Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 689 The Central Hub of the East Sea: Humans, Demons, Monsters, and Buddhas Coexist (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
As for Su Muqing, she has also reached the peak of the sixth level of the Golden Core realm. In terms of cultivation, she is the same as Li Yunjing. Of course, in terms of combat power, the two are not comparable.

"Husband, are we almost there?"

Zhao Qi asked softly.

Li Yunjing nodded: "According to the route, we will arrive at the sea area where the 'Heavenly Demon Sect' is located in another month."

As they were talking, the airship suddenly shuddered slightly, and its speed noticeably slowed down.

"what happened?"

Ye Wuhen frowned.

Soon, the guard commander approached, his face grave: "Fellow Daoists, we have discovered something unusual ahead and we need to detour."

"abnormal?"

Li Yunjing extended his divine sense and probed forward.

Dozens of miles away, countless huge ice blocks were floating on the sea.

Even more bizarrely, something seemed to be frozen inside those ice blocks, reflecting a strange light in the sunlight.

"That's... a sea monster?"

Su Muqing exclaimed in surprise.

Li Yunjing's pupils contracted.

Those ice blocks contained various forms of sea beasts, some of which had even reached the fourth rank!

They retained their expressions of terror before death, as if frozen in time.

"It's the power of extreme cold!"

Ye Wuhen said in a deep voice, "Moreover, it's not ordinary cold energy; it's at least the power of the Nascent Soul level."

"exactly!"

The guard commander nodded: "Something strange has suddenly happened in this sea area; a large number of sea beasts have been frozen instantly. We must detour at least a thousand miles."

Li Yunjing gazed thoughtfully at the frozen sea, vaguely sensing a familiar aura.

"what happened?"

Ye Wuhen noticed his unusual behavior.

"nothing!"

Li Yunjing withdrew his gaze, "I just felt that this chill was a bit unusual."

The airship began to turn, bypassing the dangerous area.

That night, Li Yunjing stood alone at the stern of the ship, gazing at the gradually receding frozen sea, his brows furrowed.

"Husband, what's wrong?"

Zhao Qi noticed that Li Yunjing was lost in thought, so she stepped forward and asked him.

There are some things I just can't understand.

Li Yunjing pulled himself together and took her hand: "That frozen sea area... never mind, let's go back and rest!"

Having bypassed that strange, frozen sea, the flying boat finally safely left the territory of the "Heavenly Demon Sect".

A month later, the flying boat slowly landed on "Xuanling Port" in the deep sea. This is the central island of the East China Sea and an important node on the "Jubaolou" trade route.

"Fellow Daoists, this is the end."

The guard commander clasped his hands in a fist salute and said, "We will no longer travel together on the road ahead."

Li Yunjing nodded slightly, took out a "treasure pouch" and handed it over: "Thank you all for taking care of me along the way. This is just a small token of my gratitude."

The guard commander scanned the area with his divine sense and discovered that there were tens of thousands of high-grade spirit stones inside. He immediately showed delight and said solemnly, "Fellow Daoist Li, you are too kind. If you need anything in the future, you can contact 'Treasure Pavilion' at any time!"

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Li Yunjing and his group of four disembarked from the spaceship and stepped into the bustling streets of "Xuanling Port".

The port was bustling with people, cultivators, mortals, and caravans. In the distance, several huge interdimensional flying ships could be seen anchored above the port, their spiritual light shimmering and their imposing presence awe-inspiring.

This port does not belong to any single power; it is jointly managed by many powerful forces in the East China Sea.

Besides collecting fees, their main function is to maintain public order.

In any case, at "Xuanling Port", any force, including demons, sea creatures, humans, immortals, Buddhists, and demons, can freely communicate.

No fighting is allowed, that's the only rule!
Upon entering this island of freedom, Li Yunjing and his group were truly overwhelmed by what they saw. After all, it was quite peculiar to see a living being walking down the street with a giant fish head on its head.

"Where should we go next?"

Su Muqing looked around and asked.

Ye Wuhen took out a jade slip, scanned it with his divine sense, and said, "According to intelligence, the 'Treasure Pavilion' will be holding an auction in 'Xuanling City' soon. It is said that the 'Nine-Turn Nascent Soul Pill' will appear, which may be useful to us."

"Nine-Turn Nascent Soul Pill?"

Zhao Qi's eyes flashed, "This pill can increase the chances of a Golden Core peak cultivator to Nascent Soul by 30%, it is indeed precious."

"In that case, let's go to 'Xuanling City' first and see if we can bid for this pill."

Li Yunjing pondered for a moment and said, "In addition, I always feel that the matter of that frozen sea area is not simple. Perhaps we can find out some information in the city."

Everyone nodded and then set off for "Xuanling City".

However, not long after they left the port, Li Yunjing suddenly stopped and his gaze narrowed slightly.

"what happened?"

Ye Wuhen sensed something was wrong and asked in a low voice.

Li Yunjing did not answer, but simply turned his head slightly to look at a teahouse on the side of the street.

By the second-floor window, a man in black robes was quietly watching them. When Li Yunjing looked over, he slowly raised his teacup, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.

"It seems someone has already set their sights on us."

Li Yunjing said calmly.

Zhao Qi frowned slightly: "Are they from the 'Heavenly Demon Sect'?"

"not necessarily."

Li Yunjing shook his head, "But this person's aura is mysterious, and his cultivation is at least at the Nascent Soul stage. We must not be careless."

"That person isn't from the 'Heavenly Demon Sect'! Their aura is off!"

Ye Wuhen snorted coldly: "Who cares who they are? If they dare to block my way, I'll kill them!"

"Let's go, let's get into the city first."

Li Yunjing smiled slightly: "If he really dares to make a move, let him see our methods."

The four of them stopped and headed straight towards "Xuanling City".

However, they were unaware that behind the man in black robes, a faint, chilling aura was silently locking onto them...

The four stepped into "Xuanling City" and were greeted by a scene far more prosperous than the port.

The streets were wide, lined with shops on both sides, with colorful flags fluttering in the wind. There was the "Spirit Pill Pavilion" of the immortal sect, the "Blood Fiend Tower" of the demonic sect, and even the "Ten Thousand Demon Workshop" run by the demon race, and the "Deep Sea Treasures Pavilion" of the sea race...

The air was filled with the rich aroma of medicine and spiritual materials, and occasionally a faint trace of demonic energy could be detected, indicating that the cultivators in this city were of extremely diverse backgrounds.

"This is indeed a good place."

Li Yunjing glanced around, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Looks like I can find quite a few good things."

"First, go to 'Jubaolou' to inquire about the specific time of the auction, and then go check out the other shops."

Ye Wuhen nodded and said calmly.

He had been here many times and was very familiar with the place.

This place is so important that even the "Heavenly Demon Sect" wouldn't dare to cause trouble here.

The central hub of the ocean is no less important than any other place on the "Tianlan Continent"!

Even many things that don't exist on other continents.

Li Yunjing, Zhao Qi, and Su Muqing naturally had no objections and headed straight for the city center.

The branch of "Jubaolou" in "Xuanling City" is far more impressive than other branches and shops. The entire building is made of spirit jade, and two Golden Core stage guards stand at the entrance with sharp eyes, clearly not people that ordinary cultivators can easily provoke.

As soon as Li Yunjing and his companions stepped inside, a middle-aged cultivator in brocade robes greeted them with a warm smile: "Fellow Daoists, are you here to inquire about participating in the auction?"

"Exactly."

Li Yunjing nodded. "When will the auction begin?"

"Three days later, at noon."

The middle-aged cultivator handed over a jade slip, saying, "This is a partial list of items for this auction. If you are interested, you can prepare in advance."

Li Yunjing scanned the list with his divine sense and found that the "Nine Revolutions Nascent Soul Pill" was indeed on the list. In addition, there were several rare spiritual materials and magic treasures, and even a fragmented Nascent Soul stage cultivation technique!
"There are quite a few good things."

He smiled slightly and put away the jade slip. "I wonder if it is possible to consign items at your esteemed establishment?"

"Of course!"

The middle-aged cultivator's eyes lit up: "I wonder what treasures Fellow Daoist Li possesses?"

Li Yunjing took out a storage ring and handed it over: "I have some unused spiritual materials and magic treasures. I would be grateful if your esteemed establishment could auction them off on my behalf."

"Scales of a fifth-tier 'Mystic Ice Dragon'?"

The middle-aged cultivator swept the area with his divine sense and immediately showed a look of surprise: "There's even 'Crimson Flame Golden Essence'? These are all rare items!"

Li Yunjing smiled but remained silent.

These materials were acquired through his travels over the years; they were of little use to him, but for some cultivators, they were invaluable treasures.

"Rest assured, fellow Daoist, these items will definitely fetch a high price!"

The middle-aged cultivator solemnly said, "After the auction, we will take a 10% commission, and the remaining spirit stones will be given to you in full. Fellow Daoists, please follow me to register your items."

"Good work."

Li Yunjing nodded and followed the other party into the "Treasure Pavilion" gate. Led by the middle-aged cultivator, Li Yunjing and his companions passed through the magnificent front hall and arrived at an elegant side hall.

The hall was exquisitely furnished, with calligraphy and paintings by famous artists hanging on the four walls. In the center was a small table made of thousand-year-old spiritual wood, on which were placed several cups of spiritual tea. The aroma of the tea was so enticing and refreshing.

"Fellow Daoists, please have a seat. I'll go fetch the manager!"

The middle-aged cultivator gestured for him to enter, then took out a jade tablet and pressed it gently. Immediately, a faint barrier appeared in the hall to prevent outsiders from peeping in.

Before long, an elderly man in brocade robes appeared.

The middle-aged man nodded, said goodbye, and left.

"My surname is Chen. I am the manager of the Xuanling City branch of 'Jubaolou' and I am in charge of the consignment matters for this auction."

The old man seemed to have received information from the middle-aged man. With a smile, he introduced himself, "May I ask how you fellow Daoists are addressed?"

"My name is Li Yunjing."

Li Yunjing cupped his hands slightly, then pointed to the three people beside him, "This is Zhao Qi, Su Muqing, and Ye Wuhen."

Manager Chen glanced at the four people and was secretly surprised.

These four individuals exuded a calm and composed aura, clearly indicating that they were all experts at the Golden Core stage. Ye Wuhen, in particular, emanated a sharp and formidable presence, making him no ordinary cultivator.

"So it's Fellow Daoist Li."

Deacon Chen's smile widened. "May I ask if you could show me the items you wish to consign?"

Without wasting words, Li Yunjing waved his sleeve, and several shimmering treasures appeared on the table.

First, there was a stack of scales gleaming with a cold light. Each scale was about the size of a palm, covered with fine patterns, and felt icy cold to the touch, faintly exuding the might of a dragon.

"The scales of the fifth-order 'Mysterious Ice Dragon' total thirty-six."

Li Yunjing said calmly, "This dragon is a Nascent Soul stage being. Its scales are extremely tough and can be used to refine defensive magic treasures."

Shopkeeper Chen carefully picked up a scale, examined it closely, and a hint of amazement flashed in his eyes: "It is indeed a top-quality dragon scale, and it is well preserved. It is quite valuable."

Next came a fist-sized piece of crimson metal, its surface burning with a faint flame; even from several feet away, one could feel the intense heat it contained.

"'Crimson Flame Gold Essence' originates from deep within the Earth's core lava and is a top-tier material for crafting fire-attribute magical artifacts."

Li Yunjing explained.

Shopkeeper Chen nodded repeatedly: "This item is extremely rare. Many master craftsmen have searched for it for many years without success. It will surely fetch a high price at auction."

In addition to these two main materials, Li Yunjing also took out several bottles of pills, several unused magic treasures, and some rare spiritual herbs.

Manager Chen examined each item carefully, and the more he looked, the more alarmed he became.

These items were all of exceptional quality, especially the bottles of pills, which were all rare items of the fourth rank or higher. One of them, the "Mysterious Origin Pill," was even a spiritual medicine that could help Golden Core cultivators break through their bottlenecks.

"Fellow Daoist Li, these items of yours, conservatively speaking, could fetch at least three million high-grade spirit stones at auction."

Manager Chen took a deep breath and said solemnly, "If we encounter a buyer who is in urgent need, the price may be even higher."

Li Yunjing smiled slightly: "Then I'll leave it to Manager Chen."

"This is a consignment certificate. You can collect your spirit stones by presenting this certificate after the auction ends."

Deacon Chen quickly took out a jade token and handed it to Li Yunjing: "In addition, if any of you are interested, you can use this token to enter the VIP box of the auction directly without having to pay a deposit."

"Thank you."

Li Yunjing put away the jade token, cupped his hands and said, "In addition, my three companions also have items to consign. I would like to trouble you, shopkeeper, to estimate their value together."

"it is good!"

Shopkeeper Chen was overjoyed and looked intently at Ye Wuhen and the other two.

Business people love good things the most!

The more of this, the better!

Ye Wuhen did not disappoint Manager Chen; in fact, he brought out even more items than Li Yunjing. As for Zhao Qi and Su Muqing, they were far inferior, but they still surprised Manager Chen.

The wealth of Li Yunjing and his three companions was almost equivalent to the value of ten million high-grade spirit stones!
“Fellow Daoist Li, I can tell from your extraordinary demeanor that you must have an extraordinary background.”

Just as the transaction was about to end, Manager Chen suddenly lowered his voice and asked, "Are you interested in 'Spatial Mystic Crystals'?"

"Space Crystal?"

Li Yunjing raised an eyebrow. "Wasn't this thing already extinct?"

"At this auction, a 'Space Crystal' will be the grand finale item, which is said to have been obtained from an ancient ruin."

Manager Chen smiled mysteriously: "However..."

He paused, then lowered his voice further: "This item seems to be involved in some trouble. The seller is requesting an anonymous transaction, and the buyer will have to bear the risks themselves after the auction."

Li Yunjing's eyes flickered slightly as he pondered to himself.

The "Space Crystal" is a treasure for cultivating spatial supernatural powers. If Li Yunjing could obtain it, it would greatly benefit his cultivation.

But Manager Chen's words were loaded with meaning, clearly indicating that there was more to this item than met the eye.

"Thank you for informing me, Manager Chen."

Li Yunjing nodded calmly, "I will consider it."

After leaving the "Treasure Pavilion", Ye Wuhen spoke first: "There's probably something wrong with that 'Space Crystal'."

"Manager Chen specifically reminded me, which clearly indicates that this item involves a lot of people."

Zhao Qi nodded: "Husband, do you still want to participate?"

"It's alright, let's wait and see."

Li Yunjing pondered for a moment and said, "The most urgent task is to ensure that we get our hands on the 'Nine Revolutions Nascent Soul Pill'."

As the four were about to head to the next shop, Li Yunjing suddenly stopped and looked toward the street corner.

There, a dark shadow flashed by.

"They did follow us, just as expected."

Ye Wuhen sneered.

Li Yunjing said calmly, "Let's go, we have time now, we can play with them slowly later."

"I've heard that the 'Ten Thousand Demon Pavilion' has many unique spiritual herbs of the demon race. Why don't we go and take a look?"

After leaving "Jubaolou", Su Muqing made the suggestion.

"The alchemy methods of the demon race are different from those of the human race, so perhaps we can find some rare items."

Zhao Qi was also quite interested.

"Alright!"

Li Yunjing was equally curious, so the four of them turned towards the "Ten Thousand Demons Workshop" in the west of the city.

The atmosphere changed immediately upon entering the market.

The shops on both sides of the street are mostly built of rough stone and wood, with animal bones and demon cores hanging at the entrance as decorations. There is a faint fishy smell in the air, but it is not unpleasant. Instead, it has a kind of primitive wildness.

"Are you human cultivators here to buy something?"

A demon girl with deer antlers on her head greeted them with a smile; her eyes were bright and lively, clearly indicating she was a clever young man.

Li Yunjing nodded: "Are there any elixirs to enhance the spirit?"

"Yes! Our 'Ten Thousand Demons Workshop's' 'Soul Spirit Grass' is a specialty of the East Sea, and it's very difficult for human cultivators to buy it!"

The deer-deer girl's eyes lit up, and she smiled.

She led the four people into a shop called "Demon Spirit Pavilion," took out a jade box from deep inside the counter, and carefully opened it.

Inside the box lay three spiritual herbs, their entire bodies a deep blue, their leaves like silk, emanating a faint spiritual energy.

"A 5,000-year-old 'Soul Grass'!"

Ye Wuhen's gaze sharpened. "This thing is almost extinct in human territory. I didn't expect to find it here!"

After scanning with his divine sense and confirming that everything was correct, Li Yunjing asked, "How many spirit stones?"

The deer-deer girl smiled slyly: "I don't sell spirit stones, I only exchange them for things."

"Oh?"

Li Yunjing raised an eyebrow, "What do you want to change to?"

"We've heard that human cultivators are skilled at crafting artifacts. Our manager wants a magic weapon that can withstand lightning tribulations."

The deer-deer girl blinked. "If you have this, these three 'Soul Spirit Grasses' are yours."

"What a coincidence, I actually have one here."

Li Yunjing pondered for a moment, then suddenly smiled.

"The fourth-tier magic treasure, the 'Thunder-Repelling Bell,' can withstand three tribulations during the Nascent Soul transformation."

He flipped his hand and took out a small bronze bell. The bell was engraved with thunder patterns, and there was a faint flow of electric light.

The deer-deer girl's eyes widened. She quickly took the item and examined it carefully. After confirming that it was correct, she excitedly said, "Please wait a moment, I'll go and fetch the shopkeeper!"

A moment later, a burly bear demon strode out, took the "Thunder-Repelling Bell," examined it, and nodded in satisfaction: "Good stuff! Deal!"

The transaction was completed smoothly, and Li Yunjing put away the "Soul Grass," secretly pleased.

This thing will greatly benefit his cultivation of divine sense, and will increase his chances of success when he attempts to break through to the Nascent Soul stage in the future.

Next, they went on a buying spree at the "Ten Thousand Demons Workshop," acquiring a considerable number of rare and precious treasures that they had never seen before.

These things, if taken to a human settlement, would definitely fetch a good price!

This was a rare opportunity, and Li Yunjing naturally couldn't miss it.

As for the spirit stone?

It's not that important anymore.

(End of this chapter)