Bidding farewell to Elder Yan and the others, Ye Qin flew back to his residence on the southern slope of Qingquan Peak. There, he packed a few sets of clothing belonging to the Foundation Establishment disciples of the Azure Elixir Sect, along with a substantial collection of transcribed books and jade slips copied from the Azure Elixir Sect’s Scripture Repository. These weren't just cultivation manuals; they included various biographies of cultivators’ travels, all placed within his storage pouch.

He reflected that he had prepared for this long journey and training expedition for the better part of half a year, having already refined dozens of vials filled with Guiyuan Pills—the necessary elixir for low-tier Foundation Establishment cultivators. These ensured he could continue cultivating without the slightest delay, even while on the road.

After a moment of contemplation, Ye Qin sent a final transmission talisman to Huangfu Bing'er, who was currently in secluded cultivation on Azure Elixir Peak, bidding her goodbye. This departure meant at least three years away, with no certainty of when he would return.

It took half a day before he received Huangfu Bing'er’s reply. It contained little else, just a single line: "Focus entirely on your cultivation, and achieve Core Formation swiftly."

Ye Qin fell silent.

Indeed, Core Formation. There was no other path forward. With Huangfu Bing'er’s ice-like intelligence, she had undoubtedly considered every option, yet this path remained the optimal way out. Only by becoming a Core Formation cultivator could one cast off the shackles of family obligations. His external training journey could not afford any stagnation in his progress.

He summoned the siblings Peng Yuan and Peng Dan, entrusting them with the care of his courtyard and the medicinal garden plots. The monthly stipend issued by the sect to Foundation Establishment cultivators would also be collected by them to cover the wages of the hired miscellaneous disciples maintaining the grounds.

The siblings were deeply reluctant to see him go. Although Ye Qin usually focused only on cultivation and maintained a distant air, he had never stinted on their benefits and treated them not as outsiders. Compared to other Foundation Establishment cultivators, his treatment was remarkably fair.

Peng Yuan even thumped his chest and swore an oath. By the time Ye Qin returned from his training, the herb garden would surely boast sprawling, thriving spiritual herbs, and the money Ye Qin had paid would yield the greatest returns.

Having finished these arrangements, Ye Qin waved them out and remained alone in the pavilion, sitting in meditation with his eyes closed.

Two mornings later.

Yan Xuan, Zhu Changyun, Lü Yuan, and Ye Qin—four Foundation Establishment cultivators—each took up their baggage and departed from the Azure Elixir Mountain Gate. They ascended their swords together, flying eastward toward the Spirit Mist Mountain Range.

Among the four, Yan, Zhu, and Lü had all previously been Blue Robe disciples, hailing from major cultivation families.

Of these three, Yan Xuan held the highest status, being the daughter of Elder Yan. Zhu and Lü followed in rank. Zhu Changyun was the son of Elder Zhu of the Azure Elixir Sect, handsome and possessing a somewhat arrogant air of dashing charm. Lü Yuan was a core Blue Robe disciple, plump and jovial like a smiling merchant, exuding amiability.

Ye Qin was a Green Robe disciple, originating from the rogue cultivator path, possessing virtually no status. He consciously took the lowest seat, respectfully addressing the other three as Senior Sister or Senior Brother. All four were currently at the first layer of Foundation Establishment, their cultivation equal, thus their seniority was naturally arranged by birth and status.

For some inexplicable reason, Ye Qin always detected a faint, elusive thread of hostility and disdain in Zhu Changyun's gaze, which greatly puzzled him. He reasoned that he had only met this Senior Brother Zhu a few days ago and surely hadn't offended him in any way.

Fortunately, Yan Xuan and Lü Yuan showed him considerable goodwill. Yan Xuan had partnered with Ye Qin during the trial in the Myriad Withered Ridge cave, even conceding two Foundation Establishment Pills, which were the very reason she had succeeded in her own Foundation Establishment. Her favorable impression of him was thus natural. Lü Yuan was Yan Xuan’s cousin; as family, he naturally wouldn't treat Ye Qin as an outsider.

Ye Qin deliberately avoided Zhu Changyun, opting instead to chat idly with Lü Yuan.

The four traveled day and night, flying continuously for over ten days, occasionally resting in the Spirit Mist Mountain Range to recover their spiritual power. On one such day, they finally flew out of the mountain range and arrived above the Spirit Mist Grand Canyon. In the distance, they could see a massive city of bluestone—Immortal Fate City—situated on the Gobi desert flatlands. Even viewed from the sky, this cultivator city was incomparably grand and magnificent.

Zhu Changyun flew at the forefront. Upon spotting Immortal Fate City on the Gobi, he immediately brightened with delight. He turned back and called out cheerily to Yan Xuan, "Hehe, Junior Sister Yan, we’ve finally arrived! I was nearly suffocated back at the sect. Let’s rest in Immortal Fate City for ten-odd days before heading to the Northern Qi Kingdom. What do you say?"

Yan Xuan glanced back at Ye Qin and Lü Yuan. Having tired from the journey these past days, she nodded in agreement.

Ye Qin and Lü Yuan followed behind, flying side-by-side at an unhurried pace. Since Yan Xuan led this expedition, their agreement or disagreement was inconsequential as long as she consented. Lü Yuan dared not oppose Yan Xuan's will.

Ye Qin naturally chose to remain silent. During these ten-plus days, Zhu and Yan had been the ones making decisions; he had only occasionally enjoyed cordial chats with Lü Yuan, the chubby one.

Lü Yuan was somewhat disgruntled that Zhu Changyun had consulted only with Yan Xuan and not with him before deciding on staying in Immortal Fate City. He lowered his voice, "This training expedition directly concerns the interests of my Lü family. That Zhu Changyun is clearly just tagging along, not taking the training seriously at all. I guarantee he won't exert himself much once we reach Northern Qi. Also, Junior Brother Ye, that Zhu boy used to be close with Wu Zijian, had some acquaintance; it's normal for him to look down on you."

Ye Qin looked at Lü Yuan in surprise. He hadn't expected Senior Brother Lü to be so perceptive, noticing Zhu Changyun's subtle hostility.

"Is that the reason he dislikes me?"

Lü Yuan rolled his eyes and grumbled, "That's certainly a factor, but his hostility toward you likely stems more from my cousin. My cousin has quite a few admirers within the Azure Elixir Sect, and he is one of them. It’s plain to see that she has a favorable impression of you; after returning from the Myriad Withered Ridge trial, she mentioned you for a full two years. Since this Zhu boy has designs on my cousin, he naturally resents you. However, Zhu boy hoping to become a dual cultivation partner with my cousin is just a pipe dream. The Yan family has no particular affinity with the Zhu family and certainly doesn't need to forge a marriage alliance with them."

Ye Qin remained silent. Lü Yuan's words touched upon the entanglements between several families within the sect. Unaware of the depths of these feuds, he chose to keep quiet to avoid drawing trouble upon himself.

Lü Yuan glanced at the taciturn Ye Qin. Even when the topic turned to his cousin’s potential dual cultivation partner, Ye Qin showed no reaction. Lü Yuan nodded inwardly; his uncle was right, this Junior Brother Ye was exceptionally calm, unhurried, and composed—a talent just based on that bearing alone.

He actually carried an order from Elder Yan for this trip to the Northern Qi Kingdom: to observe Ye Qin’s conduct. If Ye Qin harbored any inappropriate ambition, foolishly attempting to seek a marriage alliance with the Yan family, then further support would be unnecessary, and he would not be highly regarded in the future.

However, it now seemed that Junior Brother Ye had no intention of getting close to Yan Xuan or relying on her to climb into the Yan family hierarchy. Lü Yuan mused that this alone showed Junior Brother Ye possessed self-awareness, knowing what he could rightfully claim and what was beyond his reach. Calm, intelligent, knowing when to advance and retreat—even being a rogue cultivator by origin, he was entirely worthy of nurturing. Lü Yuan had already made up his mind to try his best to persuade his family elders to absorb this Junior Brother Ye into the Lü family.

He couldn't help but smile, "Junior Brother Ye, I actually envy rogue cultivators like you. At least you have no elders interfering; you can do as you please. Those of us from cultivation families are always bound, forced to follow the family's arrangements. It’s slightly better for Foundation Establishment disciples like us; we have some degree of autonomy. For Qi Condensation disciples, they don't even have the right to speak; they must do exactly as the family dictates. Once we reach Northern Qi, my Lü family has many Qi Condensation women, all beautiful as flowers. If you fancy any of them, just tell Senior Brother, and I can make the decision without needing anyone else's approval."

Lü Yuan winked slyly with a grin.

Ye Qin played dumb, pivoting to another topic: "Then why aren't we pressing on with our journey? Senior Sister Yan, you, and I can decide the itinerary; there’s no need to delay in Immortal Fate City. Senior Brother Zhu can only comply anyway."

Lü Yuan's plump face shifted, his eyes twinkling with a knowing, male understanding. "Junior Brother Ye, I know you are eager to reach Northern Qi. But a few days' delay won't hurt. Do you know how far it is from Immortal Fate City to the Northern Qi Kingdom?"

Ye Qin asked curiously, "Not precisely. I don't have a map scroll here. Is it very far?"

Lü Yuan boomed, "Of course, it is! Even flying on swords, a round trip takes nearly a year. Staying a few days in Immortal Fate City won't impede our schedule. Furthermore, Immortal Fate City is the gathering place for disciples from all sects in the Spirit Mist area. There are many good items here. The last time I came, I was taken by an elder to look around; this time is a good chance to browse. Perhaps we can find something useful. Let's go, we've arrived!"

Lü Yuan chuckled, banking his flying sword slightly, beginning to descend.

Ye Qin blinked, suddenly feeling a massive pulling force below, dragging his flying sword down.

It turned out that during their casual conversation, the four of them had passed over the Spirit Mist Grand Canyon and reached the airspace above Immortal Fate City. The city possessed an anti-flight formation, prohibiting aerial travel above it. They could only land outside the city and walk in.

The dozens of golden-armored guards at the city gate, without even asking to see tokens, immediately nodded respectfully and granted passage upon seeing the four Foundation Establishment cultivators in their Azure Elixir Sect robes arriving together. The Qi Condensation disciples waiting outside the gate, whether rogue cultivators or from families, consciously yielded the path.

Walking on the bluestone streets within the city, Ye Qin felt a pang of emotion. Immortal Fate City was as bustling as it had been six years ago, with numerous Qi Condensation cultivators busily preparing for the annual trial in the Spirit Mist Grand Canyon.

They found a luxurious inn within the city and settled in temporarily. The following days were for individual activities.

Zhu Changyun hastily excused himself from the three, heading off excitedly to explore the city, claiming he was meeting friends.

Lü Yuan merely sneered dismissively, seemingly aware of what Zhu Changyun intended to do. Under the supervision of high-ranking members in the Azure Elixir Sect, Zhu dared not act recklessly, but here in Immortal Fate City, no one was watching—he could do as he pleased.

Lü Yuan planned to visit a Lü family elder in Immortal Fate City and excused himself from Ye Qin, arranging to reconvene at the inn ten days later before proceeding to Northern Qi.

Yan Xuan went out onto the streets, claiming she needed to purchase sachets, hairpins, and other items required by female cultivators.

Finally, Ye Qin realized with a sense of glumness that he was the only one left in the inn. He hadn't expected to stay in Immortal Fate City for ten days midway through the journey and consequently didn't know what to do with himself for the moment.

After some consideration, he decided to visit the underground market.

This underground market was certainly not the public one within the city, where only low-quality items favored by Qi Condensation disciples were traded. Lü Yuan had once mentioned that Immortal Fate City possessed a secret underground market specifically for transactions between Foundation Establishment cultivators of major sects, dealing in expensive goods only they could use.

This underground market was the property of the Rogue Cultivator Alliance, boasting extremely high credibility as it never disclosed the origins or backgrounds of buyers and sellers. Foundation Establishment cultivators from all the great sects in the Spirit Mist Mountain Range favored trading here. The commerce of the Immortal Fate City underground market was almost the densest hub in the entire Spirit Mist cultivation world.

Ye Qin finally understood that Immortal Fate City was not merely a city heavily populated by Qi Condensation disciples; it was more important than he had imagined. At the very least, it served as the trading center for Foundation Establishment cultivators from the major cultivation sects.

However, despite the existence of such a market, Lü Yuan had left too hastily and hadn't clearly explained its exact location. He only said that many cultivators knew, and Ye Qin could just ask someone for directions.

Ye Qin summoned an inn attendant to inquire about the location of the underground market, but the attendant responded with total ignorance. The waiter had only been in Immortal Fate City for a few years and knew nothing of a secret underground market.

Ye Qin felt a touch of annoyance. He changed into plain cultivator robes without any distinguishing marks and left the inn, stepping out onto the streets of Immortal Fate City to wander around. Since he didn't know where the underground market was, he resolved to visit places like the city's artifact forges and Spirit Tool Pavilions, hoping to find something useful.

As Ye Qin walked down the street, his gaze suddenly shifted. He saw an old Daoist priest with a plaster patch stuck to his forehead, trying to hawk wares to several newly arrived Qi Condensation cultivators. The newcomers, however, spat in his face and cursed him as a fraud.

The plaster-faced old Daoist cried out about bad luck.

Ye Qin smiled faintly, something dawning on him. He tapped his foot, his figure moving with the swiftness of smoke, covering the distance in two or three steps to arrive beside the plaster-faced Daoist. He chuckled, "Plaster-Faced Daoist, how's business been lately?"

The old Daoist lowered his head dejectedly, startled by someone approaching him without any warning. He widened his eyes and stared at Ye Qin. His cultivation was too low, only the first layer of Qi Condensation. Although he sensed Ye Qin’s cultivation was vastly superior, he couldn't gauge by how much. In his panic, he assumed Ye Qin was someone coming to collect a debt. He hurriedly concealed the plaster on his forehead and vehemently denied, "Esteemed Daoist Master, you must have the wrong person! The person you know is definitely not my distant relative from a side branch! This humble Daoist absolutely does not owe you any spirit stones!"

Ye Qin smiled, "Don't be nervous, I just need directions. I'll pay."

"Asking for directions, this humble Daoist is very capable in that regard."

Hearing that it was a paying job, the plaster-faced Daoist immediately broke into a smile. "Esteemed Daoist Master, please speak. Where do you wish to go? This humble Daoist will tell you everything he knows! However, the fee depends on where you wish to go."

"How does one get to the underground market in Immortal Fate City? That place where many Foundation Establishment cultivators trade. Don't tell me you don't know; it would be strange if a local fixture like you were unaware."

"The underground market?"

The plaster-faced Daoist looked surprised. After thinking for a moment, he grimaced, "This humble Daoist does not know. However, I know of a place frequently frequented by Foundation Establishment cultivators from various sects. But my cultivation is low, and I have never been inside."

"Oh? Where is that?"

"That place requires one low-grade spirit stone!"

The plaster-faced Daoist made an exorbitant demand.

Ye Qin handed him one spirit stone.

The old Daoist snatched the spirit stone, overjoyed, and immediately smiled, "It's at the Immortal Fate Hall, in the very center of Immortal Fate City!"

Ye Qin frowned, "Immortal Fate Hall? Isn't that the primary meeting ground for the Rogue Cultivator Alliance, off-limits to outsiders? Why would that place be the underground market?"

The plaster-faced Daoist refused to say more, merely smiling and rubbing his hands. "One question, one spirit stone."

Ye Qin frowned again, pulling out another low-grade spirit stone and tossing it over.

The old Daoist caught the stone and laughed, "This humble Daoist dares not deceive you. Why the underground market is there, I do not know either. However, I have wandered Immortal Fate City for decades; I've been to every corner except the Immortal Fate Hall. It's guarded by Foundation Establishment cultivators, and one simply cannot enter. Furthermore, only Foundation Establishment cultivators can go in. If there is an underground market in Immortal Fate City, it can only be the Immortal Fate Hall. The main gate of the Immortal Fate Hall rarely opens; those Foundation Establishment cultivators enter through the side gates. Daoist Master is generous; let me offer a small secret as well. Immortal Fate City has two immensely powerful defensive formations. One is established on the four city walls, but the other, even mightier array, is built around the Immortal Fate Hall. Even if the city is breached and the entire Immortal Fate City is destroyed, as long as the Immortal Fate Hall remains intact, Immortal Fate City can be rebuilt. Breaking through these two formations is no easy feat. Back in the day, Immortal Fate City was destroyed several times..."

Ye Qin had no time to listen to the plaster-faced Daoist ramble about the history of Immortal Fate City; he estimated it would take three years to finish such a tale. He interrupted him, "Take me to that side gate of the Immortal Fate Hall! Payment due."

When the plaster-faced Daoist heard this request, he was instantly dumbfounded. "Uh... you want to go in? Esteemed Elder, are you a Foundation Establishment cultivator?"

Ye Qin stared at him coldly and said in a sharp voice, "Do I not look like one?"

The plaster-faced Daoist shuddered, suddenly jolting awake. He quickly nodded and led the way, while internally crying out in dismay—Mother of heaven, I'm getting old and my eyesight is failing! I tried to fleece a Foundation Establishment cultivator, but thankfully this Daoist Master spoke politely and didn't hold a grudge. (To be continued. For future events, please visit www**com for more chapters, supporting the author and genuine reading!) First published.