Chapter 54: The Complete "Netherworld Scripture"

The Mortal World

Qin Sang wasn't eager to enter the shops; his target lay ahead. The owner of the cultivation market had designated a free-trading zone for cultivators.

A light breeze stirred the thin mist, and swallows chirped softly.

The plaza, where winding streams meandered, was abuzz with activity. Most cultivators dressed like ordinary people, but a few were unconventional. Peculiar clothing was one thing, but some had pythons coiled around them, or even rode tigers, leopards, or falcons. Others were shrouded in black mist, exuding a chilling aura, as if to ensure everyone knew they were demonic cultivators.

It appeared there was little animosity between orthodox and demonic cultivators, possibly due to fear of the market's regulations. These cultivators resembled mortal peddlers, setting up stalls and displaying their wares. Customers would then squat in front of the stalls, browsing and haggling over prices. Qin Sang was taken aback, never imagining that cultivator transactions would involve such mundane scenes.

Unlike ordinary vendors, most of these stall owners sat cross-legged, evidently cultivating whenever possible. They would only open their eyes to converse when a customer inquired about a price. Deciding to observe first, Qin Sang entered the plaza and mingled with the crowd.

Teleportation Talisman, five low-grade spirit stones.Tinder Talisman, two low-grade spirit stones."Five Elements Incantation," exchange for a formation.Mid-grade magic artifact: Cold Glass Ruyi Ring, only for exchange with a defensive artifact of the same grade.Nine-Reversal Pill, effective for strengthening foundations and nourishing vitality, price negotiable.

Qin Sang specifically sought out stalls with upright signs, examining each one, which significantly broadened his horizons. The peculiar talismans, strange artifacts, and mysterious cultivation methods made Qin Sang salivate. Most of the signs indicated exchange with low-grade spirit stones, suggesting spirit stones were likely the unified currency of the cultivation world. Could the eight stones in his colorful brocade pouch be spirit stones?

With this thought, Qin Sang scanned his surroundings. Just a couple of steps away, he noticed a cloaked figure haggling with a stall owner over a magic artifact. Qin Sang deliberately slowed his steps. Observing the cloaked figure's attire, he mused that he should adopt a similar strategy in the future. Cultivators frequently fought to the death, so learning to conceal oneself and maintain a low profile might ensure a longer life.

"Brother, can you lower the price on this Ice Bee Needle?" the cloaked figure asked, speaking with a strained, sharp, and highly peculiar voice.

Qin Sang fixed his gaze on the artifact in the cloaked figure's hand. It was a transparent, finger-length needle, thinner than a regular one. Its material appeared to be ice, crystal clear, with a faint glow and emitting subtle cold air. Even Qin Sang, standing a short distance away, could feel a faint chill. A glance at the stall's sign revealed: "Low-grade magic artifact: Ice Bee Needle, thirty spirit stones."

The stall owner, an old man with a wrinkled face, lifted his eyelids at the sound and calmly asked, "How much are you offering, brother?"

The cloaked figure replied, "Low-grade artifacts are generally of little use, particularly in combat, where they can be easily destroyed by an opponent's spell. Even a dozen spirit stones would be an exorbitant price. This Ice Bee Needle is no exception. If it weren't for the inherent wisp of cold energy, which happens to be precisely what I need, I wouldn't even consider it. How about thirteen spirit stones?"

The stall owner chuckled. "It seems you're a discerning individual, brother, but your offer is quite unfair. This old man prices the Ice Bee Needle at thirty spirit stones precisely because of that wisp of cold energy. Didn't you know this needle is refined from the tail stinger of a Jade Ice Bee? It not only carries its own cold energy but also the Jade Ice Bee's potent cold poison. Thirty spirit stones is already a bargain."

The cloaked figure, however, dismissed it, saying, "The Jade Ice Bee's cold poison isn't some insurmountable toxin. Your words might deceive others, old man, but let's be honest with each other. I'll add two more spirit stones, making it fifteen..."

"Deal!"

The stall owner agreed decisively. The cloaked figure let out a soft huff, perhaps feeling they'd overpaid, then pulled fifteen colorful stones from a spatial pouch, tossed them to the vendor, and walked away without a backward glance. Seeing the stones the cloaked figure had tossed, Qin Sang, who had been secretly observing, felt his eyes suddenly light up. These spirit stones were precisely the same as the eight stones in his colorful brocade pouch. So he, too, possessed a modest fortune. Eight spirit stones could buy several talismans. However, he still needed to master the Object Manipulation Technique first.

Just then, the stall owner, having finished counting the spirit stones, suddenly looked up, narrowed his eyes, and stared at Qin Sang. "Little brother, you've been watching for quite a while," he asked with an inscrutable tone, "have you found something you fancy?"

Qin Sang's heart skipped a beat. He had hidden himself so well, yet he was still discovered. Qin Sang respectfully replied, "I merely found the Ice Bee Needle unusual and couldn't help but glance at it a few times. My apologies for disturbing you, senior." The stall owner simply said "Oh," then closed his eyes and resumed his cultivation.

Qin Sang wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, moved aside, and warned himself to act cautiously in the future. Simultaneously, he mused that if a low-grade magic artifact fetched over ten spirit stones, then the Purple Soul Bell on his wrist, being a high-grade artifact, must be exceptionally powerful and valuable. He had wandered for quite a while, seeing only a few mid-grade magic artifacts, all of which were offered for barter. He hadn't seen a single high-grade artifact. He wondered what grade the Ice Silkworm Armor, given to him by the young man named Han, was.

Qin Sang tightened his cuff, concealing the Purple Soul Bell more securely. He continued walking, occasionally pausing to observe. Many stalls sold cultivation methods and spells, but strangely, Qin Sang had explored nearly half the plaza and still hadn't found anyone selling the "Underworld Scripture" or the Object Manipulation Technique. Just as he was growing impatient, he suddenly spotted something familiar at a nearby stall.

"Spirit Talisman: Water Barrier, eight low-grade spirit stones."

The talismans displayed beneath the sign were identical to the one Qin Sang had obtained from Xuanji Temple. He realized then how valuable they were. Could this Water Barrier be the water curtain conjured by that cultivator before his death? It was likely a defensive spirit talisman. Qin Sang feigned interest, squatted down, and haggled with the stall owner, confirming his suspicion.

Qin Sang privately mused that since the Water Barrier talisman was for defense and its effect overlapped with that of his Ice Silkworm Armor, it wasn't a pressing need for him. He could use it for exchange instead of selling any of his other artifacts. With this thought, Qin Sang quickened his pace, his gaze sweeping rapidly across the various stalls. He still hadn't found what he wanted and was almost at the end of the plaza when his eyes suddenly sharpened. He let out a silent sigh of relief; he had finally found the "Underworld Scripture."

It was a thick book with a black cover, emblazoned with the large characters: "Complete Underworld Scripture." Judging by its appearance alone, this book was more than twice as thick as the "Underworld Scripture" Qin Sang had acquired from the black-robed demonic cultivator. It seemed his copy truly was incomplete.

Maintaining a calm expression, Qin Sang strolled about, feigning casual interest. He then squatted in front of the stall and picked up the "Complete Underworld Scripture."