**Chapter 67: Preparing Early**

There is nothing new under the sun. 

Such a scene inevitably made He Song think of certain possibilities.

What kind of cultivators could be labeled as "problematic"? 

Who would decide? 

Who would carry out the judgment? 

Most likely, only the members of the law enforcement team from the Immortal City would have such authority.

But who could guarantee that these law enforcement team members, coming from the Immortal City, wouldn't be tempted by wealth, kill innocents to claim merit, or seize the opportunity to plunder resources for themselves? 

After all, they wielded immense power, and their cultivation levels were likely not low. 

If they truly wanted to do something, the cultivators living on the outskirts of the market would have no way to resist.

At that moment, He Song's expression darkened slightly, and he felt a cold sweat break out on his back.

If such a situation were to occur, would the wealthy market cultivators, those without backing, or even himself, be labeled as "problematic" cultivators? 

With power in their hands, the law enforcement team members could decide with a single word who was problematic and who wasn't—entirely based on their whims. 

Taking advantage of the situation to plunder resources wouldn't be out of the question.

He Song glanced at Zhao Lin beside him. 

After some thought, he decided to offer a warning.

"Fellow Daoist, when the time comes, who will be the ones labeled as 'problematic' cultivators?" 

His voice was calm, but in his heart, He Song had already decided to leave the market immediately and return only after the law enforcement team had departed.

Now, He Song possessed two major formations and had learned several defensive spells. 

Although he lacked magical tools and had a limited supply of spirit talismans, his cultivation at the fifth layer of Qi Refining meant that as long as he was cautious or hid within his Misty Traversal Formation, he would be safe. 

This time, he wouldn't be like during the last calamity, when his low cultivation level and reluctance to give up the comfortable life in the market had forced him to hide in a friend's home, leaving his fate to the heavens.

As he began planning his escape, He Song's expression remained calm.

However, with He Song's warning, Zhao Lin finally caught on. 

"Fellow Daoist, you mean..." Zhao Lin's expression shifted from surprise to deep thought, and then to fear in an instant.

When Meng Guan had introduced Zhao Lin to He Song as a connection, he had mentioned that Zhao Lin was a cautious individual, much like He Song himself.

It was precisely because of Zhao Lin's cautious nature that he immediately understood the implications of He Song's words.

Yes, when the time came, who would be the ones labeled as "problematic" cultivators? 

It could be wealthy rogue cultivators, truly problematic individuals, or simply those who rubbed someone the wrong way or whose deaths would be profitable. 

Such a method would not only cleanse the market of problematic cultivators but also allow those wielding power to quickly enrich themselves. 

Which member of the Immortal City's law enforcement team could resist such temptation?

After all, Zhao Lin was a talisman master, and his wealth was considerable. 

If something were to happen, he would likely be the first target.

Realizing this, Zhao Lin's previously optimistic expression turned grave. 

Before He Song's warning, he had been lost in the hope that the market's atmosphere would improve, unaware of the impending danger. 

Only now, after careful consideration, did he understand the severity of the situation.

"Fellow Daoist, I will soon leave the market to travel elsewhere. If you have any connections, could you arrange for someone to manage the spirit fields under my care? I am willing to offer thirty spirit stones as compensation." 

Seeing Zhao Lin's expression change, He Song seized the moment to make his request.

Run! 

He had to run! 

Now! Immediately!

This cursed place was not somewhere He Song planned to stay until the law enforcement team left. 

If he remained in the market, there was no telling whether the law enforcement team's blades would be quicker or his own backing stronger. 

Rather than live in fear, it was better to leave outright.

As long as someone managed his spirit fields, he wouldn't lose his status as a spirit farmer. 

Once the law enforcement team left, he could return. 

By then, life would go on as usual.

"Thank you for the warning, Fellow Daoist. As for the spirit fields, rest assured I will make the necessary arrangements. I must take my leave now." 

With a deep bow to He Song, Zhao Lin turned and hurried away, as if fearing he might not be able to leave if he delayed even a moment.

Back in the room, seeing Zhao Lin rush off, He Song quickly closed the door.

In the quiet room, He Song began to form hand seals and cast spells. 

In an instant, streams of light flew from various parts of the room and landed in his hands. 

When the light faded, He Song held fourteen formation bases—five for the Spirit Gathering Formation and nine for the Misty Traversal Formation.

With these formation bases in hand, He Song could set up the two formations elsewhere. 

Although it would take about ten days for the formations to reach maximum efficiency, the urgency of the situation left him no choice.

After storing the formation bases in his storage bag, He Song quickly began packing other essentials. 

However, due to the limited space in his storage bag, he could only take the most valuable items, such as his tea set, tea leaves, and spirit rice.

Once the storage bag was full, He Song took out a thin piece of paper. 

"Brother Wei, I've received news that the Immortal City's law enforcement team will soon arrive at the market to purge 'problematic' cultivators. 

However, the definition of 'problematic' is entirely at the discretion of the law enforcement team. 

This matter is of great importance. I plan to leave the market temporarily and return after the law enforcement team departs. 

I advise you to prepare early. 

—He Song."

With a surge of spiritual power, the paper transformed into a message-carrying paper crane and soared into the sky. 

At the same time, He Song stepped out of his room.

The sun hung high in the sky, its scorching rays falling on He Song, yet they brought him no warmth. 

Instead, the thoughts in his mind sent chills down his spine.

This matter was of grave importance. 

If he was being overly suspicious, then it would be fine—at least it would mean the market's higher-ups would impose some restraint on the law enforcement team. 

But if his fears were justified... 

He Song shook his head, pushing the unsettling feeling aside. 

After all, he had already left. Whatever happened in the market was no longer his concern.

Activating his Lightfoot Technique, He Song's figure quickly dashed out of the market and toward the distant, rolling mountains.

(End of Chapter)