Looking at the grave expressions on Wang Mountain and Sister Nan's faces, Qi Ping immediately guessed the general situation.
The circumstances definitely don't seem good...
"The Tribulation Cultivators are still there, and it's even more severe than it was over a month ago..."
Wang Mountain's words startled Qi Ping.
Sister Nan then took over the conversation. She doesn't like small talk, but when it comes to important matters, she always has her own opinions.
"What I know is similar to what Brother Mountain said, the situation with the Tribulation Cultivators hasn't alleviated, but instead has worsened."
"Someone I know, the beekeeper on Summit 032 in Zone D, was a Third-Layer of Qi Refining. He was ambushed by a Tribulation Cultivator and cut into pieces two weeks ago, with no signs of resistance..."
"So that means the Tribulation Cultivator may be very powerful, and the things on the summit have been quietly looted, the Bee King and honey all taken away..."
Sister Nan's words sent a chill down Qi Ping's spine once again.
A Third-Layer of Qi Refining was killed without any resistance?
This means the Tribulation Cultivator has at least Fifth-Layer of Qi Refining strength, or maybe even higher!
In other words, if Qi Ping were ambushed, he might be swiftly attacked and killed before he could react.
Or even if the Golden Marrow Bees reacted in time to confront the attack, the opponent might break through the bees' encirclement and kill him.
This is a drawback of such insect Pet Beasts like the Golden Marrow Bee; unless the enemy is killed in a short period, in situations not overwhelmingly in their favor, the defense might be breached, harming Qi Ping.
And the beekeeper on Summit 032 in Zone D, mentioned by Sister Nan, was someone Qi Ping had met twice. He was considered a friend of Old Head Zhou and was shockingly dismembered by a Tribulation Cultivator two weeks ago...
Learning this news left Qi Ping with a bitter taste.
Wang Mountain then carried on the topic:
"I've heard about this too. That Tribulation Cultivator could still reach Summit 032 in Zone D, indicating familiarity with the area..."
Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.
This is undoubtedly a very dangerous signal, if that Tribulation Cultivator is well-acquainted with the geography and personnel around the Cloud Mist Mountain Range, the danger level rises sharply.
In situations where the enemy is in the dark while we are exposed, if targeted by a Tribulation Cultivator attack, the chances of death are high.
After a long silence, Wang Mountain sighed heavily and said:
"I really don't understand why the Cyan Origin Sect no longer maintains the security of Qingshi Town, I really miss the old days..."
Back then, while life was tough and money hard to earn, at least safety was ensured.
With hard work, one could still earn some money, occasionally gather with fellow cultivators, drink and eat chicken, life had its flavors.
Unlike now, where stepping out the door raises the worry of being suddenly killed by a Tribulation Cultivator.
The world is hard!
Wang Mountain then added:
"So if it's not necessary, we shouldn't go out recently..."
Qi Ping and Sister Nan could only give a wry smile at these words.
Clearly, both had reasons to venture out.
Qi Ping sighed helplessly.
"I don't have enough Spirit Stones to pay the next rent, I need to sell some honey, and I also need to buy some living and cultivation supplies..."
The box of black bee honey previously supported both him and Old Head Zhou, although barely sufficient, was not as ample as when Old Head Zhou lived alone.
Old Head Zhou once said not to buy Blood Essence Pills for him anymore, and that ordinary wine would suffice, but Qi Ping refused.
Without Blood Essence Pills, Old Head Zhou's vitality would deplete faster, shortening his lifespan by several years.
Moreover, the actual output of the black bees barely provided enough for both to cultivate and live, just not plentifully so.
Qi Ping couldn't possibly inherit all of Old Head Zhou's legacy and wealth, and then take away a few years of his lifespan.
Now, Qi Ping no longer has this worry. Golden Marrow Honey's effects are vastly better than Blood Essence Pills, but to gather enough Spirit Stones, he still needs to sell honey.
"I'm in a similar situation, I need to sell a batch of Spirit-Storage Fruits and buy materials to make spirit fertilizer, otherwise, if the Spirit-Storage Fruit trees wither due to fertilizer shortage, it'd be troublesome..."
Sister Nan explained likewise.
After exchanging a look with Qi Ping, they both saw the helplessness in each other's eyes.
Wang Mountain also expressed his inability to help as his own Spirit Stones barely covered his rental, and he couldn't assist much.
As for taking the risk to accompany Qi Ping and Sister Nan to the Cyan Stone Marketplace, he might have done so when younger, but now he has a wife and children at home.
The responsibilities on his shoulders have long surpassed the age of reckless sacrifices; he would help within his limits, but couldn't neglect his wife and children...
...
Following that, the three continued chatting about current affairs in Qingshi County while waiting for others to arrive, hoping someone would join them in going to the Cyan Stone Marketplace.
Having one more person meant more security.
Especially since Fusheng Association members had all learned the Breath Concealment Technique, rendering Tribulation Cultivators cautious due to uncertainty about their strength.
It must be mentioned that Wang Mountain generously taught all Fusheng Association members the Breath Concealment Technique for free, intending for everyone to have a greater sense of security.
This gesture speaks volumes about Wang Mountain's character.
Unfortunately, the three waited long, but no one else arrived.
Probably, everyone was avoiding going out due to the Tribulation Cultivators.
"Looks like it'll just be the two of us going, Qi. But don't worry, with Sister Nan around! The two of us together will deter most Tribulation Cultivators, just be cautious, and taking the small paths will be safer!"
Sensing Qi Ping's concerns, Sister Nan reassured him.
She knew Qi Ping's strength was not high, so she generally took him along whenever convenient these past few years.
"Much appreciated, Sister Nan!"
Qi Ping didn't refuse, understanding Sister Nan's good intentions.
Even with the Golden Marrow Bees, having Sister Nan's near Fifth-Layer of Qi Refining strength by his side greatly increased his safety and margin for error.
Just as Qi Ping and Sister Nan were saying goodbye to Wang Mountain, preparing to take the small path to Qingshi Town, a bright, lively young man entered Fusheng Association's courtyard.
"Brother Mountain, Sister Nan, Brother Qi, you're all here!"
This youthful face and energetic tone unmistakably belonged to Lin Chaoyang, the second youngest member of Fusheng Association.
Lin Chaoyang was two years younger than Qi Ping, with his cultivation at the Second-Layer of Qi Refining, possessing notably better talent than Qi Ping.
Born a young master to a wealthy mortal family, he likely retained his youthful spirit due to being well-cared for since childhood, and he was indeed quite a nice person.
When wandering aimlessly outside, he met Wang Mountain, who, seeing potential in Lin Chaoyang, introduced him to Fusheng Association.
Indeed, he eagerly began speaking as he entered:
"Let me tell you, I recently learned that at the border between Qingshi County and Baiyun County, a small Secret Realm is about to emerge! All cultivators at the Qi Refining Stage can enter and seek opportunities, have you heard about it?"
"A Secret Realm accessible to Qi Refining stage cultivators?"
Qi Ping, Sister Nan, and Wang Mountain all shook their heads, indicating they hadn't heard of it.
"Let me tell you about it..." Lin Chaoyang began enthusiastically:
"The situation with that Secret Realm is roughly as follows and is expected to open in about a month!"
"Opportunities are paramount on the path of Immortal Cultivation. Without opportunities, there's no Immortal Ascension!"
"Brother Mountain, Sister Nan, Brother Qi, shall we try our luck together? We might find a great opportunity!"