Chapter 41 The bigger the storm, the more expensive the fish

After regaining some strength, Simon cupped his hands respectfully and bowed deeply toward Arius, his face full of reverence.

“Thank you, Patriarch.”

He straightened and began his report, recounting the details of the silver mine discovery without missing a single point.

“Patriarch, the estimated yield of this silver mine is two hundred billion taels of silver.”

“But the problem is… news of the mine has already spread far and wide.”

“Within two or three days at most, survey teams from various factions will arrive at Lunford Town.”

“The most troublesome of them all is Blood Wolf Hall!”

“If Blood Wolf Hall discovers the scale of this silver mine, not only will our De Molinos family fail to secure even a single tael of silver, but we might also lose our entire sphere of influence around Lunford Town to them…”

As he spoke, Simon’s face reflected his utter helplessness.

To the De Molinos family, Blood Wolf Hall was nothing less than a colossal giant. Even if the De Molinos family risked their entire clan, they wouldn’t stand a chance against them.

“Hmm, I see…” Arius murmured, his expression calm and composed, though his mind had already begun formulating countermeasures.

Abandon the silver mine? That was absolutely out of the question!

If they could extract the full two hundred billion taels’ worth of silver, the De Molinos family’s strength could increase a hundredfold in as little as ten years.

To put it in perspective, two hundred billion taels was equivalent to the accumulated wealth of forty Ashfell families.

With such a fortune, the De Molinos family could accomplish countless endeavors…

Of course, claiming this windfall wouldn’t be without significant risks.

But as the saying goes: The greater the storm, the larger the catch.

If one fears every obstacle, then why cultivate at all? Why pursue the Dao?

Moreover, Arius wasn’t without his trump cards.

Using the Treasure Appraisal Mirror, he could further enhance the two Five Thunder Talismans in his possession, pushing them to the level 2 Talismans. With that level of power, even the four Level 1 cultivators of Blood Wolf Hall would be suppressed without question.

Besides, Blood Wolf Hall wouldn’t deploy all four of their top cultivators at once to seize the mine. They’d need to keep experts stationed at their base to maintain control over their vast territory.

As Arius meticulously sorted through his thoughts, a plan quickly began to take shape.

First, he would travel to a larger cultivation market and sell the Centennial Tempering Grass, which still had seven intact leaves, as quickly as possible.

Using the spirit stones obtained from the sale, he’d purchase more low-grade spiritual herbs, upgrade them using the Treasure Appraisal Mirror, and resell them at a profit—repeating this process to amass more spirit stones.

Simultaneously, he’d advance his own cultivation to the Level 1 Realm and upgrade the two Five Thunder Talismans to their peak state.

In short, everything needed to be prepared meticulously.

The silver mine’s value to the De Molinos family was far too immense. Even if it meant taking risks, it was worth it.

Arius’s tireless efforts and willingness to take bold risks were all for the sake of making the De Molinos family more prosperous and powerful.

The stronger the De Molinos family grew, the more resources they could provide to Arius in return.

Once the family reached a point where every member could perform their duties and capable leaders emerged, Arius could finally retreat to the shadows. From there, he could enjoy the offerings of the clan while subtly guiding its continued growth.

By then, Arius could rely on the family’s support to elevate himself further, while the family flourished under his protection.

Thinking this far ahead, Arius leaned back into the wooden chair, his eyes resting on Simon. His tone was calm and deliberate as he spoke:

“For now, if survey teams from other factions arrive at the silver mine, delay them as much as possible.”

“If that fails, pretend to yield the silver mine to them.”

“I will be leaving for a short time…”

“When I return, everything will be settled.”

“That silver mine belongs to the De Molinos family. Forever. No one will take it from us.”

“Even Blood Wolf Hall won’t be able to take it!”

Hearing his patriarch’s unwavering declaration, Simon froze for a moment, his heart skipping a beat.

Worry crept onto his face as he cautiously voiced his concerns.

“Patriarch…”

“While that silver mine is indeed an unparalleled fortune, if our De Molinos family were to provoke Blood Wolf Hall… the consequences would be unimaginable.”

His hesitation was understandable.

The fearsome reputation of Blood Wolf Hall was such that even the once-mighty Song family had to tread carefully around them.

“What is there to fear?” Arius asked, his tone calm but commanding.

“With me here, there’s nothing to worry about.”

He waved dismissively, reclining in the grand chair. “Enough. You may leave now…”

“Handle the matter of the silver mine as I instructed. That is all.”

Seeing Arius’s absolute confidence, Simon knew there was no point in arguing further. Despite the lingering unease in his heart, he could only bow and retreat.

The patriarch had spoken, and his word was final.

Whatever lingering doubts Simon harbored, he had no choice but to place his trust in the patriarch.

Still, his mind churned with thoughts about the silver mine.

As the head of the De Molinos family, it was his duty to prioritize stability. His aim was not necessarily to elevate the family to unparalleled heights, but at the very least, to ensure their survival and continued legacy.

But over the past six months, the De Molinos family had weathered multiple upheavals.

Time and again, under Arius’s guidance, the family had managed not only to avert disaster but also to thrive. Their move from Nezier Town to Purple River City was nothing short of a monumental achievement.

Perhaps this time would be no different.

Under the patriarch’s protection, the De Molinos family might once again navigate these treacherous waters and emerge stronger than before.

Clinging to a mix of apprehension and hope, Simon left the courtyard and returned to the family’s main hall.

“Summon the others!” he commanded sharply.

“Notify all the elders and stewards still in the city…”

“Tell them to gather for a meeting immediately!”

Though exhausted from two days and nights of relentless travel, Simon wasted no time. He began assembling the De Molinos family’s leadership to discuss the matter of the silver mine.

While he would never go against the patriarch’s orders, as the head of the family, he needed to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

If things spiraled beyond control, it would fall to him to ensure the family’s survival and safeguard their legacy.

Meanwhile, as Simon, weary but determined, summoned the family elders and officials for a meeting, Arius quietly left Purple River City.

Like a shadow, his figure flickered through the mountain ranges, his movements ghostly and swift as he made his way toward Nezier Town.

Though the De Molinos family had established a presence in Purple River City, the majority of their clan members still lived in Nezier Town.

Only the younger generation and the family’s leadership had relocated to Purple River City, leaving the elders and most of the clan in the old town.

For those who had spent their lives in Nezier Town, Purple River City, though prosperous, was not their home.

To them, it would never be the place where their roots lay or where they hoped to return in their final days.

No matter how far they wandered, the hearts of most always yearned for their homeland.

 

Chapter 42: The Immortal City

After breaking through to the Peak of Organ Tempering, Arius’s pace was naturally faster, even without exerting his full strength. In just half a day, he traveled from Purple River City to Nezier Town.

Snow danced in the chilly wind as Arius approached the edge of Nezier Town. Suddenly, a shadow darted toward him from the distance—a blur of black slicing through the wintry landscape like a streak of lightning.

The figure emanated the aura of a mid-stage Skin Tempering beast, and as it neared, Arius finally caught a clear glimpse of it.

It was none other than the ferocious tiger beast that had been guarding Nezier Town!

The creature had grown noticeably larger.

Previously, it had stood two meters tall and stretched five or six meters in length. Now, its height approached nearly three meters, with a body length of nine meters—its size was almost monstrous.

Having advanced to mid-stage Skin Tempering, the beast seemed utterly transformed. Not only had its frame expanded, but its fur now gleamed with a luster as dark and polished as black armor.

“Not bad…” Arius said with a faint smile.

“You’ve guarded Nezier Town for half a year. This is your reward.”

With that, he retrieved two spirit stone fragments and placed them into the beast’s gaping maw.

“Roar!!”

Clutching the fragments in its jaws, the tiger let out a series of excited bellows, shaking its massive head and roaring triumphantly into the sky.

“It’s time I gave you a proper name…” Arius mused aloud, gazing at the creature thoughtfully. After a moment, he spoke again.

“I’ll call you Nocturne.”

“Now, it’s time for you to head to Purple River City,” Arius said, patting Nocturne’s massive head with a calm smile. “There’s no need to guard Nezier Town anymore.”

The ferocious tiger, now named Nocturne, clearly held great potential.

With sufficient resources, Arius suspected, Nocturne might even have a slim chance of breaking through to the Level 1 Realm.

Inspired by the thought, Arius led Nocturne to a secluded area. Consuming a gold ingot, he activated the Treasure Appraisal Mirror, aiming to enhance the tiger’s aptitude.

A mysterious light began to radiate from the mirror as the gold ingot was consumed entirely. Layers of divine glow flowed from the artifact, casting an ethereal sheen across Nocturne.

Arius focused the mirror’s light on the beast, watching intently.

The next moment, the massive Nocturne began to shrink at an astonishing rate.

In the span of just two or three breaths, the once-mighty beast, towering like a small mountain, had reduced to the size of a house cat.

Arius blinked, momentarily stunned.

He had envisioned riding Nocturne as a mount, a majestic beast to carry him across the lands. Now, the creature was so small it could perch on his shoulder.

“What’s going on?” Arius murmured, puzzled.

Nocturne, too, seemed bewildered at first, staring at its diminutive frame with wide eyes. But soon, its confusion gave way to elation.

The beast could sense it—its potential had multiplied several times over.

More than that, a faint trace of an ancient, powerful bloodline had awakened within it. Though the bloodline was so thin it was almost imperceptible, instinct told Nocturne that this was a profound transformation.

With this newfound bloodline, Nocturne realized it might someday achieve breakthroughs far beyond its wildest dreams. The Level 1 Realm, the Level 2 Realm, perhaps even the legendary Level 3 Realm—all of it now seemed within reach.

As for the size of its body? That was of no concern.

A beast’s combat power was never determined by its physical dimensions.

Even a palm-sized Level 5 Realm beast could devour a Level 4 beast the size of a mountain in one bite.

“Roar! Roar-roar!!”

Though Nocturne’s body was now small enough to pass as an ordinary house cat, its roars still carried the fierce authority of a tiger. The juxtaposition of its mighty roar and adorable, diminutive form gave it a strangely endearing charm as it followed closely behind Arius.

Nocturne nuzzled against Arius, its demeanor completely transformed. Once a fierce and imposing tiger, it now acted more like a spoiled pet, playfully begging Arius to use the Treasure Appraisal Mirror on it again.

“Shoo, shoo…” Arius chuckled, half-amused and half-exasperated as he waved the small creature away.

“Behave yourself, and maybe I’ll consider it later…”

He shook his head in disbelief. The once-majestic ferocious tiger was now a pint-sized, adorable companion.

Despite Nocturne’s antics, Arius ignored its pleading and instead offered a vague promise, a figurative “carrot on a stick” to keep the creature motivated.

The truth was, Nocturne’s current aptitude had already surpassed the limits of what worldly resources like gold and silver could improve.

To enhance it further, Arius would need to invest a substantial amount of spirit stone fragments, or even low-grade spirit stones—a luxury far beyond his current means.

The aptitude of beasts, like that of human cultivators, was categorized into tiers: Mortal, Common, Profound, Earth, and Heaven.

Previously, Nocturne’s aptitude had been at the Mortal level, akin to the “pseudo-spirit roots” of human cultivators—barely passable.

However, after one enhancement, Nocturne’s aptitude had risen to the Profound level, equivalent to a Profound-grade Spirit Root in humans.

Arius couldn’t help but recall his own struggles.

Not long ago, he had spent twenty spirit stone fragments in a futile attempt to enhance his Profound-grade Spirit Root to the Earth level. Based on his calculations, raising it further would require at least ten low-grade spirit stones—equivalent to one thousand spirit stone fragments.

Ultimately, it all came down to one inescapable fact: he was just too poor.

Arius sighed inwardly at his predicament.

He patted Nocturne on the head, muttering a few instructions to the creature before quickly departing from Nezier Town.

The battle for the silver mine could erupt at any moment.

Arius needed to reach the cultivation market as soon as possible to sell the Centennial Tempering Grass and procure resources to bolster his strength.

This time, however, Arius’s destination wasn’t the small cultivation market located two hundred miles from Nezier Town. Instead, he was heading to the largest cultivation market within ten thousand miles—the Immortal Market.

The Immortal Market was established by the Quillen family, one of the eight great families of Pyrenees Mountain County.

The Quillen family operated a total of fourteen such markets across the region, each overseen by late-stage Level 1 cultivators.

Arius knew a fair bit about the Quillen family’s background.

They were not just powerful—they were elite.

The Quillen family’s strength far outclassed factions like Blood Wolf Hall. Backed by multiple Level 2 cultivators, they could crush a force like Blood Wolf Hall effortlessly, should they so desire.

Even within the Albigensians Sect, many of the Level 1 stewards and even Level 2 elders hailed from the Quillen family.

While Blood Wolf Hall dominated its territory as a regional tyrant, the Quillen family was in an entirely different league—a true aristocracy in the cultivation world.

The Immortal Market nearest to Purple River City was located roughly four thousand miles from Nezier Town.

Even if Arius traveled at full speed, the journey would take several days.

But reckless haste wasn’t an option.

When traveling outside, it was essential to conserve strength and remain vigilant at all times.

Given this, Arius estimated that it would take him at least a month to reach Tiddis City, conduct his business, and return to Purple River City.

By then, the situation with the silver mine would likely have taken a turn for the worse.

Blood Wolf Hall and other factions would almost certainly seize control of the mine during his absence.

But that didn’t matter.

Temporary losses were inconsequential.

As long as he could ultimately reclaim the mine and its profits, the twists and turns along the way were irrelevant.

What mattered was the final outcome.

 

Chapter 43 Ancient Origin City, Quillen Family’s Methods

Wooooo—!

The howling wind swept through the endless mountains and valleys, bringing with it icy snow that blanketed the landscape. Even the fierce birds and beasts that usually prowled the forests had retreated into their dens, vanishing without a trace.

In the silver-white world of winter, Arius moved swiftly. Each step he took left a faint afterimage in his wake, his figure slicing through the frigid air like a shadow.

Time passed, and the cycle of day and night repeated itself.

Half a month later, after traversing the frosty wilderness, Arius finally arrived at an imposing city.

The city’s walls were monumental, standing ten meters high and three meters thick. From a distance, the city seemed less like a settlement and more like an ancient beast crouched on the earth, its aura primal and untamed.

Above the massive gates, three bold and domineering ancient characters were etched into the stone:

Tiddis City.

The characters seemed to have been carved by a sword. Upon closer inspection, the engraved strokes seemed to pulse with an overwhelming sword energy, as though they could cleave the heavens themselves.

Tiddis City had a long and storied history. According to legend, its founder was a Level 4 Realm cultivator, and it was this cultivator who had inscribed those three ancient characters upon the city gates.

“As expected of Tiddis City…”

“Even the city guards are Skin Tempering Realm cultivators,” a first-time visitor marveled as they observed the armored sentinels patrolling the gates.

Arius, however, remained calm, his expression serene.

Blending in with the crowd, he queued to enter the city.

The guards, sensing the powerful aura emanating from Arius, quickly adopted a respectful demeanor.

In Tiddis City, a cultivator at the Organ Tempering Realm was considered an expert.

One of the guards stepped forward, cupping his hands in deference as he addressed Arius.

“Welcome to Tiddis City, senior. May I ask if you’d like to register your personal information?”

“Our city has a rule: any cultivator who registers their details will be provided free food, lodging, and other essentials during their stay.”

Arius nodded slightly, finding no reason to refuse the request.

This rule was set by one of the Quillen family’s Level 2 patriarchs, a policy designed to attract cultivators to the city.

The Quillen family, being a merchant clan, had always adhered to a strategy of building broad connections.

Many rogue cultivators, and even the patriarchs of certain factions, held honorary positions as guest elders of the Quillen family.

It was this skillful diplomacy, rather than brute force, that allowed the Quillen family to grow their influence and dominate the market.

Upon entering Tiddis City, the harsh wind and snow abruptly ceased. In its place, a warm spring breeze swept through the streets.

Clearly, the city was protected by a powerful formation that controlled the climate.

The streets of the city were lined with lush trees and vibrant flowers, their fragrance wafting gently through the air.

Arius didn’t linger to enjoy the sights. Instead, he headed directly toward the Sanyuan Immortal Market, which was located in the city’s core district.

Tiddis City was divided into three zones: the outer city, the inner city, and the core district.

The outer and inner cities were home to mortals, while the core district was reserved exclusively for cultivators.

Ordinarily, mortals were forbidden from entering the core district.

There were, of course, exceptions.

Each cultivator was allowed to bring up to three mortals to live with them in the core district. Additionally, most of the servants and maids in the core district were mortals as well.

“Honored Immortal Master…”

“We’ve been waiting for you!”

The moment Arius stepped into the inner city, he was surrounded by a group of beautiful women. Each of them was dressed to perfection, their graceful movements and alluring smiles carefully crafted to capture attention.

These women were mortals and distant relatives of the Quillen family.

They had been stationed here by the Quillen family specifically to greet cultivators entering the core district.

If one of these women succeeded in becoming a cultivator’s servant or concubine, the Quillen family would even reward her handsomely for her efforts.

Beauty, it seemed, was just another tool in the Quillen family’s arsenal for winning over cultivators.

 

Chapter 44: The Immortal Tower, selling precious medicine

Glancing at the crowd of coquettish mortal women vying for his attention, Arius remained indifferent.

If he were still a young man, perhaps the sight of these alluring figures would have swayed him. But at over a hundred years old, Arius had long grown numb to such distractions, his mind hardened by the vicissitudes of life.

Cultivators were not without desires, but as time wore on, their ambitions shifted. For most, there was only one true goal: immortality and ascension to godhood.

Sensing Arius’s aloof demeanor, the women quickly realized their efforts were futile and tactfully withdrew, seeking their next opportunity.

Soon enough, they found another cultivator entering the Immortal Market.

“Master Immortal, I’ve been waiting for you…” one of them cooed, her tone sweet and inviting.

“Scram!!”

The cultivator’s temper flared instantly. His violent aura burst forth, sending a shockwave that left the women pale and disoriented, their ears ringing. A few even stumbled, nearly collapsing from the sheer force of it.

Watching the scene unfold, Arius couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

These mortal women, all distant branches of the Quillen family, had neither spiritual roots nor talent for cultivation. Their low status within the Quillen family left them with little choice but to forsake their dignity, hoping to catch the eye of a passing cultivator.

They dreamed of being chosen as a servant, concubine, or even a wife. To them, such a fate would be akin to stepping into the heavens, securing wealth and glory beyond measure.

But reality was cruel.

Even cultivators at the Skin Tempering Realm rarely took mortals as their wives. Only those who had given up entirely on the path of immortality, resigned to a mundane existence, would consider such arrangements.

For those still striving for the Dao, with their hearts set on immortality, there was no time for romance, marriage, or family.

Walking along the bustling streets, Arius took his time. After the span of a single cup of tea, he finally arrived at the Immortal Market.

Compared to the small market two hundred miles outside of Nezier Town, this market was at least a hundred times larger.

The Immortal Market housed over two thousand cultivators. Many of them were at the Bone Tempering or Organ Tempering stages, and some even flew above the market on magical artifacts—Level 1 cultivators, displaying their power.

The market was divided into three main sections:

1. Immortal Tower:
   A massive trading building directly controlled by the Quillen family. It was said that as long as you had spirit stones, you could purchase anything here, even Level 2 treasures and pills.
2. BaMiles Street :
   This street hosted shops run by independent cultivators and other factions in Tiddis City. While not directly managed by the Quillen family, every shopkeeper paid a portion of their profits to them annually.
   Wandering cultivators also set up stalls here. The Quillen family took a lenient approach with these merchants, charging no taxes and imposing no restrictions as long as they didn’t disrupt the market’s order.
3. The Auction House:
   Jointly managed by the Quillen family and the Albigensians Sect.
   Despite being labeled as a joint venture, most of the auction’s profits went to the Albigensians Sect. As the true overlord of Pyrenees Mountain County, the Albigensians Sect claimed the lion’s share of any lucrative enterprise.

Arius entered the Immortal Tower first, intending to sell the Centennial Tempering Grass, which still had seven intact leaves, to the tower.

Although selling it directly to Immortal Tower wouldn’t fetch the highest price, there were two significant benefits:

1. He would receive spirit stones immediately, without delay.
2. Immortal Tower had a sterling reputation for discretion.

Even if he brought something as valuable as a Level 2 treasure, the Quillen family wouldn’t resort to murder or robbery.

It wasn’t out of kindness—it was because the Quillen family, as a merchant clan, valued profits above all else.

Reputation, after all, was part of their business model.

Unless the rewards were unimaginably vast, the Quillen family wouldn’t tarnish the foundation they had built over centuries.

Initially, Arius had considered selling the grass through the auction house.

Selling the Centennial Tempering Grass through the auction house would undoubtedly fetch a higher price, and the auction at the Immortal Market was well-known for its impeccable reputation.

The problem, however, was timing.

The next auction wasn’t scheduled for another two months, and Arius simply couldn’t afford to wait that long.

Including travel time, waiting for the grass to be auctioned and returning to Purple River City would take at least three months.

By then, the silver mine at Lunford Town would likely already be halfway excavated by Blood Wolf Hall.

In the open field, Arius could rely on Level 2 talismans to easily contend with Blood Wolf Hall’s four Level 1 cultivators.

But if the mined silver were transported to Blood Wolf Hall’s headquarters, things would become far more complicated.

The hall, with its ancient heritage, was protected by numerous deadly formations. Breaking into their stronghold would require a great deal of effort—even for a Level 2 Realm cultivator.

As Arius entered the Immortal Tower, a young servant girl approached him. She exuded the faint aura of a mid-stage Skin Tempering cultivator, her demeanor respectful yet professional.

“Senior, may I ask if you’re here to make a purchase, or perhaps to sell something?”

Arius glanced at her, then swept his gaze around the area before replying calmly, “I have a Centennial Tempering Grass to sell. Go call your manager.”

The servant froze momentarily, clearly taken aback by his words.

Though her cultivation level wasn’t high, her position at Immortal Tower meant she was well aware of the grass’s immense value.

Recovering quickly from her surprise, she bowed and enthusiastically led Arius to a private room on the second floor, treating him with utmost courtesy.

If the transaction for the Centennial Tempering Grass went through, she would receive a reward—a spirit stone fragment.

For her, that single fragment was worth two years of savings.

In both the Albigensians Sect and the Quillen family, obtaining cultivation resources as a low-level cultivator was exceedingly difficult.

“Senior, please enjoy some tea while I fetch the steward to assist you,” she said, pouring a pot of fragrant tea and setting out an assortment of fresh fruits and snacks.

With that, the servant excused herself and hurried toward the second floor of the tower.

The Immortal Tower had three levels, each with its own access restrictions:

• The first floor was open to cultivators of the Four Body Tempering Realms.
• The second floor catered to Level 1 Realm cultivators.
• The third floor was a private space reserved for the tower’s manager, rarely open to outsiders.

The hierarchy within Immortal Tower was clear:

• The manager, who oversaw the tower, was a late-stage Level 1 expert.
• The stewards, who handled significant transactions, were all at the Peak of Organ Tempering.
• The servants, like the girl who had greeted Arius, were low-level cultivators or mortals serving the tower.

As Arius waited, his expression remained calm, though his thoughts were focused.

Selling the Centennial Tempering Grass here wouldn’t yield the highest profit, but it offered two critical advantages: immediate payment in spirit stone fragments and absolute discretion.

The Quillen family, for all their wealth and influence, wouldn’t jeopardize their reputation by harming a seller or stealing their goods—not unless the stakes were unimaginably high.

The foundation of their vast mercantile empire was built on trust, and they wouldn’t risk dismantling it over a single transaction.

Arius’s original plan had been to consign the grass to the auction house.

 

Chapter 45: Deal, Underground Black Market

Shortly after the servant girl left, an elderly man with yellowing hair and a kind smile stepped into the private room where Arius waited.

“Friend, might I take a look at your Centennial Tempering Grass?” the old man asked directly, his tone polite but professional.

Arius nodded without hesitation, retrieving the Centennial Tempering Grass from his storage.

The moment the grass appeared, a rich medicinal aroma filled the room, spreading outward like a warm breeze.

“Ah, indeed, this is a true Centennial Herb!”

“Impressive. Very impressive…” the elder murmured, carefully examining the herb in Arius’s hands with a gleam of admiration in his eyes.

For cultivators in the Four Body Tempering Realms or the Level 1 Realm, the Centennial Tempering Grass was classified as a grand-grade treasure.

“Hmm…”

“This herb is of fine quality, though it seems one of the branches has been used,” the elder commented as he ran his fingers lightly over the grass’s structure.

“Based on market value, it’s worth approximately two to three low-grade spirit stones. However, if you’re serious about selling it, Immortal Tower is willing to offer you four low-grade spirit stones.”

As he spoke, the elder stroked his beard with an air of satisfaction.

Arius considered the offer for a moment and decided not to haggle.

Four low-grade spirit stones was a fair price, and at the moment, Arius was more focused on exchanging the herb for spirit stones quickly so he could purchase cultivation resources.

With the Treasure Appraisal Mirror in his possession, he planned to buy low-grade spiritual herbs, enhance them, and resell them for a significant profit.

Of course, Arius understood the risks of overdoing it.

If he repeatedly used the Treasure Appraisal Mirror to enhance and resell too many items in the Sanyuan Immortal Market, he would inevitably attract the attention of the Level 1 cultivators.

Revealing the secret of the Treasure Appraisal Mirror for the sake of a few spirit stones would be a disaster—one that could easily cost him his life.

Arius had already formulated a long-term plan. Once the situation with the silver mine was resolved and he reclaimed the 500-mile territory from the Song family, he intended to cultivate a group of loyal cultivators.

With a large enough following, the De Molinos family could establish its own cultivation market and merchant guild.

At that point, the De Molinos family would be able to use their guild to sell the resources and treasures enhanced by the Treasure Appraisal Mirror, generating a steady stream of wealth.

“Deal,” Arius said simply, snapping out of his thoughts and finalizing the transaction with the elder.

The elder accepted the Centennial Tempering Grass, and shortly afterward, a servant brought over four low-grade spirit stones.

Holding the stones in his hands, Arius felt a subtle sense of wonder.

Four low-grade spirit stones were equivalent to 400 spirit stone fragments, yet Arius had never possessed a complete low-grade spirit stone until now.

Unlike spirit stone fragments, a complete low-grade spirit stone emitted a calming energy just by being carried, soothing the mind and nourishing the meridians.

For mortals, prolonged exposure to a low-grade spirit stone could even prevent illness and extend their lifespan.

Spirit stone fragments, though imbued with spiritual energy, lacked these additional benefits.

Satisfied with the transaction, Arius didn’t leave Immortal Tower immediately. Instead, he wandered through the first floor, examining the various items on display.

As a token of appreciation for selling the herb, the elder had gifted Arius a VIP card.

With the VIP card, Arius could enjoy a 10% discount on purchases and was granted unrestricted access to the tower’s second floor—a privilege typically reserved for Level 1 cultivators.

In the world of cultivation, rules were rarely set in stone.

Often, the so-called rules existed only to be bent or broken when circumstances demanded it.

Arius, however, didn’t feel the need to rush to the second floor. The materials and pills available on the first floor were already sufficient for his needs.

“Hmm?”

As he passed by a particular counter, Arius came to a sudden stop.

Hanging prominently above the counter was a plaque that read: Low-Grade Level 1 Pills.

Price: Two Low-Grade Spirit Stones.

The Level 1 Pill, as the name suggests, was an auxiliary pill designed to assist cultivators in breaking through to the Level 1 Realm.

A single low-grade Level 1 Pill could increase the success rate of breaking through by 20 to 30 percent!

“Senior, I must apologize…”

Noticing Arius’s attention lingering on the pill’s display, a servant girl approached him with a regretful expression.

“At the moment, our Immortal Tower has no stock of Level 1 Pills,” she explained.

In Pyrenees Mountain County, cultivators at the Peak of Organ Tempering were numerous, and whenever Level 1 Pills became available, they were immediately snatched up.

Just six months ago, during an auction held at the Sanyuan Immortal Market in Tiddis City, a single low-grade Level 1 Pill had been sold.

Though its starting bid was set at the equivalent of 50 spirit stone fragments, it had ultimately been auctioned off for a staggering 30 low-grade spirit stones!

The pill’s value far exceeded its actual rank as a Level 1-grade medicine.

Even top-quality Level 1-grade pills rarely fetched more than five or six low-grade spirit stones.

Thirty low-grade spirit stones, on the other hand, were enough to purchase Level 2 pills or artifacts.

As the servant continued to explain and apologize, Arius responded with a calm nod, his expression unbothered.

Pills like the Level 1 Pill or Level 2 Pill were always in short supply.

Whether in Tiddis City, within the Albigensians Sect, or even throughout the Aragon Kingdom’s entire cultivation world, demand always outpaced supply.

“Friend…”

Just as Arius was lost in thought, the elder who had facilitated his earlier transaction emerged from the side and addressed him.

“While it’s true that Immortal Tower currently has no Level 1 Pills in stock, I do know of a place where you might find one—or other treasures that might interest you.”

The elder’s tone was calm, but his words carried a hint of intrigue.

“Surely you’ve heard of the underground black market?”

“In Tiddis City, besides our Sanyuan Immortal Market, there is also a hidden underground black market,” the elder continued, his voice lowering slightly.

“The black market sells everything under the heavens, though much of it comes with questionable origins…”

The elder trailed off, his expression unreadable, as if to let Arius infer the risks himself.

Arius, of course, was no stranger to black markets.

During his time cultivating within the Albigensians Sect, he had visited its underground black market on several occasions.

Compared to legitimate cultivation markets, black markets often boasted rare and unexpected treasures. However, they were also rife with counterfeits and traps.

In official cultivation markets, especially larger trading houses, transactions were typically secure. At worst, one might overpay for an item, but encountering a forgery was almost unheard of.

In contrast, the underground black market offered no such guarantees. If you were deceived, you had no choice but to accept your misfortune.

In these shadowy markets, once a deal was concluded, buyer and seller would sever all ties, disappearing without a trace.

Most importantly, everyone entering the black market was required to wear masks that concealed both their aura and appearance, ensuring anonymity.

“Friend, here’s a map of Tiddis City’s underground black market,” the elder said, pulling out a crumpled scroll and handing it to Arius.

“This map includes the location of the black market as well as the dates it opens each month. If you’re interested, you might try your luck…”

The elder’s attitude was noticeably friendly, his gesture one of goodwill.

For the elder, building rapport with Arius seemed a wise investment.

After all, it was entirely possible that Arius would soon break through and become a Level 1 Realm expert.

 

Chapter 46: Only by daring to fight and retreat can one rise

“Thank you, friend.”

Stowing the map of the black market provided by the elder, Arius purchased five Ten-Year Tempering Grasses and a few ordinary pills from the Immortal Tower before leaving without delay.

After stepping out of the tower, Arius rented a room at an inn within the Immortal Market.

But, ever cautious, he refrained from using the Treasure Appraisal Mirror within the city. Instead, under the cover of night, he slipped out of Tiddis City with the mirror in hand.

Tiddis City was guarded by Level 1 cultivators and cloaked by a powerful formation. Even in the privacy of the inn, Arius suspected the Quillen family might have spies monitoring the premises.

Even if that weren’t the case, he wasn’t willing to gamble on the possibility.

As the saying goes: Better safe than sorry. Caution was the key to survival, and only through vigilance could one tread further down the path of cultivation.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Under the dim moonlight, Arius moved like a shadow through the snowy wilderness outside Tiddis City. He wandered the area for an entire day, ensuring no one had followed him.

Finally convinced he was alone, Arius entered a secluded cave and carefully took out the Treasure Appraisal Mirror.

From his transaction at Immortal Tower, Arius had gained four low-grade spirit stones. However, his purchases of five Ten-Year Tempering Grasses and two bottles of pills had cost him 50 spirit stone fragments.

Now, he was left with three complete low-grade spirit stones and 50 spirit stone fragments.

Arius placed the Treasure Appraisal Mirror before him, consumed one low-grade spirit stone, and began upgrading the Five Thunder Talisman.

As the spirit stone dissolved, the mirror radiated a soft, mystical light that filled the cave with an otherworldly glow.

Perhaps because a single low-grade spirit stone held immense value, the light from the mirror this time was brighter than it had ever been.

Holding the mirror steady, Arius directed its beam onto the Five Thunder Talisman.

The moment the light enveloped the talisman, its form began to change.

What had once been a plain, token-like object now transformed into a fist-sized golden orb, its surface engraved with intricate runes crackling with the power of thunder.

The talisman had now reached the threshold of becoming a Level 2-level treasure.

To be precise, it wasn’t quite a low-grade Level 2 treasure yet, but it could unleash half the power of such an artifact.

Even so, this was more than sufficient to deal with Level 1 cultivators.

Half the strength of a low-grade Level 2 treasure was equivalent to a quarter of the power of an early-stage Level 2 cultivator.

Against such force, a Level 1 cultivator would stand little chance unless they also possessed a treasure or were protected by a formation.

In the world of cultivation, the gap between major realms was vast—so much so that even the most talented geniuses could only hope to challenge opponents within a minor realm above their own.

To surpass a major realm and defeat someone far beyond their level was nothing short of fantasy.

After upgrading the first Five Thunder Talisman, Arius didn’t hesitate. He consumed another low-grade spirit stone and upgraded the second Five Thunder Talisman to the same quasi-Level 2 level.

Two low-grade spirit stones for two quasi-Level 2 treasures—an excellent trade by any measure.

Once he returned to Purple River City, Arius planned to use these talismans to ambush and kill one or two Level 1 cultivators from Blood Wolf Hall.

Such an act would not only secure valuable resources from his fallen enemies but also serve to establish the De Molinos family’s dominance.

If the De Molinos family was to contest the silver mine and deter other factions, Arius knew he couldn’t let Blood Wolf Hall leave unscathed.

By taking the lives of a few Level 1 cultivators, the De Molinos family’s strength and reputation would be cemented.

This, of course, would irrevocably escalate hostilities with Blood Wolf Hall, but such was the price of rising to prominence.

No faction could grow without conflict.

For the De Molinos family to thrive, they would need both patience and the courage to engage in external battles.

Even if the silver mine dispute were resolved, Arius intended to create an external threat for the De Molinos family. The clan needed a constant sense of danger to remain vigilant and grow stronger.

During his century of cultivation within the Albigensians Sect, the De Molinos family had been sheltered by his status, rarely encountering any real crises.

This lack of adversity had bred complacency, especially among the younger generation. Deprived of struggle, they had lost their will to fight and their understanding of the world’s harsh realities.

In this brutal, survival-of-the-fittest world, any faction lacking decisiveness and resolve would inevitably be devoured.

Inside the pitch-black cave, Arius completed the upgrades to his talismans and turned his attention to the other items.

He enhanced the two bottles of Level 2 Pills he had purchased. These pills could be used both to aid cultivation and to rapidly recover strength during battle.

Using 20 spirit stone fragments, Arius upgraded the low-grade Pills into Level 1 pills.

These pills, however, were not for sale—they were reserved for his personal use.

As for the five Ten-Year Tempering Grasses, Arius refrained from using spirit stone fragments to upgrade them.

If he enhanced them into Centennial Tempering Grasses, they would draw attention—but not enough to endanger him.

However, should he dare to present Two-Hundred-Year Tempering Grasses, it would undoubtedly attract the covetous eyes of Level 1 or even Level 2 cultivators.

Two-Hundred-Year Tempering Grasses were classified as Level 2 treasures, and even within the Albigensians Sect, they were considered exceedingly rare.

A treasure needed not only time to grow but also the perfect convergence of conditions—weather, location, and innate fortune.

 

Chapter 47 Black Market Transactions, Mask Magical Weapons

After upgrading and organizing his various items in the cave, Arius braved the wind and snow and returned to the inn within the Immortal Market.

In Tiddis City, most ordinary inns offered free lodging to cultivators.

However, Arius chose not to stay in a common inn. Instead, he rented a room equipped with a Spirit Gathering Array for cultivation.

According to the map provided for the black market, Tiddis City’s underground black market opened only once every half month.

The next opening was scheduled for two days later.

Two days wasn’t much of a wait, and Arius decided it was worth staying.

Though the situation with the silver mine was pressing, Arius had confidence in the Pills he had enhanced.

By consuming these pills while traveling back to Purple River City, he could maintain his peak state and make up for lost time by pushing himself to travel at full speed. Two or three extra days wouldn’t matter.

With this in mind, Arius took out a spirit stone fragment, sat cross-legged in his rented room, and began cultivating.

The path of cultivation was like a treacherous bridge, crowded with countless rivals vying to cross.

To waste even a moment of cultivation time was something Arius could not afford—a habit he had cultivated over the years.

He recalled his early days, when he had entered the Albigensians Sect through the clan’s Ascension Token.

Back then, his aptitude was abysmal. To avoid being left behind, Arius had no choice but to seize every second, pushing himself with tenfold or even a hundredfold effort compared to others.

It was only through this relentless perseverance that he managed to break through to the Blood Tempering Realm, despite his pseudo-spirit root.

After all, while pseudo-spirit roots allowed one to cultivate, most with such an aptitude struggled to advance, no matter how many resources they consumed.

“Phew…”

With his eyes half-closed, Arius allowed the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to circulate through his meridians, nourishing his internal organs. A deep tranquility settled over him.

The waning moon sank into the horizon, and the rising sun heralded a new day.

Two days passed quickly.

Within the inn, the spirit stone fragment in Arius’s hand had long been drained of its energy, crumbling into fine powder.

Standing up, Arius casually scattered the powder to the wind before leaving the inn at a leisurely pace.

After two days of cultivation, his strength had advanced slightly.

Of course, when it came to breaking through to the Level 1 Realm, such progress was barely a drop in the ocean.

Still, Arius felt content.

As the saying goes: A thousand streams merge to form a river.

The path of immortality was one of steady accumulation.

Every breath and every cycle of spiritual energy added to one’s cultivation base. Though the effects of this gradual accumulation were often imperceptible, when the moment of breakthrough came, all those efforts would coalesce into a profound foundation—a sharp blade to shatter the bottlenecks on the path to ascension.

Navigating through the bustling streets of Tiddis City, Arius followed the directions on the black market map to a desolate structure on the outskirts of the outer city.

The abandoned building was surrounded by towering, ancient bramble trees.

These trees were massive, their sprawling branches and vines creating a canopy that blocked out the sun and moon. Each vine, as thick as a human arm, bristled with sharp thorns.

What made the scene even more unnerving was the presence of countless colorful, venomous snakes coiled among the brambles. Their sinister forms exuded an air of lethal danger.

Seeing this, even ordinary cultivators at the Skin Tempering or Blood Tempering stages would hesitate to approach, let alone attempt to pass through.

To enter Tiddis City’s underground black market, one first had to cross this treacherous forest of brambles.

Arius gazed at the hazardous terrain with calm confidence. Without hesitation, he took his first step into the thorny forest, showing no signs of fear or pause.

Rustle… rustle…

As Arius stepped into the bramble forest, the overwhelming aura of his Peak Organ Tempering Realm cultivation burst forth, radiating from his body like a tidal wave.

Sensing the oppressive force emanating from him, the venomous snakes lurking among the brambles immediately recoiled, retreating into the shadows.

The dense, iron-hard vines glinting with cold light posed even less of a threat to Arius, unable to hinder his steps in the slightest.

After crossing the treacherous thicket with ease, the desolate building before him began to transform.

What had appeared as a dilapidated structure from the outside now revealed itself as a colossal stone gate, majestic and imposing.

“Greetings, Senior!”

Standing at the entrance was a dwarf-like man who broke into a wide smile upon seeing Arius approach.

The man bowed respectfully, his tone deferential as he greeted Arius.

The aura he emanated was that of a Bone Tempering Realm cultivator.

Dressed in a green robe with several black masks hanging from his belt and a token identifying his position, the dwarf was clearly one of the stewards of Tiddis City’s underground black market.

His role was to welcome cultivators entering the market.

“This must be your first time visiting Tiddis City’s underground market, Senior…”

“This mask is a magical artifact personally refined by our market master. Once you wear it, even an early-stage Level 1 cultivator will be unable to discern your appearance or aura!”

“Renting this mask costs one spirit stone fragment per use. Our market master has made it a rule that anyone entering the underground market must rent one. I hope you can understand, Senior.”

As the dwarf spoke, he removed a black mask from his belt and handed it to Arius.

The mask appeared unremarkable at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it was clear that it was a top-grade Level 1 artifact.

Though the mask had no offensive or defensive capabilities, its primary function was to conceal the wearer’s appearance, voice, and aura completely.

Arius hesitated briefly before taking out a spirit stone fragment and handing it to the steward in exchange for the mask.

While the price of one spirit stone fragment for a single rental seemed steep, Arius would have chosen to rent the mask even without the mandatory rule.

In a place as unpredictable as the black market, where powerful cultivators and shady characters gathered, revealing one’s identity openly during transactions was akin to inviting trouble. A mask like this was an invaluable safeguard.

“Thank you, Senior! May your transactions be successful!”

After receiving the spirit stone fragment, the dwarf bowed again with a respectful smile.

Placing the mask over his face, Arius felt its effects instantly. His cultivation base, voice, and aura were completely veiled, altered by the mask’s power into something unrecognizable.

“By the way, is this mask available for purchase?” Arius asked, intrigued by the artifact’s utility.

Having experienced its effects firsthand, he couldn’t help but wonder how beneficial it would be to own one permanently. Whether for his own travels or for sending family members on missions, a mask like this could ensure their secrets remained protected.

The dwarf steward shook his head regretfully, his expression apologetic.

“I’m afraid not, Senior.”

“Artifacts like this are not for sale. Our market master has chosen to keep them exclusive to the underground market.”

Hearing this, Arius felt a twinge of disappointment.

If the mask had been available for purchase, he would have gladly paid a high price to acquire it.

 

Chapter 48: Residual Soul-Nourishing Pill, Transaction Begins

With the mask artifact securely in place, Arius stepped through the massive stone gate and entered a dimly lit underground passage. The corridor stretched on endlessly, and it was only after walking for a quarter-hour that he finally emerged into the heart of Tiddis City’s underground black market.

The scale of the market was staggering, far exceeding that of the Immortal Market operated by the Quillen family.

Still, Arius found it hard to believe that the black market wasn’t somehow connected to the Quillen family.

Unlike the transparent channels and quality guarantees offered at the Immortal Market, the black market operated in the shadows. Here, it was more of a clearinghouse for stolen goods than a legitimate trade hub.

The items for sale ranged from treasures acquired through murder and robbery to counterfeit goods crafted with deceptive precision, and even dubious items that teetered between genuine and fake.

“Strong slaves! Fifty spirit stone fragments each! Get them while they last!”

“Beautiful female cultivators! Only three hundred fragments! A bargain you can’t afford to miss!”

“Blood Tempering Realm beasts for sale! Take a look! Flying Blood Tempering beasts, only two hundred fragments each!”

The black market hadn’t officially begun yet, but many vendors were already hawking their wares.

True treasures, however, were rarely bought with spirit stones in this place. Instead, they were typically exchanged through barter, as items of great value were often impossible to price.

The layout of the underground black market resembled a vast plaza.

Being located entirely underground, there were no buildings or permanent structures—just endless rows of stalls set up by individual traders.

Compared to the orderly Immortal Market, the black market felt chaotic and oppressive despite its size.

“Help me! Someone, please save me!”

“I beg you, let me go…”

Throughout the market, desperate voices could be heard. Shackled cultivators, reduced to slaves, cried out for mercy. Ferocious beasts, trapped in reinforced cages, roared and snarled, some even spitting fire.

In the Aragon Kingdom’s cultivation world, slavery and the sale of forbidden techniques were publicly banned under the guise of righteousness.

Yet in places like this black market, anything could be found—slaves, forbidden techniques, and sometimes even demonic cultivators openly running stalls.

Arius wandered through the market, carefully inspecting the items on display. Most were either outrageously overpriced or obvious fakes.

Seeing no point in wasting more time, he chose an empty patch of ground and sat down cross-legged to wait for the market’s official opening.

Traditionally, when the black market opened, the market master would present a selection of true treasures to kick off the trading.

As the time for the opening approached, the number of cultivators in the black market steadily grew.

Soon, the once sparse market was packed with cultivators, all wearing mask artifacts to conceal their identities.

Seeing the crowd, Arius gained a deeper appreciation for the black market’s immense resources.

There were thousands of cultivators gathered here, yet the market never seemed to run out of mask artifacts for its visitors.

Though the materials used to create these masks were likely far cheaper than those for standard Level 1 artifacts, crafting thousands of such masks still required a staggering amount of resources—resources even a Level 2 cultivator would struggle to provide.

As Arius contemplated this, a sudden wave of overwhelming auras surged through the air.

The source of the auras appeared at the far end of the market. Men and women of varying ages stepped forward, each exuding a presence that drew the attention of every cultivator present.

Some were dressed in luxurious robes, others radiated a cold and imposing aura, while a few carried themselves with an ethereal, otherworldly grace.

None of them wore masks.

The moment they appeared, many of the black market’s stewards dropped to their knees, bowing deeply with reverence.

“Welcome, Market Master! Welcome, esteemed seniors!”

“Greetings, Market Master! Greetings, honored predecessors!”

The stewards’ voices rang with respect, their gazes filled with awe as they prostrated themselves before the newcomers.

It was immediately clear that these individuals were Level 1 cultivators.

Even though they refrained from deliberately releasing their auras, their mere presence was enough to make the Body Tempering cultivators in the market feel an oppressive weight pressing down on them.

For cultivators of their level, concealing their faces was unnecessary. Their power alone was enough to deter any threats, and their identities carried considerable prestige.

Among the group was an elder standing beside the market master. His presence immediately caught Arius’s attention.

That elder was a Level 1 steward from the Albigensians Sect—someone Arius had encountered multiple times during his years in the sect.

Of course, while Arius recognized the elder from the Albigensians Sect, the elder—an inner sect steward—had no recollection of Arius, who was merely an outer disciple at the time.

“Kehehehe!”

“I hear that Steward has crafted another batch of Living Pills. This time, I must personally sample their quality…”

The Albigensians Sect elder’s eerie laughter rang out as he spoke. The Living Pills he mentioned were similar in concept to the infamous ones once secretly refined by the Ashfell family’s ancestor.

However, there was a significant difference.

The Ashfell family’s Living Pills were crafted using the essence blood of cultivators, while the black market master’s version was created using essence blood from spirit beasts, mixed with rare herbs and treasures.

“Same rules as always—barter only!”

“This time, I’ve brought not only three freshly refined batches of Level 1-level Living Pills but also a single damaged Level 1 Pill!”

As the Albigensians Sect elder finished speaking, the black market master retrieved four jade bottles from his storage ring.

The mention of a damaged Level 1 Pill caused an immediate uproar throughout the underground market.

For Level 1 cultivators, such a pill was of little practical value.

But for the vast majority of cultivators present—mostly those in the Body Tempering Realm—the Level 1 Pill represented the holy grail of treasures.

Especially for those at the Peak Organ Tempering Realm, the pill was more precious than any other artifact or treasure.

After all, no matter how valuable other treasures might be, they could rarely, if ever, help a cultivator directly break through to the Level 1 Realm.

Even though the pill the black market master presented was damaged, it still held immense value.

A damaged Level 1 Pill could increase the success rate of breaking through the bottleneck by 10 percent.

While 10 percent might seem insignificant, for cultivators striving to step into the next realm, even an additional fraction of a percent could mean the difference between failure and success.

“Market Master, what kind of treasure would be required to exchange for your damaged Level 1 Pill?”

An aged cultivator, leaning heavily on a cane, was the first to step forward and inquire. His voice trembled slightly, betraying his desperation.

The black market master responded with calm indifference.

“Centennial treasures, Level 1 artifacts, unique formations, or rare techniques… any of these would suffice, as long as their value is sufficient to warrant an exchange for this damaged Level 1 Pill.”

“If none of the treasures presented are deemed valuable enough to trade for the pill, I will hold an auction at the end of all transactions to sell it off to the highest bidder.”

 

Chapter 49 Take out the precious medicine in exchange for the Soul-Nourishing Pill

As the black market master’s voice echoed through the underground plaza, the cultivators running stalls began to pack up their wares.

After all, selling items for spirit stones could be done at any time, but Tiddis City’s underground black market only held its official trade session once every fifteen days.

And this time, there was the extraordinary opportunity to bid for a damaged Level 1 Pill.

“I have a Heart of Refined Iron! May I exchange it for the damaged Level 1 Pill in your possession, Market Master?”

A cultivator stepped forward, presenting his treasure in an attempt to barter for the prized pill.

The words Heart of Refined Iron immediately sent a ripple of astonishment through the gathered crowd.

For such a rare material to appear so early in the session—it was truly a shocking start.

The Heart of Refined Iron was an advanced material, far superior to ordinary refined iron ore.

While refined iron ore could only be used to craft Level 1-level artifacts, the Heart of Refined Iron was a material suitable for forging Level 2-level treasures!

Hearing the name, even the black market master and the nearby Level 1 cultivators were visibly tempted.

However, when they saw that the Heart of Refined Iron was only the size of a pea, their expressions shifted to disappointment.

Had the Heart of Refined Iron been the size of a fist, it would have been more than enough to trade for not just one, but two low-grade Level 1 Pills.

But at its current size, while valuable, it fell far short of the required worth.

“A pity…”

“If you had three pieces of this size, I would have been willing to part with the damaged Level 1 Pill, even at a slight loss.”

The black market master’s voice was calm but firm.

Hearing this, the cultivator holding the tiny Heart of Refined Iron let out a bitter sigh.

This was the most precious item in his possession—he had nothing more to offer.

“I have two Level 1-level artifacts. Would they suffice to exchange for the damaged Level 1 Pill?”

Another cultivator stepped forward, presenting his treasures.

The two artifacts in question were a fire-attribute spear for offense and a wood-attribute umbrella for defense. The pair of artifacts formed a well-rounded set, capable of both attack and protection.

“Two lower-grade Level 1 artifacts, is it?”

“The value is still insufficient…”

The black market master shook his head, rejecting the offer without hesitation.

Although the combined value of the two artifacts was equivalent to a high-grade Level 1 artifact, it still fell short compared to the damaged Level 1 Pill.

At best, high-grade Level 1 artifacts could fetch around four or five low-grade spirit stones in value.

Even if these two artifacts were comparable to a top-grade Level 1 artifact, they still wouldn’t match the worth of the damaged Level 1 Pill.

A single damaged Level 1 Pill, if auctioned, could easily fetch at least ten low-grade spirit stones.

“Sigh…”

The cultivator who had offered the two artifacts heaved a defeated sigh and withdrew, blending back into the crowd with a look of resignation.

For most of the Body Tempering cultivators present, the damaged Level 1 Pill was an irresistible treasure. Yet, despite their desires, few had the resources to offer something of equivalent value.

Even the Level 1 cultivators watching from the sidelines possessed treasures that could rival the damaged Level 1 Pill in worth—but few were willing to part with them so easily.

Though the Level 1 cultivators in the crowd possessed treasures that could rival the damaged Level 1 Pill, none of them showed interest.

They had no need for the pill themselves, nor did they have juniors or disciples to pass it down to.

However, the elder from the Albigensians Sect took a step forward, approaching the cultivator who had presented the Heart of Refined Iron. His tone was calm, almost amicable.

“Fellow Daoist, this Heart of Refined Iron interests me greatly.”

“While I don’t have a damaged Level 1 Pill, I do have a Longevity Pill.”

“The decaying aura emanating from you is so heavy that not even the mask artifact refined by Master Liu can fully conceal it.”

“If I’m not mistaken, you have less than six months to live.”

“This pill will extend your life by three years.”

As the elder spoke, he retrieved a small wooden box from his storage ring. Inside was a single low-grade Longevity Pill.

Such pills were only effective for mortals and cultivators at the Body Tempering Realm. Moreover, their efficacy diminished with repeated use.

The first pill would extend one’s life by three years, but the second would only add half that, and subsequent pills would have even lesser effects, eventually becoming entirely ineffective.

In terms of value, Longevity Pills were not inferior to damaged Level 1 Pills.

However, due to the complexity of refining Level 1 Pills and their high failure rate, they were much rarer and harder to obtain.

“Senior, I’ll trade!”

The cultivator didn’t hesitate. With a swift motion, he handed over the Heart of Refined Iron to the elder.

As the elder had accurately observed, his lifespan was running out.

He only had two options: either break through to the Level 1 Realm or rely on the Longevity Pill to stave off death temporarily.

An additional three years of life might not be much, but it was far better than waiting helplessly for the end.

The moment he received the pill, the cultivator swallowed it on the spot.

His decaying aura was too conspicuous. Despite the mask artifact concealing his face and aura, leaving the black market in his current state would make him an easy target for those seeking to rob him.

The pill dissolved in his stomach, and almost instantly, the suffocating decay that had clung to him began to dissipate.

Without lingering to participate in any further trades, the man hurriedly left the underground market.

His departure did little to dampen the bustling atmosphere. If anything, the market’s energy only grew more intense.

A dazzling array of rare and unusual treasures began to appear as cultivators brought out their most precious possessions for trade.

Amidst the excitement, Arius remained seated quietly, deliberately keeping a low profile.

The only items he had that were suitable for trade were the five stalks of Centennial Spirit-Nurturing Grass.

He didn’t dare take out any of the cultivation techniques in his possession.

Even the weakest techniques he owned could lead all the way to the Level 2 Realm. Revealing such a valuable scroll would undoubtedly draw the attention of the Level 1 cultivators present, putting him at significant risk.

Arius’s gaze lingered on the damaged Level 1 Pill in the black market master’s hand.

After a moment of consideration, he reached into his storage ring and withdrew three stalks of Centennial Spirit-Nurturing Grass.

His tone was steady as he spoke, “Master, I offer three stalks of Centennial Spirit-Nurturing Grass. Would that suffice to exchange for your damaged Level 1 Pill?”

The moment his words fell, the entire market erupted in shock.

Three stalks of Centennial Spirit-Nurturing Grass were valued at a minimum of six low-grade spirit stones.

However, such items were rarely available for sale, even when one had the wealth to purchase them.

In most cases, their price would skyrocket to three to five times the standard market value.

In terms of worth, offering three stalks of Centennial Spirit-Nurturing Grass for a single damaged Level 1 Pill was more than generous.

 

Chapter 50: Breath Containment Technique, Full Harvest

When Arius declared that he would trade three stalks of Centennial Spirit-Nurturing Grass for the damaged Level 1 Pill, the black market master didn’t hesitate. He nodded and replied,
“If you can truly produce three stalks of Centennial Spirit-Nurturing Grass, this damaged Level 1 Pill will be yours.”

Though the master agreed to the trade, his gaze held a hint of doubt.

After all, in the entire Pyrenees Mountain Prefecture, even some of the Albigensians Sect’s alchemy stewards would struggle to produce three Centennial treasures at once.

Without a word, Arius reached into his storage ring and withdrew the three stalks.

The moment the Centennial Spirit-Nurturing Grass appeared, a rich medicinal fragrance filled the air, lingering heavily in the surroundings.

“It really is Centennial-grade treasure!”

The black market master’s eyes gleamed with excitement as he gazed at the three stalks.

If he could obtain these, he would be able to refine higher-quality Living Pills, which might help him push his cultivation to the late stage of Level 1.

Should he succeed in reaching the late stage, he would be one step closer to Level 1 Perfection.

He still had nearly a century of lifespan remaining. If he could reach perfection within that time, there was even a faint hope of stepping into the Level 2 Realm in this lifetime.

“Fellow Daoist, from this moment on, this damaged Level 1 Pill… is yours.”

The black market master’s tone softened significantly as he extended the jade bottle containing the pill to Arius.

In the Pyrenees Mountain Prefecture, Centennial-grade treasures were incredibly rare.

Even when such treasures appeared, they were typically found in fragments or half-stalks.

The nearby Level 1 cultivators couldn’t help but show interest in the grass as well.

However, they had nothing as valuable as the Level 1 Pill to offer in exchange.

What’s more, the transaction had already been completed. With the three stalks now in the black market master’s possession, there was no chance of wresting them away.

Not only was the master himself a mid-stage Level 1 cultivator, but he also had the backing of many of the top factions in the prefecture.

Unless someone held Level 2 strength, even a Level 1 Perfection cultivator wouldn’t dare provoke him lightly.

After completing the transaction, Arius didn’t leave immediately.

Instead, he remained seated in his place, observing the ongoing trades. From time to time, rare treasures surfaced among the offerings.

Arius hoped to spot something useful to his cultivation or long-term plans.

“Concealment Technique, created by a Level 4 Grandmaster! Exchangeable for just two low-grade spirit stones!”

A thin, frail-looking cultivator not far from Arius suddenly announced his offer.

Hearing the words Level 4 Grandmaster, even the Albigensians Sect elder was drawn to investigate.

In the Albigensians Sect, even their most advanced cultivation techniques only extended as far as the Level 3 Realm.

However, the elder soon shook his head and walked away.

It turned out the Concealment Technique being offered was merely a fragment.

Furthermore, it wasn’t a primary cultivation method or even a top-tier spell.

Even in its complete form, the Concealment Technique’s only function was to allow its user to alter their aura at will.

For a technique as underwhelming as the Concealment Technique, even in its complete form, its value would remain modest.

After all, once a cultivator reached a certain level, they could naturally alter their aura or even their appearance without much effort.

While most cultivators showed little to no interest in the fragmented Concealment Technique, Arius found himself intrigued.

A single page fragment? That wasn’t a problem. With the Mirror of Celestial Insight in his possession, restoring, completing, or even upgrading the technique wouldn’t be difficult.

Through repeated use, Arius had already discerned several of the mirror’s principles.

The Mirror of Celestial Insight consumed the least resources when upgrading or repairing techniques. Pills and artifacts required slightly more, while upgrading one’s own innate talent demanded the most significant expenditure.

By Arius’s estimation, restoring the fragmented Concealment Technique would likely cost no more than a bit of mundane gold and a small number of spirit stone fragments.

With this in mind, Arius stepped forward, producing a low-grade spirit stone from his robe. His voice was calm as he spoke:

“Fellow Daoist, I am willing to offer one low-grade spirit stone for your Concealment Technique.”

The cultivator hesitated, neither rejecting nor agreeing outright. After a pause, he responded:

“Fellow Daoist, this Concealment Technique was created by a Level 4 Grandmaster. A single spirit stone feels… insufficient.”

He emphasized the words Level 4 Grandmaster, clearly attempting to bolster the value of the fragment.

Before Arius could reply, the black market master stepped in.

“That’s enough,” the master interjected, his tone slightly sharp.

“Even if this Concealment Technique was created by a Level 4 Grandmaster, it is, at the end of the day, just a fragment.”

“Moreover, it’s neither a top-tier spell nor a profound cultivation method.”

“You’re already making a profit by trading it for a single spirit stone.”

It was evident that the black market master was siding with Arius, likely out of goodwill due to their earlier transaction involving the Centennial Spirit-Nurturing Grass.

Hearing the master’s words, the cultivator dared not argue further.

Though reluctant, he handed over the fragmented Concealment Technique, finalizing the trade with Arius.

“Fellow Daoist,” the black market master said, stopping Arius just as he was about to leave. “This is my personal token.”

“If you ever come across other treasures like the Centennial Spirit-Nurturing Grass, you may use this token to meet me directly.”

The master handed over a finely crafted token, its intricate patterns glinting under the dim light of the underground market.

Arius accepted the token, his expression calm, though his thoughts were anything but.

The black market master’s attention had clearly been drawn by his earlier transaction.

To Arius, being noticed by a mid-stage Level 1 cultivator with significant influence was far from ideal.

While the master’s motives remained unclear, Arius couldn’t afford to let his guard down.

Even if the black market master had ill intentions, Arius wasn’t some defenseless prey.

With two near Level 2 Five Thunder Talisman Treasures in his possession, Arius was confident that, short of facing a Level 2 cultivator, he could hold his own and escape unscathed.