NOVEL NEXT Chapter 67: Preparing Ahead
Under the sun, there’s nothing new.
Such scenarios made it difficult for He Song not to associate them with something ominous.
What exactly constitutes a “wayward” cultivator?
Who determines it?
Who enforces it?
Most likely, only members of the Enforcement Squad from the Immortal City would have such authority.
But who could guarantee that these enforcers wouldn’t be tempted by greed—framing the innocent, claiming false achievements, and seizing resources to enrich themselves?
It’s worth noting that these enforcers, coming directly from the Immortal City, likely wield great power and possess formidable cultivation levels.
If they truly wanted to take action, the outer courtyard dwelling cultivators in the Immortal Market would stand no chance.
At that thought, He Song’s face darkened, and cold sweat broke out on his back.
If such a scenario were to occur, would wealthy cultivators, those without strong backers, or even himself, become the so-called “wayward” cultivators?
With power in hand, the enforcers from the Immortal City could easily label someone as “wayward” at their whim. Whether out of convenience or greed, it wouldn’t be impossible for them to take advantage of the situation.
He Song glanced at Zhao Lin beside him.
After some deliberation, he decided to issue a warning.
“Daoist Friend, when the time comes, who do you think will be deemed a ‘wayward’ cultivator?”
The soft-spoken question echoed, while He Song’s mind was already forming plans to leave the Immortal Market immediately and return only after the enforcers had departed.
Currently, He Song had two formations at his disposal, as well as protective spells he had been practicing.
While he lacked artifacts and only had a modest supply of talismans, his fifth level Qi Refinement Realm cultivation was sufficient to ensure safety if he remained cautious.
This time, unlike during the previous disaster when his low cultivation forced him to hide and depend on others, He Song could act more proactively.
As he began considering his contingency plans, his expression remained impassive.
Yet, Zhao Lin, catching He Song’s warning, finally pieced it together.
“Daoist Friend, are you suggesting…”
Zhao Lin’s expression quickly shifted—from initial surprise to contemplation, and finally to a look of fear—all within a moment.
Meng Guan had once told He Song that Zhao Lin’s cautious nature was similar to his own, which was why he had left this connection for He Song.
Zhao Lin’s inherent prudence allowed him to grasp the implications of He Song’s words immediately.
Indeed!
When the time comes, who will be labeled as a “wayward” cultivator?
It could be wealthy wandering cultivators, truly problematic individuals, or simply anyone the enforcers find displeasing or profitable to target.
Such actions would serve a dual purpose: cleaning out the wandering cultivator elements within the Immortal Market and filling their own pockets using newfound authority.
Could any enforcer resist such temptation?
Zhao Lin, a talisman master with considerable wealth, was an obvious target.
Realizing this, Zhao Lin’s previously cheerful demeanor quickly turned somber.
Before He Song’s reminder, he had been naively optimistic about the improving atmosphere in the Immortal Market, oblivious to the impending crisis.
Now, after contemplating the possibilities, fear consumed him.
“Daoist Friend, I shall depart from the Immortal Market for a journey shortly. Could you help find someone trustworthy to manage my spirit farmland in the meantime? I’m willing to offer 30 spirit stones as compensation.”
Seeing Zhao Lin’s rapid change in demeanor, He Song cupped his hands and spoke.
Run!
He had to run—now and immediately!
He Song had no intention of returning until the enforcers from the Immortal City were gone.
Remaining in the Immortal Market would only invite unnecessary risks. After all, who knew whether the enforcers’ blade was swifter than his own backing?
As long as someone managed his farmland, He Song would retain his identity as a Spirit Planter.
Once the enforcers left, he could simply return and resume his life as usual.
“Thank you for the reminder, Daoist Friend. Rest assured, I will handle your farmland arrangements. I must take my leave now.”
With a deep bow, Zhao Lin turned and left hastily, as if fearing he’d miss his chance to escape.
In the room, seeing Zhao Lin rush out in such a panic, He Song closed the door and walked to his meditation chamber.
Inside the chamber, He Song activated his techniques.
In an instant, streams of light emerged from various parts of the room, flying into He Song’s hands.
When the glow dissipated, fourteen formation bases appeared in his grasp.
Five for the Spirit Gathering Formations
Nine for the Maze Formations
With these fourteen bases, He Song could recreate the formations elsewhere.
Although setting up the formations anew would take about ten days to maximize their efficiency, He Song couldn’t afford to worry about that now.
Stowing the bases into his storage bag, He Song began gathering other essentials.
Limited by the bag’s size, he could only bring valuables like tea sets, tea leaves, and spiritual rice.
Once the bag was filled to capacity, He Song produced a thin piece of paper.
“Brother Wei, I’ve received news that the enforcers from the Immortal City are arriving at the Immortal Market to cleanse the ‘wayward’ cultivators.
However, the criteria for being ‘wayward’ rest entirely with the enforcers.
This is a matter of grave importance, and I plan to leave temporarily, returning only after the enforcers have departed.
I urge you to prepare accordingly.
— He Song”
With a flick of spiritual energy, the paper transformed into a messenger paper crane and flew away.
Stepping out of his residence, He Song was met with the scorching sun overhead.
Its blazing rays fell upon him but provided no warmth. Instead, the thoughts swirling in his mind sent a chill straight to his core.
This was a serious matter.
If he were overly suspicious, it would at least mean the Immortal Market’s authorities might restrain the enforcers.
But if his fears were correct…
He Song shook his head, casting aside the unsettling chill in his heart.
Either way, he was already leaving. What happened in the Immortal Market would no longer concern him.
Activating the Light Body Technique, He Song’s figure swiftly departed the Immortal Market, heading for the vast expanse of mountains in the distance.