Chapter 292: Chapter 176: Once Again Seeking Fortune and Avoiding Evil, Finding Opportunity in Calamity_2
Once reaching Proficient Level, the range of the Perception Talisman becomes broader.
Compared to before, it can extend Jiang Fan’s perceptive range by three times.
Previously, it only doubled the range.
At the same time, the perceptive power is more secretive; even cultivators of the same stage cannot detect it.
Boom~~
At this moment, Jiang Fan’s heart stirred, and he immediately activated the power of the Perception Talisman.
An invisible ripple of spiritual sense swept outward.
Not only did it cover the cave mansion he was in, but it also spread continuously, enveloping the entire Seven Stars Peak.
The surrounding seven peaks were all within the range of his spiritual sense.
Even the barrier of the Tier Two Array couldn’t hinder his perception.
His spiritual power easily penetrated within.
As if entering an uninhabited realm.
In an instant, he had all the information about everyone on the seven peaks laid before him.
It’s known that those living on Seven Stars Peak are not just seven Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Besides the Foundation Establishment cultivators, there are their servants, disciples, or clan members, etc.
In short, a big family resides here, making it very lively.
People like Jiang Fan and Su Weiwei, living here as a pair is actually quite rare.
Suddenly, everyone’s words resounded in the depths of his consciousness.
This feeling was akin to listening to the other person’s voice face-to-face; it was quite wonderful.
"Ah, I wonder when the war between the Profound Celestial Sword Sect and the Shennong Sect will end?"
"It seems the battle between the two major sects is growing more intense."
"Reportedly, they are fiercely fighting in the Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain Range."
"Heh, there’s no way it will end anytime soon; they’re practically igniting real fury over Daoist Wan Hua’s cave mansion, with Nascent Soul cultivators striking from time to time, although it’s done with restraint, it’s still quite terrifying."
"Both Shennong Sect and the Profound Celestial Sword Sect are ancient Nascent Soul sects, historically they have had numerous battles, but to this day, neither has achieved absolute victory, this conflict might drag on for a long time."
"No way, if that is the case, what should we do? Although the Demon Cultivators have faded away, now the Tribulation Cultivators are appearing en masse, heard that near Xuanjian City several Tribulation Cultivators are ambushing Loose Cultivators coming out of the city, many have fallen victim to their cruelties."
"If it’s Demon Cultivators, Profound Celestial Sword Sect might intervene, but for Tribulation Cultivators alone, they’re unlikely to care, we can only fend for ourselves."
"I think Tribulation Cultivators aren’t that threatening. If we group up, they wouldn’t dare act rashly. Now the problem is due to the war, prices are soaring; Spirit Rice, Talismans, Magical Artifacts’ costs have risen by at least thirty percent, if this continues, it’s impossible to tell when it might end."
"Indeed, prices pose the greatest threat to us Loose Cultivators. We Qi Cultivation Stage cultivators have limited means to earn, but high prices are unbearable. Honestly, if prices keep rising, I might have to leave this place."
"That’s right, going to some isolated Immortal City might be better, at least prices aren’t that high."
"Prices aren’t that high, but can you buy Foundation Establishment Pills there? Only Xuanjian City supplies them abundantly; elsewhere, buying Foundation Establishment Pills is just a pipe dream."
"This is why, despite high costs, Loose Cultivators are reluctant to leave Xuanjian City."
Many cultivators discussed and complained.
Evidently, the past half-year has been extremely difficult for every Loose Cultivator.
Entrapped in the war between the two great Nascent Soul sects, the law and order within the Profound Celestial Sword Sect’s territory became increasingly chaotic.
Though the Demon Cultivators have vanished, Tribulation Cultivators keep emerging.
Occasionally, Loose Cultivators leaving Xuanjian City are ambushed.
This has led to rising commodity prices within the city.
Many Loose Cultivators lament the increasing costs, feeling an unbearable pressure.
Affecting every cultivator.
Yet, despite this, the chance for Foundation Establishment within Xuanjian City makes it hard for many to abandon.
"Seems like Qi Cultivation Stage cultivators in Xuanjian City are having a tough time."
"Luckily, I’ve already reached Foundation Establishment."
"Otherwise, making money would be extremely difficult."
Jiang Fan’s eyes gleamed.
He was very satisfied with the capabilities of the Perception Talisman.
Especially after improving his skill level, the mysteries within were unfathomable.
It’s like a blend of eavesdropping device and radar.
Not only can it detect distant enemies, but it can also hear the opposing side’s conversations.
It allows him to gather information without leaving his residence.
It greatly facilitates his intelligence gathering.
Even if he’s in seclusion for extended periods, he won’t be disconnected from the outside world.
"When do you think the battle between the Profound Celestial Sword Sect and the Shennong Sect will finish?"
Jiang Fan asked the Ten Thousand Transformations Pill Furnace, as it was familiar with Nascent Soul influences.
"It won’t end so quickly."
"The core restriction of the old master’s cave mansion is very strong, reaching the level of Tier Four Upper Grade."
"Even if many Nascent Soul cultivators were to act, breaking through it isn’t easy."
"Of course, if they do cooperate sincerely, breaking it would be much easier."
"Unfortunately, each harbors ulterior motives, trying to fish in troubled waters, which slows progress."
"But this behavior is quite normal among Nascent Soul cultivators."
"For them, spending a decade, even decades to unravel is worth it."
"They need extensive time for negotiation as well."
"Breaking through too quickly isn’t necessarily a good thing."
The Ten Thousand Transformations Pill Furnace knew the conduct of Nascent Soul cultivators well.
Despite the fierce appearances of conflict between the two sects, as if they’d fight to the death.
The real high-level cultivators, the Nascent Soul cultivators, weren’t actually attacking ruthlessly.
Rather, they used the battle to prompt negotiations.
They might even secretly enlist other Nascent Soul influences, rally allies, and pressure the opponents.
After all, at their level, fighting to death isn’t preferable unless necessary.
"The Cultivation Realm truly doesn’t have peaceful times."
"It’s even more chaotic than the Mortal World."
Jiang Fan lamented.
Originally thinking the Cultivation Realm was akin to a paradise.
Now, it seemed pretty similar to the Mortal World, even more chaotic.
Without power, one would eventually perish; lives are as insignificant as grass.
Boom~~
At that moment, an unexpected guest arrived at his peak.
The visitor was Foundation Establishment cultivator Ma Zhongshan, a Pharmacist with cultivation at the Fifth-Layer Foundation Establishment, who seemed honest and sincere.
Thus, Jiang Fan immediately came out of seclusion to welcome him.
"Fellow Daoist Ma, what brings you to my cave mansion?"
Jiang Fan asked curiously.
Though over the past year, he conversed with other Foundation Establishment cultivators on Seven Stars Peak, the acquaintance was superficial, mere nodding cars, without much depth.
Generally, the opposite side wouldn’t just visit without reason.
"Good news, I’ve got good news for you."
"I’ve been quite lucky lately."
"Discovered a cave mansion of a Golden Core predecessor."
"But the array of this Golden Core cave mansion is too powerful."
"With just my power, I couldn’t break it, so I wanted to invite Fellow Daoist Jiang to explore it together."
"I’m sure we’ll have considerable gains."
Ma Zhongshan stated ingenuously, looking at Jiang Fan.
"Hehe, showing such diligence unprovoked, implies deviousness or ulterior motives."
"This kid is certainly up to no good, trying to exploit you."
"I’ve seen plenty of these sorts."
"On the surface it’s a shared adventure; in truth, they intend to stab you in the back, don’t fall for it."
The Ten Thousand Transformations Pill Furnace immediately shouted in protest.
Boom~~
Just then, the Fortune-Telling Talisman in the depths of Jiang Fan’s Elixir Field and Sea of Qi began to tremble, sending a message deep into his consciousness.
"Exploring Golden Core Cave Mansion, conspiracy emerges, shadows loom, seemingly hazardous but safe."
"Venturing forth to explore Golden Core Cave Mansion, with surprises but without danger, very auspicious."
"Staying at Seven Stars Peak to cultivate, neutral, with no gains or accomplishments."
Perceiving this information, numerous thoughts emerged within Jiang Fan.