Immortality: Grinding Experience Starting as a Paper Craftsman

Chapter 41 Listening to the Wind with Paper Ears, the Loose Cultivator Alliance

As night fell, the hustle and bustle of Yunmeng Market did not diminish; on the contrary, it became even more restless due to the arrival of various sects.

In the center of the square, the Liuyun Sect's headquarters was shrouded in a faint cyan light curtain, an array that blocked divine sense from probing.

If an ordinary cultivator dared to investigate rashly, they would be instantly turned into an idiot by the backlash.

But Gu Yan said otherwise.

He was sitting in a simple tea stall not far from the square, holding a bowl of inferior spiritual tea in his hands. He seemed to be in a daze, but in fact he was performing his unique skill.

Inside his sleeve were two tiny paper talismans shaped like ears.

This is a minor supernatural ability derived from the master-level paper-making technique: hearing the wind through paper ears.

These two paper talismans were not pasted on his body, but were secretly pasted on a flagpole on the outskirts of the camp by him when the Flowing Cloud Sect's flying boat landed, hidden among the falling leaves.

That formation can block divine sense, but it cannot block the most primal sound vibrations.

Through the resonance of the paper talisman, a fragmented conversation reached Gu Yan's ears.

"...With this opening of the ruins, we must capture the Nether Pool in the core area... It's the only place where the Nether Grass, the main ingredient for refining Foundation Establishment Pills, is produced..."

It was an old voice, and judging from the tone, it should be an elder of the Flowing Cloud Sect.

"But Elder, the Blood River Sect has also made a move. I heard that their young sect leader has come this time, and..."

The voice was hesitant, but Gu Yan recognized it as Shen Youwei's.

"Hmph, those evil heretics of the Blood River Sect, this time we'll make sure they never return! Youwei, your mission this time is to lead a team into the inner layer to find clues about that thing. As for the Blood River Sect, I and a few law enforcement elders will handle them."

"Your disciple obeys. However, regarding my sister's disappearance years ago..."

"We'll discuss this later! The bigger picture is what matters!"

The sound stopped abruptly there, as if the array on the other side had enhanced its soundproofing effect, and Paper Ear could no longer hear any noise.

Gu Yan calmly finished the remaining tea in his cup, but his heart was already in turmoil.

"Netherworld Grass..."

He wasn't very interested in the main ingredient of the Foundation Establishment Pill, since he still had half of it left.

However, in his book "The True Explanation of Paper Making", he mentioned that the Netherworld Grass is an excellent auxiliary material for making paper soldiers and generals, which can greatly enhance the spirituality and strength of the paper figures.

Moreover, the thing Shen Youwei mentioned, and the elder's evasive attitude, made Gu Yan smell a conspiracy.

The Flowing Cloud Sect isn't as virtuous and upright as it appears on the surface.

"It seems we have no choice but to wade into these muddy waters."

Gu Yan put down a few spirit stones, got up and left the teahouse.

To enter Yunmengze, going it alone is a big no-no.

They not only had to face demonic beasts and poisonous miasma, but also had to guard against the ambushes of other cultivators.

The best way is to find a team and infiltrate it.

In the eastern part of the market, there is a bulletin board specifically for individual cultivators to form teams.

The area is now packed with people.

"We need a tank! A body cultivator at Qi Refining Level 6 or higher is welcome! Compensation negotiable!"

"Seeking a fellow cultivator skilled in formations to explore the outer ancient cave together, with the spoils split 50/50!"

Gu Yan squeezed into the crowd, his eyes scanning over the recruitment notices.

His gaze eventually settled on an inconspicuous corner.

There were three people standing there, two men and one woman.

The leader was a burly man with a thick beard, carrying a giant axe on his back. He exuded a powerful aura and was actually a body cultivator at the eighth level of Qi Refining.

The other man and woman appeared to be a Daoist couple, both cultivators at the seventh level of Qi Refining.

The sign in front of them read: "Recruiting one support-type cultivator, skilled in either reconnaissance or healing, cultivation level not limited, must obey commands, and not greedy."

This team has a good composition, with tanks and damage dealers, but it's missing a support.

Moreover, judging from their appearances, although they seem fierce, they appear relatively clear-headed and don't seem like the kind of toxic team that sabotages its teammates.

Gu Yan straightened his clothes, put on a simple and honest smile, and walked over.

"Greetings, fellow Daoists. I am a humble Daoist named Gou Fugui, and I possess some knowledge of the minor techniques of observing qi and tracking. May I join your team?"

Don't forget, don't forget.

The name is very meaningful.

The burly man with a thick beard sized up Gu Yan, and seeing that he only had the cultivation level of the sixth level of Qi Refining, he frowned slightly.

"Tracking? What methods are you using? If you're just some mediocre guy relying on luck, you might as well get lost."

Gu Yan wasn't annoyed. He smiled and pulled a paper sparrow out of his sleeve.

He blew a breath at the sparrow.

"Chirp chirp chirp, chatter chatter chatter."

The paper sparrow actually came to life, fluttering its wings and flying onto the big man's shoulder, even pecking at his messy beard with its little beak.

"Hmm? This is interesting."

The big man's eyes lit up.

Although this paper puppet has little offensive power, it excels in agility and stealth, making it a great tool for scouting in the misty Yunmeng Marsh.

The female cultivator beside her also spoke up, her voice gentle: "I see that this fellow Daoist's aura is steady, so he should be a calm and composed person. Our main goal on this trip is to play it safe, so it's always good to have an extra pair of eyes."

The burly man nodded, patted Gu Yan's shoulder with such force that he almost shoved him into the ground.

"Fine! You'll be the only one! But let me make this clear: once we're in the swamp, you'll be under my command. If you run off and die in the chaos, don't blame us for not saving you."

"That's natural, that's natural."

Gu Yan bowed and scraped, appearing obsequious, but in his heart he was calculating who would save whom if they were really in danger.

"My name is Tie Niu, and these two are Li Chengjun and Liu Ruyan," the burly man introduced briefly.

"Now that everyone's here, let's set off. Before the major sects seal off the entrance, let's head out to the outer perimeter and secure a good spot."

The four-person team was officially formed.

Gu Yan followed at the back of the group, seemingly a marginal figure, but in reality, he had already prepared several substitute paper figures and explosive talismans in his sleeve.

Just as they were about to leave the market, Gu Yan suddenly noticed that the Holy Son Token in his arms had become hot again.

He turned around instinctively.

Among the crowd, several people clad in blood-red cloaks were coldly staring in the direction of the Flowing Cloud Sect.

Although the faces were obscured, the nauseating stench of blood could be smelled from a great distance.

"Blood River Sect..."

Gu Yan narrowed his eyes.

This trip to Yunmengze is going to be quite a spectacle.