Within the forbidden grounds of the Qin Yang Merchant Guild's headquarters.
The dense spiritual energy was so potent it occasionally dripped like mist.
Vaguely, the forbidden grounds were dotted with all sorts of high-grade spiritual plants of various effects.
A medley of fragrances wafted into the nostrils, not cloying, but rather intoxicating and alluring.
Each of these celestial spiritual plants, if placed outside, would be enough to drive cultivators at the Tribulation Stage into a frenzy of competition.
Indeed, some with rare and potent effects might even draw the covetous gazes of cultivators at the peak of the Tribulation Stage.
Yet, at this moment, these precious celestial spiritual plants were scattered about like common wildflowers and weeds.
As Qin Sang and Qin Fang gradually moved deeper into the forbidden grounds,
It was evident that the spiritual energy in the depths of the forbidden grounds became even more concentrated.
Simultaneously, the quantity of various celestial spiritual plants surrounding them increased.
If this entire tract of forbidden land were to be placed in the outside world, even peak Tribulation Stage experts and factions would be unable to resist the urge to claim it as their own.
Perhaps, only a power like the Qin Yang Merchant Guild, with its considerable strength, could possess such a treasure without arousing greed.
For only a force with multiple peak Tribulation Stage experts and an abundance of Tribulation Stage cultivators under its banner would be deemed worthy of such a sacred ground.
As the two continued to approach,
At this very moment, in the heart of the forbidden grounds,
An ancient figure became increasingly discernible amidst the mist.
This ancient figure exuded an aura identical to that of Qin Sang and Qin Fang, yet it was a more formidable presence, that of a peak Tribulation Stage cultivator.
Moreover, within Qin Zhang's aura, there was a faint, subtle sensation that seemed to transcend the Tribulation Stage.
This was the scent of the Mahayana Stage, yet without having fully stepped into it.
In truth, Qin Sang and Qin Fang both knew that despite all three of them currently being at the peak of the Tribulation Stage,
Their combined strength would likely not be able to withstand Qin Zhang for long.
The reason was simple: Qin Zhang had honed his mastery of the peak Tribulation Stage realm to an extraordinary degree.
Otherwise, it would not have been rumored in the outside world that Qin Zhang's impending tribulation was a foregone conclusion, even before he faced the Mahayana Stage lightning tribulation.
All rumors have their roots in truth.
And as Qin Sang and Qin Fang approached within a hundred meters of Qin Zhang,
Before they could utter a word,
Qin Zhang's ancient and ethereal voice slowly resonated within their minds.
"You two youngsters, instead of diligently managing the Qin Yang Merchant Guild for me, why are you here in my forbidden grounds where I am in seclusion?"
"Uncle Qin Zhang."
Qin Sang and Qin Fang immediately bowed and saluted. Although they were all peak Tribulation Stage cultivators, their seniority was a generation lower than Qin Zhang's.
"Qin Sang, now that we are in the forbidden grounds, if there's anything you need to say, say it quickly. Don't dawdle."
Qin Fang, standing beside him, could no longer refrain from speaking.
Although Qin Zhang's figure was still somewhat indistinct due to the dense spiritual energy, Qin Sang could clearly feel Qin Zhang's gaze fixed upon him.
This time, Qin Sang had no intention of concealing anything. He immediately recounted everything he knew.
And after Qin Sang finished speaking,
Qin Fang, who had accompanied him, widened his eyes further, his aura even becoming somewhat unsteady.
Simultaneously, from the center of the forbidden grounds, an immensely terrifying pressure surged outwards.
"What did you say? My grandson Qin Tianyi, and Qin Changwan and the others... they are all dead?"
An aged countenance gradually materialized from the misty spiritual energy before Qin Sang and Qin Fang.
At this moment, upon hearing of his grandson Qin Tianyi's demise, and the deaths of two peak Tribulation Stage Ninth Heaven cultivators, four peak Tribulation Stage Eighth Heaven cultivators, and even more Tribulation Stage cultivators within the Qin Yang Merchant Guild,
Even Qin Zhang, who was on the verge of a breakthrough, could not contain his explosive rage.
A terrifying aura pressed down upon Qin Sang and Qin Fang's heads, making it difficult for them to breathe.
Despite both being at the peak of the Tribulation Stage, the disparity in power was immense.
It was fortunate that they were within the forbidden grounds, protected by special formations.
Otherwise, in any other location, Qin Zhang's outburst would have undoubtedly attracted considerable attention.
In the next instant, the terrifying pressure emanating from Qin Zhang vanished completely.
Qin Zhang's emotions quickly returned to their former composure.
"Tell me, what exactly happened? Why did my grandson and so many of the Qin Yang Merchant Guild's powerhouses perish so suddenly?"
However, Qin Zhang's calm tone did not imply a lack of anger; a potent killing intent still lingered within his voice.
The reason he appeared placid was merely a reflection of his vast experience accumulated over countless years.
This experience could lead to a detached demeanor, but it did not signify the complete absence of emotion.
And at this moment, Qin Fang's voice rang out. He had also recovered from the shock of Qin Tianyi's death. He said,
"If I recall correctly, Qin Tianyi seemed to want to give you, Uncle Qin Zhang, a gift upon your emergence from seclusion. So, he took Qin Changwan and the others to a remote, sparsely populated area far from our bustling city, intending to consolidate the void black market there and present it as a surprise for you, Uncle Qin Zhang."
"A remote area far from our bustling city?"
Hearing this, Qin Zhang's expression flickered slightly. His ancient eyes narrowed.
"Beyond the bustling cities, in those remote small areas and worlds, even peak Tribulation Stage cultivators would find it difficult to be born, wouldn't they?"
Upon saying this, Qin Zhang paused. His gaze grew colder, and he let out a low hum.
"Hmph, I never imagined that such a place, where it's difficult for even peak Tribulation Stage cultivators to emerge, would possess the strength to annihilate so many powerhouses of our Qin Yang Merchant Guild."
"Uncle Qin Zhang, what do you intend to do?"
At this juncture, Qin Sang's gaze once again turned towards Qin Zhang.
The reason he had come to the forbidden grounds to discuss this matter was precisely to ascertain the thoughts of Qin Zhang, the true principal of their Qin Yang Merchant Guild.
After all, Qin Zhang's breakthrough was paramount above all else.
Upon hearing this, Qin Zhang's eyes narrowed slightly.
In this brief moment, both his tone and expression returned to their original state.
His ancient voice resonated once more.
"A remote area like that managing to kill two peak Tribulation Stage Ninth Heaven cultivators and four peak Tribulation Stage Eighth Heaven cultivators from our Qin Yang Merchant Guild suggests it likely has one or two peak Tribulation Stage experts as well."
A remote area with peak Tribulation Stage experts was considered to be of considerable strength.
However, it was unfortunate that Qin Zhang was currently occupied with his breakthrough and could not depart.
Otherwise, if he were to personally go, despite also being a peak Tribulation Stage cultivator,
The difference in power between one peak Tribulation Stage expert and another could be worlds apart.
With Qin Zhang's strength, facing a peak Tribulation Stage cultivator from such a small area, he could likely dispatch them with ease.