Chapter 278: West Wasteland Town

West Desolate Town lay entirely exposed under the sky, battered by wind and sand. Only when celestial phenomena descended would its grand formation be activated.

A biting north wind swept, and yellow sand rolled across the landscape. Amidst the dim yellow dust, a figure faintly emerged, slowly approaching the town.

Despite the intensity of the sandstorm, the figure showed no urgency, walking with a leisurely gait. Such a sight would astound any mortal, but in West Desolate Town, it was commonplace. Mortals could barely reach this remote location; only cultivators frequented these parts. To cultivators, a sandstorm of this magnitude was no more bothersome than an itch. What truly instilled fear were the celestial phenomena that invariably followed.

The Daoist emerged from the swirling sand, yet his robes remained exceptionally clean, his brand-new Daoist gown without a single crease. Any dust that landed on it was instantly repelled by a faint blue glow. Though the Daoist did not appear aged, his demeanor was remarkably composed. His true age likely far surpassed his youthful appearance.

By this time, the residents of West Desolate Town had grown accustomed to new arrivals. They cast a casual glance before dismissing the stranger.

“Celestial phenomena are appearing with increasing frequency.”

Qin Sang stepped onto the town's flagstone path and paused, sighing inwardly. He thought of the spiritual tide Yun Youzi had spoken of. Once the spiritual tide arrived, neither immortal manors nor secret realms would concern Qin Sang. His current strength wouldn't allow him to roam freely during such a period. His best course of action would be to seclude himself outside the Mighty Pass and cultivate diligently until the tide subsided.

However, as the spiritual tide drew nearer, its influence would render the Ancient Immortal Battlefield increasingly perilous and difficult to navigate. This was a matter of vital concern to everyone. Mortal power had its limits, and Qin Sang could do nothing but hope the spiritual tide wouldn't arrive too swiftly.

Qin Sang brushed imaginary dust from his Daoist robe, then squinted, surveying the desolate town. He and Yun Youzi had parted ways a month earlier. Yun Youzi had entered West Desolate Town ten days before him, and there had been no contact since. Qin Sang wondered if Yun Youzi had successfully infiltrated the target's group.

The size of West Desolate Town somewhat exceeded Qin Sang's expectations. Both in its physical dimensions and its population, it was the largest settlement Qin Sang had encountered in the Ancient Immortal Battlefield. Even with the raging wind and sand, numerous figures could be seen on the streets. Most, he surmised, had been drawn by the Autumn Rainbow Market.

Qin Sang didn't spot Yun Youzi. Recalling Yun Youzi's instructions before their parting, his gaze shifted, settling on the northeast corner of the town. There, a tall banner hung from a wooden building—a teahouse.

“Daoist, you look unfamiliar. This old man doesn’t recall having seen you before. May I inquire about your dharma name?”

The teahouse proprietor personally approached to refill Qin Sang's tea, subtly appraising him.

Qin Sang's gaze had been surveying the street. Hearing the voice, he withdrew his attention, looked up at the proprietor, and cupped his hands. “Greetings, fellow cultivator. My dharma name is Qingfeng. Your perception is keen; this humble Daoist is indeed visiting West Desolate Town for the first time.”

To Qin Sang's surprise, the proprietor was also a Foundation Establishment cultivator. However, judging by his age, he had likely abandoned his pursuit of the immortal path, choosing instead to open a teahouse here to live out his remaining years.

“Daoist Qingfeng, braving the wind and sand to reach West Desolate Town, you must also be here for the Autumn Rainbow Market, correct?” the proprietor asked directly.

“Most people are, I imagine.”

Qin Sang smiled, gesturing toward the bustling figures on the street. There were not only Foundation Establishment cultivators but even some at the Qi Condensation stage. Even Foundation Establishment cultivators faced significant risks entering the Autumn Rainbow Market. For those at the Qi Condensation stage, the dangers were far greater; they might not even survive the journey to the market, let alone attempt to breach its defensive formation. Yet, wealth is often found amidst peril, and the world never lacks for the audacious.

The proprietor nodded, and seeing Qin Sang was inclined to talk, he took a seat opposite him, initiating what appeared to be a casual conversation. “Daoist Qingfeng, how much do you know about the Autumn Rainbow Market? You’ve come here alone; without companions, you’ll need to find some assistance. Otherwise, it will likely be very difficult for you to breach the Autumn Rainbow Market's protective grand formation on your own.”

“Oh?”

Qin Sang set down his teacup, leaned forward slightly, and feigned curiosity. “This humble Daoist has indeed heard whispers along the way that one needs companions to breach the Autumn Rainbow Market. Is the place truly so perilous? The Autumn Rainbow Market has been accessible for quite some time, hasn’t it? Have no safe paths been discovered yet? As a rogue cultivator, I have few trusted companions, and I fear any hastily found assistance might be difficult to rely on.”

The proprietor chuckled. “Indeed, Daoist Qingfeng, if you stay in West Desolate Town for just a couple more days, you’ll discover everything upon inquiry. The Autumn Rainbow Market’s protective grand formation is not static; it cycles through formations of earth, wind, water, and fire, with additional shifts of yin and yang. There has never been a single ‘safe path.’ However, cultivators have managed to discern some of the formation’s patterns. As long as you find companions to assist each other, the danger is greatly reduced. On the path to breaching the formation, we either succeed together or fail together, so Daoist needn't worry about treachery. If mutual trust cannot be established, then once inside, everyone is free to go their separate ways.”

“Thank you for your guidance, fellow cultivator,” Qin Sang said with feigned understanding, cupping his hands in gratitude. “Given that, there must be individuals recruiting companions within the town, correct? Do you have any insights, perhaps you could offer this humble Daoist some pointers?”

“You guessed correctly, Daoist,” the proprietor affirmed. “There are indeed many individuals recruiting assistance. Some even brazenly collect spirit stones, claiming they can guarantee passage through the grand formation, amassing considerable wealth. These individuals are a mixed bag; Daoist would do well not to trust them. Beyond them, there are a few highly accomplished seniors. If you could join their teams, it would naturally be exceptionally secure, but…”

The proprietor stroked his long beard, casting a glance at Qin Sang, then hesitated.

Qin Sang shook his head dismissively, asking with a candid expression, “Fellow cultivator, there’s no need to mince words on my behalf. This humble Daoist understands his own limitations. Is it that my cultivation is too low for their consideration?” He had come specifically to join another group, and far from concealing his strength, he had deliberately foregone the Spirit Concealment Art to display his cultivation.

The proprietor let out a hearty laugh. “Daoist, you are a straightforward person! You and I both understand that high cultivation doesn’t necessarily equate to superior ability, yet cultivation remains the most direct measure. One cannot simply reveal all their trump cards for others to inspect, so their requirements are understandable. Beyond those, there are other avenues where the requirements for strength are less stringent. However, Daoist, since you are unwilling to continue cooperating once inside the market, your options become very limited. You might not be aware, Daoist, but the easily accessible areas within the Autumn Rainbow Market have mostly been thoroughly explored. Lingering in such places would yield little satisfactory gain, essentially making it a wasted journey. As for the crucial areas, they can only be entered by cooperating with others. Thus, many are seeking more than just companions to breach the formation. If you’re looking for someone who fits your requirements, this old man truly knows a suitable party. If Daoist trusts me, I can make the introduction for you.”

This was it. Qin Sang's heart stirred. This was precisely why he had come to this teahouse. Yun Youzi and his companion had discovered that the teahouse owner had a close connection with their target, Yu Kong.