After receiving a message from Aunt Long, Qin Ming bid farewell to Wu Jiang and left Wangyue Island.

A short while later.

He rode his beloved Silver-winged Frost Bee and arrived at the Celestial River Market.

This time, he did not disguise himself to cover his tracks, as he was going to discuss matters with Aunt Long.

After being inspected to enter the market, Qin Ming headed straight down the main street towards Mirror Snow Pavilion.

Some of the loose cultivators on the street recognized Qin Ming and were astonished, enthusiastically greeting him.

"Elder Qin! Congratulations, congratulations!"

"Congratulations on being promoted to a Tier Two High-Grade Spirit Plant Master!"

"Isle Master Qin, you truly are the pride of the Spirit Nest Islands, being the only Tier Two High-Grade Spirit Plant Master there."

"Fellow Daoist Qin is indeed formidable! Your reputation has reached the Vast Sea Immortal City, and it's said that even Master Vast Sea personally met with you."

"What? Meeting with a Golden Core Master? That's quite an honor!"

"Fellow Daoist Qin, are you interested in publishing a book on spirit plants?"

"Many cultivators in the Spirit Nest Islands wish to learn and follow suit..."

"Indeed, indeed, quite a few fellow cultivators have switched professions recently, all running off to farm..."

"..."

Various words of praise and congratulations continuously rang in Qin Ming's ears.

With a smile fixed on his face, Qin Ming responded while hastening his pace towards Mirror Snow Pavilion.

He didn't enjoy such public gatherings.

Especially the suggestion that he should write a book, which made him quite embarrassed.

The journey, which originally took half a cup of tea's time, was delayed for more than half an hour on the way.

Downstairs of Mirror Snow Pavilion, Aunt Long, still full of charm, had long been waiting at the store entrance.

She warmly welcomed Qin Ming into the store and brewed him some spirit tea.

"Hehehe, Fellow Daoist Qin has certainly become quite famous in the market these days!" Aunt Long said with a smile as she poured tea for Fellow Daoist Qin.

Qin Ming heard this and gave a bitter laugh: "Sigh, it's just a passing cloud."

"By the way, is there any news on the two items you mentioned, Aunt Long?"

Aunt Long gently nodded, her expression serious, "Yes, according to our reliable sources, in half a month's time, the 72 Island Loose Alliance and the Zhao family sponsored by the Thunder Origin Sect will host a large trade fair on Qianye Spirit Island. It will last for seven days."

"They have invited various forces to participate."

"I've heard that on the trade fair's item list, there are high-tier ape demon beast essence blood and tier three spirit plant spirit seeds among them."

Qin Ming took a sip of spirit tea, somewhat puzzled, "Why are the Loose Alliance and the Zhao family hosting such a trade fair? And also selling high-tier spirit seeds for tier three spirit plants?"

Aunt Long seemed to have anticipated Qin Ming's question, "Of course, it's because they couldn't reach an agreement on dividing the spoils."

"Since the Zhao family on Qianye Spirit Island was destroyed, the Loose Alliance and the Thunder Origin Sect have been at a stalemate over resource distribution for a long time."

"Though in the end, the Thunder Origin Sect took the largest share, gaining ownership of Qianye Spirit Island, the resources obtained by the Loose Alliance cannot be underestimated either."

"As both parties delved deeper into developing Qianye Spirit Island, they gradually discovered many resources and treasures the Zhao family hadn't taken away in time."

"It should be known that not only is there a tier three spirit vein on Qianye Spirit Island, but even the Core Formation spiritual object 'Profound Yin Earth Fiend Spirit Liquid' exists and can be produced regularly every hundred years."

"Regarding resource allocation, the Loose Alliance and the Zhao family came into conflict again; neither wants to concede to the other, so they came up with the idea of hosting a trade fair."

"Both parties would split the spirit stones evenly, and no one would have anything to say."

"But everyone understands that what the Loose Alliance and the Zhao family can't agree on above the table, the Thunder Origin Sect doesn't want the stable situation to change again, so both parties will engage in secret maneuvers."

"At this trade fair, both the Loose Alliance and the Zhao family are likely to secretly place their bets."

"Meanwhile, the 72 Island Loose Alliance has invited other island forces in the Spirit Nest Islands to participate, hoping to use this opportunity to revive post-war trade among the islands."

Qin Ming suddenly understood and nodded, "I see."

"Then... are there many spirit islands and forces attending this trade fair?"

Aunt Long smiled slightly, "Those small families, naturally, have no qualification to be invited."

"Those eligible to participate are the spirit islands that joined the Loose Alliance and the large forces within the Celestial River Market."

"Our Mirror Snow Pavilion is on the invitation list."

"As the honorary guest elder of our pavilion, Fellow Daoist Qin, of course, you're welcome to attend."

Upon saying this, Aunt Long took out an invitation to Qianye Island and handed it to Qin Ming.

Qin Ming accepted the invitation, revealing a slight smile, "Fellow Daoist Long, thank you very much!"

"Fellow Daoist Qin is our pavilion's distinguished honored guest elder. This small matter is my duty, no need for thanks."

"When the time comes, Fellow Daoist Qin can set out with us to the event, I'll notify you in advance."

After the conversation ended, Qin Ming had a meal at Mirror Snow Pavilion and then left the shop.

Originally coming out was a rare occasion for him to browse the market stalls, but thinking about his current fame over these days, he decided against making a show of himself.

"Low profile, low profile... Even the most glorious achievements will fade over time."

"Besides, it's not as if I've accomplished any earth-shattering feats..."

Qin Ming then prepared to leave the market and return to his Wangyue Island.

But just at that moment.

A graceful figure wearing a black conical hat brushed past him.

Suddenly!

Qin Ming furrowed his brow, feeling a sense of familiarity from that female cultivator.

He then used his divine sense to observe her.

The black conical hat worn by the female cultivator seemed peculiar, appearing to be a magical artifact capable of blocking divine sense detection.

But in front of Qin Ming's powerful divine sense, it was only an ornament.

Qin Ming intensified his divine sense, quickly penetrating the hat's protection and seeing the delicate face within.

To his great surprise, he had never seen the woman under the black conical hat before.

'Uh... why don't I recognize her...'

'It seems I've been too presumptuous...'

The female cultivator also seemed to notice someone was observing her and looked back. Seeing it was a Foundation Establishment great cultivator, she appeared alarmed and hurriedly left the area.

"Ahem!" Qin Ming coughed lightly, unfazed, pretending as if nothing had happened, and left the market.

...

Within the Celestial River Market.

The female cultivator in the black conical hat wandered around several alleys, confirming that no one was following her.

She then weaved her way through, approaching the door of a closed shop in the alley and knocked gently in a rhythmic pattern.

The wooden door opened, and she slipped inside.

"Why are you only arriving now?" a slightly hoarse voice questioned in the darkness.

The conical hat-wearing female hesitated and softly explained, "I ran into an acquaintance at the market entrance and took a longer route to be safe."

"Hmm?!"

"They didn't recognize you, right?" the hoarse voice coldly questioned.

"No, I'm wearing a spiritual artifact that can disguise my appearance."

"That's good."

"Did you get the items?"

"Yes, it's all here."

...

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