of Mist Time, and with the Xiao family's Family Head's Mystic Path Realm Perfection cultivation, he should have been able to handle it. Why were they almost wiped out?

The group flew rapidly towards the Xiao family; Wave Breaking Mountain wasn't too far, only a few hours' journey.

It happened to be dark at this moment, and Xu Sanyan stood in mid-air, frowning slightly as he looked at the badly damaged village not far away.

Was this also a Family?

This small village was smaller than his bandit lair when he was a bandit; it was too shabby, wasn't it?

"What business does the Xiao family do?"

Xu Sanyan turned his head to ask; he was curious how such small Families survived in Luan Yun Mountain.

Wang Ying pondered, "They raise human slaves, I suppose. Some Families abduct Mortals from outside and sell them to the Xiao family, who then train them. Although they are all Mortals, the price is not low. As far as I know, many Families are involved in this business."

When discussing such a morally reprehensible trade, Wang Ying's tone showed no fluctuation; such things were commonplace in Luan Yun Mountain, and he had even bought some himself.

Xu Sanyan nodded; this industry had already formed a complete supply chain, and the Xiao family was just one part of the process.

First, Mortals were abducted, then sold at a low price to Families like the Xiao family, who then trained them and handed them over to downstream sellers.

"Very profitable?" Xu Sanyan asked curiously.

"Very profitable!"

Wang Ying said with certainty,

"Take the Xiao family, for example: buying a Mortal woman of average appearance costs half a Spirit Stone. After they train her, they can sell her for double the price to the next party. By the time she reaches our hands, a woman would cost at least two Spirit Stones."

"Our Family also has this business, managed by the Grand Elder. If you're interested, you can go take a look. Those women..."

Wang Ying's face showed recollection, "They have a unique flavor."

The Wang Family also had this?

Xu Sanyan really didn't know that.

Wang Ying continued, "Two Spirit Stones are just for average-looking ones. If you encounter good-looking goods, they are practically priceless. Many Cultivators are very willing to spend money on this..."

Wang Ying's tone was slightly lewd, revealing a smile that all men understood.

Xu Sanyan curled his lips; he understood this perfectly. 'Brother' earns money, 'younger brother' spends it—it's only natural!

"Let's go, let's go down and take a look."

Xu Sanyan waved his hand and was the first to fly towards the Xiao family.