...

Qingqing thought about it and decided that since they were going to the Hundred Flowers Feast, there was no need to separate. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Once the feast was over, they would naturally go their separate ways.

Moreover, whether it’s that token or the Buddha’s finger bone relic, they are extremely precious items. If there’s a chance, not only should one be taken, but it’s best to take them all; only then would it show the true nature of a person from the demonic path.

Qingqing secretly decided that she would not be deceived by this smooth-talking, lecherous fat sheep, and forget her original intentions.

In this final period of time, she must find ways to lower his guard and get those two treasures, making him cry all the way home.

In any case, Qingqing would never admit that she was temporarily unwilling to part ways with Chu Xuan.

...

After continuing their journey for three days, Chu Xuan calculated with his fingers that it had been more than a month since he descended the mountain, and less than a month until the Hundred Flowers Feast would commence.

He didn’t plan on arriving at the last minute, hoping instead to arrive a few days early and make adequate preparations.

Therefore, Chu Xuan finally began to travel using Sword Flight.

On this day, the two arrived at a large Cultivation Marketplace in the Eastern Territory—Dongxian Market.

This market, built on one of the Seventy-Two Blessed Lands known as [Dongxian Source], is considered a half-cultivation paradise. It does not exclude Loose Cultivators, and even offers cave mansion rentals, making it very popular, ranking among the largest marketplaces in the Eastern Territory.

Chu Xuan came here mainly because Qingqing encouraged him, saying she wanted to gather some intelligence on the "Ruo Wood Secret Realm" along the way.

This realm has a mysterious origin, rumored to be an independent space created by an ancient powerful being from the Primordial Era. Although not yet at the level of a "small world," it is quite close.

The secret realm is vast, with abundant Spiritual Qi, supported by a single tree. Its environment is reminiscent of ancient times, not only nurturing countless heavenly treasures and rare spirit beasts, but also said to contain many abandoned Immortal mansions.

Since the Ruo Wood Secret Realm first appeared, it has captivated countless cultivators in the spiritual world, especially Loose Cultivators without sects, who hope to stake everything on it for a miraculous turnaround!

In nearly ten thousand years, the Ruo Wood Secret Realm has only appeared three times, the last being three thousand years ago. It is expected to appear again in two months, just after the Hundred Flowers Feast, making it the perfect opportunity to explore.

It is said that before each appearance of the secret realm, there are very obvious signs.

This time, too, about half a year ago, a giant celestial-blue tree shadow appeared over the East Sea, and as time passes, the once ethereal tree is becoming more solid by the day.

According to estimates from various cultivators, the Ruo Wood Secret Realm will definitely appear over the East Sea in at most two to three months.

Even more valuable is that the enormous treasure trove which is the Ruo Wood Secret Realm has so far been excavated less than ten percent.

This is because the first two times it appeared, there was a forceful restriction on the realm, allowing only cultivators of the first three realms to enter.

This resulted in many precious items inside not being retrievable.

Until the third appearance three thousand years ago, the restriction was relaxed to the first six realms.

Due to the limited opening time of the secret realm, many were not prepared last time and rushed in upon discovering they met the conditions.

Now, with this being the fourth time, the major forces of the spiritual world are ready to seize the opportunity.

When Chu Xuan first heard about it at the Mountain and Sea Market, he didn’t know much, and merely thought it might be worth the excitement if there was an opportunity.

It wasn’t until Qingqing explained it that he truly became intrigued:

Could there be the rare blood of the Four Mystical Monkeys in this secret realm?

If the rumors are true that the Ruo Wood Secret Realm has existed since the Primordial Era, then there might be a real chance, and perhaps even living Four Mystical Monkeys might not be impossible to find.

...

The Dongxian Market was bustling with people, occupying a total of six mountain peaks, connected by cloud bridges.

Here, one can trade, forge, practice alchemy, grow spirit medicine, tame beasts... basically, any kind of business is available, almost like a large sect.

Qingqing, upon entering, appeared highly curious, looking around excitedly as if it was her first time in such a lively place.

Chu Xuan couldn’t help but tease her, "Qingqing, aren’t you afraid of being caught here?"

It’s said that behind this market are several righteous sects, including the Purple Heaven Jade Mansion, which is said to be the leader of the righteous path.

For this reason, the Dongxian Market is very well-regulated; if the traces of demonic practices are found, they will apprehend or kill without mercy.

Qingqing snorted lightly, "Just try and report me if you dare."

She knew very well that no matter how regulated, it’s still a place for business, driven by interests. Often times, people turn a blind eye, as long as you don’t commit blatant acts of murder or arson, no one will trouble you.

Chu Xuan chuckled, "So where to next?"

"Of course, to treat me to some good food. I heard the Flying Heaven Tower in Dongxian Market has a reputation that spans the Eastern Territory, with dishes that are deliciously colorful, fragrant, and tasty. Even an Immortal, descending in the past, couldn’t stop praising it after eating."

"Their self-made Spirit Wine is the best, originally called [Centennial Aged], with vintages of three hundred, six hundred, and nine hundred years, etc."

"After being praised by an Immortal, they renamed it [Drunken Immortal Brew]. Since we’re here, how could we not taste it?"

Chu Xuan was a bit confused, "Aren’t we here to gather intelligence?"

Qingqing replied confidently, "With such a famous place as the Flying Heaven Tower, there must be plenty of guests. We can eat while eavesdropping and gather intelligence that way."