Within Quan Dian City
Along the stone paved streets of Quan Dian City, rose of shops lined both sides of the road vendors selling food garments and various daily necessities the air was like lively, filled with voices and movement and the atmosphere within the city appeared calm and orderly.
Wu Ming walked at an unhurried pace, observing his surroundings.
"The people here seem completely unaware of the events that occurred earlier," he thought.
"Was this the result of General Mu Chen's intervention-suppressing all rumors before they could spread? That would certainly explain it..."
As he continued forward, Wu Ming passed through crowds of humans and various clans who coexisted in apparent harmony. What surprised him was the sight of humans and demons living side by side without open hostility or discrimination. It exceeded his expectations slightly.
That said, there were still those who carried themselves with arrogance -individuals who sought to stand above others, behaving like local tyrants backed by influence or questionable reputations. Such figures existed everywhere, no matter the world.
Eventually, Wu Ming's gaze was drawn to a particular location that stood out from the rest.
Before he could step inside, a man suddenly rushed toward him with practiced speed and enthusiasm.
"Greetings, Young Master!" the man said quickly. "My name is Yong Ye. I am the most knowledgeable and efficient city guide in all of Quan Dian! Whether it be information, hidden locations, or mysterious matters within this city-I know nearly everything. Might Young Master be willing to offer a small fee in exchange for valuable knowledge?"
Yong Ye rubbed his hands together, his expression resembling that of someone starving for coin. Despite his demeanor, he was indeed a capable guide, well-informed about the inner workings and undercurrents of Quan Dian City.
Wu Ming flicked his wrist and tossed him a single coin.
It was one gold coin.
Yong Ye caught it and froze for a moment, his eyes widening in shock.
"O-Oh! Young Master is truly generous beyond measure!" he exclaimed.
"May I have the honor of knowing Young Master's esteemed name?"
"My name is Wu Ming," he replied calmly.
"I wish to inquire about the current situation within Quan Dian City."
"Oh! A pleasure to meet you, Young Master Wu," Yong Ye said eagerly.
"What kind of information would you like to know?"
Wu Ming hesitated briefly before asking,
"I want to understand the monetary system used here-how it functions."
Yong Ye was momentarily taken aback. Internally, he wondered whether this mysterious young man might be a foreigner.
"May I ask... is Young Master perhaps from outside these lands? Otherwise, it would be unusual not to know the currency system here."
Wu Ming's gaze locked onto Yong Ye's eyes.
An oppressive killing intent surged forth-silent, cold, and overwhelming.
"Is it not your duty to answer my questions?" Wu Ming said flatly.
"Or do you believe you have the right to interrogate me instead?"
Yong Ye instantly realized his grave mistake. His face turned pale as he dropped to his knees, bowing until his forehead struck the ground.
"This one deserves death! Please forgive me, Young Master! I beg for mercy and my life!"
"You are to answer only what I ask," Wu Ming said indifferently.
"And never question what you should not."
"I understand!" Yong Ye replied hastily.
"Thank you, Young Master Wu Ming, for sparing this lowly one!"
"Very well," Wu Ming said.
"Explain the current state of Quan Dian City... no, the Tian Men Kingdom as a whole."
"Understood!"
The two found a place to sit and talk. Through Yong Ye's explanations, Wu Ming learned much about the city and the kingdom at large.
What surprised him most was that there was no mention whatsoever of the major events he had caused earlier-no rumors, no disturbances, no abnormal reports. This only reinforced his suspicion that General Mu Chen's control over information and crisis management was far more formidable than expected.
Yong Ye forced a cautious smile.
"I have already shared all useful and important information-some of it even classified secrets suppressed by the Tian Men Imperial Court. This is as far as I can go. If Young Master Wu Ming wishes to learn more, additional payment will be required."
He spoke with difficulty, clearly afraid that even this request might provoke Wu Ming's displeasure-or worse.
Wu Ming tossed him another gold coin.
Yong Ye's heart nearly leapt from his chest. Not only had he survived, but he had also earned a second gold coin-an undeniable profit.
By now, Wu Ming had gained a clear understanding of both the internal and external structure of the Tian Men Kingdom, as well as the currency system of this world.
The Monetary System of Tian Men
The system was divided from low to high value, as follows:
At the most basic level were Copper Coins, Silver Coins, and Gold Coins.
These were commonly used among ordinary cultivators and civilians alike, suitable for purchasing daily necessities and general goods.
Above this tier were currencies used by mid-level cultivators to trade for valuable resources such as weapons, pills, and cultivation materials.
These were known as Spirit Stones-crystals that stored natural spiritual energy. They could be used to restore spiritual power, serve as fuel for formations, and function as standard currency within cultivator markets.
Spirit Stones were classified by purity and concentration into: Low-grade, Mid-grade, High-grade, and Peak-grade.
Beyond them existed resources reserved for high-level cultivators, sects, and even entire kingdoms.
These were True Spirit Crystals and Origin Spirit Crystals.
They contained pure, refined energy that could be absorbed directly-without the need for refinement. With sufficient quantity, they could be exchanged for high-level cultivation manuals, precious treasures, or used in advanced rituals and grand formations.
Their value depended entirely on amount and quality-and they were considered strategic assets rather than mere currency.
Wu Ming: I wish to learn more about the Sovereign Pavilion. I find myself rather interested in this place.
Yong Ye: Oh! You've come to the right person-cough cough. I know this trading pavilion extremely well! One could even say that most of the important and confidential information about it is concentrated in my hands alone.
Wu Ming: Oh? Is that so? Then stop wasting time and get straight to the point.
Yong Ye nodded in understanding and began explaining the origins, background, and various details of the Sovereign Pavilion.
The information was so vast that it was as if he were reading from dozens of thick record books filled with countless notes.
Before they realized it, two shichen (four hours) had already passed.
Yong Ye: All of this is the compiled background information, detailed records, and even some secrets of the Sovereign Pavilion-gathered from reliable sources!
He spoke in a hoarse, dry voice, as though he had been deprived of air and water for a long time.
Wu Ming: Hmm... quite interesting indeed. It seems I may have found a suitable place to conduct a transaction after all.
The moment Yong Ye heard this, he was immediately taken aback.
Yong Ye: Eh? Could it be that my lord came here with the intention of making a deal with the Sovereign Pavilion?
Wu Ming: Not exactly. Let's just say this is not something you need to know right now. It's time for me to head to the Sovereign Pavilion itself. I've already learned a great deal, and you've received your gold coins-an excellent exchange. Let's meet again someday.
When Yong Ye heard this, he did not hesitate. He suddenly lunged forward at astonishing speed.
Wu Ming thought Yong Ye was about to attack him without warning, but what happened next exceeded his expectations.
Instead, Yong Ye threw himself at Wu Ming's leg, hugging it tightly like a leech that refused to let go. Wu Ming tried to shake him off, swinging his leg back and forth, but Yong Ye clung on even more stubbornly-far worse than an actual leech.
Wu Ming roared in a thunderous voice: What do you think you're doing?! Get away from me this instant, or don't blame me for what happens next!
Yong Ye hurriedly spoke in a panicked yet desperate tone, still refusing to release Wu Ming's leg:
"My lord, please allow me to become your information manager! Let me handle all the intelligence and details you require! Please accept me as your subordinate! I'm willing to do anything just to follow you!"
Wu Ming: What nonsense are you rambling ab-
Before he could finish, Yong Ye interrupted him urgently.
Yong Ye: I know the location of an ancient formation-one so powerful that anyone who claims the treasures sealed within it could live comfortably for the rest of their life! Moreover, there's a chance to obtain ancient techniques or martial arts manuals hidden inside that formation! This is a secret I've never dared to tell anyone!
At that moment, Wu Ming halted.
Interest flashed through his eyes as his mind began working at full speed, rapidly analyzing the possibilities...
After careful consideration, Wu Ming finally replied.
Wu Ming:
"I agree to hear your proposal and the preliminary information regarding the secret you mentioned. However... for now, you must let go of my leg. Look around-everyone in this place is staring at us. It's starting to irritate me."
Wu Ming spoke with clear irritation. A faint yet terrifying aura of killing intent slowly began to emanate from his body. The moment Yong Ye sensed it, he immediately released Wu Ming's leg, hurriedly kneeling down before him and repeatedly bowing in gratitude-like a foolish mortal receiving mercy from an unforgiving god.
Wu Ming:
"I have business to attend to at the Sovereign Pavilion first. Leave my sight at once."
Yong Ye, stammering in panic:
"Y-Yes! I-I'll leave immediately!"
The instant he finished speaking, he fled without hesitation.
Wu Ming promptly left the area and headed straight toward the Sovereign Pavilion.
Upon arriving at the entrance, he stepped inside without pause.
From the outside, the Sovereign Pavilion looked no different from any other trading hall. However, the moment he crossed the threshold, everything changed completely.
The interior was filled with vitality-crowds of people exchanging goods, engaging in transactions, and chatting animatedly. It felt less like a marketplace and more like a massive complex that combined ordinary shops, restaurants, and trading halls into one.
This stark contrast startled Wu Ming.
From the outside, the building appeared modest in size. Yet inside, it was incomparably vast-far beyond what should have been physically possible.
At that moment, Wu Ming realized something.
Wu Ming:
"So that's how it is... This Sovereign Pavilion is anything but ordinary. To use spatial laws to expand the interior beyond its exterior-anyone capable of such a feat must possess extraordinary mastery over the laws of space."
As he murmured to himself, a woman dressed in alluring crimson silk approached.
Her red garments clung elegantly to her figure, subtly revealing her graceful curves and long, slender legs. Her beauty was striking, noble, and irresistibly captivating. Her black hair was gathered into a refined bun, adorned with a long golden hairpin-resembling an imperial ornament fit for an empress overflowing with charm.
The woman bowed gracefully, her manners flawless.
"Greetings, honored guest."
"My name is Mei Xue (媚雪). May I have the honor of knowing your name?"
Wu Ming replied calmly. Though his demeanor was indifferent, his tone carried mutual respect and courtesy.
Wu Ming:
"My name is Wu Ming. It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Mei Xue. This is my first time visiting the Sovereign Pavilion. Might you be willing to explain the methods of conducting transactions here?"
"Oh?"
Mei Xue was momentarily surprised.
The young man before her was unlike the others she had encountered. This was the first time she had seen someone treat her with such equal footing and genuine respect.
Her interest was immediately piqued.
Mei Xue let out a soft, enchanting laugh-sweet and captivating enough to charm every man nearby.
Mei Xue: "Young Master Wu Ming, there's no need to be so formal. I will gladly explain the rules of the Sovereign Pavilion-whether it concerns transactions, trade, or cooperation with our pavilion."
"If you seek high-quality goods, valuable resources, or even support for specialists such as alchemists, then you have truly come to the right place."
"May I ask... what is your purpose in coming here today?"
Wu Ming: "I am here to conduct trade and exchange valuable treasures."
Mei Xue:
"Oh!? Then you have indeed come to the right place. Please, follow me. I will lead you to a private area where we can discuss terms and contracts related to the Sovereign Pavilion."
With that, she turned and began walking forward. Wu Ming followed closely behind.
As they moved deeper inside, the bustling noise gradually faded. The lively crowd disappeared, replaced by a quiet, secluded corridor. The atmosphere became strangely unsettling.
Wu Ming observed Mei Xue more closely.
Her charm grew increasingly unnatural-seductive, mesmerizing. The red dress accentuated her voluptuous hips, slender waist, and long legs. Every curve of her body was enough to drive most men into madness.
However-
Wu Ming saw through it instantly.
With his concealed perception, he detected illusion formations and enchantment arrays woven with spatial energy. The corridor was designed to feel endless, as if one were walking in place forever.
Such tricks were meaningless before someone with Wu Ming's sharp eyes.
They continued onward until they finally reached the entrance to a negotiation chamber.
Mei Xue stepped aside and gestured politely, inviting Wu Ming inside.
Wu Ming glanced at her briefly before walking through the doorway.
Just before fully entering, he spoke with a faint smirk.
Wu Ming:
"Quite an interesting trick."
Hearing this, Mei Xue's expression shifted slightly as she turned toward the door. Before she could respond, Wu Ming's figure vanished into the room, and the door closed tightly behind him.
Mei Xue stood still.
Mei Xue (inner monologue):
"This young man truly surprises me... To see through a spatial illusion formation so easily-this is not something an ordinary cultivator could do."
"He must possess either a powerful treasure or profound understanding of high-level formations. That may be why he came to the Sovereign Pavilion in the first place."
"...He is definitely not an ordinary person."
"But still... is he truly only at the Qi Condensation Realm?"
After entering the chamber designated for trade negotiations, Wu Ming was immediately taken aback.
The corridor he had just passed through was no different from an ordinary first-floor passage-plain and unremarkable. Yet the moment he stepped into this room, the scene before him changed entirely.
A woman was seated calmly upon a chair. Before her stood a desk piled high with documents-so many that they overflowed and spilled onto the floor. It was clearly her workspace.
She leaned back against the chair in a relaxed manner, utterly unconcerned by the chaotic stack of documents. Behind her was a glass balcony that revealed a breathtaking view of distant mountains shrouded in mist and clouds, a natural panorama both majestic and serene.
Only then did the woman finally notice that someone had entered her office.
She spoke, her tone indifferent.
"Who are you, to enter my office uninvited?"
Upon hearing this, Wu Ming immediately clasped his hands together and bowed slightly, replying with courtesy.
Wu Ming:
"My name is Wu Ming. Miss Mei Xue guided me here to discuss matters regarding trade and contractual agreements with the Sovereign Pavilion. I apologize if my sudden arrival has disturbed your rest, Madam."
The woman's eyes narrowed slightly as she scrutinized Wu Ming with an unusual gaze.
It was surprising.
The young man before her was merely at the Qi Condensation Realm.
Yet he had managed to pass through the illusionary formation along the corridor-proof enough that his background was anything but ordinary.
She rose from her chair, walked to the front of the desk, and casually sat atop it.
As she did, her long, jade-like legs were revealed-slender, flawless, and impossibly alluring. Her figure was tall, full, and brimming with an untouchable charm that far surpassed even Mei Xue's presence.
With an informal, almost dismissive tone, she spoke.
"If you wish to establish a trading contract between the Sovereign Pavilion and your background or faction-then I refuse."
Wu Ming showed no shock, no panic, and no sign of emotional disturbance.
He remained calm and composed, his expression unchanged-like a man devoid of emotion. His face showed neither reaction nor resistance as he replied politely.
Wu Ming:
"May I ask why Madam chooses to reject my proposal without even hearing its details?"
The woman ignored his question entirely.
"Leave my office immediately. Otherwise, I will personally escort you out."
Wu Ming remained unfazed. His voice turned cold as he responded.
Wu Ming:
"I fail to see how someone who spends her days lounging so comfortably contributes anything of value. At this rate, this branch of the Sovereign Pavilion will collapse before long if it continues to be managed in such a manner."
...Silence.
Then-
"Such audacity... Very well! Let me see whether you are even qualified to negotiate with my Sovereign Pavilion!"
Its grip was firm and inescapable, as though thousands of chains were binding her in place, leaving her utterly unable to break free. Wu Ming had appeared out of nothingness itself, and even she had failed to sense his existence until it was far too late.
"C-cough... I... I yield... I surrender..."
Thud.
Cough, cough.
Her body collapsed weakly to the floor. Only then did she realize-every last trace of energy within her body, even her qi, had been completely drained. There was nothing left, nor any way to recover it in time.
At this moment, she was no different from an ordinary powerless woman, standing before a being who seemed like a god-one who could take her life whenever he wished.
Slowly, she lifted her head, forcing herself to look at the man who had rendered her utterly helpless in such a short span of time.
Suddenly, a hand reached out and gently grasped her delicate, beautiful face.
There was no hostility in its touch, no unwanted force-only softness and care, as though he were tenderly holding a fallen angel who had descended from the heavens.
Her face was lifted by that hand, and she finally saw his features clearly.
The young man before her possessed a strikingly handsome face, refined and flawless beyond compare. Though his expression was cold and devoid of emotion, it carried an irresistible charm and a mysterious allure that drew the opposite sex in despite themselves.
The moment she finished speaking, the woman did not hesitate. In the span of a fraction of a second, she vanished from her spot and reappeared behind Wu Ming, her long, slender leg whipping forward in a vicious strike aimed at his back.
Yet just before her kick could land, it struck nothing but empty air.
The instant she realized this, her expression changed. She swiftly raised both arms to defend herself and spun around-only to see Wu Ming's palm already crashing toward her with overwhelming force. His strike was condensed with dense qi, layered and intertwined like thousands upon thousands of silken threads bound together.
The palm collided directly with her crossed arms. The impact forced her to stagger backward two full steps before she could regain her balance.
Mysterious Woman:
"How can you possess such terrifying speed...? Or was it simply my own carelessness? Fine-let us try once more!"
She lunged forward again. This time, she unleashed her personal secret art-an illusion technique that instantly spread throughout the entire room, infused with the laws of space itself.
As her spatial laws expanded and enveloped every inch of the surroundings, the interior of the room transformed at once. It no longer felt like a confined chamber but instead like a vast, boundless realm stretching endlessly in all directions.
Yet this time, she could not see Wu Ming anywhere within her line of sight.
Even when she extended her spiritual sense to probe the area, she found no trace of his presence.
Before she could think any further-
A hand suddenly clamped tightly around her throat.
She was about to speak, but he stopped her.
Wu Ming placed a finger lightly against her lips, signaling her to remain silent. At the same time, he transferred a portion of his qi into her dantian.
Startled, she instinctively tried to resist-but the moment his icy gaze locked onto her eyes, fear surged through her entire being, shaking her to the very core of her soul.
She no longer had the strength to resist-neither physically nor spiritually.
Wu Ming:
"Do not be afraid. I have no ill intentions toward you. I am merely helping you heal the internal injuries within your dantian-injuries that you have never been able to fully mend."
"You must have suffered greatly from those fractured core nodes. The medicinal pills you sought from renowned alchemists did not truly heal you-they merely suppressed the leakage of your spiritual essence and life force from your dantian."
Hearing this, she stopped resisting entirely and carefully sat down in a meditative position, focusing her mind.
Five hours passed...
Outside the Contract Chamber
"Ah... why are they talking for so long? Did something happen inside? I tried to listen secretly, but I didn't hear anything unusual at all."
Mei Xue:
"Could it be that Senior Sister Xuan Yue (玄月) actually took a liking to that boy? That seems impossible. She rejected even imperial princes who tried to approach her-how could she possibly be interested in some unknown young man with no background whatsoever?"
"Still... I fear that young man might end up facing something truly shocking. Perhaps it's better if I leave this place..."
Just as Mei Xue was about to step away, the door to the contract chamber-the manager's room of the Imperial Trade Pavilion-suddenly opened.
At the sound of the door opening, Mei Xue jolted in surprise and quickly turned around.
A young man walked out alone.
It was Wu Ming.
She hurried forward, gently and cautiously asking to assess the situation.
Mei Xue (softly):
"Greetings, Young Master. May I ask-did the negotiation and contract discussion proceed smoothly?"
Wu Ming glanced at Mei Xue for three breaths before replying.
Wu Ming:
"The agreement has not been finalized yet. However, you will receive the answer by tomorrow. The manager of the Imperial Trade Pavilion will personally deliver the response to me."
"And why are you still here? Weren't you only supposed to escort me? Why have you been waiting here for so long?"
Caught off guard by the question, Mei Xue hurriedly apologized.
Mei Xue:
"My apologies for my discourtesy. Contract negotiations often take time, so it was necessary for me to remain here in order to receive instructions from the manager-or to properly attend to an honored guest conducting business with the Imperial Trade Pavilion."
Wu Ming:
"So that's how it is? Very well, I'll be leaving then."
Seeing Wu Ming walking away, Mei Xue turned back, intending to open the door and check on Xuan Yue.
But just before her hand could reach the door handle, a soft yet chilling voice spoke from behind her.
Wu Ming:
"You should refrain from disturbing your manager. She is currently occupied with her own matters. If you interrupt her now, it may cause serious trouble later."
"Consider this advice from me. If you still insist on entering, then whatever happens afterward will no longer concern me."
After speaking, he turned his back and left without another glance.
Mei Xue felt a surge of anxiety, wondering whether something might have happened to Xuan Yue. But she quickly dismissed the thought.
Her senior sister was a figure of immense ability-respected even by emperors of multiple empires. She simply could not believe that an ordinary young man could pose any threat to her.
Casting aside her worries, Mei Xue returned to her duties.
Wu Ming did not immediately leave the Imperial Trade Pavilion.
Instead, he wandered through its various sections-examining trading halls, exchange zones, and even the alchemy facilities.
Wu Ming:
"This trade pavilion is truly mysterious. So many wondrous areas have been constructed using spatial laws, arranged with remarkable precision. This far exceeds my expectations-to find such a marvel in a rural region like this..."
"Oh? So this is what I've been looking for."
Before him stood a wooden cabinet filled with medicinal herbs and rare materials, all brimming with dense energy from heaven and earth-thousand-year herbs and ginseng among them.
The cabinet was divided into six tiers:
First tier: Common herbs and basic resources.
Second tier: Materials suitable for body cultivation and bone strengthening.
Third tier: Medicinal herbs used for healing injuries and refining recovery pills.
Fourth tier: Herbs that enhanced cultivation efficiency and qi absorption.
Fifth tier: Highly toxic herbs placed alongside antidotal plants.
Sixth tier: High-grade herbs-ranging from decades-old, centuries-old, to thousand-year-old specimens. These were rare treasures, often overlooked by ordinary cultivators who could not discern their true value in pill refinement.
Wu Ming reached out and picked up a thousand-year-old herb, inspecting it carefully. Once satisfied, he selected several more according to his plan.
He intended to refine pills that could strengthen one's foundation and accelerate cultivation-without any side effects whatsoever. Such pills required the expertise of a top-tier alchemist, capable of producing perfectly pure pills with a 100% refinement rate.
After selecting everything he needed, he paid and left the Imperial Trade Pavilion.
With plenty of time still remaining, Wu Ming chose not to return to his clan just yet. Instead, he continued exploring the surrounding areas of Quan Dian City...