Chapter 123: Settling In, New Neighbors

"Regarding the basic situation of Character: Liyang Celestial City, I suppose even if this senior is visiting for the first time, he should have some understanding."

"The Celestial City was founded over 160 years ago by Character: Liyang, and it was not that large at the outset. Initially its size was only about one third of what it is now."

"The city underwent four expansions over time, and only thirty years ago did it fully take on its present layout."

"Character: Liyang Celestial City is a city of Scattered Cultivators, open to practitioners from all sects and factions. As long as they come and obey the rules, the city will not expel them. So, strictly speaking, even rogue cultivators, provided they do not reveal their identity, will not be specifically investigated by the city…"

The cultivator serving as guide for Xiao Zhangqing and his two companions lowered his voice and spoke of some of Character: Liyang Celestial City's hidden rules.

"The city's security is excellent because dueling is absolutely prohibited within its walls; even a Fake Core True Person would not dare act openly… Nevertheless, caution is still necessary. After all, this vast Character: Liyang Celestial City hides dragons and tigers; no one knows how many vicious scoundrels are concealed within."

"However, senior is a high-level Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator, so there is essentially no danger for him in Character: Liyang Celestial City."

"The most powerful and untouchable force in Character: Liyang Celestial City is, of course, the Lord's Residence. Besides Character: Liyang, the first Scattered Cultivator whose name reverberates throughout Da Yu's cultivation world, the Residence also houses the 'Seven Heroes of Character: Liyang', referring to Character: Liyang's seven most outstanding disciples!"

"Among them, the strongest is 'Guangqin', a Golden Core True Person. In addition, there are two prominent Fake Core True Persons."

"The rest are all fully established Foundation Establishment cultivators, with prospects of attaining the Golden Core in the future."

"Of course, over the past several hundred years Character: Liyang has not only taken those seven disciples. In total, Character: Liyang has more than thirty disciples; excluding those who died prematurely, there are still over twenty, and every one of them is a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator."

"Thus the Lord's Residence maintains the city's order; no one dares to act recklessly."

"Following the Lord's Residence are the Ten Great Families. In these families, either a Fake Core True Person is stationed within the clan, or they rely on a Fake Core True Person behind the scenes, or they have close ties with the Lord's Residence…"

"In short, in Character: Liyang Celestial City even ordinary Scattered Cultivators dare not provoke the Ten Great Families. Statistics show they control nearly sixty percent of the city's enterprises!"

"Take, for example, the Liu family of beast tamers, which almost monopolizes Character: Liyang Celestial City's Spirit Beast market. The Liu family lacks any Third-tier Beast King, yet they possess several Second-tier Peak spirit beasts, each with extraordinary combat power, comparable to fully established Foundation Establishment masters."

"Another example: Lingfu Pavilion, which controls half of Character: Liyang Celestial City's Talisman Script market, is backed by the Jiang family, which only entered the Ten Great Families a little over ten years ago. The Jiang family not only has a Fake Core True Person behind it, but also boasts Character: Liyang Celestial City's sole Third-rank Talisman Master and several Second-rank Talisman Masters…"

He listened up to this point.

Xiao Zhangqing, who had been leisurely, had his eyes flicker slightly.

"Lingfu Pavilion? Jiang family?"

"Only just over ten years ago they became one of the Ten Great Families?"

In his mind, he naturally recalled the early days of his transmigration, when he was at his weakest and had the supportive kindness of Shopkeeper Hong and Hong Jiantao.

Back then, Shopkeeper Hong left Nanshan Fang, taking his niece Jiang Jiyue to Character: Liyang Celestial City; initially Xiao Zhangqing thought it was an arrangement by the Luoxia Sect.

Later, he learned from Gong Wansheng that after arriving in Character: Liyang Celestial City, Shopkeeper Hong essentially severed ties with the Luoxia Sect and established his own independent school.

What Xiao Zhangqing did not expect was that Shopkeeper Hong had 'branched' this Lingfu Pavilion, expanding it into one of Character: Liyang Celestial City's Ten Great Families.

Controlling half of Character: Liyang Celestial City's market, even if it doesn't match Lingfu Pavilion's status in Nanshan Fang, it's not far behind.

"However, even though Shopkeeper Hong concealed much back then, he had already advanced to the level of a Second-rank Talisman Master early on, yet he could not become a Third-rank Talisman Master. A Qi Refining Realm cultivator, aside from Talisman technique, has too weak magical power; even with a high‑rank Talisman brush, he cannot draw a Third-rank Talisman Script."

Xiao Zhangqing thought to himself.

It seems the Jiang family already possessed Talisman Path masters.

"Jiang family… Jiang Jiyue?"

Xiao Zhangqing recalled Jiang Jiyue, who at the Lingfu Pavilion in Nanshan Fang had a fairly good Talisman Path aptitude, excellent rapport, and a kind demeanor.

When they left Nanshan Fang, Xiao Zhangqing only then learned she was Shopkeeper Hong's niece.

"It seems likely that Shopkeeper Hong and the Jiang family have close ties. Jiang Jiyue is probably also a member of the Jiang family."

"I just don't know what the relationship between the Jiang family and the Luoxia Sect is."

"Who is the Fake Core True Person behind the Jiang family now?"

A flurry of thoughts flashed through Xiao Zhangqing's mind, but he showed none of them.

When the Lin sisters heard the guide's introduction, they cast surprised, inquisitive glances at Xiao Zhangqing, and he gave them a slight shake of his head, indicating they should keep quiet.

He came to Character: Liyang Celestial City not to seek refuge with Shopkeeper Hong.

When he was at his weakest, Shopkeeper Hong gave him selfless help and mentorship; he has kept that gratitude in his heart ever since.

He will surely repay it when the chance arises.

But now he has no need to turn to Shopkeeper Hong, and even the Talisman Scripts are no longer his primary source of income.

He likely still has many troubles on his own, so there's no need to involve the Jiang family.

"Senior, you are a Foundation Establishment cultivator and also a Second-rank Talisman Master. If you are interested in the Jiang family and wish to join them, I believe the Jiang family would welcome you immensely. If you are interested, perhaps I could recommend you; I happen to know a steward of the Jiang family…" the guide said cautiously.

If a Foundation Establishment Realm Second-rank Talisman Master could be introduced and brought into the Jiang family, the Jiang family would certainly not treat him poorly.

He would be soaring to the heavens.

But Xiao Zhangqing shook his head and said, "No need."

The guide felt slightly discouraged, yet dared not show any sign of it.

If this senior Foundation Establishment cultivator became displeased, it would be a case of stealing a chicken and losing the rice—an unprofitable loss.

……

Xiao Zhangqing and his two companions followed the guide around the Celestial City for nearly an hour, witnessing the city's splendor and uniqueness; they observed many large shops, even entered some to get a feel, and were greatly impressed.

In the afternoon, they finally began looking for a cave dwelling suitable for the three of them.

With the budget maxed out, finding a suitable cave dwelling was not difficult.

Character: Liyang Celestial City has a huge population, so the cave dwelling grades are far more varied, unlike Nanshan Fang where they are simply divided into four levels: A, B, C, D.

Here, aside from the top‑tier Third‑rank cave dwellings, which are not open for long‑term residence,

the rest range from First Tier Lower, akin to Peng Hu Qu, up to Second‑tier Upper, the most elite manor cave dwellings, spanning over thirty zones.

In the end, Xiao Zhangqing rented a cave dwelling in the city's core area, with a Spirit Vein of Second‑tier Upper grade, at a price of two thousand Low‑grade Spirit Stones per year.

All aspects were quite good; although its footprint was slightly smaller than a Grade‑A cave dwelling in Nanshan Fang, its interior layout, formations, and functional divisions were far superior. However, the price was also quite steep.

Two thousand Low‑grade Spirit Stones a year averages to a little over one hundred sixty Low‑grade Spirit Stones per month.

If a cultivator is in the early Foundation Establishment stage and lacks a special skill, they might earn only two to three thousand Low‑grade Spirit Stones a year! So a typical Foundation Establishment cultivator simply cannot afford this dwelling.

In fact, those residing in this area are either late‑stage Foundation Establishment cultivators or possess a Second‑rank skill.

Xiao Zhangqing did not conceal his identity as a Second‑rank Talisman Master, so living in a dwelling of this tier is quite reasonable.

After signing the contract and paying Spirit Stones, Xiao Zhangqing was officially settled in Character: Liyang Zhenren City.

For the next two days, the Lin sisters were busy handling every aspect of the new cave dwelling, roughly planning to redesign its layout according to Nanshan Fang's Model One cave.

For example, Xiao Zhangqing needed a Talisman Drawing Room, Lin Ziyu needed a Pill Refining Room and a small spirit field in the courtyard to cultivate spirit herbs, and Lin Zixi needed to build a nest for her spirit beast, the Crimson Flame Eagle.

It took three days to finish the arrangements.

Then Xiao Zhangqing, bearing gifts, visited the neighboring households.

Each household received a first‑rank high‑quality Talisman Script.

According to Character: Liyang Zhenren City's rates, a first‑rank high‑quality Talisman Script is worth twenty low‑grade Spirit Stones, roughly the same as Nanshan Fang's price.

For cultivators in the Qi Refining Realm, this is a great gift; for Foundation Establishment cultivators whose monthly rent approaches two hundred low‑grade Spirit Stones, it is also no small matter.

In some customs, the Cultivation World and the Mortal World are not much different.

Those who can reside in this area have roughly comparable cultivation levels and status, equal standing, so fostering good relations is always wise.

Mutual aid is common, and if there is any rumor or beneficial news, a friendly heads‑up causes no trouble.

Moreover, Xiao Zhangqing, being new, already knows the basics of Character: Liyang Zhenren City, but deeper secrets were beyond the guide who was only at the third layer of Qi Refining, so he must discover them gradually.

When Xiao Zhangqing visited with the Talisman Scripts, the neighbors gave him face, inviting him inside for a cup of spirit tea; the more talkative ones even pulled him into casual conversation.

For instance, the neighbor in the courtyard to Xiao Zhangqing's left is a long‑sleeved, graceful, very enthusiastic cultivator.

His name is Zhu Xiaochuan, already well past a hundred years of age, but a Foundation Establishment cultivator with nearly two hundred years of lifespan is still not considered old.

However, his cultivation remains at the Foundation Establishment Initial Stage; his ability to reside in this area's cave dwelling stems from his second‑rank low‑grade formation mastery.

Formation Masters are not obscure among the hundred cultivation arts, yet they are far less popular than Pill Masters, Symbol Masters, and Refining Masters, earning far less.

According to Zhu Xiaochuan, the reason he can live here is that thirty years ago he participated in Character: Liyang Zhenren City's last city reconstruction, contributing significantly to the construction of the city‑protecting Great Formation. Character: Liyang Zhenren appreciated that batch of Formation Masters and promised that as long as they reside long‑term in Character: Liyang Zhenren City, the cave‑dwelling rent would be only half price!

Moreover, Zhu Xiaochuan says he has deep connections in the Lord's Residence and can come and go at will.

Xiao Zhangqing couldn't tell whether the new neighbor was bragging or being truthful, but the show‑off was certain. Xiao Zhangqing didn't refute, only smiled and flattered, playing along to gather information.

After all, the other neighbors aren't as talkative as Zhu Xiaochuan.

Zhu Xiaochuan didn't understand Xiao Zhangqing's motives, but felt his cooperative attitude gave him great satisfaction.

So, as they talked, Zhu Xiaochuan couldn't help it; Xiao Zhangqing, instead of gossiping, began to reveal more information himself.

For example, his patron in the Lord's Residence is a disciple highly valued by Character: Liyang Zhenren, named Gu Zongyuan.

Although Gu Zongyuan is not among the Character: Liyang Seven Heroes, he is at a later stage of Foundation Establishment and under a hundred years old, so he may still have hope of reaching the Nascent Soul stage.

Most importantly, Character: Liyang Zhenren remains in perpetual seclusion, ignoring worldly affairs; among his subordinates, the most famous Character: Liyang Seven Heroes, aside from two Fake Core True Persons, have fixed cultivation and cannot advance further, so they focus their energy on managing Character: Liyang Zhenren City…

Beyond that, Gu Zongyuan is effectively the third most influential administrator in Character: Liyang Zhenren City; he commands the city's guard corps.

"In cultivation markets, small‑scale immortal cities, and even some Nascent Soul sects, Second‑rank Talisman Masters can be heavily employed. Character: Liyang Zhenren City is different; it gathers far too many masters of the hundred cultivation arts."

"Only when one's skill breaks through to the third rank does one truly stand out."

"Second‑rank artisans, unless like me with great contributions to the city, will not receive special treatment from the Lord's Residence."

"So, Dao Companion, your Talisman Script skill is still a bit low, only second‑rank low‑quality; the Lord's Residence likely won't actively recruit you. If Xiao Dao Companion wishes to take a post at the Lord's Residence, I can introduce you, but you'll have to lower your remuneration."

After 'introducing' his own merits, Zhu Xiaochuan began to 'guide' Xiao Zhangqing.

Although tinged with a condescending, swaggering tone, Xiao Zhangqing listened earnestly.

He didn't say he didn't want a post at the Lord's Residence; he merely said that if he ever considers it, he'll certainly ask Zhu Xiaochuan for help.

"Of course. Even if Dao Companion doesn't join the Lord's Residence, with your Foundation Establishment cultivation and second‑rank low‑quality Symbol Master status, taking a post among the Ten Great Families is no problem; they'll be eager and offer very high pay. However…"

Zhu Xiaochuan lowered his voice and began to recount some core secrets.

Xiao Zhangqing perked up, mentally taking brief notes.

This is exactly what he wanted to know.

"If Symbol Master you aren't especially short of Spirit Stones or desperate for a patron, it's best not to join the Ten Great Families."

"Although the Ten Great Families are quite powerful in Nanshan Fang, second only to the Lord's Residence, there are many overt and covert conflicts. Several families even face a real risk of extinction…"

"Although the Ten Great Families of Character: Liyang Zhenren City have held their reputation for over a hundred years, the actual families comprising them have changed about half since the beginning."

"For example, ten years ago, one of the Ten Great Families, the Jin family, lost their patron Fake Core True Person and consequently collapsed. They were replaced by the Jiang family, now led by a third‑rank Talisman Master…"

"Joining the Ten Great Families yields good returns, but at times one gets caught in a vortex, losing control, even facing life‑threatening danger."

"By the way, I reckon the Jiang family will probably send someone in the next few days to invite Dao Companion you to join. After all, as a second‑rank Talisman Master, the Jin family controls over half of the Talisman Script market in Character: Liyang Zhenren City, so they wouldn't want you joining another faction."

"If the Jiang family truly invites you, Dao Companion you must consider carefully. The Jiang family now looks quite good, with a third‑rank Talisman Master and a close tie to Fake Core True Person Zhao, one of the Character: Liyang Seven Heroes. However, the Jiang family also has hidden risks!"

"Few ordinary cultivators in Character: Liyang Zhenren City know that the Jiang family actually split off from a Nascent Soul sect, the Luoxia Sect! In other words, the Jiang family and Luoxia Sect are mortal enemies!"

Xiao Zhangqing heard the words, and his inner speculation was confirmed.

Shopkeeper Hong and Jiang Jiyue should now be at the Jiang family!

(End of Chapter)