"A refutation?"In the tea house, the cultivators who were sipping their tea and exchanging various pieces of news all suddenly stopped their movements.The speaker was a middle-aged rogue cultivator in the Qi Refining stage VII or VIII. However, he seemed to be more prosperous than the average cultivator at the Qi Refining stage X, even wearing a Class I top grade defensive tool.Seeing the crowd staring at him, he didn't show any sign of nervousness and said enthusiastically:"The Palace Master of Zhenling Palace declared that Master Zhang was indeed injured earlier but has since recovered and is now in secluded cultivation.""In no more than three to five years, Master Zhang will come out of his seclusion. So, everyone should stop spreading these unverified rumors."Upon hearing this, the tea house erupted with bursts of laughter."Do you actually believe that?""If Zhang Daobai was truly alright, wouldn't he have shown up at Zhenling Palace's funeral ceremony? Three Golden Core masters died, after all!""He couldn't even show his face, and yet he dares to say he's alright?""Exactly, all the leaders of the other three Sects were there, and he didn't show up. I suspect he's afraid of revealing his true condition..."Of course, not everyone was laughing. Some could not help but defend:"We can't say for sure. Since the Palace Master of Zhenling Palace stated that he'll definitely come out in three to five years. As a respected Palace Master, he wouldn't likely lie as it could easily backfire.""In my opinion, it's likely that Zhang Daobai's injuries haven't fully healed, and he's just buying himself some time."The cultivators engaged in a heated discussion, while Wang Ba appeared deep in thought.Both theories had their points, making it difficult for him to form a definite judgment.At that moment, a female cultivator who was unclear about the situation couldn't help but ask curiously:"Zhang Daobai, the Immortal Master of Nascent Soul, should be matchless in Yan State. How did he suddenly get so severely injured?""Haha, I'm guessing comrade, you must be from outside Yan State?"A cultivator laughed and said, "Speaking of this, we can't avoid mentioning the Linglong Ghost Market. A few decades ago, our Linglong Ghost Market was newly established and had gained quite a reputation among us rogue cultivators. We somehow offended Zhenling Palace, and Master Zhang launched an attack on the ghost market. We don't know exactly what happened, but the result was Zhang Daobai retreating in haste. Since then, he's been hiding in Zhenling Palace, barely leaving at all. Rumors started from then that he was severely injured by someone at the Linglong Ghost Market."However, his words immediately elicited a chuckle from a Foundation Establishment Competitor in blue robes who had been relatively quiet until now."Haha, your information is stale. I have a good friend who works in the jurisdiction of Zhenling Palace and often interacts with Sect Disciples. He personally told me that Zhang Daobai had been frequently going out for the past twenty to thirty years. It was only roughly nine years ago that he suddenly stopped showing himself. Allegedly, even when a member of the royal family of the Chu Dynasty personally requested him to go to the front lines, Zhang Daobai declined. I guess, this might indicate that his injuries are indeed serious.""However, the exact cause of his injury is unknown."Upon hearing this confidential information, the cultivators in the tea house instantly perked up their ears.Upon hearing this, Wang Ba couldn't help but feel that Zhang Daobai might not really be injured.It was possible that he was cultivating some mysterious technique or had come across a great opportunity."So, if Zhang Daobai isn't injured, all of the actions of the three Sects now may be in vain...""But the three Sects have been able to remain in their positions to this day. I suppose none of their high-ranking members are foolish. Unless they are completely sure, they probably wouldn't make a real move."Without exaggeration, the entire situation of Yan State now hangs on Zhang Daobai's well-being.If Zhang Daobai were to die, the three major Sects in Yan State would inevitably initiate a major reshuffling in terms of resource distribution.On the contrary, if Zhang Daobai is alive, the current state of stability would continue.Even if the three Sects harbor much resentment, they would have to suppress it.To be honest, Wang Ba truly hopes Zhang Daobai is safe.At least while Zhang Daobai is alive, any turmoil in Yan State would most likely be restricted to a small scale."Speaking of which, Senior Zhao, you mentioned last time that you were using chicken essence. Could you give me a spot at the Changyi Society? I heard the chicken essence is beneficial to breakthroughs, and I also wish to purchase some."A Qi Refining stage cultivator with a dark face whom Wang Ba vaguely recognized squeezed over from the crowded tables and sat next to Wang Ba.Upon seeing this person, Wang Ba's expression became slightly strange. However, upon hearing his words, he was left dumbfounded:"A spot for the Changy Society? This..."Before he could finish, the blue-robed Foundation Establishment Cultivator at the nearby table who had spoken earlier burst into laughter and casually pointed at the dark-faced cultivator:"Don't bother Zhao. He is dedicated to his cultivation and rarely leaves. He might not have any connections for this. Even if he does, he can't possibly hold final authority.""After all, only the Shanli Changyi Society has the chicken essence, there are no other sources. Only the wealthy can get an invitation, and those slots are very stringently selected. It is not something anyone can get their hands on."The black-faced cultivator showed an embarrassed smile when he heard this."I was overstepping, I guess… I don't have much wealth, so it seems there's no hope for me.""As long as you understand. Using chicken essence for you Qi Refining stage cultivators is indeed a bit luxurious. I haven't dared to buy it to this day."The blue-robed cultivator sighed, "During the Qi Refining stage, I thought it would get better once I reached Foundation Establishment, but now that I've reached this stage, I find myself still very poor. It's really hard without a skill or craft. Ah, I wonder when this will end."

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