Chapter 1902: Cave Dwelling

The Human Realm

Fan Rugui left in a hurry, carrying the pill formula and spiritual herbs. This grand hall was the cave dwelling Yunding Mountain had arranged for him; no spiritual stones would be collected until the Yinghua Pill was successfully refined. Outside the hall, maidservants were on standby, ready to heed any command.

Shortly after Fan Rugui departed, Qin Sang also left the grand hall, dismissed his attendants, and wandered through the city alone. Alchemy flourished in Yunding City, which in turn fostered a vibrant trading atmosphere throughout the city. Many cultivators, upon acquiring treasures, would travel tirelessly to Yunding City to sell them.

Consequently, the city boasted not only places for trading pills but also various shops, stores, and auction houses, all neatly categorized and well-organized. Among them was a specialized marketplace for trading cave dwellings, known as the Fortuitous Land Exchange. Learning about such a place in Yunding City piqued Qin Sang's interest, and he headed towards the Fortuitous Land Exchange. With the Yinghua Pill now settled, it was time to consider his own cave dwelling.

By now, Qin Sang had a general understanding of the Cloud Cauldron Mountain cultivation world. As he interacted with more local cultivators, he realized there was no news whatsoever of other ascended individuals here. If this was the exit of the River of Karma, a place of ascension, there couldn't possibly be no trace of it. Qin Sang speculated that the ferryman of the River of Karma likely transported people into the Grand Universe randomly, without a specific destination. Waiting here for Liuli and others to ascend and reunite was impossible.

However, Qin Sang had no intention of leaving. He had just entered the Grand Universe; his old acquaintances who had 'ascended' earlier were nowhere to be found, and he had no leads on finding the Sword Pavilion or the hilt of the Earth-Slaying Sword. In the Grand Universe, powerful cultivators were abundant. He would at least wait until he had established a firm footing in the Void Refinement stage and possessed the strength to contend with other Void Refinement cultivators before considering traveling outside. If that was the case, cultivating anywhere would be the same. The First Sword Attendant had not set any time limits for him, such as requiring him to complete specific tasks or achieve certain accomplishments within a given number of years. The battles between Mahayana powerhouses were too distant for him; Qin Sang decided not to be influenced by these karmic ties and would continue to act according to his own habits and ideas.

Since he had decided to stay in Cloud Cauldron Mountain, he had to consider the stance of Cloud Cauldron Heaven. As the saying goes: "How can one sleep soundly when another lurks beside their bed?" When Cloud Cauldron Heaven discovered a Void Refinement cultivator secretly residing nearby, they would surely be restless and would inevitably investigate Qin Sang's intentions. If Cloud Cauldron Heaven had an Integration stage patriarch in charge, Qin Sang certainly wouldn't want an Integration stage cultivator knocking on his door. If Cloud Cauldron Heaven's patriarch was only at the Void Refinement stage, it would still lead to repeated probings and schemes, preventing Qin Sang from cultivating in peace.

Qin Sang had also considered openly visiting Cloud Cauldron Heaven and seeking a position as an honored elder; it shouldn't be difficult. However, he knew well that no matter the place, there were always entangled interests. Cloud Cauldron Heaven might dominate Cloud Cauldron Mountain, but looking beyond it to the wider world, there were certainly sects and rivals capable of contending with Cloud Cauldron Heaven, or even major powers that could make Cloud Cauldron Heaven bow its head. Once drawn into this vast network, there would always be times when he couldn't act on his own accord. Entering a vortex and becoming entangled in karma—how could one easily escape unscathed? For now, he was merely settling here temporarily, seeking nothing from Cloud Cauldron Heaven, so there was no need to invite trouble for himself.

"It's best to stay far from Cloud Cauldron Heaven, or even not remain in Cloud Cauldron Mountain..." After much thought, Qin Sang felt that the chaotic Western Barren Mountains might be more suitable for his secluded cultivation.

As he pondered, Qin Sang arrived before the Fortuitous Land Exchange. What greeted his eyes was an imposing archway, emblazoned with three gilded characters: 'Fortuitous Land Exchange'. Qin Sang paused slightly, gazing at the golden characters. He had noticed since entering the Grand Universe that the language and script here differed from those in the Talisman Realm and the Storm Realm, yet they clearly shared a common origin. The Talisman Realm was carved out by the Dao Court from the Grand Universe, sealing itself off. But where did the Storm Realm get its heritage from? It couldn't be that all minor worlds could spontaneously develop characters identical to those of the Grand Universe!

Behind the archway were several cloud-like pavilions, seemingly built from white clouds, exquisitely crafted. Qin Sang chose the outermost one and stepped inside, where a charming maidservant immediately greeted him. Qin Sang stated his purpose, and the maidservant's smile brightened further. Gracefully, she led Qin Sang into another, noticeably more opulent, cloud pavilion, where they met an old man in a green robe.

"Steward Lu," the maidservant bowed slightly, "this immortal, Qingfeng, wishes to purchase a Nascent Soul-grade cave dwelling." The Fortuitous Land Exchange categorized cave dwellings by cultivation realm, making it straightforward and clear. Steward Lu greeted him with a smiling face as well. "Fellow Daoist Qingfeng, you've come to the right place to purchase a cave dwelling! Thanks to the trust of many fellow Daoists on Cloud Cauldron Mountain, our establishment not only possesses its own cave dwellings and cultivation grounds but also handles countless entrusted properties, accumulated over many years. We can satisfy any of your needs! You won't find such a comprehensive selection anywhere else!" It sounded no different from a mortal real estate agency.

"Fellow Daoist Lu speaks with great confidence," Qin Sang said calmly, "but this poor Daoist believes more in seeing for himself." Steward Lu did not take offense. With a smile, he produced a golden register. Qin Sang opened the golden register, secretly praising the Fortuitous Land Exchange for its well-deserved reputation. The jade slip contained not only various information about the cave dwellings but also clear projections that could be viewed with spiritual sense, making everything obvious at a glance. These cave dwellings were mostly located on Cloud Cauldron Mountain, with some having their exact addresses concealed, only approximate locations marked. Qin Sang reviewed them one by one, his expression unchanged. Observing Qin Sang's expression, Steward Lu said, "Fellow Daoist, there's no need to worry. These cave dwellings are absolutely safe. During the transaction, you can invite a city elder to act as a witness. Even if you don't trust us, you should trust the City Lord's prestige on Cloud Cauldron Mountain. Besides, Cloud Cauldron Heaven is watching over us; what audacious scoundrel would dare cause trouble on Cloud Cauldron Mountain?"

"Are there any better cave dwellings than these?" Qin Sang closed the golden register and asked. "Well..." Steward Lu hesitated, saying, "I believe Fellow Daoist can certainly afford the price, but the better the cave dwelling, the more entanglements it involves; it cannot be seen as a simple transaction... Of course, if Fellow Daoist's background is sufficiently profound, these can be ignored." Without waiting for Qin Sang's reply, Steward Lu added, "Our establishment also has cave dwellings of indeterminate grade, but they test the buyer's discernment."

"Are you referring to the cave dwellings deep within Cloud Cauldron Mountain, Fellow Daoist? What about outside Cloud Cauldron Mountain, are the conditions just as strict?" Qin Sang countered. Steward Lu was startled. "Indeed, there are commissions from fellow Daoists outside Cloud Cauldron Mountain, but our establishment cannot verify their authenticity, and Yunding City's influence does not extend that far. Our establishment merely acts as an intermediary and does not concern itself with anything else. Fellow Daoist, please consider this very carefully." As he spoke, Steward Lu took out another golden register.

The contents inside were indeed as Steward Lu had described. It contained what Qin Sang was looking for: cave dwellings in the Western Barren Mountains, which the Fortuitous Land Exchange referred to as the Twilight Mountain Range. Each description was an elaborate exaggeration, presenting them all as top-tier cultivation grounds. But cultivators were not fools; many had remained here for hundreds or even thousands of years, unpurchased. How much truth was in them, and how much was merely bait? Qin Sang wasn't worried about his own safety, but he also didn't want to make a wasted trip. Even if he managed to 'bait' the other party, he wouldn't gain anything worthwhile, making it truly uninteresting. Those that seemed more reliable were difficult to meet Qin Sang's requirements.

Qin Sang decided to select a few cave dwellings of indeterminate grade—due to various reasons—and personally visit them. Some of these cave dwellings held hidden mysteries, others posed dangers, and their owners, lacking sufficient strength, dared not explore them deeply. They were a mix of genuine and fraudulent, entirely dependent on one's discerning eye. With Qin Sang's knowledge, it wasn't difficult to uncover some interesting information.

Just then, Steward Lu's expression subtly shifted as he remembered something. "Fellow Daoist Qingfeng, if you're looking for this kind of cave dwelling, there happens to be one available recently, and its owner is right here in the city."

"Oh?" Qin Sang looked up. "Tell me about it."

"Speaking of which, this young man is a bit peculiar. He only has a Qi Refinement cultivation base, yet he claims to have information about a cave dwelling that is at least Nascent Soul-grade! He demands various rare treasures in exchange, but he's also tight-lipped and can't provide specifics. Fortunately, this is Yunding City; otherwise, he would have been exploited long ago... If Fellow Daoist is interested, I'll summon him now." Steward Lu shook his head as he spoke, clearly not thinking highly of the young man.

"Qi Refinement stage? Then it must be a legacy from his ancestors. As I have nothing else to do, please trouble Fellow Daoist to invite this person over," Qin Sang nodded. Steward Lu repeatedly said it was no trouble, excused himself, and went out to give orders. Qin Sang remained in the quiet room, flipping through the golden register.

A quarter of an hour later, Qin Sang sensed two auras approaching the quiet room: one was Steward Lu, and the other, only at the Qi Refinement stage, had a hurried and seemingly very nervous aura. Soon, a knock came at the door. Steward Lu escorted the young man in and then quietly retreated. Qin Sang put down the golden register and observed the young man.

The young man appeared to be sixteen or seventeen, with delicate features. A look of sorrow was etched between his brows, and his whole being exuded a gloomy aura. The young man dared not sit, his hands tightly clasped in his sleeves, standing awkwardly.

"Is, is Senior interested in buying my cave dwelling?" The young man was too eager, even forgetting to bow and introduce himself.

"Then we'll first have to see if your cave dwelling can meet my requirements, and what you want in return, and if it's worth the price." Qin Sang's tone was unhurried. He pointed to the seat opposite. "Please sit and speak."

The young man shook his head, eagerly saying, "Senior, rest assured, I haven't exaggerated in the slightest. That cave dwelling is at least Nascent Soul-grade!"

"Have you seen it with your own eyes?" Qin Sang countered.

The young man stiffened, stammering, "I, I haven't seen it myself, but I would never dare to deceive Senior..."

Qin Sang smiled. "You, a mere Qi Refinement cultivator, dare to be so certain without having seen it yourself?"

"My father told me. My father had a late-stage Core Formation cultivation before he passed away. He would never lie to me! He discovered that spiritual vein, where a cave dwelling could be opened, but there were dangers nearby. When he returned home to prepare, an accident occurred..." As he spoke, the young man's expression suddenly darkened, and a flicker of hatred passed through his eyes. Qin Sang observed the change in the young man's demeanor. Qin Sang did not press further, instead asking, "I hear you have a token?"

A wary look appeared on the young man's face. He said, "As long as Senior meets my demands, I will bring out the token. My father said that with the token, one can find the cave dwelling." After a moment of hesitation, the young man cautiously revealed some information about the spiritual vein.

"It's there, of all places." Qin Sang's mind stirred. That spiritual vein was located between Cloud Cauldron Mountain and the Twilight Mountain Range, effectively north of the Misty Water Temple. North of Chen Country, after passing through some mortal nations, the land would gradually become desolate. Unlike the chaotic Twilight Mountain Range, it was a place cultivators were unwilling to stay for long. It was said that underground fire veins crisscrossed the area, and their power was violent, capable of erupting at any time, leading to chaotic qi and unbearable heat. Compared to Cloud Cauldron Mountain, a cultivation sanctuary, it was a world of difference. Like those mortal nations, places suitable for cultivation were few and had long since been occupied. According to the young man, that spiritual vein was not only abundant in spiritual energy but also had very calm surrounding fire veins, making it a rare treasure land. However, powerful fire spirits roamed nearby.

Could such an environment help the Vermilion Bird 'grow'? Qin Sang had considered this matter before, and he mused, "Tell me, what do you want?" The discernment of a late-stage Core Formation cultivator could still be trusted. Moreover, even without getting close, he could sense abundant spiritual energy, suggesting there might be something extraordinary within.

"A Ziyuan Pill, a Huanli Stone, and a top-grade Water-attribute magic treasure!" the young man blurted out. His hands clenched tighter. Previously, when Steward Lu heard these conditions, he repeatedly shook his head, and indeed, afterward, no one showed interest. Although the cave dwelling was good, it demanded such a high price and required personally clearing out fire spirits; even Nascent Soul cultivators wouldn't be such a sucker.

"What kind of pill is a Ziyuan Pill?" Qin Sang asked. The young man was stunned, his gaze at Qin Sang betraying a strange expression. He didn't even know what a Ziyuan Pill was—could this person truly be the powerhouse Steward Lu spoke of?

"A Ziyuan Pill can help Core Formation cultivators break through to the Nascent Soul stage," the young man explained blankly.

Qin Sang understood. "You dare to covet the Nascent Soul stage already, with both the Foundation Establishment and Core Formation stages in between? Aren't you afraid of being too ambitious?" He couldn't help but recall how agitated he felt back then upon learning that the Nine Illusory Heavenly Orchid could be refined into a Nascent Soul-forming pill. The young man's ambition was even greater than his own back then.

"This junior is confident in breaking through these two barriers on his own. I must become a Nascent Soul cultivator!" the young man said in a deep voice, the hatred in his eyes intensifying. Though he didn't know the full story, Qin Sang could guess some of it.

He took out a token Fan Rugui had given him and infused it with true essence. Before long, the guard commander who had escorted him into the city hurried into the Fortuitous Land Exchange. Without even glancing at the young man, he approached Qin Sang and bowed respectfully. Qin Sang tossed him a bag of spiritual stones. "Is this enough to exchange for a Ziyuan Pill?" The young man finally saw hope, his face suddenly flushed, and his eyes filled with excitement. The guard commander glanced at the young man. "Reporting to Daoist Master, it's enough. I will go fetch the pill now." With that, the guard commander quickly departed.

"Alright, with the Yunding City guard and Steward Lu as witnesses, you can trust this poor Daoist now, right?" Qin Sang looked at the young man.

Steward Lu stood by the quiet room's door and said sternly, "Boy, take what you can get. You won't have such a good opportunity again. Let me give you one final warning: don't try any tricks, or even if the Daoist Master doesn't personally act, even if you escape Yunding City, I can still find you!"

The young man shivered. With his cultivation base, it was already extremely difficult for him to argue and persist until now in front of Steward Lu and Qin Sang. "Senior, please wait. I will go fetch the token now." Rushing out of the Fortuitous Land Exchange, the young man took a deep breath, vigorously clenched his fists, and ran towards a certain part of the city.

The guard commander soon returned, and then the young man also hastily rushed into the quiet room, handing the token in his hand to Qin Sang. It was a square stone, fiery red like jade. Qin Sang held it in his hand, sensed it briefly, and his heart stirred.