Living as a Mortal: Grinding Experience Starting from the Underworld

"It's quite rare that this small, frigid island can periodically attract ghostly mist!"

"That's true. Half a year has passed, and it's said that countless sects have gone to Suihan Island to investigate and verify. All the prominent forces in the righteous and demonic paths have gone to check it out."

"That's right, but it was the elders of the Star Palace who first released the news!"

"Speaking of which, I have a question: Since the adults of the Star Palace already knew the secret of the Ghost Mist, why didn't they keep it as a trump card and instead revealed it to the public?"

"Hey~ You don't understand! Why would the Star Palace release the news directly? First, it's obviously to seize the initiative! Second, there must be other forces present, perhaps even major forces from both the righteous and demonic paths."

"If the Star Palace doesn't release the information in advance, it could be exploited by some other force, which would likely damage the Star Palace's reputation."

"Furthermore, Elder Jin Kui of Xinggong has accomplished a great deal in recent years, including suppressing Jiyin Island and quelling the turmoil of the inner sea monsters."

"Shh, keep it down. There's some gossip going around White Gate Pavilion. It's said that the last descendant of the Zhang family of Suihan Island, who recorded the patterns of the ghostly mist, has been invited to the inner palace by the Star Palace."

……

The first floor was noisy and the information was mixed and chaotic, but Zhang Feng also learned a lot about what happened on Suihan Island after he fell into the Yinming Land.

Zhang Feng purchased a detailed copy of "The Strange Tales of Suihan Island" from a shop assistant on the first floor.

The content was largely the same as what the monks on the first floor were discussing, but with more details.

This includes Jia Jiesheng, the Star Palace Core Formation Elder who made meritorious contributions, and Wan Qing, the daughter of the Master of the Myriad Laws Sect.

Thinking back to what Wan Qing had said about an illegitimate daughter, it's clear that beautiful women never tell the truth.

Zhang Feng was most concerned about his master, Zhang Guihe. The news said that he had been taken away by Elder Jia of the Star Palace, but no further details were given.

Suihan Island was also guarded by a mid-stage Core Formation elder personally dispatched by the Star Palace.

Based on this situation, Zhang Feng deduced that his master must have been left inside the Star Palace. Until the Star Palace fully understood the matter of the Ghost Mist on Suihan Island, he was safe for the time being.

In this way, Zhang Feng can put his mind at ease and focus on preparing for the subsequent Core Formation.

One of the purposes of this trip has been achieved; it's time to find a suitable cultivation method for myself.

Guided by the shop assistant on the first floor, Zhang Feng arrived at the second floor of Baimen Pavilion.

The second floor of Baimen Pavilion is more like a large distribution center for writing brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, calligraphy, and paintings.

Various incomplete ancient books and paintings, as well as various common low-level martial arts techniques.

"Fellow Daoist, are you here to purchase cultivation techniques? Our shop has all kinds of techniques, whether righteous or demonic, or even secret techniques of the Star Palace! We have them all!"

A cultivator dressed as a scholar in white robes came before Zhang Feng and began to speak eloquently.

"Greetings, fellow Daoist. I have indeed come to purchase a cultivation technique. May I ask what advice you may offer?"

Zhang Feng cupped his hands slightly and asked.

"Haha, easy. I am Bai Chen. My Bai Men Pavilion has a wide variety of cultivation techniques, which are comparable to those of major powers such as the Star Palace, the Myriad Laws Sect, the Qingyang Sect, and the Holy Demon Island."

"I just don't know what kind of cultivation method you want? The righteous path, the demonic path, or a cultivation method unique to the Star Palace?"

The scholar smiled slightly and introduced himself.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Feng's mind sank. The unique techniques of the righteous path, the demonic path, and even the Star Palace.

The White Gate Pavilion is so bold as to sell these sects' cultivation techniques. Aren't they afraid of retaliation from the sects?

"Haha, fellow Daoist, there's no need to doubt. My White Gate Pavilion widely collects cultivation techniques. The famous cultivation techniques of every Nascent Soul cultivator who has made a name for themselves in the Chaotic Star Sea are known to all."

"The cultivation methods are the same, but the cultivators who practice them are very different. With the same 'Heavenly Net True Technique,' Sect Master Wan can cultivate a Heavenly Net True Thunder, which makes Nascent Soul cultivators dare not confront him head-on. However, his disciples can only cultivate it to about 70 or 80 percent, and cannot even condense the True Thunder."

"Therefore, as long as you are willing to spend a lot of money and effort, you can definitely obtain the Nascent Soul cultivation technique, but whether you can cultivate it to a high level depends entirely on the individual cultivator."

"As for whether practicing other sects' techniques will lead to being hunted down by the sects, fellow Daoist, you can rest assured that our White Gate Pavilion will take full responsibility."

Bai Chen noticed Zhang Feng's confusion and tried his best to explain.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Feng found it amusing. He dared to learn the "Ten Thousand Laws Sword Manual" that Wan Qing had given him, but he truly dared not practice the "Heavenly Net True Skill" that was being sold.

"Your esteemed establishment is indeed incredibly powerful, managing to obtain the cultivation techniques practiced by the Nascent Soul cultivators of the Chaotic Star Sea. I, Zhang, am truly impressed."

"However, the Nascent Soul cultivation method involves far-reaching implications, and Zhang dares not learn it lightly."

Bai Chen couldn't help but feel a little disappointed when he saw that Zhang Feng wasn't taking the bait.

"Fellow Daoist Zhang is cautious and meticulous, which I admire. Since you don't like Nascent Soul cultivation techniques, how about I introduce a few cultivation techniques used by renowned late-stage Core Formation cultivators in the Chaotic Star Sea?"

"Like the Crimson Flame Old Monster, the Hidden Fiend Sect's Sect Master Sun..."

Is this how White Gate Pavilion promotes its cultivation techniques? Relying entirely on established cultivators?

Zhang Feng was somewhat puzzled.

"Alright, Junior Nephew Bai, go and do other things! This fellow Daoist will personally receive you!"

Just as Bai Chen was still rambling on and on, a refined-looking middle-aged cultivator walked out of the house.

"Sigh~ How boring. We finally found a cultivator with top-tier demonic attack skills, but we didn't expect Fellow Daoist Zhang to be so cowardly. Shouldn't demonic cultivators be bold and reckless? What are these 'Six Extremes True Demonic Art,' 'Heavenly Net True Art,' and 'Star Sea Secret Technique'? Only by acquiring them and learning them should one be considered a demonic cultivator!"

Bai Chen left the second floor with a feeling of being caught red-handed.

Zhang Feng frowned slightly; this person was not a shop assistant.

"Fellow Daoist, please forgive him. That is the beloved son of our Pavilion Master. He acts unrestrainedly and recklessly. If he has offended you, please forgive him!"

The middle-aged cultivator bowed to Zhang Feng.

"Oh, so I thought this was how your establishment receives its guests?"

Zhang Feng, not one to back down, pretended to be angry.

"Fellow Daoist, please calm down. My White Gate Pavilion would never act in such a way. Consider this VIP token as an apology. As long as you spend money at White Gate Pavilion, you will receive a 20% discount."

The middle-aged cultivator took out a jade token and handed it to Zhang Feng.

"I sense a subtle flow of water around you, fellow Daoist, suggesting you primarily cultivate water-attribute techniques. We cultivators of the Chaotic Star Sea rely on the sea for survival, so we possess a vast array of water-attribute techniques. May I ask which one you desire?"

A keen eye – that's the kind of eye a salesperson who specializes in selling martial arts techniques should have.

"To be honest, fellow Daoist, I do indeed specialize in water-attribute cultivation techniques, but as my cultivation has reached the late Foundation Establishment stage, I have gradually noticed that my cultivation has stagnated, affecting my further progress. Therefore, I have come here to inquire about purchasing other advanced cultivation techniques."

"Oh, I see. Fellow Daoist desires a water-attribute cultivation technique for Core Formation. I have three top-tier water-attribute techniques for you to choose from!"

"A book called 'Black Sunflower Yin Water Technique' emphasizes killing. A single sip of Black Sunflower Yin Water can extinguish the core fire of a Core Formation cultivator, making it incredibly powerful."

"A book called 'The Glazed Waves Technique' emphasizes spiritual power and strengthens the spiritual power within the body. After mastering it, one can obtain spiritual power far exceeding that of others of the same level."

"The Thousand Waves Technique emphasizes defense and escape, but its attack is relatively weak."

"Fellow Daoist, you may carefully examine the first level of all cultivation techniques before making a decision!"

The middle-aged cultivator took out three cultivation manuals and placed them in front of Zhang Feng, introducing them one by one.

Zhang Feng only heard the name of the last cultivation technique, "Thousand Waves Technique".

If his memory serves him correctly, this technique should be the main cultivation method of Lu Luo, the Nascent Soul Elder of the Tiannan Luoyun Sect.

How could Tiannan's cultivation techniques have spread to the Chaotic Star Sea?

Zhang Feng picked up the "Thousand Waves Technique" and studied it carefully. It emphasized defense and was good at escaping, which was indeed suitable for him now.

After abandoning the Lingyun Boat, speed has indeed always been his weakness, and a Nascent Soul level cultivation technique is sufficient to meet his needs.

"This will do!"

Zhang Feng decided to buy the method.

"Fellow Daoist has excellent eyesight. This technique is the primary cultivation method for Nascent Soul cultivators, and it's only priced at one thousand spirit stones."

The middle-aged cultivator's face lit up with joy, and he quickly took out the subsequent cultivation techniques.

Zhang Feng remained silent, accepted the cultivation technique, paid the spirit stones, and quickly left.

"Hahaha, so he still chose the Nascent Soul cultivation method. I told you, this demonic scoundrel has no small ambition!"

Not long after Zhang Feng left, Bai Chen came out from the inner hall.

"Young Master has a discerning eye! This was originally an unknown cultivator's technique that the Pavilion Master obtained during his travels. Now, disguised as a Nascent Soul cultivator's technique, its value has increased several times over!"

"Heh, it's just that this person is too cowardly to buy the Six Extremes True Demon Art from Holy Demon Island and the Profound Yin Technique from Extreme Yin Island. Otherwise, why would he need to join forces with you to put on an act?"

"It's all thanks to the young master!"

The middle-aged cultivator spoke with a flattering tone, but a hint of helplessness flashed in his eyes, indicating a sense of weariness.

The young master likes to lie, but who knows when he'll lie to himself.