The Demonic Cultivator In Zombie World

Chapter 157: Myriad Islands Lake

The Imperial Sky Mirror, initially offered willingly by Yuan Zichu, was a mid-grade flying magic treasure. Its speed far surpassed the Green Shadow Shuttle, the top-grade flying magic tool Chu Xuan had previously used, boasting a travel speed of five hundred li in a single hour.

From the southernmost to the northernmost tip of Yan Country spanned a full one hundred and twenty thousand li. Even with hurried travel, Chu Xuan would need an entire day.

However, he did not plan to rush at maximum speed. Rather leisurely was his approach.

He was not truly going to Myriad Islands Lake to fight on behalf of the Hundred Refinement Sect. He was merely seeking a geomantically blessed place to lay low for a while.

Although the forces at Myriad Islands Lake were mixed and varied, compared to Yan Country, which had been under the long-time management of the Hundred Refinement Sect, it was certainly much safer—even if the wrath of the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace were to pour down, it would not fall upon the heads of the cultivators at Myriad Islands Lake.

Moreover, as victims, the cultivators might even receive favorable treatment from the Feather Transformation Heaven Palace.

One hundred and twenty thousand li. Chu Xuan leisurely flew, taking nearly two days to arrive.

"Is that Myriad Islands Lake? Indeed, it is a vast inland sea!"

Chu Xuan gazed into the distance, already able to see a vast expanse of azure water. Above the water, the air was rich with moisture, and countless islands were scattered like stars strewn across the night sky.

In the blink of an eye, Chu Xuan's figure flashed past, landing atop one of the southernmost tower ships of Myriad Islands Lake.

The tower ship, moored at the shore, was surrounded by a dense array of houses and shacks. This cluster of tower ships formed the Treasure Ship Market, the largest trading market established by the Hundred Refinement Sect in this area.

As for the surrounding houses and shacks, they were the residences of low-level cultivators eking out a living. Most of them were Qi Refining cultivators.

Any cultivator who had reached the Foundation Establishment stage would not choose to live in such filthy and chaotic shack areas. At the very least, they would own a tower ship, residing in the tower ship district around the Treasure Ship Market.

Chu Xuan glanced over the shacks but did not look further.

In every world, there are those who live at the bottom. Even those exalted as immortals in the eyes of mortals are just low-level cultivators like these Qi Refining ones.

Chu Xuan shook his head and approached the periphery of the Treasure Ship Market's formation.

People had already noticed the streak of light in the sky.

With a flick of his wrist, the Golden Core elder's token flew out immediately. The Treasure Ship Market was stirred into action.

Moments later, a Golden Core cultivator and four Foundation Establishment cultivators came together.

"May I know which fellow daoist has graced us with their presence…"

Yuan Zichu greeted them with a bow and a smile, only to stiffen when he saw a familiar face.

You said you disliked conflict and would not come. Why have you appeared again? Oh, men! How quickly their faces change!

"How is it, fellow daoist Yuan, are you not welcoming me here?" Chu Xuan said with a smile.

Yuan Zichu shook his head vigorously, "Not at all, not at all, fellow daoist He, please come in!"

The four Foundation Establishment cultivators exchanged glances, none daring to speak further.

Yuan Zichu was exceptionally talented, blessed by the heavens, and advanced rapidly in his cultivation, loyal and true. He was highly valued by the sect leader.

There were four Golden Core elders in the Treasure Ship Market, and the other three held Yuan Zichu in high regard.

However, in the presence of this new Golden Core elder, Yuan Zichu unusually showed a hint of reverence.

Could this person's strength surpass even Elder Yuan?

The largest tower ship in the Treasure Ship Market was a four-story structure named "Treasure Ship Number," the true hub of trading activities.

However, this "Treasure Ship Number" was too noisy and bustling with people. Golden Core cultivators naturally would not reside there.

There were several large tower ships floating outside the market specifically prepared as aquatic abodes for Golden Core cultivators.

However, as Chu Xuan was new to the area, he did not yet have such an aquatic abode.

Thus, Yuan Zichu invited Chu Xuan aboard the "Listening Rain Number."

This tower ship was specially used by the Treasure Ship Market to welcome guests.

The two settled in, and the four Foundation Establishment cultivators promptly excused themselves. Soon after, a graceful female cultivator stepped forward, presenting them with spiritual tea.

Yuan Zichu smiled, "This tea is called Fragrant Snow White, sweet and refreshing. A tael of Fragrant Snow White costs a thousand small spiritual stones."

Chu Xuan immediately shook his head. Although the tea was freshly brewed before him, the tea leaves had not been inspected, and the source of the water was unknown. He chose not to drink.

Yuan Zichu, a perceptive man, recognized Chu Xuan's caution. He simply slapped his storage bag and took out three small paper packets. "Here are three taels of Fragrant Snow White that I bought for fellow daoist Zhu as a gift. I have some extra, so I'll give it to fellow daoist He."

After a brief scan with his spiritual sense and detecting nothing amiss, Chu Xuan accepted it with a smile. How could he refuse a gift offered so willingly?

After some pleasantries, Chu Xuan had a good understanding of the current situation at the Treasure Ship Market. Including the newly arrived Chu Xuan, there were five Golden Core cultivators in the market.

Yuan Zichu and Zhu Yuchao were the regulars, while the other three were leading cultivators in attacks against other forces around Myriad Islands Lake, like the Dragon Fish Sect based on Dragon Fish Island and the Curio Alliance formed by several cultivator families.

As they spoke, footsteps suddenly sounded from outside. Yuan Zichu seemed to recognize the noise and immediately stood up. "It must be fellow daoist Zhu."

The next moment, a stunning woman in a lake blue gown stepped through the doorway. Her slender waist and commanding presence, combined with her porcelain skin, made her an unparalleled beauty.

Chu Xuan glanced at Yuan Zichu and understood the convoluted connections. Yuan Zichu had spoken of coming to Myriad Islands Lake to serve the sect, and Chu Xuan had thought he would be on the frontlines. Instead, he was stationed at the Treasure Ship Market.

Now Chu Xuan saw the reason—Yuan Zichu was here for Zhu Yuchao. But that was normal; a graceful lady is a worthy companion. Cultivators, not entirely devoid of desires, naturally could be ensnared by affection.

Chu Xuan was different. He simply thought that Zhu Yuchao was too slender, hardly having enough flesh on her. Surely, Hu and the others would not favor such a meal.

What a pity, indeed.

"Fellow daoist Yuan," Zhu Yuchao nodded lightly, her smile gentle.

Yuan Zichu responded with an embarrassed chuckle.

Noticing Chu Xuan's gaze, Zhu Yuchao felt a sense of oddity.

His look was unlike most; it wasn't as if he saw her as a person. Rather, she felt regarded more like a piece of ambulatory meat. Almost instinctively, she categorized Chu Xuan as someone best kept at a distance.

Yuan Zichu promptly introduced, "Fellow daoist Zhu, this is He Liang of Black Dragon Mountain, a fellow daoist. He has come to the Treasure Ship Market specifically in response to the sect's call."

Hearing this name, Zhu Yuchao paused, then exclaimed in surprise, "You are the one from Black Dragon Mountain, that Black Heart—ah, I mean, fellow daoist He?"

The internal strife of Black Dragon Mountain was well-known within the Hundred Refinement Sect. It would have been hard for her not to know of it. She had also heard about the Golden Core elder from Black Dragon Mountain's harsh treatment of his disciples, which she had found quite cruel at the time. She had not expected to meet the man himself today.

Chu Xuan's smile was ambiguous, "Indeed, fellow daoist Zhu, you've heard of my nickname? Black Heart, I actually find it rather fitting."