Heavy snow fills the sky.

On the somewhat uneven road, a bulky caravan is slowly advancing.

The caravan is primarily composed of carriages and horses, supplemented by oxen and mules.

Figures are shadowy in the front, with sturdy men continuously clearing the thick snow to create a path through which the carriages can pass.

The middle is dominated by high steeds and luxurious carriages.

In the rear, numerous mules and cows carry large quantities of goods, and the convoy continues to expand as it passes through towns.

In the middle of the caravan, inside a luxurious carriage.

Outside, it’s as cold as ice, but inside, it’s as warm as spring.

Jing Lan clumsily pours tea and adds water, while an elder and a youth chat happily.

It is now the end of the year, several days have passed since departing from Qingshan Town.

Luo Chen brought Jing Lan and joined Master Yan’s caravan with a simple arrangement, heading towards the rumored Yixian City.

Along the way, Master Yan was very enthusiastic towards Luo Chen!

He not only arranged the best carriage rides but also ensured the food and clothing were top-notch, even considering sending a few pretty maids to attend them.

Luo Chen wasn’t interested in such external matters, so he refused the servants and only allowed Jing Lan to accompany him.

For Master Yan, Luo Chen reciprocated the enthusiasm, inviting him occasionally for a chat.

Master Yan’s real name is Yan Song, and he is fifty-six years old.

For Body Refiners, unless they reach the Third Realm, the Furnace Realm, their lifespan is hard to extend, and they usually only appear slightly more youthful than their peers.

However, fifty-six years old isn’t particularly old, and normally wouldn’t appear aged.

Master Yan looks much older due to a severe injury in his youth and refining his physical body’s Qi-Blood, causing his appearance to age faster than normal, making him look like an elderly man now.

"If it wasn’t for that injury, I wouldn’t be stuck at the late-stage Blood River Realm, nor would I have tried to mimic the Furnace Realm’s Gang Qi Transformation method, which left me in a neither-nor awkward position, making me embarrassed in front of senior,"

Master Yan says with a bitter smile, showing no shame in front of Luo Chen.

After realizing that Luo Chen could be an old monster who has cultivated for hundreds or thousands of years, even if he has no Qi Power now, his age alone is enough for him to call Luo Chen senior. Particularly with Luo Chen’s superior body refinement skill, this title is even more sincerely offered.

"Previously, I offended a guest elder in the city and was almost killed. If it weren’t for the Young City Lord begrudgingly considering my loyalty, I might have lost my life. But to prevent involving my family, I volunteered to come to this remote town, helping manage some of the Young City Lord’s properties."

Luo Chen listens quietly, showing no particular emotion regarding Master Yan’s open confession.

It’s clear that Master Yan deepens their conversation to foster a relationship and bind the two together.

There’s really no need; as long as Master Yan performs well enough, Luo Chen doesn’t mind lending him a hand.

Luo Chen casually asks, "Are those caravans that joined midway also the Young City Lord’s properties?"

Master Yan hesitates for a moment, then nods, saying, "You could say that."

"Hmm?" Luo Chen emits a curious nasal sound.

Master Yan explains, "Strictly speaking, the industries in nearby towns belong to the Yixian City Lord Mansion. Lord Xiao has been gone for more than ten years, and our Young City Lord manages all affairs on his behalf. Once the Realm Master’s appointment comes through, the Young City Lord can officially become the true master of Yixian City. Then, these industries will naturally belong to him."

Luo Chen frowns slightly, the true Lord of Yixian City has been gone for ten years?

Master Yan suddenly laughs, "Industries like these spread across a thousand miles of Yixian City territory, numerous. The Young City Lord alone cannot manage everything, only handles key industries, while isolated and remote industries are mainly entrusted to guest elders or loyal old servants like me to manage. If senior gains the Young City Lord’s favor, either staying in the city to enjoy wealth and glory or being stationed elsewhere with full authority, wouldn’t that be wonderful?"

Jing Lan, who is quietly listening at the side, hears this and can’t help but perk her ears, showing an eager expression on her face.

People in this region live quite harshly; the adverse natural environment and occasional three major natural disasters restrict their normal activities. Finding a stable place, whether in the city or elsewhere, is a dream come true.

However, Luo Chen remains unmoved, contemplating other matters.

He suddenly asks, "How many offspring does the departed City Lord have?"

Master Yan’s expression shifts, showing a hint of resignation.

His lips tremble, hesitating whether to speak, but Luo Chen has already raised his hand to interrupt.

"No worries, it’s not an important matter after all."

Master Yan is stunned, then realizes this comes from Luo Chen’s strong confidence, who doesn’t care how many formidable enemies the Young City Lord has.

Luo Chen suddenly changes the topic, asking, "How much does Master Yan know about the Ghost Rain, one of the three major disasters?"

With a shift in topic, Master Yan breathes a sigh of relief.

He instinctively answers, "Ghost Rain is the most frequent natural phenomenon among the three major disasters, especially prevalent in spring and summer; during winter, it is seldom seen..."

From Master Yan’s mouth, the details about Ghost Rain are much more comprehensive than those Luo Chen heard from the villagers.

The occurrences, effects on nature and humans, and how to defend are explained clearly.

Among them, the inevitable mention of "Ghost Nightmare" as an accompanying entity.

When talking about Ghost Nightmare, Master Yan deliberately observes Luo Chen’s expression, noticing his interest and elaborates further.

"This entity doesn’t have a physical form, born with the rain, gathered among crowds. The more people, the more Ghost Nightmares, the more powerful individuals attract stronger Ghost Nightmares. According to records left by immortals once stranded here, these Ghost Creatures can only be wiped out with the most pure Divine Soul Power. For us Body Refining Practitioners, strong Martial Arts Will is required for resistance... However, with continued research, ancestor later discovered some additional methods of counteraction. Among them, Dream Stone is the simplest and best way to block Ghost Nightmares. Our Yixian City ranks among the top in the Destruction Realm’s Seventy-two Cities largely because of possessing the largest Dream Stone vein, aside from Mishan Smoke, Heavenly Star Evil Qi, and other specialties."

"Master Yan, have some tea," Jing Lan pours him a cup.

Speaking so much made Master Yan a bit thirsty, he thanks Jing Lan and then drinks the tea in one gulp.

"Senior Luo, that’s all I know regarding the Ghost Rain. There might be more specific records, but those are within the City Lord Mansion’s archives, which I can’t access."

Luo Chen nods lightly, his mind already clear.

Sure enough, long before him, Immortal Cultivators recognized Ghost Nightmares, and descendants have explored clear defense methods.

Seeing the inability to learn more from Master Yan, Luo Chen switches topics, preparing to explore other matters.

"That Mishan Smoke... huh?"

Luo Chen lets out a mild sound and looks outside.

Master Yan is startled, "What’s wrong?"

"Let’s go take a look, trouble is approaching."

Master Yan’s brows furrow and he stands, but then there’s a vibration, nearly making him tumble, fortunately his feet steadied him with flowing power.

He steps out first, lifting the curtain, hearing exclamations all around.

"Avalanche!"

Following the sound, Master Yan sees in the distance a not-too-tall mountain with rolling snow rushing towards them.

Could an avalanche occur on such mountains?

Master Yan is puzzled, and even an avalanche doesn’t seem like trouble?

But then, his murky eyes suddenly widen.

What he sees isn’t an avalanche; it’s white horses galloping through the snow, stirring clouds of snow like a mighty avalanche.

On the white horses are robust figures, many bearing swords and weapons, with an imposing Evil Qi that instills fear even from several miles away.

Master Yan takes a deep breath, and a name surfaces in his mind.

"Meteor Thief!"