Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan Chapter 2147 1543: Lies (Part 2)

While marketplaces and even Immortal Cities commonly feature black markets, and these are usually under the control of influential figures, its presence so openly is quite peculiar.

After all, the 'black' in black market signifies its nature: clandestine dealings and shady transactions.

Yet, the cultivator known by the Dao name Da Kong has established it in plain sight, apparently confident that any unsavory incidents arising from it can be easily managed, without fear of repercussions.

"I've heard tell of a hidden location outside the city, Senior, the one you mentioned, but its exact whereabouts remain unknown to me."

"Hmm."

Fu Chengguang nodded, clearly pleased. He then produced a small package and offered it, asking, "This is the payment for your information. Do you think it sufficient?"

Li Zhirui also presented several bottles of newly crafted Mortal Realm Elixir Pills. He had casually concocted them while getting acquainted with the surroundings, without employing any formal alchemy techniques; he simply extracted Spiritual Essence and condensed it into pill form.

Though their appearance was somewhat rough, their actual efficacy far surpassed that of common pills.

Indeed, in the mere process of extracting Spiritual Essence, his skill vastly exceeded that of numerous other alchemists.

"This is far too much; I don't require this quantity," the young man stammered, his eyes betraying a hint of reluctance, yet he painfully returned several bottles of the pills.

He had not closely inspected the spiritual items at first, but upon returning to his chamber to examine them, he discovered their value was beyond his wildest estimations, ensuring he wouldn't need to fret about cultivation resources for a significant period.

"Accept them. Surely you don't wish to draw unwanted attention and invite disaster in such a public setting, do you?"

"Cultivate diligently," Li Zhirui advised them. Afterward, the two individuals turned and departed.

The young cultivator remained, clutching the bundle, standing dazed for a considerable time, unable to fully process the events.

Having gained a preliminary understanding of Da Kong Immortal City, the pair decided not to prolong their stay and instead left the city immediately.

The reasoning was straightforward: the city was not conducive to lengthy, secluded cultivation. Renting a cave-mansion proved excessively costly, and while neither lacked Spirit Stones, they were disinclined towards needless extravagance.

Moreover, as the young man had alluded, their cultivation level allowed them to easily locate a place rich in spiritual energy outside the city and establish their own cave-mansion.

Given this, why did so many cultivators flock to Da Kong Immortal City?

Beyond trading spiritual items, the city served as a hub for accepting tasks, finding companions, and so forth, with the prohibition of fighting within its bounds ensuring personal safety.

Randomly selecting a location outside the city would present considerable issues regarding trust alone.

For Li Zhirui and Fu Chengguang, these conveniences held no appeal, making it unnecessary for them to remain within the city.

To bypass crowds and potential disruptions, and to further safeguard their true identities, the two exited through the northern gate.

While searching for a suitable location for closed cultivation, they proceeded slowly, making notes of promising spots.

They paid no mind if these locations were already occupied.

If a place caught their fancy, they would simply claim it, as most would lack the power to resist.

"Fellow Daoist, perhaps we should separate our search efforts?" Fu Chengguang proposed, finding their joint efficiency somewhat lacking.

"Agreed."

Li Zhirui affirmed and added, "Shall we reconvene here at dawn tomorrow?"

"Very well. I shall depart now then."

With that, Fu Chengguang flew off towards the northeast.

Li Zhirui, naturally, headed northwest.

Initially, their journeys were uneventful, but soon, unforeseen circumstances began to unfold.

From a distance, Li Zhirui detected the sounds of cultivators engaged in combat ahead, seemingly over a spiritual item. One faction was clearly on the verge of defeat, attempting a desperate escape.

They managed to break free and fled rapidly in his direction.

Not possessing any particular interest in intervening to save these individuals from this particular realm, he concealed his presence and continued onward, swift as the wind.

A shocking turn of events then transpired!

Among the fleeing cultivators, one spotted his concealed form and cried out, "Senior, we implore your assistance! We possess vital information regarding a breakthrough to the Heavenly Immortal realm!"

Li Zhirui immediately halted, observing with curiosity the cultivator who had pierced his concealment. Although it was a simple secret technique, the ability to see through it was noteworthy.

After a moment's contemplation, he decided to intervene.

He was both intrigued by the prospect of a Heavenly Immortal breakthrough within this domain and by the cultivator himself.

"This affair involves Wanye Immortal City; you should depart swiftly to avoid drawing trouble!" the pursuers cautioned, their gazes fixed warily on Li Zhirui's imposing presence.

Though Wanye Immortal City was unfamiliar to him, its might was known to be among the highest in Kong Mountain State.

"This matter is destined for me; if you do not wish to forfeit your lives, you best depart swiftly," Li Zhirui stated with composure.

"Spare us!"

The pursuers could not simply retreat based on his words, as his imposing aura did not resemble that of a mere Heavenly Immortal.

With a deep snarl, they charged forward, but only a couple managed to restrain him while the others focused their assault on their fleeing quarry.

"Sigh! Such obstinacy!"

Li Zhirui let out a sigh, and with no visible effort, the attackers were sent flying, meeting the ground with resounding thuds.

Before they could even process what had happened, vines erupted and ensnared them.

"Now, explain to me precisely what is transpiring," he commanded the stunned cultivators.

They trembled, responding instantly, "Yes, sir!"

Inwardly, they lamented their misfortune, escaping one deadly situation only to be ensnared by another – this was far more perilous than a wolf's den, for this cultivator had effortlessly subdued their tormentors.

The group obediently followed Li Zhirui to a secluded, desolate mountain.

"Speak, what occurred?"

"Senior, we brothers, about half a month ago, were exploring a relic alongside other cultivators, expecting a mundane discovery. To our immense surprise, it turned out to be the cave mansion of an Ancient Times Heavenly Immortal!"

The speaker's voice trailed off, lost in recollection, as he continued, "Everyone was overcome with excitement, for such revered immortals possessed formidable power – and importantly, they might have held the keys to breaking through The Void and departing This Realm."

"Inside, a fierce conflict ignited among the cultivators, vying for control over techniques and precious spiritual objects. We managed to survive by sheer luck, and in the process, we secured a Jade Slip that detailed the methods for achieving Heavenly Immortal cultivation and transcending this realm."

"Prior to our departure, all involved swore a solemn Dao Oath to maintain absolute secrecy. However, merely days ago, Wanye Immortal City began a relentless hunt for us."

"Without your timely intervention, we would undoubtedly be dead men by now."

Having concluded his account, he presented an ancient Jade Slip, emanating a powerful aura, to Li Zhirui with both hands.

Li Zhirui accepted it without hesitation – this was undoubtedly his earned reward, and the profound methods described within piqued his interest.

His Divine Sense swept through its contents, verifying the information pertaining to Heavenly Immortal cultivation and the breakthrough to The Void, before he promptly stored it within a Storage Magical Treasure, unhurried by further examination.

Then, he turned his attention to the cultivator who had initially detected him, inquiring, "How exactly did you ascertain my presence?"

"I chanced upon consuming an Exotic Fruit, which, by fortunate coincidence, granted my eyes the miraculous Illusion-breaking Divine Power," the cultivator responded with utmost respect.

"Is that so?"

Li Zhirui cast a contemplative glance at him, yet made no move to expose the falsehood.

Or, to be more precise, the collective fabrication offered by the entire group.