Neon Garment Island bustled with life at the port, where over a hundred flying boats were moored alongside several massive tower ships. Cultivators bustled about, embarking and disembarking in a lively scene.
Chu Xuan, too, alighted from his flying boat, landing gracefully onto the pier. No sooner had he touched down than a slender cultivator approached him hastily, bowing deeply.
"Senior, I am a native cultivator of Neon Garment Island. Do you require guidance for trading, purchasing goods, or seeking seclusion? I can assist you with all these for only one medium-grade spiritual stone per three days."
Chu Xuan eyed him; a fairly handsome young cultivator with only a beginner's level in the Foundation Building stage. Chu Xuan offered a faint smile. "What is your name?"
The young cultivator replied respectfully, "I am He Zha, of the He family, which is one of the minor families on Neon Garment Island."
Chu Xuan nodded slightly. "Then, you shall be my guide. Perform well, and you'll earn two medium-grade spiritual stones. Perform poorly, and you won't even receive a small one."
Taken aback, He Zha clenched his teeth before responding earnestly, "Yes, thank you, senior! I will serve you to the best of my abilities!"
Chu Xuan said casually, "I've come from the Southern Third Ring and am unfamiliar with Neon Garment Island. Please, enlighten me about this place."
He Zha bowed and began, "Neon Garment Island is governed by the Divine Sword Sect and managed by the He family, a family of Golden Core cultivators. We have a permanent Nascent Soul cultivator stationed here to deter the demonic cultivators of the Blood Cloud Cavern. The island is fertile, featuring three superior cultivation gardens that produce numerous spiritual plants."
Chu Xuan mulled over this. "So, the prices of spiritual plants are relatively low here?"
He Zha nodded, "Exactly! The prices on Neon Garment Island are generally ten percent lower than on the other two major islands controlled by the Divine Sword Sect. It would be even lower if not for the demonic beasts that occasionally emerge from the weak waters surrounding us."
Chu Xuan acknowledged with a nod, seeing the potential for refining and selling pills as a lucrative option here.
He Zha continued his explanations as they walked through the bustling streets, and soon Chu Xuan had a good grasp of the island's dynamics.
After a lengthy discourse, He Zha asked, parched, "Senior, where would you like to go now? I can take you anywhere you wish."
Chu Xuan smiled slightly, "Let's find a cave dwelling to rent first."
"Yes, follow me, please. We'll need to go through the He family for that; I know exactly where to go!" He Zha nodded vigorously.
Just as they were about to head towards the He family's estate, a loud sonic boom caught everyone's attention. They instinctively looked up to see dense blood clouds rising on the horizon, colliding with bursts of golden sword energy. The two forces clashed spectacularly, neither yielding an inch.
He Zha stared wide-eyed, "Blood clouds? Could it be the Blood Cloud Cavern's technique?"
The surrounding cultivators also wore expressions of astonishment. Why would Blood Cloud Cavern's cultivators venture here?
"No, observe the expanse of that blood cloud; it is certainly not the work of an ordinary Nascent Soul cultivator of the demonic path, but more likely that of a Deity Transformation stage true demon!"
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
From a shop nearby, a Nascent Soul cultivator stepped out, gazing at the sky with a grave expression.
Another Nascent Soul cultivator spoke solemnly, "That golden sword energy, it must be the technique of Senior Yun Feijian. I suspect that Senior Yun Feijian is currently clashing with Xue Yunzi of the Blood Cloud Cave."
The surrounding cultivators nodded repeatedly in agreement. It was the only explanation for the magnitude of the sonic booms heard. Even the cultivators on the Neon Garment Island could hear it clearly.
Chu Xuan's expression was peculiar.
Xue Yunzi was quick to react.
However, why had they begun to fight?
Could it be that Xue Yunzi suspected Yun Feijian of slaying those three Nascent Soul demonic cultivators?
At this moment, He Zha had recovered from his earlier fright.
He whispered, "Senior need not worry. I have heard of Senior Yun Feijian's reputation; his strength is formidable. Moreover, the Neon Garment Island is protected by the Chaotic Wind Sword Formation that envelops the entire island. Even a Deity Transformation early-stage cultivator would need to exert some effort to break through. The Neon Garment Island has remained unbreached for tens of thousands of years—it is very safe!"
He feared Chu Xuan might worry about the island's security and opt for another island, which would mean He Zha might not receive his medium spiritual stones.
Chu Xuan chuckled, "Let's go to the He family. What are you waiting for?"
With that, He Zha felt somewhat relieved and hastily led the way. The He family residence, located at the center of the Neon Garment Island, was also the most majestic building on the island.
Yet, the cultivators of the He family were very humble. Even when facing Golden Core cultivators, they showed no disdain. And now that Chu Xuan had revealed his early Nascent Soul cultivation, they were even more earnest and dared not show any negligence.
A graceful and beautiful woman glided forward, her face alight with a welcoming smile, and approached Chu Xuan. She produced a mirror, which displayed the status of all the cave abodes. Some were marked in red, indicating they were occupied, while others were in blue, showing they were vacant.
The beautiful woman bowed respectfully. "Senior, the cave abodes on the Neon Garment Island are divided into three tiers. The top-tier caves have abundant Spiritual Qi, suitable for Nascent Soul cultivators to practice. Each of these comes fully equipped with training rooms, alchemy chambers, and artifact-refining rooms. Of these top-tier caves, only those used by my He family's ancestors are not for rent. The others are currently available for lease. A top-tier cave requires one large spiritual stone per year. Please, feel free to choose whichever you prefer."
Chu Xuan glanced over and selected the one furthest from the majority of the caves. "This one."
The beautiful woman immediately retrieved a complete set of items from her storage bag, presenting them to Chu Xuan with both hands.
She smiled warmly. "Senior, this contains the token for opening the cave, as well as some small magical tools gifted by my He family to make your stay on the island more comfortable."
Chu Xuan nodded slightly and tossed a large spiritual stone towards her. "Much appreciated."
The woman caught the stone, her smile widening. "It is our honor to serve you, Senior."
Lowering her voice, she added, "Would you require someone to attend to you? I have two nieces, twins, both Foundation Establishment cultivators. They are sweet and well-mannered, with graceful figures..."
Chu Xuan gave a soft chuckle and immediately shook his head. He often traveled between Blue Star and the Shattered Star Sea. How could he allow outsiders near his resting place?
The only ones he trusted were the corpse puppets and ghosts he personally created. As for others, anyone with a mind and independent thought was untrustworthy.
Seeing Chu Xuan's firm rejection, the beautiful woman had no choice but to relent, watching him leave.
He Zha, on the other hand, looked at Chu Xuan with an entirely changed expression. He had originally thought Chu Xuan was merely a Golden Core cultivator. Never had he expected him to be a great Nascent Soul cultivator! He had immediately chosen a top-tier cave and tossed out a large spiritual stone! He was almost stunned speechless!
Before Chu Xuan could speak, He Zha immediately bowed low, his tone servile. "I am at your service, Senior! As long as you are on the Neon Garment Island, at your command, this humble cultivator will be there without hesitation!"
Chu Xuan gave a faint smile. This was a clever person who knew how to attach himself to a powerful figure. He tossed a sound transmission jade to He Zha. "If I need anything, I will contact you."
"Yes!" He Zha replied, his head nodding eagerly, his expression filled with fervor.
Even the smallest favor from a big shot could benefit him for a lifetime! He had truly stumbled upon a great fortune!