Chapter 49: Chapter 49: Chapter 39 - Change of Circumstances i
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
Chapter 49: Chapter 39 – Change of Circumstances i
Translator: 549690339
“Why are there so many people?”
As Xu Mu walked out of the alley where the abandoned house was, he saw numerous cultivators, taking their families in the direction of Baihe Forest.
“1 don’t know!”
Three women all shook their heads.
It was like this when they just came out.
‘Could it be the Chi family that wants to take away all the people in the marketplace?’
Xu Mu thought to himself.
Just then, a familiar figure appeared in his sight, dressed in a whitish Daoist robe and with a goatee. Xu Mu quickly went up and greeted him.
“Master Zhang!”
“Hmm?”
Zhang Shouren, who was holding his grandson’s hand and following the crowd, turned his head when he heard the familiar call.
It turned out to be Xu Mu from the same alley.
He pulled his grandson out of the crowd and walked towards Xu Mu.
“Friends Xu and Lan, you’re safe! That’s great!”
A smile appeared on Zhang Shouren’s face.
After a fight took place in the alley last night, he and his grandson hid in the house until dawn before daring to go out to check.
Seeing that Xu Mu’s residence had been reduced to ruins, he thought something had happened to their family.
“It’s just a fluke! By the way, friend Zhang, what are you doing?”
“What else could we be doing! Of course, we are leaving the marketplace!” Zhang Shouren replied with a bitter smile.
The young boy following him was hiding behind him, with his two pigtails, clinging to his leg. He stuck out one of his big black eyes, cautiously observing the few people.
Upon seeing little Ling’er being held by Xu Mu, his eyes brightened up, and his little head could not help but stretch up from behind Zhang Shouren.
“You’re leaving?”
Xu Mu’s eyes flickered.
Could it be what he had guessed? The Chi Family wants to take everyone away?
But that doesn’t seem like Chi Feiyan’s style. She was the one who abandoned Su Qing after Su Qing had helped her.
“Why do you want to leave?” Xu Mu asked knowingly.
“You don’t know?”
Zhang Shouren was a bit surprised.
Even this normal old cultivator who stays at home with his grandson every day knows, but Xu Mu, a mid-stage Qi Cultivator with a bright future as an alchemist, doesn’t know.
“I’m not very clear!”
He really wasn’t clear. Without the help of a Foundation Establishment family, how could they leave here?
“The Clear River Sword Sect has been exterminated by the Soul Forging Sect, and the demon cultivators of the Soul Forging Sect will be sweeping through White Stone City soon. If we don’t leave now, it’ll be too late!”
Zhang Shouren’s reply matched Xu Mu’s guess.
“Are demon cultivators really that terrifying?”
“I’m not sure if they’re terrible, but my Zhang Family’s only hope is this young boy. 1 dare not risk leaving us at the mercy of the demon cultivators of the Soul Forging Sect!”
Zhang Shouren said while touching his grandson’s head.
“So how do you plan to leave?” Xu Mu asked.
Just then, little Ling’er, who was being held by him, suddenly stretched out her small hand to grab Zhang Shouren’s beard. Zhang Shouren blocked with a laugh, then opened his mouth and said:
“Of course, we are leaving with the group of cultivators from the Foundation Establishment families. Otherwise, with my old bones, 1 won’t be able to make the trip!”
Zhang Shouren reached into his pocket, took out a small monkey made of clay, and handed it to little Ling’er.
This was originally a toy he made for his grandson.
The boy reluctantly pulled at his grandfather’s clothes, but Zhang Shouren didn’t mind.
Little Ling’er rudely accepted the clay monkey, then tried to stuff it into her mouth, but was stopped by Ye Yingying. Then she took her from Xu Mu’s arms to avoid interrupting the two’s conversation.
“Are they willing to? I heard that if there are too many people, it’s easy to attract the attack of monster beasts!”
While speaking, Xu Mu took out a Fasting Pill and handed it to the grandson of Zhang Shouren.
“Eat!” Xu Mu smiled.
The boy looked at his grandfather.
Zhang Shouren recognized it as a Fasting Pill, nodded his head, and then the boy put it in his mouth.
The pill didn’t taste good, so the boy made a face as he swallowed it, which was amusing to watch.
“I don’t know! But everyone is following, and with so many people, they can’t kill them all, can they?”
Zhang Shouren stroked his white goatee and looked back. There were still an endless stream of people coming from all directions of the marketplace.
It was clear that these were all loose cultivators wanting to follow Foundation Establishment families to leave.
‘It seems it’s not that the Chi Family wants to take them away, but that someone leaked the news, and now everyone has come.’
Xu Mu pondered.
The news of the demise of the Clear River Sword Sect may have only spread among some cultivators, but after last night’s unrest, presumably, the entire marketplace is now aware.
Add to that last night’s incident, no major family would dare to act if the news wasn’t indisputable.
“Does Friend Zhang know which families are planning to leave?”
He prayed in his heart, the Luo Family better not be among them.
“I’m not sure about that!”
Zhang Shouren shook his head.
The people who came with him were already signaling him.
“Friend Xu, aren’t you leaving? Why don’t we form a team? That way we can look out for each other on the road!”
Zhang Shouren extended the invitation.
He spoke to Xu Mu because he wanted to form a team.
Whether it was Xu Mu or Lan Shijin, they were both mid-stage Qi cultivators; their strength was much more advanced than his. Besides, they were wealthier than him, undoubtedly with numerous hidden aces at their disposal. Along the road, even a slight exertion of effort from them could possibly save the lives of his grandson and him.
“Well, I’m not sure if I’m going yet, let’s speak about it later!” Xu Mu diplomatically avoided a direct response.
If these people were not invited by the Chi family, then inevitably, he would have to split from them when he joined the Chi family’s team later. This would be awkward.
“Alright! If you decide to leave later, you can find me anytime! I’ll go first!” Zhang Shouren, oblivious to the undertone, chuckled and greeted Xu Mu with a cupped fist, then, tugging his grandson, who was a bit reluctant to leave, he again joined the crowd, changing his direction towards his previous team.
Xu Mu noted that the majority of these people were from their neighborhood.
“Friend Xu, where should we go now?” asked Lan Shijin.
Ever since yesterday, when she saw the traces of the battles, she had somewhat started following Xu Mu’s lead.
“Firstly, let’s head to the agreed place and see what’s happening!”
Xu Mu took Little Ling’er, who was eagerly reaching out to him, into his arms. Carrying her, he moved forward with his three partners, following the crowd.
They quickly reached the entrance to Baihe Forest.
Here, the crowd divided into two distinct groups.
On one side were the powerful cultivators from the various families, equipped with numerous magical artifacts. The other side was a cluttered hodgepodge of early-stage Qi cultivators, most of whom were loose cultivators.
In the crowd of family cultivators, Xu Mu quickly identified Chi Feiyan. He quickly moved with his partners through the crowd towards her.
Swoosh! Swoosh!
Two cyan glowing swords flew toward them, blocked by a fierce sword Qi, it intercepted their path.
“If you walk further, please do not blame us for being impolite!” Two late-stage Qi cultivators, dressed in blue Taoist robes, coldly warned Xu Mu and his party.
“Did you know? Yesterday several families…”
“I already knew…”
“…three houses really hit the jackpot!”
Zhang Shouren was chatting about yesterday’s events with a group of people from his neighborhood, when one of them noticed Xu Mu’s group.
“Huh? Isn’t that Pill Master Xu? Why is he going to the Foundation Establishment family’s team?”
“Perhaps he has a connection, and they are willing to have him join!” someone guessed and their eyes twinkled.
Zhang Shouren turned his gaze, and his face showed a hint of envy.
“So, Friend Xu had connections, no wonder he didn’t want to form a team with us!”
“What? You invited him just now?” A fierce-looking brawny man with a pockmarked face asked, furrowing his brows.
The brawny man was named Zhou Chong, a resident of the neighboring lane. With the cultivation of the fifth level of Qi, he made a living by hunting monster beasts. His strength was amongst the most formidable in the group.
Everyone, including Zhang Shouren, regarded him as the tacit leader of the group.
The reason his face was pockmarked was not due to a birth defect, but from being poisoned while hunting monster beasts.
“1 mentioned it, but he said he wasn’t sure if he’s going, and he didn’t agree!”
ii
Not sure about going? Hmph! He just does not want to be dragged down by you!” Zhou Chong scoffed.
Zhang Shouren forced an awkward laugh and remained silent.
“Let’s just see! They may not even include him.”
A mocking sneer suddenly appeared on Zhou Chong’s face.
“Friend Zhou, why do you say this?” Zhang Shouren asked, confused.
He knew that Xu Mu’s alchemy skills were extraordinary. Also, Lan Shijin was a rare Array Master, and both were at the mid-stage of Qi cultivation. Joining the team of a Foundation Establishment family should not be a problem.
The others also looked at Zhou Chong, their faces filled with curiosity, wondering what he had to say.
“You guys were not at the Marketplace last night, so you don’t know this. During the attack on the Song family, the three major families faced a fierce counterattack from the Song family. It was unexpected; Song Family had a spiritual-grade Thunder Infant hidden. All the Foundation Establishment ancients of the three families were injured, and several high-tier cultivators fell on the spot. Now the three families are struggling to save themselves, how can they accommodate an outsider!”
“Just watch, they will be sent back here very soon!”
A look of anticipation for the forthcoming drama flashed across Zhou Chong’s dreadful face.
Zhang Shouren started to worry about Xu Mu’s group, his hand absent-mindedly tugged at his goatee.
The youngster, tugging his grandfather’s hem and standing on his toes, was straining his eyes to see in the direction where Xu Mu’s group had gone.
He wanted to see the adorable little girl again!
Having grown up with no friends, it was rare for him to meet a child of his own age.
Unlike Zhang Shouren’s kindness, others harbored ill intentions. Their initial envy quickly mutated into schadenfreude. They were all waiting to watch the drama unfold.
On the other side, after allowing the others to notify her, Chi Feiyan, wearing a tier-three vestment robe, quickly walked over with two late-stage Qi cultivator attendants.
After seeing that Xu Mu’s group comprised four people, a hint of apology flashed across Chi Feiyan’s delicate face.
“Pill Master Xu, I regret something. This time we can only take two of you with us!” Chi Feiyan looked at Lan Shijin and Leng Yuening, “As for the other two, I’m truly sorry but there’s nothing 1 can do.”
Lan Shijin’s face slightly changed. Although Leng Yuening’s face showed no reaction, her hands involuntarily clenched.
No one had anticipated such a turn of events.
“Dear!” Ye Yingying quickly looked at Xu Mu, her eyes pleading.
She probably wanted to say, he should not leave Lan Shijin and Leng Yuening behind. After spending considerable time together, she almost regarded them as her sisters. Leaving them and going alone would definitely be disturbing.
Lan Shijin and Leng Yuening felt anxious.
They knew the treacherous journey ahead. Without protection from a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage, survival would almost be impossible.
If they were put in Xu Mu’s position, in all probability, they would agree. After all, Xu Mu was not alone.
“If that’s the case, then I’ll pass!”
Xu Mu shook his head decisively..
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 49: Chapter 39 – Change of Circumstances i
Translator: 549690339
“Why are there so many people?”
As Xu Mu walked out of the alley where the abandoned house was, he saw numerous cultivators, taking their families in the direction of Baihe Forest.
“1 don’t know!”
Three women all shook their heads.
It was like this when they just came out.
‘Could it be the Chi family that wants to take away all the people in the marketplace?’
Xu Mu thought to himself.
Just then, a familiar figure appeared in his sight, dressed in a whitish Daoist robe and with a goatee. Xu Mu quickly went up and greeted him.
“Master Zhang!”
“Hmm?”
Zhang Shouren, who was holding his grandson’s hand and following the crowd, turned his head when he heard the familiar call.
It turned out to be Xu Mu from the same alley.
He pulled his grandson out of the crowd and walked towards Xu Mu.
“Friends Xu and Lan, you’re safe! That’s great!”
A smile appeared on Zhang Shouren’s face.
After a fight took place in the alley last night, he and his grandson hid in the house until dawn before daring to go out to check.
Seeing that Xu Mu’s residence had been reduced to ruins, he thought something had happened to their family.
“It’s just a fluke! By the way, friend Zhang, what are you doing?”
“What else could we be doing! Of course, we are leaving the marketplace!” Zhang Shouren replied with a bitter smile.
The young boy following him was hiding behind him, with his two pigtails, clinging to his leg. He stuck out one of his big black eyes, cautiously observing the few people.
Upon seeing little Ling’er being held by Xu Mu, his eyes brightened up, and his little head could not help but stretch up from behind Zhang Shouren.
“You’re leaving?”
Xu Mu’s eyes flickered.
Could it be what he had guessed? The Chi Family wants to take everyone away?
But that doesn’t seem like Chi Feiyan’s style. She was the one who abandoned Su Qing after Su Qing had helped her.
“Why do you want to leave?” Xu Mu asked knowingly.
“You don’t know?”
Zhang Shouren was a bit surprised.
Even this normal old cultivator who stays at home with his grandson every day knows, but Xu Mu, a mid-stage Qi Cultivator with a bright future as an alchemist, doesn’t know.
“I’m not very clear!”
He really wasn’t clear. Without the help of a Foundation Establishment family, how could they leave here?
“The Clear River Sword Sect has been exterminated by the Soul Forging Sect, and the demon cultivators of the Soul Forging Sect will be sweeping through White Stone City soon. If we don’t leave now, it’ll be too late!”
Zhang Shouren’s reply matched Xu Mu’s guess.
“Are demon cultivators really that terrifying?”
“I’m not sure if they’re terrible, but my Zhang Family’s only hope is this young boy. 1 dare not risk leaving us at the mercy of the demon cultivators of the Soul Forging Sect!”
Zhang Shouren said while touching his grandson’s head.
“So how do you plan to leave?” Xu Mu asked.
Just then, little Ling’er, who was being held by him, suddenly stretched out her small hand to grab Zhang Shouren’s beard. Zhang Shouren blocked with a laugh, then opened his mouth and said:
“Of course, we are leaving with the group of cultivators from the Foundation Establishment families. Otherwise, with my old bones, 1 won’t be able to make the trip!”
Zhang Shouren reached into his pocket, took out a small monkey made of clay, and handed it to little Ling’er.
This was originally a toy he made for his grandson.
The boy reluctantly pulled at his grandfather’s clothes, but Zhang Shouren didn’t mind.
Little Ling’er rudely accepted the clay monkey, then tried to stuff it into her mouth, but was stopped by Ye Yingying. Then she took her from Xu Mu’s arms to avoid interrupting the two’s conversation.
“Are they willing to? I heard that if there are too many people, it’s easy to attract the attack of monster beasts!”
While speaking, Xu Mu took out a Fasting Pill and handed it to the grandson of Zhang Shouren.
“Eat!” Xu Mu smiled.
The boy looked at his grandfather.
Zhang Shouren recognized it as a Fasting Pill, nodded his head, and then the boy put it in his mouth.
The pill didn’t taste good, so the boy made a face as he swallowed it, which was amusing to watch.
“I don’t know! But everyone is following, and with so many people, they can’t kill them all, can they?”
Zhang Shouren stroked his white goatee and looked back. There were still an endless stream of people coming from all directions of the marketplace.
It was clear that these were all loose cultivators wanting to follow Foundation Establishment families to leave.
‘It seems it’s not that the Chi Family wants to take them away, but that someone leaked the news, and now everyone has come.’
Xu Mu pondered.
The news of the demise of the Clear River Sword Sect may have only spread among some cultivators, but after last night’s unrest, presumably, the entire marketplace is now aware.
Add to that last night’s incident, no major family would dare to act if the news wasn’t indisputable.
“Does Friend Zhang know which families are planning to leave?”
He prayed in his heart, the Luo Family better not be among them.
“I’m not sure about that!”
Zhang Shouren shook his head.
The people who came with him were already signaling him.
“Friend Xu, aren’t you leaving? Why don’t we form a team? That way we can look out for each other on the road!”
Zhang Shouren extended the invitation.
He spoke to Xu Mu because he wanted to form a team.
Whether it was Xu Mu or Lan Shijin, they were both mid-stage Qi cultivators; their strength was much more advanced than his. Besides, they were wealthier than him, undoubtedly with numerous hidden aces at their disposal. Along the road, even a slight exertion of effort from them could possibly save the lives of his grandson and him.
“Well, I’m not sure if I’m going yet, let’s speak about it later!” Xu Mu diplomatically avoided a direct response.
If these people were not invited by the Chi family, then inevitably, he would have to split from them when he joined the Chi family’s team later. This would be awkward.
“Alright! If you decide to leave later, you can find me anytime! I’ll go first!” Zhang Shouren, oblivious to the undertone, chuckled and greeted Xu Mu with a cupped fist, then, tugging his grandson, who was a bit reluctant to leave, he again joined the crowd, changing his direction towards his previous team.
Xu Mu noted that the majority of these people were from their neighborhood.
“Friend Xu, where should we go now?” asked Lan Shijin.
Ever since yesterday, when she saw the traces of the battles, she had somewhat started following Xu Mu’s lead.
“Firstly, let’s head to the agreed place and see what’s happening!”
Xu Mu took Little Ling’er, who was eagerly reaching out to him, into his arms. Carrying her, he moved forward with his three partners, following the crowd.
They quickly reached the entrance to Baihe Forest.
Here, the crowd divided into two distinct groups.
On one side were the powerful cultivators from the various families, equipped with numerous magical artifacts. The other side was a cluttered hodgepodge of early-stage Qi cultivators, most of whom were loose cultivators.
In the crowd of family cultivators, Xu Mu quickly identified Chi Feiyan. He quickly moved with his partners through the crowd towards her.
Swoosh! Swoosh!
Two cyan glowing swords flew toward them, blocked by a fierce sword Qi, it intercepted their path.
“If you walk further, please do not blame us for being impolite!” Two late-stage Qi cultivators, dressed in blue Taoist robes, coldly warned Xu Mu and his party.
“Did you know? Yesterday several families…”
“I already knew…”
“…three houses really hit the jackpot!”
Zhang Shouren was chatting about yesterday’s events with a group of people from his neighborhood, when one of them noticed Xu Mu’s group.
“Huh? Isn’t that Pill Master Xu? Why is he going to the Foundation Establishment family’s team?”
“Perhaps he has a connection, and they are willing to have him join!” someone guessed and their eyes twinkled.
Zhang Shouren turned his gaze, and his face showed a hint of envy.
“So, Friend Xu had connections, no wonder he didn’t want to form a team with us!”
“What? You invited him just now?” A fierce-looking brawny man with a pockmarked face asked, furrowing his brows.
The brawny man was named Zhou Chong, a resident of the neighboring lane. With the cultivation of the fifth level of Qi, he made a living by hunting monster beasts. His strength was amongst the most formidable in the group.
Everyone, including Zhang Shouren, regarded him as the tacit leader of the group.
The reason his face was pockmarked was not due to a birth defect, but from being poisoned while hunting monster beasts.
“1 mentioned it, but he said he wasn’t sure if he’s going, and he didn’t agree!”
ii
Not sure about going? Hmph! He just does not want to be dragged down by you!” Zhou Chong scoffed.
Zhang Shouren forced an awkward laugh and remained silent.
“Let’s just see! They may not even include him.”
A mocking sneer suddenly appeared on Zhou Chong’s face.
“Friend Zhou, why do you say this?” Zhang Shouren asked, confused.
He knew that Xu Mu’s alchemy skills were extraordinary. Also, Lan Shijin was a rare Array Master, and both were at the mid-stage of Qi cultivation. Joining the team of a Foundation Establishment family should not be a problem.
The others also looked at Zhou Chong, their faces filled with curiosity, wondering what he had to say.
“You guys were not at the Marketplace last night, so you don’t know this. During the attack on the Song family, the three major families faced a fierce counterattack from the Song family. It was unexpected; Song Family had a spiritual-grade Thunder Infant hidden. All the Foundation Establishment ancients of the three families were injured, and several high-tier cultivators fell on the spot. Now the three families are struggling to save themselves, how can they accommodate an outsider!”
“Just watch, they will be sent back here very soon!”
A look of anticipation for the forthcoming drama flashed across Zhou Chong’s dreadful face.
Zhang Shouren started to worry about Xu Mu’s group, his hand absent-mindedly tugged at his goatee.
The youngster, tugging his grandfather’s hem and standing on his toes, was straining his eyes to see in the direction where Xu Mu’s group had gone.
He wanted to see the adorable little girl again!
Having grown up with no friends, it was rare for him to meet a child of his own age.
Unlike Zhang Shouren’s kindness, others harbored ill intentions. Their initial envy quickly mutated into schadenfreude. They were all waiting to watch the drama unfold.
On the other side, after allowing the others to notify her, Chi Feiyan, wearing a tier-three vestment robe, quickly walked over with two late-stage Qi cultivator attendants.
After seeing that Xu Mu’s group comprised four people, a hint of apology flashed across Chi Feiyan’s delicate face.
“Pill Master Xu, I regret something. This time we can only take two of you with us!” Chi Feiyan looked at Lan Shijin and Leng Yuening, “As for the other two, I’m truly sorry but there’s nothing 1 can do.”
Lan Shijin’s face slightly changed. Although Leng Yuening’s face showed no reaction, her hands involuntarily clenched.
No one had anticipated such a turn of events.
“Dear!” Ye Yingying quickly looked at Xu Mu, her eyes pleading.
She probably wanted to say, he should not leave Lan Shijin and Leng Yuening behind. After spending considerable time together, she almost regarded them as her sisters. Leaving them and going alone would definitely be disturbing.
Lan Shijin and Leng Yuening felt anxious.
They knew the treacherous journey ahead. Without protection from a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage, survival would almost be impossible.
If they were put in Xu Mu’s position, in all probability, they would agree. After all, Xu Mu was not alone.
“If that’s the case, then I’ll pass!”
Xu Mu shook his head decisively..
Chapter 49: Chapter 39 Change of Circumstances iTranslator: 549690339Why are there so many people?As Xu Mu walked out of the alley where the abandoned house was, he saw numerous cultivators, taking their families in the direction of Baihe Forest.1 don't know!Three women all shook their heads.It was like this when they just came out.Could it be the Chi family that wants to take away all the people in the marketplace?'Xu Mu thought to himself.Just then, a familiar figure appeared in his sight, dressed in a whitish Daoist robe and with a goatee. Xu Mu quickly went up and greeted him.Master Zhang!Hmm?Zhang Shouren, who was holding his grandson's hand and following the crowd, turned his head when he heard the familiar call.It turned out to be Xu Mu from the same alley.He pulled his grandson out of the crowd and walked towards Xu Mu.Friends Xu and Lan, you're safe! That's great!A smile appeared on Zhang Shouren's face.After a fight took place in the alley last night, he and his grandson hid in the house until dawn before daring to go out to check.Seeing that Xu Mu's residence had been reduced to ruins, he thought something had happened to their family.It's just a fluke! By the way, friend Zhang, what are you doing?What else could we be doing! Of course, we are leaving the marketplace! Zhang Shouren replied with a bitter smile.The young boy following him was hiding behind him, with his two pigtails, clinging to his leg. He stuck out one of his big black eyes, cautiously observing the few people.Upon seeing little Ling'er being held by Xu Mu, his eyes brightened up, and his little head could not help but stretch up from behind Zhang Shouren.You're leaving?Xu Mu's eyes flickered.Could it be what he had guessed? The Chi Family wants to take everyone away?But that doesn't seem like Chi Feiyan's style. She was the one who abandoned Su Qing after Su Qing had helped her.Why do you want to leave? Xu Mu asked knowingly.You don't know?Zhang Shouren was a bit surprised.Even this normal old cultivator who stays at home with his grandson every day knows, but Xu Mu, a mid-stage Qi Cultivator with a bright future as an alchemist, doesn't know.I'm not very clear!He really wasn't clear. Without the help of a Foundation Establishment family, how could they leave here?The Clear River Sword Sect has been exterminated by the Soul Forging Sect, and the demon cultivators of the Soul Forging Sect will be sweeping through White Stone City soon. If we don't leave now, it'll be too late!Zhang Shouren's reply matched Xu Mu's guess.Are demon cultivators really that terrifying?I'm not sure if they're terrible, but my Zhang Family's only hope is this young boy. 1 dare not risk leaving us at the mercy of the demon cultivators of the Soul Forging Sect!Zhang Shouren said while touching his grandson's head.So how do you plan to leave? Xu Mu asked.Just then, little Ling'er, who was being held by him, suddenly stretched out her small hand to grab Zhang Shouren's beard. Zhang Shouren blocked with a laugh, then opened his mouth and said:Of course, we are leaving with the group of cultivators from the Foundation Establishment families. Otherwise, with my old bones, 1 won't be able to make the trip!Zhang Shouren reached into his pocket, took out a small monkey made of clay, and handed it to little Ling'er.This was originally a toy he made for his grandson.The boy reluctantly pulled at his grandfather's clothes, but Zhang Shouren didn't mind.Little Ling'er rudely accepted the clay monkey, then tried to stuff it into her mouth, but was stopped by Ye Yingying. Then she took her from Xu Mu's arms to avoid interrupting the two's conversation.Are they willing to? I heard that if there are too many people, it's easy to attract the attack of monster beasts!While speaking, Xu Mu took out a Fasting Pill and handed it to the grandson of Zhang Shouren.Eat! Xu Mu smiled.The boy looked at his grandfather.Zhang Shouren recognized it as a Fasting Pill, nodded his head, and then the boy put it in his mouth.The pill didn't taste good, so the boy made a face as he swallowed it, which was amusing to watch.I don't know! But everyone is following, and with so many people, they can't kill them all, can they?Zhang Shouren stroked his white goatee and looked back. There were still an endless stream of people coming from all directions of the marketplace.It was clear that these were all loose cultivators wanting to follow Foundation Establishment families to leave.It seems it's not that the Chi Family wants to take them away, but that someone leaked the news, and now everyone has come.'Xu Mu pondered.The news of the demise of the Clear River Sword Sect may have only spread among some cultivators, but after last night's unrest, presumably, the entire marketplace is now aware.Add to that last night's incident, no major family would dare to act if the news wasn't indisputable.Does Friend Zhang know which families are planning to leave?He prayed in his heart, the Luo Family better not be among them.I'm not sure about that!Zhang Shouren shook his head.The people who came with him were already signaling him.Friend Xu, aren't you leaving? Why don't we form a team? That way we can look out for each other on the road!Zhang Shouren extended the invitation.He spoke to Xu Mu because he wanted to form a team.Whether it was Xu Mu or Lan Shijin, they were both mid-stage Qi cultivators; their strength was much more advanced than his. Besides, they were wealthier than him, undoubtedly with numerous hidden aces at their disposal. Along the road, even a slight exertion of effort from them could possibly save the lives of his grandson and him.Well, I'm not sure if I'm going yet, let's speak about it later! Xu Mu diplomatically avoided a direct response.If these people were not invited by the Chi family, then inevitably, he would have to split from them when he joined the Chi family's team later. This would be awkward.Alright! If you decide to leave later, you can find me anytime! I'll go first! Zhang Shouren, oblivious to the undertone, chuckled and greeted Xu Mu with a cupped fist, then, tugging his grandson, who was a bit reluctant to leave, he again joined the crowd, changing his direction towards his previous team.Xu Mu noted that the majority of these people were from their neighborhood.Friend Xu, where should we go now? asked Lan Shijin.Ever since yesterday, when she saw the traces of the battles, she had somewhat started following Xu Mu's lead.Firstly, let's head to the agreed place and see what's happening!Xu Mu took Little Ling'er, who was eagerly reaching out to him, into his arms. Carrying her, he moved forward with his three partners, following the crowd.They quickly reached the entrance to Baihe Forest.Here, the crowd divided into two distinct groups.On one side were the powerful cultivators from the various families, equipped with numerous magical artifacts. The other side was a cluttered hodgepodge of early-stage Qi cultivators, most of whom were loose cultivators.In the crowd of family cultivators, Xu Mu quickly identified Chi Feiyan. He quickly moved with his partners through the crowd towards her.Swoosh! Swoosh!Two cyan glowing swords flew toward them, blocked by a fierce sword Qi, it intercepted their path.If you walk further, please do not blame us for being impolite! Two late-stage Qi cultivators, dressed in blue Taoist robes, coldly warned Xu Mu and his party.Did you know? Yesterday several familiesI already knewthree houses really hit the jackpot!Zhang Shouren was chatting about yesterday's events with a group of people from his neighborhood, when one of them noticed Xu Mu's group.Huh? Isn't that Pill Master Xu? Why is he going to the Foundation Establishment family's team?Perhaps he has a connection, and they are willing to have him join! someone guessed and their eyes twinkled.Zhang Shouren turned his gaze, and his face showed a hint of envy.So, Friend Xu had connections, no wonder he didn't want to form a team with us!What? You invited him just now? A fierce-looking brawny man with a pockmarked face asked, furrowing his brows.The brawny man was named Zhou Chong, a resident of the neighboring lane. With the cultivation of the fifth level of Qi, he made a living by hunting monster beasts. His strength was amongst the most formidable in the group.Everyone, including Zhang Shouren, regarded him as the tacit leader of the group.The reason his face was pockmarked was not due to a birth defect, but from being poisoned while hunting monster beasts.1 mentioned it, but he said he wasn't sure if he's going, and he didn't agree!iiNot sure about going? Hmph! He just does not want to be dragged down by you! Zhou Chong scoffed.Zhang Shouren forced an awkward laugh and remained silent.Let's just see! They may not even include him.A mocking sneer suddenly appeared on Zhou Chong's face.Friend Zhou, why do you say this? Zhang Shouren asked, confused.He knew that Xu Mu's alchemy skills were extraordinary. Also, Lan Shijin was a rare Array Master, and both were at the mid-stage of Qi cultivation. Joining the team of a Foundation Establishment family should not be a problem.The others also looked at Zhou Chong, their faces filled with curiosity, wondering what he had to say.You guys were not at the Marketplace last night, so you don't know this. During the attack on the Song family, the three major families faced a fierce counterattack from the Song family. It was unexpected; Song Family had a spiritual-grade Thunder Infant hidden. All the Foundation Establishment ancients of the three families were injured, and several high-tier cultivators fell on the spot. Now the three families are struggling to save themselves, how can they accommodate an outsider!Just watch, they will be sent back here very soon!A look of anticipation for the forthcoming drama flashed across Zhou Chong's dreadful face.Zhang Shouren started to worry about Xu Mu's group, his hand absent-mindedly tugged at his goatee.The youngster, tugging his grandfather's hem and standing on his toes, was straining his eyes to see in the direction where Xu Mu's group had gone.He wanted to see the adorable little girl again!Having grown up with no friends, it was rare for him to meet a child of his own age.Unlike Zhang Shouren's kindness, others harbored ill intentions. Their initial envy quickly mutated into schadenfreude. They were all waiting to watch the drama unfold.On the other side, after allowing the others to notify her, Chi Feiyan, wearing a tier-three vestment robe, quickly walked over with two late-stage Qi cultivator attendants.After seeing that Xu Mu's group comprised four people, a hint of apology flashed across Chi Feiyan's delicate face.Pill Master Xu, I regret something. This time we can only take two of you with us! Chi Feiyan looked at Lan Shijin and Leng Yuening, As for the other two, I'm truly sorry but there's nothing 1 can do.Lan Shijin's face slightly changed. Although Leng Yuening's face showed no reaction, her hands involuntarily clenched.No one had anticipated such a turn of events.Dear! Ye Yingying quickly looked at Xu Mu, her eyes pleading.She probably wanted to say, he should not leave Lan Shijin and Leng Yuening behind. After spending considerable time together, she almost regarded them as her sisters. Leaving them and going alone would definitely be disturbing.Lan Shijin and Leng Yuening felt anxious.They knew the treacherous journey ahead. Without protection from a cultivator at the Foundation Establishment stage, survival would almost be impossible.If they were put in Xu Mu's position, in all probability, they would agree. After all, Xu Mu was not alone.If that's the case, then I'll pass!Xu Mu shook his head decisively..
