Chapter 177 Getting Caught in the Undercurrents
Chapter 177 Getting Caught in the Undercurrents
After eating and drinking to their hearts' content and getting all the food, Tao Tao left happily. The people of Fanyun Village finally breathed a sigh of relief; if they kept eating like this, Fanyun Village would be eaten dry.
After leaving Fanyun Village, Tao Tao headed west and stopped at a grove of trees, where he released Lu Bai and the other person from the Huazhi Space.
A flash of light and shadow passed before Lu Bai's eyes, and he felt dizzy. When he opened his eyes again, he found himself in an unfamiliar environment.
He frowned slightly, looking at Tao Tao with some concern, "Miss Le, this is..."
The situation was urgent, and he didn't have time to think. He thought he would perish in the Yan River, but suddenly he felt a suction force pull him away, and then he and Wang Zhao entered a very strange space. There was a spiritual spring, a garden and a bamboo house inside, which looked very tranquil.
He thought it might be related to Tao Tao. No one else would have helped them at that time, and now that they were released, he was even more certain that Tao Tao had saved them.
"I don't know where this is either, but don't worry, it's safe here. The people from Fanyun Village won't come after us." Tao Tao smiled, casually avoiding Lu Bai's question, clearly indicating that there were some things she didn't want to say more about.
Although Lu Bai had questions, Tao Tao's meaning was already very clear. There was no need for him to press the issue and offend her at this time, so he smiled and said, "Really? Miss Le has saved us again. I wonder how we can thank you?"
"Of course, of course, I've brought your goods back with me too." Tao Tao waved his hand and summoned a dilapidated ship. Wang Zhao was very excited when he saw the ship. "Young Master, all our goods are here."
They had gone to great lengths to transport the goods to the Yan River. If the ship had been destroyed there, all their efforts would have been in vain. Fortunately, everything was intact.
Lu Bai was truly surprised by Tao Tao's abilities. He secretly decided that he had to win her over no matter what, as the Chamber of Commerce really needed such a master.
"Miss Le, I can't thank you enough. I'll prepare a generous gift to repay your kindness once you return to Gu Ning City with me." Lu Bai's attitude was very sincere, which pleased Tao Tao. She smiled and said, "Okay, let's go to Gu Ning City first. I wonder if there's a trading market there? I want to find some useful things."
"Yes, and it's a large-scale annual trade fair. Roughly speaking, it's in five days. If Miss Le is interested, I can personally accompany you there."
"Let's go now."
As they spoke, Tao Tao's pet pouch emitted a faint light, and then a magnificent emerald green horse appeared before them. Upon seeing the horse, Lu Bai was momentarily stunned, "The Thousand Wind Flowing Cloud Horse? It really has been tamed by Miss Yue..."
It's truly unexpected that such a treasure would end up in Tao Tao's hands. The worst part is that Fan Yunzhai not only ended up with nothing, but also almost lost his life. It's all fate.
After Tao Tao and his group mounted the Thousand Wind Cloud Horse, the horse soared into the sky, transforming into a gust of wind and quickly disappearing into the horizon.
Because of the recent trade fair in Ancient Ning City, many people have flocked there, hoping to find the treasures they need and also make some money by selling their own items.
The city gate was crowded with people, and the city itself was even more bustling. People were everywhere, including strolling, setting up stalls, children running around with candied hawthorns, and well-dressed, handsome young cultivators holding talismans, seemingly searching for something.
Just then, a beam of green light shot out from a distance, landing at an extremely fast speed and turning into a hurricane that blew people away. Ordinary people were blown off their feet, while those with some cultivation were not so badly off, but they were still quite startled.
"what happened?"
"Who is trying to create this mystery?"
Everyone looked toward the source of the hurricane, and after the wind subsided, the three people and the horse appeared in everyone's sight in a very open manner.
"The Thousand Winds Flowing Cloud Steed? It's actually the Thousand Winds Flowing Cloud Steed! Someone actually managed to tame it..."
"Judging from the cultivation levels of these people, the highest is only at the early Foundation Establishment stage. How can they have such abilities? Could they be young ladies from noble families?"
"..."
Everyone was shocked by the sight before them, and they discussed it endlessly. Hearing their words, Tao Tao touched his nose awkwardly and quietly put the Thousand Wind Flowing Cloud Horse into his pet bag.
She had intended to enter the city discreetly, but the Thousand Wind Cloud Horse was too fast and couldn't stop in time, rushing straight into the city. Now, it was impossible for her to keep a low profile.
However, this was exactly the scene that Lu Bai was most pleased to see. Ancient Ning City did not only have their own chamber of commerce; there were countless competitors. To stand out, one needed to accumulate popularity and have corresponding capabilities. Otherwise, they would be swallowed up by others sooner or later.
Lu Bai secretly sent out a signal, and soon the people from the Lu Zhang Merchant Guild arrived. Upon seeing Lu Bai, they hurriedly bowed and said, "Young Master, you've finally returned! This must be the Miss Le you mentioned. My master is at the Lu residence, and we warmly welcome your arrival."
"Miss Yue, let's go. I will fulfill my promise to you in a little while."
Lu Bai was worried that Tao Tao would refuse, so he specifically brought up the matter of expressing his gratitude. Tao Tao nodded slightly and said, "Okay."
She didn't care about the twists and turns, since she wasn't familiar with the area anyway. Having someone to guide her was better than wandering around like a headless fly. Besides, she had already revealed her strength, and being alone might not be safe.
Seeing that the young master of the Deer Staff Merchant Guild personally led Tao Tao away, the onlookers couldn't help but wonder if Tao Tao was a master that the Deer Staff Merchant Guild had hired from somewhere.
It's worth noting that the Deer Staff Merchant Guild has been in a rather awkward position lately. Their rival, the Hundred-Legged Alliance, is gaining momentum, and recently, a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator has joined them as well, threatening their trade routes and causing many of their merchants to defect.
Soon, news spread throughout Gu Ning City that the Lu Zhang Merchant Guild had gained a new early-stage Foundation Establishment fighter. Upon learning of this, Xu Sanchang, the leader of the Hundred-Legged Alliance, immediately sent people to investigate.
"We must find out for sure whether she is only at the early stage of Foundation Establishment. You must know that she is riding the Thousand Wind Cloud Horse. If she is a young lady from a noble family, we will have to change our strategy and not confront her head-on."
"Alliance Leader, please don't be anxious."
The man in the blue robe, who had been sitting in the wicker chair, was leisurely toying with the teacup in his hand when he suddenly spoke. Hearing this, Xu Sanchang looked over in confusion and asked respectfully, "So, what do you mean...?"
"I will personally go and meet her; that Thousand Wind Flowing Cloud Horse is truly fascinating."
“Mr. Fang, if the other party is a young lady from a prominent family, you must not offend her lightly, otherwise…”
"I know what I'm doing!"
Fang Ge was clearly angry. He stood up and stormed off, leaving Xu Sanchang with no choice but to sigh helplessly. There was nothing he could do. Someone of Fang Ge's cultivation level could indeed be arrogant and dismissive of everyone. No matter how others tried to persuade him, it was no use. Xu Sanchang's only hope was that Tao Tao wasn't some young lady from a prestigious family, so that even if he offended her, it wouldn't matter.
Achoo!
As soon as Tao Tao entered the Lu residence, she sneezed suddenly. She rubbed her nose and muttered softly, "Is someone cursing at me?"
"Miss Le, are you alright?" Lu Bai asked gently. Tao Tao shook her head. "I'm fine, just a little hungry."
Tao Tao was straightforward, not hiding anything from Lu Bai, which surprised Lu Bai and made him feel deeply slighted. He quickly said, "It was my oversight. Someone, take Miss Le to the Moon Pavilion first."
PFC