Chapter 58: Old Pervert

Leaving the alchemy shop, Xu Qing was now walking towards Port 79.

While his job at the Bounty Hunting Office required daily check-ins and occasional patrols, he was mostly free when there were no active missions. So, Xu Qing planned to return to his berth to continue cultivating.

On the way, he habitually walked along the edges of the path, trying to blend into the shadows as much as possible, moving forward silently.

Due to the storm, many cargo ships and sect disciples' boats returning from expeditions had been unable to enter the port in time, remaining trapped at sea.

Today, however, the storm had ended. Although it was still raining, a great many boats were now entering the port.

As Xu Qing walked through the port, he pondered his elixirs and cultivation.

"The cost of one white elixir is roughly three spirit coins. If this continues long-term and accumulates, I can gain a considerable harvest." Xu Qing touched the spirit stones he had acquired from selling the white elixirs.

"Cultivation costs too much. To maintain my previous pace, I need one every day. Also, the berth fee will be due soon."

"As for refining the magic boat, it's even more expensive." Xu Qing sighed inwardly, regretting that he had been too decisive in his previous kills, missing the opportunity to obtain the opponents' items and contributions.

He then considered finding a way to capture more wanted criminals or perhaps venturing into a forbidden zone. Otherwise, if things continued like this, he would lack the resources to upgrade his magic boat.

Prices throughout the main city were high, but cultivation resources were the most expensive. While ordinary citizens could still afford the former, the latter were not only beyond the reach of those without purchasing qualifications, but even qualified disciples could rarely afford to buy them in large quantities.

For disciples of the Seven Blood Eyes Sect, the daily cost of thirty spirit coins for residency was negligible. What truly drove them to secretly kill and plunder each other were their respective cultivation resources.

To grow, one either took missions to acquire resources outside or secretly killed and plundered. There were no other options.

In this regard, only core disciples who had obtained the core disciple token and were qualified to reside on the mountain—though without the right to receive sect profit distribution—were significantly better off.

During this time, Xu Qing had heard much about the Seven Blood Eyes Sect, and he now understood that the so-called core disciples were those who entered the sect with the proper-colored tokens of each peak.

For example, the Seventh Peak had purple tokens.

Anyone holding such a token could reside on the mountain upon entering the sect. Their robes were the light colors of their respective peaks, like the young man in the light purple daoist robe he had seen on the street that day, or the young woman in the light orange daoist robe he had seen previously.

They were often the younger relatives of high-ranking figures from various peaks. When purchasing any item, their cost was only fifty percent of what other mountain-side disciples paid. However, sect rules prohibited reselling for profit; their status would be revoked if caught. Thus, few dared to take such risks.

The disparity between core and mountain-side disciples was quite unfair, but such was the nature of destiny. As for those wearing dark-colored daoist robes from various peaks, only cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage and above could possess them. They had already surpassed core disciples and were entitled to a share of the Seven Blood Eyes' profits.

"I need to find a way to make money quickly..." As Xu Qing mused, a clamor came from afar, interrupting his thoughts.

Following the sound, Xu Qing looked up. From a distance, he saw many disciples gathered on the shore ahead, seemingly waiting for something.

Even the Seventh Peak disciples inside the various magic boats docked in the port began to emerge.

Behind him, too, whistling sounds echoed as at least a hundred Seventh Peak disciples from all directions rapidly converged.

Each of them had a sharp glint in their eyes and an expression of eagerness, gazing at the distant port gate.

Witnessing this scene, Xu Qing was somewhat surprised and curious. He, too, looked towards the port gate. Before long, a massive boat slowly appeared at the edge of his vision.

This boat was at least one hundred seventy to eighty zhang in length. It was entirely golden and extremely luxurious, shining with dazzling light under the setting sun. At its bow was a massive statue of a human-faced spider.

The human face had a single eye, which seemed to be inlaid with a gem, appearing extremely ostentatious.

From afar, the boat resembled a colossal beast, breaking through the sea.

On the massive boat, even more luxurious pavilions were built. Amidst the carved railings and jade-inlaid walls, a large number of guards could be seen inside.

At this moment, as a booming sound echoed, it drew closer and closer to the port.

"The Third Highness."

"The Third Highness has returned!"

A sudden clamor erupted within the crowd.

"The Third Highness?" Xu Qing curiously watched the extraordinarily luxurious boat slowly entering the harbor. As it approached, a distinct scent of the sea spread around.

Moreover, a powerful aura of coercion emanated from the boat, intimidating the mind.

After a brief sensation, Xu Qing's eyes narrowed.

The intensity of this coercion gave him a sense of extreme danger, much like the terrifying beings he had encountered deep within the forbidden zone's jungles.

Especially as it drew closer, he clearly saw that, besides the pavilions and guards on this luxurious ship, there were also sharp spikes, each glinting with a cold light.

Each of these spikes was over a zhang long. They bore complex runes, exuding astonishing lethality.

This type of boat was the most terrifying Xu Qing had seen in days.

This boat alone made Xu Qing feel that he was no match for it, giving him a deeper understanding of the Seventh Peak's magic boats. His mind trembled as respectful voices rose and fell around him. Xu Qing watched as several figures emerged from the pavilion on the grand and awe-inspiring ship.

The first among them was a tall, slender young man dressed in a purple daoist robe!

The purple robe he wore was not the light shade Xu Qing had previously seen, but rather... a dark color!!

A dark and pure purple robe, worn by this young man, represented a status that made Xu Qing's expression solemn. He knew... this young man's cultivation must be at the Foundation Establishment stage.

Moreover, from the reverence of the crowd around him, it was clear that this individual's status... was far from that of an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator.

However, the young man's complexion was sallow, he had heavy dark circles under his eyes, and his body was extremely thin, looking as if he had been drained by indulgence. His eyes also carried a lewd expression.

He stood at the bow of the ship, wearing a white hat embroidered with a large character 'Forbidden'.

This character was quite peculiar, exuding an indescribable coercion.

The dark purple daoist robe, which drove countless people crazy, was worn by him. It was extremely loose, rustling loudly when the wind blew, as if it could blow him over entirely.

He seemed to be aware of his own weakness, so as he walked out at this moment, while enjoying the respect from the disciples on shore, he held two cloaked women with both arms for support.

One of the women also held a crystal bottle containing various nourishing substances, feeding him spoonful by spoonful.

These two women were young, both quite beautiful. Their green eyes exuded a captivating allure. As the sea breeze blew, their long hair fluttered, revealing their tall, curvaceous figures beneath their cloaks.

Their high breasts, rounded hips, and impossibly slender waists, combined with their innocent faces, made them exude a primal allure.

Their attire was even bolder. Their seductive curves and seemingly flawless, fair skin were openly displayed to all the disciples, causing people to unconsciously overlook the gill-like glands on their cheeks.

At this moment, they allowed the young man to embrace them, their shy laughter echoing.

"Greetings, Third Highness!" On the shore, the respectful cries grew louder.

Xu Qing gazed at the young man on the boat, feeling as if the man would collapse without the two women's support. This struck him as very strange and incredible.

He then looked at the two graceful women, his eyes narrowing slightly. He sensed danger from them, so his gaze quickly swept past them, to see that besides the guards, there were also many black-robed figures on the boat.

The exposed faces of these individuals, like the two women, all had green eyes and gill-like glands on their cheeks. Their cultivation fluctuations were impressive.

In addition, there was also a young boy among them, of similar age to Xu Qing. He was dressed in luxurious attire, and his green eyes held a hint of coldness as he swept his gaze across the shore.

He also had gill-like glands on his cheeks.

Xu Qing looked at these beings. It was his second time seeing creatures similar to humans but clearly different. However, judging by the reactions of the other disciples around him, there seemed to be no surprise, indicating that such non-human races were not uncommon.

So he quickly retracted his gaze, no longer looking. He was about to leave, but just then, as the large boat drew closer, the laughter of the young man supported by the two women emanated from the ship.

"Although we encountered a storm during this expedition, our harvest was quite good. All fellow disciples who are present shall have a share."

As soon as he spoke, a large number of attendants immediately leaped up from the boat. With a wave of their hands, palm-sized scales whizzed towards every person on the shore.

One also came towards Xu Qing. Seeing the scale fly towards him, he raised his hand and caught it. His first sensation was that it was slippery and cold. Then, he squeezed it lightly, but astonishingly, he couldn't crush it. This made Xu Qing's eyes narrow.

He realized that this scale must be extraordinary, and at the same time understood why so many people had gathered on the shore.

"If it were like this every day, I wouldn't have to worry about making money." Xu Qing looked at the scale, then put it away. Like the others around him, he thanked the Third Highness on the distant large boat.

Amidst the thanks of the crowd, the large boat docked at the berth. The Third Highness first waved to his fellow disciples on the shore, then, without fear of being seen, he directly slapped the two exotic women's buttocks.

After eliciting soft cries from the two women, this gaunt Third Highness smirked.

All the disciples witnessed this scene. They all lowered their heads, as few dared to brazenly gaze at the two exotic women for long in front of the Third Highness.

Xu Qing didn't find anything particularly appealing to look at, but he noticed a hint of disdain in the expression of the exotic young boy standing behind the two women.

On the large boat, the Third Highness winked and grinned lewdly, as if all his attention was on the women's figures beside him, not noticing the expression of the exotic young boy behind him.

"My two little fairies, wait for me here, and don't leave the boat easily. Otherwise, if my master sees you, he'll scold me again... But I don't know if my master has returned yet. I'll go check first; if he hasn't, I'll come to play with you tonight."

The two exotic women seemed to fall for this. With charming smiles, they exchanged a few flirtatious words with him. Then, the Third Highness cleared his throat, took the nourishing crystal bottle, and summoned his attendants and guards on the ship.

"Bring all the items down. Everyone, be careful when moving them, and don't bump anything."

As he spoke, a large number of attendants and guards began moving large, sealed boxes out of the ship's hold, the contents of which could not be seen.

"Handle them carefully. And record everything clearly. These are for my Eldest Senior Brother who is in secluded cultivation. He's petty, so don't let him claim later that they were damaged and try to extort me."

With a laugh, the Third Highness cupped his fist towards the surrounding disciples, and led his entourage grandly off the large boat, heading in the direction of the Seventh Peak.

As he departed, the disciples on the shore rapidly retreated one by one. While each remained vigilant, a suppressed atmosphere permeated the area.

All those who had received scales were extremely wary. Malicious gazes, filled with greed, were hidden among them.

Clearly, the items could be obtained, but whether they could be kept was another matter.

Soon, as everyone quickly dispersed, many disciples were targeted. Xu Qing also felt gazes sweeping over him, but perhaps due to his reputation from killing Qingyunzi a few days prior, those gazes hesitated, not daring to act rashly.

Xu Qing watched all of this with a cold gaze, then strode away from the area. He returned to his berth, maintaining vigilance throughout his journey. After confirming his safety, he took out his magic boat.

Gazing at it, Xu Qing's mind recalled the Third Highness's massive boat.

The disparity between them was too great. Xu Qing remained silent for a moment, and instead of stepping into his magic boat to cultivate, he put it away again. He turned and walked towards a shop run by a Sixth Peak disciple in the port.

He intended to refine his own magic boat.

After finding a shop, producing the scale and the fish bone given by Zhang San, and paying the refining fee, Xu Qing waited in the shop run by the Sixth Peak disciple.

The process wouldn't take long. The Sixth Peak disciple refining it for him said it would take an incense stick's time.

So, while waiting, Xu Qing looked at the various miscellaneous items for sale inside the shop. Most of them were biological materials, each quite valuable.

Among them, Xu Qing saw a lizard skin. He inquired with the attendant nearby, and was told it astonishingly cost one hundred fifty spirit stones per piece.

"So expensive!" Although he was mentally prepared for the high cost of cultivation resources, Xu Qing was still surprised by this price.

"This is the shed skin of a Sea Lizard at Qi Condensation Level Five; it's extremely complete, rare, and excellent in durability." The attendant glanced sideways at Xu Qing and explained.

Xu Qing silently withdrew his gaze. After scanning all the items, his eyes landed on a heart the size of a human head.

This heart was contained within a crystal bottle, and astonishingly, it was still active, slowly beating.

"This is the heart of a Dragonbeard Beast. While it doesn't reach the level of a magic ship comparable to Foundation Establishment, it's sufficient as a power source for a boat-grade vessel."

The attendant explained. Xu Qing didn't ask the price; he knew very well that such power sources were often outrageously expensive.

In short, all biological materials were absurdly priced.

After looking around, Xu Qing felt that his meager savings were insignificant. As he sighed inwardly at this moment, his magic boat was ready.

When the shopkeeper handed him the small bottle, Xu Qing immediately saw that the magic boat inside the bottle was somewhat different from before. Not only was it larger, but distinct scale-like totems had appeared on it.

He then infused it with spiritual energy and examined it. He noticed that not only had its appearance changed, but the durability of the magic boat had also improved by a level. Xu Qing nodded in satisfaction, thanked them, and left, heading straight for the port.

He intended to try it out in the sea.

Upon approaching the port, Xu Qing returned to his berth. After confirming that the surroundings were safe, he released his magic boat.

As light shimmered, a black-canopied boat, its entire body densely carved with clear scale totems, measuring seven to eight zhang long and over one zhang wide, appeared before Xu Qing.

Compared to before, the magic boat now exuded a more obvious sense of ferocity. The feeling of it being a giant crocodile was also stronger, especially with the inlaid fish bones on the crocodile head carving, which generated gusts of wind that continuously swirled around it.

It was conceivable that, once unleashed, its speed would also be much faster than before.

All of this made a light shine in Xu Qing's eyes.

"If I had a large quantity of spirit stones and materials, what would my magic boat become?"

"Time to make money!" Xu Qing murmured.