Chapter 279: A Shocking Sword

The Wandering Man, based on Qin Sang’s criteria, had selected Yu Kong as his target from the three individuals.

"Daoist Yu Kong has previously entered Qiuhong Market and safely exited the protective array. He is quite familiar with it, which is an advantage no one else possesses. As for the requirements, they are not demanding. If you are willing to continue collaborating after entering the array, that would be wonderful. But if not, Yu Kong would not force the matter. Of course, when it comes to breaking the array, unity is essential. There can be no selfishness. What do you think?" the manager said with some expectation.

A hesitant expression appeared on Qin Sang's face. His eyes flickered toward the manager, as if undecided.

Seeing this, the manager lightly slapped his thigh, stood up, and said, “I may have been too forward. Daoist Master, please enjoy your tea. I will not disturb your peaceful moment."

Qin Sang quickly stood up and blocked the manager. "Daoist, you misunderstood. I do not doubt your words. However, I have heard that the weak phase of Qiuhong Market’s protective array has not yet arrived, so there seems to be no need to rush."

Upon Qin Sang’s warm invitation, the manager sat back down. "The longer we work together, the more familiar we become, and the higher our chances of success in breaking the array. You understand this principle. It is better to make plans early. My tea house has a vacant room, where you can stay for now. While you are here, you can gather more information about what I’ve said."

That night, Qin Sang stayed at the tea house.

The next day, after leaving the tea house, Qin Sang casually wandered through Xihuang Town. He faintly felt the presence of someone watching him, though he paid no mind to it.

He visited places recruiting people, sometimes receiving polite refusals, other times warm invitations. Qin Sang did not rush to make any commitments.

For the next two days, Qin Sang thoroughly explored Xihuang Town, making the necessary preparations. Once he was ready, he found the manager again and asked him to introduce him.

The manager did not take offense and personally led him to meet Yu Kong.

Yu Kong, a man of considerable wealth, had rented a cave dwelling in Xihuang Town. It was a small courtyard with two sections. Qin Sang followed the manager and entered the main hall, where they met Yu Kong.

Yu Kong was tall and lean, with a feather fan and a silk cap, exuding an air of calm elegance. He wore a fine robe that made him resemble a scholar, and from his appearance, he appeared to be about forty years old.

However, he had been a Foundation Building cultivator for thirty years, and having entered Qiuhong Market before, his true age was certainly much older than his appearance suggested.

Including Yu Kong, the three individuals were all middle-stage Foundation Building cultivators, and they had remained hidden in Xihuang Town, gathering people and practicing array arts.

Fortunately, Qin Sang and the others were only trying to find the location of the secret tunnel through Yu Kong and his companions, not intending to kill or steal treasures, so the chances of success were relatively higher.

Of course, once they located the herb garden, the competition for the spiritual herbs would depend on individual strength.

When Qin Sang entered the hall, Yu Kong immediately stood up, his tone delighted. "You must be Daoist Master Qingfeng, right? The manager has mentioned you many times. It is a pleasure to meet you today. Truly, your presence is remarkable!"

The manager smiled and said, "How could I ever deceive you?"

Qin Sang had already seen Yu Kong's portrait, and the gap in cultivation between them was enough to make him adopt a respectful attitude.

𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

"I am Qingfeng, paying respects to Daoist Yu. I am new here, without a place to go, but fortunately, the manager introduced me. I have heard of Daoist Yu's noble intentions in leading rogue cultivators like myself into Qiuhong Market. Although my abilities are modest, I am willing to serve under you, and I hope you do not think of me as unworthy."

Seeing Qin Sang’s respectful words, with no trace of arrogance, Yu Kong nodded inwardly and smiled in satisfaction. "Daoist Master Qingfeng, you are too modest. I have only been to Qiuhong Market once and am somewhat familiar with the protective array. I dared to step forward as an advocate. During the array breaking, we must all work together, so there is no reason to exclude you."

After a round of pleasantries, the matter was settled.

Once the manager excused himself, Yu Kong led Qin Sang to the backyard. "Daoist Master Qingfeng, please follow me. The spiritual power in this courtyard is fairly strong. You may choose a room to settle in, where you can cultivate and practice the array. There are a few other Daoists you should meet as well, as cooperation is crucial when breaking the array."

As he spoke, Yu Kong extended his spiritual consciousness, activating the barriers of three rooms.

Soon, the doors to the rooms were pushed open, and four individuals emerged—early-stage Foundation Building cultivators, their abilities similar with only minor differences.

The first room opened to reveal two sisters, their appearances strikingly similar, but their auras entirely different.

"These are the Xiu Sisters, who are skilled in a combined sword art called the Flowing Wave Sword, which can be both forceful and gentle, transitioning seamlessly. Its power is remarkable."

After introducing Qin Sang to them, Yu Kong made another introduction.

The older sister, Xiu Zhirui, was utterly charming, her gaze curious as she sized up Qin Sang. When she caught his eye, she smiled while covering her mouth, her oval eyes shimmering with playful intent.

The younger sister, Xiu Zhiying, was much colder. She merely cast a brief glance at Qin Sang before disregarding him entirely.

"This is Daoist Shangguan Lifeng, a master of the blade who can cut through anything. His reputation is well known among the rogue cultivators nearby," Yu Kong said, gesturing toward the second room, where a man stepped out holding a long blade.

The blade was pitch black, and though its edge was not directed at Qin Sang, he could still feel a sharpness emanating from it. Clearly, this blade was no ordinary artifact.

In the town, it was common to store artifacts within one’s body or in a Mustard Seed Pouch.

However, Qin Sang knew that Shangguan Lifeng wasn’t just putting on a show—he likely possessed profound sword skills and needed to stay in constant contact with his treasured blade to achieve the unity of man and blade, enhancing the power of his technique.

"This is—"

Yu Kong began to introduce the last individual, but was abruptly cut off.

"I don’t change my name or my title, it’s Yan Wu. I know a little about talismanic arts, and I’m confident I’m no worse than the old geezers of the Shangyuan Tranquility Palace! Daoist Qingfeng, don't think just because you're introduced by Senior Yu Kong, you’ll pass without proving yourself. Show us what skills you have, or you might drag us down."

The man, a large and rugged figure, pointed directly at Qin Sang without the slightest courtesy.

"Daoist Yan speaks plainly. Please, Daoist Master, don't take offense,"

Yu Kong quickly intervened, though he made no attempt to stop Yan Wu. He glanced at Qin Sang, waiting for him to display his abilities.

Qin Sang had already planned to assert himself. He chuckled and, with a flash of light between his brows, suddenly unleashed his power.

Whoosh!

A dazzling sword light shot out, expanding the sword qi in an instant, growing to dozens of yards in length.

The sword resembled a startled swan, and a faint dragon’s roar echoed in the air. Had it not been for the barrier above the courtyard, it would have likely disturbed much of Xihuang Town.

Then, under several astonished gazes, the sword qi rapidly scattered and formed an array. The weight of the sword array pressed down relentlessly, most of it aimed directly at Yan Wu.

Rustle...

Caught off guard, Yan Wu stumbled back several paces.

"My life-bound spiritual sword, combined with this array—does it suffice?" Qin Sang asked with a smirk.