Chapter 159: The Onlooker

"Daoist, you are unaware, this 'Xianjing Lake Woodcutter' has a descendant." Wei Zhengyang replied.

"Could it be that Daoist Wei means the high-rank demon beast remains I need can be obtained from the descendant of that 'Xianjing Lake Woodcutter' senior? Could it be the Silver Jiao?"

Yunhe showed a thoughtful expression.

"Exactly! As long as Daoist deals with this person, obtaining high-rank demon beast remains should not be difficult." Wei Zhengyang said solemnly.

"Daoist Wei, you're joking—this is the descendant of a great cultivator who could behead a fourth-rank Silver Jiao with a single sword." Yunhe's face turned stern.

Upon hearing this, Wei Zhengyang waved his hands repeatedly.

"It's my fault for not explaining clearly; that 'Xianjing Lake Woodcutter' disappeared as early as three hundred years ago, and according to some seniors' speculation, he has most likely entered meditation unto death. As for speaking of his descendant, this is a long story—please let me explain slowly."

Immediately, he began to recount the events in detail.

As it turns out.

That famed 'Xianjing Lake Woodcutter' has long disappeared, and most likely has entered meditation unto death.

His descendant was not particularly outstanding either; as that senior disappeared, his descendant gradually faded from people's sight.

But just recently.

One of the major demonic sects of the Cloud Upper Realm, the Corpse Fiend Sect, suddenly had an incident of considerable magnitude.

A disciple within the sect rebelled, not only ambushing and killing a Golden Core Elder, but also stealing an important internal technique of the Corpse Fiend Sect, resulting in a bounty being placed on his head.

Later, after persistent digging and exploration by some dedicated individuals, it was discovered that this person was actually the descendant of the 'Xianjing Lake Woodcutter' from three hundred years ago.

Originally, some people worried, what if that senior wasn't dead and showed up to support his descendant—what then?

Only later was it discovered that no matter how much danger the descendant faced, that senior never appeared, leading to the conclusion that he had truly entered meditation unto death.

Consequently.

Increasingly many cultivators coveted the bounty reward offered by the Corpse Fiend Sect and launched a hunt against this descendant.

However, that descendant clearly had only Foundation Establishment cultivation, yet he unusually managed to escape; many Foundation Establishment cultivators returned empty-handed.

Consequently, the Corpse Fiend Sect had no choice but to repeatedly increase the bounty.

The technique the other party stole seems extremely important to the Corpse Fiend Sect, to the point of not hesitating to mobilize forces.

If this person could be slain, there would definitely be a chance to exchange for high-rank demon beast remains from the Corpse Fiend Sect.

After all, Yunhe only needs the bones of a high-rank demon beast; the part doesn't matter, the amount of spiritual power or spirituality doesn't matter, as long as the size is sufficient.

"I see."

After listening, Yunhe showed an expression of sudden realization.

It's not about obtaining high-rank demon beast remains from that descendant, but about exchanging with the Corpse Fiend Sect.

But soon he couldn't help but ask:

"Daoist Wei, with so many Daoists failing to slay him, how do you think my junior disciple can?"

"No." Wei Zhengyang said seriously.

"Recently, my Cloud Merchant Pavilion has obtained information on this person, but due to the urgent timing I couldn't spare too many people, so I wish to invite Senior Qian and Daoist Feng to assist. If this succeeds, my Cloud Merchant Pavilion can freely give Daoist Feng the top-tier Golden Core spiritual item he needs, and can also grant you a 'Transform Origin Pill'."

After a pause, he respectfully looked toward the Heavenly Capital Gu Corpse.

"As for Senior Qian, if this succeeds we will be able to help him exchange for high-rank demon beast remains; even if it fails, my Cloud Merchant Pavilion will certainly do its utmost to help him gather them, and I suppose Senior Qian should also know that my Cloud Merchant Pavilion is backed by the Cloud Merchant Alliance."

Transform Origin Pill?

Regarding such elixirs that have considerable fame in the Cloud Upper Realm, he still has some understanding.

It is said that this pill can also increase a cultivator's chance of forming a Golden Core, although the increase is not large; the key point is that it does not conflict with any Golden Core spiritual items, and it is also regarded as a precious elixir by many cultivators facing Golden Core formation.

During Golden Core formation, even an increase of one percent in success rate is excellent.

However.

Yunhe still harbors many doubts in his heart.

The things he needs—whether top-tier Golden Core spiritual items or high-rank demon beast remains—are hardly cheap; how could a bounty on a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator from the Corpse Fiend Sect allow the Cloud Merchant Pavilion to gain such a great return?

Suddenly.

Yunhe's thoughts stirred slightly.

The Heavenly Capital Gu Corpse spoke: "Daoist inside, why not come out and meet?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Zhengyang's expression changed slightly.

"Hahaha—Daoist Qian has such keen spiritual perception; I, He, have been rude. However, after receiving Steward Wei's message, I, He, have just arrived and had no intention of spying."

A voice came, and an old man with three long white whiskers walked out laughing.

Golden Core cultivator!

"Elder He!" Wei Zhengyang hastily performed a respectful salute.

He Xin Yi slightly nodded, sat down before the Heavenly Capital Gu Corpse, and clasped his hands saying:

"I suppose you, Daoist, also have some doubts? This time our Cloud Merchant Pavilion's intervention is also at someone's request; the pros and cons cannot be fully discussed with you for now, but I, He, can guarantee that there is a great chance you won't need to act yourself, and moreover, this time I, He, and the master of Jiao Island, Daoist Mu Jiao, will both be present; we are merely providing support, while the actual actor is someone else."

"As for what Steward Wei previously promised, that is the sincerity of our Cloud Merchant Pavilion; I, He, can decide to first give you that top-tier Golden Core spiritual item. What do you think, Daoist?"

Yunhe pretended to look toward the Heavenly Capital Gu Corpse, as if leaving the decision to him.

And the Heavenly Capital Gu Corpse, under his control, clasped its hands toward He Xin Yi.

"Sorry, Daoist He, my junior disciple and I are only staying here briefly, and we have other matters to attend to, so we won't get involved in this."

Saying this, he rose without hesitation and glanced sideways at Yunhe.

"Let's go!"

Immediately.

Under the somewhat astonished gazes of He Xin Yi and Wei Zhengyang, he walked straight out of the Cloud Merchant Pavilion.

The development of events was somewhat beyond the expectations of the two.

He Xin Yi slowly narrowed his eyes, his expression sinking.

Wei Zhengyang swallowed a mouthful of saliva, speaking softly:

"Elder He, they"

"Hmph!" He Xinyi gave a cold snort, "No problem, it was just to add an extra precaution; since the other side is unwilling, could we possibly force a Golden Core cultivator?"

The identities of those two are unknown; they might even be disguised, and after they left, it would be hard to find them.

Moreover, offending a Golden Core cultivator over a single matter seems hardly worthwhile in He Xinyi's view.

After all, he is merely one of the participants who accepted this commission.

"Yes yes." Wei Zhengyang felt Elder He's effort, quickly wiped his forehead and nodded in agreement.

He also couldn't quite understand; they had already shown sufficient sincerity, and the things they offered weren't cheap—one could say their sincerity was earnest.

But why did the other side refuse so bluntly?

"There's no need; although the items are good, dispatching three Golden Core cultivators to pursue a Foundation Establishment cultivator doesn't look like a simple matter at all."

Yunhe, who left the Yunshang Pavilion together with the Tianyu Gu Corpse, murmured softly, comforting himself.

The things the other side produced were indeed sufficiently tempting.

If the Tianyu Gu Corpse were truly a Golden Core cultivator, perhaps he might actually agree to the other side's terms.

But the problem is.

One's own people know their own problems best.

The Tianyu Gu Corpse looks like a Golden Core cultivator, but ultimately it's just a refined corpse; if they really fought, it would likely reveal its flaws, especially under the watch of two other Golden Core cultivators.

Moreover, what worries Yunhe most is the possibility of being used as a pawn by the other side; who can truly guarantee that the "Xuanjing Lake Woodcutter" has already attained nirvana?

Top-tier Golden Core spirit objects and high-grade demon beast carcasses, though precious, are not urgently needed for Yunhe at present.

At worst, we can just change locations, change markets.

Although these things might not be so easy to obtain.

"Then there's the 'Huayuan Pill'—what a pity."

This pill not only slightly increases the success rate of Golden Core formation; its main function is to prevent deviation during breakthrough, having the effect of clearing the spirit, preserving the original mind, and transforming the ape into the Yuan.

Because during breakthrough, it's easiest for thoughts to deviate and go fire deviation into demonic deviation, also called "heart ape intent horse", which is a considerable obstacle; the Huayuan Pill can to some extent avoid this situation.

"'However, my divine sense is strong enough, so this point shouldn't affect me much.'"

He won't take the benefits of the Yunshang Pavilion; he still needs to buy what he should buy.

Especially that "Xinhuo Tie Mu", which is a substitute for the "Huomu Wutong" after his consideration.

Also there's "Dragon Blood Ginseng", which is the main ingredient of the "Breeding Pill".

The two stalks of thousand-year-old Dragon Blood Ginseng that Yunhe hasn't touched yet are mainly because he worries his alchemy skill isn't enough, wasting such fine material.

Besides that, there are plenty of other materials, either auxiliary ingredients for alchemy or food for spirit worms and gu worms.

Yunhe has to admit that the Yunshang Pavilion indeed has capability.

He spent a day and a half to barely gather the needed items; the Yunshang Pavilion only needs a few hours, and relatively speaking, the price is even cheaper.

That day.

Yunhe silently left the Silver Snake Market, setting his sights on the largest city of the Yunshang Realm, which is Yun Palace City, where the greatest power of the Yunshang Realm, the Yunshang Hall, is located.

This city is said to be the largest city in the entire Yunshang Realm, extremely prosperous.

Moreover, most importantly, this city is extremely free; as long as no conflicts arise from fighting within the city, any cultivator of any faction can enter and leave at any time.

With the Yunshang Hall holding the fort, it's unlikely anyone would dare to cause trouble in Yun Palace City, after all this is a genuine power possessing several Nascent Soul grand cultivators, the foremost force of the Yunshang Realm.

Thus, this city is also a gathering place for many major merchants and merchant alliances; the large-scale exchange meetings and auctions held each year number no fewer than dozens, and the daily flow of Spirit Stones is an extremely terrifying figure.

The more prosperous, the more naturally it attracts longing.

So, the myriad precious things flowing from the entire Yunshang Realm into Yun Palace City each year are countless.

It is also safe, and its resources are abundant.

One would think that seeking Golden Core spirit objects in this city would not be difficult.

If things go smoothly, Yunhe even wants to directly rent a cave dwelling in this city and enter seclusion until Golden Core formation.

To avoid breaking through to Golden Core outside, where bad luck might attract attention and possibly bring many troubles.

Thus, since the Silver Snake Market on Jiao Jiao Island cannot yield Golden Core spirit objects, he had already prepared a retreat.

The flying vessel swiftly departed from Jiao Jiao Island.

Just that.

It was unexpected for Yunhe that, not long after leaving Jiao Jiao Island, he saw a group of people appear ahead.

Among them was also Elder He Xinyi of the Yunshang Pavilion, with whom he had previously met!

Without a doubt.

This group is none other than the team that went to hunt down the "Xuanjing Lake Woodcutter".

The leader is precisely He Xinyi together with a Golden Core cultivator wearing a blue-green robe and with a tin-colored xuan chi at his waist.

Mu Jiao Daoist!

Obviously, the other side did not notice Yunhe, this insignificant cultivator, amidst the vast Yunhai.

In fact, if it weren't for the other side having more people and a larger target, Yunhe actually wouldn't have been able to detect them.

Because at this distance, it exceeds the range of divine sense.

Watching their departing direction, Yunhe's eyes flickered, revealing a thoughtful expression.

"'Isn't this a coincidence?'"

Being used as a pawn is not what he wishes.

He might be drawn into the center of some unknown vortex, which is also not what he hopes for.

But if he merely observes from afar

Yunhe immediately employed the "Turtle Breath Body Forging Technique", restraining his own aura, and at the same time also recalled the Heavenly Capital Gu Corpse.

He swept his wide sleeve.

Dozens of Red-Ring Gold-Spotted Bees flew out from his spirit insect pouch, diving into the cloud sea.

He also didn't go after them.

If the Red-Ring Gold-Spotted Bees were discovered, he would turn and leave.

If they were not discovered, he would check what medicine that bunch of He Xinyi's fellows were selling in their gourds.

His body slowly sank, submerging into the cloud sea.

With both hands forming seals, he circulated the "Thousand Gu Myriad Worms Technique".

Using the Red-Ring Gold-Spotted Bees as a warning line, even if they were discovered, he would still have time to leave.

This time, he would just be an onlooker.

(End of chapter)