The mountains stretched for thousands of miles, shrouded in clouds and mist.
The peaks of the Black Bone Mountains were perpetually covered in a layer of dark clouds, as if a forbidden zone between heaven and earth. Deep within the mountains, the towering peaks resembled giant black bones, reaching into the clouds, inspiring awe and fear.
“Once we cross these Black Bone Mountains, we’ll be in the Taihang Region.”
A Foundation Establishment cultivator stood beside Chen Changsheng, pointing to the mountains directly opposite Black Bone City, and said:
“But traversing the Black Bone Mountains is extremely difficult. Even Golden Core cultivators, if they’re not careful, can perish within them, let alone us Foundation Establishment cultivators who have just embarked on the path of immortality.”
“So, I suggest that you, fellow cultivator, go around the Black Bone Mountains. It's farther, but it's safer!”
Chen Changsheng nodded with a smile: “I understand. Thank you for the reminder.”
The Foundation Establishment cultivator smiled and said: “It’s just a small effort. I should be the one thanking Physician Chen for your help.”
This cultivator had been poisoned in the Black Bone Mountains and almost died on the way back to Black Bone City.
Fortunately, Chen Changsheng and Miaomiao passed by and saved his life.
After entering Black Bone City, the Foundation Establishment cultivator introduced the layout of the city and treated the master and disciple to a lavish feast before leaving gracefully.
“Master, are we going to take a detour?”
“Unless Holy Maiden Luo says so, no one dares to take back our Dao Treasure Pavilion.”
Chen Changsheng paused. He seemed to have seen a familiar figure just now, but he couldn't remember who it was for a moment.
“Let’s go down and take a look. It seems like there’s someone we know.”
“Shopping? Great! Great!”
Miaomiao was overjoyed, following behind him excitedly.
Walking along, she felt like something was missing, so she took the initiative to hold her master's hand, a well-behaved smile on her face.
The streets were bustling with activity, with magical artifacts floating in the air and tamed demon beasts slowly walking by.
The city was bustling and lively, with stalls everywhere selling all sorts of strange things.
Chen Changsheng immediately put the important matter out of his mind and played a stall game with Miaomiao on the street. He also stopped to watch a mortal's monkey show.
Although he had seen similar performances in every city, he never got tired of watching them.
Unknowingly, they played until night.
The master and disciple entered a restaurant, intending to rent a room for cultivation, but Chen Changsheng discovered that the familiar figure was also in the restaurant.
“Brother Chen, you're here too.”
The other party spoke first, waving to the master and disciple.
Chen Changsheng couldn't help but smile wryly.
No wonder he felt the other party was familiar. It turned out to be Zhang Qingxuan, the Demon-Slaying Daoist again.
Even though he was traveling around the world, they always managed to bump into each other. It could only be said that they were quite destined.
“Long time no see, Brother Zhang. What brings you to Black Bone City?”
The many cultivators with Zhang Qingxuan immediately made room for Chen Changsheng and Miaomiao, all showing friendly smiles.
Chen Changsheng and Miaomiao nodded with a smile, considering it a greeting.
Zhang Qingxuan was stunned for a moment, then looked puzzled and said: “Brother Chen, didn’t you come for the news of the Nascent Soul Cave Abode?”
“Nascent Soul Cave Abode? I don’t know.” Chen Changsheng said in surprise: “We just happened to be passing through Black Bone City and haven’t heard of a Nascent Soul Cave Abode.”
“Then you are truly lucky to encounter such a good thing as soon as you arrive. There is a Nascent Soul Cave Abode appearing in the Black Bone Mountains. Would Brother Chen like to explore it with us?”
Zhang Qingxuan had a smile on his face, without the slightest airs of a Golden Core cultivator.
The people around him also nodded. Most of them were Foundation Establishment cultivators, with a few Golden Core and Qi Refining cultivators among them.
Such a lineup was truly bizarre.
Other cultivators would only team up with people of the same realm, never with those who were weaker than themselves or too much stronger.
“Sorry, I’m not interested in the Nascent Soul Cave Abode. It’s more practical to return to the Taihang Region and manage my Dao Treasure Pavilion. If you all pass by Miao Xian City, you can come to my Dao Treasure Pavilion and get a 10% discount.” Chen Changsheng said with a smile, cupping his fist.
“It’s fine. If you don’t want to participate, then don’t. It’s good to chat after not seeing each other for so many years.”
Zhang Qingxuan said casually.
He then introduced the identities of the dozen or so cultivators at the table to Chen Changsheng.
These people shared the same ideals as Zhang Qingxuan, equally passionate about slaying demons and eliminating evil, having met each other in this chaotic world.
The crowd chatted happily, the focus shifting from Zhang Qingxuan to Chen Changsheng.
Miaomiao was used to various unfamiliar situations, but she never liked to talk too much with strangers, simply sitting quietly beside her master, occasionally stealing a sip of the wine from her master's cup.
As the conversation heated up, a new group of guests entered the restaurant.
Chen Changsheng and Miaomiao sensed something and turned their heads at the same time, their eyes meeting those of a woman who had just entered the restaurant.
“Qianqian!”
“Sister Qianqian!”
“Changsheng? Miaomiao?”
Chen Qianqian's pretty face showed a happy expression as she walked over with a heroic and spirited air: “I didn’t expect to see you here. Are you finally willing to come back from the God Envoy Country?”
“Hahahaha, it sounds like I’m coveting the environment of the God Envoy Country. I was just there to accompany an old friend through the last part of their life.”
Chen Changsheng warmly invited Chen Qianqian to sit down, introducing each other's identities. With the addition of the bold and forthright Chen Qianqian, the atmosphere at the table became even more lively.
Even the taciturn Miaomiao occasionally chatted with Chen Qianqian.
Through casual conversation, they learned that Chen Qianqian had also heard that a Nascent Soul Cave Abode had appeared in the Black Bone Mountains and had come here specifically to explore it.
“Since Miss Qianqian is also here to explore the Nascent Soul Cave Abode, would you like to join us?”
Zhang Qingxuan habitually extended an invitation.
As long as he found someone pleasing to the eye, he would take the initiative to befriend them.
The result was quite unexpected. Chen Qianqian actually shook her head and refused: “I’m better at training alone. I’m very sorry, everyone.”
Zhang Qingxuan smiled bitterly and shook his head: “You and Brother Chen are both too polite. Everyone has their own ideas, so there’s no need to feel sorry.”
“Changsheng didn’t join you either?”
Chen Qianqian was quite surprised. This was a good opportunity to latch onto a powerful figure, but she didn't expect Chen Changsheng to refuse as well.
“It’s too dangerous. It’s not suitable for me.” Chen Changsheng said indifferently.
“The Nascent Soul Cave Abode is indeed full of dangers. With your wealth, it’s better to just spend money to buy cultivation resources.”
Chen Qianqian said with a solemn expression: “Stay in Black Bone City during this time. When I came, I discovered that there are many cultivators outside who specialize in robbing wealth. I’ll take you back to the Taihang Region together when I return from my training.”
These words warmed Chen Changsheng's heart, and he nodded happily: “No problem. Then I’ll wait for you to come back in the city during this time.”
In this cruel world of cultivation, it was a very precious thing to have someone treat you with genuine sincerity.
