Chapter 445 City Lord Xia
Heavenly Ripple Immortal City Gate.
The two guards, upon seeing the White-Robed Old Man appear, immediately revealed terrified and nervous expressions. Hurriedly and respectfully, they bowed and greeted,
"Your subordinates greet City Lord Xia!"
Subsequently, they hastily turned to Qin Ming and apologized, "Junior did not recognize Senior's status, and previously had many offenses and transgressions. We hope Core Formation True Lord Senior will forgive us."
"Mm, it's alright." Qin Ming replied indifferently.
The White-Robed Old Man also said, "Forget it! Ignorance is no crime. You two can go about your duties. I will handle the hospitality here."
"Yes! Thank you Senior."
"Thank you City Lord, your subordinates obey!"
The two guards, hearing this, felt as if they had been granted amnesty.
Just now, they had been drenched in sweat.
After all, a Nascent Soul True Monarch's temper is unpredictable, and no one knows what might happen.
In the Cultivation World, there are many examples of those who, due to unintentionally offending a Nascent Soul Great Expert, were reduced to ashes with a flick of a finger.
Qin Ming smiled and said to the White-Robed Old Man, "It is indeed Qin Ming. I heard that the East Sea Cultivation World is holding an Immortal Abode Grand Gathering, so I came to travel and broaden my horizons."
"Haha! Fellow Daoist Qin's arrival is truly an extreme honor, something I couldn't wish for more!"
"I am Xia Yuan Gong, the Deputy City Lord of Heavenly Ripple Immortal City."
"Fellow Daoist Qin has come from afar; please allow this Old Man to fulfill my duty as Landlord." City Lord Xia said with a smile, extending an invitation.
Qin Ming returned the courtesy and said, "So it is Fellow Daoist Xia, Long Admired, Long Admired. In that case, Qin Ming will not stand on ceremony."
Afterward, Qin Ming turned to Hua Tianxiong and gave him a few instructions, telling him to stroll around the Inner City and wait for him to finish his matters before looking for him.
Immediately following.
"Fellow Daoist Qin, please!" City Lord Xia gestured an invitation.
The two transformed into two Swift Rainbows and vanished from their spots in the blink of an eye.
At this moment.
The Fellow Cultivators gathered at the City Gate finally breathed a sigh of relief, each with shocked expressions, gasping for air.
Even in Heavenly Ripple Immortal City, Nascent Soul True Monarchs rarely showed themselves.
These Lower Ranks Cultivators basically never had the chance to see one.
Now, they had suddenly witnessed two legendary Important Figures, truly opening their eyes to the world.
…
Qin Ming followed City Lord Xia and entered Heavenly Ripple Immortal City.
It seemed there were no laws prohibiting flight within the Inner City, as many Cultivators were maneuvering Magic Tools, flying through the sky.
These Cultivators, seeing two Swift Rainbows flash by in an instant, were intimidated by the terrifying aura, almost losing their balance and falling from the sky.
In a fleeting glimpse.
Qin Ming observed Sky Wave Sacred Mountain, with layers upon layers of Dwellings, numbering at least over three hundred. The higher up, the more extravagant the architectural style, and the higher the level of the Spirit Qi environment.
The Sky Wave Sacred Mountain Core Area possessed a High-Grade Fourth Order Spirit Vein Environment.
Moments later.
The two landed on the Mountain Top.
They arrived before a Golden Tower Heavenly Palace, upon whose magnificent plaque were inscribed the four large characters 'Sky Wave Sacred Palace'.
City Lord Xia warmly welcomed Qin Ming into the Hall Interior and, after they were seated, casually waved his sleeve.
Four or five Puppets resembling strange beasts, carrying tea sets and other items, served them Spirit Tea, their movements smooth and fluid beyond compare.
"It seems Fellow Daoist Xia has profound research and refined skill in the Puppet Arts. Even these Puppets before us are at the Tier 3 High-Grade Level, crafted from Tier 3 Mulberry Soul Wood, are they not?" Qin Ming said, accepting the Spirit Tea from a Puppet.
City Lord Xia smiled slightly, "Fellow Daoist Qin jests, these are merely petty skills for leisure."
"It is Fellow Daoist Qin who, at such a young age, has achieved Nascent Soul, your Immortal Path is boundless!"
After exchanging pleasantries, they began to converse.
Qin Ming learned from City Lord Xia that Heavenly Ripple Immortal City, the largest Immortal City in the East Sea Cultivation World, was established by the Heavenly Sea Alliance.
City Lord Xia was an Elder of Crystal Palace, one of the four Major Power in the East Sea.
"Currently stationed in Heavenly Ripple City, besides this Old Man, there is also Fellow Daoist Long Yang Zi, with Mid Nascent Soul Stage Cultivation, who is the City Lord of this city. Furthermore, he is also one of the Elders of Star Palace. However, Fellow Daoist Long Yang Zi went out on business a few years ago and has not yet returned."
"If there is an opportunity, this Old Man will definitely introduce you."
Qin Ming nodded, then proceeded to inquire about the situation in the East Sea Cultivation World.
"I wonder, Fellow Daoist Qin, what are your plans for coming here?"
"If you have no immediate plans, why not reside in Heavenly Ripple City for a long period? This Old Man can order someone to arrange a quiet Cave Residence for you in an excellent Position on Sacred Mountain."
"After all, there is still two and a half years before the Immortal Abode Grand Gathering begins."
City Lord Xia also harbored thoughts of winning Qin Ming over.
He knew that Qin Ming was a Rogue Cultivator and that his Attainment in Spirit Plant Cultivation and the Art of Alchemy was extremely high, far surpassing ordinary individuals.
He even speculated whether the Nascent Soul Pill Qin Ming used for his Nascent Soul Breakthrough was concocted by himself.
Such individuals are often highly sought after by all Forces.
"Haha! No need, Qin Ming still has some matters to attend to, so I won't trouble City Lord Xia." Qin Ming declined the offer politely.
He had his own purposes for coming to the East Sea Cultivation World this time.
Firstly, it was to search for Spirit Material to enhance his Nascent Soul Stage Cultivation, especially since the Immortal Abode Grand Gathering was a rare event in a century, offering opportunities for exchange among Nascent Soul Fellow Daoists.
Secondly, it was to prepare Heavenly and Earthly Treasures and Tribulation resistance items for the Devouring Heaven Rat to overcome its Transformation Tribulation.
Thirdly, it was to visit Penglai Sect to witness the legendary Tier Five Divine Tree, as he happened to possess a Penglai Immortal Token to use.
As for Tier 4 Pill Recipes, Qin Ming was not lacking, for he possessed two Tier 4 Pill Dao Inheritances: the "Source Dao Pill Scripture" and the "Blood Refinement Elixir Scripture."
These were sufficient for him to navigate his entire Nascent Soul Stage.
"Fellow Daoist Xia, do you happen to have Azure Sky Spirit Soil, or Spirit Material needed to concoct the Primal Chaos Pill? Qin Ming is willing to Trade for some."
Towards the end of their conversation, Qin Ming proposed a Trade.
After all, City Lord Xia, as the Deputy City Lord of Heavenly Ripple Immortal City, had been stationed here for many years and must have amassed a considerable collection of good items. Hearing Qin Ming's proposal, City Lord Xia's heart stirred. Qin Ming's Trade request confirmed his suspicion that the other party had likely already advanced to a Fourth Rank Pill King.
"Azure Sky Spirit Soil? This Old Man has never heard of such a thing."
"As for the Main Material for concocting the Primal Chaos Pill, it is also quite rare, but this Old Man happens to have a Withered Heart Grass that is over a thousand years old and a Soul-Melting Fruit that is two thousand years old. With these two Main Materials, the remaining Auxiliary Ingredients should not be difficult for Fellow Daoist Qin to obtain in the Immortal City," City Lord Xia said.
Qin Ming's eyes brightened, "Oh? May I ask what Fellow Daoist Xia requires in exchange?"
As the City Lord of the largest Immortal City in the East Sea, he naturally would not be lacking in Spirit Stone and such.
City Lord Xia did not immediately answer Qin Ming's question but instead asked, "Excuse my impudence, but may I ask if Fellow Daoist Qin is seeking these Spirit Material to personally concoct Pills? Could it be that Fellow Daoist Qin's Alchemy Attainment Level has reached the Tier 4 Pill King Realm?"
"Haha! Precisely." Qin Ming took a sip of tea and replied with a Calm and Collected demeanor.
City Lord Xia was immediately filled with respect upon hearing this!
A Fourth Rank Pill King in the East Sea Cultivation World was an existence as Rare as Phoenix Feathers and Qilin Horns. After all, they were capable of concocting Pills for the Nascent Soul Stage.
Even within a Great Power like the Heavenly Sea Alliance, having the Status of a Fourth Rank Pill King meant holding a revered position as a City Patron.
Moreover, the 'Azure Sky Spirit Soil' that Qin Ming was searching for was a Spirit Item that even he had never heard of, suggesting that Qin Ming's Status as a Fourth-Order Spirit Plant Master was also genuine.
With this, the significance of his Status multiplied several times. Not to mention himself, even the Spirit Transformation Sect Star Palace would likely try to win him over.
Even among Nascent Soul Cultivators, there were differences in Status and Position.
"To think Fellow Daoist Qin is not only a Fourth Rank Pill King but also a Fourth-Order Spirit Plant Master; this Old Man is truly filled with admiration."
"This Old Man is naturally willing to Trade items with Fellow Daoist Qin. These two are both rare Fourth-Order Spirit Plant medicinal materials. Does Fellow Daoist Qin have a Fourth Rank fire attribute Demon Core? Or perhaps Spirit Ore of fire attribute can also be used for Trade."
As City Lord Xia spoke, he took out two dragon-patterned Jade Cases and lightly placed them before Qin Ming.
Qin Ming opened the lids, and a rich medicinal fragrance Aura wafted out, accompanied by blooming purple Spirit light.
Inside the Jade Cases lay a purple Spirit Herb and a crimson date-shaped Spirit Fruit.
He picked them up, examined them briefly, and confirmed they were genuine.
Immediately, Qin Ming extended his palm, and a delicate Jade Box appeared, which he handed to City Lord Xia, saying, "Coincidentally, Qin Ming has a Fourth Rank Blood Python Demon Core here, which is of fire attribute. However, the Demon Soul has been destroyed, and some of the Demon Core essence has been lost. Please check, Fellow Daoist Xia, if it is still usable?"
"You actually have a Fourth Rank Demon Core?" A trace of surprise appeared on City Lord Xia's ruddy face.
He took the Jade Box from Qin Ming's hand, opened it, and saw a black-red Demon Core, about the size of a fist, lying inside.
"Ah! What a pity! Such High-Rank Demon Cores are hard to come by! If it were complete, its Value would be immeasurable."
"This essence-depleted Fourth Rank Demon Core is still usable for this Old Man, but… Fellow Daoist Qin, could you perhaps add a little something extra?"
City Lord Xia stated truthfully.
"Then, how about Qin Ming adds some Tier 3 Jade Emperor Spirit Rice? What do you think, Fellow Daoist Xia?"
"Excellent!"
After some bargaining, both parties were delighted.
The Trade was completed.
City Lord Xia then took out a Spirit Jade ring, engraved with the Symbol of the Heavenly Sea Alliance, and handed it to Qin Ming, saying, "This is the Sky Wave Ring, which this Old Man will gift to Fellow Daoist Qin."
"With this ring, you can freely enter and exit Heavenly Ripple Immortal City. Any unoccupied High-Rank Cave Residences on the upper levels of Sacred Mountain are also at your disposal."
"Then, many thanks to Fellow Daoist Xia." Qin Ming did not refuse and directly accepted the Sky Wave Ring.
"By the way, Fellow Daoist Xia, do you happen to Sale a complete Map of the East Sea Cultivation World here? Qin Ming plans to visit Penglai Sect to pay respects to Fellow Daoist Dragonwood."
"Oh? I didn't expect Fellow Daoist Qin to know Dragon Wood True Lord." City Lord Xia said with considerable surprise, "But thinking about it, it makes sense, as she is a Mid-Grade Spirit Plant Master, sharing common ground with Fellow Daoist Qin, haha."
"A complete Map of the East Sea Cultivation World, this Old Man naturally has. I will gift it to Fellow Daoist Qin along with the ring. However, please do not spread it, as this complete Map is the result of the Heavenly Sea Alliance's continuous innovation and drawing over thousands of years."
City Lord Xia then took out a light yellow Jade Message Slip and handed it to Qin Ming.
"Qin Ming has some Snow Soul Spirit Tea that I personally planted, the taste is not bad, please accept it with a smile."
Qin Ming reciprocated the courtesy, gifting back a box of Spirit Tea to express his goodwill.
"Haha! Then this Old Man will accept impolitely." City Lord Xia stroked his beard and smiled.
After spending half a day conversing with Fellow Daoist City Lord Xia, a Nascent Soul True Monarch, Qin Ming bid farewell and departed.
Qin Ming had obtained information and Resources from him, reaping a bountiful Harvest.
For instance, Spirit Material that would be impossible to find even digging three feet deep in the Southern Wilderness was easily traded for here.
The efficiency far exceeded Qin Ming's expectations.
"The East Sea Cultivation World is truly rich in Resources! No wonder it can produce Spirit Transformation Stage Cultivators."
"In a remote and desolate place like the Southern Wilderness, the Core Formation Stage is already the Ceiling limit, alas."
Finally. City Lord Xia's attitude was exceedingly polite, warmly welcoming and escorting Qin Ming out of Sky Wave Palace.
"Fellow Daoist City Lord Xia, please feel free to visit Heavenly Ripple City often and seek out this Old Man for a chat."
"Definitely, definitely, please stay your steps, Fellow Daoist City Lord Xia."
Subsequently.
Qin Ming transformed into an azure Swift Rainbow and left the Mountain Top.
He went to an Inn in the Inner City and found Hua Tianxiong and Shi Jin.
"Hua Tianxiong, This Seat is going out to Handle Matters, you need not follow."
"Heavenly Ripple Immortal City is more suitable for your Business Development. With your Cultivation and abilities, you should be able to make a successful career here."
"It's perfect for you to help me search for High-Rank Resources. Here is a list of items This Seat needs."
"Of course, besides those on the list, if you see anything you fancy, collect them as well."
Hua Tianxiong quickly agreed, "Yes! Master."
After giving instructions.
Qin Ming, following the guidance of the Map, flew away from Heavenly Ripple Immortal City, heading southeast towards the sea area where Penglai Sect was located.
After Hua Tianxiong and Shi Jin respectfully saw Qin Ming off.
He turned his head and asked Shi Jin beside him, "Fellow Daoist Shi, Hua plans to start a great Business here and urgently needs navigational talents like you. Would you like to work with me?"
Shi Jin's eyes flickered uncertainly, but after only a brief moment of hesitation, he said with an extremely firm tone, "This old man is in!"
…
End of Chapter