Chapter 275: Chapter 166: Taking First Place in the Monthly Report Again: The Theory of Providence

Soon, the small door opened with a CREAK.

A beautiful woman, draped in only a sheer veil, chided playfully, "Oh my~, what brings an esteemed gentleman like you to my little place?"

Chang Shunping quickly made the introductions.

It turned out the beautiful woman before them was named Lan Nianqin, and she was actually a fourth-level Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

This came as quite a surprise to Xiao Chen.

’How could a Foundation Establishment Cultivator have fallen to this state? Even if Hezhou is more prosperous, it shouldn’t be *this* ridiculous, right?’

Lan Nianqin, however, was already used to such surprised looks. After all, she had to explain her circumstances almost every time she met another Foundation Establishment Cultivator.

She invited the two into her courtyard and began to tell her story.

In her early years, she was merely a Loose Cultivator who had unintentionally come across an incomplete inheritance for a Bewitching Art.

The art recorded a method for Refining Essence and Qi, and the higher the cultivation level of her partner, the greater the boost to her own cultivation.

The only problem was that the inheritance was missing its latter half.

After she reached the fourth level of Foundation Establishment, there was no subsequent Heart Method. To advance further, she would have to forge a new path on her own—a feat only someone of peerless talent could accomplish.

But for a Loose Cultivator, having any Cultivation Technique at all was a blessing. She was in no position to be picky.

And that was how she had ended up where she was today.

"There’s really not much to say about my messy affairs."

Lan Nianqin said with a self-deprecating smile, "I haven’t yet asked, Xiao, what business brings you to see me this time?"

.

Chang Shunping quickly jumped in to answer, "Lan, your information has always been the most reliable. Do you know where any Black Markets are held?"

As one of only two Foundation Establishment Kun Cultivators in Yixiang Courtyard, Lan Nianqin did indeed have access to a great deal of intelligence.

Individual pieces of information didn’t seem like much when shared alone, and could even be used to show off one’s knowledge or gains.

But when all these different pieces were compiled, they formed an intelligence network that could not be ignored.

She didn’t hold back. "As for a Black Market, I do happen to know of one."

"Five hundred li southwest of Willow County, there is a place called Yan’an Mountain."

"Between the front and back peaks of the mountain, there is a Lion Head Cave."

"Ever since the war began, a gathering has been held in Lion Head Cave at the turn of each season."

"The participants are all Foundation Establishment Cultivators who trade special Spiritual Objects obtained from the battlefield."

Xiao Chen took note of the time and place. "I see. Thank you, Lan."

That was quite a long time to wait.

Chang Shunping secretly observed Xiao Chen’s expression, but saw no sign of disappointment. It seemed he was truly in no hurry.

"There’s no need to thank me just yet, Xiao."

Lan Nianqin, however, just smiled and poured them both a full wine glass.

Only then did she say, "The Lion Head Cave gathering is no great secret, but it’s only attended by regulars."

"If a stranger wants to attend, they need at least two regulars to vouch for them. Otherwise, the other cultivators can get hostile."

"After all, there’s always a reason why certain items aren’t taken to a public auction."

Hearing this, Chang Shunping frowned. "Since it’s a Black Market, shouldn’t it be anonymous? Why would you need someone to vouch for you?"

’Xiao Chen is a stranger here in Hezhou. Where is he going to find anyone to vouch for him?’

Lan Nianqin shot him an annoyed glare. "Anonymous?"

"That’s just a little game for Qi Refining cultivators."

"If I wore a veil today, would you really not recognize me, Chang?"

No matter how many Foundation Establishment Cultivators there were, it was still a small circle.

Unless the event was only held once or twice, you could figure out who most attendees were just by process of elimination.

After speaking, Lan Nianqin turned back to Xiao Chen with a smile. "As it happens, I’ve been there twice myself, so I’m more or less a familiar face there."

"If you wish to attend, Xiao, or need help... disposing of some items..."

"I would be more than willing to help."

Her eyes turned sultry, and her tone shifted. "However, there are certain... details... that I’d like to discuss with you in the Red Simurgh Tent, Xiao."

The canopy hanging over the bed in Lan Nianqin’s room was indeed embroidered with a red simurgh.

?

Xiao Chen glanced at the red simurgh on the canopy and immediately understood her meaning.

’This isn’t about discussing details. She’s clearly after my body.’

’The cultivation world is far too dangerous. There are even people out here coveting my good looks.’

He waved his hand. "Thank you for your kind offer, Lan, but that won’t be necessary."

After all, he was a picky man.

Besides, the matter of finding a voucher could be both difficult and simple.

For Xiao Chen, finding two people to vouch for him wasn’t actually difficult.

Of course, he would have to wait until tomorrow’s monthly report was released.

By then, there would be no shortage of people eager to get acquainted with him.

Lan Nianqin was a little surprised. With her stunning looks and her status as a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, very few men rejected her so decisively.

After all, she hadn’t made any outrageous demands. For some, spending a passionate night with her was an unattainable dream.

She raised her wine glass and smiled. "If you change your mind, Fellow Daoist, my door is always open."

Having gotten his lead on the Black Market, Xiao Chen saw no reason to linger.

But seeing Chang Shunping leave with him surprised Lan Nianqin even more.

In the past, whenever Chang came to Yixiang Courtyard, he would stay for at least four hours.

She hadn’t expected him to be so out of character today, fawning over Xiao Chen and running his errands.

About half a month ago, Lan Nianqin had heard the rumors about the Wind and Thunder Dual Swords, and about how Vendor Zhang from the Xianghe Market had taken a major fall. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

But she still couldn’t understand. ’Does Chang Shunping really need to be so desperate to curry favor with him?’

Her confusion didn’t last long, because at noon the next day, she saw the monthly report for the first month of the year.