Chapter 139 Star Chariot City, Temporary Place to Stay

The three Star Raft Sea Disciples were startled by the sudden voice. They quickly turned around, warily looking at the Black-Robed Young Man who had appeared not far away without them noticing.

They saw that the man's face was pale and his aura seemed unstable; he looked injured. However, his eyes were deep and calm, making it impossible to gauge his true depth. What shocked them even more was that they hadn't detected when he appeared!

"Thank you, Senior, for saving us!" The middle-aged Cultivator leading the group reacted the fastest, quickly putting away his Magic Treasure and bowing respectfully. Although he couldn't discern the man's exact cultivation level, anyone who could instantly kill so many Void Bat Demons must possess strength far surpassing theirs. Calling him Senior was certainly appropriate. The other two young Disciples hastily followed suit, their faces showing lingering fear and gratitude.

"Just passing through," Nightmare said indifferently, his gaze sweeping over the tokens on their waists. "Are you Star Raft Sea Disciples?"

"That is correct!" the middle-aged Cultivator quickly replied. "Junior is Zhao Ming, an Outer Sect Deacon of the Star Raft Sea, and these two are my Junior Brothers. We were ordered to patrol here and unexpectedly encountered a large group of Void Bat Demons. If not for Senior's intervention, we would surely have died today! May we ask Senior's esteemed name? The Star Raft Sea will certainly offer a generous reward for this life-saving grace!"

"My surname is Ye." Nightmare didn't elaborate, instead asking, "Where is this place? How far is it from the Northern Domain Continent?"

Although Zhao Ming was puzzled as to why this "Senior Ye" appeared in the Void Turbulence Zone yet didn't know the location, he dared not ask more. He answered honestly: "Reporting to Senior Ye, this place is the periphery of the 'Shattered Star Wasteland,' part of the Northern Domain Void Sea. The closest region to the Northern Domain Continent, 'Blazing Fire State,' is about half a month's journey (referring to the Star Raft Sea's standard Void Boat)."

Void Sea? Shattered Star Wasteland? Blazing Fire State? Nightmare understood. It seemed he hadn't returned directly to the core region of the Northern Domain, but rather to the periphery of the Northern Domain's Void territory. Still, he had finally escaped that desperate place and found civilization.

"Senior seems to be injured?" Zhao Ming cautiously observed Nightmare's expression and tentatively asked, "If Senior doesn't mind, you can return with us to the 'Sea Market' ahead to rest. Our Star Raft Sea has a Sub-branch set up there, which should have Medicinal Pills for Senior's recovery. This would also allow us to fulfill our duty as hosts and repay your life-saving kindness."

He invited Nightmare, partly out of genuine gratitude, and partly out of a desire to connect with a powerful expert and inquire about his origins. After all, an expert who could easily kill Void Bat Demons was worth recruiting.

Nightmare pondered briefly, then nodded: "Alright."

He did indeed need a safe place to heal his injuries and learn about the outside world, and the Star Raft Sea sounded like a good temporary foothold. As for any ulterior motives the others might have, he didn't care.

Seeing Nightmare agree, the three members, including Zhao Ming, were overjoyed and quickly led the way.

The group boarded a Star Raft Sea-specialized Shuttle-shaped Magical Artifact capable of short-distance travel in the Void Realm, flying toward the so-called "Sea Market."

Along the way, Nightmare learned a lot of information from Zhao Ming and the others.

The so-called "Void Sea" was not a true ocean, but referred to the vast, boundless, and dangerous airspace on the periphery of the Northern Domain, filled with Star Remnants and Spatial Rifts. The environment here was harsh, yet it also contained many rare Void Materials and ruins, thus attracting many adventurers and Sects to explore and seek fortune.

The "Shattered Star Wasteland" is a famous area within the Void Sea, named for the countless remnants of shattered stars floating there; danger and opportunity coexist.

The "Sea Market," on the other hand, was a temporary Marketplace and supply point established jointly by several major Sects (including the Star Raft Sea) on the edge of the Shattered Star Wasteland, facilitating trade, rest, and mission posting for passing Cultivators. Due to its expertise in Artifact Refining and Void navigation, the Star Raft Sea wielded considerable influence here.

After flying for about half a day, a strange sight appeared in the Void Realm ahead.

Dozens of star remnants, varying in size, artificially reinforced and connected, floated like islands in the Void Realm, forming a rudimentary yet fully functional Marketplace. Powerful Defensive Formations were arranged around the Marketplace, resisting the Void Turbulence. Inside, various buildings could be seen, along with Cultivators coming and going, each with different auras. There were also many peculiar flying Magical Artifacts, resembling Towering Ships, docked at the "Pier"—these were the Star Raft Sea's signature "Star Rafts."

This was the "Sea Market."

Zhao Ming led Nightmare through the Formation entrance with familiarity, entering the interior of the Sea Market. The Marketplace was quite bustling, with shops lining the streets and constant calls of vendors. The traded goods were mostly related to Void Materials, Medicinal Pills, and Magic Treasures.

Many Cultivators saw Zhao Ming and the others respectfully ushering Nightmare, this Black-Robed Person with an unfathomable aura, and cast glances of curiosity and awe.

Zhao Ming led Nightmare directly to the most impressive Pavilion in the central area of the Sea Market, which bore the Star Raft Sea insignia.

"Senior Ye, please wait a moment. Junior will go invite Elder Liu from the Sub-branch immediately," Zhao Ming said respectfully.

Soon, an elderly man wearing the Star Raft Sea Elder robes, with a lean face and three strands of long beard, whose cultivation had reached Nascent Soul Perfection, hurried out to greet them. His eyes were like lightning. The moment he saw Nightmare, his pupils contracted slightly, and an enthusiastic smile immediately appeared on his face.

"I am Liu Jin, Elder of the Star Raft Sea Sea Market Sub-branch. I apologize for not welcoming such an esteemed guest sooner! Please forgive me," Liu Jin said with a cupped-hand salute and a smile, his attitude extremely polite. Although he couldn't discern Nightmare's exact level, the faintly emanating aura that made his Nascent Soul feel oppressed was unmistakable. This was definitely a Soul Transformation Old Ancestor level existence! Furthermore, judging by his attire and demeanor, he was no ordinary Loose Cultivator.

"Elder Liu is too kind." Nightmare nodded slightly.

Zhao Ming quickly stepped forward and softly reported the encounter with the Void Bat Demons and how Nightmare had saved them.

After listening, the gratitude on Liu Jin's face deepened: "So Fellow Daoist Ye is the savior of my Star Raft Sea Disciples! We cannot thank you enough for this great kindness. Whatever Fellow Daoist requires, our Star Raft Sea will surely do its utmost! Fellow Daoist seems to be injured? Please, come inside and rest!"

He invited Nightmare into an elegant quiet room inside the Pavilion, offered Spirit Tea, and then ordered a Disciple to fetch the best healing Medicinal Pills.

Nightmare did not refuse. He accepted the Medicinal Pills, immediately consumed two, and circulated his Cultivation Technique to dissolve the medicinal power. The Star Raft Sea was famous for Artifact Refining, and while Medicinal Pills were not their specialty, what they provided were top-grade, with pure and gentle medicinal properties that were quite beneficial for his recovery.

Liu Jin accompanied him, seemingly engaging in casual conversation, but actually trying to subtly pry into Nightmare's origins and why he was injured and appeared in the Shattered Star Wasteland.

Nightmare had already prepared his explanation, stating only that he was a Loose Cultivator with the Daoist Title "Nightmare." While exploring an Ancient Ruin deep within the Northern Domain, he encountered a Spatial Storm and was accidentally swept to this location, sustaining serious injuries. He glossed over the specific details.

Liu Jin naturally didn't believe the entire story, but seeing that the other party was unwilling to elaborate, he dared not press the issue. He merely secretly noted the name "Nightmare," wondering when such an unfamiliar Soul Transformation Loose Cultivator had appeared in the Northern Domain.

"Fellow Daoist Ye's injuries are not light. Why not stay at my Sub-branch for a few more days and recuperate in peace? Although this place is simple, it is quiet, and safety is guaranteed." Liu Jin extended the invitation warmly. Befriending a Deity Transformation Cultivator would certainly benefit the Star Raft Sea.

"Then I shall impose on Elder Liu." Nightmare needed exactly such a place, so he accepted the offer naturally.

Thus, Nightmare temporarily settled down at the Star Raft Sea Sub-branch.

He kept a low profile daily, spending most of his time healing in the quiet room. With the assistance of Medicinal Pills, the profoundness of his own Cultivation Technique, and the regulation provided by the rule fragment, his injuries recovered quickly.

During this time, he also learned more information about the Northern Domain Void Sea and the current situation through Liu Jin and Zhao Ming, as well as his own occasional observations in the Sea Market.

Since the news spread that he had caused chaos at the Sky Patrol Alliance Northern Domain Sub-Hall and killed Patrol Envoy Ouyang Shuo, the entire Northern Domain was shaken. The Xuntian Alliance Headquarters was furious, reportedly sending stronger Elders to investigate and issuing a High Bounty for the arrest of "Nightmare." But due to his secretive movements and formidable strength, no one knew his whereabouts yet.

The Nirvana Cold Abyss side remained silent. Ice Soul Fairy did not disclose anything that happened beneath the Cold Abyss.

Currently, undercurrents surged in the Northern Domain, and many factions were watching the developments between the Sky Patrol Alliance and the mysterious Demonic Lord "Nightmare."

Hearing this, Nightmare sneered inwardly, unsurprised.

On this day, his injuries had recovered by seventy to eighty percent, and his cultivation had stabilized back at Mid-stage Dao Replenishing. He found Liu Jin and expressed his desire to purchase detailed maps of the Void Sea, as well as information related to the Star Raft Sea's Void Boats.

Liu Jin naturally agreed readily, personally accompanying him to the largest Archive Shop in the Sea Market, the "Myriad Scroll Tower."

Just as Nightmare was focused on selecting a Jade Slip detailing the distribution of Dangerous Areas in the Void Sea, a commotion and arrogant shouts erupted nearby.

"Get lost! Good dogs don't block the road! Can't you see our Young Sect Master is coming through?"

Nightmare frowned slightly and looked up.

A group of Cultivators, dressed in uniform blood-red flame patterned attire, were arrogantly pushing aside those blocking the path, surrounding a brocade-robed young man with an arrogant expression and frivolous eyes. The young man's cultivation was only Late Golden Core Stage, yet he carried himself with an air of immense superiority. Among the Guards behind him, there was strikingly an elderly man at Nascent Soul Perfection.

"It's someone from the Scarlet Sun Sect!" A nearby Cultivator whispered in alarm, quickly moving out of the way.

"Scarlet Sun Sect?" Nightmare looked at Liu Jin.

Liu Jin explained in a low voice: "They are a major Sect from Blazing Fire State. The Sect Master is an Early Spirit Transformation Stage Cultivator. Their Sect is quite strong and they always act domineeringly. That young man should be Yang Yan, the son of the Scarlet Sun Sect Master. Fellow Daoist, you don't need to pay attention to them."

Nightmare withdrew his gaze, paid them no mind, and continued selecting his Jade Slip.

However, as Yang Yan passed by Nightmare, his gaze was suddenly attracted by the seemingly antique Jade Slip in Nightmare's hand. The faint spatial fluctuation emanating from the Jade Slip suggested it was extraordinary.

He was accustomed to arrogance, and in this Void Sea, he felt he was second only to the heavens. He immediately pointed unceremoniously at the Jade Slip in Nightmare's hand and ordered the Shopkeeper: "Hey! Old man, I, the Young Lord, want that Jade Slip! Hand it over to me!"

The Shopkeeper immediately looked troubled: "Young Lord Yang, this... this Jade Slip was looked at by this Fellow Daoist first..."

"So what if he looked at it? Has he paid for it?" Yang Yan interrupted impatiently, glancing sideways at Nightmare. Seeing that the man's aura was concealed (Nightmare deliberately restrained it) and his clothes were ordinary, he grew even more disdainful. "Kid, I, the Young Lord, fancy this Jade Slip. If you know what's good for you, hand it over obediently. Maybe if I'm in a good mood, I'll even reward you with a few Spirit Stones."

The Guards behind him also gathered around, looking at Nightmare with hostile expressions. The Nascent Soul Perfection elderly man squinted, carefully scrutinizing Nightmare. He seemed to sense that something was amiss but did not speak up to intervene.

Liu Jin's expression changed. He was about to step forward to speak but was stopped by a look from Nightmare.

Nightmare slowly turned around, looking calmly at the arrogant Yang Yan, as if staring at a buzzing fly.

"You want this Jade Slip?"