Fortunately, Ning Beichen's cultivation was at the Heavenly Venerable realm. When faced with the unwelcome gazes of some people, he only needed to subtly release his aura, and all those unwelcome gazes would instantly disappear.
Sometimes, one cannot be too low-key. If you are too low-key, everyone will think you are easy to bully.
The appearance of a Heavenly Venerable naturally drew the attention of the market master, who immediately sent someone to invite him.
Ning Beichen did not refuse. This was their territory, and there were three Heavenly Venerables present. Even if he were to be reckless, he would not do anything disrespectful.
Besides, they were merely invited as guests, and the attitude was not hostile.
Soon, Ning Beichen and his companions arrived at the market master's residence. The market master turned out to be a portly man with a smiling face, exuding an air of amiability and prosperity. Anyone who met him would feel a sense of goodwill towards him.
"Greetings, everyone. I am Huang Baishan, one of the masters of this market. We welcome your arrival."
"Greetings, Market Master."
Ning Beichen and the others cupped their fists in salute.
Despite being a Heavenly Venerable, this fat man was extremely courteous, showing no arrogance befitting his status. This indeed made people feel favorably towards him.
However, this was also due to Ning Beichen being a Heavenly Venerable himself. If Ning Beichen were not, this fat man would likely not even spare them a glance.
"May I ask where you all come from?" Huang Baishan inquired.
"What? Do we need to register our household and birth when we come to your place?" Ning Beichen asked him.
They were all Heavenly Venerables, and Ning Beichen was not one to back down. Moreover, he was confident that this fat Heavenly Venerable before him was no match for him.
"No, no, this market does not inquire about origins or affiliations. I simply wish to befriend you all," Huang Baishan said hastily.
"You don't need to worry about where I came from. We are not here to cause trouble, just passing by coincidentally. You can rest assured," Ning Beichen told him.
Ning Beichen was no child; he clearly understood what this fat man was thinking. He was likely worried that a Heavenly Venerable like himself might cause trouble.
"That is good, that is good. On behalf of the market, I welcome you and have a small gift for you."
The fat man clapped his hands. A beautiful maidservant entered carrying a plate. On the plate were some crystal-clear fruits, about the size of a thumb and shaped like grapes.
"Tian Mu Fruit!" Anya Dai exclaimed, recognizing the fruit.
"What is Tian Mu Fruit?" Ning Beichen asked curiously.
"Tian Mu Fruit is an extremely precious fruit that grows in the depths of the void and is difficult to find. Eating one can significantly boost one's cultivation, making it hard to obtain even with money," Ya Daier explained to Ning Beichen as if reciting a familiar list.
The fat man smiled, showing no sign of distress or reluctance at giving away so many Tian Mu Fruits.
This item was undoubtedly precious, but his ability to produce so many for Ning Beichen and his companions proved his capabilities.
"Then we shall accept your kind offer."
Ning Beichen nodded. Everyone took a Tian Mu Fruit, and even Anya Dai and the others received one. Ning Beichen did not withhold them due to their status.
In essence, this was a transaction. The fat man's intention was simple: by accepting the gift, they would refrain from causing trouble in his territory.
Ning Beichen had no intention of causing trouble anyway, but if he refused the gift, the fat man would suspect them of having malicious intent. Therefore, accepting the gift was indeed necessary. He wouldn't feel at ease if he didn't.
After bidding farewell to the market master, Ning Beichen had no intention of causing trouble. He merely led his companions to stroll through the market, looking for anything they might need.
The goods traded here were generally not bad, and they were not items that could be bought elsewhere. However, many of them had questionable origins.
Some were acquired through killing and looting, others through theft, robbery, deception, or even grave-robbing.
Yet, there were also items obtained through legitimate means. The reason these individuals chose to trade in the market was because no one dared to cause trouble there, providing them with a sense of security.
"Young master, are you looking for good things?"
As Ning Beichen was browsing, a man mysteriously approached him and whispered.
"What good things?"
Ning Beichen was surprised and intrigued.
"The tomb of an Emperor."
The man whispered in an extremely hushed tone.
"The tomb of an Emperor!"
Ning Beichen's eyes lit up.
Above the Heavenly Venerable realm was the Emperor realm. This was something Ning Beichen had only recently learned. However, whether Emperors truly existed was a subject of much debate, and no one could confirm it.
"Yes, the tomb of an Emperor. I guarantee you, this news is absolutely true."
The man looked around furtively, like a thief, as if afraid of being overheard.
"You guarantee it? How do you guarantee it? There are so many people here, why are you only approaching me?"
Ning Beichen was not inclined to believe him so easily.
"Because you are strangers, and you are Heavenly Venerables."
The man whispered.
"Why strangers? Wouldn't acquaintances be better?" Ning Beichen asked.
"Acquaintances are good, but not safe," the man replied.
"Wouldn't strangers be even less safe? Aren't you afraid I'll kill you after we find the treasure?" Ning Beichen asked, looking at him with a peculiar gaze.
"Then I can only say I misjudged, and it's my own fault." The man was quite frank.
"But how do I know if what you're saying is true or false? Perhaps you intend to rob me and then kill me?" Ning Beichen said.
"I wouldn't dare to deceive anyone but a Heavenly Venerable," the man said with a wry smile.
"That is true." Ning Beichen nodded.
If this man dared to deceive a Heavenly Venerable, it would mean he had grown incredibly audacious.
"Alright, I agree."
Ning Beichen didn't hesitate. He believed this man wouldn't dare to deceive him. If he did, he could simply swat him to death and feed his corpse to dogs. Ning Beichen then followed the man away.
The man led Ning Beichen to a humble house and began to elaborate. He discovered that the Emperor's tomb was not located in this area. It would require a flying vessel to reach it, and the journey would involve traversing a dangerously stormy region.
Ning Beichen and his companions were, of course, unafraid of danger. Moreover, he was confident in his flying vessel's ability to withstand any storm or peril.
After their discussion, Ning Beichen and the man named Shi San soon departed from the market.
They boarded the flying vessel and headed in the direction Shi San indicated.
Approximately five days later, a terrifying storm zone appeared before them. This storm zone was vast and impossible to bypass. Even if it were possible to detour, it would likely take a significant amount of time.
Therefore, Ning Beichen instructed Ning Xiaoling to pilot the flying vessel directly into the storm zone.