Chapter 277: Daoist Qingfeng

Wandering Man also informed Qin Sang directly that the dark yellow qi was not unique to the Dark Patterned Yellow Essence. Below this qi, the probability of it being the Dark Patterned Yellow Essence was only fifty percent.

In addition to the dark yellow qi, there was also a possibility that similar spiritual herbs existed beneath other colored qi. Wandering Man promised that, regardless of the herb, as long as it could effectively heal Qin Sang's hidden injuries, he would do everything in his power to help gather the herbs and refine the pills free of charge.

Similarly, Qin Sang would need to reciprocate, offering assistance to Wandering Man whenever necessary.

Wandering Man suspected that these spiritual herbs might be guarded by spirit beasts, and even if they successfully reached the location, harvesting the herbs would not be easy. Cooperation would be essential.

This request was reasonable, and Qin Sang naturally would not refuse.

However, before anything else, they first needed to find this suspected herb garden.

The discovery of this place had a rather convoluted history.

Originally, it was the cave dwelling of an ancient cultivator, located between Jiuyong Stronghold and Xuanlu Stronghold, at the boundary between the inner and middle zones. It was a place beyond the reach of the major sects, a chaotic region since ancient times.

The disturbance when the cave dwelling emerged was significant, drawing the attention of many, including Core Formation Realm cultivators.

However, after breaking through the outer restrictions, they found the cave dwelling to be empty, with no valuable items. Those who entered returned empty-handed.

Fortunately, the remaining restrictions were still intact. Later, a group of cultivators repaired them and established a market in the area, named Qiuhong Market.

Due to its location, Qiuhong Market had no nearby markets or towns, and its restrictions were formidable, standing for decades without faltering. It became an extremely safe refuge, and thus, the population began to grow, and its reputation spread.

Years later, a celestial phenomenon occurred, and no one could have predicted that a large group of Cloud Beasts from the Ancient Immortal Battlefield would wander to Qiuhong Market, causing its destruction. The market's owner was surrounded and killed by the Cloud Beasts, and it was then that everyone realized there was more to Qiuhong Market than met the eye.

Deep within the market, a far larger protective array was hidden, and within that array was the true cave dwelling!

That was the true treasure trove of the ancient cultivator!

Because the emergence of the cave dwelling had caused quite a stir, many were aware of its existence. The market's owner could not keep it to himself and devised a plan to spend a large sum to repair the restrictions, using the market as a cover to secretly crack the protective array.

Once the protective array was exposed, treasure hunters flocked to Qiuhong Market, but the formation was extremely dangerous. Entering was no easy task, and many perished within it.

Eventually, the pattern of the array was understood. Every thirty years or so, the array would experience a weak phase, and during this period, Foundation Building Realm cultivators could form an array and attempt to break in with a much higher chance of success.

Over the years, many cultivators had come and gone, but this hidden passage was discovered for the first time.

The person who first discovered the passageway was the one who etched the scene seen through the jade pendant. However, after leaving, this person mysteriously died, and no information about it was leaked.

Three years ago, rumors about the hidden passage and herb garden surfaced, gradually gaining traction, though most people did not believe them.

After all, the market had been thoroughly searched, with every corner inspected countless times. If there were any secret passages or treasures, they would have been found long ago.

Such rumors were not new, and they had circulated during the emergence of Qiuhong Market. Every time something similar happened, some people with ulterior motives spread all kinds of rumors to muddy the waters.

When Wandering Man received the news, adhering to the principle of never missing an opportunity, he personally visited the site. By chance, he saw the scene from the jade pendant and confirmed that the rumors were likely true.

Since the person who left the jade pendant had died, Wandering Man did not know the exact location of the hidden passage and had to find another way.

After a thorough investigation, Wandering Man suspected that the person’s death was closely linked to three companions who had entered Qiuhong Market with him thirty years ago. He now focused on these three individuals.

These three were also preparing to enter during the upcoming weak phase of the array and were currently gathering people to rehearse their array.

Their first task was to blend into the group of the three individuals before the protective array reached its weak phase, secretly observing their actions and determining who the killer was.

Thus, besides Qin Sang and Wandering Man, there was one more person involved.

The three of them had to act separately.

Once the target was confirmed, they would then find an opportunity to make contact.

With these thoughts in mind, Qin Sang put away the jade pendant. In just ten days, he and Wandering Man had agreed to set off for Qiuhong Market, looking for a chance to infiltrate one of the groups.

Qin Sang took a moment to check his equipment. After the ebony sword had absorbed the Black Flame Camphor, its power had increased once more. The Yan Luo Banner of Ten Directions and the jade ruyi talisman astra were his trump cards. With the restoration of most of the Nine-Dragon Heavenly Chariot Talisman, Qin Sang felt confident in his safety as long as he remained cautious.

However, some of these items were not for public display, and after using them, he would need to be prepared to eliminate anyone who might know too much.

Before then, it would be best to remain anonymous.

After a brief pause, Qin Sang left the cave dwelling, sealed the protective barrier, and headed straight for Xuanlu Stronghold, spending some spirit stones to replenish a few of his artifacts and ensuring he was fully prepared.

Ten days later.

Wandering Man arrived as agreed.

"Brother Qin, I’ve received some news from over there..."

Wandering Man hurriedly approached. "The weak phase of the array at Qiuhong Market is almost here. Those three are gathering more people. If you join them now, you’ll be able to interact with them for a while. Brother Qin, you must be careful. Try to gain their trust. Even if you’ve identified the killer, don’t act rashly until Daoist Ge Yuan and I arrive. We mustn’t alarm them prematurely."

Wandering Man still had some concerns about Qin Sang, repeatedly urging caution.

Ge Yuan was the third person who had teamed up with them, someone Qin Sang had not yet met.

Currently, Ge Yuan was lying in wait at Xihuang Town, the closest town to Qiuhong Market, keeping an eye on any changes in the situation.

Qin Sang understood the weight of the situation. Infiltrating the enemy’s group alone and acting recklessly would not be wise. It could easily lead to an ambush.

"Rest assured, Senior. I know the importance of discretion and will be cautious."

Wandering Man nodded. "I’m glad you understand, Brother Qin. By the way, have you decided on your disguise?"

"I have."

Qin Sang donned a Daoist robe. "From now on, you can call me Daoist Qingfeng."