77: Chapter 77 Leaving the pass and returning to Liuyun, the city walls remain the same, but the people have changed.

Time is forgotten in seclusion.

When the Hunxu Golden Core within his body was completely stabilized, its radiance converged, and the pill essence circulated smoothly without obstruction.

When the essence of the Great Dao Scripture of Zhou Tian Stars was fully absorbed and perfectly integrated with the Hunxu Yandao Scripture, his Cultivation Technique reached a new level.

When the thousand-zhang Cave Heaven World stabilized after its initial evolution, the temperature difference between day and night, the hills and water flows, and the alternation of stars and moons all became regular, providing a continuous feedback of "Chaos star Qi."

Ye Qing slowly opened his eyes.

A flash of Chaos radiance vanished from his pupils, leaving them deep and calm. His aura was completely retracted; unless he actively revealed it, he looked no different from an ordinary Cultivator at the Foundation Establishment Perfection Stage.

"The Golden Core Early Stage is completely stabilized. The Cave Heaven is initially formed, and my Foundation is thicker. It is time to go out."

He rose to his full height and stretched his muscles and bones, causing a series of low, thunderous sounds to emanate from his body, his blood surging like a great river.

With a wave of his hand, he dismantled the Lesser Hunyuan Five Elements Earth Vein Array around the Immortal Cave, retrieving only the earth vein array core mushroom.

He tidied up the Immortal Cave, erasing all traces of his residence.

He pushed open the stone door and walked out of the valley.

The sunlight outside was blinding, and the air was fresh, carrying the damp, rotting scent peculiar to the swamp.

Calculating the time, more than a year must have passed in the outside world during this period of seclusion.

"Liuyun City... I wonder what the situation is like now. The war between humans and the Yao Race must be even more intense. That line of connection with Shopkeeper Zhou Ming might still be useful. By the way, I should also dispose of the Materials I no longer need and exchange them for higher-grade Materials and information."

Ye Qing made up his mind, his figure flickering, and he was already in the air.

He did not use any movement technique, simply traversing the void; with one step, he was already a hundred zhang away, and after a few flickers, he vanished above the cloudy marsh, his speed incredibly fast.

A Golden Core Cultivator's movement speed far exceeds that of a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, not to mention his deep Foundation and the enhancement from the Void Dao Seed.

In less than half a day, he had flown near Liuyun City.

Looking from afar, that massive bluestone city remained towering, its high walls shimmering with spiritual light, and the protective city Formation was fully activated, looking even thicker and more solid than in the past.

However, the scene outside the city was vastly different.

The once-prosperous shantytowns and temporary markets outside the city had vanished, replaced by scorched earth and ruins, with lingering traces of battle.

Outside the city walls, several wide trenches had been newly dug, filled with spikes, and the remains of Yao Beast skeletons were faintly visible.

The number of Cultivators entering and leaving the city had clearly decreased, and most were in a hurry, looking vigilant. The number of armored guards at the city gate had doubled, and their cultivation was higher; the leader was surprisingly a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, scanning every person entering and leaving with sharp eyes.

The air was filled with an atmosphere of grim tension, yet also carried a hint of exhaustion.

"It seems Liuyun City has experienced more than one Yao Beast siege, but it held. It's just that the price was high; the area outside the city has become ruins, and the atmosphere inside must be heavy as well."

Ye Qing suppressed his movement light and landed a few miles outside the city, restraining his aura to the Foundation Establishment Perfection Stage before walking towards the city gate at a leisurely pace.

At the city gate, the inspection was indeed strict.

Not only did they check identity Jade Slips, but they also used special Magical Artifacts to detect Demonic Qi and Devilish Qi, and even conducted rough scans of storage Magical Artifacts.

When it was Ye Qing's turn, he handed over his temporary identity Jade Slip.

The Foundation Establishment Cultivator guarding the gate took it, tested it with a compass-like Magical Artifact, and frowned slightly.

"The information on the Jade Slip shows that you, Fellow Daoist, left the city nearly two years ago. During this period, Liuyun City has experienced three beast tides, and the identities of all those who left for a long time and have not returned need to be re-verified. Where do you come from, Fellow Daoist? And for what purpose?"

The tone was still polite, but the eyes were filled with scrutiny.

"I am Ye Qing, a Loose Cultivator. I left the city to travel years ago, found a place in the deep mountains for seclusion, and have only just emerged. Hearing that Liuyun City is still safe, I have come here to stay temporarily and replenish some cultivation supplies." Ye Qing's expression was calm, and his reply was watertight.

The Foundation Establishment Cultivator looked Ye Qing over carefully, sensing the other's Foundation Establishment Perfection Stage cultivation, his aura heavy and condensed, not appearing treacherous, and his expression softened slightly.

"In that case, you need to re-register and record your Divine Soul aura. Also, the city entry fee is one hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones for the Foundation Establishment Stage." As he spoke, he handed over a new green Jade Slip, slightly different in style from the previous one.

The corners of Ye Qing's mouth twitched imperceptibly. The entry fee had increased tenfold; it seemed Liuyun City's finances were tight, or they were using this method to screen and control the number of Cultivators entering the city.

He didn't say much, readily paying the one hundred Spirit Stones, and injected a trace of extremely weak, disguised Divine Soul aura into the new Jade Slip.

"Alright. Please keep it safe, Fellow Daoist. Private fights are strictly prohibited in the city, spreading rumors is strictly prohibited, and a curfew is enforced at night. If you discover any Yao Race spies or suspicious behavior, you must report it immediately. I wish you all the best in the city, Fellow Daoist." The Foundation Establishment Cultivator returned the Jade Slip to Ye Qing and waved him through.

Ye Qing nodded, took the Jade Slip, and walked into the city.

The scene inside the city had changed significantly compared to when he left.

The streets were still wide, but there were far fewer pedestrians, and most walked in a hurry with vigilant expressions. Many shops were closed, and those still operating were mostly shops for Medicinal Pills, Talismans, Magical Artifacts, and healing items; there were quite a few customers, and the numbers on the price tags were staggering.

The air was filled with a faint smell of medicine, a burnt smell, and an indescribable sense of oppression.

The number of armored guard patrols had clearly increased, and teams of black-armored Cultivators walked by expressionlessly, their eyes scanning every pedestrian.

Towards the inner city, faint powerful Formation fluctuations could be felt, clearly indicating that the City Lord's Mansion and core areas had tighter defenses.

"Sure enough, war has changed everything." Ye Qing sighed inwardly, strolling along the slightly deserted street.

He did not immediately go to Baicao Hall, but first found a mid-range inn in the inner city called "Guiyun Residence" to stay in.

He requested a superior room with a simple protective Formation, with a daily rent of ten Low-Grade Spirit Stones, the price also having multiplied several times compared to before.

After settling down, he disguised himself slightly, changed into an ordinary green Taoist robe, maintained his aura at the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, and then went out, walking towards the Baicao Hall of his memory.

Baicao Hall was still open for business, and the storefront seemed to have been renovated, looking more imposing. However, the customers entering and leaving had hurried expressions and rarely chatted.

Ye Qing stepped into the shop, and a clerk immediately greeted him.

"What does the Fellow Daoist need? This shop has a complete range of Medicinal Pills and Materials, and the prices are fair." The clerk's smile was standard, but his eyes were filled with scrutiny.

"I am looking for Shopkeeper Zhou Ming, an old acquaintance visiting." Ye Qing said lightly, his voice slightly altered.

The clerk was stunned, looked Ye Qing over a few times, and seeing that although his aura was only Foundation Establishment Middle Stage, he was steady and extraordinary, he dared not be negligent.

"Please wait a moment, Fellow Daoist, let me report it."

A moment later, Shopkeeper Zhou Ming walked quickly out of the back hall.

Two years had passed, and Zhou Ming's face was a bit haggard, with bloodshot eyes, but upon seeing Ye Qing, he still squeezed out a warm smile.

"Fellow Daoist Ye! Long time no see, your demeanor remains the same! Please, come to the back hall for tea!"

He led Ye Qing into the quiet room in the back hall, dismissed the attendants, and personally poured spirit tea.

Zhou Ming then smiled bitterly: "It is fortunate that Fellow Daoist Ye has returned safely. These past two years have not been peaceful outside. Liuyun City has also suffered several major disasters, and many people have died. Since you have returned safely, Fellow Daoist, your cultivation must have improved?"

He asked tentatively, his eyes scanning Ye Qing, feeling that the other's aura was as heavy and condensed as a mountain, unfathomable, and far stronger than the Foundation Establishment Early Stage "Ye Qing" of two years ago. He was shocked and suspicious, but dared not ask more.

"I was lucky to have a Breakthrough, and now I am just at the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage. It is Shopkeeper Zhou who has lost quite a bit of weight." Ye Qing sipped his tea and said calmly.

"I am ashamed. Things are complicated in the city, and Yao Beasts harass us from time to time, making business difficult." Zhou Ming sighed, then lowered his voice, "Are you here to stay for a long time, Fellow Daoist Ye, or just temporarily? If you are staying for a long time, the city is currently short of manpower, especially someone with your profound pill knowledge, Fellow Daoist. If you are willing to work for the City Lord's Mansion, the treatment will be excellent, and you might even have the opportunity to enter the 'Inner Treasury' to exchange for scarce resources."

"I am used to being idle and do not like constraints. I returned this time to handle some Materials I no longer need, purchase some supplies for cultivation, and incidentally inquire about some news." Ye Qing declined politely.

Zhou Ming heard this and didn't force him, nodding: "Understood. What do you wish to sell, Fellow Daoist? War is tense now, so Yao Beast Materials, healing Medicinal Pills, and attack Talismans are the most popular and expensive. If it is anything else, the market might be average."

Ye Qing had long been prepared and took out a prepared Storage Pouch, placing it on the table.

Inside were some Yao Beast Materials, low-grade Ore, and a small amount of ordinary first and second-grade Medicinal Pills he had cleared out. These were all things he had obtained in the Secret Realm or on the way, which were of little value to him now, but were good resources for outside Cultivators.

Zhou Ming took it, scanned it with his Divine Sense, and a look of surprise flashed in his eyes.

The items inside were in good condition, of varied types, and in large quantities, showing that the owner had rich experiences. Especially several types of Yao Beast Materials, which were clearly obtained from recent kills, still retaining their aura.

"Fellow Daoist, your harvest is quite bountiful." Zhou Ming looked deeply at Ye Qing, stopped asking questions, and began to carefully count and value them.

A moment later, he quoted a price, slightly lower than the market price, but considering the current situation and the speed of the sale, it was fair.

Ye Qing didn't bargain and nodded in agreement.

Zhou Ming paid the Spirit Stones readily and asked again: "What do you wish to buy, Fellow Daoist? As long as this shop has it, I will definitely give you the best price."

"High-grade Pill Formula, rare spirit plant seeds, Materials related to stars, the Void Realm, and Five Elements essence, as well as... news about the recent situation, especially the movements of the Yao Race, and information related to 'Dragonfall Abyss' and the 'ancient teleportation array'." Ye Qing said slowly.

Zhou Ming's expression tightened, and he pondered for a moment.

"As for Pill Formula and seeds, the shop still has a few types, which I can have copied for you. In terms of Materials, star sand and Void Realm stones are now controlled supplies; the shop has little stock, and the prices are high. Five Elements essence is even scarcer and can only be met by chance."

"As for the news..." He lowered his voice further, "The main force of the Yao Race army is blocked at the 'Black Wind Mountain Range' line, but small groups of elites are constantly infiltrating, and Liuyun City is under significant pressure. In the direction of 'Dragonfall Abyss', there was unusual movement a few months ago. It is said that a Golden Core Senior went deep to investigate but returned heavily injured, remaining tight-lipped. The 'ancient teleportation array'... this is a taboo topic; it is better for you not to inquire about it easily, Fellow Daoist."

As he spoke, he took out a Jade Slip and handed it to Ye Qing.

"This contains a summary of recent public intelligence, as well as a list of supplies and prices that this shop can provide. You can take your time to look at it, Fellow Daoist. If you see something you like, or if you need to inquire about more secret news, the price... will need to be discussed separately."

Ye Qing took the Jade Slip, scanned it with his Divine Sense, and understood.

The prices of supplies had generally skyrocketed, especially those related to cultivation and combat, with astonishing increases. Intelligence was also divided into various levels, and the more sensitive it was, the more expensive.

He listed some of the supplies he needed and paid a sum of Spirit Stones as a deposit for purchasing part of the intelligence.

"Thank you, Shopkeeper Zhou. Please prepare these supplies as soon as possible. Also, if there is any news about 'star source crystal', 'ten-thousand-year iron wood', or star metals with quality similar to 'star marrow iron', regardless of the source, please be sure to inform me. Ye will definitely reward you heavily." Ye Qing put away the supplies and Jade Slip prepared by Zhou Ming and stood up.

"star source crystal? Ten-thousand-year iron wood?" Zhou Ming gasped, smiling bitterly, "What you are looking for, Fellow Daoist, are all treasures that can only be met by chance. Zhou will try his best to keep an eye out, but I cannot guarantee it. As soon as there is news, I will notify you via the old method."

"I appreciate it." Ye Qing cupped his hands and turned to leave Baicao Hall.

Returning to the inn, he activated the room's Formation.

Ye Qing took out the Jade Slip given by Zhou Ming and read it carefully again.

The intelligence information was complex, distilling a few key points:

The Yao Race's offensive was frustrated but not retreated; both sides were deadlocked at the border, with constant small-scale conflicts.

Liuyun City became an important fulcrum in the southeast, gathering many Cultivators, with undercurrents of internal forces.

Dragonfall Abyss was designated as a restricted area, sealed off by heavy troops, suspected of having major changes or discoveries.

The matter of the ancient teleportation array seemed to involve ancient secrets and high-level games, which ordinary Cultivators could not easily access.

"It seems that it is as difficult as ascending to heaven to access the ancient teleportation array through normal channels. Perhaps, I have to start from other aspects, for example... the Yao Race?"

Ye Qing's eyes flickered. The Yao Race also seemed to be extremely concerned about Dragonfall Abyss. If he could capture high-level members of the Yao Race, he might be able to search their souls to obtain information. It was just that the risk was greater.

"No rush, strength is the Foundation. First, use the resources of Liuyun City to continue improving my cultivation, perfecting the Cave Heaven, and collecting what I need. When I have enough strength, I will go and touch that deep water."

He set his plan, took a drop of star source liquid, and began his daily, unwavering cultivation.

Inside his body, the thousand-zhang Cave Heaven saw the sun rise and the moon set, the galaxy flowing, and between the hills, water vapor was dense and filled with vitality, continuously feeding back pure Chaos star Qi.

Ye Qing's life in Liuyun City, against the backdrop of war, quietly began again.