Chapter 544 - 451: Spirit Devouring Insect
Ji An purchased a large quantity of top-grade Tier One Spiritual Charcoal in the marketplace, and then found an Artifact Refining Shop.
"Shopkeeper, I have a few Magical Artifacts to sell."
He took out three Tier One Upper Grade items: two Flying Swords and one scorpion shell-like Defensive Magical Artifact.
The shopkeeper was a big man with a pockmarked face, tattoos exposed on his cheeks and arms, undoubtedly an Independent Cultivator.
The man seriously scrutinized Ji An for a few moments, and after checking the quality of the artifacts, he spoke in an indifferent tone:
"Two hundred Spirit Stones per Flying Sword, three hundred for the Defensive Magical Artifact."
The artifacts had no obvious damage, and the other party actually sold three at once; the origin might be suspicious since ordinary cultivators wouldn’t sell so many artifacts at once.
Ji An raised his eyebrows slightly, knowing full well that the other party was underpricing him.
The artifacts were obtained from counter-killing a Tribulation Cultivator, but essentially they were stolen goods, not to be sold openly in large quantities. However, the price was really too low.
"I also understand some artifact refining; these artifacts can fetch a good price if refurbished, and just the material recovery is worth more than merely seven hundred Spirit Stones."
The big man grinned, saying coldly:
"Heh, let’s not beat around the bush, Fellow Daoist, the origin of these artifacts..."
He didn’t continue, as he was the only one running an Artifact Refining Shop in the marketplace; it was a monopoly.
The other’s accent clearly marked him as a foreigner, likely without other channels to sell.
As he spoke, he unintentionally revealed the aura fluctuations of a Late-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.
Ji An furrowed his brow, "The origin is legitimate, a gift from a friend."
A gift from a not-so-friendly passerby friend wasn’t too much of a lie.
He put away the artifacts, shook his head, and left, releasing his Chao Origin Stage spiritual pressure upon reaching the door.
These artifacts and spiritual tools would be difficult to sell through normal channels, and Ji An did not plan to look for a black market to sell them at a lower price; he intended to deal with them back at the sect.
After all, he wasn’t short on Spirit Stones now; there was no need for outsiders to profit.
The man’s face stiffened abruptly; he stood up and seemed to want to say something.
’How could a High Cultivator of the Chao Origin Stage come to our small place!’
Throughout the marketplace, cultivators of the Chao Origin Stage were rare.
He hurriedly chased out of the shop but lost sight of the guest.
...
Ji An returned to his Grotto Mansion, activated the Dharma Prohibition, and summoned the Rock Bear from the Spirit Beast Bag, ordering, "Guard the entrance."
"Roar," Dahuang roared lowly, shaking his short tail and sitting by the door.
Ji An entered the Quiet Chamber and used the Stone Turtle to enter the Gourd World.
He transported bodies onto the red earth, ignited the Spiritual Charcoal, and threw eight corpses onto it.
Zhu Mingli and his junior sister were among them, disciples of two Golden Core cultivators, who had perished at the hands of a Tribulation Cultivator, leaving Ji An rather moved.
"Dust to dust, ashes to ashes, it’s all over."
The ashes of cultivators were highly nourishing for Spirit Plants; otherwise, he would have thrown the bodies into magma for convenience.
After burning, Ji An buried the ashes around the Red Cloud Pine; he would never bury such materials around Spirit Fruit Trees, as eating the fruits afterward would feel unsettling.
...
The next day, Ji An left the marketplace, riding on clouds north along the Nu Lan River, practicing Water Eating and Qi Walking, arriving at Red Rock Immortal City ten days later.
This was a mountain city, the stones showing an iron rust color.
It was about 7:00 AM, and flying ships, flying shuttles, and various flying birds were continuously passing by, and many cultivators were riding clouds.
Ji An scratched his head, always thinking the Far North was a barren land beyond civilization, never expecting this Immortal City to be so prosperous.
Not only covering a larger area than Cyan Cloud Immortal City but also boasting a higher density of High-Tier Cultivators.
’Who would have thought the Western Continent is the most impoverished among the major continents!’
Ji An sighed deeply in his heart.
He landed on the Immortal City’s Magic Array exit and entry platform, discovering the same model as other Immortal Cities, requiring a Jade Token to enter.
As he observed, a cultivator came to entertain him:
"Senior, is this your first time at Red Rock Immortal City?"
Ji An nodded slightly, "What are the rules here?"
"Except for cultivators residing in the Immortal City, others need to pay two Spirit Stones as an entrance fee and cannot stay overnight in the city.
Senior does not need to pay this fee, but staying overnight requires renting a Grotto Mansion or lodging at an inn.
If any conflict arises causing damage, the enforcement office will hold responsible."
The cultivator explained while handing over a Jade Token, "This token serves as the entry and exit certificate for the Magic Array; keep it safe, and there’s no need to return it upon leaving the city."
Ji An accepted the Jade Token, "Thank you."
He stepped inside and called over a middle-aged broker with an honest face, asking:
"How many Spirit Stones for a day’s hire?"
The first impression was crucial in human interactions, and this broker had the advantage of appearance.
The broker extended a hand, respectfully bowing:
"Senior, five Spirit Stones per day.
I’ve been in the Immortal City for almost forty years, familiar with all shops and the venues of various auction houses and private trading fairs.
Whether buying or selling, I can secure the best deals for you, as many seniors have formed long-term partnerships with me."
The middle-aged man had a clear gaze, neither humble nor arrogant, with subdued confidence.
"Is that so, five Spirit Stones is more expensive than brokers in other Immortal Cities; I shall see if you’re worth the price."
Ji An said with interest, planning to stay in the Immortal City for a while and in need of a competent runner.
It had to be said, the broker’s calm demeanor had earned his trust.
If the other party betrayed this trust, he might find himself lacking something.
"Senior, you only need to pay one Spirit Stone upfront, and settle the remaining by tonight; you’ll see my performance."