Chapter 230: 221. The Secret Shop (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

221. Chapter 221: The Secret Shop (Requesting Monthly Tickets)

The cultivation realm of Da Jing is ten times the size of Qi Country, and so are its cultivation resources.

Just the Nascent Soul-level major sects number eight, a mix of orthodox and demonic.

They are the demonic sects: Jiuying Sect, Xueshen Cult, Wangu Village, and Ziyang Gate.

And the orthodox sects: Xuantian Sect, Banruo Gate, Fentian Valley, and Du Qiankun Dao.

Between these eight orthodox and demonic sects, countless Jin Dan factions lurk—some allied to one side, others secretly united—truly a mix of dragons and snakes.

It is said that east of Da Jing's cultivation realm lies a vast, boundless blue ocean, known in cultivation circles as the "Hanhai."

The Hanhai is a natural barrier; only Nascent Soul True Masters may cross it.

Beyond the Hanhai lies an even vaster world!

The origins of Si Tian Gu Jian Sect and other major orthodox and demonic sects trace back to a group of pioneering cultivators from that realm!

…

On the Zisu Great Grassland, under Jiuying Sect's control.

A crimson cloud, radiating terrifying power and warning all living beings to keep away, sped swiftly across several nomadic tribes and entered an agricultural region.

"The mortal world of Da Jing's cultivation realm is no different from Qi Country's—equally miserable!"

"Still, they barely survive, and are governed by secular authorities—after all, cultivators need spiritual roots; the larger the population, the higher the chance of producing top-tier roots…"

"Even demonic cultivators who require corpses and essence—there are naturally many mortal deaths each year, and they can levy a 'blood tax' on families, offering to exempt them from corvée and taxes if they surrender a healthy youth or someone with a special destiny… surely some mortals will agree, perhaps even rush to do so."

All this information Fang Xing obtained from the jade slips provided by the Outer Hall.

His current destination is "Mo Yun Xiancheng."

Why a demonic trading city is called an "Xiancheng"? Perhaps because all cultivators' ultimate goal is to ascend to immortality and achieve eternal life?

After all, even Si Tian Gu Jian Sect calls itself an orthodox sect, not an Immortal Dao sect.

Whether cultivating the orthodox or demonic path, the goal is the same.

Orthodox and demonic are merely differences in philosophy; ascending to immortality and attaining the Dao is the eternal goal!

…

Mo Yun Xiancheng lies deep within Jiuying Sect's territory, extremely dangerous for orthodox sword cultivators.

Yet Fang Xing walked in boldly, and not a single demonic cultivator approached to question him.

Probably because they judged the demonic Jin Dan inside the crimson cloud too formidable, fearing they'd become part of it themselves…

Outside the city, Fang Xing retracted his "Xueyun Dou" treasure, transforming into a tall, black-robed man who landed heavily.

"Respected elder, greetings."

Several Qi Condensation cultivators at the city gate hurried over to bow: "We don't know what brings the elder to Mo Yun Xiancheng? We're local guides, intimately familiar with every shop—hire us for just one low-grade spirit stone…"

"One low-grade spirit stone? Prices have skyrocketed."

But Fang Xing's spiritual sense swept through and discovered the city charged no entry fee.

Even within the city, occasional flashes of combat light flickered—clearly, duels were permitted.

He casually pointed to the one who looked most agreeable: "You. What's your name?"

"I'm Mo Mo Yue, honored elder."

A slender youth, dressed like a servant, bowed with a smile: "Elder, please… the city permits duels, but after killing someone, you must pay a spirit stone fine to the Enforcement Squad, or face pursuit… Also, no fighting in the main streets' shops—please remember this…"

He gave a brief overview, then led Fang Xing into the city.

"You, boy, why are you practicing orthodox cultivation techniques?"

Fang Xing chose Mo Mo Yue precisely because, unlike the other demonic cultivators, he practiced orthodox methods.

"Elder, your insight is sharp. My 'Five Elements Scripture' is family-taught. Back then, my family was poor and couldn't afford other methods, so I had no choice… By the time I reached Qi Condensation mid-stage, switching sects was too costly, risking a drop in realm, so I just stuck with it."

Mo Mo Yue hurried to explain.

Cultivators like him, who practiced non-demonic methods, could survive under Jiuying Sect's rule but always ranked lower.

Why did Jiuying Sect tolerate them?

Fang Xing could guess: their essence and soul were superior to ordinary mortals.

After all, demonic philosophy was about breeding monsters—if disciples died in such a breeding ground, it was their bad luck, and revenge depended on the cultivator's mood.

"I wish to conduct major transactions. Which shop here has the best reputation? When is the next grand auction? Are there any secret shops of high-level cultivators?"

Fang Xing didn't press further, stating his needs directly.

"For large-scale trade, 'Zhengbao Trading House,' 'Bayin Merchant Guild,' and 'Gong Family Old Shop' are all good options… Our grand auction occurs every five years; the next is still a year away…"

"As for secret shops of high-level cultivators, I know of one—many False Jin Dan cultivators trade there, but the owner has a fearsome reputation and questionable integrity…"

Mo Mo Yue didn't dare hide anything, listing them all.

"Then let's go to Zhengbao Trading House first."

Fang Xing decided.

His aura of slaughter was real—accumulated from killing many False Jin Dan and Jin Dan cultivators; even ghosts and spirits fled his path.

Even cultivators mid-duel hurried to avoid this black-clad high-level cultivator drenched in slaughter aura.

Mo Mo Yue, rarely enjoying such a moment of glory, straightened his back and led the way proudly.

At the entrance of Zhengbao Trading House.

"Elder, please go in—I'll wait here."

Mo Mo Yue bowed deeply.

He was just a nobody; knowing too much meant certain death—this was the self-awareness of many street-level cultivators near city gates.

"Hmm."

Fang Xing entered Zhengbao Trading House, emerging much later: "Let's go to the next one—Bayin Merchant Guild…"

Mo Mo Yue asked nothing, continuing to lead ahead.

Then came "Gong Family Old Shop," and several other large shops.

After leaving the last shop, Fang Xing exhaled in relief.

The mountain of low-grade demonic materials in his storage bag had been entirely liquidated, replaced by a small mountain of spirit stones.

Of course, most were first- and second-grade materials.

Third-grade materials and those few treasures? He'd keep them for barter.

For high-level cultivators, barter was the primary method of trade.

"Take me to that secret shop. Then you may leave."

Fang Xing flicked his finger; a low-grade spirit stone landed in Mo Mo Yue's arms.

"Yes!"

Mo Mo Yue beamed, tucked the spirit stone away, and led the way.

He brought Fang Xing to a dilapidated shop built of massive stones, bowing deeply: "The owner of this secret shop calls himself 'Stone Daoist'—a False Jin Dan demonic cultivator. Please be careful."

"Hmm."

Fang Xing's expression remained calm as he stepped into the small shop.

Inside, it was eerily quiet; only a gaunt old Daoist sat on a mat.

His skin was ashen-gray, hardened like stone—strangely eerie.

'Stone-Fossil Demon Art? That's one of the Eight Subordinate Techniques of Jiuying Sect's supreme scripture, 'Tianying Heart Method.' This Stone Daoist must have strong ties to Jiuying Sect—ties mean access, and access means good goods.'

Fang Xing felt a surge of excitement.

"Esteemed Daoist…"

The Stone Daoist slowly opened his eyes, revealing strikingly bright yellow pupils, and rumbled: "What brings you to my humble shop?"

"Indeed. I seek high-grade spiritual items. Do you have any?" Fang Xing cut straight to the point.

No matter what secrets this Stone Daoist held—even if he were a Jiuying Sect Nascent Soul elder—Fang Xing felt no fear.

This overwhelming confidence stirred the Stone Daoist slightly: "So you're a distinguished guest. What spiritual items do you seek?"

"A thousand-year stone milk—more the better. Also, do you have any third-grade body-cultivation spiritual items?"

Fang Xing stared at the Stone Daoist's stony skin, his mind stirring.

'Stone-Fossil Demon Art' is a famed body-cultivation technique; it's natural for this man to possess a few body-cultivation items.

"A thousand-year stone milk? I have only a dozen drops… As for third-grade body-cultivation items—have you heard of the 'Jin Dan Fruit'?"

The Stone Daoist's eyes flickered as he answered.

"You actually have Jin Dan Fruits? Excellent… And the thousand-year stone milk—even if scarce, I'll take it all."

Fang Xing was plainly wealthy beyond measure.

When he entered the city, he'd assessed its spiritual energy—it was third-grade upper-tier.

Enough to condense a Jin Dan.

Of course, he wouldn't immediately condense his Jin Dan here—this merely indicated Da Jing's abundant spiritual veins.

￠O

Later, he could simply rent a third-grade spiritual cave from any faction to condense his Jin Dan.

Which faction to choose? That required careful consideration.

"Truly a distinguished guest. But have you heard of my shop's rules?"

The Stone Daoist smiled.

"What rules?" Fang Xing asked casually.

"I don't lack spirit stones. To buy spiritual items, you must either do me a favor—or offer something that moves me…"

The Daoist Shi said coolly.

This made Fang Xing's face freeze, just after he had acquired a large sum of spirit stones.

After a moment, he spoke: "What item do you require? If the value differs too greatly, I may not be willing—after all, I'm not short of spirit stones, and I don't care for such a small price gap!"

But the Daoist Shi's eyes flickered, and he pulled out a jade slip: "Please take a look, friend…"

Fang Xing took the jade slip, swept it with his spiritual sense, gave a slight nod, and slapped his storage bag.

A jade box and several jade vials floated into his hands.

"I happen to have two items here that meet your requirements…"

"Oh?"

The Daoist Shi's eyes blazed with golden light as he opened one jade box: "Hmm… these yin jujubes are brimming with spiritual energy—truly top-grade…"

He opened another vial, and a thick, bloody stench rose into the air: "Such blood essence cannot be forged without tens of thousands of strong men, combined with the essence blood of countless qi-refining and foundation-establishment cultivators… This technique is impressive. Which major sect do you hail from?"

"Enough talk."

Fang Xing's expression turned cold: "Where's my merchandise?"

"Friend, no need to rush. Old Daoist runs this shop with absolute honesty."

The Daoist Shi likewise slapped his storage bag, and a jade casket and another jade vial appeared in midair.