Gateway of Immortality

Shopkeeper Wu understood that it would be impossible to find spiritual spring objects up for auction in the Black Market, so he quickly shifted his tone. "If Daoist Qin is interested in the Black Market, I can make an introduction. Besides the Black Market, Wenyue Market has a secret shop run by a highly respected elder. It serves as a gathering place for like-minded cultivators, mostly rogue cultivators, where members can trade, post tasks, or seek assistance. It’s much easier to tackle difficulties as a group than going it alone."

"Oh?"

Qin Sang was intrigued. After a moment’s thought, however, he wasn’t too surprised. Shaohua Mountain had similar small circles among fellow disciples, and if he couldn’t find what he needed elsewhere, he planned to ask Senior Brother Wen for a referral.

"Is this gathering open to anyone, or are there requirements?"

Shopkeeper Wu nodded. "Yes, there are two requirements. First, it requires recommendations from at least three current members, but you needn’t worry, Daoist Qin. I can help you find two more. The second is a thorough background check to verify one’s identity and origins. Since the members are primarily rogue cultivators, they’re all very cautious. The shop exists to foster mutual support, and we want to prevent anyone with ill intentions or a dubious past from infiltrating."

With this, Shopkeeper Wu gave Qin Sang a slightly hesitant look, unsure of his intentions.

Qin Sang smiled at his words. He had nothing to hide about his background. He had concealed his cultivation level in front of Shopkeeper Wu out of habit to avoid complications, but hearing this, he took out his waist token and handed it to him.

"I cultivate at Shaohua Mountain. You may pass along this waist token to that elder. If verification with other disciples at Shaohua Mountain is needed, I’ll fully cooperate."

"Senior Qin!"

Shopkeeper Wu had long speculated about Qin Sang’s identity. Seeing the waist token that signified a Foundation Building disciple from Shaohua Mountain, he was somewhat surprised but not overly shocked, and he began to stand up to show his respect.

Qin Sang gently pressed him back down with a surge of spiritual power. "Daoist Wu, have I ever offended you over these years?"

"Huh?"

Shopkeeper Wu looked dumbfounded. "What do you mean, Senior Qin? It’s thanks to your guidance that my artifact refinement skills improved; how could I possibly…"

"As long as I haven’t offended you," Qin Sang said seriously, "We met when I was still insignificant. When I first visited your shop, I was indeed in the Qi Refining Realm. Later, I was fortunate enough to make a breakthrough. Since then, our dealings have always been pleasant. Let’s continue addressing each other as fellow Daoists; if you keep calling me ‘Senior,’ how could I ever impose on you for help?"

"Uhh…"

Shopkeeper Wu hesitated, but seeing Qin Sang’s insistence, he finally nodded. "If Daoist Qin considers me worthy, I will surely do everything in my power to assist."

Qin Sang nodded with a smile. "That’s the spirit! I actually came here today to ask for your help with something…"

When Shopkeeper Wu saw the corpse of the black tiger demon, he was stunned. At Wenyue Market, he primarily refined low-grade artifacts for rogue cultivators, and he’d rarely seen a demonic corpse at the middle stage of the Demonic Spirit Realm—especially one so intact.

Not long after a white rhino corpse has arrived, Daoist Qin has slain an even stronger black tiger. It seems like his strength is more formidable than I thought. Shopkeeper Wu began to harbor thoughts of befriending him.

He was more inclined to refine an artifact from the corpse, but since Qin Sang insisted on the Essence-Devouring Spike, he could only comply.

After they settled on the specifics, Shopkeeper Wu stored the black tiger’s corpse, closed his shop, and led Qin Sang to the secret shop.

To Qin Sang’s surprise, the secret shop was located within a mortal neighborhood. Following Shopkeeper Wu through winding streets, they finally stopped at a small shop named Peach Bamboo Pavilion.

The shop was exceptionally quiet, with no customers in sight. Its shopkeeper was an elderly woman who looked to be in her seventies or eighties. Bent slightly, her face deeply lined with wrinkles, she sat in a bamboo chair as though napping.

Seeing the old woman, Qin Sang’s gaze sharpened; he found it difficult to gauge her level. It was likely she was in the middle or even late stage of Foundation Building.

Shopkeeper Wu had explained that her surname was Jing, and everyone respectfully addressed her as Granny Jing. She had appeared in Wenyue Market decades ago, opened this secret shop, and organized gatherings for rogue cultivators. Known for her impartiality, she had a stellar reputation.

Years ago, a Foundation Building cultivator within the secret shop plotted to kill a companion and seize their treasure during a mission. He succeeded and fled, but Granny Jing disappeared for a month and eventually returned with his head in hand. Since then, no one dared question her authority.

"Could it be that this person has given up on forming a core and has started indulging in worldly pleasures?" Qin Sang mused silently.

"Wu Yang greets Granny Jing," Shopkeeper Wu said, stepping forward and bowing deeply before the elderly woman.

The old woman opened her eyes, which were sharp and clear without a trace of cloudiness. Her gaze shifted to Qin Sang. "Daoist Wu is here. And who is this fellow Daoist?"

Her voice was aged and raspy but carried none of the harshness often found in old cultivators; instead, it felt like the warm tone of a kind elder.

Qin Sang stepped forward. "Qin Sang from Shaohua Mountain greets Granny Jing."

Shopkeeper Wu then explained their purpose to Granny Jing. Along the way, he had managed to gather two friends to join him in recommending Qin Sang, but final approval still rested with Granny Jing. Otherwise, the shop would surely have far more members.

After learning of Qin Sang’s identity, Granny Jing’s interest was piqued. She looked Qin Sang over, chuckling with a hint of sharpness in her words. "Daoist Qin, from a prestigious sect, mingling with rogue cultivators like us—isn’t he afraid his fellow disciples will sneer if they find out?"

Qin Sang’s expression remained calm. "To me, we are all cultivators. One’s origin doesn’t determine one’s worth. As long as someone is dedicated to the Dao, they have my respect."

This truly reflected his beliefs.

The path of immortal cultivation was a grueling one, where even a slim chance at advancement was contested fiercely!

Only after embarking on this path did one realize how challenging and lonely it was. Those who managed to persevere through countless hardships and stay true to their Dao were examples he admired.

Granny Jing’s eyes narrowed, observing Qin Sang for a long while. Her tone carried a hint of nostalgia and sentiment. "You are also someone deeply committed to cultivation… Daoist Wu has likely explained the rules of the secret shop to you, but I must stress once more: if anyone harbors ill intentions for wealth or slaughters companions, I will personally see to their end! Daoist Qin, do not think your high cultivation or lofty background would spare you. The gatherings are held at the beginning of each month here in my small shop. Leave your cave dwelling’s location so I can contact you."

Qin Sang exchanged a surprised glance with Shopkeeper Wu. They hadn’t expected the approval process to be this smooth, but Qin Sang was pleased and quickly agreed, providing the address for Huilong Temple.

He then shared the purpose of his visit with Granny Jing.

The old woman didn’t ask further questions. "I understand. If any news arises, I will send word to Huilong Temple to inform you."

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