The thirteen mature Pure Snow Lotus plants had reached their peak, and placing more would risk vitality loss, affecting their quality.
Lu Xuan intended to hand over these thirteen plants to the Hundred Herbs Hall, while also scouting the market for suitable spiritual seeds and young beasts.
"Little one, care to join me on this outing?"
Before Lu Xuan finished speaking, he sensed a slight weight on his right shoulder. Turning, he found the Cloud-Stepping Lynx, its emerald eyes fixated ahead, seemingly indifferent to Lu Xuan.
His focus merged with the lynx's essence, instantly grasping its inner jubilance. Unperturbed, he chuckled softly, instructing the now recovered Grass Puppet to tend to the spirit field while he ventured into the market with the lynx.
The market was bustling, with more independent cultivators than usual drawn by the materials brought back from new territories.
Amidst the stalls, a group of mid-level Qi cultivators caught Lu Xuan's attention. Clad in standard robes, they were Lin Yangfang Market's patrol guards.
They encircled an area with a black rope adorned with curious symbols, within which lay a charred spot. One of the guards tossed a purifying talisman within the circle, emanating a serene white light that soothed the surroundings.
As the light appeared, the others remained vigilant until it gradually faded, then relaxing slightly.
Intrigued, Lu Xuan approached, swiftly gathering information from the murmurs.
"These guards are diligent. That deviated cultivator has been dead for a day, yet they guard to prevent any sinister occurrences."
"It's terrifying; everyone knows the dread of the sinister. Better safe than sorry."
"Lately, at least ten cultivators in the northern district met their end due to sinister influences, turning into monsters or falling victim to those deviated creatures."
"Have you heard the rumor circulating? The surge in sinister activity is tied to the Wang family's activities in the market."
"Careful what you say; this isn't something we low-level Qi cultivators should discuss casually, lest our words bring calamity."
"All we can do is figure out how to survive this onslaught of sinister activity."
The chatter gradually subsided, shifting to new topics.
"Cultivators deviating and dying due to sinister influences?"
Amidst the vague conversation, Lu Xuan grasped two crucial words.
"So much has happened in the few days I've been indoors."
"Sinister activities..."
A weight settled in his heart. Sinister levels weren't like those of demonic beasts; they were categorized as: Deviated, Mysterious, Calamity, Catastrophe.
A Mysterious-level sinister being possessed elusive and unpredictable abilities, akin to a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Despite the Wang family and other factions' efforts, ordinary independents caught in its influence faced death.
Observing the impact of this rumor, prices of talismans like Purification and Repelling Evil soared in the market.
"A quick sweep through the market, then straight to the Hundred Herbs Hall to handle these lotuses, and swiftly back home."
With a decision made, Lu Xuan felt the city becoming increasingly unsafe. He planned to stay within the estate, surrounded by spiritual plants and pets.
As he hastened, he sensed the Cloud-Stepping Lynx's weight on his shoulder intensify slightly. Glancing, he saw the lynx glaring ahead, emitting an eerie low growl.
"You've sensed something unusual?"
Noting the lynx's demeanor, Lu Xuan slowed. Its stance reminded him of its ambush near the Spirit Spring, ready to strike, indicating an imminent attack.
"Those peculiar emerald eyes seem to discern what's hidden from the ordinary."
Remembering information acquired while nurturing the lynx, a chill ran down his spine. The Fractured Silver Blade at his waist emitted a faint buzz, its myriad sword Qi talisman slipping into his sleeve.
"Based on my normal behavior and the lynx's focus, the anomaly is likely ahead."
His expression unchanged, he casually stopped at the nearest stall, inquiring about an item's price from the vendor, all while staying vigilant of the nearby cultivators.
"Too expensive, not interested."
Ignoring the vendor's response, he left a comment and began retracing his steps.
Suddenly, a few yards ahead, an independent cultivator grunted. Cracks appeared instantaneously on their face and neck, countless red flesh tendrils sprouting forth, swiftly extending into blood-red tentacles, assaulting nearby cultivators.
"Ah!"
A nearby cultivator was pierced through the head by the tendrils.
The moment the flesh tendrils appeared, Lu Xuan swiftly retreated, activating swift symbols on both legs, darting away like the wind.
Other cultivators unleashed their techniques, artifacts, and talismans in a chaotic flurry.
The crimson tendrils expanded rapidly, covering an area of twenty yards.
Lu Xuan shot forward like an arrow, leaving several cultivators behind. Suddenly, a tall earthen wall appeared ahead, obstructing Lu Xuan and a few others.
At that moment, Lu Xuan noticed a smug expression on a cultivator's face beyond the wall.
"Idiots! If I outrun the sinister, that's all that matters; as long as I'm faster than you."
The cultivator who erected the earth wall felt proud, thinking themselves remarkably clever.
Lu Xuan swiftly circumvented the wall, and taking advantage of the brief pause caused by the obstruction, he surged forward. The cultivator, previously confident in using Lu Xuan as a shield, was struck by Lu Xuan's supreme skill in the Gold-ranked sword technique. A golden stream of light hit the cultivator's leg, causing a gush of blood and creating a gaping wound.
The cultivator screamed in agony, unable to move.
"I said I'd make sure you couldn't outrun me."
Glancing back, Lu Xuan saw several blood-red tendrils resembling giant pythons, attacking the fallen cultivator.
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