A Mortal's Journey to Immortality: Starting as a Rogue Cultivator

Opening it again revealed a smaller iron box.

The corner of someone's mouth twitched.

After repeating this process six times, what finally came into view were six pieces of tortoise shell, one large and five small, that were not smooth; on the contrary, they had many sharp, protruding bluish-gray protrusions.

"The Hades Shield is a top-tier magic weapon, a masterpiece among masterpieces. It is made from the back armor of the second-level demon beast Hades. It consists of one main shield and five auxiliary shields, providing all-around defense from six directions: up, down, front, back, left, and right. It can also be stacked in six layers for defense. Its defensive strength is comparable to an impregnable fortress. It is the toughest and most powerful defensive magic weapon that I have seen in decades."

It's clear that the shopkeeper is serious this time.

"The Netherworld Beast clan, a powerful demon beast race from ancient times?"

"Eh? Young Master, you've heard of this demonic beast? That's right, it's the nearly extinct Netherworld Beast clan!"

The shopkeeper was a little surprised.

Why would a member of the family specifically seek out this kind of history?

"Legend has it that this kind of old tortoise with a spiky shell can cultivate up to level ten, and can increase its cultivation by sleeping. It has an extremely long lifespan and is one of the powerful demon races in ancient times. I wonder how credible the legend is?"

"Young master, you have great insight! You even have some knowledge of such rare and endangered species. You truly deserve to be called... cough cough. It's a pity that no matter how monstrous the beasts are, they can't be as monstrous as the geniuses among our human cultivators! This race has now become either food on the dinner table or magic weapons. They can hardly regain their former glory."

"That's not right. Aren't the tortoise shells of the Pluto Beast clan supposed to be seven pieces in total, one main piece and six secondary pieces? How come yours is missing a piece?"

If Wang Li hadn't read the relevant classics, he might not have discovered this pitfall.

"Young master, you are truly impressive."

As he spoke, he gave a thumbs-up, then took out a palm-sized token, the same dark blue color as the Hades Shield, and a small white shield from his pocket. The shopkeeper then explained:

"The seventh piece of armor was forged into this token by the master craftsman. It allows for easier coordination with the other six armor shields and can also serve as a seventh shield to fill any gaps. This small shield was forged from the belly armor of this Netherworld Beast! It can also resonate with the other armor shields and serves as the holder's last resort; furthermore, it can be combined with the seven armor shields to form a flawless true Netherworld Shield!"

Good heavens, really good heavens.

If this buyer doesn't investigate properly, not only will they waste a fortune of spirit stones, but they'll also end up with a defensive artifact that has hidden dangers. The problem is, the buyer is unaware of these dangers and instead uses it as an important asset, even a reliance. If this leads to a conflict with the person who possesses the seventh piece of armor, the outcome will likely be quite tragic.

However, on the other hand, if the complete set of magical artifacts could be maintained as it is now, it would definitely be the finest among top-tier magical artifacts.

Furthermore, the shopkeeper carried one of the pieces of armor with him, which may well indicate that he intended to use it for self-defense.

Is that all?

Wang Li asked calmly, his emotions never showing.

"Young master, please wait a moment. This building has another treasure that is the most prized possession of the building."

He left a few moments later, then hurriedly ran back carrying a box:

"The Wind Chaser Sword, a top-tier magic weapon, is crafted from the spine of a level-two demonic beast, the Wind Chaser Vulture, infused with a small amount of high-grade ore, Light Wind Stone. It can be used to kill enemies, or to fly by stepping on it, achieving extremely high speed. One must carry such a sword when traveling. Furthermore, it contains a Wind Force condensed by a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, capable of unleashing a speed that ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators cannot catch within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn!"

Compared to ordinary flying magical artifacts, flying swords are already very fast, especially since they are made primarily from the bones of second-level demonic beasts; coupled with the spell cast by a late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, the name "Wind Chaser" is truly fitting.

"That's not right, shopkeeper. Why hasn't this treasure been sold yet?"

Top-tier magical artifacts, especially flying magical artifacts, would likely be highly sought after by Qi Refining cultivators, and even ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivators would be tempted by them. There's no reason for them to just sit idle in the Heavenly Pavilion.

"Well, because the price was a little high, the Foundation Establishment seniors felt it was a bit lacking, and the other fellow cultivators were a bit strapped for cash."

Something's missing?

"Fellow Daoist Bao, let me address you as that for now. We're all in the business of big deals, so let's not be so secretive. Your esteemed establishment's generosity is a sign of respect for us independent cultivators!"

The words "freelance cultivator" were emphasized very heavily.

"Oh dear, young master, what are you saying? How could I possibly lie to you? This Wind Chaser Sword is indeed a little pricey, requiring six hundred spirit stones to trade, and there is no room for negotiation."

If it's a practical, high-quality, top-tier magic weapon, six hundred low-grade spirit stones isn't outrageous.

But if they can't be sold, there must be something fishy going on.

The most likely place where something fishy might be is that gust of wind:

"Manager Bao, if I'm not mistaken, that gust of wind was only for one use, right?"

These are high-quality, one-time-use items; once used, they become ordinary top-tier magic weapons that are somewhat useless. No wonder Foundation Establishment cultivators don't care about them—they probably don't want to be ripped off. Qi Refining cultivators want to buy them, but considering their own resources, they think it's not worth it. Six hundred spirit stones are enough to buy two suitable ordinary top-tier magic weapons.

"Ahem, young master has excellent eyesight!"

Shopkeeper Bao couldn't remember how many times he had a dry cough or how many times he had been surprised that day.

Now that the customer has pointed out the problem, there's no need to hide it anymore; that would ruin the reputation.

"Although this Wind Chaser Sword can only be activated once for acceleration now, it doesn't mean that this acceleration effect can no longer be used after this. This Wind Force can actually be charged. If you can find the owner who forged this sword and charge it, you can activate the acceleration effect three times after each charge."

Alternatively, it can be powered by a wind-spirit root cultivator who has mastered the intermediate-level Wind Force Technique..."

Good heavens, it turns out the other party is a cultivator with the wind spirit root.

"If the young master's family is well-off, consuming a mid-grade wind attribute spirit stone can also charge twice and activate the speed-up effect six times."

At this point, Manager Bao was quite embarrassed.

But what embarrassed the old man even more was Wang Li's casual question:

"It's already been used twice?"

It's not clean at all, yet you're still asking for such a high price. Have some shame!

"Young master, you can't say that. This is a rare and valuable item."

The old man's licking of his lips gave someone goosebumps.

"Tch, that's true. By the way, Fellow Daoist Bao, do you have any special high-level talismans, fragments of magic weapons, or elixirs for sale?"

"I definitely have elixirs, talismans, and the like; as for fragments of magical artifacts, well, I do have a few, it just depends on whether they catch your eye, young master..."

The fragments of a damaged magical artifact often have limited or even negligible power.

Only those with unique effects are worth a few spirit stones.

Next, Wang Li was presented with eighteen types of basic and advanced talismans: four offensive, six defensive, and eight supportive.

Basic and advanced talismans are not uncommon in the market; they can even be found at the Tai Nan Small Gathering, where independent cultivators gather. So, in a large market like this, where multiple factions from two countries are involved, there is no shortage of them.

However, even Foundation Establishment cultivators would only buy a few for self-defense at most, and would never go on a large-scale buying spree.

Because each one costs thirty or forty low-grade spirit stones, using this thing in battle is like burning money.

A few dozen or even a hundred low-grade spirit stones can buy a decent high-grade magic weapon.

Intermediate-level talismans are relatively rare. Even Foundation Establishment cultivators rarely see one or two of these talismans. Mid- to high-level cultivators usually keep them to themselves for future use.

There were five fragments of magical artifacts, three of which caught Wang Li's eye.

One is a broken sword, with only the hilt and a small section of the blade remaining. However, because it has been infused with a lot of iron essence, a material exclusive to the Core Formation stage, it can still cut through iron like mud. Moreover, after being infused with magic power, it is sharper than ordinary top-tier magic weapons.

The other item is the rope from the opening of the magic treasure Qiankun Bag. It has good binding ability and is also extremely concealable when worn at the waist as a belt. In the event of close combat, this thing might create unexpected surprises.

The third item was a square handkerchief, about the size of a washbasin, designed to conceal one's aura.

It looks exactly like the one Han Laomo later obtained at the Tainan Small Meeting, but this one is clearly two sizes larger.

"Young master, have you decided which item to buy?"

The shopkeeper was full of anticipation.

"How could a rogue cultivator like me afford so many good things!"

These words left the old man slightly disappointed.

"Alright, I'll take the Crimson Sun Furnace, the Underworld King Shield, the Wind Chaser Sword, these twenty high-level talismans, and these three fragments of magical artifacts that aren't even worth a few spirit stones!"

"What will you offer in exchange, young master?"

While the old man was pleased to have such a large client, he was also quite wary.

Wang Li didn't say much, and took out a thousand-year-old ironwood.

"A top-grade spiritual material that's a thousand years old?"

The old man's eyes lit up.

"Good eye!"

Wang Li gave a thumbs-up in praise.

"This is a top-grade material for crafting rare and top-tier magic artifacts. It can even be used as an excellent auxiliary material for some Core Formation cultivators to craft their own magic treasures. Moreover, my thousand-year-old ironwood is an intact whole tree with no damage to the trunk, branches, leaves, etc. It can be used as the main material for magic treasures without any problem. If it is handed over to a master craftsman, it can at least be used to craft three rare and top-tier magic artifacts that Foundation Establishment stage seniors would covet."

Self-praise is perfectly acceptable.

"not enough."

The shopkeeper outwardly smiled, but inwardly he was cursing and swearing.

If a Core Formation cultivator were to use this thing to forge their own natal magic weapon, they would either be an idiot or a pathetic Core Formation cultivator who is so poor that this is all they have left for hope.

"A single thousand-year-old ironwood is far inferior to what this building provides."

"This is a rare item that's over 1,200 years old. Even Core Formation elders can't find it. Trading it would definitely make me a fortune. I'm trading it for some useless equipment for Foundation Establishment cultivators. It's like I'm losing out! Manager Bao, I'm not trying to extort you!"

These words were spoken with such sincerity that Wang Li himself was moved to tears.

But Manager Bao just rolled his eyes.

"No, no, of all the items, besides the Hades Shield, you can take two magic artifacts that you like, or one magic artifact plus fifteen high-level talismans. Don't even think about the rest."

Is it reasonable to open a shop without making spirit stones?

That doesn't make sense.

So, I don't care whose son you are. If I offend you, I offend you. My priority is to keep my job.

"Then it's the Crimson Sun Furnace + Wind Chasing Sword + three high-level Divine Wind Talismans + those three magic weapon fragments. Take it or leave it!"

Wang Li made a move to stand up, as if he could put away the thousand-year-old ironwood at any moment, but his eyes never left the old man for a moment.

"make a deal!"

The prices of magical artifacts in the shop are definitely inflated: the Crimson Sun Furnace is worth at most two hundred spirit stones; the Wind Chaser Sword, without anyone charging it, can only sell for three hundred spirit stones at best; the cost price of three high-level talismans is at most forty or fifty spirit stones, and they can only be sold for a little over one hundred; the fragments of magical treasures with extremely limited value are, as Wang Li said, not worth many spirit stones, and together they are definitely not worth more than one hundred.

Therefore, the total cost would only be seven or eight hundred spirit stones. (The cost would be at most five hundred.)

A thousand-year-old ironwood has a minimum price of 1,200 spirit stones. If it's auctioned off, it will fetch even more, easily exceeding 1,500 spirit stones.

Therefore, he had no reason to refuse the business.

We don't want things to escalate to the point where we end up breaking up with our customers and pushing them to the two neighboring businesses; that would be a very bad situation.

"Young master, while thousand-year-old spiritual materials are rare, a top-quality item like the Underworld Shield is even harder to find once you miss it..."