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Ma Chengbin couldn't hide his glee, his face breaking into a wide smile. The low-level cultivators had almost unanimously chosen to join the Spirit Horse Sect. With nowhere else to turn and no desire to become rogue cultivators, they had followed Mi Xiaojing simply seeking a way out. Now, they didn't even need to consider their options.
In truth, Mi Xiaojing wasn't keen on leading so many people. He knew well the terrifying rate at which cultivators consumed resources, and he felt no obligation to take them under his wing. Being recruited by the Spirit Horse Sect was a decent outcome for them.
However, Ma Chengbin's real target was Yong Ji. Among the group, there were many skilled practitioners. He wasn't just interested in the low-level cultivators; he wanted those at the Foundation Establishment and Foundation Establishment stages as well.
Yong Ji declined, but Ma Chengbin wasn't disheartened. He continued to inquire patiently. Despite his fierce appearance, his words were not unpleasant, and his demeanor was humble, making it hard for others to dislike him.
Guan Shangli and Li Huai were tempted by the Spirit Horse Sect's invitation. Both were Foundation Establishment cultivators, but when it came to combat, they were quite weak and not at all adept.
Following Mi Xiaojing was an uncertain path, and there was a fundamental difference between following an individual and joining a sect.
Li Huai asked, "Does the Spirit Horse Sect need a Pill Master?"
Ma Chengbin thought he had misheard and leaped in front of Li Huai, asking eagerly, "You, you're a Pill Master?"
His intimidating appearance made Li Huai take a step back. She was naturally unassertive with a low profile. Even in the Heart Sect, she lived quietly, focusing solely on her cultivation and alchemy.
"Heh, don't be scared. I'm just a bit rough around the edges, heh. So, you're really a Pill Master?"
Pill Masters were highly valued in any cultivation sect. They were difficult to train, especially the good ones, and were considered a sect's precious asset. Ma Chengbin's heart raced with excitement at the thought of stumbling upon such a treasure.
"Is it that you don't need a Pill Master?" Li Huai asked, retreating another step. She had mustered all her courage to speak up, and now her confidence waned. The destruction of her sect had left her despondent, her safe haven gone. Fortunately, she had mixed in with Mi Xiaojing's group.
She had no confidence in her future; she just wanted to cultivate and practice alchemy in peace. She was a cultivator with no grand ambitions.
Ma Chengbin was ecstatic, assuring her, "We need you, we need you very much! Rest assured, in our Spirit Horse Sect, Pill Masters receive excellent treatment and hold high status!"
The Spirit Horse Sect didn't have a Pill Master; they had to purchase all their pills from outside, which was a dire situation. He hadn't expected to find a Pill Master from the Heart Sect among this group. It was incredibly fortunate.
"Is there anyone else who is a Pill Master?"
Guan Shangli knew a bit about alchemy, but he wasn't considered a Pill Master in the Heart Sect. He said, "Well, I know a bit about alchemy."
Ma Chengbin was even more delighted, asking, "A bit is still something, haha. Are you willing to join our Spirit Horse Sect?"
Guan Shangli nodded, "Yes, I am willing." He glanced at Mi Xiaojing with a hint of guilt. He had planned to follow him to Tianyuan Market, but the opportunity to join the Spirit Horse Sect was more appealing.
Ma Chengbin's face was all smiles as he turned to Mi Xiaojing and asked, "Will you join too?" His excitement made him forget that Mi Xiaojing had already declined the offer.
Mi Xiaojing simply replied, "No!"
Ma Chengbin then remembered and laughed, "Haha, alright, no pressure, no pressure!"
Once the Spirit Horse Sect's flying boat departed, Mi Xiaojing and Yong Ji realized that almost everyone had left, leaving only their original group. Yang Shan hadn't left; he felt no affinity for the Spirit Horse Sect and saw no appeal in joining another sect as a high-level Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Mi Xiaojing released his small flying boat, and Yong Ji cast magical techniques and incantations, causing the flying boat to expand instantly. Mi Xiaojing announced, "Alright, regardless of the others, we're off to Tianyuan Market!"
The group boarded the flying boat, with Yong Ji controlling it as they flew towards Tianyuan Market.
Days later, after crossing the Cang River, Mi Xiaojing and Yong Ji discussed, "We can't buy a residence inside Tianyuan Market. I think it's better to build our own dwelling in the surrounding forest."
Yong Ji understood immediately, asking, "Is it because of Zheng Cong?"
Mi Xiaojing nodded, "Yes, I'm not afraid of him, but we must be wary of his revenge. The others can't withstand Zheng Cong."
Yong Ji agreed, suggesting, "It's best to find a small town not far from Tianyuan Market, within the protective barriers for safety."
Yang Shan had been informed of the plan during the journey. He marveled at Mi Xiaojing's ability to fight a Foundation Establishment Great Perfection expert to an unknown fate. Although Mi Xiaojing had used some peculiar methods, it was still a part of his strength, and Yang Shan admitted he couldn't defeat such a powerful adversary.
He also agreed with the decision to settle near Tianyuan Market. It would be convenient for trade and acquiring materials. As for living inside Tianyuan Market, the difference was negligible. For cultivators, traveling from a small town to Tianyuan Market was still swift.
Tianyuan Market was vast, with a large population and many small towns and villages scattered around it. These places were inhabited by both mortals and cultivators, a mix of all sorts, and many low-level cultivators chose to live there in seclusion. The area had its conflicts and skirmishes, but there was a degree of restraint, and it was a preferred residence for low-level cultivators because resources were relatively easier to obtain.
The small flying boat landed just outside Tianyuan Market's protective barriers. They couldn't proceed further by air and had to walk into the market's bounds.
Starting anew, although Mi Xiaojing didn't know what the future held, he understood that until he reached Foundation Establishment, it wasn't wise to venture out. Despite his numerous skills, he was aware of the many powerful adversaries outside, and one misstep could be fatal.
Mi Xiaojing stowed the flying boat, instructing, "Follow this road in. There are many towns along the way. Let's find a slightly larger one; too small, and we'll stand out too much."
Yong Ji added, "Right, we'll split into groups and search separately. Once we find a suitable place, we'll communicate with paper owls."
Mi Xiaojing said, "It's best to be within the protective barriers, close to the edge for an easy escape if needed, and not too close to Tianyuan Market."
Yong Ji led one group, Mi Xiaojing another, and Yang Shan a third, making three groups in total, heading down the main road.
Luo Bo, Zhang Ke, Mu Xiaoyin, Mao Tou, and Da Zhu were with Mi Xiaojing's group. After traveling some distance along the main road, Luo Bo suddenly pointed to the right, "Let's head that way."