An Exploration in the Black Mist

Qi Xiu shared his thoughts, and everyone quickly agreed. Soon, the members of the Chu Qin Sect sprang into action.

A small boat was easier to turn, and this was an advantage of small sects. Unlike the old Chu Qin Sect, which had dozens of Qi condensation cultivators and numerous peaks, leading to constant shifting of responsibility and extremely low efficiency.

He Yu was the most enthusiastic. He dragged Zhang Shishi along to explore the base of the mountain according to the route marked on the jade slip provided by Qi Xiu that led to the base of the mountain, while Huang He and the others followed up to provide support.

Qi Xiu, along with Zhan Yuan and Gu Ji, sorted through the cultivation materials to see what talismans and elixirs could be useful in the black fog. 

According to the jade slip, the thicker the fog, the more toxic it became, and it had an unbearable stench. Therefore, ordinary defensive talismans might be ineffective. Although few creatures cacould n survive in the black fog, it's still necessary to prepare some offensive talismans and healing pills for emergencies.

Pan Rong and Qin Weiyu took the opportunity to rest and were not assigned any tasks for now.

Before the incense stick had even burned out, the explorers returned looking disheveled. 

"It was unbearable! The elemental defense shields didn't help at all! It was both smelly and toxic!" He Yu complained, greedily inhaling the fresh air inside the Yellow Sand Illusion Formation, his frustration evident.

Zhang Shishi, though also looking grim, remained calm and analyzed the situation. "Only the Fire Elemental Shield can repel the toxic gas up close, but it can't block the stench, which is intolerable. I estimate that among the first-grade talismans, only the Wind Elemental Shield can effectively resist the black mist. Other techniques, with our current cultivation level, are not likely to help us at the base of the mountain."

He Yu and Zhang Shishi, having explored the deepest, were covered by a faint black mist and showed signs of mild black mist poisoning.

Yu Jing and Gu Ji both have water attributes among their mixed soul roots. Qi Xiu ordered them to step forward and use their spell to detoxify the two. Though Gu Ji is only a year younger than He Yu, his youthful enthusiasm is much stronger. This was the first time his spell was officially put to use. He excitedly and proudly cast a water-based detoxification spell on the two, quickly depleting his spiritual energy and, rare for him, losing his vigor.

Qi Xiu, whose beast-attribute fate source was of no help in this situation, could only watch with a sense of frustration as his disciples worked.

The Wind Elemental Shield was a top-tier 1st-grade talisman, and only cultivators with rare wind soul roots could produce it. Unfortunately, there were no such materials left by Qin Siyen for the sect.

There's no way around it; since Chu Qin Sect is new here, we haven't yet learned how to survive in Black River, Qi Xiu thought. It looks like we might have to turn to the Chu family for help. 

He made up his mind, reassured his disciples, and then headed into the sect leader's private study.

Once inside and with the door securely closed, he carefully retrieved a small wooden box from his storage pouch. Inside were a bottle containing a Foundation Establishment Pill and a letter—his personal will.

After Kan Lin's first visit, Qi Xiu had spent a lot of time reflecting. In such a place where itinerant cultivators come and go, the fate of the sect was highly uncertain. Who knows when they might encounter a madman or a villain…

The possibilities were endless, and the future remained unpredictable.

If misfortune befell him and he perished, Chu Qin Sect could not withstand another upheaval.

In his will, Qi Xiu allocated the Foundation Establishment Pill to He Yu, recognizing his exceptional potential and the need for such resources to aid in his cultivation. 

The position of Sect Master was designated for Zhang Shishi, whom Qi Xiu had observed closely over the past month and a half. Zhang Shishi might lack prospects on the path of cultivation, but his integrity, organizational skills, and thoroughness made him a reliable choice. While Xuanyuan was also capable and adept at handling affairs, his lower cultivation level was a limitation.

Qi Xiu took out the small wooden box, added another seal, and hid it beneath a loose brick in a discreet spot on the floor. The contents of the box were not something the others needed to know about yet. 

He then went out, called Zhan Yuan over alone, and he entered another inner room that served as a storage area.

Zhan Yuan followed in. "Sect Leader," he said respectfully with a bow as he entered.

Qi Xiu handed him a storage pouch. "I've made up my mind to expedite the exploration of the mountain base," he said firmly. "If we keep delaying, it will affect the rest of our plans. Our cultivation cannot afford further delays. Take this storage pouch, which contains resources we can trade, and go to Chu Youmin. Exchange them for some exploration tools and talismans suitable for dealing with the black mist. They've been stationed near Black River for a long time and must have their own methods for dealing with the black mist."

"But—" Xuanyuan looked at Qi Xiu with a puzzled expression, hesitating to speak.

Qi Xiu understood his concern. "You're probably wondering why I'm not going myself. The reason is that Chu Youmin likely won't handle such trivial matters. It's more practical to deal with one of his subordinates. Whether I go or you go, it's the same. As long as you reach the Ninth Three Market and find a long-serving assistant, it should be straightforward to get it done."

Qi Xiu sighed lightly. "Ah, Senior Kan spoke with me at length last time and explained many customs of South Xinjiang," he continued. For example, in terms of personal relationships among cultivators, this place is similar to the mortal world in that people also appreciate giving gifts to show respect. We've been within the boundaries of Qi Yun Sect for so long, where such customs are not common in the Daoist tradition. I was unaware of this etiquette when I visited Jiu San Fang last time and might have unknowingly offended someone. This time, take the gifts I've prepared and present them to the official who will receive you. As a disciple and a newcomer, you're in a better position to handle this kind of thing than I am as the Sect Leader. It also leaves room for negotiation."

Zhan Yuan thought for a moment, grasped the key points, and then bowed respectfully. "I'll go right away," he agreed readily.

Qi Xiu was pleased. Many cultivators from the Daoist tradition find such mundane tasks unsavory, but Zhan Yuan's willingness to handle these matters was quite rare. For instance, Zhang Shishi and He Yu would likely be unwilling to undertake such tasks.

The two of them packed the items for exchange into the storage pouch. Qi Xiu continued to give directions and detailed instructions. "Once you arrive, first discreetly gauge the market prices. There's no need to rush into explaining your purpose. As you'll be handling the sect's affairs in the future, it's important to pay attention to these details. If you find that we're missing items, such as frequently used Cleaning Talismans, and the prices are reasonable, feel free to purchase them. Also, stock up on spirit stones for the Wind Array Spirit Boat. After you've completed the tasks, find a place to meditate and restore your spiritual energy before returning…"

Qi Xiu watched as Xuanyuan flew off on a magical item and then instructed the others to rest well and hold off on further discussions until Xuanyuan returned.

By noon the next day, Xuanyuan had returned to the sect and came to see Qi Xiu.

"Here is a 1st-grade mid-tier Black Wind Banner. It can be used for both offense and defense, though its effects are fairly average. However, the black wind it generates can blow away the black mist, and its spiritual energy consumption is relatively low. These are Fragrant Coix Seed Pills. While they aren't considered high-grade pills, they can neutralize the toxins from the black mist when held in the mouth. I also brought a few 1st-grade Life Healing Talismans. If someone accidentally inhales a lethal dose of the black mist, these talismans can temporarily protect the heart's vital channels, buying time for further treatment..."

In the main hall, Zhan Yuan, clearly excited, was explaining to everyone about the various items he'd brought back from the Jiusanfang. He knew that Zhang Shishi was the oldest and most skilled, while He Yu had immense potential. Even though he couldn't compete with them, he was grateful for the trust the Sect Leader had placed in him by assigning him these duties. 

This was his first time handling such an important task on his own, and he was determined to get it right. Although it took a bit longer than expected, he was confident that the results would live up to the Sect Leader's trust.

"These items should pretty much ensure that the four of you can navigate the black mist at the foot of the mountain without too much trouble," he concluded.