Chapter 445: Xia Yuangong

At the entrance of Tianlan Immortal City.

Upon seeing the appearance of the old man in white robes, the two guards immediately displayed looks of shock and tension on their faces, hurriedly bowing respectfully and reporting:

"Subordinates pay respects to Lord City Master Xia!!"

Subsequently, they hurriedly turned to Qin Ming and apologized: "We juniors were unaware of your identity, Venerable One; we offended you earlier, and we hope you, Venerable Qin Qin Zhenjun, will forgive our sins."

"Mm, it is of no consequence," Qin Ming replied indifferently.

The old man in white robes also said, "Let it be! Ignorance brings no guilt; you two go about your respective duties, and leave the hosting here to this old man."

"Yes! Thank you, Venerable One."

"Thank you, Lord City Master; subordinates obey your command!"

Upon hearing these words, the two guards instantly felt as though they had received a great pardon.

Just moments ago, they had been sweating profusely.

After all, Nascent Soul True Lords have capricious tempers; no one knows what might happen.

Within the Immortal Realm, there are countless examples of people who inadvertently offended a Nascent Soul great expert and were obliterated in the blink of an eye.

Qin Ming smiled and said to the old man in white robes, "It is indeed Qin Mou; I heard that the Eastern Sea Immortal Realm will be hosting an Immortal Mansion Grand Ceremony, so I have come specifically to travel and gain some insight."

"Hehe! For Daoist Qin to arrive is truly an immense honor, something we have been longing for!"

"This old man is Xia Yuangong, the Vice City Master of Tianlan Immortal City."

"Since Daoist Qin has rarely visited, please allow this old man to fulfill the duties of a host," Xia Yuangong invited with a smile.

Qin Ming returned the courtesy, saying, "So it is Daoist Xia; I have long heard of your reputation. In that case, Qin Mou shall not stand on ceremony."

Subsequently, Qin Ming turned back and gave Hua Tianxiong a few instructions, telling him to wander around the city at will and to wait for him until after he had finished his business.

Immediately after.

"Daoist Qin, please!" Xia Yuangong made an inviting gesture.

The two then transformed into two streaks of startling rainbow light, vanishing from their spot in the blink of an eye.

At this moment.

The crowd of cultivators gathered at the city gate finally felt a weight lift from their shoulders; one by one, they revealed shocked expressions and began breathing heavily.

Even within Tianlan Immortal City, Nascent Soul True Lords rarely made appearances.

For these low-level cultivators, seeing one was basically impossible.

Now, however, they had suddenly encountered two legendary great figures, which was truly an eye-opening experience.

Qin Ming followed Xia Yuangong into Tianlan Immortal City.

It seemed there were no prohibitions against flight within the city, as many cultivators were maneuvering their magical artifacts to shuttle through the sky.

When these cultivators saw the two streaks of startling rainbow light sweep past in an instant, they were intimidated by the terrifying aura, frightened to the point where they nearly lost their footing and fell from the sky.

In the fleeting moment of passing light and shadow.

Qin Ming gazed upon Tianlan Shengshan, observing layer upon layer of houses, numbering at least over three hundred tiers, with the architectural style becoming increasingly luxurious and the spiritual energy environment reaching higher grades the further up one went.

Furthermore, the core area of Tianlan Shengshan possessed a Grade 4 Upper-Tier spiritual vein environment.

A few breaths later.

The two landed upon the mountain peak.

They arrived before a golden palace; on the magnificent, glittering plaque above the entrance were inscribed the four large characters 'Tianlan Sacred Hall'.

After Xia Yuangong warmly welcomed Qin Ming into the main hall and seated him, he casually waved his sleeve.

Four or five puppets shaped like exotic beasts, carrying tea sets and other items, smoothly and fluidly prepared spiritual tea for the two.

"It seems Daoist Xia has studied the Dao of puppets profoundly and possesses exquisite skill; even these puppets before us are of the Grade 3 Upper-Tier level, refined from Grade 3 Sanghun Wood, are they not?" Qin Ming said as he accepted the spiritual tea handed over by a puppet.

Xia Yuangong smiled slightly, "Daoist Qin makes me laugh at myself; it is merely a trivial skill practiced in my spare time."

"On the other hand, for Daoist Qin to achieve the Nascent Soul stage at such a young age, your future path of cultivation is boundless!"

After exchanging mutual flattery for a while, the two began to converse.

From Xia Yuangong, Qin Ming learned that Tianlan Immortal City, as the largest immortal city in the Eastern Sea Immortal Realm, was established by the Tianhai Alliance.

Xia Yuangong was an elder of the Crystal Palace, one of the four great powers of the Eastern Sea.

"Currently stationed in Tianlan City, besides this old man, there is also a Daoist Long Yangzi, a cultivator of mid-Nascent Soul cultivation, who serves as this city's City Master; furthermore, he is also one of the elders of the Star Palace, but Daoist Long Yangzi had matters to attend to outside the city several years ago and has not yet returned."

"If there is an opportunity, this old man will certainly introduce you to him."

Qin Ming nodded, then proceeded to inquire further about the situation in the Eastern Sea Immortal Realm.

"May I ask what plans Daoist Qin has for this visit?"

"If you have no temporary plans, why not reside in Tianlan City for the long term? This old man can order someone to arrange a serene cave abode for you in an excellent location on the Shengshan."

"After all, there are still two and a half years before the Immortal Mansion Grand Ceremony begins."

Xia Yuangong had also developed thoughts of recruiting him.

He also knew that Qin Ming originated as a rogue cultivator and possessed extremely high attainments in spirit planting and pill refining, far surpassing ordinary people.

He even speculated whether the Infant-Condensing Pill used by the other party to break through to the Nascent Soul stage might have been refined by Qin Ming himself.

Such a person was often a highly sought-after prize in the eyes of various powers.

"Hehe! There is no need; Qin Mou still has some matters to attend to, so there is no need to trouble Daoist Xia," Qin Ming declined the other's kind offer.

He had come to the Eastern Sea Immortal Realm this time with his own objectives.

Firstly, to gather spiritual materials that could advance his Nascent Soul stage cultivation, especially since the Immortal Mansion Grand Ceremony was a rare event occurring once every hundred years, offering no lack of interaction among Nascent Soul peers.

Secondly, to prepare some heavenly treasures and materials for that fellow Shi Tian Shu to use for undergoing his Form-Transformation Heavenly Tribulation, specifically items to assist in resisting the tribulation.

Thirdly, to visit the Penglai Sect and witness the legendary Grade 5 Divine Tree, as he happened to possess a Penglai Immortal Token that could be used.

As for Grade 4 pill formulas, Qin Mou did not lack them, after all, he possessed two Grade 4 pill Dao inheritances: the 'Source Dao Pill Classic' and the 'Blood Refining Pill Classic'.

Enough to sustain him through the entire Nascent Soul stage.

"Does Daoist Xia possess Azure Sky Spiritual Soil, or any spiritual materials required to refine Hunyuan Pills? Qin Mou would be willing to exchange a few items."

Toward the end of their conversation, Qin Ming proposed an exchange.

After all, as the Vice City Lord of Tianlan Xiancheng, Xia Yuangong had been stationed here for many years; the fine treasures he had gathered must be considerable. Upon hearing this, Xia Yuangong's heart immediately tightened! Qin Ming's proposal of exchange confirmed his suspicion: the other party had most likely already advanced to the rank of a fourth-tier Su Danwang.

"Azure Sky Spiritual Soil? This old one has never even heard of such a thing."

"As for the primary material needed to refine Hunyuan Pills, it is indeed exceedingly rare; however, this old one happens to possess a Withered Heart Grass over a thousand years old and a two-thousand-year-old Soul-Fusing Fruit. With these two primary materials, Daoist Qin should have no difficulty obtaining the remaining auxiliary ingredients within the Immortal City," Xia Yuangong said.

Qin Ming's eyes brightened: "Oh? Then I wonder what item Daoist Xia requires in exchange?"

As the lord of the largest Immortal City in the East Sea, the other party naturally lacked for nothing like spirit stones.

Xia Yuangong did not immediately answer Qin Ming's question, but instead asked, "Forgive this old one's presumption, but may I ask, Daoist Qin, are you seeking these spiritual materials to personally refine pills? Could it be that Daoist Qin's attainment in the Dao of Pills has already reached the realm of a fourth-tier Su Danwang?"

"Hehe! Precisely." Qin Ming took a sip of tea and replied with an air of casual ease.

Upon hearing this, Xia Yuangong immediately became solemn and respectful!

A fourth-tier Su Danwang was a rarity even within the Immortal Realm of the East Sea, after all, being capable of refining pills for the Nascent Soul stage.

Even within a major power like the Tianhai Alliance, possessing the status of a fourth-tier Su Danwang would grant one the esteemed position of a Grand Supplier.

Moreover, the spiritual treasure 'Azure Sky Spiritual Soil' that Qin Ming was searching for was something even he had never heard of; it seemed the identity of a fourth-tier Spiritual Planter was also genuine.

In that case, the value of his status had at least multiplied several times over. Forget someone like him; even the Soul Transformation sect, the Star Palace, would likely seek to recruit him.

Even among Nascent Soul cultivators, there were disparities in status and standing.

"I never expected Daoist Qin to be not only a fourth-tier Su Danwang but also a fourth-tier Spiritual Planter; truly, this old one is immensely impressed."

"This old one is naturally willing to exchange items with Daoist Qin. These two are both rare fourth-tier spiritual medicinal plants. Does Daoist Qin possess a fourth-tier fire-attribute demon core? Or perhaps fire-attribute spiritual ore could also serve as exchange."

As Xia Yuangong spoke, he took out two dragon-patterned jade boxes and gently placed them before Qin Ming.

Qin Ming opened the lids, and a rich fragrance of medicine wafted forth, accompanied by blooming purple spiritual mist.

Inside the jade boxes lay a purple spiritual grass and a crimson, date-shaped spiritual fruit.

He picked them up and inspected them slightly, confirming they were flawless.

Immediately afterward, Qin Ming extended his palm, causing an exquisite jade box to materialize, which he handed over while saying, "As it happens, Qin Mou here possesses a fourth-tier Blood Python demon core; it is indeed fire-attribute, though its demon soul has been destroyed, resulting in some loss of the demon core's essence. I wonder if Daoist Xia would care to examine whether it is still usable?"

"You actually possess a fourth-tier demon core?" A trace of surprise appeared on Xia Yuangong's ruddy face.

He took the jade box from Qin Ming's hand and opened it, revealing a black-and-red mottled demon core, the size of a fist, lying inside.

"Alas! What a pity indeed; such high-grade demon cores are encountered by chance and cannot be sought! If it were complete, its value would be immeasurable."

"This fourth-tier demon core with lost essence is still usable by this old one; however... could Daoist Qin perhaps add a little extra?"

Xia Yuangong spoke frankly.

"Then Qin Mou will add some third-tier Jade Emperor Spiritual Rice; what does Daoist Xia think?"

"That would be excellent!"

After some haggling, both parties were delighted.

The transaction was completed.

Xia Yuangong also took out a spirit jade ring inscribed with the emblem of the Tianhai Alliance and handed it to Qin Ming, saying, "This is the Tianlan Ring; this old one gifts it to Daoist Qin."

"With this ring, one may enter and exit Tianlan Xiancheng at will; as for the high-grade cave dwellings on the upper levels of the Shengshan, provided they are not rented, Daoist Qin is free to use them as well."

"Then many thanks to Daoist Xia." Qin Ming did not decline, directly accepting the Tianlan Ring.

"By the way, does Daoist Xia have a complete map of the Immortal Realm of the East Sea for sale? Qin Mou intends to visit the Penglai Sect to pay a call on Daoist Long Mu."

"Oh? I never expected Daoist Qin to know Qin Qin Zhenjun Long Mu," Xia Yuangong said with considerable surprise. "But then again, it makes sense; she is a fourth-tier mid-grade Spiritual Planter, sharing common ground with Daoist Qin, hehe."

"As for a complete map of the Immortal Realm of the East Sea, this old one naturally possesses one; I shall gift it to Daoist Qin as well. However, please ensure it is not leaked to outsiders; this complete map was continuously updated and drawn by the Tianhai Alliance over several millennia."

Xia Yuangong then took out a pale yellow jade slip and handed it to Qin Ming.

"Qin Mou has some Snow Soul Spiritual Tea grown personally; the taste is quite pleasant; please accept it with a smile."

Qin Ming, reciprocating the courtesy, returned the gesture with a box of spiritual tea as a token of his regard.

"Hehe! Then this old one shall accept without further modesty," Xia Yuangong said, stroking his beard with a smile.

After spending half a day exchanging words with Xia Yuangong, this Nascent Soul Qin Qin Zhenjun, Qin Ming took his leave.

From this person, Qin Ming had obtained information and resources, reaping abundant rewards.

For instance, spiritual materials that could not be found even by digging three feet into the earth in the Southern Wilderness were easily exchanged for here.

The efficiency far exceeded Qin Ming's expectations.

"The Immortal Realm of the East Sea is truly abundant in resources! No wonder it can give birth to Soul Transformation cultivators."

"In a poor, remote place like the Southern Wilderness, the Jin Dan stage is already the ceiling limit, alas."

Finally.

Xia Yuangong's attitude was extremely polite; he enthusiastically escorted Qin Ming out beyond the Tianlan Hall.

"Daoist Qin is welcome to visit Tianlan City often when free, to chat with this old one."

"Certainly, certainly; please stop seeing me off, Daoist Xia."

Subsequently.

Qin Ming transformed into a streak of azure lightning and departed from the mountain peak.

He went to an inn within the city and found Hua Tianxiong and Shi Jin.

"Hua Tianxiong, this seat has matters to attend to; there is no need for you to follow. Tianlan Xiancheng is quite suitable for your management and development; with your cultivation and abilities, you should be able to thrive here."

"Just help me gather high-grade resources; here is a list of items this seat requires."

"Of course, besides the items on the list, if you spot anything else of value, gather those as well."

Hua Tianxiong hurriedly agreed: "Yes! Master."

After giving these instructions.

Following the directions marked on the map, Qin Ming flew away from Tianlan Yunze Xiancheng, heading toward the seas in the southeast where the Penglai Sect was located.

After Hua Tianxiong and the other person respectfully saw Qin Ming off,

he turned his head and asked Shi Jin beside him, "Fellow Daoist Shi, I, Hua, intend to accomplish a great undertaking here and urgently need a nautical talent like you; will you join me?"

Shi Jin's eyes darted about unsettled, but after only a moment's hesitation, he spoke with extreme resolve: "This old man is in!"

……

(End of Chapter)