Immortals of the End Times

Qianji Market is located on the border of the Xuanming Dynasty. It holds a grand event every March, which is a rare gathering for cultivators in the Dharma-ending Age.

At the entrance to the market, dozens of dynasty cultivators dressed in black armor stood guard, and each person entering had to pay three source crystals.

Outside the market, on the second floor of Cyclamen Restaurant, there are elegant window seats.

Zhao Wuji had already used the Qi-guiding technique to transform and convert Qi, changing the Qi mechanism and suppressing the spiritual power at the sixth level of Qi-guiding.

At this moment, he had removed the beast-head mask, put on a bamboo hat, lifted the white veil, held a celadon wine cup in his hand, and looked through the window at the entrance of the Qianji Market that was gradually becoming lively in the distance.

In the air surrounding the market, restrictions swirled like a glass dome, enveloping the entire Thousand Machine Market.

Inside the market, lanterns shone like stars, and shops and stalls of various factions displayed rare and precious treasures.

It looked like a bustling trading scene from a time of great prosperity and spiritual energy.

In reality, it was nothing more than the result of multiple grottoes paying rent to cooperate with the Wang family in setting up the stage for their performances.

Every year, it attracts cultivators from all over the world, large and small, who travel long distances to attend the event and seek out rare spiritual materials and treasures.

Outside the restricted area, dozens of poor, uneducated monks stared longingly at the entrance to the market.

Most of them only have the first or second level of Qi Refining cultivation, and they can't even produce a single Origin Crystal.

These rogue cultivators were just following along with minor forces to join in the fun. They stood anxiously at the entrance of the market, waiting for the occasional spiritual energy released from the array. They would be lucky to get even a whiff of it.

In this degenerate age, how can independent cultivators still enjoy the carefree life they had when spiritual energy was flourishing?

Although they are called independent cultivators, most of them actually have someone else attached to them.

They could either seek refuge with small cultivation families that relied on cave heavens, guarding a half-dead spiritual spring that could only seep out a few wisps of thin spiritual energy each day.

Or they are down-on-their-luck cultivators who were expelled from the grotto-heavens and came here seeking refuge when they had nowhere else to turn.

However, those spiritual springs are not even comparable to first-level spiritual veins, and their spiritual energy is pitifully thin. It is already a blessing if they can barely maintain their cultivation level.

Even so, most of these rogue cultivators met tragic ends.

Either you're treated like a beast of burden, squeezed dry of your last bit of value.

They might not even be able to snatch this meager amount of spiritual energy, causing their cultivation to regress and ultimately turning them into mortals, struggling at the bottom of the cultivation world.

"Tsk, another three source crystals for the entrance fee this time. The Wang family is getting better and better at doing business."

A rogue cultivator carrying an iron sword spat out, expressing his indignation.

"Keep your voice down!" His companion quickly pulled him back. "There are people from the Xuanming Dynasty watching over there."

Sure enough, not far away, several cultivators dressed in brocade robes were coldly scanning the crowds entering the market, distinguishing them from one another.

These spies from smaller factions, unable to enter the market, could only gather information from the periphery, hoping to glean some useful intelligence.

"Look! Qinghe's family is here!" A commotion suddenly broke out in the crowd.

An elderly man with white hair and a youthful face arrived with two disciples, flying over on their magical artifacts. He took out nine source crystals from his sleeve and handed them to the guard in exchange for three travel tokens.

The disciples behind the old man were all imposing and dignified.

A small cultivation family that can casually produce nine Origin Crystals is considered moderately wealthy in this era of declining Dharma, but they almost all rely on cave heavens for survival.

Just then, a clear and melodious cry of a phoenix suddenly came from the sky.

"The royal family's jade carriage!"

Inside the Immortal Guest Pavilion, a knowledgeable cultivator from a grotto-heaven called out in a low voice.

"A big shot from the Wang family has arrived?"

Many people looked up and saw a magnificent carriage, entirely carved from jade, emerging from the clouds.

Two snow-white phoenixes flapped their wings and pulled the chariot, their feathers scattering starlight.

"Someone from the Wang family?"

Zhao Wuji's heart stirred, and he put down his wine cup, walked to the window and looked out.

The ice silk curtains hanging around the carriage moved undisturbed even without wind, and a cold, aloof figure could be vaguely seen sitting inside.

He was momentarily stunned, then a hint of joy flashed in his eyes.

"Peak Master!"

"It's Hua Qingshuang! The outstanding figure announced by the third branch of the Wang family just last year!"

In the private room upstairs, a young man dressed in a blue robe suddenly stood up, his expression showing surprise.

"Brother Lü, you seem to care so much about the third branch of the Wang family?"

A young man in brocade robes leaned lazily against the window, playing with his wine glass and laughing, "Nowadays, Wang Xueluo from the first branch of the Wang family and Wang Fu from the second branch, aren't they both exceptional talents?"
Of these three wives, only Hua Lingxiang is somewhat acceptable. Who is this Hua Qingshuang?

The young man in the green robe shook his head, and the jade-bone fan in his sleeve unfolded with a "whoosh": "Brother Yang has lived in Southern Chu for a long time, but he is unaware that the Hua family of the third branch has risen to prominence in recent years. Their momentum is so strong that even the eldest branch has to avoid their sharp edge."

His gaze swept over the jade carriage in the distance, and he lowered his voice: "This woman was already at the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul realm more than half a year ago, and now..."

His words abruptly stopped, and he suddenly asked meaningfully, "Brother Yang, do you know who her father is?"

"Oh?" The young man in brocade raised an eyebrow and casually sipped his wine. "Our five ancestors once shared the bloodline of Xiang Yu. Now, it is an immense honor for any of our descendants to awaken their bloodline."

He suddenly thought of something, and paused, his wine glass catching in his throat: "Could it be... Hua Lengyun, who awakened the Overlord's Double Pupils?"

"Exactly!"

The young man in the green robe slammed his folding fan shut, making a crisp sound as it tapped against his palm. A hint of apprehension flashed in his eyes, as if the name carried an invisible pressure.

But then the carriage slowly descended at the main gate of the market, the curtain was slightly lifted, revealing Hua Qingshuang's cold and jade-like face.

Her features were exquisite, her skin as white as snow, and she wore a plain white veil. Her moon-white long dress further accentuated her ethereal气质 (qi zhi - refined and elegant demeanor).

The Ice Soul Sword sheath hanging at his waist gleamed with a faint, cold light.

Upon seeing this, the guards immediately bowed and made way for them.

The carriage rose again and flew straight into the heart of the market.

"The Wang family is so carefree; they don't even have to pay an admission fee."

At the entrance of the market, a rogue cultivator said sourly.

"Be careful!"

His fellow disciple beside him quickly stopped him, saying, "It is said that Hua Qingshuang is deeply favored by the mistress of the third branch of the Wang family, and her future prospects are limitless!"

Zhao Wuji's lips curled up slightly.

It seems that the peak master does indeed hold a special position in the Wang family; this pomp and circumstance is much greater than it was back on Hanyue Peak.

His gaze swept over the various expressions of the cultivators downstairs.

This is the reality of the cultivation world: the strong are respected, and resources are paramount.

Those who can enter the market are all from the middle class with some wealth.

Those poor, independent cultivators who couldn't even afford three source crystals could only watch longingly from the sidelines.

Being able to breathe in a few breaths of spiritual energy and hear news of rare and precious materials being traded in the market to broaden one's horizons is already considered quite good.

"The Dharma-ending Age is a difficult time."

Zhao Wuji shook his head, picked up his wine cup, tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp, then smacked his lips twice in disgust.

This wine tastes terrible, not even as good as Qinghualang, let alone Baojiu, yet it costs one Yuanjing for a pot.

"Cyclamen, Dazai-ke, you're treating me like a fat sheep, you're a rip-off!"

He watched as Hua Qingshuang's carriage flew towards the core area of ​​the market, then suddenly took out a communication jade talisman from his pocket and sent a telepathic message.

"Peak Master, I'm also at Thousand Machines Pavilion."

After sending the message, there was no response for a long time.

Zhao Wuji didn't take it to heart.

If Hua Qingshuang had put the jade talisman into her storage bag, it would have been difficult to detect it immediately.

He secretly made a hand seal and used the Dream Marriage Technique. He sensed that he had already paid an extra five source crystals and entered the Supreme Cave Master Bai Chengshang in the core area of ​​the market.

The Wang family's market has one money-grabbing scheme after another. To enter the outer market, you need to pay three source crystals.

To enter the inner core market, an additional five source crystals must be paid.

If you want to participate in the market auction, that's a different story.

High-end resources are only sold in the core internal area, clearly defining the social classes.

Those who could enter and buy things were all either rich or noble, but they were also all willing to be ripped off by the Wang family.

Zhao Wuji had no intention of entering the inner core area.

The servant, the Supreme Cave Master, can be remotely controlled to help him browse inside; if he sees any treasures he likes, he can simply buy them.

But now, the Flower Peak Master has unexpectedly appeared and gone to the inner core area.
He was sensing Bai Chengshang through the Dream Marriage Technique, observing the scene in the core area of ​​the market through the shared vision of dreams.

Sudden--

"Ok?"

His brows furrowed slightly, and his mind suddenly tensed.

Upstairs in the private room, two powerful auras were faintly visible, their spiritual pressure no less than his, and perhaps even stronger!

"This humble immortal guest actually harbors two Nascent Soul Realm cultivators?"

Zhao Wuji felt a chill run down his spine and became secretly on guard.

The world of cultivation is indeed full of hidden talents; it's no exaggeration to say that.

As I pondered this, the "dream network" constructed by the Dream Weaving Technique trembled slightly, capturing a faint message of communication—

".Hua Qing Shuang."

The sound was intermittent, as if blocked by some kind of restriction, and could not be heard clearly.

"Are they discussing the Peak Master?"

Zhao Wuji's eyes flashed, and the Dream Marriage Technique spread like ripples, quickly locking onto the two Qi Refining Realm servants outside the private room.

"You're the one."

A slight smile played on his lips as his Dream Weaving Technique, like a gentle spring breeze, quietly infiltrated the dream of one of his servants.

A hazy, dreamlike world was quickly created, and the other party began to daydream.

Through his dream vision, Zhao Wuji immediately observed the situation inside the private room.

The young man in the green robe and the man in the brocade robe sat facing each other, drinking wine, with rare fruits and delicacies displayed on the table.

The two men possessed profound and unfathomable auras, clearly indicating that they were both experts at the Condensation Realm!
"Wang Wujiang, the patriarch of the Wang family... Ha, he was once a powerful and influential senior figure, but now he's almost turned into a handful of dust?"

The young man surnamed Lü, dressed in blue, toyed with his wine cup, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes. "If the spiritual energy revival is only a few years away, he probably won't even survive the tribulation of the Nascent Soul stage! He'll just have to live out his lifespan and die."

A young man surnamed Yang, dressed in black, sneered: "Which of the ancestors of the five great families didn't rely on Xiang Yu's bloodline to prolong their lives? The Wang family has been desperately searching for dragon veins all these years, just to extend the life of their ancestor."

He suddenly lowered his voice, "But what about Hua Qingshuang... Brother Lü just said she's in danger?"

The young man surnamed Lü suddenly smiled meaningfully and remained silent.

The young man surnamed Yang remained silent for a moment, then suddenly sneered: "Brother Lü, could it be that you have feelings for her? If you could marry her, perhaps you could obtain a trace of Xiang Yu's bloodline..."

"Marriage?"

The young man surnamed Lü shook his head as if he had heard a joke. "Ever since the Xiang Yu Treasure Trove sixty years ago... the relationship between the five major families has deteriorated to the point that they are not enemies. It's already quite good that you and I can still stroll around this market!"

He squinted and chuckled, his expression complex, "After several periods of spiritual energy depletion, although the five major families are still standing strong, they have all suffered heavy losses... and have even begun to engage in incestuous marriages!"

The young man surnamed Yang frowned deeply; this was indeed a scandal that was difficult to talk about.

He waved his hand irritably, then suddenly turned to the two meek maids behind him: "Enough, let's not talk about these unpleasant things."

Brother Lü, how about letting my two maids serve you for a while? Their art of pleasure is truly exceptional.
Hey? What are you doing dozing off here? Come here!

Zhao Wuji, who was spying in the dream, felt a jolt in his heart and quickly made a hand seal to exit the dream.

If I continue watching, I'm afraid I'll be subjected to those appalling scenes and have my eyes tainted.

"Two spoiled brats."

On the third floor, Zhao Wuji stood up, left Mei Yuanjing behind, and walked down the stairs, his expression becoming somewhat solemn.

Judging from their conversation, it seems the Wang family is in turmoil. The man surnamed Lü even seemed to imply that the peak master's position was only temporarily glamorous, and that he was actually in a dangerous situation.

"What danger? Could it be that Wang Wujiang, who is nearing the end of his lifespan, is about to cause trouble?"

His thoughts were in turmoil, and he decided that if the peak master replied later, he would give him a reminder.

So he strolled around the outskirts of the market.

On the other side, Bai Chengshang, who was serving as a servant, wandered around the inner core area for a long time but failed to find the high-grade supplies that Zhao Wuji needed.

He then went directly to the market auction to browse the list of treasures that might appear at the auction.

"This so-called annual market fair, held only once a year in March, doesn't seem to have anything of value."

After strolling around the outskirts of the market, Zhao Wuji was speechless for a moment, having learned that Bai Chengshang had explored the inside.

The best items displayed in the shops and stalls outside this market were undoubtedly the Dragon Tiger Pills.

Most of the items were low-level talismans and energy-gathering powders.

There were even vendors selling spirit rice and spirit spring water, which attracted some cultivators from smaller factions to gather there.

The best items displayed inside the market were the Spirit Nourishing Flower and level-three magic artifacts.

There weren't even any shops selling storage bags, and there were even fewer cultivators wandering around inside.

"Although this market seems grand and has indeed attracted many cultivators, it is actually still in a state of resource scarcity in the Dharma-ending Age, with not many good things."

Zhao Wuji sighed and reflected on himself.

He probably has a broader perspective now.

After all, they had plundered several major grotto-heavens, and ordinary things were no longer of interest to them, but many of them were treasures to other cultivators.

"Let's wait for the auction; the auction is just the beginning of the grand event. Let's also wait for the Peak Master's message."

Zhao Wuji thought for a moment, then casually spent a few source crystals to buy some yin-type spiritual herbs and flowers.

Then, after leaving the market, he discreetly found a deserted river, slipped inside, released his Pot Heaven Space, and entered.

The market auction will not begin for another month or so.

There may still be some forces and cultivators who have not yet traveled the long distance to arrive.

Living in the market area is very expensive.

You need to pay one source crystal for every three days you live in the outer area, and one crystal per day for the inner area.

Although Zhao Wuji is currently well-off, he has no intention of being exploited by the Wang family. He wants to save more source crystals so that he can use them to cultivate the Pot Heaven Space.

"It's still better to carry a luxurious spatial storage device with me. Although the outside environment lacks spiritual energy, my space is rich in spiritual energy, much richer than the spiritual energy in the market."

Zhao Wuji lay on a recliner in the pavilion of the Pot Heaven Space, feeling the rich spiritual energy flowing around him, as comfortable as if he were soaking in a hot spring.

He closed his eyes slightly and scanned the entire space with his divine sense.

The spiritual fields are lush and green, with spiritual rice swaying in the wind. Black mist swirls around the Yin Sha Spring, where spiritual plants can be vaguely seen growing under the nourishment of evil energy.

"Xiaoyue," he called softly.

"My lord!" The young apprentice Xiaoyue rushed over upon hearing the call, her bare feet stepping on the soft spiritual soil, a medicine hoe in her hand.

"Plant these spiritual herbs near the Yin Sha Spring, be careful not to damage the roots."

With a casual wave of his hand, Zhao Wuji sent several newly purchased spiritual plants flying out of his storage bag and hovering in front of Xiao Yue.

"Yes!" Xiaoyue's eyes lit up, and she quickly took the spiritual herb and ran towards the Yin Sha Spring.

She skillfully made hand seals, her fingers glowing faintly.

He carefully buried the roots of the spiritual herb in the spiritual soil beside the spring, and then took a ladle of spiritual spring water to water it.

"Not bad!" Zhao Wuji nodded slightly, thinking to himself, "This girl, I set up an illusion array around the Pot Heaven space, and they still think they are still in the valley of the Cave Heaven."

However, this is fine.

This allows them to peacefully cultivate themselves, brew wine, and grow crops within the pot, making their lives more comfortable.

This is a resource and environment that many independent cultivators could not obtain.

At this moment, the little girl came over, her face showing some anxiety: "Master, the starlight outside has been insufficient lately, so the Starry Night Wine isn't brewing very well, and the star power in the wine is much thinner..."

"Oh?" Zhao Wuji raised an eyebrow and scanned the direction of the wine cellar with his divine sense.

Sure enough, the twenty-eight jars of Xingxiu wine still exuded a rich aroma.

However, the star patterns on the jars had dimmed considerably, and even the python-shaped phantom on the Azure Dragon jar had faded a bit.

"It seems that carrying the Heavenly Pot Space with me recently has had some impact on my ability to naturally draw upon the power of the stars."

Zhao Wuji thought to himself, then smiled and said, "I guess the weather has been bad lately, with thick clouds affecting the starlight."

He pondered for a moment, then waved his sleeve.

Two magical artifacts flew out of the storage bag.

The Xuanxing Cloud Pattern Bowl is as smooth as jade. As soon as it appeared, it floated in mid-air with its mouth facing upwards, subtly echoing the stars in the sky.

The Star and Moon Spirit-Guiding Spoon, as clear and translucent as a crescent moon, flew into the bowl, its body shimmering with a faint silver light.

"go with!"

Zhao Wuji made a hand seal, and the two magical artifacts transformed into streams of light and flew towards the wine cellar, landing steadily in the center of the twenty-eight jars of Starry Night Wine.

"Buzz!"

The bowl with the Xuanxing Cloud Pattern trembled slightly, and the star map at the bottom of the bowl suddenly lit up, projecting a miniature starry sky above the wine cellar.

Although it is not as vast as the real starry sky, it can still draw upon the power of the stars.

The Star and Moon Spirit-Guiding Spoon weaves through the starry sky like a swimming fish, its tip lightly touching the ground.

Each time it swept across the sky, it drew a wisp of starlight from the void, which dripped into the wine jar below.

In an instant, the star patterns on the wine jar lit up again, and the wine jar in the Azure Dragon position emitted a faint blue light. The shadow of a python could be vaguely seen moving around the mouth of the jar, and the aroma of the wine became even more mellow.

"It should be fine now."

Zhao Wuji nodded in satisfaction and then instructed Xiaoya, "Remember to check the star pattern on the wine jar every day. If there is any abnormality, report it immediately."

"Yes!"

Xiao Ya readily agreed, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at the starry sky above the wine cellar, her face full of wonder.

Not far away, Xiaoyue stood barefoot on the soft soil of the spirit field, looked up and smiled, "Master, it's so nice to be in this valley every day. There's so much spiritual energy and so much work to do. It's very fulfilling."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Wuji chuckled and said, "The spiritual energy in this valley is indeed much richer than outside. You will be able to achieve twice the results with half the effort by cultivating here."

"Gaba!" Xiongba flapped his wings and flew over, tilting his head and rubbing against Zhao Wuji's hand, his beady green eyes full of flattery.

When cultivation was mentioned, Xiaoyue stuck out her tongue and said with a grin, "Master, the spirit rice seeds you gave me have sprouted. In a few months, we'll be able to harvest the first batch of spirit rice. We'll use some to brew wine and the rest to cook spirit porridge for you!"

"Good!" Zhao Wuji nodded in satisfaction, then flicked a spirit grain to Xiong Ba to drive it away.

He then put aside the communication jade talisman with Hua Qingshuang, took out the Earth Treasure Wine, took a sip, and put the sobering stone in his mouth.

Spiritual practice is like rowing against the current.

He sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, and a faint spiritual light gradually emanated from his body.

time flies.

Several days passed in the blink of an eye.

Zhao Wuji suddenly noticed that the communication jade talisman in his storage bag was vibrating slightly.

A quick scan with his divine sense revealed Hua Qingshuang's response.

"Wuji, you actually came all the way to Qianji Workshop? I just noticed the jade talisman's voice transmission in my storage ring."

I am at the 'Spirit Pavilion' inside the Thousand Machines Market. You are welcome to come and have a chat.

Zhao Wuji's eyes flashed, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

"The Peak Master actually switched to such a high-end storage ring before he received my message."

He immediately stood up, made hand seals to cast a guiding spell, and his aura was once again concealed, transforming him into the appearance of a cultivator from the Linglang Cave Heaven.

"Xiaoyue, Xiaoya, I'm going out for a bit. You two take good care of the spirit field and the wine cellar."

The two women quickly replied, "Don't worry, sir!"

Zhao Wuji nodded slightly, and with a flash, he left the illusion array of the Pot Heaven space under Xiong Ba's curious gaze.

He then flicked his sleeves to retract the Pot Heaven Space, rushed out of the river, and headed towards the core area of ​​Qianjifang City.

After a stick of incense.

Zhao Wuji stepped into Lingsu Pavilion.

The interior of the pavilion was elegantly furnished, with a plain white carpet covering the floor. On a warm jade table in the center, teacups were steaming with wisps of white vapor.

Hua Qingshuang stood with her back to the door and in front of the window.

Her moon-white dress cascaded down like a waterfall, the Ice Soul Sword sheath at her waist gleamed with a faint cold light, and a white jade hairpin was inserted diagonally in her hair, making her neck appear as slender as a swan's.

Hearing footsteps, she didn't turn around, but a faint smile appeared on her lips as she said softly, "You're here?"

"Peak Lord."

Zhao Wuji smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, his gaze sweeping over her retreating figure.

After a year apart, Hua Qingshuang's aura became even more restrained, and the spiritual energy around her was as condensed as frost, clearly indicating that she had completely stabilized her cultivation at the late stage of the Concentration Realm.

"sit."

She turned around, her eyes like cold stars, her aloof temperament unchanged.

Zhao Wuji sat down at the table, lightly touched the teacup, and said with a smile, "It's been almost a year since I last saw the Peak Master. Your cultivation has improved even more than before."

"The Wang family has provided enough resources. If it were you, you would improve just as quickly."

Hua Qingshuang shook her head and looked up at him: "You've come here for the market auction?"

"good."

Zhao Wuji nodded, "I heard that this event will feature rare resources, so I came to try my luck."

Hua Qingshuang pondered for a moment and said, "There are quiet rooms in Hanyue Pavilion. You may stay there temporarily if needed."

Zhao Wuji shook his head and smiled, "I appreciate the Peak Master's kindness, but my current status is inconvenient, and you are also attracting a lot of attention. If I were to stay with you rashly, it might draw attention."

Hua Qingshuang nodded slightly. She had also considered this, but she still offered the invitation.

However, this unbridled spirit remains as pure as ever.

"As you wish."

She paused, then said, "I came here not only to stroll around and relax, but also to look for some resources for you. If you see anything you like at the auction, you can let me know."

Zhao Wuji felt a warmth in his heart, but still smiled and said, "Peak Master, there's no need for that. I have my own preparations."

Hua Qingshuang glanced at him sideways and said nothing more.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Wuji knew that the seemingly cold but warm-hearted peak master was angry. He coughed lightly and then took the opportunity to briefly bring up the matter of Lü and Yang.

"The Lü family holds the heart, the Yang family the right."

Hua Qingshuang's eyes turned cold, and she said indifferently, "I'm not too clear about the internal affairs of the Wang family right now, but I will keep an eye on what you've said."

But don't get too involved in these matters, lest you get dragged into it too.”

Her tone was calm, yet it revealed a hint of concern.

"I know."

Zhao Wuji nodded, about to speak again, when he saw Hua Qingshuang suddenly raise her eyes and look at him. A rare smile appeared on her cold and aloof face.

"It's been a year since we last met, and you've already entered the Concentration Realm."

A slight smile played on her lips, a hint of approval flashing in her eyes: "Do you still remember the promise we made when I left Linlang Cave Heaven?"

Zhao Wuji was taken aback, then nodded. "Peak Master, are you referring to the Wang family?"

(End of this chapter)