abcnovels
Chapter 545: 543: Once a Youth_1
Chapter 545: 543: Once a Youth_1
Chapter 545: Chapter 543: Once a Youth_1
After dividing the spoils of battle among themselves, the four swiftly made their escape to avoid attracting more demon insects with the scent of blood.
For the next half month, Lu Xuan toured the outskirts of Black Star City with Sun Yun Ming and the others. If they happened to encounter metamorphosis demon beasts that had lost their senses due to the influence of the demonic beings from the outer domains, the four of them would join forces to defeat them.
Having fulfilled their task, the four returned to Black Star City. After passing through the checks of the cultivators protecting the city, they entered the city.
“We’re finally safe and sound back home.”
The four exchanged glances, and their taut nerves finally relaxed.
Outside the city, one could never anticipate a surprise attack from a demonic beast, so they always had to be on their guard and never let go.
Only when they were back in the city could they have a chance to catch their breath and relax.
“We owe our safe return to Brother Lu. Otherwise, it would have been hard for us to return unhurt to Black Star City.”
Meng Yue suddenly said.
“Indeed, it’s beyond expectation that Brother Lu, a Spirit Plant Master who rarely ventures out to explore secret lands, possesses such formidable capabilities. This is truly beyond my expectation.”
Sun Yun Ming said with a grin.
Among the four, he comes from the most ordinary background, with the lowest cultivation level and the least treasures. Thus, having Lu Xuan, such a powerful teammate, they considered themselves extremely fortunate to have returned in one piece.
“I will take the opportunity to learn from Brother Lu about the sword Dao when time permits.”
The usually reserved Qiu Changyuan suddenly spoke up.
“You’re more than welcome,” Lu Xuan replied with a hearty laugh.
“Then, should we part ways here, my friends?”
“Until next time!”
Having gone their separate ways, Lu Xuan was about to return to his court when suddenly an elderly voice rang out in his ear.
“Brother Lu, please wait!”
Turning around, he saw a thin old man who had somehow made his way behind him and approached him in a few steps.
“Friend Sun, what else is there?”
Lu Xuan asked curiously.
“Just a thought that came to mind. Considering the good number of demon beast materials Brother Lu collected during our patrol, and seeing this is your first time in Black Star City perhaps you’re not too familiar with the place. I thought I might be of some help introducing you to some channels for trading your materials for more spirit stones.”
“The Qingyuan Sect, where I belong, is located near Black Star City, so I could say I’m pretty familiar with the ins and outs of the place.” Sun Yun Ming said with a smile, his tone slightly ingratiating.
“Is that so? Then I have to thank you, friend Sun.”
With deep consideration, Lu Xuan nodded in agreement.
Being new to the city, he knew little about Black Star City. With Sun Yun Ming as a native guide who had joined the patrol, he could save a lot of time and energy and earn more spirit stones.
“Please follow me then, Brother Lu.”
The old man’s smile broadened. After accompanying Lu Xuan, he had witnessed first-hand the remarkable attributes of this Spirit Plant Master from a renowned sect. With a profound understanding of Dao, a substantial fortune, and his ability to casually whip out three fourth-grade sword talismans, together with his amiability, he resolved to establish a connection with Lu Xuan.
With this excuse, he got closer to Lu Xuan, thereby solidifying the relationship between the two.
The two strolled slowly along the streets of Black Star City.
“Here is where the loose cultivators set up their stalls — most of them are Qi Cultivators. If Brother Lu has any low-grade materials, you can entrust them to me. I would get my sect’s disciples to manage them to save you time.”
“At the end of the street, there are some richer and reputable shops. You can sell your precious demon beast materials there.”
“Besides, it’s a mixed bag in Black Star City now — quite a number of monks from major sects and some powerful loose cultivators have gathered here. On certain special occasions, a black market will open. If Brother Lu is interested, just let me know, so I could arrange for you to gain entry.”
Sun Yun Ming introduced these features in well-organized details to Lu Xuan.
Lu Xuan nodded and proceeded to leisurely scan the booths on either side.
The stall owners, sensing the powerful aura emitted by the pair, immediately lowered their heads in fear of provoking the high-tier Foundation Establishment Cultivators.
Suddenly, he paused, stopping in front of one booth.
The booth was laden with low-rank materials, including first and second-level spirit plants, snake bones, snake blood, and other items. The booth’s owner was a slender youth, pallid in complexion, his eyes reduced to mere slits. A blue-green python extended its head from the youth’s sleeve, observing the outside world with an indifferent gaze.
Noticing the presence of the monk, the youth raised his head. However, the moment he sensed the Foundation Establishment aura from Lu Xuan and his companion, his face took a drastic turn. His eyes held a mixture of vigilance and fear.
“What may I assist the two sirs with?” he asked, keeping his head bowed and speaking in a hushed voice. He quickly concealed the head of the blue-green python within his sleeve.
A myriad of thoughts cluttered his mind as he desperately tried to recall whether he had offended any Foundation Establishment cultivators in the past.
Seeing Lu Xuan stop, Sun Yun Ming, although uncertain of the reason, also slowed his pace, turning his head to look at the booth.
Lu Xuan extended his hand, picking up a bottle of snake blood that was greenish-yellow in color under the anxious gaze of the slender youth. A smile formed on his lips.
“Is this Azure Water Python Blood?” he asked.
“Yes, sir, it is Azure Water Python Blood,” replied the slender youth, revealing sharp teeth as he spoke.
“May I have the honor to speak with Master Yu Jie?” Lu Xuan asked softly.
As soon as the words left his mouth, the youth shuddered violently before admitting, “Yes, how does the senior know about me…”
Pleased with the satisfactory response, a broader smile formed on Lu Xuan’s face.
“Linyang Market, Azure Water Python blood, I never thought I would bump into you here,” he said, his thoughts flooded with momentous feelings. He never thought he would meet an old acquaintance in Black Star City, thousands of miles away and many years later.
When he was in Linyang Market, he was guided by a neighbor and met this young monk named Yu Jie to collect the necessary snake blood for nourishing the Flood Dragon Vine. With his uncanny knack for snake-hunting, his grandfather provided Lu Xuan with a good deal of second-grade Azure Water Python blood.
That sharp-eyed young boy had now become a High-grade Qi Practitioner.
“Lu … Senior Lu?” Upon hearing Lu Xuan’s reminder, the youth felt like he had been struck by thunder, instantly recalling the experiences of more than twenty years ago.
Back then, a Spirit Plant Master visited his house and ordered a large amount of second-grade Azure Water Python blood from his grandfather, greatly improving their life.
“Correct, I am the one.” Lu Xuan confirmed.
Disbelief flashed across the youth’s eyes. He remembered Lu Xuan as a Middle-Stage Qi Practitioner. He hadn’t expected that in just over twenty years, the cultivator would reach the Foundation Establishment realm, becoming a figure he looked up to.
“What brings you to Black Star City? Where’s your grandfather?” Lu Xuan asked curiously.
“After a demon beast attacked our market, a lot of cultivators were killed. My grandfather and I decided to find a new living environment. After traveling through many places, we finally arrived in Black Star City.” Yu Jie replied.
“As for my grandfather, he was severely injured during the demon beast attack. He never fully recovered. The long journey was especially hard on him. After we arrived in Black Star City using the Commercial Association Treasure ship, he insisted on continuing to hunt snake-type demonic beasts. Unfortunately, the combination of fresh and old illnesses finally took a toll on him, and he died.”
A glint of sorrow flashed in Yu Jie’s eyes.
“What a pity.” Lu Xuan sighed.
“However, you’ve developed remarkably, which would have made your grandfather proud.” Lu Xuan stared at Yu Jie, who is now a High-grade Qi Practitioner, and spoke with satisfaction.