The First Venerable of All Paths

"Once we pass through this small town, we will enter the border area between Mingyue County and Baiyun County."

Half a month later, Fang Xuan and his companion, weary from their journey, finally arrived at a small town.

The town is named Weixin.

The population is small, and the town is not big either.

However, because it is located at the junction of Mingyang, Mingyue and Baiyun counties, it is extremely prosperous.

Merchants and laborers came and went from north to south, and teahouses and taverns were bustling with carriages and horses.

Fang Xuan even saw countless martial artists in the town.

"This Weixin Town belongs to Mingyang Prefecture."

Xiao Jinyu changed from her moon-white long dress into a tight-fitting outfit, covered her face with a thin veil, and wore a bamboo hat, which also concealed her proud figure.

Her voice carried a sense of relief after exhaustion.

For the past two weeks, the two have been hiding from Tianbao Tower's pursuit.

It wasn't out of fear, but rather a desire not to cause trouble.

Even so, the two were still surrounded several times.

Xiao Jinyu's cultivation level has dropped, and his foundation has been damaged, so he should avoid making a move if possible.

Fortunately, Fang Xuan was there.

If there's no way to avoid it, then use swift and decisive action to kill the assassins sent by Nangong Xingyu.

If there were too many enemies, Fang Xuan would not linger in battle and would leave with Xiao Jinyu on his sword.

But Fang Xuan knew very well that Nangong Xingyu would never give up.

He had his arm cut off by Fang Xuan, and he wished he could tear Fang Xuan to pieces.

With Pang Long, a powerful expert at the Divine Intent Realm, who could make a move at any moment, Fang Xuan was quite cautious throughout the journey.

In fact, Fang Xuan did not agree to enter Weixin Town.

But Xiao Jinyu, who always loved cleanliness, couldn't stand being in the deep mountains and forests all the time and wanted to find a place to take a nice hot bath.

Fang Xuan was somewhat helpless about this.

"Stop making that long face."

Xiao Jinyu said, "Rest is one thing, but I have some things to take care of while I'm here."

"Just for one night."

Fang Xuan said, "We must leave first thing tomorrow morning."

"Okay, okay, I'll listen to you."

Xiao Jinyu couldn't wait to enter the town, muttering, "A grown man, still so long-winded."

Ignoring Xiao Jinyu's complaints, Fang Xuan glanced at an alley.

There, a child dressed as a beggar hurriedly looked away and ran away.

Fang Xuan frowned.

They've been targeted so quickly?

Is it a local force in this town, or one of Nangong Xingyu's people?

After checking into her room at the inn, Xiao Jinyu asked the waiter to bring her hot water. After warning Fang Xuan not to peek, she pasted a few talismans on the door and began to wash her body.

Fang Xuan went into the next room and sat down to regulate his breathing.

Having rushed along the way and experienced several battles, Fang Xuan was also extremely exhausted.

But he dared not rest; instead, he seized the time to recover his vital energy.

For some reason, ever since he stepped into this town, Fang Xuan had a vague feeling of unease.

But he couldn't quite put his finger on where this unease came from.

The night was as still as water.

Fang Xuan suddenly opened his eyes, a sharp glint in them.

Even when he entered a meditative state, Fang Xuan did not conceal his divine soul.

He walked to the window and opened it.

Two horse-drawn carriages were parked in front of the inn on the street.

Seven or eight martial artists surrounded the carriage, looking around warily.

These people appear to be a caravan.

After negotiating for a while, a manager returned to the first carriage and whispered something.

Not wanting to cause unnecessary trouble, Fang Xuan did not use his spiritual power to investigate.

After all, this is a very rude act that could easily lead to conflict.

Soon, two figures, one tall and one short, emerged from the carriage.

Seeing the little girl yawning incessantly, the woman felt somewhat helpless. She then handed the girl over to the steward and walked towards the carriage behind.

After saying something to the people in the car, the woman turned around, wiped her eyes, and then led the little girl into the inn.

The martial arts guards did not enter the inn together, but instead surrounded the second carriage, circulating their internal energy and keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.

"Three at the Qi Condensation Realm and one at the Half-Step Divine Intent Realm."

Fang Xuan pondered to himself, "This caravan is no ordinary one."

Fang Xuan closed the window, then closed his eyes again and continued his cultivation.

With Old Man Jiang's help, Fang Xuan's cultivation broke through to the seventh level of the Qi Gathering Realm.

After several battles, his cultivation level stabilized.

However, his spiritual realm is still a bit lacking.

Thinking about this, Fang Xuan felt somewhat helpless.

"Once I break through to the second rank of the Divine Soul Realm, my strength will at least double."

After enhancing one's spiritual power, both alchemy and sword control become exceptionally significant.

However, without a special opportunity, it is impossible to break through this final step in a short period of time.

"Knock knock".

As Fang Xuan was deep in thought, a knock sounded on the door.

"Are you asleep?"

Xiao Jinyu's voice rang out from outside the door.

Fang Xuan frowned.

What does this woman want with me so late at night?

Fang Xuan had just opened the door when Xiao Jinyu, who had changed her clothes, walked straight in and quickly closed the door.

For a moment, the room was filled with a pleasant fragrance.

"It's so late, is there something you need?"

Fang Xuan looked at Xiao Jinyu, knowing that she wouldn't knock on the door in the middle of the night for no reason.

"Do you see that caravan at the gate?"

Xiao Jinyu took out a pot of tea and poured herself a cup.

She didn't even touch the tea prepared by the inn.

"I saw it."

Fang Xuan said, "This caravan is no ordinary one."

A caravan that can have a half-step Divine Realm expert in charge is naturally extraordinary.

"The people from the Sihai Chamber of Commerce are certainly not simple."

Xiao Jinyu blew on the tea and took a small sip.

"The Four Seas Chamber of Commerce?"

Fang Xuan was somewhat surprised and said, "If I remember correctly, this chamber of commerce is usually active in Mingyue County and Baiyun County, and rarely comes to Mingyang County."

The three regions of Southwest China are too small, and this place is remote.

A large chamber of commerce like the Sihai Chamber of Commerce wouldn't even look at this place.

"That was before."

Xiao Jinyu explained, "Actually, the Sihai Chamber of Commerce has always had the idea of ​​entering the three southwestern prefectures, but these three prefectures are very xenophobic, so even if they wanted to enter, they wouldn't have the opportunity."

"But things are different now."

Xiao Jinyu said with a half-smile, "With the Blood Fiend Gang wiped out, Liusha County is truly a disorganized mess. The Ming and Wen families have been destroyed, and the He family is now the only dominant force. The Four Seas Chamber of Commerce will naturally not let go of such a good opportunity."

Fang Xuan knew that Xiao Jinyu was teasing him.

However, he didn't care.

"The Sihai Chamber of Commerce has a very large business."

Xiao Jinyu said, "They have a presence throughout the nine prefectures of Qingzhou, and they also have some connections with various major powers."

"You came to see me so late, there must be more to it than just this, right?"

Fang Xuan said, "Furthermore, is your insistence on lingering in this town related to them?"

Hearing this, Xiao Jinyu smiled.

"Looks like you're not so stupid after all."

Xiao Jinyu said, "That's right, I came here for them."

With a flick of her finger, Xiao Jinyu placed two talismans on the door, blocking outside access.

"Haven't you been asking me where I got the fragmentary map of the cave?"

Xiao Jinyu gestured towards the outside with her chin and said, "It was the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce that gave it to me."

Fang Xuan frowned and said, "According to what you've said, since the Four Seas Chamber of Commerce has influence throughout Qingzhou, why would they give you the map? Why don't they just keep that ancient cave for themselves?"

Fang Xuan tapped his fingertips lightly on the table and said, "Even if we cooperate with those powerful forces, the benefits would be greater, wouldn't they?"

"You only know one side of the story, not the other."

Xiao Jinyu said, "The reason why the Sihai Chamber of Commerce has been able to get to where it is today is indeed inseparable from the support of those powerful forces, but because of this, they have to act according to the whims of others."

"Being controlled by others, so you want to break free?"

Fang Xuan analyzed, "But even if you have Tianbao Tower backing you, why would they cooperate with you? This reason is not enough to convince me."

"Tsk, as expected, nothing can be hidden from you."

Xiao Jinyu looked at Fang Xuan with sparkling eyes, filled with admiration she had never shown before.

"Their reason for choosing me is simple."

Xiao Jinyu looked at Fang Xuan and said with a half-smile, "That little girl just now had a strange illness. I promised them I could cure it."

Upon hearing this, Fang Xuan chuckled and said, "So, I was used by you?"

It's just a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Xiao Jinyu said, "Actually, before I met you, my choice was Elder Jiang. But now I feel that you are more suitable than Elder Jiang."

"Why do you think I definitely have a way?"

Fang Xuan said calmly, "Even if I had a way, why would I agree to it?"

Xiao Jinyu's words displeased Fang Xuan.

He disliked Xiao Jinyu's unauthorized actions.

Are you angry?

After observing Fang Xuan's expression, Xiao Jinyu's lips twitched, and she put on a pitiful and aggrieved look.

"We're in this together now, we're allies."

Xiao Jinyu wiped her eyes and sobbed, "You're not even willing to help with this small favor?"

"Manager Xiao, your trick won't work on me."

Fang Xuan's face turned cold as he said, "The reason I agreed to cooperate with you is not because I'm afraid of Tianbao Tower; I'm simply interested in the ancient cave you mentioned."

"If you are not willing to cooperate sincerely, we can simply part ways."

Fang Xuan's tone was indifferent, clearly expressing his dissatisfaction.

"Okay, I admit I was in the wrong first, and I wouldn't dare hide it from you."

Sensing Fang Xuan's extreme dissatisfaction, Xiao Jinyu stopped feigning pitifulness and said seriously, "However, that little girl has a piece of the map on her, and it's very crucial. Saving her is the only condition they've offered."

Fang Xuan stared at Xiao Jinyu for a long time without looking away.

He was trying to determine whether what Xiao Jinyu said was true or false.

Xiao Jinyu and Fang Xuan looked at each other without the slightest bit of guilt.

"You can verify it first."

Xiao Jinyu said, "If I have told you even half a lie, I will apologize to you for my previous behavior."

As she spoke, Xiao Jinyu flipped her jade-like hand, and a box appeared on the table, which she then pushed toward Fang Xuan.

The box opened by itself, revealing an animal hide inside.

This animal hide is one of the fragments of the map of the Azure Lotus Secret Realm.

When the two decided to join forces, Fang Xuan had already personally verified that it was exactly the same as the two fragments of the map in his hand.

"This is my sincerity."

Xiao Jinyu said, "Whether you see me or not is up to you."

Fang Xuan fell into deep thought.

Just then, the knocking sounded again.

A sweep of the soul.

Fang Xuan then noticed that the woman was standing at the door, holding the little girl's hand.

"This is a one-time exception; there will be no next time."

Hearing this, Xiao Jinyu smiled.

"I knew you wouldn't be that heartless."

The door opened, and the woman, looking reserved, bowed slightly to Xiao Jinyu.

"This humble servant greets Steward Xiao."

Xiao Jinyu nodded and said, "Come in."

Just as the two were about to step into the room, the old man who looked like the manager reached out and stopped them, his gaze falling on Fang Xuan, his tone slightly displeased.

"Manager Xiao, this is not what we agreed on before."

Xiao Jinyu said, "Manager Yu, please don't be angry. His alchemy skills are praised even by Elder Jiang. If he can't solve your young lady's problem, then there's no one else who can."

"Words are not enough."

Manager Yu's tone was full of distrust.

Xiao Jinyu looked at Fang Xuan, as if to say, "I'm leaving it to you."

Fang Xuan felt helpless. He looked at the little girl hiding behind the woman, and his soul swept over her, causing him to shudder.

"His Qi Sea is depleted, his martial meridians are sealed—what a vicious method! To actually use the Spirit Sealing and Meridian Severing Technique on a child!"