Bai Qi sat idly in the tea house for a moment before the local village chief hurried over.

In these days, the mountain roads were obstructed and difficult to traverse, so many hunters and mountain dwellers relied on the Song Family for their livelihood.

Upon hearing someone mention the name "Young Master Song Qiying of Chai Market," the village chief naturally didn't dare to delay.

In the County City, Bai Qilang's name was more effective than Song Lin's.

But outside, the name of this Master of Chai Market was even more resounding.

"So it is Master Bai in person! It is said that Master Bai is a youthful hero, and upon seeing him today, his demeanor surpasses the rumors, truly outstanding and remarkable!"

The village chief's surname was Song, and he seemed to be around forty years old. He evidently recognized the renowned Bai Qilang.

It seemed he had attended a few years of private school in the County City, as he spoke with a literary tone.

His character appeared quite slick, and he didn't feel the slightest discomfort addressing an uncoronated young man as "Master."

"Village Chief Song, have you seen the announcement from the militia? Have you been advising the hunters not to go into the mountains to avoid disaster?"

Bai Qi asked with a gentle smile.

"It's already posted everywhere, and we've beat the drums to warn them. But right now it's early spring, the snow is melting, and everyone is waiting to buy rice to cook... It might not be very effective."

Village Chief Song spoke with a sheepish tone, deliberately showing a troubled expression.

Just in case something happened later and someone died, he wanted to cover for himself.

"Do your best."

Bai Qi sighed softly, understanding Village Chief Song's predicament.

Back when the Demon Fish caused trouble, he too took risks going into the river to earn a few coins to save up for winter provisions.

Although it's said that nothing is more important than life and death, to the impoverished lower class who could barely eat, survival sometimes seemed less important than livelihood.

"My Wind Chasing Horse still needs to trouble Village Chief Song to find a good family to foster it for half a day, prepare fine fodder, and provide plenty of soybeans and eggs. The horse is picky and gets moody if not fed well.

Also, please prepare a table of food and some hot water."

Bai Qi spoke gently, without giving off any sense of haughty commands.

Unlike his master Ninghai Zen, who was like a steep cliff and unattainable,

Bai Qilang himself was more like a vast lake, capable of raging storms yet mostly calm.

This was a subtle difference in temperament between the master and disciple.

Village Chief Song patted his chest and promised:

"I'll take the utmost care of Master Bai's beloved horse. Our village is only one or two miles from the tea house, and if Master Bai doesn't mind, you could rest at my humble abode and make do with some simple tea and meals."

Bai Qi sought the opinions of his brothers Qi Yan and Lv Nan, the disciples of Wild Grass Mountain had no objections, and only then did he nod:

"We're in your hands, Village Chief."

After settling the tea bill, the group strolled leisurely to the village.

Chai Market was the ancestral business of the Song Family, with Song Lin, the main branch master and head noble of the lowly Thirteen High Gates, overseeing it. Relatives with capability and talent were often dispatched to serve as village chiefs, and as long as they delivered enough harvest in autumn and winter, their positions would be secure.

The village covered a large area, housing several practitioners who lifted stone locks and played with stone spheres, each with a sword at their side and an air of fierceness.

"Most have stopped at the First Tendon Training Barrier, relentlessly practicing a move or two."

Bai Qi glanced at them; this group of estate guardians and swordmen barely reached the elite level of Black River County's militia.

"Speaking of which, Village Chief Song, I just saw two young gentlemen in brocade robes. Do you know who they are?"

As a local bully, gathering intel was most convenient.

In these poor rural areas where people held together tightly, compared to the distant high gates of the County City, village chiefs and mountain dwellers alike naturally leaned closer to someone like Bai Qi.

"Those two, huh? They are from the Rice Shop Tao Family and the Jade Business Guan Family. They sailed across the Black Water River and were almost robbed by the Red Eyebrow Bandits; most of their attendants were injured or killed."

Village Chief Song, brimming with enthusiasm, ordered the servants to slaughter two lambs and prepare a feast of lamb dishes.

The meal included both cold and hot dishes: the cold dishes featuring lamb innards, and the hot made of large slices of lamb meat.

The sight triggered the appetites of Qi Yan and Lv Nan, stirring their cravings.

The brothers had been traveling for a long time, often having meals in the wind and resting in the open; when had they ever enjoyed such luxury?

"Following Senior Brother, we often go hungry for days; but with Brother Bai, it's feasting on lavish meat and drink..."

Lv Nan commented while digging in heartily.

"They arrived at the village last night. After introducing themselves, we dared not neglect them and immediately vacated a few houses for these young gentlemen to rest in.

The one from the Tao Family is quite hard to please, while the one from the Guan Family is more agreeable, but seems like a smiling tiger.

It seems they are here like Master Bai, looking to try their luck."

Village Chief Song, with a sharp eye, spoke candidly as he saw no outsiders around.

"Rice Shop Tao Family, Jade Business Guan Family."

Bai Qi's eyebrow raised. In Yihai's thirteen high gates, he had already encountered Pawnshop He Family, Porcelain Shop Zhu Family, Broker Feng Family, and Weapon Craftsman Zheng Family. Now, he added Rice Shop Tao Family and Jade Business Guan Family to the list.

"That makes six families. Well, when I reach the County City, I wonder if I'll meet the remaining families."

Village Chief Song sat nearby, accompanying them with food and drink, occasionally engaging in casual conversation, making for a pleasant gathering.

Since they planned to enter the mountains at night, none drank alcohol. After a hearty meal, each returned to their rooms to rest.

Qi Yan and Lv Nan began preparing the talisman paper and cinnabar needed for the ceremonial setup, while Bai Qi consumed another Hundred Herbs Grand Pill to slowly enhance his power and refine his bones.

...

...

Night gradually deepened.

Tao Yun and Guan Tingqing each led two or three capable attendants, having them lead the way into the mountain.

The cold wind blew fiercely, making the torch flames flicker and casting shadows in the forest like monsters and demons lurking to devour humans.

"Elder Zhou, where exactly is the Tai Sui Chen Earth? We've been searching for an hour."

Tao Yun, somewhat out of breath, trailed behind. As the second son of the Rice Shop Tao Family's first branch, his martial arts and Daoist skills were still not as good as He Jingfeng's.

"This area has a descending energy flow with a dense earthy nature, so it should be nearby."

Elder Zhou coughed a few times, then continued:

"But I just did some calculations; the night is moonless and windy, with mixed energies, indicating a very ominous sign. This trip into the mountain may encounter some troubles."

Tao Yun respectfully said:

"I must rely on Elder Zhou's Mystic Skill! There will surely be a generous reward after obtaining the treasure!"

Elder Zhou waved his hand, casually saying:

"As a man outside the secular world, I value fate. I agreed to accompany you young masters into the mountains simply because I felt a connection with you."

Guan Tingqing agreed, saying:

"Elder Zhou is a man of high virtue, acting as he pleases, unbound by worldly constraints, how could one measure him by wealth? If the elder can help us acquire the Tai Sui Chen Earth, from now on, he will be an honored guest of both the Tao and Guan families! We will appoint the elder as a Tributor!"

The skinny old man, draped in a large black robe, squinted his eyes, secretly delighted, feeling his painstaking plan had finally secured him a long-term source of sustenance.

Yihai Prefecture's Thirteen High Gates hold sway over all, securing a position as a Tributor means he can shed the label of a Heterodox Loose Cultivator and openly enter the Prefecture's grand city.

He still said:

"I am but a drifting wanderer, not necessarily staying long in Yihai Prefecture."

Then he closed his eyes, seemingly calculating with his fingers, searching for a direction.

Suddenly he stepped forward, shielding Tao Yun and Guan Tingqing, and shouted:

"Young masters, be careful! How dare you, vile creature, act insolently in front of this humble Daoist!"

This Elder Zhou slapped out with his left hand, a piece of yellow talisman paper on his palm, which burst into flames with a "bang", turning into blazing fire.

"Ssssss!"

Like water splattering into a hot oil pan, it made a piercing noise as a dense black mist suddenly dissipated, revealing a hideous small face with a cyan complexion and fangs.

"Zombie!"

Tao Yun saw that although the figure was not large, it was dressed in tattered robes, as if just dug out from the earth, with stiff limbs and a solid body, hopping around clearly as a zombie or ghost nurtured from a Corpse Nurturing Land.

The diminutive zombie suddenly lunged forward, its jet-black nails clicking like short swords swinging, stabbing towards Elder Zhou.

Its ferocity was enough to fight and kill tigers and leopards!

"Stubborn and ignorant! Don't panic, young masters, watch me subdue the demon!"

This Elder Zhou, who claimed to be of Maoshan orthodoxy, was unfazed, stepping with a firm stride, forming a sword gesture with his hand, and muttering:

"Nine Heavens Profound Temple, transform into Divine Thunder... smite!"

Tao Yun saw when Elder Zhou finished his words and pointed a finger, an intense lightning bolt inexplicably erupted, its power tremendous.

The cyan-faced zombie that resembled a child let out a scream, flew backward, and crashed into the undergrowth, its life or death uncertain.

"Subdue you, vile creature!"

Elder Zhou relentlessly shook his wide sleeves, seemingly using some earth-shattering technique, directly capturing and refining the cyan-faced zombie, making it vanish in a moment.

"Truly... a man of high virtue!"

Tao Yun couldn't help but glance at Guan Tingqing, feeling somewhat anxious.

In just a few breaths, this Elder Zhou had used the Five Thunders True Method and Sleeve Universe, such famous top Daoist skills.

How could it be like the deceptive practices of a charlatan?

"Don't rush."

Guan Tingqing was also intrigued by doubt, this wild Daoist looked professional, could he indeed be a remarkable person of extraordinary talent?

"Young masters, this thousand-year-old demonic creature has already been subdued by the old Daoist. Tai Sui Chen Earth should be here, otherwise, why would a Flying Corpse be guarding it... Don't be deceived by its small stature, its evil energy is truly terrifying."

Elder Zhou, with the demeanor of an esteemed man, stood with his hands behind his back and said:

"If not for the old Daoist's considerable cultivation, the thunder method specifically breaches evil spirits, it might not have been dealt with..."

"Truly a case of a toad yawning, what a big mouth!"

Before Elder Zhou's voice from the hard-fought battle against the thousand-year-old Flying Corpse had fallen, it was abruptly interrupted.

Amidst the dense mountain forest, a mighty man, nine feet tall, emerged, his ornate robe clearly bulging and tightly clinging to his flesh.

"Thunder method?"

The mighty man swung his leg like a whip, breaking a large tree in half, tearing off a piece of yellow talisman paper from it.

With a squeeze of his five fingers, it was as if he'd tightly gripped a firecracker, the faint sound of crackling spreading dully from his palm.

"Using such Jianghu tricks, trying to deceive the Thirteen High Gates?"

The mighty man kicked a massive tree that would take two people to embrace, clearly demonstrating his extraordinary leg skill.

Carrying an overwhelming, intense aura, he walked up to Elder Zhou, looking down from above and said:

"You think raising a little ghost allows you to pretend to be a thousand-year-old demonic creature? Reveal the whereabouts of the Tai Sui Chen Earth quickly and be spared your life."

The scorching hot Qi Blood rushed towards him, forcing Elder Zhou to retreat repeatedly, as if afraid of burning his Divine Soul.

"Is this... a black eat black?"

The mighty man looked to be around thirty, with eyes blazing, completely ignoring the hollow and frail old man, and asked Guan Tingqing:

"I received your letter, Third Young Master, and came immediately by boat. This person is indeed not an orthodox Maoshan heir, merely someone who can draw coarse talisman papers and keeps a little ghost around, a Jianghu fraud."

Guan Tingqing clasped his hands and said:

"Second Uncle, he mentioned Tai Sui Chen Earth, speaking convincingly. It's possible there's indeed a clue to this treasure.

Elder Zhou, I advise you to be sensible and speak up soon to avoid suffering."

The latter part was naturally directed at the old man.

Losing the so-called "Maoshan elder" identity.

The skinny old man who resembled a monkey instantly exposed himself like the monsters in storybooks, no longer with any aura of a man of high virtue.

"I..."

The old man hunched his shoulders, seeing the mighty man who suddenly charged in, clearly a master of the Third Training Great Success.

His Qi Blood was immensely robust, and his hand-to-hand strength was exceptionally fierce, easily able to twist off his head.

"Tai Sui Chen Earth... it was just something I made up."

The mighty man's eyes widened fiercely, angrily shouting: 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

"Refusing a toast, but wanting to drink a forfeit!"

He reached out with a big hand, making the old man stagger, one side of his face swelling up, two teeth spat out mixed with blood.

"I'll speak, I'll speak! Spare me, sir!"

The old man, having taken a slap, saw the mighty man brimming with killing intent, knowing that tonight he might not pass this ordeal, he had no choice but to speak:

"I got the news by chance from some wandering Red Eyebrow Bandits, saying there's a Treasure Basin in this mountain, hiding the Tai Sui Chen Earth."

The mighty man's eyes sharpened, pressing him:

"Where exactly? Speak quickly!"

The old man released a bit of black mist from his sleeve, condensing into that cyan-faced little ghost:

"I was also led by Dabaou. It's in..."

Before he could finish, he was interrupted by a crow-like cackle of laughter:

"Ki ki ki! Today's quite lively!"