The floating markets of the Eastern Continent of Penglai boasted a wealth of inns and taverns within each city. Though cultivators could subsist without earthly sustenance, and required minimal rest, proper nourishment still held value. Even the practice of meditation demanded the quiet solitude of a rented chamber. Thus, such establishments were never wanting in these bustling cities.

At this moment, on the third floor of an inn within a market city, all loiterers had been politely dismissed. The expansive floor was occupied only by two venerable elders, Wang Lin, and Li Qianmei.

One of these elders was, of course, Uncle-Master Yang Yu. The other, his face as crimson as embers, possessed eyes that glittered with inner fire. “Friend Lu, I have yet to introduce myself. I am Tang Lihai, Elder of the Sixth Order Demonic Grove Dao!” The elder in azure robes spoke with a subtle smile.

“Wu She, of the Demonic Grove Dao,” rumbled the red-faced elder, his voice echoing like a gong, causing the third floor to tremble.

Both elders radiated the power of early Shattered Nirvana cultivation. Yet, they showed no arrogance before Wang Lin, treating him as an equal. Wu She, in particular, had heard of Tang Lihai’s tales, and knew of the events that had transpired. He was secretly astounded, and dared not underestimate Wang Lin.

Li Qianmei sat quietly to one side, toying with her wine cup. Her gaze, however, frequently drifted towards an unoccupied table in a nearby corner.

Her true identity was known to both Tang Lihai and Wu She. Seeing her subtle expressions, they made no indication of acknowledgement, offering only respectful gazes. “This day’s affairs were born of my rashness. I hope Friend Lu will not hold it against me,” Tang Lihai said, raising his wine cup to Wang Lin.

Wang Lin’s expression remained unchanged. He raised his own cup in a brief acknowledgement, but did not drink, placing it back upon the table. “I heard from my disciple Zhao Yu of Friend Lu’s astonishing abilities. To see it firsthand is truly impressive. I wish to make your acquaintance, Friend Lu,” Tang Lihai said with a smile.

“Well spoken. To be on good terms with the Demonic Grove Dao is also my desire,” Wang Lin replied, his voice devoid of emotion. He waited for their true purpose, for he did not believe they had invited him here merely to become friends. There was, he suspected, a hidden agenda.

The two engaged in idle conversation, Tang Lihai never revealing his true intentions. He surreptitiously observed Wang Lin, while his mind dwelled on the relationship between Wang Lin and Li Qianmei.

Wu She, after listening for some time, grew visibly impatient. He slammed his wine cup onto the table, and fixed his gaze upon Wang Lin. “Friend Lu, I dislike dancing around the issue. We have brought you here today for one reason: are you willing to join my Demonic Grove Dao as an External Affairs Elder?

“Should you agree, the Demonic Grove Dao will welcome you with lavish gifts! Even if you refuse, after today, the three of us shall consider ourselves acquainted. As fellow cultivators, the title of ‘Daoist Friend’ marks us as comrades!”

Hearing Wu She’s words, Tang Lihai gave a wry smile. He looked at Wang Lin and said, “I had intended to discuss this matter after a few cups of wine, but I forgot Wu She’s temperament. Friend Lu, the Demonic Grove Dao is offering this position with utmost sincerity. If you become an External Affairs Elder, we will provide all necessary alchemical materials and supplies. All we ask is that you uphold the Demonic Grove Dao’s honor when the need arises!”

Wang Lin paused in thought for a moment. Then, slowly, he said, “I must consider this matter carefully. Let us do this: I will give you my answer before I leave Penglai Continent.”

Tang Lihai laughed heartily, nodding his head. “As it should be. Consider it well, and we will await your good news.” With that, Wang Lin rose, cupped his fist in farewell, and departed with Li Qianmei.

Once they were gone, the red-faced elder’s expression immediately darkened, the forthright demeanor vanishing entirely. “His cultivation is…strange,” he said slowly.

“Indeed, it is. And he is cautious, suspicious, unusually perceptive, and ruthless in action,” Tang Lihai said gravely.

At the table in the corner, a figure gradually materialized. He was a middle-aged man in Daoist robes, his face clean and refined, radiating the aura of an immortal. He rose, walked to the two elders, and sat down. “I cannot discern whether he saw through my concealment,” he said softly, his gaze fixed on the inn’s window.

“Even if he did, it was likely Qianmei who alerted him…” Tang Lihai hesitated.

The middle-aged man shook his head. “It is… him?” Wu She’s eyes flashed with a cold light, and he asked in a low voice.

“If he saw through my concealment, then yes. If he did not, then no,” the middle-aged man replied, his light withdrawn, but his brow furrowed.

“Regardless, do not provoke this man. I sense a great danger about him… Let the Demonic Grove Dao withdraw from the matter of the pill formula and jade slip. This… is beyond our reach.” The middle-aged man smoothed his brow, his expression weary.

Market cities dotted the Penglai Continent in abundance. In the remaining days, Wang Lin took his leave of Li Qianmei and wandered through the markets alone. Li Qianmei smiled knowingly and nodded. The two parted ways.

Without Li Qianmei by his side, Wang Lin was free from constraint. He traveled through the markets, seeking those who sold star charts. In the inn, Wang Lin had subtly sensed the presence of a concealed cultivator at that table in the corner. Yet, he had betrayed no hint of awareness.

“It seems the trail to the Desolate Continent has already been discovered…” Wang Lin mused with a sigh. He felt a greater urgency to acquire the star charts. But their prices were exorbitant, and their authenticity suspect. After three days of searching through city after city, Wang Lin, though he had acquired a few, felt no certainty.

As dusk fell on the third day, Wang Lin returned to his inn. Seating himself on the bed, he gazed at the six jade slips that contained star charts, lost in thought. A moment later, his expression shifted, his eyes drawn to the door. Soon after, a knock echoed. “So, they have finally come…” A smile crept across Wang Lin’s face. With a wave of his hand, the door creaked open, revealing a robust man with a rough, competent air. He did not enter, but bowed respectfully, “Honorable senior, my master, Ouyang Long, invites you.”

Wang Lin rose and walked toward the door. The man respectfully stepped aside, leading the way. Leaving the inn, they transformed into streaks of light and vanished from the city. Night had fallen, but the Penglai markets were even more lively, filled with the din of countless voices.

They soon arrived at the center of the forest of conical rocks, where stood an immense monolith. Atop it lay a mighty city, dozens of times larger than those on the outer edges. In the darkness, it resembled a monstrous beast, exuding immense pressure.

Guided by the man, they headed straight for the eastern gate. Numerous cultivators stood guard both inside and outside. To enter, one had to present a jade slip.

Wang Lin noticed that the guards showed immediate respect when the man presented his slip, and cleared the way. They did not even inspect Wang Lin, allowing them to pass freely.

Once inside, they soon reached the city’s center. The man stopped before an exquisite pavilion, bowing respectfully. “Senior, please enter. As a junior, I am not permitted to enter.”

Wang Lin nodded. He swept the pavilion with his divine sense and stepped inside. As soon as he entered, he heard a hearty laugh, and Ouyang Long descended from the upper floor, greeting him with a bow. “You have waited long, friend. But what you requested was so vast, that I needed to do some preparations!” Ouyang Long’s attitude was enthusiastic, a stark contrast to three days prior.

Wang Lin cupped his fist in return, smiling. “No matter,” he said. He understood that Ouyang Long’s change of heart stemmed from Wang Lin’s actions in the market, which had intimidated not only the Demonic Grove Dao, but also Ouyang Long’s masters.

“Come, come, friend! I will take you to a place where we can complete our transaction. And there you can have some fun and make a wager or two. You may win big!” Ouyang Long smiled, though inwardly he dared not underestimate the white-robed youth. He had located him in the market three days ago and placed a large order. It was obvious he already knew of his identity, and that alone spoke volumes. Not to mention the later events in the market, which had shocked him even more.

“I am at your disposal, friend Ouyang,” Wang Lin replied politely. He followed Ouyang Long into the pavilion’s basement, his divine sense spread wide, taking in everything with caution. What he saw caused him to pause for a moment, though his expression remained unchanged.

The basement was hollowed out, leading to an enormous arena, nearly ten thousand zhang in circumference. Stone steps lined the outer edges, filled with countless seated cultivators, their shouts deafening. Mixed within the din were the roars of spiritual beasts locked in mortal combat.

On the arena floor, two beasts, each hundreds of zhang in size, tore at each other, unleashing earth-shattering cries. Hanging above the arena were arm-like walkways, ending in circular platforms with rows of windows. Wang Lin and Ouyang Long stood within one such walkway. “This is the Beast Gambling Grounds of Penglai Continent. If you find a beast that pleases you, you can make a wager!” Ouyang Long explained, leading the way. Wang Lin nodded, saying nothing.

The two hastened their pace, and soon reached the end of the walkway. There, two cultivators sat in meditation, radiating formidable power. Between them stood a closed stone door.

“My Uncle-Master is hosting today’s transaction. He has invited other daoists to participate. It is a small, private auction, if something interests you do feel free to bid. Our transaction will be completed after the auction. My Uncle-Master will be with you shortly. ” Ouyang Long paused, looked at Wang Lin, hesitated, and then said, “Friend Daoist, there is something I have yet to understand. I hope you will enlighten me.”

“Please speak, friend Ouyang,” Wang Lin nodded.

“How did you know my identity?” Ouyang Long stared at Wang Lin. If someone had introduced them, it would have been understandable, but this person had somehow managed to find him while he was setting up a private stall, and even made clear his understanding about his background and the fact that he had more primordial crystals.

Wang Lin smiled faintly.