Chapter 113: The Cursegrass

The news that the Lu family’s spirit herb garden at Living Water Island had been plundered by the Yellow Wind Cult spread like wildfire throughout Qingyuan County.

Initially, the Lu family attempted to suppress the news, but as the Yellow Wind Cult continued to strike multiple resource sites over the following days, the entire county was thrown into an uproar. No one had expected the cult, which usually operated in the distant Changfeng County, to have infiltrated Qingyuan.

Furious at the cult's brazenness, the various local powers joined forces with the Prefectural Governor’s office to launch a suppression campaign. Yet, just as they mobilized, the Yellow Wind Cult cultivators vanished into thin air, leaving behind no traces, as if they had never existed at all.

Dissatisfied with this outcome, the factions of Qingyuan began scouring the region for clues to uncover the hiding place of the cultists. Under these circumstances, the incident at the Lu family’s Living Water Island could no longer be concealed. Simultaneously, a rumor began to circulate among the elite circles of the county: it was whispered that the Lu family ancestor had engaged in a duel with the Loose Immortal Yellow Wind at White Sand Island and had sustained significant injuries.

The Lu family offered no official response, but sharp-eyed observers noted subtle shifts in their behavior—specifically, the systematic withdrawal of their Qi-Refining cultivators. A turbulent undercurrent began to swell in the shadows.

"The traces confirm it. The Loose Immortal Yellow Wind did indeed clash with Lu Yongnian here."

A figure appeared silently on White Sand Island. He wore indigo-colored robes, with two streaks of white at his temples and an ethereal aura. It was the Prefectural Governor, Qi Xiuning.

"That Yellow Wind rogue is skilled in the art of Flying Sands and Moving Stones, a technique that blends illusion with lethal strikes. On its own, it would be difficult but manageable, yet he has had a fortuitous encounter; he refined a strand of Spirit Wind. Once unleashed, it befuddles the five senses of his foes, pairing perfectly with his sand and stone arts."

"Reports from the Changfeng Prefectural Governor’s office state that he has also refined his magical artifact to the level of a supreme-grade tool, further enhancing his prowess."

Walking with a leisurely gait, Qi Xiuning carefully examined the marks left behind by the combatants. The Lu family guards stationed on the island remained entirely unaware of his presence.

"It seems highly probable that Lu Yongnian is indeed injured. The only question is how severe the damage is."

After weighing the gathered intelligence, Qi Xiuning reached his conclusion. "The timing of this injury... it is unclear whether this is a blessing or a curse."

Having obtained the answers he sought, he shook his head and drifted away.

***

Not long after, Gao Sixing, the third master of the Gao family, received the news, and he knew his opportunity had arrived.

Since Jiang Chen had killed Luo Qiao, the leader of the Fishing Spirit Sect, Gao Sixing had harbored a deep grudge, constantly plotting to deal with Jiang Chen and reclaim his lost shell seeds. However, as he was not the head of the Gao family, the resources he could command were limited. Furthermore, such a matter was unsuitable for the Gao family to undertake directly, as it would be impossible to hide from his elder brother, Gao Siyuan, and might provide the Lu family with leverage against them.

"With the floodwaters raging and their ancestor compromised, the Lu family can surely spare no energy to monitor the Taiping Sect now," he mused.

"Moreover, with the Loose Immortal Fuling hosting an auction to facilitate the exchange of spiritual materials recovered from the Qingyuan River, many reclusive rogue cultivators have begun to surface. Perhaps I can recruit one of them to deal with Jiang Chen."

Ideas collided in his mind, and the more Gao Sixing thought about it, the more feasible the plan seemed. Jiang Chen was a rare sword cultivator. Despite his early-stage Qi-Refining cultivation, his swordsmanship was sharp enough that ordinary practitioners were no match for him. Only those at the minor achievement stage or higher could guarantee a victory. Such individuals were significant figures in the county, difficult to hire—especially given the Taiping Sect’s ties to the Lu family.

Even the most unscrupulous rogue cultivators would weigh the risks of such an endeavor. This was why his previous attempts to hire help had failed. But now, the Lu family’s weakened state and the upcoming auction offered a fresh opening.

"It is quite serendipitous. During the recent surge of the Qingyuan River’s water veins, I managed to obtain some Grudge-Shattering Grass. While useless to most, it is a rare treasure for certain dark practitioners, whether for refining spells or tempering artifacts."

A contemplative look crossed his fair, scholarly face as he refined his plan. Moments later, he made his decision, summoning a subordinate to take the grass to the auction house and circulate the news.

"The bait has been cast. Now, I merely wait for the fish to bite."

As he watched his messenger eagle fly into the distance, a triumphant smirk tugged at the corners of Gao Sixing’s mouth. Soon, word of the reopened auction at the Yanhui Island marketplace spread throughout the county, accompanied by rumors of several rare treasures that had surfaced, immediately capturing the attention of many.

While the flooding caused by the river’s surge had brought tragedy to the common folk, it had provided opportunities for cultivators to unearth spirits and materials. Since these items were often not suited for the finders' personal use, the Yanhui Island auction served as the perfect venue for exchange.

***

As the largest cultivation marketplace in Qingyuan County, Yanhui Island was under the protection of the Loose Immortal Fuling, a master of the Great Perfection of Qi-Refining. Its reputation for safety and reliability was well-earned.

Crucially, at every auction, Fuling would sell a portion of his own first-grade talismans at a relatively low price, a gesture of goodwill that served as a significant draw. After all, high-quality talismans were always in demand.

"The Yanhui Island auction?"

On Muyu Island, Jiang Chen frowned as he read the newly arrived letter. It was from Lu Xuanping, detailing the auction and noting that the Lu family was currently unable to watch over the Taiping Sect. The letter confirmed that the Yellow Wind Cult had returned to Changfeng County, advising him not to worry, though he should keep a watchful eye on the Gao family.

"Though not explicitly stated, the injury of the Lu family ancestor seems to be a fact. This is neither good for the Lu family nor for me."

Setting the letter aside, Jiang Chen fell into deep thought. The entire situation was interconnected; if the Lu family faltered, the Taiping Sect, closely tied to them, would inevitably suffer. Fortunately, the ancestor was only injured, not deceased, or the situation would be dire indeed.

"With my current strength, I do not fear ordinary threats, but the Gao family is worth keeping an eye on. While they lack a Great Perfection cultivator, they do possess those at the Great Accomplishment stage."

"As for Yanhui Island, I must go. The Taiping Sect has collected many materials we have no use for, and this is a rare chance to exchange them. I simply need to remain cautious..."

With his mind made up, Jiang Chen settled on his course of action.