Gateway of Immortality

In the winding plaza, the noise of the crowd was constant. Most immortal cultivators appeared in normal attire, but some stood out with their eccentric outfits—some were wrapped in serpents, while others rode tigers, leopards, or eagles.

A few were shrouded in black mist, exuding a menacing aura, clearly aiming to make others recognize them as demonic sect practitioners.

It seemed that the sects of righteous and demonic paths were not as antagonistic as expected, possibly due to the market\'s regulations.

These immortal cultivators resembled mundane vendors, setting up their stalls, displaying their goods, while customers squatted in front of the stalls, examining and bargaining.

Qin Sang was taken aback, not expecting the supposedly high-level trading among immortal cultivators to be so mundane.

However, these stall owners were quite different from ordinary merchants. Most were seated cross-legged, evidently practicing their cultivation in the gaps between customers. They only opened their eyes to engage when discussing prices.

Curious to observe, Qin Sang walked into the plaza and mingled with the crowd.

"Spirit Travel Talisman: five low-grade spirit stones."

"Burning Wood Talisman: two low-grade spirit stones."

"Five-elemental spell: exchange for an array."

"Middle-grade artifact, Hanli Wishing Ring: only for trade with defensive artifacts of the same grade."

"Ninefold Cycle Pills: beneficial for solidifying and nourishing the body, price negotiable."

…

Qin Sang focused on the stalls with upright signs, examining them one by one, expanding his knowledge significantly. The strange talismans, unique artifacts, and mysterious arts were almost enough to make him drool.

Most of the signs indicated exchanges with low-grade spirit stones, suggesting that spirit stones were likely the unified currency in the world of immortal cultivation. Qin Sang thought of the eight stones in his colorful pouch, which were probably spirit stones as well.

With this realization, Qin Sang began to look around. As he took a few steps, he saw a person in a black cloak at a nearby stall, haggling over an artifact.

Intent on observing, Qin Sang slowed his pace. He noted the cloak-wearing individual and pondered that he might need to adopt such a disguise in the future. Immortal cultivators often engaged in fierce battles; learning to conceal oneself and remain low-key might be a way to live longer.

"Brother, could you lower the price on this Ice Bee Needle?" The cloaked figure\'s voice was shrill and strange.

Qin Sang focused on the artifact in the cloaked figure\'s hand. It was a transparent needle, about the length of a finger, thinner than a regular needle, and seemingly made of ice. It shimmered faintly and emitted a chill that Qin Sang could feel even from a distance.

The sign at the stall read. "Low-grade artifact Ice Bee Needle, thirty spirit stones."

The stall owner, an elderly man with a wrinkled face, lifted his eyelids upon hearing the request and replied calmly, "How much are you willing to offer?"

The cloaked figure said, "Generally, low-grade artifacts are of little use, especially in battles, where they can easily be destroyed by an opponent’s spell. More than ten spirit stones would be considered expensive. This Ice Bee Needle is no exception. If it weren’t for the bit of cold qi it carries, which is somewhat useful to me, I wouldn’t buy it. I\'ll offer thirteen spirit stones. How about that?"

The stall owner smiled, "It seems you are knowledgeable. However, your offer is not quite fair. I dare to sell the Ice Bee Needle for thirty spirit stones precisely because of its cold qi. This needle is crafted from the tail of a Jade Ice Bee, which not only carries cold qi but also the bee’s venom. Thirty spirit stones is already a low price."

The cloaked figure was unconvinced. "The Jade Ice Bee’s venom is not a difficult venom to counter. Your words might deceive others, but not us. Let’s not speak in riddles. I’ll add two more spirit stones and offer fifteen in total..."

"Deal!"

The stall owner agreed decisively. The cloaked figure snorted, seemingly feeling he had paid too much. He pulled out fifteen multi-colored stones from his Mustard Seed Pouch and tossed them to the stall owner before turning and leaving quickly.

Seeing the stones the cloaked figure had tossed, Qin Sang\'s eyes lit up. These were indeed the spirit stones from his colorful pouch.

It turned out he had some wealth after all; eight spirit stones could buy several talismans.

However, he still needed to learn the Object Manipulation Technique first.

As the stall owner finished counting the spirit stones, he suddenly looked up, his eyes narrowing as he stared at Qin Sang. With a tone that carried a hint of suspicion, he asked, "Young man, you’ve been looking for a while. Have you found something you like?"

Qin Sang was startled. Despite his efforts to blend in, he had still been noticed.

Qin Sang respectfully said, "I merely found the Ice Bee Needle peculiar and couldn\'t help but take a closer look. I apologize for disturbing you."

The stall owner responded with a simple "oh" and then closed his eyes, resuming his cultivation.

Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, Qin Sang moved to the side, reminding himself to be cautious in the future. Meanwhile, he assessed that if a low-grade artifact could sell for over ten spirit stones, then his Purple Soul Bell, being a high-grade artifact, must be exceptionally valuable in terms of both power and worth.

After wandering for a while, he had seen only a few middle-grade artifacts, most of which were for barter, and none of the high-grade artifacts.

He wondered what grade the Ice Silkworm Armor given to him by the Han Family youth was.

Tightening his sleeve to conceal the Purple Soul Bell better, Qin Sang continued to walk and observe.

Many stalls sold arts and spells, but strangely, after nearly half the plaza, he had yet to find anyone selling the Netherworld Scripture or the Object Manipulation Technique.

Just as he was growing impatient, he noticed a familiar item at a stall ahead.

"Spirit Talisman: Water Barrier, eight low-grade spirit stones."

The few talismans displayed under the sign were identical to the one Qin Sang had obtained from Xuanji Temple, revealing their high value.

It seemed this Water Barrier Talisman might be the same water curtain released by the immortal cultivator before their death—a defensive talisman. Qin Sang pretended to be interested and haggled with the stall owner, confirming his suspicions.

He reasoned that since the Water Barrier Talisman was for defense and overlapped with the effect of the Ice Silkworm Armor, it was not urgently needed. He could use it for trade rather than selling his own artifacts.

With this thought, Qin Sang quickened his pace, scanning the stalls rapidly but failing to find what he sought. As he approached the edge of the plaza, his gaze suddenly sharpened, and he sighed in relief as he finally spotted the Netherworld Scripture.

It was a thick book with a black cover and bold characters reading "Netherworld Scripture: Complete Edition."

Just by its appearance, the book was more than twice as thick as the one Qin Sang had obtained from the black-clad demon. It was clear that his copy of the Netherworld Scripture was indeed incomplete.

With a calm expression, Qin Sang casually walked over and squatted down in front of the stall, picking up the Netherworld Scripture: Complete Edition.