Chapter 499 - 225: Sword Opening Celestial Gate, Underworld Reappears (Part 3)
"Can’t worry about so much now."
Shen Chongming’s gaze was profound as he spoke, "Flame Lake City is of significant importance to the Shen Family, father, you should understand."
"And Zhen Nan City is an important hub connecting Flame Lake City and Yunshui City. If lost, Flame Lake City will instantly become an isolated city."
"If we lose Flame Lake City, it would be the same as destroying a chance for the Shen Family’s rise."
"For this, we must take a gamble."
Shen Wenxing pondered for a long time, also knowing that at present, apart from asking Jiang Xiuqi to take action, the Shen Family had no better options.
However, Shen Wen’an was still in seclusion and it was uncertain when he would break through to the Golden Core Realm.
He was worried that should this move indeed cause some unforeseen circumstances, the Shen Family might struggle to cope.
"Should I discuss this with your grandfather?"
Shen Chongming smiled and shook his head, saying, "Father always says not to bother the elders with everything. Don’t worry, nothing will happen."
"Currently, the six major forces of the Southern Border do not wish to prematurely disrupt the delicate balance, and Elder Jiang is not directly confronting them, just helping us set up an array."
"If Zhen Nan City remains unproblematic, Ah Die can find a family or force to manage the mundane affairs in the city."
After saying this, Shen Chongming transformed into a flash of lightning and disappeared from the grand hall.
...
"This place is truly peculiar."
"Not only are the common people’s customs fierce, but even ordinary commoners are colder than the secular people of the Yangnao Land."
In a small town in the Northern Territory of the Southern Border, Fushan Country.
After witnessing a brutal battle with his own eyes, a young man clad in beast skins and wielding a black iron long staff, his hair disheveled, thought to himself.
This person was none other than Shen Chongxu, who had left home for several years.
Back then, he bid farewell to Shen Chongming in front of his parents’ tombstones and left the Shen Family.
Traveling south, he crossed the continuous mountains between Yunshui City and the Void Reunion Corridor Grand Array, encountering numerous dangers and luckily obtaining some opportunities, allowing him to break through to the Early Stage of Fetal Breathing.
Several months ago, as Shen Chongxu traveled along the Void Reunion Corridor Grand Array, he accidentally discovered a small gap in an uninhabited area.
Passing through that gap, he arrived in the Southern Border.
His luck persisted, and shortly after traversing the Void Reunion Corridor Grand Array, he encountered a group of "Demon Hunters" in the Qi Cultivation Realm. After assisting them, these hunters took him to a human town named "Qing Town."
Qingting City belongs to Fushan Country. The town is home to tens of thousands of common people, and due to its proximity to the vast mountains, groups of cultivators can be seen wandering around the city.
Most of these cultivators are "Demon Hunters," who earn the resources needed for cultivation by venturing into the mountains to hunt demon beasts.
After arriving at Qingting City, Shen Chongxu politely declined the invitation of the Qi Cultivation Realm demon hunters, planning to reside in the city for a while to understand the culture and customs of the Southern Border.
"Sir, I’m truly sorry, but we need to close the shop."
"If you’re not staying, please leave promptly."
Shen Chongxu was watching a group of cultivators on a distant street swiftly collecting loot after winning a fight when a young man in a gray short shirt and a worn felt hat approached him respectfully.
Close the shop?
Shen Chongxu looked up at the blazing sun with some confusion and asked, "Why close at this time?"
That shop assistant glanced outside, then at the black iron long staff beside Shen Chongxu, and remained silent.
Seeing this, Shen Chongxu immediately pulled a purple stone from his pocket and placed it on the table in front of him.
"Give me a superior room."
This purple stone is the currency used in Fushan Country, called "Amethyst."
A single Amethyst has the purchasing power roughly equivalent to ten taels of silver in Yangnao Land, with other colored stones like Gold Obsidian above it.
These were what the group of demon hunters gave to Shen Chongxu.
"Certainly, sir, please wait a moment!"
Seeing the Amethyst, the shop assistant respectfully took it, put it in his pocket, and hurriedly closed the door of the shop.
After finishing, he bowed and came to Shen Chongxu.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, sir."
"Please follow me this way."
Shen Chongxu slowly stood up, lifting the black iron long staff in his hand, while glancing at the wine and dishes left uneaten on the table.
"Rest assured, sir, I will bring all of your food and drink to your room later."
Following the shop assistant through the hall, they arrived at the guest rooms on the west side of the tavern’s rear courtyard.
The shop assistant respectfully opened the door and looked at Shen Chongxu, saying:
"Are you satisfied, sir?"
Shen Chongxu examined the room’s furnishings; they were not particularly fine, but at least tidy and clean.
He nodded slightly and asked, "How many days can a piece of Amethyst pay for?"
The shop assistant answered respectfully, "Without any special requests, it should suffice for five days."
"Food and drink are not included."
"Please wait a moment, sir, I will bring your food and drink soon."
After Shen Chongxu nodded, he removed the thick beast leather coat and sat down at the square table.
After bringing the previously ordered food and drink, the shop assistant prepared to leave the room.
"Hold on."
Shen Chongxu’s heart spirit stirred, and he pointed to the opposite stool, saying, "Sit down; I have some questions for you."
The shop assistant seemed a bit troubled at his words.
Seeing this, Shen Chongxu fished out a piece of Obsidian from his pocket and tossed it on the table.
"Is this enough?"
The shop assistant’s expression of difficulty immediately turned into a smile, and he hurriedly picked up the piece of Obsidian and stood attentively to the side.
"What would you like to know, sir?"
"I will tell you everything I know."
Just as Shen Chongxu was about to pick up the wine pot to pour himself a drink, the shop assistant, showing aptness, quickly took over, ingratiatingly saying, "Allow me, sir."
"Why does this shop of yours close at midday?"
