Chapter 69: The Burden of Favor
When thoughts became actions, He Song held several Thick Earth Talismans tightly in his hand, his expression solemn as he exited the cave.
However, the moment he stepped outside, his tense expression unexpectedly softened.
Not far away, a transmission paper crane lingered at the edge of the Maze Formation. It appeared lost, unable to find its intended recipient.
The crane glowed faintly as spiritual energy flowed through it, but it remained motionless like a lifeless object.
He Song quickly understood the situation.
Transmission Technique allowed cultivators to exchange their spiritual aura and send messages using cranes or birds, making it a popular choice for communication among Qi Refinement Realm cultivators.
However, the technique had its limitations. If the recipient was within a defensive formation or using an aura-concealing technique, the crane would fail to reach them and instead halt where their aura disappeared.
He Song realized that the crane had followed his aura to this location. He hadn't used any aura-concealing techniques when leaving the Immortal Market, not due to negligence but because of careful consideration.
The Immortal Market was full of hidden dangers. Certain opportunistic individuals watched for people leaving the market, ready to ambush weaker cultivators. Displaying his mid-stage Qi Refinement Realm cultivation acted as a deterrent, preventing such people from targeting him. However, if he had concealed his aura, those predators might have assumed he was an easy target.
Thus, the crane had been able to track him all the way to the Maze Formation. Unable to penetrate the formation's concealment effects, it hovered outside the barrier.
After carefully surveying his surroundings and ensuring no danger was present, He Song approached the crane while remaining on high alert. With a simple motion, he extended his hand and released a sliver of his aura. Instantly, the paper crane transformed back into a thin sheet of paper, falling into his hand.
Once again, He Song scanned the area cautiously. Confirming that no threats lingered, he returned to the cave and examined the paper.
The message read:
"Thank you for the warning, Daoist friend. As a late-stage Qi Refinement Realm cultivator and a high-ranking member of the Immortal Market, I am not overly concerned.
Regarding the matter you mentioned, I was already aware. However, I had no intention of deliberately hiding it from you and ask for your understanding.
I had planned to offer you protection when the time came, which is why I did not inform you earlier. I did not anticipate that you would have already taken action and left the market.
If circumstances change, feel free to send word. I will certainly come to your aid. This matter is significant; please do not share it with others."
– Wei Fan
After reading, He Song's heart warmed slightly.
Wei Fan, a late-stage Qi Refinement Realm cultivator, had recently advanced from the seventh to the eighth level. His cultivation level made him one of the more powerful figures in the Immortal Market, surpassed only by those at the peak of Qi Refinement Realm who were striving to break into the Foundation Establishment Realm.
Additionally, Wei Fan held an influential position as a steward in the Spirit Builder Pavilion, marking him as one of the market's elites.
It turned out Wei Fan had learned about the impending crisis early on and had planned to protect He Song when the danger arrived. However, He Song had discovered the situation through Zhao Lin earlier in the day and left the market to hide in a nearby cave.
This rendered Wei Fan's intentions moot.
Ironically, He Song had instead informed Wei Fan of the danger, urging him to prepare. Wei Fan had likely mixed feelings about this turn of events.
The favor he intended to offer had not only been rendered unnecessary, but he now owed He Song gratitude in return.
While Wei Fan had already been aware of the situation, He Song's gesture of promptly informing him was still a token of goodwill. If their friendship hadn't been so close, who else would bother to send such a warning?
At first, He Song had considered seeking Wei Fan's help directly. However, upon reflection, he chose to rely on himself instead.
Staying close to the Immortal Market, protected by the Maze Formation, ensured both safety and the ability to avoid disaster without burdening others.
Furthermore, He Song didn't want to keep accumulating debts of gratitude. Six years ago, during a major crisis, he had sought Wei Fan's help. Three years ago, in the Chen Zhou incident, he did the same. Adding another favor to the tally would only deepen the burden.
After all, what would happen in the future if Wei Fan were unwilling or unable to assist? People must ultimately learn to depend on themselves.
Though Wei Fan might genuinely care for He Song as a friend, the cultivator's favors were still a resource that couldn't be drawn upon indefinitely. Now that He Song had gained some ability to protect himself, he saw self-reliance as his best option.
However, He Song wasn't stubborn. If the situation escalated beyond his capacity, he wouldn't hesitate to seek help.
Life is precious, and staying alive remains the ultimate priority.
After tucking the paper safely into his storage bag, He Song extended his hand and conjured another blank sheet of paper.
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