Chương 131: Chapter 20: A Stop in Tianli City

Tianli City, Huizhou, State of Zhao. At the heart of the city's grand teleportation plaza, a pillar of blinding white light erupted from the ancient stone array. Within the swirling vortex of spatial energy, the silhouette of a cultivator clad in azure robes gradually solidified. As the tremors of the void subsided, the figure stepped onto the firm ground of the plaza.

"Welcome to Tianli City, Senior," two disciples guarding the array spoke in unison. Their Divine Senses swept over the newcomer, and upon sensing the depth of his cultivation, their expressions instantly shifted from professional indifference to profound awe. They bowed low, their heads lowered in respect. Reyn allowed a faint, satisfied smile to grace his lips. After nearly half a month of arduous travel and constant maneuvering, he had finally reached his destination.

He offered a curt nod to the trembling disciples, his azure robes fluttering as a surge of spiritual energy enveloped him. In a flash of green light, he vanished from their sight, leaving only a lingering ripple in the air. Tianli City, one of the largest cultivation hubs in eastern Huizhou, was a sprawling metropolis teeming with life. With a population of over a hundred thousand cultivators, its prosperity was palpable in every street and alleyway.

"As expected of a major city in Huizhou. The average cultivation level here is several tiers higher than anything in the North Yue State," Reyn mused as he navigated the bustling crowds. His Divine Sense fanned out subtly, instantly detecting more than twenty Foundation Establishment cultivators within a short radius. Though most were only at the early stage, the sheer density of such experts was staggering.

It was clear why Huizhou was considered the premier cultivation province of the State of Zhao; its foundation was truly beyond compare.

"The Demon Corpse Scripture passed down by my sister is formidable, but its requirements are equally steep," Reyn thought, his brow furrowing slightly.

"I already possess the physical remains of a Golden Core cultivator, and most of the supplementary materials are tucked away in my storage bag. However, the Ghost-Face Flower and the Demon-Crystal Diamond are exceptionally rare." He paused in his tracks, his expression contemplative.

"There is still plenty of time before the deadline set by the Mu Clan. I might as well linger in this city for a few days to see if I can procure these missing components." As he stood there lost in thought, a man in his thirties with sharp, darting eyes approached him. Dressed in unassuming grey robes, the man bowed with practiced humility.

"Greetings, Senior." Reyn looked up, his gaze cool and scrutinizing.

"What is it, Daoist?" Hu San felt a wave of relief wash over him. Since the senior hadn't immediately driven him away, there was a chance for a deal. He spoke quickly, his voice dripping with sycophancy.

"I noticed Senior seems to be looking for something. I have lived in Tianli City for over a decade and know every nook and cranny of this place. If you require specific items or information, I can guide you and save you a great deal of precious time."

"Oh? And what is the price for your services?" Reyn asked, stroking his chin with an unreadable expression. Hu San gritted his teeth and quoted a high price, hoping to capitalize on Reyn's apparent status.

"Three low-grade spirit stones per day, Senior. For that, I will remain at your beck and call, guiding you wherever you wish to go." In Hu San's eyes, a young man who had already reached the Foundation Establishment stage must have a powerful background. Surely, a stone or two wouldn't matter to such a person. Little did he know that Reyn's true cultivation was a hair's breadth away from the Great Circle of Foundation Establishment, and his Soul cultivation was already comparable to a Golden Core expert.

Had Hu San known the truth, he wouldn't have dared to play such petty games. This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"I will give you five low-grade spirit stones a day," Reyn said, his voice dropping an octave, carrying a weight of authority.

"But do not waste my time with trivialities. Take me only to the most reputable establishments with the deepest inventories and the strongest backgrounds." Reyn was well aware of how these guides operated; they often took a cut from shopkeepers for bringing in customers. He had no intention of being led on a wild goose chase.

"Many thanks, Senior!" Hu San exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with greed and joy. He bowed even lower.

"What is your primary interest today? I shall tailor our route accordingly."

"Let us begin with smithing and refining materials," Reyn replied, his eyes flashing with a cold, focused light.

"Right this way, Senior," Hu San said, gesturing toward the eastern district. The two of them moved swiftly through the crowd. The Refining Pavilion stood at the head of a street dedicated entirely to smithing materials. It was a massive three-story structure covering over a thousand square meters. Above the entrance hung a grand plaque with the words 'Refining Pavilion' written in a bold, sweeping calligraphy that seemed to pulse with a sharp, metallic intent. Reyn halted beneath the plaque, his eyes narrowing.

The strokes of the characters contained a faint but unmistakable sword intent, likely left by a Golden Core cultivator who walked the path of the sword. To an ordinary person, a single glance at the sign would evoke a chilling sense of dread, discouraging any thoughts of mischief. Upon entering, they were greeted by a handsome youth in silk robes. The youth spared a brief, dismissive glance at Hu San before bowing respectfully to Reyn.

"Welcome to the Refining Pavilion, Senior. How may we assist you today?" Reyn nodded slightly.

"I will browse for a moment. If I find something of interest, I will call for you."

"Understood. Please, feel free to explore at your leisure," the youth replied. Despite being only at the fourth level of Qi Condensation, his demeanor was poised and professional—polite, yet devoid of the groveling common in smaller shops. This place clearly has a formidable backing, Reyn thought. Good. Perhaps they truly have what I need. He paced slowly through the first-floor hall, his hands clasped behind his back.

Hu San followed a few steps behind, his eyes darting toward the crystal displays with unconcealed envy. Reyn's gaze drifted over the rare treasures on display. There was Millennial Deep-Sea Submerged Silver, known for its incredible malleability and its ability to harden into a substance as tough as essence gold—perfect for repairing damaged magic treasures. Beside it lay Taiyi Essence Gold, a Gengjin-type treasure that could drastically enhance the durability of any spirit tool with just a pinch of its powder.

He saw Cold Ice Silkworm Silk, a premium material for weaving protective robes that offered immense resistance against fire-based arts. There was even a Mosquito Beast Proboscis, a naturally sharp organ that could be fashioned into a single-use 'Cloud-Piercing Arrow,' a weapon capable of threatening even a Foundation Establishment cultivator. As he scanned these precious items, Reyn's brow remained slightly furrowed. While impressive, none of these were what he required for the Demon Corpse Scripture.

"Wait," Reyn muttered. His eyes locked onto a corner display. Inside a crystal case sat a dull, amber-colored orb—an Earthen Turtle Inner Core.

"I wish to purchase this. What is the price?" Before the silk-robed attendant could respond, a young cultivator in his twenties nearby let out a sharp laugh.

"That Earthen Turtle Inner Core looks decent. This young master will take it. Name your price." Reyn's expression darkened instantly. He turned his head, his eyes cold.

"I was the first to inquire about this item. Your behavior, Daoist, is quite unseemly."

"I am Mo Shuaishao," the young man replied, his voice laced with a murderous edge as he glared at Reyn.

"And I have never had the habit of yielding what I want to others. Besides, the transaction isn't complete. Why shouldn't I make an offer? Let me give you a piece of friendly advice: do not overestimate yourself by competing with me. Otherwise, you might find that your life is far shorter than you anticipated." Such a blatant threat caused the other patrons in the shop to pale.

Sensing the spiritual fluctuations of a peak Middle-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator radiating from the young man, they quickly lowered their heads, unwilling to get involved. A chilling light flickered in Reyn's eyes, cold as the stars in winter. Just as the tension reached its breaking point, a one-eyed elderly man in black robes descended from the second floor. His gaze was sharp and predatory. He let out a cold snort that echoed through the hall.

"I am a Protector of this Refining Pavilion. Combat is strictly forbidden within these walls. To strike here is to insult the Pavilion itself. If you two continue this posturing, do not blame this old man for forcibly ejecting you both." As he spoke, a powerful aura erupted from his body—the unmistakable pressure of a Late-stage Foundation Establishment expert.