The austere lives of Void Heaven Rogue Cultivators

Crowds thronged Dongyuan City.

Besides the residents of the nearby Ancient City, the Cultivator from the Outer Realm Wuyi City is also far greater than that of Wuyi City.

On his journey, Gu Yuanqing saw four Void Heaven Cultivator enter the city.

"Brother Gu, do you have any Ancient Coin you've refined? If not, I can lend you some."

"No need, thank you."

The two walked slowly and soon arrived at the city gate.

The native inhabitants of the Ancient Realm all possess Travel Permit and Identity Fish Tally, while Cultivator from the Outer Realm must pay in Ancient Coin.

Zheng Kun handed over an Ancient Coin, which the captain at the city gate took, glanced at, and handed over a Waist Token before allowing him to pass.

Zheng Kun turned around and saw Gu Yuanqing take out a Token.

Upon seeing this, the city gate captain quickly clasped his hands and bowed, saying, "Greetings, sir."

Gu Yuanqing returned the greeting with clasped hands.

"Please, sir!"

The city gate captain stepped aside, his expression respectful.

Gu Yuanqing smiled and nodded as he walked into the city gate. Although the Consecration Token originated from Wuyi City, with this Token, one could enter any city in the Ancient Realm.

Zheng Kun's eyes widened.

"Let's go, Brother Zheng."

Zheng Kun lowered his voice and asked, "Brother Gu, where did you get this Heavenly Human Token?"

"It was just a lucky find," Gu Yuanqing chuckled.

That's true. He only stayed in Wuyi City for one night and went out for a stroll, and someone personally delivered himself to his door. Even he himself was surprised.

A chance encounter? Zheng Kun was stunned, but he didn't believe it. He guessed that it was given to him by one of Gu Yuanqing's elders.

After all, this was no ordinary item; only Celestial Person were qualified to possess it. But since Gu Yuanqing didn't say, he didn't ask any further questions.

He suddenly said excitedly, "This is a good thing, Brother Gu, you have to help me with something!"

"Oh? What is it?"

"The Heavenly Human Token grants a 10% discount on purchases in any city. There's a Fishing Gear I've wanted to buy for a long time, but I've been short of money and it took me years to finally scrape together enough. Don't worry, I won't let Brother Gu help for nothing. Half of the ancient Ancient Coin saved will be your reward."

Gu Yuanqing waved his hand and smiled, "No need for any reward or anything. It's just helping me buy something. I'll be right there."

"That won't do. It's an established rule that only Heavenly Human Token Celestial Person. Those major sects have their elders, and Rogue Cultivator like me wouldn't have any way to get one even if I wanted to. A Celestial Person Great Cultivator wouldn't even consider this little bit of ancient Ancient Coin. Giving it to the shopkeeper is the same as giving it to someone else. Brother Gu seems to have only recently entered the Ancient Realm, so it's good for him to have more Ancient Coin. Even if it's not much, every little bit helps."

Heavenly Treasure Pavilion.

The largest Buddhist Law Artifact shop in Dongyuan City.

"Rumor has it that this Heavenly Treasure Pavilion belongs to the Imperial Family of the Great Wei Divine Dynasty. It has the most complete collection of Law Treasure, Talisman Artifact, and Spiritual Item in the Ancient Realm. It is said that it even has Heavenly Human Treasure. However, they are incredibly expensive. Moreover, to buy Heavenly Human Treasure, one ancient Ancient Coin is not accepted at all. You need Five-Patterned Ancient Coin to be eligible."

Is it Five-Patterned Ancient Coin?

Gu Yuanqing seemed to be deep in thought.

The so-called five patterns refer to the Dao Pattern that appear on the Ancient Coin after it has been condensed. Normally, Void Heaven Cultivator realm can only condense One-Pattern Ancient Coin, and for each additional pattern, the value of the Ancient Coin increases more than tenfold.

These Ancient Coin are all condensed from Divine Soul Dao Resonance. Although they are meant for circulation, they are in fact no different from Talisman Artifact. It is said that the method of condensing these Ancient Coin comes from the Imperial Family of the Great Wei Dynasty, and many of the Great Wei's Formation can operate on the basis of these Ancient Coin.

Heavenly Treasure Pavilion occupies a vast area, a seven-story building, each floor measuring nearly a hundred feet in length and width, and nearly ten feet in height, resembling a magnificent palace.

Various rare and exotic items are displayed there.

Inside the shop, Formation enveloped the space, and a sword hung in the center, faintly radiating a terrifying Qi, as if it might burst forth at any moment.

The shop assistants were at least Dao Fire Cultivator, while the shopkeeper was an even Void Heaven Great Cultivator.

It can be said that even ordinary Celestial Person wouldn't dare to act recklessly above this shop.

Inside the shop, a dozen or so Cultivator were selecting treasures, including Cultivator from the Outer Realm and Cultivator born and raised in the Ancient City.

"Waiter, bring me a set of Profound-Tier Green Scale Bamboo Fishing Gear."

Zheng Kun had clearly already chosen his items, and went straight to a counter as soon as he entered.

The shop assistant, dressed in Blue Robe, glanced at him, then smiled and said, "Alright, please wait a moment, sir."

He raised his hand and two sets of Fishing Gear wrapped in leather landed in his hands.

This is a transit city on the way to the Boundless River. While other treasures may not be available, the Fishing Gear here is quite complete.

"Sir, please take a look. These two pieces are exquisite Profound Tier Fishing Gear, crafted by Artifact Forging Master Bai Zuogong of my Heavenly Treasure Pavilion. They are made with Green Scale Bamboo rods, Seven-Skill Heavenly Silkworm Silk lines, and top-quality Thousand-Refined Iron Essence hooks. Putting everything else aside, Profound Grade Dao Soul will certainly not have to worry about the line breaking or the rod snapping."

Zheng Kun took it out and examined it. He channeled his true Primordial Spirit into it, and immediately felt that his Divine Soul energy flowed smoothly and without any flaws. It was far superior to his usual Fishing Gear.

"Daoist Friend, could you please take a look at my eyes?"

Gu Yuanqing also took it curiously and glanced at it.

"This one looks better," Gu Yuanqing suggested.

Zheng Kun compared them and hesitated.

The shop assistant glanced at Gu Yuanqing with surprise. The shopkeeper said he couldn't tell the difference between the two sets of Fishing Gear tackle, but said that the Artifact Forging Master Bai Zuogong had mentioned that one of them had a slight flaw. The shopkeeper, who was also an expert in craftsmanship, had compared them for many days before he could spot the flaw. Yet the young man in front of him seemed to have noticed it at a glance.

He wondered in his heart whether this meant he was also proficient in casting techniques, or if it was just a guess.

The waiter smiled and said, "Sir, rest assured, every item produced by the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion is of the highest quality, no matter the age or gender. We are honest and trustworthy."

After comparing the suggestions repeatedly, Zheng Kun finally began to consider Gu Yuanqing's advice.

"This is fine, how much?"

"The price is clearly stated: three thousand dollars."

Zheng Kun asked, "Is there a small amount?"

"Sir, Heavenly Treasure Pavilion never haggles. This applies to Cultivator from this realm and Cultivator from the Outer Realm."

Zheng Kun sighed, looked at Gu Yuanqing, and said, "Brother Gu, this is troublesome."

Gu Yuanqing took out the Token: "Can I get a discount with this?"

The waiter was startled upon seeing this, and his smile became more respectful, "Please wait a moment, sir."

He then sent a telepathic message to the shopkeeper.

A moment later, the shopkeeper hurried over, took it with both hands, examined it carefully, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes, and then respectfully returned it.

"With the Consecration Token, of course it's possible. Just give me two thousand seven hundred dollars, sir."

Zheng Kun took out Ancient Coin from his Cosmic Bag; they were all shaped like a knife.

Looking at the few Ancient Coin left in his Cosmic Bag, Zheng Kun felt a pang of heartache.

He put the Fishing Gear back into his bag and couldn't help but say, "We Rogue Cultivator are really unlucky. We thought that after achieving the Void Heaven, we could find Creation in this Ancient Realm, but everything here has to start from scratch. We haven't found many fortuitous opportunity, and all we do is think about how to make money. What's even more infuriating is that we have to pay to take this stuff out of the Ancient Realm."

The innkeeper smiled and said, "Sir, if you'd like Void Stone, we have those too."

Zheng Kun waved his hand and said, "Forget it, forget it. It's more worthwhile to find a way to catch some Dao Soul and increase my cultivation."

He then asked Gu Yuanqing, "Brother Gu, would you like to buy a tool? Although one can use true Primordial Spirit thought as a hook to fish, it is too mentally taxing. It would be better to have Law Treasure in hand, so that one can cultivate or condense Ancient Coin while fishing."

Gu Yuanqing pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping across the shop, before pointing to a Fishing Gear and saying, "That one, please."

The shopkeeper turned around and asked in surprise, "Sir, are you referring to this Yellow Grade Low Rank Black Iron Fishing Gear?"

In his view, Gu Yuanqing was a big shot who held the Heavenly Human Token, yet he would choose such a Fishing Gear.

Zheng Kun couldn't help but say, "Brother Gu, how about we try something a little better? I have some Ancient Coin I can lend you."

Gu Yuanqing smiled and said, "No need, this is my first time here too, so I'll just try it out first."

The shopkeeper raised his hand and handed it to Gu Yuanqing.

Gu Yuanqing took it and tried it out. "This is it, it's quite easy to use."

The shopkeeper said, "Twelve cuts will suffice, Daoist Friend."

Gu Yuanqing took out two Ancient Coin from his pocket and handed them over.

The shopkeeper took the coin and handed it back, then returned three One-Pattern Ancient Coin as change, smiling as he said, "Two-Pattern Ancient Coin are enough for one dollar. Our shop is not a money exchange; a two-coin ancient Ancient Coin is worth fifteen dollars. My Heavenly Treasure Pavilion is a reputable establishment, honest and fair to all."

Zheng Kun glanced at it, unable to hold back his words, and looked at Gu Yuanqing with even more surprise in his eyes.

Everyone knows that Two-Pattern Ancient Coin is much more valuable than a one-patterned one, but two Dao Pattern are not so easy to condense. Divine Soul, Dao Resonance, and technique must all be of the Higher Vehicle quality. As far as he knows, one must be at least at the Void Heaven Peak to have this strength.

Zheng Kun simply didn't know whether the Ancient Coin was something Gu Yuanqing had conjured himself, or something given to him by someone else.

But this involves personal cultivation, so it's best not to ask further.

Whether in the Outer Realm or the Ancient Realm, cultivation level is a personal secret. If you have the ability, you should assess it yourself. Rashly inquiring can easily make enemies.

Gu Yuanqing glanced at the Storage Bag on the treasure shelf again; the cheapest one cost nearly a thousand dollars, so he had no choice but to give up. He only asked one more question, "Shopkeeper, how much do you sell Void Stone here?"

Which one would you like, sir/madam?

Please tell me.

"Then let me introduce them to you, sir. Low-grade Void Stone cost 1,000 pieces, mid-grade 5,000 pieces, and High Grade 10,000 pieces. However, even in our shop, High Grade stones are rare. If you need any, you'll have to place an order in advance to have them retrieved from our treasury."

Gu Yuanqing nodded and said, "Thank you. I'll come back to you if I need anything."

"Alright, you're welcome to come anytime."

"Is there anything else you want to buy?" Gu Yuanqing asked Zheng Kun again.

"I can't afford it even if I wanted to," Zheng Kun said, shaking his head.

Upon hearing this, Gu Yuanqing suddenly realized that the Void Heaven Cultivator in this Ancient Realm were truly quite poor.

"Let's go then."

The two walked out of the store.

Zheng Kun suddenly said, "Daoist Friend, are you thinking that life is really miserable for Void Heaven Cultivator in this Ancient Realm?"

Gu Yuanqing nodded and said, "That's right. A cultivator at the Void Heaven Realm is considered Great Cultivator cultivator, a big shot in the Exquisite World, with extraordinary strength. It shouldn't be like this."

Zheng Kun smiled wryly, "Brother Gu will know once he's been in the Ancient Realm for a while."

Gu Yuanqing asked, "Could you tell me about it?"

Zheng Kun said, "Anyway, the teleportation Grand Formation to the Boundless River won't be ready for another day. We have nothing to do today, so let's find a place to sit down and talk."

A moment later, the two sat down in a restaurant.

Zheng Kun ordered wine and dishes, and while waiting, he first presented 150 One-Pattern Ancient Coin.

"Brother Gu, please accept this. I am very grateful for your help today."

Gu Yuanqing didn't refuse again, and accepted it with a smile, "Then I won't stand on ceremony."

"Of course, what we Cultivator fear most is owing favors. Money is easy to repay, but favors are not. I'm actually relieved that you've accepted it, Daoist Friend."

Gu Yuanqing laughed heartily, "That's true."

In no time, the waiter brought over the wine and dishes.

Zheng Kun smiled and said, "Daoist Friend, you can try it. The food and wine in this Ancient Realm are quite good. Although we don't need such worldly food, we can still try such delicacies occasionally."

Gu Yuanqing took a few bites and found his appetite greatly improved, finding the food and wine much better than those at the Drunken Immortal Residence in the Floating World.

The two chatted casually for a while before turning their attention back to the current state of the Ancient Realm.

Zheng Kun waved his hand, using Domain Barrier to conceal himself, and shook his head with a sigh, saying, "Brother Gu, you must have experienced the Full Moon Night of this realm by now, right?"

Gu Yuanqing said, "I was in Wuyi City that day. Something happened that night, and the whole city was in chaos."

Zheng Kun asked, "Was everything completely restored to its original state the next day?"

Gu Yuanqing nodded and said, "That's true, and they've all forgotten what happened last night."

Zheng Kun said, "The original inhabitants of the entire Ancient Realm have been like this for countless years, neither born Deathlessness, existing eternally. How exactly did they become like this? Perhaps only the Great Cultivator of the Sect Celestial Person the Primordial Divine Sect and the Illusionary Spirit Sect know the answer."

Gu Yuanqing recalled the scene from that night and couldn't help but sigh. Living in this world, neither alive Deathlessness, with even memories erased, was not necessarily a blessing.

Zheng Kun continued, "Although the Great Wei Divine Dynasty tolerates Cultivator from the Outer Realm this realm, it remains highly wary. At most, it issues Heavenly Human Token, granting great cultivators of the Celestial Person Great Cultivator respect. Apart from the Primordial Divine Sect, it rarely cooperates with Cultivator from the Outer Realm. More importantly, no Cultivator is willing to provoke the native inhabitants of this realm."

This was the second time Gu Yuanqing had heard about this, and he couldn't help but ask, "Why is that?"

Zheng Kun said, "Because Deathlessness. Under the Rules of this world, even if they are killed, they can be resurrected after a month. Furthermore, we Cultivator from the Outer Realm will be tainted with Sha Qi that lingers for a long time. If the evil Sha Qi is too strong, the native inhabitants of the places he passes through will regain their memories under the stimulation of the Sha Qi and turn into ghosts. They will also be hunted down by the experts of the Great Wei Divine Dynasty."

All the places of fortuitous opportunity in the Ancient Realm require the help of the Great Teleportation Array in the Ancient City. We Cultivator are here to seek fortuitous opportunity, so even the most wicked and evil people will not commit murder in this realm.

"I see."

Zheng Kun smiled bitterly, "If it were a Celestial Person Great Cultivator, it would be fine, as the Void Heaven Realm Heavenly Human Token offers many benefits. But it's much harder for us Void Realm rogue Rogue Cultivator. The Great Wei Divine Dynasty only uses Ancient Coin to trade with Cultivator from the Outer Realm. We came in penniless. Entering and leaving the Ancient City, using the Great Teleportation Array, entering places of fortuitous opportunity, and buying artifacts all cost money. Even if we find a genuine Ancient Artifact, we still need to buy Void Stone to take it out of the Outer Realm. And these things are either controlled by the Great Wei Dynasty or in the hands of the Sect. Do you think life is going to be difficult?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Yuanqing finally understood why Chen Zhengfeng, Bai Xianghui, and the others, despite having Void Heaven Ancestor within their clan who had entered the Ancient Realm Ancient Realm, knew so little about it.

As Void Heaven Great Cultivator, he was an ancestor and a lineage leader in his own realm, yet in the Ancient Realm, he seemed to be nothing, living such a meager life. How could he possibly tell his juniors about this?