On one side of the magic circle stood three row houses, each displaying a sign that read "Merchant Alliance."
The rest of the area was empty, unlike the bustling space above filled with stalls from Loose Cultivators. Here, dozens of Loose Cultivators sat scattered on the ground, eyes closed in meditation, recovering their magical energy.
These Cultivators were likely those referred to by Liu Canghai, professional hunters of Yin Soul Stones.
Among them, some possessed a semi-yin body, making them particularly suited for cultivation in this environment. Others were trapped in a certain Realm or tormented by inner demons, needing to seek breakthroughs through slaughter or on the brink of life and death. Very few pursued this profession solely for the sake of spirit stones.
Thunderstorm and Xunuo strode into one of the buildings and informed the attending Cultivator that they wished to leave a message. The Cultivator led Thunderstorm to a blue crystal ball, about the size of a wine bowl.
Thunderstorm appeared quite familiar with this type of magical artifact, skillfully reciting incantations directed at the crystal ball. After a moment, he infused it with Divine Sense, leaving behind some information.
Xunuo, noticing that this Merchant Alliance also sold magic circles, was intrigued and wandered over. Upon inspection, he found something novel. The magic circles suitable for this environment differed significantly from those typically used. They had essential differences in materials and Runes.
Ordinary magical artifacts and circles would only exert half their power in such an environment because their materials and refined Runes were heavily suppressed by the Yin Qi present.
Xunuo realized he could not grasp the essence of these Runes in a short time, but he quickly identified seven or eight types of materials used in the magic circles.
Just as Xunuo was deeply engrossed in studying the material structure of one set of magic circles, footsteps echoed as three Cultivators descended from the second floor.
The first was tall and thin, with prominent cheekbones and wide-set eyes. A silver steel ring adorned his forehead, keeping his hair tied back and cascading over his shoulders. His Azure Robe hung loosely on him, ill-fitting and oversized. Unlike others who walked down the stairs step by step, he seemed to float down like a Specter.
Following closely was an elderly man nearing his sixties, with graying hair and a pale complexion. He walked with a sigh, as if lamenting his dwindling years.
Bringing up the rear was a burly man dressed in black with a foolish appearance. A mole on his left eyelid made it seem as though that eye could barely open, adding to his daft demeanor.
However, all three exuded an aura of Eleventh Layer Grandmasters that Xunuo could not afford to underestimate.
Yet most Cultivators daring enough to come here for Yin Soul Stones were above ten layers in Basic Skill Method, so Xunuo did not pay them much mind. He glanced around before returning to examine another set of magic circles.
But in an instant, Xunuo found himself unable to keep his eyes off the magic circles again.
The shop fell suddenly silent, a chilling aura of killing intent permeating the air.
Xunuo turned to look at Thunderstorm, who was glaring wide-eyed at the Three Cultivators descending the stairs. Shock and confusion filled his eyes.
Seeing this scene, Xunuo hurried over to Thunderstorm and inquired about what had happened. Thunderstorm quickly conveyed the gist of the situation through a mental message.
It turned out that this Cultivator, resembling a Specter, was also a highly skilled Loose Cultivator. During an exploration of a perilous area, he had crossed paths with Thunderstorm's group of Cultivators.
Cultivators like them, who had been trapped on Eleven Layers Peak for a long time and possessed formidable powers, sought out dangerous places primarily for the Foundation Pill.
Both sides were determined to succeed, each believing their abilities were unmatched, and a disagreement quickly escalated into a fierce battle.
In the end, although this Specter-like Cultivator was slightly stronger than Thunderstorm, he was no match for Mei Sanli, one of Thunderstorm's companions.
Mei Sanli was also the initiator of Xunuo's current mission.
Ultimately, this Specter-like Cultivator was defeated by Mei Sanli and cast into Poison Dragon Cave, where he should have had no chance of survival. To encounter him here today, looking vibrant and full of life, was shocking to Thunderstorm.
Upon seeing Thunderstorm, the Three Cultivators were even more enraged, their eyes blazing with fury as if they were ready to charge down at any moment.
Thunderstorm let out a cold snort and released his imposing aura outward. Instantly, a powerful pressure emanated from him, sweeping outward like a storm.
Xunuo stood behind him, feeling the weight of this aura pressing down on him. He gritted his teeth to avoid showing any signs of discomfort but internally equated Thunderstorm with the likes of Black Wind Old Monster.
The Three Cultivators rushed down the stairs but dared not make a move. Instead, they directed their own pressure toward Thunderstorm and Xunuo.
Their expressions suggested they wished to devour the two alive, unable to quell their deep-seated hatred.
As both sides clashed in an exchange of momentum, Xunuo's shortcomings became apparent.
Momentum is proportional to one's realm of power; these individuals had honed their skills on Eleven Layers for many years. Xunuo not only advanced to Eleven Layers in a short time but also inherently possessed weaker abilities. If he were to unleash his momentum now, it would likely lead Thunderstorm to misunderstand and think that his companion was showing weakness.
Across from the Three Cultivators, seeing Thunderstorm's partner, they didn't even dare to release their aura. Disdain was evident on their faces, while the Specter-like Cultivator sneered repeatedly.
However, in the next moment, the Three Cultivators stared at Xunuo, their faces turning green.
It turned out that upon seeing this situation, Xunuo flipped his hand and revealed the Tracking Disk, then reached into the sky three times with his right hand. He captured the magical traces of the Three Cultivators and stored them in the Tracking Disk.
Xunuo's action was more direct than a declaration of war.
He knew that within the safety zone of Three Star Underground City, fighting was strictly prohibited. This rule left no room for ambiguity and could not be ignored.
Thus, while Xunuo's action was a declaration of war in action, he wasn't worried about them suddenly turning hostile.
By leaving behind the magical traces of the opponent, he had almost seized the greatest initiative.
The Shop's Manager and attendant observed both sides bristling with tension, but they were not anxious.
This kind of aura release could only pressure others at the Realm level and did not count as fighting.
At the same time, it indicated that although both sides appeared to have deep-seated grudges, they were quite rational. They did not recklessly violate the rules of Three Star Underground City.
However, Xunuo's action provoked one side to the brink of losing control.
The Shop Manager knew that Three Star Underground City had a ruthless policy—kill without mercy—which held absolute sway over these Loose Cultivators. Yet he also feared that these Cultivators might lose their restraint and engage in combat.
Once a fight broke out, there would be no chance of leaving Three Star Underground City alive; at least the first party to strike would have no hope of escape.
Therefore, those who fought here must be prepared to face total destruction, and it would surely turn into chaos.
Although these few individuals lacked the ability to break through this Defensive Array, they were certain to destroy this shop.
Seeing that things had escalated beyond control, the Manager dared not stand by idly and let events unfold.
The Manager stepped forward, his expression icy as he said, "Aren't you all planning to leave the Underground City?"
His words jolted both parties awake.
Thunderstorm suddenly retracted his aura, waving his sleeves to disrupt the flow of magical energy. With that, it was impossible for the opposing side to leave any traces of Thunderstorm's magic.
The Three Cultivators seemed unfazed by Thunderstorm's actions. Instead, they whispered intensely among themselves. Moments later, they shot a resentful glare at Xunuo before leaving in frustration.
The Shop Manager was clearly displeased with Xunuo for nearly causing a disaster. Once the transaction was complete, he directly issued an eviction order.
Xunuo felt no regret about this; even if given another chance, he would still act the same way. The two sides were mortal enemies, and meeting in the Underground City meant only one could leave alive.
Moreover, according to Thunderstorm's analysis, these individuals had also come for information about the Foundation Pill.
In such a life-and-death struggle, Xunuo would never hold back.
If it weren't for the strict rules of Three Star Underground City that left no room for maneuvering, Xunuo would have already unleashed the Heavenly Shadow Spike without hesitation.
After this incident, Thunderstorm looked at Xunuo with newfound respect. He felt that Xunuo was not like any Alchemist or Array Master; instead, he resembled a ruthless bandit, even more decisive than himself.
Under the cold gaze of the Manager, they exited the Shop.
Xunuo held onto their tracks without any concern.
The two quickly reached an agreement: first eliminate these three, then search for the traitor from the Limitless Merchant Alliance.
Once outside the formation, Xunuo took out the Tracking Disk to confirm the direction of the three and pursued them without delay.
The Three Cultivators seemed to be exceptionally terrified of this situation where they were in the dark while their enemies were in the light. Not only did they move swiftly toward an open space ahead, but they also stayed close together, fearing being picked off one by one.
After chasing for a while, Xunuo began to admire these three. The number of Yin Spirits and Ghostly Entities in the passage below was increasing rapidly; it was no longer a matter of searching for them but rather them searching for you. Moreover, as they descended deeper, more powerful spirits emerged. Even Xunuo's Six Heavenly Shadow Darts occasionally found themselves trapped momentarily.
The artifact of Thunderstorm was significantly weakened in this environment and was not suitable for dealing with Yin Spirits and Ghostly Entities. Even if it were to be used, its effectiveness would be greatly diminished.
Only when the two were trapped by several Yin souls did Thunderstorm intervene to break free. However, instead of using the artifact, he employed a spell known as Purple Flame Heartfire.
Thunderstorm was a dual Spiritual Root Cultivator of Earth and Fire. By chance, he had refined an artifact called the Azure Void Earth Hammer. It was extremely heavy, embodying the essence of Earth, while the Azure Abyss was remarkably agile.
The method of refining Earth through the Azure Abyss was enough to leave Xunuo astonished.
Naturally, the Azure Void Earth Hammer produced from this method became an immensely powerful artifact. This hammer weighed over ten thousand pounds yet was extraordinarily nimble, rivaling that of a Flying Sword.
If this artifact were placed outside and combined with Thunderstorm's Earth Spirit Root attributes, it could almost sweep away all opposition.
Xunuo could hardly imagine any Defensive Artifact that could withstand the force of the Azure Void Earth Hammer without shattering in an instant. Furthermore, no offensive artifact would dare to clash head-on with the Azure Void Earth Hammer.
Of course, Xunuo's Zhenjiang Seal was not included in this category.
However, the speed of the Zhenjiang Seal could not compare to that of the Azure Void Earth Hammer. The Zhenjiang Seal appeared to move like the wind, but if the opponent possessed advanced evasion techniques or simply utilized an Intermediate Flight Talisman, they could easily outpace it.
The Azure Void Earth Hammer was different; unless one had a powerful Defensive Artifact, it would be wise to flee at once.
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