Chapter 2: Urgent Visit to Qinghe Market

Qi Xiu and Qin Ye's heated debate gradually softened into a low conversation, eventually turning into Qin Ye, a ninety-year-old man, sobbing like a child in front of Qi Xiu.

"My second ancestor was still alive when I inherited the family estate. Back then, though our family no longer had the glory of the legendary founder, we were still regarded as barons. Those barons and even viscounts respected me, not daring to slight me. I had some faces in Qi Yun City. But now, as I age, I am increasingly disregarded. Even the lowest-ranking officials dare to give me attitude…"

Qin Ye wept bitterly, rambling about his past glory and current "disgrace." Indeed, the current situation seemed disgraceful to him. Most of all, he feared the future. "What if Master Qi fails to reach the Foundation Establishment? What if someone from my Qin family doesn't become the sect leader?"

"As long as there are still Qi Refining cultivators in your family, you won't lose your status as nobles. Nobles are still nobles!" Qi Xiu thought to himself, knowing Qin Ye wouldn't like this response. He understood that Qin Ye wasn't seeking answers but needed someone to vent to. Qi Xiu gently comforted and saw him out, noticing that the soundproof barrier had long since lost its power.

Watching Qin Ye's frail figure depart, Qi Xiu saw a reflection of the Chu Qin Sect's precarious state in the older man's weakening steps.

Turning his gaze to the wooden chest, Qi Xiu's mind raced with thoughts. He hadn't revealed the actual situation to Qin Ye. The Chu Qin Sect was indeed on the brink of collapse.

Master Qi was his teacher and benefactor, treating him like his own child even after learning that Qi Xiu couldn't progress further in the Dao. He shielded Qi Xiu from the scorn and bullying of other sect members.

However, Master Qi wasn't fit to be the sect leader. In his youth, he was considered a genius most likely to succeed in the Foundation Establishment. He defeated many competitors to lead the Chu Qin Sect despite not being a Qin family member. However, after repeated failures to achieve Foundation Establishment, his personality grew increasingly eccentric and selfish, causing division within the sect.

Master Qi was seventy-four, theoretically having another thirty or forty years to live. As long as he was alive, the Chu Qin Sect was protected by the three-generation rule, and no one dared to move against the sect. However, his obsession with cultivation led him to neglect the sect's affairs, resulting in internal strife and power struggles.

Recently, rumors spread that Elder Chu of the Qi Yun Sect, a Nascent Soul cultivator, declared that his connection with the Chu Qin Sect ended with the death of his disciple Qin Lie'er. This statement left no room for doubt, stripping the Chu Qin Sect of its most excellent protection.

Moreover, Master Qi's repeated failures with elixirs significantly reduced his lifespan. This secret became widely known, emboldening nearby sects to eye the Chu Qin Sect hungrily. Reports indicated that cultivators from various sects roamed openly outside the sect's mountain gate, ready to pounce as soon as Master Qi died.

These issues, while multifaceted, couldn't absolve Master Qi of his responsibility. Qi Xiu had been placed here as a trusted confidant to secretly sell off the sect's accumulated resources in exchange for the elixirs needed for Master Qi's Foundation Establishment attempts and to support his trusted followers.

This was something he couldn't reveal to Qin Ye. After all, the Chu Qin Sect was the legacy of the Qin family, and these resources were given to Qin Ye for transport to allay suspicions.

"Qin Ye would be furious if he knew the truth. But for me, Master Qi and the Qi family's kindness outweighs all else. Sorry, old Qin family," Qi Xiu thought.

He instructed the gatekeeper to watch the door and not let anyone in. Closing the door, he approached the chest, recited the agreed-upon incantation, and the sealing talismans silently fell away.

Opening the chest, the room was bathed in a treasure's glow, filled with artifacts, talismans, spirit stones, and spiritual herbs. These need to be quickly traded for the essential elixir, the Foundation Establishment Pill, for Master Qi's breakthrough attempt.

Sorting through the treasures, Qi Xiu, accustomed to such clandestine sales, assessed their worth. "These items can be exchanged for the Foundation Establishment Pill, but some are harder to trade. Time might be tight. The sooner I act, the better my chance of helping Master Qi."

Without hesitation, he took out a small, intricately designed bag —a valuable storage bag with the inscription "Qi Yun" on one side, indicating it was made by the Qi Yun Sect and "Two Square" on the other, denoting its capacity. This bag, equal in size to the chest, was given to Qi Xiu for smuggling convenience.

Chanting an incantation, the chest disappeared into the storage bag. Qi Xiu prepared some travel essentials, noted the setting sun, and called the gatekeeper to care for the small monkey. He instructed the gatekeeper to say he was visiting a friend if asked and, once satisfied with the gatekeeper's understanding, set off.

Walking calmly, Qi Xiu strolled as if taking a leisurely walk, occasionally pausing to admire the scenery. After several miles, sensing no pursuit, and with dusk falling, he slipped into a forest, changed into simple clothes, and applied a disguise, transforming from a clean, red-robed Taoist into a dark-skinned farmer.

Though not skilled in disguise, Qi Xiu felt safe from recognition, having lived secludedly for years. He activated a light body talisman and took off at a run through the forest.

His destination was the nearby Qinghe Market, chosen for its minimal influence from the Qi Yun Sect and its bustling trade by independent cultivators, making it ideal for discreet transactions.

Qi Xiu moved swiftly, taking secluded paths, replenishing the talisman's power as needed. By dawn, he reached Qinghe Market, exhausted from the night's journey. Finding a sheltered spot, he changed attire again, meditated to restore his spiritual energy, and then mingled with the growing crowd, entering the market.

Removing traces of his disguise, Qi Xiu adopted the identity of a disciple from a distant sect, wearing an authentic robe acquired during a past visit. Confident in his established persona, he headed straight for the market's grandest building.

Inside, a host greeted him, recognizing him as a regular customer. Qi Xiu asked, "Who is on duty today?"

"Elder Zhang," the host replied, leading Qi Xiu to the second floor and stopping at a private room. After knocking, the host bowed and said, "Please enter; Elder Zhang is inside."

Qi Xiu pushed open the door and stepped inside.