As the five cloud ships departed, everyone was stunned.
They were leaving just like that?
Those were four experts at the mid-stage Martial Emperor realm.
For a moment, the crowd was once again in disarray. Even Gu Feiyan and Gu Yifan exchanged bewildered glances.
"We thank Young Master Li Xuan for saving our lives!" After a moment, everyone bowed to Li Xuan and shouted.
If it weren't for Li Xuan today, they would have likely perished here by now. Although the four of them didn't make a move in the end, it was because of Li Xuan. Li Xuan was worthy of their bow.
"Miss Feiyan, our transaction has concluded." Li Xuan waved his hand at the crowd, but his face showed a hint of helplessness as he glanced in the direction the five cloud ships had disappeared.
Li Xuan had originally wanted to test the power of his Sword Drawing Technique, especially since he hadn't felt its full extent when he attacked Bai Yu. However, the woman had retreated without a fight, leaving Li Xuan feeling a bit disappointed.
Still, since the other party no longer intended to fight, Li Xuan saw no reason to deepen the animosity.
"Thank you, Young Master Li Xuan." Gu Feiyan curtsied to Li Xuan. At this moment, Gu Feiyan suddenly felt that the one hundred thousand mid-grade spirit stones were worth the expenditure.
"It was just a transaction, Miss Feiyan, you are too kind." Li Xuan smiled and said.
Gu Feiyan then recalled Gu Yifan's earlier suggestion to befriend Li Xuan and spoke, "Young Master Li Xuan, although this was merely a transaction between us, I fear those people may not see it that way. If you ever encounter trouble in the Central Region, just send word, and Feiyan will do her utmost to assist."
"This... alright. If that day ever comes, I will certainly not hesitate to seek your help." Li Xuan was taken aback by Gu Feiyan's sudden change in attitude. However, he soon came to terms with it, realizing that having more friends meant more avenues.
"Then it's settled," Gu Feiyan said with a smile.
Li Xuan also smiled, and after a brief chat, he returned to his room.
"A mid-grade spirit sword costs five hundred thousand low-grade spirit stones? That's ten times the price of a low-grade spirit sword!" Back in his room, Li Xuan shook his head. In their earlier conversation, he had inquired with Gu Yifan about the price of spirit swords and was surprised to learn how expensive they were.
The price of high-grade spirit swords was even higher, around three million low-grade spirit stones, though not ten times the price. Li Xuan had thought he was somewhat well-off, but it seemed he was still poor.
Despite this, Li Xuan had already decided that the first thing he would do upon reaching Divided Region City was to visit a merchant house to purchase a mid-grade spirit sword. Enhancing his own strength was always the most fundamental pursuit.
After asking Xiao Ran how much longer it would take to reach the Central Region, Li Xuan re-entered the Suppressing Prison to practice.
Li Xuan had initially been concerned about the consumption of the Treasure Pavilion's cloud ships, but after Xiao Ran's explanation, he dismissed the worry. Each cloud ship was equipped with a pre-fabricated array and barrier, which could be continuously powered as long as spirit stones were supplied.
Of course, this trip for the Treasure Pavilion's cloud ships was essentially a losing venture, given that they had been attacked twice, which was unprecedented. However, their lives had been preserved, and material wealth was secondary.
Three days later, Li Xuan returned to his room. Soon, a knock sounded on the door.
"Young Master Li Xuan, we have arrived at Divided Region City." Yan Qi's voice came from outside. Li Xuan opened the door and stepped out, his gaze falling upon the vast river before them, a sight that piqued his curiosity as he looked at Yan Qi.
Seeing Li Xuan's confusion, Yan Qi immediately understood that Li Xuan, being new to the Central Region, was unfamiliar with the area. He explained, "Young Master Li Xuan, our merchant houses in the Southern Region are not permitted to establish branches in the Central Region, as it would infringe upon the interests of the Central Region's merchant houses."
"This is not only the case for the Central Region, but also for the Western and Southern Regions. This river is called the Boundary River, signifying a division. Our merchant ship can only dock on this Boundary River. Once ashore, one has truly arrived in the Central Region."
"Of course, we can enter Divided Region City for repairs, but we cannot stay for more than five days. This time, the cloud ships have sustained significant damage, and it will likely take considerable time to find someone to repair them."
"In that case, it seems the two batches of cloud ships that appeared earlier had already entered Southern Region territory?" Li Xuan asked, puzzled.
Yan Qi nodded with a wry smile, "Young Master Li Xuan, you may not know, but there is a grey area at the border between the two regions. For example, Divided Region City is the closest city to our Southern Region."
"The closest city in our Southern Region to the Central Region is Linzhong City, which is nearly five hundred miles away from here. The area of approximately five hundred miles between them is that grey zone. Personnel from both regions frequently enter this grey zone, but as long as the two regions are not at war, no one usually interferes."
"Even if they do interfere, if the opposing party's strength is too formidable, the matter is often let go. In this incident, our Treasure Pavilion can only endure it. We cannot afford to provoke the Gu family of the Central Region."
"Being alive is more important than anything else." Li Xuan nodded and then, with a thought, asked, "Are there any merchant houses within Divided Region City?"
Yan Qi immediately nodded, "Of course, there are. And there are quite a number of merchant houses in Divided Region City, as many spiritual masters travel between the two regions, allowing them to maximize their profits."
"If Young Master Li Xuan wishes to purchase anything, the Myriad Treasures Pavilion in the city is a good option."
"Myriad Treasures Pavilion... Alright, I've noted it." Li Xuan nodded, assuming Yan Qi had some prior dealings with the Myriad Treasures Pavilion.
"Young Master Li Xuan, I bid you farewell." Yan Qi cupped his fists in farewell.
Li Xuan reciprocated the gesture, "Farewell, until we meet again."
With that, Li Xuan disembarked and headed towards Divided Region City. However, at the city gate, he saw Gu Feiyan and Gu Yifan waiting. Li Xuan paused for a moment before walking over.
"Young Master Li Xuan, thank you for this journey." Gu Feiyan's eyes lit up upon seeing Li Xuan and she hurried forward to bow.
Li Xuan waved his hand, "Miss Feiyan, there's no need. Reaching Divided Region City safely is a matter of fate for us all. However, although this is already the Central Region, if those individuals are still harboring ill intentions, Miss Feiyan..."
Before Li Xuan could finish speaking, he suddenly sensed something and looked directly towards the city gate.
To his surprise, ten Martial Emperor realm experts emerged side-by-side, arriving before Gu Feiyan within moments.
"We pay our respects to Miss Feiyan."
Seeing the ten Martial Emperor realm experts bowing to Gu Feiyan, Li Xuan curled his lip. No wonder Gu Yifan had said that reaching the Central Region was sufficient. With ten Martial Emperor realm protectors, who could kill Gu Feiyan unless a Martial God realm expert intervened?
"So this is Miss Feiyan's reliance. I suppose I was overly worried. Miss Feiyan, Elder Gu, farewell." Li Xuan gave a self-deprecating smile, then bowed to Gu Feiyan and Gu Yifan.
"Young Master Li Xuan, my promise from before still stands. With just one word from you, Feiyan will exert her full effort." Gu Feiyan's heart warmed at Li Xuan's genuine concern for her, and she looked at him earnestly.
"Alright," Li Xuan smiled and nodded. "But I hope that day never comes."
"Miss Feiyan, Elder Gu, take care." Li Xuan bowed again, then turned and walked into the city.
"Miss, the Patriarch is already waiting in the clan," a Martial Emperor realm expert said respectfully as Li Xuan departed.
Gu Feiyan withdrew her gaze, took a deep breath, and nodded, "Let's depart."