Chapter 664: Jiachen Market

Chapter 664: Jiachen Market

This grand market is named after the Ten Heavenly Stems and Twelve Earthly Branches and is called Jiachen Market. In the past, after the outbreak of the demonic calamity, it wreaked havoc over a large area. To prevent the further spread of the calamity and to prepare for its suppression, some major forces of the Grand Crossing Cultivation Circle took joint actions and implemented various measures.

One of these measures was to establish a solid defense line outside the outbreak area, known as the extraterritorial barrier, to prevent the monsters from passing through and to keep the calamity outside the line. On this defense line, many fortresses were built as supporting points. During counterattacks, these fortresses also served as resting camps and departure points for the Cultivator army.

Most of these fortresses were built atop spirit veins and named after the Ten Heavenly Stems and Twelve Earthly Branches.

After a series of bitter battles, the living space of the monsters was greatly reduced. As of now, compared to the time of rampant calamity, the area inhabited by the monsters has significantly shrunk. Though, due to various reasons, the major forces were unable to completely eliminate all the monsters, they managed to confine them within a certain area and maintained strict surveillance.

If these monsters were to show large-scale anomalies again, the major forces would mobilize once more to suppress them. This approach received criticism from many Cultivators. They questioned why the forces didn't eradicate all the monsters completely and instead tolerated their existence, which could lead to future troubles.

Regardless of the discussions and criticisms, the major forces remained steadfast in their ways and were not easily swayed to change their practices. Fortunately, over the years, the trapped monsters didn't pose significant threats.

Apart from those Cultivators who willingly ventured into the monster-infested areas seeking treasure, not many others were harmed by the monsters. Those who were reckless and greedy did not deserve sympathy.

As time went on, the surrounding Cultivators became accustomed to this situation and accepted the fact that monsters still existed. The increasing number of Cultivators entering the monster-infested areas for treasure-hunting, in turn, stimulated local trade and commerce.

Before entering the market, Cultivators needed various supplies, and upon returning, they required rest and healing. The various items they brought back needed to be sold, and Cultivators who earned large amounts of spiritual stones needed to spend them. This obvious business opportunity was not overlooked by shrewd individuals.

Although the former war fortresses had already transformed into bustling markets with people coming and going, some wartime customs were still retained. Regardless of where the flying ships came from, they couldn't directly fly into the market; they had to land outside the market area.

Gold Core Daoist Masters had a better chance of survival inside those areas. Although the risks were still significant, their ability to protect themselves was much stronger.

However, Gold Core Daoist Masters held a higher status in the Cultivation World compared to Foundation Building cultivators. Even if they were down on their luck, they wouldn't casually risk their lives.

Generally, Gold Core Daoist Masters would only venture inside if they had reliable information and were confident in obtaining substantial gains, despite the risk of being surrounded by monsters.

Meng Zhang and Extreme Sword Spirit General didn't intentionally hide their cultivation base. Any cultivator with a bit of discernment could sense the aura belonging to Gold Core Daoist Masters that they exuded. Gold Core Daoist Masters held a certain level of status wherever they went, and very few people would dare to treat them disrespectfully.

Extreme Sword Spirit General showed no airs of a Gold Core Daoist Master and amicably shouted to the stationed cultivators inside, explaining their purpose and casually inquiring about the situation in Jiachen Market.

A proficient member of the stationed cultivators was in charge of dealing with external cultivators, and he seemed experienced in answering Extreme Sword Spirit General's questions. He didn't care about the truthfulness of Extreme Sword Spirit General's words, nor did he inquire about his identity. He simply informed Extreme Sword Spirit General that Jiachen Market was under full martial law, and no one was allowed to enter.

The reason behind this action was not a secret. About ten days ago, a Cultivator who had gone into the mountains to search for treasure returned to another market. After entering the market, this person suddenly became demonized and spread demonic taint among the creatures within the market, causing many cultivators to be affected.

Fortunately, the stationed cultivators in the market hadn't lost their vigilance due to the long period of peace. They promptly noticed something was amiss and, together with other cultivators in the market, fought against the demonized cultivator to quickly suppress the incident.

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