Starry Sky Professional

In the Northern Li Immortal City.

This immortal city stands tall at the border between the Qi and Zheng countries. Its walls are lofty and vast, resembling a giant dragon lounging at rest.

Inscribed onto the bricks of the city walls are various talismans, each radiating different lights.

The city guards enforcing the law wear spirit armor, each possessing profound cultivation.

Moreover, at intervals along the city wall, one can see the massive barrels of cannons perched on the battlements.

These are large-scale warfare artifacts, powered by spirit stones, reportedly capable of unleashing an attack comparable to a true Formation Establishment Realm practitioner!

Beyond that, the entire city is enveloped in a layer of white mist, viewed from afar, it looks just like an overturned alabaster bowl.

“Northern Li Immortal City truly lives up to having a genuine Formation Establishment cultivator overseeing it... I've heard it has been passed down for generations. No wonder it can't be compared to the Violet Yuan Mountain City...”

Compared to Northern Li Immortal City, Violet Yuan Mountain City seems like a mere makeshift troupe.

Fang Xing descended on his sword light, putting away his Snowstorm Sword.

His main body smiled slightly, following his cultivation avatar as if he were a mere martial servant.

As the two entered the immortal city, they weren’t charged any entry fee!

‘Northern Li Immortal City is indeed magnanimous, knowing that the entry fees of Violet Yuan Immortal City are substantial income... Could this be an effort to boost traffic and develop commerce?’

Fang Xing gazed at all this, involuntarily contemplating deeply in his heart.

Just then, a commotion arose ahead, accompanied by the ripples of magic power.

“Another win!”

“Jade Sword certainly deserves his reputation as an inner disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, having won ten consecutive battles already?”

...

As Fang Xing advanced, a large plaza came into view, and atop the plaza, there was even an arena.

Two Foundation Establishment cultivators were engaged in a duel there.

“What’s going on here?”

Fang Xing casually grabbed a Qi Refinement cultivator and asked.

The Qi Refinement cultivator originally wore a look of impatience, but upon sensing the Foundation Establishment pressure from Fang Xing, he immediately forced a smile: “Senior, you wouldn’t know... This is our Northern Li Immortal City's Duel Sword Platform. If cultivators have a dispute, as long as it is notarized by law enforcement cultivators, they can come up here to settle life and death... Beyond that, all private duels in the immortal city are illegal... Ordinarily, under the grand formation's shroud, even Foundation Establishment cultivators can't take flight...”

“I see...”

Fang Xing nodded.

“From your accent, Senior seems not to be from Qi country?”

The Qi Refinement cultivator's eyes twirled, smiling as he spoke: “This Duel Sword Platform is pioneered by the Heavenly Sword Sect, now popular in Qi country’s major immortal cities' marketplaces. Those who achieve consecutive victories garner widespread respect and recruitment… It's said that under the jurisdiction of the Heavenly Sword Sect in 'Heavenly Sword City,' there are actually ten real Duel Sword Platforms... If a sword cultivator performs exceptionally on the Duel Sword Platform, there’s a chance they’ll be recruited into the Heavenly Sword Sect... The Heavenly Sword Sect venerates the sword, occasionally even inner disciples or true disciple sword progenies will step onto the platform willingly risking their lives, without seeking vengeance afterward. There’s even a rumor that if one can kill a true disciple sword progeny on the Duel Sword Platform, they would be directly accepted into the sect as a true disciple!”

‘Sounds like a bunch of sword maniacs...’

Fang Xing looked towards the Duel Sword Platform, seeing a young man clad in white robes, with unremarkable features except for eyes sharp as swords.

In his hand, there was a spiritual sword that gleamed like white jade.

"Are the disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect fond of wandering around to duel?"

At this moment, another Foundation Establishment cultivator took the stage, practicing earth-based techniques.

With a shout, massive boulders appeared from thin air, securely guarding around him.

Jade Sword, upon witnessing this, displayed a faint smirk of disdain on his face, as a burst of radiant sword light erupted from his white jade-like flying sword.

No!

The brilliance was more piercing and sharp than mere sword light...

"It's the Sword Qi! Refining the sword into Qi!"

"This Jade Sword of the Heavenly Sword Sect, he must be among the top within the inner disciples, perhaps even vying for the position of a true inheritor..."

The onlooking rogue cultivators gasped in amazement.

Fang Xing watched as Jade Sword unleashed a single strike, effortlessly shattering the boulders, sending the defensive Foundation Establishment cultivator tumbling off the stage.

"Not bad at all..."

He nodded thoughtfully and turned to leave.

This transaction was crucial; his true form had been present all along to oversee it.

The critical information he obtained from Master Ziyuan led Fang Xing to decide on a swift resolution.

"Hold on, Senior!"

The Qi Refining cultivator, seeing Fang Xing about to depart, hurriedly spoke up: "I am from the Lu family at 'Green Cloud Lake,' our family is eager to recruit talent. If Senior lacks a place to settle, why not come to our family..."

"Green Cloud Lake's Lu family, got it."

Fang Xing nodded and left, knowing that the Lu family was likely facing some unsolvable trouble, appearing desperate to recruit high-level cultivators here.

There better be substantial benefits, or he would not willingly cause trouble for himself.

...

"Heavenly Jade Pavilion?"

In front of a magnificent pavilion carved as if from fine jade, Fang Xing halted his steps: "This should be the place, right? According to Master Ziyuan, the Vajra Fruit is in the hands of Real Person Tianyu, the master of Heavenly Jade Pavilion."

The power of Northern Li Immortal City was immense, possibly with more than one Core Formation cultivator.

Aside from that, the city was guarded by four Pseudo Core cultivators.

Real Person Tianyu was among them, reportedly skilled in mechanical puppetry and other miscellaneous arts, overseeing the auction house.

Previously, when Master Ziyuan traveled externally, he attended a private exchange hosted by Real Person Tianyu, where he saw the Vajra Fruit, which unfortunately did not sell.

Due to negotiating with a Pseudo Core real person, Fang Xing's cultivation avatar in the early Foundation Establishment stage was insufficient, so his true form came personally.

"Senior..."

A young attendant walked out of Tianshui Pavilion and bowed to Fang Xing: “What brings you here?”

“I am here to meet with Real Person Tianyu.”

Fang Xing took out a token.

This token was entirely purple, inscribed with the character 'Yuan', a credential given by Master Ziyuan.

Otherwise, a mere cultivator at the Foundation Establishment trying to meet a Pseudo Core cultivator might have to wait indefinitely.

“I shall report this at once.”

The attendant took the purple token and promptly returned to the Pavilion.

Moments later, he came back out to greet, “My master has just ended his closed-door cultivation... Please proceed to the Fragmented Jade Hall.”

As Fang Xing walked into the Fragmented Jade Hall, he saw a white-haired youth seated at the main seat.

The youth was strikingly handsome, his white hair fluttering gently, and with a sudden gesture, the attendant's body crackled as it transformed into a white jade puppet, which the youth tucked into his sleeve.

“Haha... Greetings, fellow Daoist. How does my puppet technique fare? Does it meet your approval?”

Real Person Tianyu laughed heartily but did not view the Immortal Cultivation Avatar, his eyes focused instead on the Main Body standing behind the avatar, akin to a warrior's servant.

“Oh?”

Fang Xing's Main Body laughed loudly, striding forward, “Why does the Daoist think I am leading this visit?”

He suspected Master Ziyuan might have tampered with the token somehow, but thought it unlikely.

“I have cultivated a secret technique that makes me particularly sensitive to killing intent...”

Real Person Tianyu eyed Fang Xing warily, “Your skill in concealing aura is truly extraordinary...”

‘The world of immortal cultivation is filled with wondrous secret arts. A single mistake can easily lead one astray...’

Fang Xing silently reminded himself while showing a faint smile, “A trifling skill, not worth mentioning.”

“To possess such killing intent and to converse as equals with Master Ziyuan... You truly are not what you seem. What business might you have?”

Real Person Tianyu inquired with curiosity.

“I heard from Master Ziyuan that you have a ‘Vajra Fruit’ in your possession and might be looking to sell it?”

Fang Xing straightforwardly revealed his purpose.

“Ah, the Vajra Fruit. So, you are a body cultivator!”

Real Person Tianyu showed a look of realization.

This type of body refining spiritual item was of such high grade that it held little appeal to spell cultivators.

Only high-ranking body cultivators would be drawn to it!

“And how many spirit stones does the Daoist wish to ask?”

Fang Xing neither agreed nor refused, shifting the topic to the inquiry.

A single Foundation Establishment Pill typically costs about thirty thousand spirit stones.

Yet for a third-tier spiritual item, it's common for the value to multiply tenfold.

Fortunately, he recently made a good deal and received a life-saving payment from Real Person Ziyuan, so he had enough spirit stones.

"For high-level cultivators like us, spirit stones aren't very useful anymore...unless they're of the highest quality."

Real Person Tianyu chuckled, "But if you're genuinely interested, I can offer you a special price—one hundred thousand spirit stones!"

"That cheap?"

Now it was Fang Xing's turn to feel a bit suspicious.

"Of course, there's also a small condition attached. I want your breath-concealing technique!"

Real Person Tianyu smiled, "I've always had a keen interest in these miscellaneous secret arts."

Actually, he managed an auction house and had trained in several techniques involving spiritual vision and ocular arts.

But after secretly probing multiple times, he concluded that Fang Xing was merely a mortal with astonishing bodily strength and vitality. This made him view the so-called "breath-concealing technique" with even more regard.

"Breath-concealing technique? I don't have any breath-concealing technique!"

Fang Xing inwardly rolled his eyes, but outwardly, his face dramatically changed, "This is a sect secret from my lineage, and I have sworn a heart demon oath not to share it!"

"That's truly unfortunate."

The regret on Real Person Tianyu's face didn't seem feigned, "Your ability to condense your mana fluctuations to nearly nothing is truly remarkable... If you were to hunt in desolate lands, even third-tier demon kings might struggle to react. Whether harvesting precious spiritual herbs or striking down demon beasts at the opportune moment, it's invaluable."

"What exactly are you getting at?"

Fang Xing frowned.

"The attached condition is for you to do me a favor, how about it?"

Real Person Tianyu chuckled, "There's a task in the desolate lands that I’ve been pondering. Perhaps only a body-refining cultivator with your level of breath-concealing technique can accomplish it..."

"The desolate lands? I heard that the Myriad Beasts Sect recently, following the lead of the Azure Profound Sect, is establishing a market, and there's news of a secret realm..."

Fang Xing mused, noticing Real Person Tianyu's faintly changing expression, confirming his guess.

He shook his head, "I have no intention of taking unnecessary risks. If you don't wish to part with the Vajra Fruit, then forget it..."

Fang Xing turned around, ready to leave with his cultivation avatar.

If it didn't work out this time, there would be other ways to think of next time.

If all else failed, he could find out more about Real Person Tianyu's reputation. If he wasn't a truly upright person, then finding an opportunity to get rid of him would also do.

"Wait!"

Real Person Tianyu looked at Fang Xing's retreating back as he was about to exit, and reluctantly spoke, "Fine, let's just consider it as making a friend. Thirty thousand lower-grade spirit stones, not one less!"

To a Real Person, though they aren't keen on accepting spirit stones, they could still accept them if truly needed.

Not to mention that upper-grade spirit stones can be used to quickly replenish mana, and a large amount of spirit stones can serve as general currency for auctions.

Moreover, most high-ranking cultivators have disciples or even their own forces... all requiring a lot of spirit stones to maintain.

Real Person Tianyu had been thinking of selling the Vajra Fruit because this body-refining spiritual item was indeed useless to him.

More awkwardly, it was the same for other Pseudo Core cultivators.

"Of course, this kind of spiritual item won't be a loss even if unused; if necessary, it can be sent to auction," Real Person Tianyu mused. "For high-level cultivators, rare spiritual items on one's person retain value better than spirit stones."

However, Real Person Tianyu decided to sell as a personal favor, perhaps needing assistance from this senior body cultivator in the future. "Fellow Daoist, you're straightforward!"

Fang Xing turned around, nodded, and retrieved thirty top-grade spirit stones from his storage pouch. This was evidently more than fair value.

With a flick of his hand, Real Person Tianyu's snow-white storage pouch produced a jade box, which flashed into Fang Xing's grasp.

Bang!

A layer of golden light emanated from Fang Xing's palm, effortlessly catching the jade box. The gemstone floor beneath him issued a crisp sound, yet not a hint of a crack appeared.

He knew this was Real Person Tianyu's final test. Without concern, he opened the jade box, revealing a fist-sized white fruit adorned with golden patterns.

"It is indeed the Vajra Fruit!" A satisfied expression spread across Fang Xing’s face. "Thank you for making this possible, Fellow Daoist."

"Fellow Daoist even used top-grade spirit stones for the trade; truly a sincere person." Real Person Tianyu laughed heartily. "If I wish to find you in the future, how might I do so?"

Fang Xing pointed to his cultivation avatar. "My junior admires the busy life of Northern Li Immortal City and plans to live and cultivate here for a while... With your capabilities, finding him won't be difficult."

"Sure," Real Person Tianyu nodded slowly.

…

After Fang Xing and his companion left, Real Person Tianyu gently stroked the jade ring on his hand.

A formation appeared, fully enveloping the Tianyu Pavilion.

He pondered for a moment, then took out a mirror from his robe.

The mirror was pure white like jade, with a peculiar beast shape on the back.

With a surge of power injected by Real Person Tianyu, the mirror surface blurred briefly, before revealing a human figure.

"Real Person Tianyu..." the figure in the mirror croaked.

"I've just found a near third-tier body cultivator... and I've given the Vajra Fruit. It might help them reach true third-tier status…" Real Person Tianyu began.

"Oh?" The figure appeared pleased. "Good, good... If that person succeeds, our grand plan gains more assurance. Who is that person?"

"They claimed the surname Fang, likely a rogue cultivator. I'll keep an eye on them... And the Myriad Law Mystical Realm?” Real Person Tianyu inquired.

"Old Ghost Lian fears death, sending only Foundation Establishment cultivators for exploration; progress is slow... but we'll give them a push," the figure replied with a raspy laugh. "This barren land has been too calm for too long… The sovereignty of the Heavenly Sword Sect should be challenged."

(End of Chapter)