I Don't Agree to the Terms
Chapter 403 - 227: Blood Poison, An Unfulfilled Calamity_2

Chapter 403: Chapter 227: Blood Poison, An Unfulfilled Calamity_2

All markets must operate under the supervision of the Great Mahayana Xuanzhen Sect, and all qualifications must meet the requirements, otherwise, the privilege of operating within the Immortal Pavilion will be revoked. Once this qualification is lost, the market becomes a black market beyond the protection of the Great Mahayana Xuanzhen Sect, and any incidents that occur are no longer related to the sect.

Otherwise, do you really think these markets could operate on their own? It is precisely because someone stands behind them to support them; otherwise, given the nature of Loose Cultivators, most would rather rob than pay.

Take this disciple, for instance; he is in the Spirit Origin Stage and presides over a medium-sized market near the Heavenly Ghost Tomb as the strongest figure maintaining order within the market.

"The Loose Cultivators in the market tend to cooperate well," the other party promptly responded.

This was a statement that could be taken lightly. Cooperate? That was only because his fists were big; otherwise, why would he be deployed to preside over it?

The master of this particular Immortal Pavilion was also a Loose Cultivator in Spirit Origin Stage but lacked the combat power of this disciple. Fortunately, this disciple did not manage affairs. For trivial matters like these, the Immortal Pavilion Master would undoubtedly cooperate to a great extent, fearing to offend this prominent disciple.

"It really is a place of simple folk." Gu Shanhai responded perfunctorily before starting to sift through the intelligence.

In fact, many Loose Cultivators entered the Heavenly Ghost Tomb for exploration. Generally, as long as they did not go too deep, they would not encounter any unearthly creatures. However, there wasn’t much worth scavenging outside, as it had already been cleaned out.

This made Gu Shanhai somewhat worried that the remains of his four never-before-met senior disciple brothers might have been taken as well.

In reality, there wasn’t much to glean from the intelligence, merely how many Loose Cultivators went to explore the Heavenly Ghost Tomb, how many did not return, and how many came back with injuries.

Those who went on explorations were mostly Loose Cultivators in the Qi Refinement Realm and the Foundation Establishment Stage. Those in the Purple Mansion Stage did not even consider entering the Heavenly Ghost Tomb, as they did not regard the minor profits highly. More importantly, they knew the strength of the unearthly creatures deep within the Heavenly Ghost Tomb. There might be treasures inside, but it was not worth risking their lives.

As for those in the Spirit Origin Stage, there were only two people in a radius of ten thousand miles, one being this disciple of the Great Mahayana Xuanzhen Sect and the other, the master of the Immortal Pavilion.

These two people would not explore the Heavenly Ghost Tomb, mainly because someone had given them a heads-up in the past, so they had not ventured in.

As for the higher realms beyond, there might be some hidden within the vicinity, but none were publicly known.

"It seems that in recent years, the Heavenly Ghost Tomb hasn’t changed much," Gu Shanhai said.

This was actually quite normal. If there had been any changes, this disciple would have reported it to the Great Mahayana Xuanzhen Sect early on.

"Yes, it remains as calm as ever. Those unearthly creatures cannot leave the Heavenly Ghost Tomb, and there are no valuable items inside," the disciple sincerely replied before continuing, "Elder, if you wish to retrieve the remains, with your realm, there will be no danger."

The other party naturally knew why Gu Shanhai was here, as someone had informed him in advance to facilitate Gu Shanhai’s objectives by providing everything he needed.

He respected the position of Supreme Elder that Gu Shanhai held. Speaking of seniority, the other party was definitely older than Gu Shanhai.

It is not that ascension in realm means an ascension in seniority; the Great Mahayana Xuanzhen Sect did not hold such a view.

"Indeed, but I still need Uncle-Master’s help to clear the area. I’m planning to study the Heavenly Ghost Tomb and unearthly creatures. Is this feasible?" Gu Shanhai expressed that since he was already here, simply collecting remains would be too wasteful; he might as well study them.

"No problem, Elder only needs to give the disciple some time. At most three days, and the disciple will have it resolved," the disciple said. The terms they used for each other were somewhat peculiar—one addressing seniority and the other addressing position. This was quite normal, as mutual respect was exhibited by using the highest titles for each other.

"Then I appreciate Uncle-Master’s efforts. If I really discover something noteworthy, Uncle-Master will also receive a substantial contribution," Gu Shanhai expressed his gratitude, as the sect would remember your service, provided he really discovered something significant.

If he did not discover anything of value, then even he would have nothing, and naturally, there would be nothing to share.

"I dare not accept such high praise, it’s merely the effort of dogs and horses at work." The other party was also beaming, quite aware of Elder Wude’s reputation. It seemed a given that this research would succeed, and they had far more confidence in it than Gu Shanhai did.

After all, Gu Shanhai had succeeded so many times, so often that they felt anything he proposed was virtually no problem, just as they had believed the rumor from who knows where that Gu Shanhai was preparing to help Chengyun Sect dominate the entire Xuanji Realm three years ago—and indeed, it had come true.

So much so that now whatever Gu Shanhai said, all the disciples and elders of the Great Mahayana Xuanzhen Sect believed.

Seeing their expressions, Gu Shanhai sighed—it seemed they believed he would succeed.

But he said nothing; if they believed, let them believe. There was nothing he could do.

"Is there anything else the elder wishes to command? If not, I shall go ahead and make the preparations," the other party asked if Gu Shanhai needed anything else prepared, ready to take up the task.

"No more, please proceed as quickly as possible." Gu Shanhai had no further instructions. Originally, he had planned to go alone, but he hadn’t expected the Great Mahayana Xuanzhen Sect’s strict control over loose cultivators, even controlling the markets.

It was just as well; it saved him a lot of trouble.

As for whether this action was cheating? This was neither a test nor a trial; he merely came to collect the remains. There were no judges to score him, so naturally, he would take the easiest approach.

Those elders protecting him would rather Gu Shanhai not court death, quickly finish their task, and return; they truly did not want Gu Shanhai to leave the mountain.

Otherwise, how could they have possibly arranged in advance with the disciple stationed in the market, thinking to hasten Gu Shanhai’s return?

In short, they paved the way for him; he just needed to go through the motions and return.

That Gu Shanhai wanted to research this matter was a bit unexpected, but not overly surprising. His nature was such, eager to study anything he encountered.

Thus, these protecting elders didn’t obstruct him too much. For them and the entire Great Mahayana Xuanzhen Sect, it was a positive thing. Not mentioning the various minor spells and Divine Skills, just the three methods of disaster evasion and the God Slayer Mecha alone had established the sect’s dominant position.

If anything else were discovered that could significantly transform the Great Mahayana Xuanzhen Sect, wouldn’t that be even better?

Because of this, although they would pave the way for Gu Shanhai, they wouldn’t influence his choices. Whatever he decided, the entire Great Mahayana Xuanzhen Sect would support him, just like this disciple who agreed without hesitation.

The disciple quickly left to make preparations, which wasn’t a difficult task. It merely involved driving out all the loose cultivators.

Of course, the loose cultivators would have objections, and there might even be rumors claiming that the Heavenly Ghost Tomb had unearthed some incredible treasure. This was normal.

But neither the market nor the disciple cared about that. The market owner had learned that a high-ranking individual had arrived. Though he wasn’t entitled to meet him personally, any orders must be vigorously executed. Getting close to influential people, or even getting the person to remember his name, was a huge win for him.

Offending loose cultivators versus offending a high-ranking figure—the choice was obvious.

Loose cultivators were plentiful, and this was the only market in the vicinity. If they didn’t come, plenty others would.

Three days’ time was actually a conservative estimate. If things went well, the issue could be resolved today. The reason to propose three days was naturally to leave some leeway, in case any unforeseen events occurred.

That would not do, as it might negatively affect their impression in Gu Shanhai’s eyes, and maintaining a good impression was very important, especially in front of a leader.