Chapter 180: Jing Grandma

Shopkeeper Wu understood that spiritual spring items could not possibly be auctioned in the black market. His tone shifted as he said, "If Daoist Qin is interested in the black market, I can introduce you. Furthermore, besides the black market, Moon-Gazing City also has a secret shop, opened by a highly respected senior. It's actually a gathering place for like-minded Daoist friends, most of whom are rogue cultivators. In the secret shop, they exchange resources and can also post missions. If you need something or encounter difficulties, it's always better to work together than to face it alone."

"Oh?" Qin Sang was somewhat surprised to hear this, but then realized such a place wasn't unusual. On Mount Shaohua, fellow disciples also had similar small circles, and if he couldn't find something outside, he had intended to ask Senior Brother Wen for an introduction or two.

"Such gatherings aren't open to just anyone, are they? What are the requirements?"

Shopkeeper Wu nodded. "Indeed, there are two requirements. First, you need the joint recommendation of at least three members. Daoist Qin needn't worry; I can find two more friends to help. Second, you must reveal your identity and background, which must withstand scrutiny with no hidden aspects. Since most members are rogue cultivators, everyone is very cautious. Joining the secret shop is for mutual aid, and the aim is to prevent individuals with bad reputations or malicious intentions from infiltrating."

After speaking, Shopkeeper Wu looked at Qin Sang somewhat awkwardly, unsure of his reaction.

Qin Sang smiled upon hearing this. His identity was nothing to hide. He had merely kept his cultivation level concealed from Shopkeeper Wu out of habit, to avoid complications during their interactions. Hearing Shopkeeper Wu's explanation, he took out his waist token and handed it to him.

"I cultivate on Mount Shaohua. Shopkeeper Wu can give this waist token to that senior. If verification from other fellow disciples on Mount Shaohua is needed, I will cooperate fully."

"Senior Qin!" Shopkeeper Wu had long speculated about Qin Sang's identity. Seeing the waist token, which represented a Foundation Establishment disciple of Mount Shaohua, he was somewhat surprised but not truly shocked. He rose, intending to bow.

Qin Sang subtly channeled spiritual energy to gently restrain Shopkeeper Wu, asking, "Daoist Wu, have I ever offended you in all these years?"

"Ah?" Shopkeeper Wu was dumbfounded. "Senior Qin, what do you mean? I have benefited greatly from your patronage; my artifact-refining skills have only improved because of you. How could I possibly..."

"It's good that I haven't offended you then," Qin Sang said seriously. "Daoist Wu and I met when I was still insignificant. When I first came to your shop, I truly was in the Qi Refinement stage; I only fortuitously broke through later. Our subsequent collaborations have also been very pleasant. From now on, let's continue to address each other as Daoist friends. Please don't call me 'senior' anymore, otherwise, how could I comfortably ask for your help again?"

"This..." Shopkeeper Wu hesitated, but seeing Qin Sang's persistence, he gracefully conceded, cupping his hands. "I am honored by Daoist Qin's regard. If there's anything you need help with, I will certainly do my utmost..."

Qin Sang nodded with a smile. "That's better! I've come here today with another matter I need Daoist Wu's assistance with..."

Seeing the black tiger demon corpse, Shopkeeper Wu was utterly shocked. He ran a shop in Moon-Gazing City, mostly refining mid-to-low grade artifacts for rogue cultivators. He had rarely seen a demon corpse of a mid-stage Demon Spirit, and this one was almost perfectly intact.

It hadn't been long since a white rhino corpse was brought in, and now an even more powerful black tiger had been slain. It seemed Daoist Qin's strength was more formidable than imagined, and Shopkeeper Wu felt a strong desire to forge a connection with him.

In truth, he would have preferred to refine a standard artifact, but Qin Sang insisted on refining the Soul-Devouring Cone, so he had no choice but to comply with Qin Sang's request.

After finalizing the arrangements, Shopkeeper Wu put away the black tiger demon corpse, closed his shop, and led Qin Sang towards the secret shop.

Surprisingly, the secret shop was located in an area populated by mortals. Qin Sang and Shopkeeper Wu turned left and right along the streets, finally stopping in front of a small shop called "Peach Bamboo Pavilion."

The small shop was unusually quiet, with no customers. The owner was an old woman who appeared to be seventy or eighty years old, somewhat hunched with deep wrinkles, dozing in a bamboo chair.

Upon seeing the old woman, Qin Sang's gaze sharpened slightly. He felt an inexplicable inability to discern her cultivation, suspecting she might be a mid- or even late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

According to Shopkeeper Wu, her surname was Jing, and everyone respectfully called her Granny Jing. She had suddenly appeared in Moon-Gazing City decades ago, opened this secret shop, and organized gatherings for rogue cultivators. She consistently upheld justice, was highly respected, and had an excellent reputation.

Previously, a Foundation Establishment cultivator in the secret shop had harbored ill intentions during a pre-arranged mission, murdering a fellow cultivator to seize their treasures before fleeing. Unexpectedly, Granny Jing disappeared for a month and eventually returned with the cultivator's severed head. Since then, everyone held her in awe.

'Could it be that she has no hope of forming a Core and is now simply living out her days in the mundane world?' Qin Sang mused internally.

"Wu Yang greets Granny Jing." Shopkeeper Wu quickly walked up to the old woman and bowed.

The old woman opened her eyes, which showed no trace of cloudiness. Her gaze shifted to Qin Sang. "Daoist Wu, you're here. And who is this Daoist friend?" Her voice was somewhat old and hoarse, but it carried no hint of malevolence, rather like a kind elder in a family.

Qin Sang stepped forward actively. "Qin Sang of Mount Shaohua, I greet Granny Jing."

Then Shopkeeper Wu explained their purpose to Granny Jing. On the way there, Shopkeeper Wu had already found two of his friends, and the three of them jointly recommended Qin Sang. However, Granny Jing's approval was still required, otherwise, the secret shop would undoubtedly have far more members.

After learning Qin Sang's identity, Granny Jing showed interest. She scrutinized Qin Sang from head to toe, chuckled, and spoke with a sharp tone, "Daoist Qin comes from a prominent sect. Aren't you afraid your fellow disciples will mock you for associating with rogue cultivators like us?"

Qin Sang's expression remained unchanged. "In my heart, all cultivators are equal; one's background should not determine superiority. As long as one is devoted to the Dao, they deserve my respect."

This was indeed his true thought.

The path of cultivation is arduous, a fierce struggle for every inch! Only by stepping onto the path of cultivation does one truly understand how difficult and solitary it is. Those who overcome numerous hardships and obstacles, maintaining unwavering devotion to the Dao, are all his role models.

Granny Jing narrowed her eyes, observing Qin Sang for a long moment. Her tone seemed to carry a mix of reminiscence and emotion as she said, "You're also a cultivation fanatic... Daoist Wu must have told you about the secret shop's rules, but I must emphasize again: anyone who harbors greed for wealth and kills a fellow member will be punished by me! Daoist Qin, do not think that because your cultivation is high or your background is deep, I cannot deal with you. Our gatherings are held at the beginning of each month, right here in my small shop. Please leave your cave abode address so I can contact you."

Qin Sang and Shopkeeper Wu exchanged glances, both somewhat surprised. They hadn't expected it to be so easy to pass. Naturally, Qin Sang had no objections whatsoever and eagerly agreed, leaving the address of Huilong Temple.

Qin Sang then explained his purpose for coming.

The old woman didn't ask further, saying, "I understand. If there's any news, I will send a message to Huilong Temple to inform Daoist Qin."