The Auction House

Brother Luo, you've won this time, but there are always mountains beyond mountains and skies beyond skies. You can't keep winning forever, while I can finally go home...

Do extraterrestrials also have homes...?

Of course there is. Beyond the heavens lies the cosmic vacuum, and beyond that vacuum lies my hometown.

Beyond the heavens... in the vacuum...

Brother Luo, would you like to see for yourself the heavens beyond the heavens, the land of emptiness?

Suddenly opening his eyes, the boy, surrounded by lightning and shimmering blue light, seemed to be enveloped in an electric net. He emerged from his meditation, and with each breath, the lightning vanished like smoke. The azure primordial energy flowing through his body and acupoints was drawn into his Inner Landscape, filling his lungs and converging at his meridians. In an instant, it shone from his pupils, its lightning illuminating the scene in the quiet room.

The alchemy furnace, shrouded in swirling smoke Dao Breath, was gradually drying up. The forty boxes of Purple Radiance Spiritual Qi Pills that the puppets had brought to replenish the supply had also been completely consumed, leaving a pile of empty boxes in the living room.

"Vacuum... hometown... company..."

Zheng Zetian sat quietly on the futon, muttering to himself.

Although limited by his cultivation level and physical limitations, Zheng Zetian still couldn't remember many things and didn't know many things. However, as his cultivation level increased, he underwent surgery to modify his body and started over, his primordial spirit also recovered rapidly through repeated impacts. Those fleeting images kept flashing before his eyes, and he began to awaken memories of his past life from time to time.

I do seem to have had contact with the company... a long time ago...

Zheng Zetian shook his head, unable to recall, because it was a memory that wasn't that important and had been sealed away long ago.

The process of rebirth after physical transformation is like this: difficult at first, then easier. Especially after reincarnation and before the formation of the core, one is a true mortal body, whose brain simply cannot handle so many memories and emotions. Therefore, the higher the realm of the primordial spirit, the more necessary it is to seal itself and slumber to avoid placing an extra burden on the body and dying young. If one is too unlucky, and thus seals away too much, it is not impossible for one to spend one's entire life dying at the Foundation Establishment, or even at the mortal realm.

However, as the saying goes, "Once a Golden Core is swallowed, one's fate is in one's own hands, not in the heavens." Once one cultivates to the Golden Core realm and breaks free from the shackles of the mortal body, one's strength will increase rapidly. At the very least, one can develop the Divine Court and unseal the Primordial Spirit. When one resumes cultivation afterward, one can naturally learn from past experiences and lessons, avoid many detours, and be on a completely different level.

So these days, Zheng Zetian has been seizing the time to go into seclusion and break through to the Golden Core realm. He not only obtained a large number of Purple Radiance Pills from the Grand Master to solve his cultivation problems, but also figured out the correct way to use the Flesh Scorpion on his back.

This Flesh Scorpion, besides providing intelligent system assistance, mainly enhances nerve response and somatic reaction speed, but it can only act on the nervous system through the spine.

So Zheng Zetian used the Qingting Peak Thunder Technique to stimulate all his muscles with lightning power, enabling his body to keep up with the speed of his nerves. In other words, he was cultivating at an accelerated pace the whole time. While others could inhale one Qi Refining Pill, Zheng Zetian could inhale a whole box of them, and he also used the Thunder Dao to refine his body.

Although this initially placed a great burden on the body, almost unbearable, Zheng Zetian could use the Heavenly Origin Dao Breath to protect his internal organs, and the Flesh Scorpion could also assist in calculations, giving early warnings of the risks of qi deviation and damage to the Dao body, allowing for timely recuperation.

Inside the dormitory building, there were medicinal baths to relieve pain. Zheng Zetian even discovered that he could go to the training ground to get free medicinal oil for martial arts practitioners to wipe his body. Through repeated training and repair, his muscles and body gradually adapted to such a high-intensity load.

"He's almost at the Foundation Establishment Perfection."

Actually, if he wanted to form his core, he could probably try again after another three to five days of seclusion, since he passed the tribulation on his first day of Foundation Establishment. But who knows if breaking through his realm will affect the giant's Dao Fruit? I feel like that fruit isn't very reliable, so I'd better control my realm.

Zheng Zetian walked out of the dormitory and calculated the time; there were still about ten days until the full moon.

Now that he has almost adapted to this body and system, and has also practiced his old techniques and the new moves a little, he should no longer be completely powerless.

Let's go then.

He had to seize this last opportunity before the full moon to gather as much intelligence as possible, build up his chances of winning, and then go back in time to save Song Dayou's life.

After all, staying home all day cultivating means the company wouldn't even have a chance to send a Dao Companion to flirt with. They can't just say, "Hello, your takeout order... oh, was there a mistake? Well, let's just go with it, hehe," and force their way in...

In short, if others don't come, you have to take the initiative to go there yourself.

"Tu Lou! Where did you go?!"

Zheng Zetian leaped off the Plank Road, grabbed the railing, and roared.

"Meow--"

Hearing the call, the Tu Lou that was grazing on the cliff came running down the precipice. They originally wanted to let this guy stay for a few more days, but it kept defecating while eating, so they got tired of it and kicked it out of the Yuling Courtyard on the third day, and even sent it to the dormitory door.

Zheng Zetian was practicing his Qi cultivation in the dormitory, which was a small space with poor ventilation, so of course he didn't let it stay indoors. Instead, it was allowed to roam freely outside. Fortunately, Tianyu Mountain was a large area, Tu Lou was used to living in mountainous regions, so it wasn't too uncomfortable. It could find things to nibble on among the flowers and grass, and when it was thirsty, it would go to the lake to suckle. Moreover, it had an iron tag around its neck, and the dormitory building had a canteen, so no one slaughtered it to make hot pot.

"Let's go to the boat market on the lake."

So Zheng Zetian rode his sheep across the water, slowly making his way towards the fleet of boats in the marshes beyond the mountains.

Flower boats... Seriously, there are just too many of them...

After all, these multi-story ships are connected together and filled with shops and restaurants. With so many people coming and going on board, how could there not be a shortage of prostitution? Almost every ship has similar establishments.

Moreover, Tianyu Mountain possesses a divine skill like the Yuling Great Law, so naturally, various techniques have already spread to the nearby pleasure boats. Although the boat girls may be limited by their aptitude and unable to cultivate to the Golden Core realm using this method, they can still learn a few moves to strengthen their bodies.

As a result, this unique service has increasingly attracted travelers from all over the country. Well, it's not that people don't believe in this amazing ability, they just want to broaden their horizons and see for themselves.

We can't possibly check each company one by one... System, where is the company's headquarters?

'Keyword triggered, permissions confirmed unlocked, connecting to confidential database, marking disguised outposts, marking intelligence hubs, marking safe houses, marking equipment warehouses, marking communications stations, marking command centers... Company agents detected nearby, intelligent pathfinding activated.'

The system opened a 3D map of Tianyu Mountain in front of Zheng Zetian, then marked the densely packed landmarks, and finally removed most of the interference, providing four tracking paths.

Zheng Zetian frowned. So many right under his nose?

That makes sense. Ever since the era of the Three Great Sects, it has been common for them to send trusted confidants to infiltrate rival sects to steal divine skills and secret techniques, or to sabotage things in secret. Moreover, given how quickly Ink Bamboo Mountain has grown and developed in just a few decades, it's quite normal for dozens of spies to have infiltrated the sect.

Thinking about it more carefully, the cheat code given by the Grandmaster actually summoned back his clone on the moon and his true disciples who were handling affairs in the South China Sea. Who knows, apart from that senior brother, all the others under his tutelage might actually be insiders...

So Zheng Zetian rode the sheep around the streets, using the information from the system to do some preliminary reconnaissance. He discovered that these four paths, in addition to leading to the pleasure boat, also led to the auction house, the pharmacy, and the pawnshop.

The system indicates that the pleasure boat and the auction house are frequent intelligence liaison points for the inner circle of Tianyu Mountain, the pharmacy is a secret warehouse that provides equipment and supplies to the inner circle, and the pawnshop is probably the headquarters' accounting office that provides mission funds.

Of course, these pharmacies and pawnshops are important hidden support bases. They don't directly contact the spies themselves, but rather pass through many intermediaries. Items and funds are transferred between various disguised bases and forces. Naturally, there are also hidden combat forces of the company protecting them in secret. Although the exact number is unknown, the system indicates that they are all at the Nascent Soul Stage level.

As for the auction house and the pleasure boat, they are permanent intelligence liaison points. The auction house is generally responsible for purchasing various resources, materials, Cultivation Method, and cultivation techniques obtained by the disciples of Ink Bamboo Mountain through missions, and for conducting some resource transactions. It also issues missions to the inner circle and collects mission items through secret channels.

The pleasure boat, on the other hand, was purely an information exchange agency and a personnel department for recruiting new people.

Well, they know so much about the company's internal operations; it seems like Giant has spies around too...

Zheng Zetian had no intention of following the giant's advice and directly approaching the pleasure boat to offer his services. Firstly, he didn't have the money to spend, and secondly, a place like a pleasure boat was unlikely to offer medical insurance.

Secondly, he didn't have enough time. It's easy to imagine that a spy chief who could hide in brothels and recruit spies must be a shrewd person. In just a few days, he wouldn't even have enough time to dispel the other party's suspicions, let alone discover much intelligence or secrets about them.

So Zheng Zetian did some calculations and didn't waste any time. He went directly to the large ship where the auction was held, tied the Tu Lou and those auspicious beasts like white deer, cranes, and four-legged creatures together to get some food, and then followed the system's guidance to find the company's special agent.

Hmm, the system has marked this guy's head with huge red letters saying "Company Agent," making it quite difficult to mistake...

"Fellow Daoist, I have a treasure I'd like to auction off."

The 'company agent' was an unremarkable auction house employee in both appearance and cultivation level, Golden Core cultivator in the External Alchemy. Upon seeing that the visitor was a disciple of Ink Bamboo Mountain, he politely greeted him.

"Fellow Daoist, if you have any magical artifacts or materials you wish to trade, you can register them at the front first. The auction house will then arrange for a mage to appraise their quality and offer a price."

Zheng Zetian shook his head and said,

"Too many people will talk too much, and besides, I found this treasure; it can't be brought into the open, otherwise it will surely lead to my death. It's better to have a private talk with the manager directly."

The 'company agent' still wore a professional smile. After all, nine out of ten people who come to the auction house to sell things think that their goods are priceless divine treasures. This kid has learned some slang and is showing off. He probably stole the items from his sect.

"Fellow Daoist, our auction house is a legitimate trading platform jointly established by various chambers of commerce and banks to provide a channel for the disciples of Ink Bamboo Mountain to sell their goods. We do not accept 'found' or 'used' items. You should go to private pawnshops to handle such things."

Zheng Zetian looked indignant.

"Didn't you hear me say it would bring me death?! How could I dare to trade something like this in those shady pawnshops! Don't try to fool me. As long as there's profit to be made, what wouldn't a merchant do? You just think I'm young and have low cultivation, and you don't believe I can produce anything good!"

The 'company agent' looked helpless. "Fellow Daoist, even in business, one must be trustworthy. Besides, who dares to disobey the rules of the Grandmaster? How about this, if you insist, I'll take you to see our manager so he can take a look at your items and give you a price quote. What do you say?"

Zheng Zetian laughed, "No, those big shots on the surface are too connected by relatives and friends. Besides, they're not the ones who handle the important matters themselves. I'm just looking for you, so there's no need to involve so many people."

I've been watching from the doorway for a while now. With so many people coming and going, and so many shopkeepers and clerks, you're the most idle one, just lounging around with your hands in your pockets. Heh, the trading company doesn't keep idle people around, so you must be in charge of the biggest business. Generally, those small businesses of a few hundred or a few thousand taels don't need you to handle them. And if you ask other people, they probably don't have your level of authority.

I need to sell my things for cash, and you're the one to contact."

After hearing what the kid said, the 'company agent' actually became quite interested.

"Oh ho, a few thousand taels is considered a small business? Fellow Daoist, you certainly have a big mouth! Hehe, but you are very perceptive and observant. It seems you truly have some affinity for immortality and have obtained some interesting things! Alright, follow me."

So the 'company agent' led Zheng Zetian around to a private tea room in the backyard of the auction house.

The system alerted Zheng Zetian three times along the way with a red warning message: "External link detected." When the other party looked at him again, he was clearly wary, his eyes unfathomable, indicating that he had already seen through his identity.

But Zheng Zetian remained expressionless and calmly took his seat.

The auction house maids came one after another to serve tea and snacks. Although they were well hidden, Zheng Zetian was prepared and clearly heard their voices. Seven people came in and six left. An invisible person followed them into the tea room and hid on the roof beam behind him. When silent, their presence was almost imperceptible. He didn't know if they were an assassin or a guard, but they were at least a martial arts master at the Golden Core stage or the Divine Essence Body.

This level of precaution was normal, and Zheng Zetian remained unfazed, pretending not to notice.

The 'company agent' feigned politeness by offering tea and asked with a smile,

"May I ask, friend, what are you here to trade this time?"

So Zheng Zetian squatted down beside the coffee table, took out the Taishang Daojun Dongxuan Bu Xuyi Zhenjie from his bosom, pushed it forward, but did not let go of it.

The 'company agent' asked curiously, "What book is this?"

Zheng Zetian, "The Heavenly Book."

"A heavenly book?"

The 'company agent' was taken aback, then suddenly realized.

"Oh, a celestial book? That's priceless. Hmm, if it's real, I can consider offering ten thousand Banknotes."

"... You think you can buy a divine book for ten thousand taels??"

Are even cryptic texts worthless these days?

The "company agent" shrugged. "Little Daoist priest, can something of this caliber be measured in money? Besides, who would I sell it to? There aren't even five people in these mountains who can afford to attend university. Even the disciples of Ink Bamboo Mountain can exchange their merit points for it. Who would buy your Grandmaster's Heavenly Book?"

To put it bluntly, who knows if your copy is genuine or fake? Besides, the Heavenly Book of Moshan is the easiest to obtain; the Grand Master would exchange it with anyone he meets and pass it on to everyone he sees. The Divine Sect and the Mysterious Gate already have it. Wouldn't it be safer to just ask the Grand Master for it directly?

If you really have the connections, instead of messing around with these incomprehensible things, why not get some of the legendary sword techniques that the big shot supposedly created? I'll quote you one million taels per move, no cheating a kid or a grandson."

Tsk, this guy is really ignorant...

Seeing Zheng Zetian's speechless expression, the 'company agent' actually tried to comfort him.

"However, it seems that the young Daoist priest is indeed a person with a predestined affinity for immortality and enlightenment. In a place like Ink Bamboo Mountain, he is quite a rare commodity. How about this, if you need money urgently, I have a thousand taels here. Consider it as making friends with you. If you have any similar treasures in the future, please contact me."

"Are you trying to fob me off like a beggar? Besides, who said this is the Heavenly Book of Moshan?!"

Zheng Zetian stared into the other person's eyes, lowered his voice, and said seriously,

"This book comes from the mountains."

"What do you mean by 'in the mountains'... Oh, you mean..."

The 'company agent' suddenly realized something and couldn't help but look down again.

"The Xuan Girl Heavenly Book?"

Zheng Zetian released his hand from the book, gesturing for the reader to look.

The 'company agent' became interested, carefully turned to the first page, and took a closer look.

Zheng Zetian, "... You're holding it upside down."

The people in this company are no good...

The 'company agent' curled his lip; there was no point in turning the page if he couldn't even see the first page.

"Is it true? Don't try to fool me with this blank book of heaven... Besides, it's said that the heavenly books of the Nine Great Xuan Sects are kept closely by their sect leaders, right? How did you get your hands on it?"

Zheng Zetian narrowed his eyes. Was the company's special agent qualification insufficient, or was the company's interest in Song Dayou not for the Heavenly Book of Qingting Peak?

"Of course this is genuine. No matter how I obtained it, you can't even recognize something like this? Your eyesight is terrible!"

"No, normally no one would trade something like this..."

Before the 'company agent' could finish speaking, a flash of light appeared, and his head rolled off his neck, staining the Heavenly Book red.

At that moment, Zheng Zetian held his breath, and his pupils dilated instantly.

The Flesh Scorpion was triggered at its limit, and the air seemed to solidify as if glue.

Then Zheng Zetian clearly 'saw'

A beam of white light shone into the tea room from somewhere, like a white ribbon that folded three times in the room.

The first cut bypassed the 'company agent's' neck, cleanly severing the neck. The incision along the spine and blood vessels was as smooth as a mirror, and the blood, like a lotus flower the size of a bowl, slowly bloomed before his eyes.

Then, with a muffled thud like a drumbeat, the gentleman on the beam felt his heart leap. The Sword Light immediately rebounded, flashing past Zheng Zetian's face. The cold sword energy grazed his bangs, shattering the roof beam above him and the guards behind it into pieces.

The final, third section was aimed directly at Daozi's skull, cutting right through him.

Ah,

Sword Immortal

An old friend.