Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan Chapter 2146 1543: Lies

Following their departure from the tumultuous battlefield, Li Zhirui and Fu Chengguang adhered to their pre-arranged plan, making a direct course for Kong Mountain State without haste.

This territory, claimed by the formidable righteous forces of Kongtong Mountain and Ten Thousand Poison Mountain, exists as a volatile border region. It sees frequent passage of cultivators from numerous sects, including the Cold Soul Forest and Tong Gu Sect, rendering it the epitome of chaos. In such an environment, identities and origins are rarely scrutinized, facilitating their clandestine arrival.

Naturally, regions rife with disorder often harbor greater perils. However, given their profound cultivation, such risks were deemed negligible.

Even should they encounter a cultivator at the Heavenly Immortal stage, as long as they did not blunder into a deliberate ambush, a swift and safe escape would be well within their capabilities.

Furthermore, the abundance of high-grade Spiritual Objects in this locale has cultivated a remarkably prosperous Cultivation World. This presents an advantageous opportunity for them to study the civilization and cultivation systems prevalent in the Ten Thousand Rivers Realm, thereby accelerating their personal advancement.

They traversed the distance with impressive speed, their journey remarkably uneventful, devoid of any significant danger or even the rare attempts at highway robbery by less scrupulous cultivators.

"It appears the common perception of Kong Mountain State is far from the truth; it's not quite the perilous wilderness the rumors suggest," Fu Chengguang remarked, surveying their surroundings.

Li Zhirui offered a knowing smile, shaking his head. "Those who seek to prey on cultivators typically target the weak and shy away from the strong. Sensing our formidable presence from afar, they would never dare to reveal themselves."

"Indeed, that is logical," Fu Chengguang conceded.

As they conversed, a towering and magnificent city, teeming with a constant flow of people, came into view.

"It presents an image of a thriving era for cultivation, but one wonders what decay may fester beneath the surface," Li Zhirui mused.

Despite the considerable number of cultivators lining up at the city gates, their entry was remarkably swift, and they soon found themselves within the city walls.

"Might this be your honored seniors' first visit to Kong Mountain State?" a young cultivator eagerly approached them moments after their entrance, his tone deferential and sycophantic.

Fu Chengguang inquired with amused curiosity, "What leads you to that conclusion? Are we so transparent?"

"The aura emanating from you two seniors does not resonate with those who have long resided in this region," the young cultivator replied with utmost respect.

"Your discernment is quite keen. Enlighten us on the prevailing conditions within Kong Mountain State, and your efforts will not go unrewarded."

"My deepest gratitude to you both, honored seniors!"

Li Zhirui, who had remained largely silent, interjected, "First, guide us to a place where we may secure a Cave Mansion for an extended period."

"Forgive my straightforwardness, but with the cultivation prowess demonstrated by you two seniors, there is little need to expend a significant amount of Spirit Stones renting accommodation within the city. You could quite easily establish a dwelling in the surrounding wilderness."

"Oh? And what basis do you have for such a statement?" This suggestion piqued their interest considerably.

"What you may not be aware of, esteemed seniors, is that all the Spirit Veins within Kong Mountain State are designated as Land Without Master. These cities and marketplaces have been established by powerful cultivators who have claimed these Spirit Veins for themselves."

"For instance, this very Da Kong Immortal City was founded by the Senior Da Kong several decades ago. Consequently, the rental rates for both residences and commercial spaces within the city are maintained at a premium."

As he spoke, the young cultivator subtly lowered his voice. "Because of this, cultivators possessing even a moderate degree of power generally prefer to avoid residing within the city limits."

Even he, a young cultivator himself, did not make his home within the city's confines.

"If that is the case, then why is this place so vibrant, with such a constant flux of cultivators entering and departing?"

"Because, situated approximately a hundred miles south of this Immortal City, lies the Changqing Mountain Range. This area is abundant in Spiritual Objects and rich in resources, which is the primary draw for the majority of cultivators," he explained.

"If that is so, why do other cultivators not establish their own Immortal Cities and marketplaces?"

"Because Senior Da Kong wields immense power." With this statement, he adopted an expression of guarded secrecy.

However, from his subtle reaction, Li Zhirui and Fu Chengguang deduced the underlying truth: Senior Da Kong likely possessed the influence to prevent any other cultivator from establishing competing markets or cities nearby, thereby consolidating his own commercial monopoly.

"Understood. In that event, please conduct us on a general tour of the city and highlight some of its notable establishments."

They surmised that a junior cultivator such as this would possess very limited knowledge regarding the intricate distribution of power within Kong Mountain State. Should they require such information, they could easily procure it through legitimate channels within the city.

"As you command."

With their 'local' guide leading the way and providing commentary, Li Zhirui and Fu Chengguang rapidly gained a comprehensive understanding of the Immortal City. They became aware of which businesses operated with integrity, the unique specialties offered by various shops, and the locations where intelligence services were most effectively accessed.

"Honored seniors, these comprise the various districts of Da Kong Immortal City." The young cultivator's implication was clear: his introductory tour was concluded, and it was time to settle the matter of payment.

Fu Chengguang chuckled, reminding the younger individual, "Young one, there's a crucial location you've overlooked in your recounting."

"Huh? I believe I've covered everything," the young cultivator mused, a slight furrow in his brow, yet he couldn't recall any other significant spot.

"Are you feigning ignorance, or are you genuinely unaware?"

Without dwelling on the young man's state of mind, Fu Chengguang inquired internally, "Do you happen to know the location of the black market?"

To his surprise, the young cultivator visibly flinched upon hearing the term, his complexion paling as he nervously cautioned, "Esteemed senior, such words are forbidden within the city walls!"

"Indeed, no such establishment exists here, but a comparable venue does operate, namely, the auction house I mentioned earlier to the seniors."

As he spoke, the young cultivator cast furtive glances around, appearing anxious that his words might be overheard.

"However, my family is not affluent, and I've never had the opportunity to visit. I only know snippets of what transpires within."

He then proceeded to relay the fragmented information he had gathered.

For instance, rare and valuable Spiritual Objects are often available for purchase, and though no formal auctions are held, a constant stream of cultivators frequents the establishment.

"It appears the entity presiding over this place possesses a strong will and immense confidence," Fu Chengguang mused.