101: Gathering intelligence

“The information obtained from Qing Ling Market earlier was, after all, too little.”

However, it was only after Gu Chang truly arrived at Jiangchuan Ze that he realized his original thoughts were still a bit too simple.

The entire Jiangchuan Ze is vast and wide, with countless large and small Islands, but most of them are barren Islands with no Spiritual Qi. There are also various aquatic Yao Beasts in Jiangchuan Ze, and the further inward one goes, the more dangerous it becomes.

At the same time, Islands suitable for cultivation must be occupied by Cultivators, and outsiders who want to seize such Islands will inevitably provoke these Cultivators.

“It seems I still need to find an open market Island to inquire about information first.”

After clarifying these basic situations in the outer area, Gu Chang immediately made a decision, and then directly controlled the flying boat Magical Artifact beneath him to advance deeper into Jiangchuan Ze.

Although the depths of Jiangchuan Ze were shrouded in mist, it was not a serious problem for Cultivators who could fly.

After several twists and turns, Gu Chang finally saw a massive Island. The entire Island was located deep within Jiangchuan Ze, surrounded by a vast lake surface. Around the Island, the sky was clear, the Qi was fresh, and the sun shone brightly.

The Island not only had two Mortal towns but also several Spirit Lands, among which the large Spirit Land located halfway up the mountain was where the market was located.

Upon seeing this, Gu Chang immediately controlled his flying boat and flew towards that market.

Besides him, there were also various Cultivators, some riding swords, some piloting flying boats, or some riding Spirit Pets.

Compared to Qingling Mountain Trading District, this market was obviously much more lenient in terms of entry and exit; no one checked the Cultivators who came here.

Following the crowd, Gu Chang also directly entered the market. The overall layout here was similar to Qingling Mountain Trading District, with several streets on the mountainside and various pavilions and towers built on both sides of the streets, housing various shops.

“Fellow Daoist, please, may I ask where in this market I can inquire about information?”

After entering the market, Gu Chang was a bit dizzy from the dazzling array of shops, so he stopped a Cultivator who seemed quite familiar with the place and asked.

“Is Fellow Daoist an outsider Cultivator?”

“That’s right, I’m new here and unfamiliar with many aspects of this place.”

“I see. In that case, Fellow Daoist can try the Listening Rain Pavilion over there. It’s a place for drinking tea and discussing the Dao. Although it will cost some Spirit Stones, I guarantee Fellow Daoist will not be disappointed!”

The other party also seemed to be a pleasant person. Upon hearing that Gu Chang was an outsider Cultivator, he immediately recommended a place to him.

“Listening Rain Pavilion? Good, I’ll remember that!”

“Thank you, Fellow Daoist!”

“You’re welcome, you’re welcome!”

After bidding farewell to this person, Gu Chang asked another Cultivator, and strangely, the other party also recommended the Listening Rain Pavilion to him.

This piqued Gu Chang’s interest, so he went directly to the Listening Rain Pavilion.

On the surface, the Listening Rain Pavilion looked like a collection of pavilions and towers built on a cliff edge, but the decor was quite luxurious, with flowing curtains and the sound of silk and bamboo music emanating from within, sounding full of elegance.

“Fellow Daoist, you look unfamiliar? May I ask if this is your first time at my Listening Rain Pavilion?”

Before Gu Chang could observe the place carefully, he saw a plainly dressed female Cultivator approach him and start a conversation.

“That’s right. I heard that information can be inquired about here?”

“Naturally. My Listening Rain Pavilion offers tea, music, Dao discussions, and exchanges. If Fellow Daoist wishes to inquire about matters big or small in this Jiangchuan Ze, you have come to the right place!”

The other party immediately gave him an accurate answer and then directly led the way, taking Gu Chang to a pavilion.

“Fellow Daoist, if you have any questions, feel free to ask. Xuemei will answer every question!”

The interior of the pavilion was elegantly decorated. After Gu Chang took his seat, the other party immediately began to prepare tea. Her fluid movements clearly showed that she had undergone specialized training.

“Whoosh!”

As the tea flowed, a refreshing tea fragrance immediately diffused, making one feel clear-headed and somewhat ethereal.

“Fellow Daoist, please!”

“This is Cloud Dragon Tea, a specialty of Jiangchuan Ze. Frequent consumption clears the mind and has the effect of purifying the Dao Heart.”

Then, the other party pushed a cup of tea, with a mist resembling a white Dragon floating above it, towards Gu Chang.

“Phew!”

Gu Chang took a small sip and immediately felt his entire being lighten up a bit.

“I want to know if there are any ownerless Spirit Lands in this Jiangchuan Ze?”

However, the more relaxed he felt, the more focused his mind became, and he did not forget his main objective.

“Ownerless Spirit Land? Is Fellow Daoist perhaps looking to create a Dao field of his own?”

Upon hearing Gu Chang’s question, the other party blinked, and then asked Gu Chang in return.

“I just want a place for cultivation where I won’t be disturbed.”

Gu Chang smiled slightly and then briefly replied to her.

“I see. However, I’m afraid Fellow Daoist will be disappointed. There are no vacant Islands among the more than one hundred large and small Islands containing Spirit Lands in the entire Jiangchuan Ze.”

“Or rather, as soon as a vacancy appears, various Cultivation forces will inevitably compete for it.”

“Unless Fellow Daoist has a powerful backing or is comparable to a Foundation Establishment Old Ancestor, then you can naturally seize a Spirit Island for yourself from these Cultivation forces.”

“…”

The other party then began to explain the forces in the entire Jiangchuan Ze to Gu Chang.

According to her, there were indeed no behemoths like Golden Core Sects here, but there were dozens of large and small Cultivation Families.

Aside from those Qi Refining Families that were not too large in scale, the true masters of the entire Jiangchuan Ze were actually the Eight Great Building Foundation Families.

Each of these Eight Great Building Foundation Families was not to be underestimated, and they even had intermarriage relations. Although they couldn't be said to be of the same lineage, if any external force wanted to invade Jiangchuan Ze's territory, they would unite to resist together.

Even the Lingbao Island market where they were currently located was actually built jointly by three Foundation Establishment Families.

“Oh, there’s one last way to acquire Spirit Land, and that’s to fight Yao Beasts and seize the Spirit Lands they possess.”

“However, this kind of thing has always been incredibly dangerous. Even the Eight Great Building Foundation Families dare not act easily, otherwise, it will certainly provoke a counterattack from the Yao Beasts, as there are also many Foundation Establishment-level Old Yao Beasts among them.”

Towards the end, the other party seemed to recall something and suddenly told Gu Chang this piece of information.

“Haha, Fellow Daoist really thinks highly of me.”

Upon hearing this news, Gu Chang immediately gave a bitter smile, although he was indeed somewhat moved in his heart.

“Alas, to be honest, if there truly were vacant Spirit Lands, I would probably be tempted too, after all, that is a treasure land that can serve as a Foundation. What a pity, what a pity!”

The other party didn’t think much of it and also felt very regretful.

When the cup of tea was finished, and the other party had said all she could, Gu Chang prepared to leave.

“That will be five Spirit Stones!”

The other party immediately pointed to the teacup on the table and then stated a price.

“Fellow Daoist, this tea is indeed not cheap.”

Gu Chang was not surprised. Although what the other party said was not very important information, it couldn't be free, could it?

“Not at all. If Fellow Daoist needs anything else next time, feel free to come find me.”

After paying the Spirit Stones, Gu Chang left. If he were to drink another cup of tea, it would probably cost another five Spirit Stones.