Shane Freak
patreon
Chapter 519: The Messenger
🕑 Added 2024-04-02 00:44:49 +0000 UTCImmortal Path Space : Table of Content/Chapter List
XXX-----XXX-----XXX-----XXX
In the vast region to the south of East Zhou, known as the South Continent or the Southern Region, one would find the Poison Marsh and Miasma, making it an inhospitable place for ordinary humans.
This land was teeming with poisonous insects and fierce beasts, dotted with perilous territories, some of which even posed a threat to Nascent Soul Cultivators.
Despite the harsh conditions, there were still many Cultivators who managed to survive in this environment. Most of them were practitioners of unorthodox methods that could not find acceptance in the mainstream Cultivation World. They were often labeled as the "Evil Path."
The term "Evil Path" was broad and could encompass those who committed heinous deeds, but it wasn't limited to them. Anyone who deviated from the mainstream or rubbed others the wrong way would be branded as part of the Evil Path.
If someone disagreed, they could settle it through combat; the loser would be deemed part of the Evil Path.
These practitioners had been driven to the Southern Region to eke out a living, putting down roots and propagating. Over thousands of years, the Southern Region had developed its own Cultivation community, giving rise to powerful factions that ruled different parts of the region.
When East Zhou's Cultivation Realm fell to the alliance of West Zhou and the Eastern Sea, many Sects and Cultivators fled to the Southern Region. The Cultivators of the Southern Region harbored a natural enmity towards those from East Zhou, and this enmity had become deeply ingrained over time.
Furthermore, the major powers that had entered the Southern Region couldn't afford to remain secluded; they needed more resources and greater influence.
As a result, the Southern Region had never known peace in decades, with daily conflicts and skirmishes among its inhabitants.
The Immortal Way Trading Company wasn't particularly strong, and gathering information from East Zhou for Wang Hong was already a challenging task. Thus, they hadn't actively collected information about the Southern Region until now.
The messenger sent to deliver a letter and establish contact in the Southern Region had only realized the chaotic state of affairs upon arrival.
Qingxu Sect had suffered significant damage after the conflict with East Zhou. Their resources in the Southern Region were limited, and years of constant warfare had taken a toll on their strength. They were on a downward spiral, only sustained by two Nascent Soul elders. Without acquiring more resources, they would struggle to cultivate the next generation of Nascent Soul Cultivators.
Zhou Shiqi, the current head of Qingxu Sect, had never known a day of relaxation since taking up the mantle of leadership. When Qingxu Sect was at its peak, it boasted dozens of Golden Core Cultivators, three thousand Foundation Building disciples, and half a million Qi Cultivators. Now, they had only a handful of Golden Core Cultivators and a few hundred Foundation Building Cultivators left.
At that moment, a Foundation Building disciple entered and reported, "Master, there's a messenger from the Immortal Way Trading Company requesting an audience."
Zhou Shiqi replied, "Oh? Did he mention the reason for his visit? Well, let him in."
He vaguely recalled the organization from his time defending East Zhou, and he figured that even though they were a small power, they might have some resources to offer. Qingxu Sect was in dire need of various resources to nurture their promising disciples.
He couldn't help but shake his head at the irony of his situation. The current head of Qingxu Sect was now forced to seek favor with a lesser power like the Immortal Way Trading Company, which lacked even a single Golden Core Cultivator. In the past, such a faction wouldn't even have warranted his attention.
In the current circumstances, survival took precedence, and he had to put aside his pride to secure Qingxu Sect's future.
Just then, the Foundation Building disciple returned with a black-robed cultivator in tow. Zhou Shiqi glanced at the newcomer and stood up abruptly, extending a courteous greeting, "Haha! Fellow Daoist, you've traveled a long way, and I apologize for not meeting you earlier. Please forgive my oversight."
Zhou Shiqi hadn't expected the messenger to be a Golden Core Cultivator, so he rose to greet him with the respect due to a peer.
He had no idea that the seemingly insignificant faction from the past had now advanced to the point of having a Golden Core Cultivator. While many were in decline, they had progressed, which left him genuinely surprised.
"Haha! Fellow Daoist Zhou, no need for formalities. I am Cheng Jun, a mere messenger. I've come on behalf of someone to deliver a letter and two items," Cheng Jun replied.
Zhou Shiqi couldn't help but wonder who had the influence to send Cheng Jun personally. The Immortal Way Trading Company must have gained considerable power over the years, likely with high-ranking individuals among their ranks.
"Speaking of which, this person has quite a connection with your sect. Here's a letter from him, and I believe you'll recognize the name." Cheng Jun's expression carried a hint of reverence as he mentioned the letter's sender.
Zhou Shiqi accepted the letter, and in Cheng Jun's presence, he carefully examined its contents. After reading the letter, his expression turned peculiar, and he looked back at Cheng Jun.
The contents of the letter were so extraordinary that Zhou Shiqi found it hard to believe its authenticity. "Cheng Fellow Daoist, I had no idea you came from East Zhou. I apologize for my curiosity, but I'd like to inquire about a few matters."
"Please feel free to ask any questions you have, Fellow Daoist. I am here to provide full disclosure," Cheng Jun responded, well-prepared for the queries that would follow.
"Could you tell me about Wang Hong's current strength and how many Golden Core Cultivators are under his command?" Zhou Shiqi originally intended to inquire about Wang Hong's cultivation level and the number of Golden Core Cultivators under his command. However, he hesitated, realizing that Wang Hong, who survived among the Demon Clan, was no ordinary individual.
"Wang Fellow Daoist currently commands over a hundred Golden Core Cultivators and more than three thousand Foundation Building disciples."
Zhou Shiqi's initial reaction was disbelief; how could there be so many Golden Core Cultivators among Wang Hong's followers? Golden Core Cultivators weren't something you could easily come by.
"This is indeed true. Our Cultivators have gained abundant resources from slaying Demonic Beasts and raiding the Demon Clan's lairs. Wang Fellow Daoist used these resources to recruit and cultivate these many Golden Core Cultivators."
Zhou Shiqi asked several more questions, and Cheng Jun provided answers to each one. After hearing Cheng Jun's explanations, Zhou Shiqi's expression became even more complex, and his suspicions remained unresolved.
"I apologize, but this matter is of great significance. I must discuss it with my fellow sect members before providing a response. Please stay here for a few days while we deliberate."
"Of course, I understand. Additionally, I have a few items that need to be delivered personally to a fellow Daoist named Wu Tingchang within your sect."
Upon hearing the name, Zhou Shiqi took a moment to recall Wu Tingchang's identity. He was the grandson of the former Kaiyang Peak master and had been a talented disciple of the sect. He had a close relationship with Wang Hong and was one of Wang Hong's few friends within Qingxu Sect. However, a battle with a Demonic Beast had left Wu Tingchang permanently disabled, and his cultivation had stagnated due to his injuries.
[Read at www.patreon.com/shanefreak, and heartfelt thankyou for your support!]
XXX-----XXX-----XXX-----XXX
Next Chapter >>Chapter 520: Reunion with an Old Friend
