Life Buying

After an unknown amount of time, the boatman stopped his work, glanced at Ding Chongshan, and said, "Hold on tight."

Immediately, a whirlpool appeared on the previously calm sea. The small boat spun and plunged into it. The boatman was astonished to find that he still needed to grip the side of the boat tightly, while the newcomer sat there as if rooted to the spot, his expression unchanged.

When the whirlpool subsided, the small boat had already appeared at the bottom of the sea. A vast city lay before their eyes. Even though Ding Chongshan was a half-step True Immortal and had seen great storms, he was still deeply shaken by this sight.

The city was magnificent, with buildings like jade towers and grand mansions.

The city walls were crystal clear, with a faint golden light flowing on them. This was the energy rumored to be called Source. Unlike the spiritual energy that cultivators relied on, this energy was the power source required for various technological advancements. If utilized properly, its might was no less than that of a cultivator's spells and divine abilities.

At the city gates, two steel automatons stood guard. Their essence was similar to the puppets in the cultivation world, but each had its own strengths and weaknesses.

"Please," the boatman gestured forward. Ding Chongshan walked up to the two tin guards.

A blue beam of light scanned them from top to bottom.

"Warning, warning, half-step True Immortal detected. Danger level, danger level."

The voice of the tin guards almost scared the boatman to death. He leaped far away, looking at Ding Chongshan in terror.

Good heavens, what have I brought here? It's a half-step True Immortal! If you have this kind of cultivation, why are you here in our Black Abyss? Who do you want to kill?!

Suddenly, a set of black divine armor flew out from the city wall. It was polished with sharp angles and had an extremely aggressive design. Liquid energy condensed within the dense network of fine tubes flowed through it.

Ding Chongshan's eyes narrowed. Judging by the power of the Source emanating from this armor, while it was not as powerful as him, it was not to be underestimated.

"Gu You, the eighteenth general of the Black Abyss, is here. May I ask your purpose for coming to our Black Abyss?"

"To buy a life!"

Ding Chongshan uttered only two words.

Upon hearing his words, Gu You landed in front of them and waved at the boatman who had guided them.

The boatman felt as if he had been granted a great pardon. With weak legs, he scrambled away.

"Sir, your strength is too great. For safety's sake, you need to wear this bracelet. Don't worry, it won't have any effect on you. It can only detect the fluctuations of spiritual energy within your body. I hope you can understand."

After speaking, he took out a metal bracelet and handed it to Ding Chongshan.

Ding Chongshan took it and put it on immediately, clean and decisive.

"Hahaha, please!"

Surprised by Ding Chongshan's straightforwardness, Gu You let out a hearty laugh and invited him into the city gates.

There were many people inside the city, and various modes of transportation were dazzling. Gu You removed his divine armor, revealing himself to be a burly man with his muscles exposed, exuding a wild aura.

"Friend, your identity is special. Our Abyss Master will personally receive you. I will lead the way."

After speaking, a hovercar stopped. The two got into the car and sped towards the city center.

Passing through layers of strict guards, Gu You brought him to a large door.

"Friend, our Abyss Master is inside. I hope your discussion goes well."

With that, Gu You departed. Ding Chongshan pushed open the door, revealing a conference room. A projection of the entire city was displayed on the table, showing every detail.

Opposite him sat a person clad in a black robe, their face obscured, appearing extremely mysterious. They simply sat there quietly.

Ding Chongshan cupped his fists from a distance. In the presence of the Black Abyss Master, he still needed to lower his stance.

"Patriarch Ding, there's no need for pleasantries. Please, have a seat."

He wasn't surprised at all that the Abyss Master could discern his identity. It had been confirmed long ago that in the face of the most advanced technology, even True Immortal powerhouses would find it difficult to gain an advantage.

After sitting down, Ding Chongshan got straight to the point: "I assume the Abyss Master knows why I am here."

"Of course, I do. However, this matter of yours is indeed too risky. You must understand that the young man has an Immortal King backing him. For our Black Abyss, taking on this task puts us under a lot of pressure."

Upon hearing the Abyss Master's words, Ding Chongshan smiled: "Didn't the Black Abyss once say that you would kill anyone as long as the price was right?"

But the Abyss Master merely shook his head: "No, I think you misunderstand my meaning. I didn't say the young man couldn't be killed, but it depends on how much sincerity Patriarch Ding can offer!"

"Ten million Sky Crystals as a deposit. Upon completion, the Black Abyss can take one-third of the Ding family's treasury! I have only one request: leave the young man's corpse to me."

To kill Xiang Tian, he had spared no expense. The Ding family had a long history, and their treasury was undoubtedly rich.

His offer, to be honest, surprised the Black Abyss Master. However, he was pleased with it. After all, with such a good opportunity falling into his lap, he was naturally happy to accept.

"Very well, a pleasant cooperation."

Afterward, Ding Chongshan made a few minor requests and left with Gu You after leaving ten million Sky Crystals.

In the conference room, the Abyss Master sat for a long time, murmuring softly, "What an interesting young man. With an Immortal King backing him, our Black Abyss still can't uncover any of his background. Tsk, tsk, this makes me more and more excited."

For those who enjoyed hunting cultivators, the more unusual the target, the greater the fun.

With a wave of his hand, a screen appeared, displaying a charming woman.

"Send a message to our mole in Changning Immortal Academy. Find a way to lure Xiang Tian out, and then have Gu You take his men to kill Xiang Tian."

"My lord, the information we received indicates that Xiang Tian is only at the Nascent Soul realm. Would it be too wasteful to send Gu You? We still need Gu You's divine armor for the ongoing covert conflict with Riyao."

Unexpectedly, the charming woman raised an objection.

The Black Abyss Master shook his head: "Xiang Tian is worth Gu You's attention. Once this matter is completed, the Black Abyss's reputation will reach new heights. For now, we should use indirect methods with Riyao and avoid direct conflict."

"Fine."

The charming woman nodded and cut off the connection.

Inside Changning Immortal Academy, as dusk approached, Xiang Tian felt rather speechless in his small pavilion.

Qiu Changfeng, with a flushed face and rubbing his hands, looked at Xiang Tian, wanting to speak but hesitating. That gaze, filled with an indescribable meaning, made Xiang Tian's hair stand on end.

Dean, I'm about to go to sleep, what business do you have with me? Just say it. The way you're acting feels off, and I'm really not into that.

Finally, unable to bear it any longer, Xiang Tian spoke up, "Um, it's so late, Dean, what can I do for you?"

Qiu Changfeng stammered, "That... it's truly a bit embarrassing to speak of."

Xiang Tian's mouth twitched. "Since it's embarrassing to speak of, then... don't say it."