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Chapter 293: The Situation
🕑 Added 2024-02-06 00:46:15 +0000 UTCImmortal Path Space : Table of Content/Chapter List
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Gu Wei led Wang Hong back to the main hall where Gu Qingyang resided.
"Disciple Wang Hong pays respects to Master and Master's Wife."
"Ah, I heard you recently formed a trading caravan and went to Qianqiao City with them?" Gu Qingyang inquired. He was well-informed about Wang Hong's activities, so it was not surprising.
"Master, the caravan I formed was just established, and our strength is lacking. It was our first time trading outside the city, so I accompanied them," Wang Hong explained, mindful of Gu Qingyang's previous advice to prioritize cultivation.
"You certainly have a knack for management. Your Master is humbled," Gu Qingyang praised, deviating from his usual scolding and instead complimenting Wang Hong.
"Hehe, when it comes to management skills, Master is still miles behind Little Hongzi," Master's Wife chimed in, teasingly. Gu Qingyang managed some businesses, but they never really thrived, and he hadn't earned many Spirit Stones over the years.
"Master's dedication to cultivation is what leads to the path of the Golden Core. He's the role model for us disciples. This time, I happened to obtain some Ink Pine nuts, and I'd like Master and Master's Wife to taste them!" Wang Hong said.
As people spent more time together, they influenced each other. Wang Hong had picked up the habit of giving compliments from his interactions with the Ma Brothers.
"Haha! Among all your disciples, only Little Hongzi is so considerate. Every time he comes to visit, he brings some snacks," Wang Hong knew that Master's Wife liked to snack, so he always brought some with him. While not particularly precious, sometimes the value of a gift lay in thoughtfulness rather than its actual worth.
Coincidentally, he had some Ink Pines growing in his space. Ink Pine nuts were excellent materials for making spirit ink. The nuts had a fragrant aroma and were believed to have longevity benefits.
Wang Hong picked a large bag of them and gave it to Master's Wife as a suitable pastime snack.
"Master's Wife, you're too kind. Showing filial respect to one's elders is a disciple's duty," Wang Hong replied humbly.
Afterward, Wang Hong took the opportunity to seek guidance from Gu Qingyang on some challenging cultivation questions, and Gu Qingyang provided detailed explanations.
"Next, there's another matter I need your help with," Gu Qingyang said after answering Wang Hong's questions.
"I wonder what task Master has for me?" It had been over a decade since Wang Hong had joined, and this was the first time Gu Qingyang had assigned him a task.
"I've established a market in Heishi Valley. Currently, your Elder Brother is stationed there. I'd like you to go and assist him. Take Gu Wei with you as well; it's time for him to gain some experience."
Gu Wei had been pestering Gu Qingyang to let him go out and gain experience, but Gu Qingyang didn't have the time to accompany him. Besides, with a Golden Core cultivator by his side, how could he truly experience the world? Gu Wei's understanding of the Cultivation World had become skewed over the years.
Sending him out alone was not an option, but Wang Hong was a stable individual, and they seemed to get along well. Having Gu Wei accompany Wang Hong would put Gu Qingyang's mind at ease.
Moreover, Heishi Valley's market is guarded by your Senior Disciple, so there shouldn't be any safety issues.
The surrounding areas of Heishi Valley are mostly occupied by loose cultivators, and it's common for deception, murder, and treasure hunting to occur. This will give Gu Wei a chance to witness the cruelty of the Cultivation World.
Originally, Gu Qingyang had intended to pair Gu Wei with your Fourth Disciple, Ji Chen, and have them develop into Dao Companions. Ji Chen had excellent potential and a chance to reach the Golden Core stage in the future. If the two of them became Dao Companions, Gu Wei would also receive care and support.
Although Gu Qingyang had nearly a hundred years of life left, he had to plan ahead for his only heir. Unfortunately, Ji Chen had a cold personality and could never accept Gu Wei, forcing him to abandon the idea of pairing them up. After all, forcing a connection wouldn't lead to a happy outcome.
As for Gu Wei, his Spiritual Roots were not outstanding, only possessing four Spiritual Roots. Without his guidance, he wouldn't even have been able to achieve Foundation Building, let alone reach the Golden Core stage in his lifetime.
Hearing this news, Gu Wei nearly jumped up with excitement, but a stern glance from Gu Qingyang made him shrink back, hiding his giddy excitement.
"Master, when should we depart, and how long will we be away?" Since Gu Qingyang had given the order, there was no room for negotiation.
"Prepare yourselves and depart in three months. You two will go to Heishi Valley's market, and you can return in two years. Additionally, focus on your cultivation, and try to enhance your own strength. In the coming years, there may be significant changes in the East Zhou Cultivation Realm, and having personal strength is crucial for survival amidst the chaos."
With these words, Gu Qingyang had already hinted at important information, causing Wang Hong to tremble. Hearing such words from a Golden Core cultivator indicated that the situation was not optimistic.
"Has the conflict with the Demon Clan in the east reached such a point?" Although Wang Hong had sensed the turmoil in the Cultivation World, it was the first time he had heard specific information from a high-tier cultivator. Perhaps his lower status prevented him from knowing more confidential information.
"The battle with the Demon Clan in the east has resulted in the loss of several Cultivation Cities. One of the Mortal kingdoms fell, with over a hundred million lives consumed by Demonic Beasts. During this time, the casualties among cultivators have reached tens of thousands. The Demon Clan is rapidly depleting the foundation of the Cultivation World."
"On the other side, the Demon Clan in the West Zhou Demon Realm, after a decade of prolonged conflict with our human race at the Boundary Mountain Range, has recently shown signs of reinforcement. It seems they are preparing for a large-scale attack."
"Just a few days ago, the Cultivation World started conscripting a hundred thousand cultivators to establish a new city east of Jin'an City. The new city can both contain Jin'an City and provide mutual support with Boundary City to prepare for the impending major battle. Your Fourth Senior Sister was part of the first group of cultivators dispatched to support this effort, and the second group will be summoned in a few days."
"Due to your Alchemist status, you won't be conscripted for now, but your Alchemy tasks will be increased."
After listening to Gu Qingyang's detailed information, Wang Hong was even more shaken. Tens of thousands of cultivators had been casualties, and over a hundred million Mortals had fallen prey to Demonic Beasts. If this continued, the entire foundation of the East Zhou Cultivation Realm would be exhausted.
If both sides of the Demon Clan broke through, it would likely mean that there would be no place left for humanity to stand.
"Alright, you have an idea of the situation now. Prepare yourselves, and do not spread this information. Our sect has survived for tens of thousands of years and will find a way to survive."
"Furthermore, I have an item for your personal protection. I may also need to join the battle in the near future. Take care of Gu Wei for me; he still has much to learn. As his senior brother, you can guide and teach him."
Gu Qingyang took out a Jade Box, enveloped it in Spiritual Power, and handed it to Wang Hong.
"Yes, thank you for the gift, Master. I will do my best to ensure my junior brother's safety."
Wang Hong accepted the Jade Box and placed it carefully into his Storage Bag. If Gu Qingyang said it could save his life, it certainly wouldn't be an ordinary item.
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Next Chapter >>Chapter 294: Arrangements
