Chapter 997: Three Paths Cauldron; Uninvited Guest (Part 3)

Chapter 997: Chapter 464: Three Paths Cauldron; Uninvited Guest (Part 3)

“Just a small breakthrough, practicing my hand along the way.”

Chen Ye smiled casually and took the Spirit Feather Chicken from Hee Qi’s hand.

“These days, you’ve been working hard handling affairs inside and outside Lisong Valley.”

“Brother Chen, what are you saying? This is all part of the job. With you, Peak Master Chen, presiding over things, no one dares to provoke Lisong Valley. I, as the steward, can only manage these affairs.”

Hee Qi suddenly paused, hesitating a bit as he said,

“It’s just that lately, my men have noticed some strangers in Peach Mountain District, and we don’t know why they’ve come.”

“Strangers?”

Chen Ye became serious.

“Yes, exactly during the days you returned to Lisong Valley. Peach Mountain District rarely sees outsiders; usually, familiar faces come to do business in Spiritual Peach, or some small nearby families procure goods here. It’s unlike Yunxi District where loose cultivators gather, a mix of good and bad.”

Hee Qi lowered his voice, and a hint of vigilance showed in his expression,

“If it were usual, a few strangers coming to this remote place wouldn’t be strange. But they started appearing soon after you returned to Lisong Valley.”

“I kept an eye on it, quietly sending several sharp brothers to test them. Brother Chen, guess what? Those people showed ordinary cultivation outwardly, but their methods are flawless… unlike ordinary loose cultivators.”

Chen Ye pondered for a moment.

This was within his expectations.

His identity had long changed; now that he’s come to Lisong Valley, surely those with intent would take notice.

“Don’t alert the snake in the grass.”

Chen Ye patted Hee Qi on the shoulder,

“Let them loiter in Peach Mountain District if they wish. As long as they don’t enter the formation range of Lisong Valley, it’s as if we didn’t see them. Have your brothers retreat, don’t bother about it.”

“Understood.” Hee Qi bowed in reply.

“By the way.”

Chen Ye flipped his wrist, took out three smooth jade bottles from the Storage Ring, and handed them directly to Hee Qi.

“Take these three bottles of Purple Sun Pill. Although you’ve established Foundation, it’s merely the beginning of cultivation; you must not become complacent.”

Hee Qi originally intended to refuse, but upon hearing they were Purple Sun Pills, he swallowed his words.

He knew too well the value of these.

Even for big figures in Lingyin Sect, a month’s stipend would amount to only a few pills!

And Chen Ye had given him a whole three bottles!

These could probably help him cultivate to the Foundation Establishment Third Layer!

“Thank you, Brother Chen!”

Tears welled up in Hee Qi’s eyes as he respectfully accepted the jade bottles.

His life had been uneventful, and his aptitude was mediocre. The most fortunate thing he had probably done was forming a friendship with Chen Ye.

…

Peach Mountain District, night market.

Compared to the quietness of the day, the Peach Mountain District at night was a bit livelier with smoke and fire.

Some Spirit Plant Cultivators who labored in the herb fields during the day, or loose cultivators who returned from nearby foraging, would set up small stalls here to exchange for some Spirit Stones.

Chen Ye mingled among the crowd, feeling as if he had returned to the years as a loose cultivator.

“The Foundation Establishment cultivators in Peach Mountain District are either from Lingyin Sect or well-known loose cultivators… If someone wants to find people, it’s quite convenient.”

Chen Ye’s current Divine Sense was comparable to some Golden Core True Men, easily covering Peach Mountain District.

After a short while,

he detected close to twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators.

“Huh, more Foundation Establishment cultivators than I anticipated. I thought Peach Mountain District only had a few Foundation Establishment cultivators before…”

Chen Ye thought to himself.

After all, the scale of Yunxi District was not much different from Peach Mountain District, yet the head of Yunxi District’s Jade Lizard Association, Luo Heng, barely reached Foundation Establishment.

But upon further thought,

real Foundation Establishment cultivators wouldn’t join a loose cultivator’s guild…

The number of Foundation Establishment cultivators in Yunxi District was actually far more than he imagined, but most were seasoned in treasure hunting in the Three Thousand Great Mountains, understanding the art of feigning weakness, hence their silence in fame.

As he pondered privately, he continued to search.

Soon, he locked onto several unusual presences.

“Hmm? All late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators? Why would cultivators of this level come to Peach Mountain District?”

Chen Ye paused before a stall selling talismans, pretending to pick talismans, casting a casual glance toward an inn called Welcoming Guest Inn at the east end of the market.

In that ordinary inn, there were actually seven late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators!

Chen Ye was stunned.

Since when did late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators become so common?

Even in Lingyin Sect, cultivators of such rank could serve as Inner Sect Peak Masters!

“That’s odd; these people’s presences seem familiar… Hmm? Perhaps some old acquaintances?”