Chapter 84: Unusual Behavior

As long as the small mechanism hadn't been triggered, it meant that no one had entered the quiet room while he was away. In other words, no one knew that He Song had left during this period.

After putting away the small mechanism, He Song quickly immersed himself in cultivation and studying the introductory chapter of talisman crafting.

The introductory chapter of talisman crafting was similar to the introductory chapter of formation crafting, both recording only three methods for creating spirit talismans.

"This is the introductory chapter of talisman crafting, containing the methods for creating three types of talismans: the Earth Talisman, the Golden Sword Talisman, and the Swift Movement Talisman, along with various basic knowledge about talisman creation."

In his mind, He Song recalled the words that Ping'er had spoken to him long ago when explaining the introductory chapter of talisman crafting. He then began to study the methods for creating spirit talismans as described in the chapter.

The patterns drawn on talisman paper with talisman ink using a talisman brush were called talisman seals. Talisman seals and formation patterns had some similarities, though not many. However, these similarities were enough to allow He Song to quickly grasp the basics.

Now that the spirit fields He Song had cultivated outside were on track, it was time for him to start studying the introductory chapter of talisman crafting and use the identity of a talisman master to make the spirit stones he earned less conspicuous.

In the world of cultivation, if someone who knew nothing about the various arts of cultivation and had weak combat abilities suddenly became wealthy, it would undoubtedly attract attention. Suspicion, jealousy, greed, and threats would all converge on this person, and others would stop at nothing to uncover their secret.

However, if a talisman master suddenly became wealthy, people would simply assume that the talisman master was highly skilled and had sold many talismans.

Moreover, as a talisman master, it was natural for them to possess many talismans.

Generally, when facing a talisman master of the same level, most cultivators would likely be overwhelmed by the endless stream of talismans the talisman master could deploy.

A single misstep could even lead to their immediate demise.

With the ability to protect himself, a talisman master's sudden wealth wouldn't attract too much envy. This was also one of the reasons He Song had chosen to study talisman crafting.

Now, the spirit fields could bring He Song a profit of one thousand spirit stones per year. With his spirit stone income secure, He Song naturally decided to study something that could enhance his strength.

After all, having strength was essential for surviving dangerous situations.

However, just as He Song was making rapid progress in his study of the introductory chapter of talisman crafting, the conflict between the rogue cultivators and the enforcement team of Green Wall Immortal City outside Bamboo Mountain Immortal Market was becoming increasingly intense.

From time to time, news would come from the outside world. For example, at a certain time, the two sides had clashed in a certain location, even destroying a mortal city. Or at another time, rogue cultivators had ambushed members of the enforcement team, causing casualties. Additionally, there were reports of immortal city cultivators raiding rogue cultivator gathering spots, though it was unclear whether these reports were true.

He Song listened to these reports but felt deeply puzzled.

In He Song's view, rogue cultivators were simply those who couldn't survive as regular cultivators. They might have erratic personalities, act without scruples, and do anything for resources.

But none of them were fools. To openly confront the enforcement team of Green Wall Immortal City—were they under the impression that the Foundation Establishment True Persons in Green Wall Immortal City weren't formidable enough? Or had they truly lost their minds and only wanted to provoke the enforcement team? Weren't they the type to only act when there was a clear benefit?

Would they genuinely engage in something that offered no benefit and posed a life-threatening risk? This left He Song somewhat confused.

However, since it didn't seem to concern him directly, He Song didn't dwell on it. But once, during a monthly gathering of their small circle, He Song heard the answer from Wei Fan.

In the Spirit Construction Pavilion, on the second floor, in a quaintly decorated room, He Song and Wei Fan sat facing each other, each with a freshly brewed cup of tea. The aroma of the tea filled the room, giving the air a subtle fragrance.

When He Song brought up the matter as if it were a joke, Wei Fan pondered for a moment before replying, "From what I know, rogue cultivators usually operate alone. Only a few gather together for mutual support.

I haven't seen any records in the Earth Court archives of a time when rogue cultivators were as rampant as they are now. However, I once read in an old book that large-scale gatherings of rogue cultivators are often backed by a major power."

Upon hearing Wei Fan's words, He Song's previously indifferent attitude vanished. Rogue cultivators, gathering, backed by a major power—these terms, when put together, immediately conjured up a series of images in He Song's mind.

As the saying goes, there's nothing new under the sun. Having lived through an era of information explosion in his past life, He Song could keenly discern the essence of most matters. With this in mind, the confusion he had felt earlier now made sense.

He Song's eyes gleamed with realization, and he suddenly felt that even the immortal market had become a dangerous place. The immortal market was guarded by a Foundation Establishment True Person, making it safe under normal circumstances. Moreover, the spiritual energy there was much denser than in the outside world, making it the ideal place for He Song to settle.

However, when rogue cultivators began to act out of character and openly confront the enforcement team, and after several battles, the enforcement team still couldn't gain the upper hand, the idea that the rogue cultivators were backed by a major power took root in He Song's mind.

So, what was the goal of the major power behind the rogue cultivators? They wouldn't support the rogue cultivators and have them openly oppose the enforcement team without a reason.

There had to be a price to pay. Those rogue cultivators were the type who wouldn't act without a clear benefit. Without some kind of reward, how could so many rogue cultivators be willing to risk their lives to fight the enforcement team? If there were no gains, paying such a high price would be unwise.

What, then, was their goal?

As his thoughts churned, He Song's gaze turned toward the center of the immortal market. There, in the residence of True Person Bear Mountain, was the safest place in Bamboo Mountain Immortal Market. But after some contemplation, He Song still couldn't make sense of it.

Could it be that the major power behind the rogue cultivators would send a Foundation Establishment cultivator to attack the immortal market? He Song was startled by this sudden thought but quickly shook his head.

Foundation Establishment True Persons shouldn't be so easy to kill, right? But then again, one couldn't be too sure. What if one did come, and True Person Bear Mountain fled without a fight?

Perhaps it was time for He Song to find an escape route for himself.

He Song pondered. The information he had was too limited to draw any conclusions. Rather than speculating aimlessly, it would be better to gather more information before making any judgments.

With a sigh, He Song turned his gaze to Wei Fan. "Brother Wei, from now on, if you hear any news, please inform me immediately. I can't shake this feeling of unease."

(End of Chapter)