← 我的模拟长生路

第一千零四十三章 五年天地变

Nine Mountain State.

After five years of development, this state within the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance, which was once the only free trade zone, had undergone a remarkable transformation. What used to be an uninhabited wilderness now teemed with prosperity and bustling activity. The continuous plains were filled with the dwellings of cultivators, surrounding the central Nine Mountain Trading City.

The city had expanded several times over, its scale nearly tenfold from its initial state but still couldn't meet the growing trade demands. Every new arrival in the city was brimming with excitement and curiosity, lost in the myriad of goods on display.

Zhao Xian knelt before a shadowy faceless stone statue, respectfully paying his respects. He then exited the secret chamber, opened his shop door, and began his first business transaction after completing his inventory.

Without needing to actively promote it, customers soon filled the store as they shopped for various items. The prices were clearly marked, allowing cultivators to purchase what they needed without any haggling, as goods in Nine Mountain State often sold out almost immediately upon being listed.

This was partly due to the fact that all items available for sale here were unique to each state's specialties. But the fundamental reason lay elsewhere...

Maintaining a broad smile on his face, Zhao Xian sighed inwardly: "No wonder everyone wants to come to Nine Mountain State. They say it’s like lying in a pigsty and making money, and that’s exactly what I’m experiencing."

"Three years ago, the function of the Heavenly Mirror suddenly shut down, preventing free trade among cultivators. However, with the demand for trade still present, five major trading cities emerged within a short period to replace the mirror's functions."

"This Nine Mountain State is one of the largest, with the most diverse range of goods."

"Not only do cultivators from various states come here to trade, but members of the Five Elders Association also sell their specialties and purchase items."

Observing the constant stream of people in his store, Zhao Xian felt a deep sense of gratitude: "Thanks to Senior Envoy's help, I wouldn't have been able to buy property in such a small state like Cunyun Sea."

Even though half of his profits had to be turned over, he was still making much faster progress compared to back home.

"Within ten years, not only will I pay off all my debts, but I'll also be able to purchase the Transcendent Art and the [Heavenly Changes] at a discount through the Alliance!"

"With the potential for becoming an Immortal, my future status will be vastly different."

"Even if things don't go well, I can still become a guest scholar in Cunyun Sea. After all, there are only two Transcendent cultivators stationed there."

Zhao Xian's thoughts turned to his bright future as his eyes grew more intense.

After an unknown amount of time, the successful sale of one item in his store startled Zhao Xian awake. It was a seemingly ordinary white jade statue—a mere decoration with no special functions attached. The only thing noteworthy about it was its lifelike depiction of a woman's face.

However, due to its exorbitant price tag—twenty thousand contribution points—it had remained unsold for over two years in the store.

Today, someone had actually purchased it. This statue was related to an important task given by Senior Envoy!

Zhao Xian forcibly suppressed his excitement and hurriedly approached: "Friend, please wait!"

A cultivator wearing a black Daoist robe, hidden in the shadows, paused but ignored Zhao Xian's plea, leaving without a backward glance.

Zhao Xian did not follow him. Instead, he gave a meaningful smile before quietly entering the underground secret chamber to kneel before the faceless stone statue.

"Senior Envoy, that white jade statue has been sold."

Even though this was not his first report, Zhao Xian's heart still raced with nervousness as he focused intently on his words.

After praying, he patiently waited. Soon, a cold voice echoed in his mind: "I know."

Silence followed for a moment, but Zhao Xian could sense the divine aura enveloping him and then dissipating. His cultivation level had unexpectedly increased significantly.

Overjoyed, Zhao Xian quickly bowed several more times.

"Thanks to Senior Envoy's blessings, even with my mediocre abilities, I might achieve Transcendence within a century."

"The so-called prodigies who strut around proudly are far inferior to me."

Zhao Xian felt an immense sense of satisfaction and took his duties in the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance more seriously.

...

Spirit Wood Realm.

Li Fan had already pinpointed the location of the cultivator who bought the white jade statue.

"Turns out it was him, and he's still alive."

Li Fan’s eyes easily penetrated the disguise of the cultivator. After cross-referencing with his mental list, Li Fan quickly identified the individual: Jia Yiyuan, a receptionist at the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance headquarters.

During the time when the alliance headquarters experienced upheaval, it was Jia Yiyuan's duty shift.

After the incident, Jia Yiyuan’s family had been erased from existence. A total of 342 Golden Core cultivators and above were all wiped out without exception. Jia Yiyuan himself vanished without a trace.

Today, he unexpectedly appeared in Nine Mountain State.

After some thought, Li Fan understood why he would purchase the white jade statue.

The statue was crafted by Li Fan, with no special features. However, the woman depicted on it held significant importance; she was one of many individuals Li Fan had secretly investigated over the years.

Following the upheaval at the alliance headquarters, a bloody purge ensued. Countless cultivators were punished, and even innocent ones fell victim to this slaughter.

But where there is oppression, there is resistance. Some cultivators within the alliance did not sit idly by as these atrocities unfolded; instead, they extended aid to the innocent.

Despite the high pressure from the alliance's pursuit, they managed to save numerous lives. The woman depicted on the statue was one of these "saviors."

She appeared out of nowhere, with the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance knowing nothing about her life. Yet she had deep knowledge of the alliance, able to anticipate secret orders before their issuance and rescue people from impending execution.

The alliance was furious, offering bounties for her capture but never succeeding in finding her. Even her appearance remained a mystery.

Li Fan knew what she looked like because he had searched the mind of one of those she saved. Unfortunately, that cultivator did not know much about his savior either.

In his mind, Li Fan saw only an image of unparalleled beauty. (End of Chapter)

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