Therefore, as soon as the sect’s giant flying sword arrived, Jiang Chen immediately boarded it.

After waiting for a while, several more disciples gradually came aboard. Once the scheduled time arrived, they departed from the flying dock.

Just as the giant flying sword carrying Jiang Chen and the others soared into the sky, a thunderous BOOM suddenly erupted from the distant Dark Forest.

It seemed as if something massive had exploded, causing the ground to tremble violently.

A powerful shockwave swept over from far away, shredding vegetation in its path and tearing flying birds and insects into pieces.

Despite being controlled by Metal Spirit Root cultivators and protected by the sect’s formation arrays, the giant flying sword shook violently. Everyone seated on it was jolted, giving them a terrifying sense of the impact’s power.

Jiang Chen’s expression changed slightly, and he immediately shouted, “Go! Get out of here now!”

This matter was almost certainly related to the [Cave Dwelling of Huang Yuanhua].

In all likelihood, that explosion just now had killed many people. Therefore, it was best to distance themselves from this dangerous place as quickly as possible.

“It seems something happened in the Dark Forest!”

At this moment, the entire Green City was in an uproar.

Everyone knew there were monsters in the Dark Forest and that it was very dangerous, but a situation like this was absolutely unprecedented in their lives.

Many cultivators could be seen rising into the air using their various means of transportation, all looking toward the direction of the explosion. Some of the bolder ones even began moving closer to that area.

However, before the aftershocks had settled, another wave hit.

A second thunderous explosion.

Immediately after, a shockwave even more violent than the previous one surged toward them at an even faster speed. All flowers, plants, trees, and even the soil were shattered into fragments.

Those cultivators who had intended to get closer didn’t even have time to evade. Their flesh-and-blood bodies instantly turned into countless chunks of meat. Fragments of internal organs and foul-smelling blood rained down like a grim downpour.

Many people were splattered across their faces. Terrified, many others lost control of their bowels in fear.

Those who had originally wanted to investigate the situation all quickly retreated back into the city, not daring to venture outside at all.

The giant flying sword finally stabilized. Then, with a tremor of its hull, it immediately transformed into a sharp golden light. It sliced through ten thousand meters of sky at extreme speed and vanished beyond the horizon in the blink of an eye.

Jiang Chen let out a long sigh of relief.

Although he knew something would happen, he hadn’t expected such a huge commotion. Who knew how many people had died this time?

“What exactly happened in the Dark Forest?” The fellow disciples around him all looked utterly terrified.

However, everyone’s eyes held only confusion. No one understood what was going on.

One hour later, everyone finally returned safely to the Cloud Sea Sect.

When Jiang Chen stepped back onto the hard ground of Fire Peak and saw fellow disciples all around him—even familiar faces on the arena platform—his anxious heart finally settled down.

Who would have thought that even a mere Green City could be so dangerous? It was truly unknown how many hidden secrets lay deep within the Dark Forest.

It seemed that when Perfected Master Wang chose to establish that Loose Cultivator market there back then, there were probably deeper reasons involved.

“Old Jiang is back?!” Jin Fugui shouted excitedly.

Jiang Chen asked in surprise, “Why is Old Mo on the arena platform?”

Himself, Jin Fugui, and Mo Yu—the entire fishing trio—were almost without exception not fond of fighting. They preferred enjoying life as cultivators.

Especially Mo Yu. Apart from bringing rain to Jiang Chen’s Spirit Farm, his mind was solely focused on fishing. Seeing him step onto an arena platform for the first time was truly unbelievable.

Jin Fugui immediately adopted a serious expression. “Someone is trying to steal our business, and their methods are extremely underhanded. They even stole our barbecue seasoning blend. Old Mo couldn’t swallow his anger over this… and made a bet with them: whoever loses will voluntarily leave Fire Peak square.”

“That was impulsive. Why didn’t you wait for me to return?” Upon hearing this, Jiang Chen narrowed his eyes and looked toward the arena platform.

Mo Yu had a Water Spirit Root, while his opponent had an Earth Spirit Root.

Due to being countered by the elements—Water is restrained by Earth—Mo Yu was at a significant disadvantage during the fight. He was only able to hold on until now by relying on the characteristic endurance of Water-attribute spiritual power. Yet even so, he still couldn’t gain any advantage whatsoever.

Clearly, his opponent had come fully prepared.

It was likely that someone had thoroughly investigated not only Mo Yu but also Jin Fugui and even Jiang Chen himself.

“Old Jiang, you need to think of something. We can’t really just give up Fire Peak square, can we?” Jin Fugui certainly didn’t want to hand over their profits just like that.

They already had fewer and fewer people joining their franchise. Now such a formidable competitor had appeared out of nowhere.

Jiang Chen frowned. “Just from Franchise Fees alone, we earn at least ten Mid-grade Spirit Stones daily. That’s not even including profits from subsequent ingredient supplies. It is indeed easy for others to set their sights on us.”

Jin Fugui couldn’t help but ask, “Then what should we do?”

Jiang Chen watched Mo Yu struggling on the arena platform. After thinking for a moment, he said, “Alright then… I’ll try contacting some acquaintances first; see if they’re willing to help out or not. If nothing works out… we might have no choice but to give up our profits here at Fire Peak.”

Jin Fugui said with a bitter face, “I already tried… nobody is willing to help.”

Without saying anything further, Jiang Chen immediately pulled out several Communication Talismans:

One for Chen Bo. One for Long Ao. One for Lin Yu. One for Han xin.

Among the people he currently knew, these few were the ones who might possibly lend a hand.

Long Ao was currently outside participating in the so-called “Thousand Sails Event.” Chen Bo was backed by his cousin, but Chen Tian was currently hunting monsters in the Central Region.

That left only Lin Yu and Han xin.

Lin Yu’s father was a talisman cultivator and presumably held quite a high status. But recently, the two of them hadn’t had any contact whatsoever.

Therefore, after much deliberation, Jiang Chen decided to channel his own Wood-attribute spiritual power first into Han xin’s Communication Talisman.

She also had an Earth Spirit Root, plus she was a formation master. Perhaps she could provide assistance.

Time passed minute by minute, second by second; Jiang Chen’s Wood spiritual power was continuously being consumed.

Yet on the other side, Han xin showed no reaction whatsoever; the connection was never established.

Jiang Chen muttered a complaint. “Big Sister, surely you didn’t get drunk early in the morning again?”

Finally, the other side transmitted Han xin’s rather hoarse voice, seemingly just woken up.

“I’ve encountered a bit of trouble here. Could you lend a hand?”

“You kid, actually asking favors from me now, huh?”

“Not asking for a free favor! If you can help, I’ll definitely repay you generously!”

“Tsk tsk tsk… I’ll get up now and go find you…”

Soon, the communication with Han xin cut off. She had just woken up and was heading over.

Fortunately, Fire Peak was located directly above the Black Mine, so it shouldn’t take too long.

After further thought, Jiang Chen felt relying solely on Han xin wasn’t secure enough. Therefore, he channeled his Wood spiritual power into Chen Bo’s Communication Talisman to see if this one could possibly help out!