Chapter 50: Night Visit

The Human World

A native of Ning Country, he had unexpectedly become the Marquis of Jiangzhou in the Great Sui Dynasty.

Having lived in the Great Sui for five years, Qin Sang still didn't feel particularly familiar with it, and he was filled with emotion.

Returning to his residence, Qin Sang went into his study.

He was all alone, with no significant luggage to carry besides his ebony sword and a few other items.

After breaking through to the fifth level of the *Underworld Sutra*, the consumption of Soul Pills became much faster; a single pill would be depleted after just a few days of intense cultivation. Without Soul Pills, the pace of cultivation improvement was despairingly slow.

Fortunately, he had anticipated this and had accumulated some Soul Pills before the war ended. Moreover, Yama had recovered to its peak strength, which, if fully utilized, could sustain him for a long period.

As for gold and silver, Qin Sang didn't carry much. A dignified immortal cultivator would never be starved by a lack of money; he could always beg for alms whenever needed.

However, he couldn't just leave like this; there were still some mundane matters to arrange. So, Qin Sang sent a trusted guard to Wu Chuanzong's residence to wait for him and ask him to come after the imperial court session.

After packing, including his clothes, he only had a small bundle.

Qin Sang sighed inwardly, wishing he knew the Art of Object Manipulation and could use a Sumeru Pouch.

According to the young man surnamed Han, cultivation markets were equivalent to marketplaces in the immortal cultivation world, where cultivators traded, bought, or exchanged what they needed.

In a large cultivation market, cultivators from renowned sects, demonic cultivators, and rogue cultivators all came and went. Within the sphere of demonic activities, it was easy to encounter demonic cultivators, which was why Qin Sang was told to try his luck there.

However, what Qin Sang most urgently needed was not to join a sect, but rather to figure out how to access the world of immortal cultivators.

The Art of Object Manipulation, Sumeru Pouches, magical artifacts, Qi Refining Stage, Foundation Establishment Stage, Yin-Fiend Qi…

These were common knowledge for cultivators, yet he understood none of it. Only by comprehending this basic knowledge could he discern his future path.

This key to the cultivation market would also open the door to the immortal cultivation world for him. That was why Qin Sang hadn't pestered the young man surnamed Han.

Even if no sect accepted him, he could simply become a rogue cultivator. From what the young man surnamed Han implied, rogue cultivators were not uncommon among immortal cultivators.

Once he reached the cultivation market, he would first acquire the Art of Object Manipulation, retrieve the items from the Seven-Colored Brocade Pouch, and then inquire about how to find Yin-Fiend Qi so as not to delay his cultivation.

He also needed to figure out the secrets surrounding him: what exactly were the ebony sword, the jade Buddha, the sheepskin, and why could he cultivate without a spiritual root?

Then there was the *Underworld Sutra*.

In fact, after breaking through to the fifth level, Qin Sang had an obscure feeling that the *Underworld Sutra* likely had more than six levels and that this cultivation method might be incomplete.

Later, the various pieces of information he learned about the Qi Refining Stage from Zhen Ming further corroborated Qin Sang's idea.

He wondered if he could buy a complete version of the *Underworld Sutra* in the market.

Were immortal cultivation techniques expensive?

What did immortal cultivators use for trade?

Qin Sang's head ached just thinking about it. He was a pauper; if all else failed, he could only sell the magical artifact or that talisman paper of unknown use to exchange for cultivation methods, as the *Underworld Sutra* was, after all, his fundamental foundation.

Thinking this, Qin Sang took out the jade plate to examine it. Although called a jade plate, it actually had a circular hole in the center, resembling a jade ring.

The jade plate was only palm-sized and very thin, completely clear and translucent without any blemishes or patterns. It made one worry if it would be extremely fragile and shatter upon touch.

Qin Sang hesitated for a moment, then tentatively extended his divine sense and magical power into the jade plate. Immediately, the jade plate lit up with a halo, and the four characters "You Mountain Market" appeared, but beyond that, there was no other reaction.

It seemed he truly needed to reach Biyun Country for it to work.

Qin Sang carefully put the jade plate away. Soon after, he heard footsteps in the courtyard, knowing that Wu Chuanzong had arrived.

"This is the address of my hometown, Wangjia Village in Ning Country. I haven't mentioned it to anyone but you," Qin Sang said, handing a hand-drawn map to Wu Chuanzong. "If nothing unexpected has happened, my parents should still be alive, and I have two elder brothers... I am dedicated to seeking immortality and cannot attend to worldly affairs. These relatives, I entrust to you from now on. Just tell them I'm dead."

After the identity swap, Qin Sang had always avoided the familial ties of this body, never returning home once in five years.

Wu Chuanzong solemnly put it away and said tearfully, "Sir, please rest assured. Without you, Chuanzong would not be where he is today. Chuanzong will surely treat them as his own family..."

Qin Sang waved his hand, "There's no need for that. For my parents and my brothers and their wives, you only need to ensure they are well-fed and clothed. If there are any capable children or nephews, you may offer them appropriate support. Beyond that, you don't need to concern yourself; their fate will be their own."

Wu Chuanzong was intelligent and astute, with outstanding military achievements. At a young age, he had already attained a high position, and his future was boundless.

Even ordinary families rarely maintain wealth for more than three generations, so this arrangement was considered a proper account for Qin Sanwa.

Besides that, there were some minor matters. With Qin Sang's departure, his subordinates would temporarily lose their backing. Fortunately, the Eldest Princess and others could look after them.

The two talked in private for a while. Suddenly, rapid footsteps were heard outside, and a trusted guard said in a hushed voice, "Marquis, the Eldest Princess is here for a secret visit."

Qin Sang frowned, wondering why the Eldest Princess had come so late at night. He had originally intended to bid her farewell the next day.

"You should head back now," Qin Sang said, rising to see off Wu Chuanzong. He then personally went out to greet her, only to see the Eldest Princess lightly dressed and simply accompanied, bringing just Bai Jianglan and two guards, having ridden a single horse to his residence.

"Let's talk inside."

The Eldest Princess flicked her horsewhip and led the way into the residence. She walked as if she were in her own home, knowing the way intimately, heading straight for Qin Sang's study.

Qin Sang could only nod to Bai Jianglan and quietly follow her inside. He saw the Eldest Princess standing there, hands clasped behind her back, her slender figure poised and still.

"Marquis of Jiangzhou!"

The Eldest Princess suddenly spoke, her voice cold and clear.

Qin Sang replied, "Your subject is here."

The Eldest Princess suddenly turned around, her autumn-water eyes dazzling in the candlelight. Staring at Qin Sang, she questioned, "This princess has never treated you unfairly, have I?"

Qin Sang, feeling helpless, said, "Eldest Princess, what do you mean by that..."

"Then why are you so determined to leave?"

The Eldest Princess suddenly took a step forward, her gaze intense, allowing Qin Sang no chance to explain. "What's so great about cultivating immortality? Look at how many seekers of immortality live lonely lives, growing old and dying in deep mountains and wild forests, their bodies becoming food for tigers and leopards, ultimately without family or achievement. Now look over there!"

The Eldest Princess raised her slender finger, pointing towards the direction of the Jade Palace. Her words came faster and faster, "There are magnificent palaces there, filled with supreme power, countless beauties, fine wine and delicacies, luxurious clothes and food, a life of extravagance and indulgence... Whatever you desire can be easily obtained! You, why are you so stubbornly misguided?"

Qin Sang remained silent, then said, "Eldest Princess, please follow me."

Stepping out of the study, Qin Sang whispered an apology for the offense, then took the Eldest Princess's hand, lightly pushed off the ground, and leaped onto the rooftop. Looking towards the Jade Palace again, indeed, the luxury and scenery were splendid.

The Eldest Princess tilted her head slightly, her eyes full of confusion, wondering what Qin Sang was up to.