Chapter 9 - Chapter 9: Black Stone Undercurrent, War Hidden

The turbid waves of the Blackwater River beat against the uneven black reefs, emitting a dull roar.The riverbank gradually narrows, and ahead, a rugged group of buildings built from huge black rocks, nestled by mountains and waters, appears in front of everyone.This is one of the few human strongholds on the edge of the Wanmiao Mountains - * * Heishi Town * *.As its name suggests, most of the buildings are constructed from locally sourced black mountain rocks, sturdy yet rough, exuding a sense of wildness and resilience.The air is filled with rich water vapor, a river like smell, a faint herbal aroma, and a mixed smell of sweat, blood, and inferior spiritual materials.Tall wooden walls surround the town, with rusty iron spears and animal bones inserted at the top of the walls. The guards lazily lean against them, their eyes scanning the incoming and outgoing crowds like eagles and falcons.Most of the cultivators entering and leaving the town gate are dusty and have a mixed aura. There are scattered cultivators dressed in tattered clothes, mercenaries accompanying them, and caravan guards dressed in uniform. Each one has a vigilant gaze and carries scars and hostility to varying degrees.The danger of the Wanmiao Mountains is engraved in the bones of every person who enters this place.Senior, the town ahead is Heishi Town, "Lei Meng pointed to the town gate ahead, with a hint of relief in his tone, but his gaze towards Lin Feng was still filled with awe.Chen Feng and Xiao Wu also breathed a clear sigh of relief, except for Su Wan, whose eyebrows furrowed slightly, as if she was worried about something.Lin Feng nodded slightly, his gaze calmly sweeping over this chaotic yet vibrant border town.His breath had been adjusted all the way, and although it still had a hint of weakness, the rice sized Zhenyuan seed in the dantian was slowly and firmly spinning, absorbing spiritual energy, death energy, evil energy, and even various negative emotions that were far richer and more complex than the wilderness in the air.The environment in Heishi Town is like a polluted yet nutritious quagmire for him to practice the "Nine Yuan Town Prison Sutra".Entering the town, "Lin Feng said succinctly.After paying the entry fee for a few low-grade spirit stones, the group entered Heishi Town.The street is narrow and rugged, with various stalls and shops crowded on both sides.The items sold are diverse: unknown herbs stained with soil, monster materials emitting a fishy smell, rusty and worn-out magical tools, talismans painted with rudimentary runes, and even some low-level monster cubs in cages, barely alive.Shouts, bargaining, and disputes are incessant, and the air is mixed with various strange odors.Lei Meng and his companions were obviously quite familiar with this place. They drove along with Lin Feng through several noisy streets and arrived at a relatively orderly three story stone building in the center of the town.At the entrance of the stone tower hangs a flag with a blue background and white characters, embroidered with a vibrant spiritual grass pattern. Next to it are three ancient seal characters - * * Baicaoxuan * *.This is the branch of Baicaoxuan in Heishi Town, and also the foothold of Lei Meng and others.Lei Meng? Are you... are you still alive?! "As soon as he stepped into the gate of Bai Cao Xuan, a lean old man dressed in shopkeeper's clothing and with a goatee greeted him. Seeing the embarrassed appearance of Lei Meng and others, his face showed surprise, and then his gaze swept over Lin Feng. When he felt the deliberately restrained but still palpitating heavy breath, his pupils narrowed slightly and he quickly changed into a respectful smile:" These areManager Zhang, we encountered a big problem on our way, thanks to Senior Lin's help. Otherwise, we would have had to confess to Wanmiaoshan! "Lei Meng quickly introduced, his tone full of gratitude and fear." Senior Lin, this is Manager Zhang from our Baicaoxuan Heishi Town BranchSo it's Senior Lin! Thank you for your kindness! Please sit inside! "Zhang, the experienced shopkeeper, immediately recognized Lin Feng's extraordinary abilities and warmly led everyone into a clean and elegant room in the back hall.After sitting down and serving tea, Lei Meng briefly recounted the process of being chased by the Iron backed Demon Bear and the Corrupt Poison Wolf Scorpion, Lin Feng's swift killing of the Corrupt Poison Wolf Scorpion, and the shocking retreat of the Iron backed Demon Bear.Although the key details of Lin Feng's breakthrough were omitted, just describing that casual finger and grip was enough to make Zhang, the shopkeeper, tremble with fear and look at Lin Feng with even more awe.Sis... Kill the Corrupt Poisonous Wolf Scorpion in an instant, deal heavy damage to the Startled Iron backed Demon Bear... Senior's divine power is admirable! "Zhang, the shopkeeper, sincerely praised, then looked at Su Wan and expressed concern," Miss Su, are you okay? You scared me to death! If you have an accident, I will definitely be held responsible! "He obviously knew that Su Wan had a special identity.Su Wan shook her head slightly, her face still slightly pale. "Thank you, Mr. Zhang, for your concern. I'm fine. Thanks to Senior LinLin Feng remained noncommittal towards these polite words and got straight to the point: "I need a peaceful place to heal and recover. Also, gather some information for meHiss!Seeing the dark green demon core mixed with a deathly gray aura, Manager Zhang took a cold breath!The demon core of the rotten poisonous wolf scorpion in the later stage of gas refining!It's still a mutated demon core that has been eroded by special forces!The poisonous and deathly energy contained within it is a treasure for some people who practice poison cultivation or special techniques!The value far exceeds that of an ordinary demon core in the later stage of Qi refining!Don't worry, senior! It's all up to the old man! "Zhang, the shopkeeper, had a gleam in his eyes as he carefully put away the demon core and became even more enthusiastic." We have a quiet room specially prepared for distinguished guests in the backyard of Baicaoxuan, with decent spiritual energy and isolation formations, absolutely pure and safe! As for the news... what does senior want to know? I have been operating in Heishi Town for many years and have some connectionsFirstly, have there been any major events happening in the recent Eastern Wilderness, especially in Qingyun Sect? "Lin Feng asked.Zhang, the shopkeeper, pondered for a moment and said, "Qingyun Sect... in terms of major events, apart from the shocking wedding ceremony between Lu Chen Tianjiao and Fairy Luo Li of Ziyun Sect three months ago that shook the East Wilderness, we have recently heard that... the Immortal Law Department seems to have some unusual movements, as if they are investigating a traitor or a precious treasure? But the specific details are unknown to the outside world." He carefully glanced at Lin Feng and saw that his expression was normal before continuing, "In addition, it is said that there are exotic treasures emerging deep in the Wanmiao Mountains, attracting many fugitives and disciples of the sect. Recently, there has been a mixed bag of fish and dragons in Heishi Town, and seniors need to be more carefulIs the Xianlvsi still investigating?Lin Feng sneered in his heart, it seemed that the news of his death as a "lower level filth source" had not been fully confirmed within the Immortal Law Department yet?However, separated by tens of thousands of miles of the Wanmiao Mountains, it is temporarily safe.Secondly, "Lin Feng's gaze turned to Su Wan," regarding the family of this Su girl and what she mentioned... the truncated fragments of GeAs soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere inside the elegant room instantly became subtle.Su Wan's body stiffened slightly and her eyes were lowered.Lei Meng, Chen Feng, and Xiao Wu also showed a surprised expression, obviously they did not know that the Su Wan family had such secrets.The smile on Zhang's face narrowed a bit and became a bit serious: "Senior... The Su family is a well-known Xiuzhen family in the southwestern part of the Eastern Wilderness. The main family is located in 'Liuyun City', and it is said that the ancestors of the late period of foundation building are in charge. As for the fragments of the broken spear..." He hesitated for a moment and lowered his voice, "This matter is also kept a secret within the Su family. I only vaguely heard that it is a ancestral artifact worshipped by the Su family for generations. It is said to be a weapon fragment left behind by a powerful ancient man, containing mysterious power, and is regarded as the foundation of inheritance by the Su family. The idle tribe members cannot approach it, let alone spread it outsideIn the later stage of building the foundation, the ancestors took charge... inheriting the foundation... Lin Feng furrowed his brow imperceptibly.It seems that obtaining the truncated fragments of Ge is even more difficult than expected.Miss Su, "Lin Feng looked at Su Wan," the hidden injury in your body seems to be related to that broken spear auraSu Wan suddenly looked up, a hint of shock flashing in her beautiful eyes: "Senior... have you... seen it?" She instinctively covered her collarbone.The breath is of the same origin, but it is blocked and harms the source, "Lin Feng said lightly.He carried the "Nine Yuan Town Prison Sutra" and was extremely sensitive to the aura of war and aggression. The ancient and dormant aura in Su Wan's body was of the same origin as the broken spear, but like a blocked river, it not only could not be mobilized, but also became a burden, causing her cultivation to stagnate at the peak of the third level of Qi refining, and her aura to be floating.Su Wan's eyes instantly filled with mist, with a hint of grievance and hope: "Senior, a warning! Junior... Since I remembered the incident, there has been a strange power in my body that faintly echoes the fragments of broken swords enshrined in the ancestral hall. But for some reason, this power is like a shackle. It not only cannot help me cultivate, but also constantly erodes the meridians. Even if the clan elders try their best, they cannot resolve it... Senior, you have great wisdom. Can..." She didn't finish her words, but her pleading was overflowing.Lin Feng fell silent for a moment.The 'shackles' in Su Wan's body are likely to be the power contained in her bloodline and related to the soldier master, which has become a burden instead of being properly guided or activated.If it can be solved, it may become a help for her cultivation and also a breakthrough for him to contact Duangor.Let's discuss this matter later, "Lin Feng didn't immediately agree.He needs to learn more and also needs to regain his strength.Manager Zhang, please arrange a quiet room firstYes! Yes! Senior, please come with me! "Manager Zhang quickly stood up and led the way.The quiet room in the backyard of Baicaoxuan is indeed serene, with simple gathering and soundproofing formations.Lin Feng sat down cross legged and immediately began to fully operate the "Nine Yuan Town Prison Sutra".The Zhenyuan Seed in Dantian is like a hungry glutton, crazily devouring the spiritual energy gathered in the quiet room, as well as the pure demon poison energy contained in a small piece of rotten wolf scorpion demon nucleus fragment taken out by Lin Feng from his arms.The Fire of Returning to the Ruins swayed slightly in the cyclone, burning the impurities in the demonic and poisonous energy. The pure source of poison and demonic power were ground and transformed into heavy and cold dark gold true elements, which merged into the slowly growing seeds of the Zhen Prison True Elements.Time passes in the process of cultivation.Three days later, Lin Feng's Zhenyuan, which had been depleted, had fully recovered, his injuries had improved by 60-70%, and his breath had become increasingly heavy and heavy.The demon core fragments of that putrid wolf scorpion have completely turned into fly ash.Early that morning, Manager Zhang personally came to the quiet room with a hint of excitement and mystery on his face: "Senior Lin, excuse me. You previously asked me to pay attention to ancient artifacts related to 'Broken Ge' and 'Military Warfare', and I have newsLin Feng opened his eyes and a faint golden light flashed by: "SpeakThe largest underground auction house in Heishi Town, Ghost Market, has a monthly auction tonight. Among the final items, there is one that is said to be a fragment excavated from an ancient battlefield relic deep in the Wanmiao Mountains. It is neither gold nor jade, extremely heavy, and retains an extremely strong aura of war and ancient resentment! The description is quite similar to the ancestral property of the Su family! "Manager Zhang lowered his voice," And it is said that that the fragment... seems very important to the Su familyOh? "Lin Feng's eyes gleamed with precision.The ancient battlefield of Wanmiaoshan Mountains?The aura of war and killing?Does the Su family attach great importance to it?This fragment is most likely related to the military leader!When does the auction start and how do I enterTonight at midnight, the underground level of 'Heishi Cave' will be on the third floor. We need to recommend a token or pay a deposit of one hundred low-grade spirit stones. I can help senior obtain the token, "said Zhang, the shopkeeper, quickly.Okay. Prepare a token for me, "Lin Feng didn't hesitate.He is determined to obtain the clues related to the military leader.As night fell, the hustle and bustle of Heishi Town did not cease, but instead gave rise to another more secretive and dangerous liveliness in the shadows.With the recommendation of Manager Zhang, Lin Feng changed into an inconspicuous gray cloak, concealing his figure and aura. With the flow of people, he entered the "Black Stone Cave" located deep in an abandoned mine in the northwest corner of the town.Passing through several hidden levels and winding corridors, a huge underground auction house transformed from a natural cave appeared before our eyes.The air was filled with sweat, tobacco, inferior perfume and a tense and excited atmosphere.Under the dim light, various cultivators crowded on the rough stone bench, staring intently at the central platform.Among them, there are those with strong breath and fierce eyes.Lin Feng found a corner and sat down, his gaze calmly scanning the entire room under his cloak.He quickly sensed several strong breaths, including the late stage of Qi refining and even a subtle, cold and deadly aura of the foundation period pressure!It seems that tonight's auction indeed carries some weight.The auction began, and one item after another was sent up to the high platform: ancient poisonous herbs, rare monster materials, broken magical tools of unknown origin, and secret medicines with strange effects... The bidding sound echoed one after another, and the atmosphere was lively and greedy.Lin Feng closed his eyes to rest, showing no interest in these things. He silently practiced his skills, absorbing the more diverse and intense negative energy in the auction house - greed, desire, killing intent, resentment... These "impurities" that others could avoid were the best nourishment for him to nourish the true essence of the prison.The Guixu cyclone in his dantian rotated more smoothly.Finally, when a bone armor emitting a strong corpse aura was auctioned off at a high price, the auctioneer's voice suddenly increased with a hint of seduction: "Everyone! Next, it's one of the highlights of tonight! A mysterious fragment unearthed from the core area of the ancient battlefield of 'Blood Butcher Valley'Two fierce guards carried a heavy black iron box onto the high platform.The box opened, and a strong and heart stopping aura of war mixed with soaring resentment swept across the entire auction house like an invisible storm in an instant!Hmph!In Lin Feng's arms, the silent military commander suddenly became scorching hot!A strong desire and resonance are transmitted!On the high platform, the auctioneer wore a pair of specially designed isolation gloves and carefully picked up the items in the box.That is a dark red metal fragment the size of a palm, with uneven edges!The fragments were covered in twisted cracks, and the surface was covered with a thick layer of black dirt that looked like dried blood, faintly emitting a dull golden luster.Even from afar, one can feel the heavy, cold, and ancient aura emanating from it, as if carrying endless killing and destruction!On top of the fragments, there is a faintly visible broken arc-shaped pattern resembling the sharp edge of some giant weapon!The material of this object is unknown and indestructible. The residual aura and resentment of war and aggression on it are difficult for even the cultivators to bear for a long time! After identification, it is highly likely to be a shocking fragment of a divine weapon from ancient times! The starting price is five hundred low-grade spirit stones! Each time the price increases, it must not be less than fifty! "The auctioneer's voice was filled with excitement.The entire auction house was instantly boiling!Countless greedy, exploratory, and fanatical gazes focused on that dark red fragment!Six hundredSeven hundredEight hundred and fiftyThe price is rapidly rising, and the bidders are mostly fierce, practitioners of special skills, or cultivators who have studied antiques.The gaze under Lin Feng's cloak was as sharp as a knife.That's it!The strong resonance of the soldier lord's command told him that this fragment is definitely related to the soldier lord!It could even be the remains of a certain divine weapon of a soldier master!Just as the price was raised to 1300 spirit stones, a haughty voice sounded from the VIP box on the second floor of the auction house:Two thousand low-grade spirit stonesDirectly increase the price by 700 spirit stones!Arrogant and wealthy!Everyone was in an uproar, following their reputation.From the window of the private room, a young man dressed in a luxurious brocade robe, with a slightly pale complexion and a hint of sinister and arrogant eyes, was looking down on the entire room from a high vantage point.Behind him stood two elderly guards with a deep breath and shining eyes, both of whom were experts in refining Qi on the ninth level!It's Young Master Su Chen from the Su familyHey... did the Su family also take a liking to this thingIt seems that this fragment is indeed not simpleLow voices of discussion echoed in the crowd.The Su family?Lin Feng's eyes narrowed slightly.Su Wan's family?This Su Chen... seems to be a legitimate descendant of the Su family.Did he take this fragment for his family, or... for himself?Two thousand spirit stones! Is there anything higher? "Exclaimed the auctioneer excitedly.The scene fell silent.Two thousand low-grade spirit stones are already astronomical numbers for scattered cultivators and small forces.Moreover, offending the Su family is clearly not a wise move.Two thousand spirit stones once! Two thousand spirit stones twice... "The auctioneer raised a wooden mallet.Two thousand five. "A hoarse, calm, yet unquestionably powerful voice rang out from the corner of the auction house, clearly suppressing all the noise!Wow!Everyone's gaze instantly focused on the figure shrouded in a gray cloak in the corner!Su Chen's face darkened instantly in the private room, and a hint of anger flashed in his eyes: "Who are you? Dare you compete with my Su familyLin Feng slowly lifted his head, and under the shadow of his cloak, two cold gazes turned towards Su Chen as if they were real: "At the auction house, the one with the highest price wins. Three thousand spirit stonesHiss!Let's all take a deep breath!Add another 500 directly!What is the origin of this cloaked person?How dare you confront the young master of the Su family so forcefully?Su Chen's face turned completely pale, with a murderous intent in his eyes: "Okay! Very good! 3500Four thousand, "Lin Feng's voice remained calm and composed.You! "Su Chen trembled with anger, and the two elderly guards behind him also took a step forward. Their powerful aura faintly locked onto the corner where Lin Feng was located, and the warning was self-evident.4500! This is my final offer! If you continue to argue, you will be an enemy of my Su family! "Su Chen almost gritted his teeth and shouted.This price has far exceeded his psychological expectations and also exceeded the upper limit of the spirit stones he carries.The atmosphere of the auction house instantly froze, filled with gunpowder.Everyone held their breath and looked at the mysterious cloaked man.Lin Feng fell silent for a moment.4500 low-grade spirit stones, he couldn't take them out.The demon core given by Manager Zhang is precious, but far from worth the price.The most valuable thing on him, besides the military commander's command, is the jade talisman left by the glass skeleton, but neither of these can be taken out.Just as everyone thought he would back down, Lin Feng spoke slowly with a strange metallic friction in his voice: "Spirit Stone, I don't have that muchHmph! How dare you bargain without a spirit stone? Can't you play with my Su family? "Su Chen's eyes flashed with a hint of lust and fierceness.But, "Lin Feng's tone turned, and the hand under the cloak seemed to move," I'll use this thing as a bargaining chipHe flicked his finger and a black light shot towards the auctioneer on the high platform.The auctioneer instinctively caught it and bought it cold and heavy.He lowered his head and his pupils suddenly contracted!That's a curved, shimmering unicorn with a dark metallic sheen!It's the one horned venomous python that was killed by Lin Feng before!At this moment, on this unicorn, in addition to its original poisonous aura, there is also a chilling sense of silence and heaviness, as if it has been tempered by some kind of power!The unicorn of the Poison Python in the mid stage of Qi Refining? No... no! This scent... "The experienced auctioneer immediately sensed the extraordinary nature of this unicorn, its toxicity perfectly blended with its deadly power, and its value far exceeded that of an ordinary unicorn!This thing... can be worth... 1500 spirit stones! "He pondered for a moment and gave an astonishing estimate!Hiss!Everyone is shocked again!1500 spirit stones!Adding Lin Feng's previous price of 4000 is equivalent to 5500 spirit stones!Is this material that the cloakman casually took out worth so much?Su Chen's face instantly turned extremely ugly!He stared fixedly at the venomous python unicorn in the auctioneer's hand, then turned to Lin Feng, his eyes filled with resentment and disbelief.5500 spirit stones. Is there anyone else bidding? "The auctioneer looked around the room and finally turned to Su Chen's private room.Su Chen clenched his fists tightly, with his nails almost embedded in his flesh.The old man behind him whispered, 'Young master, it's too much! And this person is... unfathomable!' They felt danger from Lin Feng.Okay... very good! "Su Chen squeezed out a few words from between his teeth, his eyes like a venomous snake cutting at Lin Feng." This fragment belongs to you! Let's go! "After saying that, he slammed his sleeve and left the private room angrily with the guard.The resentful glance before leaving was filled with undisguised killing intent.The auctioneer breathed a sigh of relief and made a final decision, "Done! Congratulations to this fellow artistUnder the complex gaze of the crowd, Lin Feng calmly walked up the high platform and took the dark red fragment of the divine weapon from the auctioneer's hand.Get the fragments, they are incredibly heavy!A clearer and more violent aura of war and ancient resentment rushed forward like a tide!At the same time, the military commander in his arms trembled violently, emitting a scorching heat!There seems to be a strong resonance between the two!What shocked Lin Feng even more was that as the fragments approached his body, the Zhenyuan Seed in his dantian suddenly jumped!A fragment of extremely vague, intermittent, filled with the sounds of metal and iron clashing and unwillingness to roar, as if crossing through ancient time and space, suddenly rushing into his sea of knowledge:**... Soldier Master... Casting Soldiers... Terrace... Breaking... Nine Li... Blood Sacrifice... Lock**Soldier lord forging a military platform?Jiuli?Blood sacrifice?Lock?New information!Pointing towards deeper secrets!However, just as Lin Feng was immersed in the information conveyed by the fragments, he keenly sensed that outside the auction house, several malicious smells, like maggots in the tarsal bones, quietly locked onto him.Su Chen's revenge came faster than he had anticipated!