"Is the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild facing any difficulties?" Han Yi asked.
In his view, the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild was Fu Canghai's enterprise, and its business dealings in Magic Artifacts and other matters were far from simple. With Fu Canghai's demise, Han Yi suspected that unscrupulous dealings might have surfaced.
When profit was at stake, human nature could be unpredictable. If he could lend a hand, he wouldn't mind offering assistance once, considering it a way to repay a past favor.
He Fangwei shook his head. "It has been three years since the Ancestral Master's passing. During that time, the Sect has provided considerable support. Sect Leader Yuan himself has personally overseen matters—a tremendous kindness."
"Elder Han," He Fangwei continued, "on behalf of the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild, I thank you."
Han Yi nodded, reassured that the guild was managing well.
Suddenly, He Fangwei's gaze flickered, as if recalling something. Hesitation crossed his face. Noticing this, Han Yi prompted, "If there's anything troubling you, feel free to speak plainly."
He Fangwei nodded gravely.
There was indeed a matter he had long intended to address but had yet to act upon—one concerning Fu Canghai's hidden identity.
"There is indeed a delicate matter," He Fangwei began. "Elder Han, you must know something of our Ancestral Master, correct?"
Han Yi nodded. He had previously researched Fu Canghai and knew he wasn't a solitary figure.
Before his death in battle, Fu Canghai had four disciples: three at the Foundation Establishment Stage and one at the Qi Refining Stage. However, the Qi Refining disciple's cultivation path had been severed, and like He Fangwei, he became a shopkeeper at the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild. He Fangwei, being a disciple of Tang Yiyuan, Fu Canghai's eldest disciple, thus referred to Fu Canghai as "Ancestral Master."
During the Profound Pill Death Tribulation, two of Fu Canghai's three Foundation Establishment disciples perished in battle, leaving only Tang Yiyuan alive.
Outside the traditional master-disciple relationships within the Sect, Fu Canghai had neither a Dual Cultivation Partner nor any descendants.
"Actually, Ancestral Master had another identity," He Fangwei added. "He was a collateral member of the Fu Clan."
"The Fu Clan?" Han Yi asked, puzzled.
He Fangwei nodded. "That's right. The Fu Clan is a Foundation Establishment cultivation family from Ancient Shu Immortal City. Ancestral Master was originally from that clan."
"However, during his Qi Refining years, Ancestral Master severed ties with the Fu Clan and joined the Profound Pill Sect. From then on, he no longer considered himself a member of the Fu Clan."
"Nevertheless, before his death in battle, Ancestral Master convened a solemn ceremony with all his disciples and grand-disciples. He instructed us that should he meet an untimely demise, ten percent of the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild's assets should be returned to the Fu Clan."
"However, our knowledge of the Fu Clan is quite limited. Finding them will require considerable effort," He Fangwei said. "It would be ideal if Elder Han could assist with this matter."
Han Yi raised an eyebrow. "Senior Brother Tang has reached the Late Foundation Establishment stage. Wouldn't it be more appropriate for him to handle this?"
Tang Yiyuan was Fu Canghai's eldest disciple, possessing a Late Foundation Establishment cultivation.
He Fangwei smiled bitterly. "Master has been in seclusion for a year now. I doubt Elder Han is aware of the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild's current state."
"Oh? What's changed?" Han Yi asked, puzzled.
"The Nine Dragons Merchant Guild now consists solely of this shop on Combat Peak. The other four shops in the Inner Peak markets have been sold, along with all other sellable assets. Following Grandmaster's dying wishes, a portion was allocated to Junior Uncle Du, who has since become a Sect Steward."
"I'm the only one left at the guild now. In another three to five years, when my strength wanes, this shop will also be sold."
"My original plan was to wait until this shop was sold before traveling to Ancient Shu Immortal City to slowly search for the Fu Clan and deliver their rightful share. Only then would I fulfill our Ancestral Master's final wish."
"However, my own strength is meager, and venturing alone would be fraught with peril. It would be far safer if Elder Han could handle this."
He Fangwei finished speaking, and Han Yi nodded thoughtfully.
Fu Canghai currently had two disciples: Tang Yiyuan and Du Hui. Tang Yiyuan was in seclusion, likely preparing to break through to the Golden Core Stage, while Du Hui had stagnated at the Ninth Layer of Qi Refinement, his prospects on the Immortal Path long extinguished. As for He Fangwei, a disciple of Tang Yiyuan, he too had long abandoned any hope of achieving Foundation Establishment.
From He Fangwei's account, it was clear that Fu Canghai's lineage couldn't spare a single Foundation Establishment cultivator. No wonder He Fangwei hesitated.
"Moreover," He Fangwei paused before continuing, "Master is attempting this Golden Core breakthrough in seclusion because he has reached two hundred Sui. If he doesn't seize this opportunity now, he'll never reach the Golden Core Stage in this lifetime. Even Master himself lacks confidence in his chances."
Han Yi nodded, understanding dawning.
"However, one-tenth of the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild's resources is no small matter. Are you certain you can entrust them to me without reservations?"
He Fangwei smiled. "If it were anyone else, I wouldn't dare. But with Elder Han, it's different."
"Alas, my innate talent has always been lacking. After a lifetime of struggling, I've only reached the Ninth Layer of Qi Refinement. My meager strength is a source of great regret. But since joining the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild as its shopkeeper seventy years ago, I've seen and experienced a great many things."
"I'm confident in my judgment of character. Having dealt with Elder Han for over a decade, I've naturally made thorough inquiries into his background. I know his character well."
"Entrusting this matter to you is perfectly safe."
He Fangwei's smile was sincere. After a moment's thought, Han Yi agreed.
He had originally come to repay a debt of gratitude to Fu Canghai. Now that this matter involved Fu Canghai's descendants, it was all the more reason to settle the debt properly.
"Martial Uncle Fu once did me a great service. I'll handle this personally."
He Fangwei's face lit up. "Elder Han, please wait here. I'll be right back."
He hurried out of the shop and returned half an hour later with a Storage Pouch, which he handed to Han Yi.
"This pouch contains mainly Spirit Stones, Medicinal Pills, and Magic Artifacts."
"Because my Master is preparing for Core Formation, the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild has expended a significant amount of resources. In truth, this storage pouch contains less than ten percent of its original contents. However, for a Foundation Establishment Cultivation Clan, it's still a massive fortune—perhaps even exceeding the Fu Clan's entire assets."
"This ancient, crimson-red nameplate belonged to our Ancestral Master during his time with the Fu Clan. To locate the Fu Clan, we'll need Elder Han to verify its authenticity."
"As for the verification method, I have a preliminary idea. Upon arriving at Ancient Shu Immortal City, Elder Han should first inquire at the Sect's Profound Immortal Pill Shop. The elder on duty there should have information about the Fu Clan. After gathering this information, the rest will depend on Elder Han's diligence and effort."
"Elder Han, while this journey shouldn't be dangerous, please exercise utmost caution."
"I entrust this to you."
He Fangwei's expression was sincere, his eyes brimming with gratitude. For him, delivering this storage pouch to the Fu Clan would finally put a lingering concern to rest.
The storage pouch bore no restrictions, but Han Yi refrained from probing it with his Divine Sense. Instead, he stored it in his Storage Ring and left the merchant guild.
Behind him, He Fangwei watched Han Yi take flight on his sword, his heart overflowing with gratitude.
For Han Yi, traveling to Ancient Shu Immortal City was not difficult. The only challenge lay in locating the Fu Clan, a task that would require some effort and time.
Leaving the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild, Han Yi soared into the sky on his sword. Instead of returning to Azure Dragon Palace, he summoned an Immortal Boat.
This was a Human Immortal-grade Immortal Boat from the Myriad Immortals Pavilion.
Han Yi had recently claimed this vessel, thanks to Shen Ping's reminder. It was one of the benefits the Sect provided to Foundation Establishment Elders.
Indeed, the perks enjoyed by Profound Pill Sect Elders were truly enviable.
These included monthly stipends, access to meditation chambers and courtyards at core Spirit Vein nodes, opportunities to study spells, and a standard starter kit upon advancing to the Foundation Establishment Stage.
This Human Immortal-grade Immortal Boat was part of that starter kit, along with a Top-Grade Magic Artifact, a Storage Ring superior to Storage Pouches, and a set of magic robes.
After summoning the Immortal Boat, Han Yi sat cross-legged aboard it, retrieved ten Mid-Grade Magic Artifacts from his Storage Ring, and inserted them into the control core.
He then probed the core with his Divine Sense, transmitting his intent. The Immortal Boat instantly sprang to life, accelerating from standstill to full speed in just three breaths.
Across Combat Peak and the other Inner and Outer Peaks, countless Inner and Outer Sect disciples watched with envy as the Immortal Boat streaked across the sky.
Ancient Shu Immortal City, located at the heart of Shu Prefecture, served as the central Immortal City of Ancient Shu County and the most prosperous urban center in the entire prefecture, second only to the Immortal Capital in the Great Qian Immortal Kingdom.
Geographically, traveling from the Profound Pill Sect to Ancient Shu Immortal City required passing through five county cities: Nanyang County, Ancient Creek County, Taihe County, Gaoyuan County, and Ancient Shu County. Han Yi estimated that this journey would take approximately a month.
However, just half a month later, the Immortal Boat had already traversed Nanyang County and Ancient Creek County, arriving at Taihe County.
The previously high-speed Immortal Boat suddenly halted mid-air.
Aboard the Immortal Boat, Han Yi's brow furrowed slightly. For the past fortnight, he had devoted himself entirely to cultivating the Yi Yao Secret Technique. His method was simple: using a piece of Zheng Hai's sleeve, he repeatedly performed causal divination to trace Zheng Hai's whereabouts.
Until now, the feedback from this causal divination algorithm had been shrouded in impenetrable fog, leaving Han Yi utterly perplexed.
But just moments ago, the Yi Yao Secret Technique had yielded a new response: a clear direction—eastward.
This was the first tangible result from the technique. The primary reason for this breakthrough was undoubtedly his recent advancement in mastering the Yi Yao Secret Technique.
Proficiency Panel:
Change Hexagram Art (Initial Glimpse of the Dao 1/100)
Han Yi didn't hesitate. Compared to delivering the Storage Pouch to the Fu Clan, Zheng Hai's safety was paramount.
He focused his Divine Sense on the Immortal Boat, causing it to turn eastward and accelerate.
After crossing Taihe and entering Jiangzhou Prefecture, the feedback from the Yi Yao Secret Technique became even clearer.
Ten days later, a sizable Immortal City came into view ahead. Han Yi, familiar with the Immortal Cities of Shu Prefecture and possessing a map of the Great Qian Immortal Kingdom, quickly identified it as Jia Mountain City.
"Why would Zheng Hai venture so far?" Han Yi frowned, his eyes filled with confusion. Zheng Hai's Soul Tablet at the Sect remained intact, confirming he was still alive. Yet news of the Profound Pill Sect's decisive victory over the Blood God Sect and Heavenly Soul Sect—a victory that had elevated the Sect to the rank of a Nascent Soul Great Sect—had spread throughout the land.
If Zheng Hai were free to act, he couldn't possibly be unaware of this news. Knowing Zheng Hai's character, Han Yi was certain he would have rushed back to the Sect the moment he heard it. There was no logical reason for him to linger outside, especially after severing all contact with the Sect.
Something was definitely wrong.
Han Yi knew he wouldn't understand the specifics until he found Zheng Hai.
He landed outside the Immortal City and walked through its gates.
This Immortal City was about three times larger than Mengshan City, where he had been stationed shortly after transmigrating. Within Jiangzhou Prefecture, it would likely be considered a mid-tier Immortal City.
After entering the city, Han Yi cast the Yi Yao Secret Technique again, his brow furrowing. This time, the divination remained frustratingly unclear, leaving him puzzled.
After a moment's thought, he decided against venturing further inside. Instead, he returned to the outskirts, stopping about a kilometer from the city walls. To his surprise, when he cast the Yi Yao Secret Technique again, it had mysteriously regained its clarity, still pointing directly toward Jia Mountain City.
Next, he flew in a circle around Jia Mountain City, casting the spell at regular intervals. No matter where he was, the divination consistently pointed toward Jia Mountain City.
After half a day of circling, Han Yi returned to the city gates, convinced that Zheng Hai was inside. The problem was that once inside the city, the threads of causality became tangled and obscured, making it impossible to pinpoint Zheng Hai's exact location.
Just then...
A figure soared from Jia Mountain City, landing atop the Immortal City's gate. His eyes, wary, fixed on Han Yi as he called out, "Fellow Daoist, do you wish to enter the city?"
Han Yi turned toward the voice, a faint golden light spilling from his eyes. He observed the cultivator who had emerged from the city, clad in a pale golden magic robe. According to Han Yi's Qi Observation Technique, the man's cultivation realm was only in the Early Foundation Establishment Stage, yet Han Yi dared not underestimate him.
The Great Qian Immortal Kingdom maintained Six Ministries within its Immortal Cities: the Ministry of Immortal Affairs, the Ministry of Immortal Households, the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Heavenly Works.
The City Lord and Deputy City Lord were selected from among the Six Ministers. Beneath each ministry lay specialized departments, such as the Demon Extermination Guard and Demon Slaughter Army under the Ministry of Immortal Affairs, the Imperial Observatory under the Ministry of Rites, and the Robber Apprehension Bureau and Patrol Bureau under the Ministry of Justice.
Regardless of their ministry, all cultivators represented the Great Qian Immortal Kingdom.
Han Yi approached on his sword, maintaining a safe distance to avoid any misunderstandings.
"This humble one is Han Yi of the Heaven's Will Sect," he said, cupping his hands in a respectful greeting. "I have come to Jia Mountain City to seek a friend."
Han Yi deliberately omitted his affiliation with the Profound Pill Sect, as he also carried the identity of a Heaven's Will Sect cultivator.
Moreover, Han Yi of the Heaven's Will Sect was officially registered with the Great Qian government and held the position of Four-Command Patrol Envoy. He reasoned that if he couldn't find Zheng Hai on his own, he might need to enlist the help of the Great Qian authorities, and this official status could prove useful.
"Of course, of course, Fellow Daoist, please descend first," the gatekeeper said, slightly startled by the mention of the Heaven's Will Sect, but quickly regaining his composure.
The ordinary Qi Refining cultivators and mortals at the gate immediately cleared a path.
Han Yi landed, and the gatekeeper, glancing around and realizing this wasn't a suitable place for conversation, led him into the Immortal City.
"Today is my shift. I noticed you circling the city earlier, as if surveying something, so I exercised caution. I hope you don't mind, Fellow Daoist."
"I am Yuan Fei of the Great Qian Imperial Observatory."
"Whom are you seeking, Fellow Daoist?"
Han Yi's eyes flickered momentarily. "I'm looking for a friend, Zheng Hai, a disciple of the Profound Pill Sect at the Seventh Layer of Qi Refining."
"Just now, I used a spell to trace my friend's whereabouts. However, the spell failed as soon as it entered the city. Fellow Daoist Yuan, do you know why that might be?"
Han Yi had investigated Little Spirit Void Peak and confirmed that Zheng Hai had indeed broken through to the Seventh Layer of Qi Refining before his disappearance.
Yuan Fei suddenly understood. "Ah, I see. I thought you might have ulterior motives, Fellow Daoist, but it seems I was mistaken."
"You must be using a causal art like aura tracing. Such spells are effective outside the city walls, but they lose their power within. That's because Jia Mountain City is protected by the Great Qian's national fortune. Only the City Lord, through the Great Qian's city-guarding treasure, can divine Heavenly Secrets and trace causality."
Han Yi's mind raced. He was about to produce his Patrol Envoy Token to reveal his identity, hoping Yuan Fei would report to the City Lord and request special consideration. He was even willing to pay a price to ascertain Zheng Hai's whereabouts. Searching on his own, without guidance, would be like searching for a needle in the ocean.
But just then, Yuan Fei added, "However, even the City Lord can't casually activate the city-guarding treasure to investigate causality. That requires an imperial decree from the Ancient Shu Immortal City."
"Fellow Daoist Han, using causal tracing techniques to find someone in Jia Mountain City is futile."
Han Yi felt a wave of disappointment, but he persisted. "An imperial decree from the Ancient Shu Immortal City? Who has the authority to issue such a decree?"
Yuan Fei smiled. "Throughout Great Qian, only His Majesty, the Three Great Dukes, the Seven Marquises, the Six Ministers, and the Three Grand Counselors possess such authority."
Han Yi immediately realized that this avenue was impassable.
After a moment's thought, he decided not to reveal his Patrol Token. Instead, he pressed Yuan Fei for an alternative. "Then is there any other way to find this person?"
Yuan Fei nodded. "Of course. The most straightforward method is to search yourself, but human effort has its limits. Moreover, Mengshan City is home to numerous Foundation Establishment cultivators. Carelessly unleashing your Divine Sense could easily lead to misunderstandings, Fellow Daoist. You must exercise caution."
As he spoke, Yuan Fei glanced at Han Yi.
Heaven's Will Sect cultivators had a poor reputation. This was a subtle warning to Han Yi not to carelessly probe his surroundings with his Divine Sense. If he encountered another Foundation Establishment cultivator, they would immediately sense his presence, potentially leading to hostility and conflict.
Han Yi nodded, already well aware of this risk.
Ordinary cultivators who reached the Early Foundation Establishment Stage could extend their Divine Sense up to half a kilometer. Advancing to Mid-Foundation Establishment expanded this range to approximately two kilometers, while Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivators could reach a maximum of ten kilometers.
Naturally, the range of one's Divine Sense projection is directly correlated with the strength of their Divine Soul.
Han Yi had tested this himself. During his Early Foundation Establishment stage, his Divine Sense could extend approximately two kilometers. Upon advancing to Mid-Foundation Establishment, this range expanded to eight kilometers.
This exceptional range stemmed from his First-Class Divine Soul Immortal Foundation.
Currently, the strength of his Divine Soul rivaled that of a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, placing him among the stronger practitioners of that realm.
However, regardless of the extent of his Divine Sense projection, releasing it openly within an Immortal City could be perceived as intrusive by other Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Such behavior could provoke righteous cultivators to inquire about the Dao or offer stern warnings. Malevolent individuals, on the other hand, would likely resort to violence. If one's strength proved sufficient, they might survive the encounter. But if not, death would be the consequence of their recklessness.
Han Yi had no intention of acting so arrogantly. His expression turned serious as he reassured Yuan Fei, "Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Yuan. I would never act so rashly."
Hearing Han Yi's words, Yuan Fei's tense expression softened considerably. Han Yi's respectful demeanor put him at ease; at least outwardly, the man seemed reasonable and easy to deal with.
"However, Jia Mountain City is home to small Qi Refining sects, Cultivation Families, and Rogue Cultivators. If you're willing to pay a certain price, Fellow Daoist, you can hire them to help you find the person you're looking for. It's the most convenient and fastest way."
"Based on my years of guarding Jia Mountain City, I suggest you visit the Li Family Market. The Li Family is considered the foremost Cultivation Clan in Mengshan City, with three Foundation Establishment cultivators in their ranks. They conduct business not only in the Cultivation World but also in the mortal realm."
"If you need to find someone in Jia Mountain City, aside from the Great Qian government, the Li Family is the only entity capable of such a task."
Han Yi nodded his thanks. After obtaining directions to the Li Family Market from Yuan Fei, he turned and departed.
Behind him, Yuan Fei watched Han Yi leave, a puzzled expression on his face.
"Han Yi of the Heaven's Will Sect... This man is quite different from the Heaven's Will Sect cultivators I've heard about."
After a moment of confusion, his brow furrowed.
"Still, it's the Heaven's Will Sect. I can't let my guard down."
"Let's hope he doesn't cause any trouble."