Chapter 869: I’m Here to Watch the Show

“Senior, Gu Yuhuo lured me here to stop you. I’ll give you everything I possess if you’ll only spare me.” The level-3 cultivator, having witnessed Ye Mo instantly kill his companion, understood the chasm between their strengths.

Ye Mo asked, “Why do you need that sword? Is there something special about it?” He then unleashed his flying sword, the sky filling with sword rays, poised to strike.

The cultivator, his earlier attempt at negotiation dissolving, trembled at the display. The precision of Ye Mo's control was incomprehensible. “Senior, Gu Yuhuo and I found a map to an ancient ruin. We couldn't enter; the key is a hacking sword.”

Ye Mo questioned, “So, the sword I just bought is the key? Millions of hacking swords exist. How can you be certain?”

“Senior, that sword has nine unusual crevices. Ordinary hacking swords lack such markings. Yours possesses them—so…” The cultivator’s voice shook; he couldn’t predict Ye Mo’s reaction.

Ye Mo, examining the sword closely for the first time, noted the unique shape of each crevice, and the formations hidden within. “Where’s the map?”

“In Gu Yuhuo’s storage bag,” the cultivator replied instantly, fearing deception.

Ye Mo found the ancient map within. Recognizing the location, he murmured, “All Herb Mountain Ranges.”

“Yes, yes,” the cultivator stammered, fearing his usefulness had expired.

Ye Mo had no intention of showing mercy. Their actions demonstrated that they wouldn't have hesitated to kill him had the opportunity presented itself. He possessed no reason to spare them, especially considering the sword and map were secrets—ticking time bombs. He swiftly dispatched the cultivator with his sword rays and secured the storage bag.

Boarding his flying pike, Ye Mo decided against returning to River State immediately. He would establish a teleportation formation elsewhere first.

Two days later, he arrived at an uncharted mountain range one hundred thousand kilometers distant. This was the maximum range his current materials allowed. He discovered a secluded valley and excavated a cultivation cave to house the formation.

The process took a half-day for excavation and three days to construct the formation, utilizing mostly pre-prepared components; the Star Sand and Segmented Earth were the main materials requiring attention. After leaving provisions, he carefully concealed the cave, restoring the valley to its original state. With the initial side completed, he only needed to establish the counterpart at China Pharmaceuticals. This would ensure escape with Song Yangzhu and Ye Ling should the need arise.

Heading towards River State City, ten days' absence weighed heavily on his mind. However, he soon detected four figures approaching his location: one woman leading three others.

Ye Mo knew his teleportation formation’s concealment, utilizing powerful sound and spirit barrier formations in a barren valley, would make it practically undetectable. He remained unconcerned. The woman leading the group appeared to be at the peak of the Foundation Establishment stage, with her three companions similarly advanced, one nearing the False Core stage.

“Even in death, you won’t get it!” the woman screamed, her voice raw with anger and pain.

Recognizing the Core Building Herb auction participant, Ye Mo understood the pursuit. He sighed; her carelessness had exposed her. He thought of Fei Cijiang, who could openly reveal his identity due to his influential background.

The rarity of the Core Building Herb, surpassing even Bitter Ten Years, was unusual; encountering it here piqued his interest. He decided to follow and observe.

The four cultivators noticed Ye Mo. The woman accelerated her pace, while the other three sneered at the seemingly audacious level-4 cultivator daring to intrude.

Ye Mo followed, observing them pass his formation. Though he could easily catch up, he maintained a cautious distance. While unafraid of them individually, a combined assault would necessitate a retreat.

Reaching a dead end, the woman halted and turned, glaring at her pursuers, ignoring Ye Mo. The three pursuers formed a semi-circle. Ye Mo stopped, observing. He noticed the woman, appearing to be in her 40s, bore the marks of arduous cultivation, possessing average looks but a strong physique.

Of her pursuers, one was a towering figure, nearing the False Core stage, but not a match for Li Baisen. Another was short and stout. The final pursuer, a woman in her 30s, was considerably more attractive than the woman she pursued.

The tall man barked at Ye Mo, “Leave or die!”

Ye Mo sneered, "Who are you to command me? I'm here to watch the show. Do you have a problem?"

The audacity of a level-4 cultivator challenging a near-False Core cultivator stunned the others. They were dumbfounded by his blatant disregard for danger.