A top-tier Paper craftsman was akin to a walking army. With a simple gesture, they could summon a vast legion of paper constructs capable of overwhelming any opposition. And these puppets weren't limited to mere paper cranes.
The Paper craftsman possessed three major inheritances: Cutting, Folding, and Binding.
Cutting referred to cutting out paper men and similar constructs. Folding encompassed folding paper cranes, paper boats, and so on. But the most powerful of them all was Binding. The constructs created through this technique held immense power, though they also consumed significantly more time and energy. For instance, a paper house could transform into a real house — ideal for sheltering against the elements in the wilderness. Not only was it portable, but it also boasted impressive defensive properties. Combined with paper constructs such as paper soldiers or paper leopards, its protection was further enhanced.
These paper houses could even manifest defensive barriers, and all items within appeared vividly realistic, indistinguishable from the real thing.
Because of this, few dared to provoke a Paper craftsman within the cultivation world. No one could predict when they might find themselves surrounded by an army of paper constructs.
Becoming a Paper Artisan required the awakening of unique Life Apertures, most critically the Paper Realm and the Spiritual Link Aperture. These might sound simple, but in truth, awakening them was exceedingly difficult.
The treasures required to do so were incredibly rare. For instance, the Spiritual Link Aperture necessitated a material known as the Spirit-Link Jade to refine the required Aperture Pill. Spirit-Link Jade was extraordinarily scarce. Discovering one was difficult unless the aperture awakened naturally. Otherwise, success was nearly impossible.
That's why such unique professions remained extremely rare.
"You're Human," Yi Tianxing said as he looked at the black-robed Paper craftsman before him, his tone carrying a trace of certainty.
After all, the profession of Paper craftsman originated among the human race. It was rarely found among other races. In the early days of the Eternal World's convergence, this art had remained almost exclusive to humans.
"You're Human as well," the Paper craftsman responded, lifting his eyes to meet Yi Tianxing's gaze. A hint of softness emerged in his expression.
In the black market, discovering a fellow clansman always brought a strange sense of reassurance and kinship. Among the same race, there was an instinctive camaraderie.
"Yes. How much for these paper treasures?" Yi Tianxing nodded slightly and continued, "I want a hundred Tracking Paper Cranes, Flying Paper Cranes, and Cutout Paper Soldiers. One Paper Bridge, and one Paper House. I'll pay with this — Eternal Coins, which triple one's cultivation speed. Top-tier currency in the Eternal World."
Each item possessed its own unique wonders. Purchasing them now might prove invaluable in future situations.
"Tracking Cranes, ten Eternal Coins each. Cutout Soldiers, also ten coins per sheet. Paper Bridge, one hundred coins. Paper House, one thousand coins," the Paper craftsman replied, nodding after hearing Yi Tianxing's words and quoting the prices.
Naturally, he was happy to accept Eternal Coins — their value was self-evident.
Yi Tianxing didn't hesitate. With a wave of his hand, he paid the amount and collected the paper treasures. However, part of the Eternal Coins he handed over suddenly vanished into thin air — as if taken by some mysterious hand.
It was the black market tax.
The black market imposed no restrictions on currency, nor on the origin of traded goods. It provided a space for free trade and a safe environment — but this wasn't free. The price of doing business here was the mandatory 20% cut taken from every transaction.
Truly, the "black" in black market couldn't be more blatant. But refusal wasn't an option. For most powerhouses, the platform it provided was worth every coin. Even with that markup, the profits remained vast.
That was the core reason behind the black market's enduring existence.
Shared profit.
Shared benefit.
"Friend, are you planning to join the expedition to Pharaoh's Tomb? If possible, I suggest you stay away. Many powerful beings have been drawn in this time. A battle is inevitable," the Paper craftsman warned, clearly pleased with the transaction.
"Oh? That sounds quite interesting, doesn't it?" Yi Tianxing replied with a calm smile. "I doubt you'd want to miss out on such a grand affair either. Besides, this tomb lies within Human territory — we can't let foreign races take it uncontested."
The Paper craftsman's gaze flickered, revealing a hint of emotion, but he said no more.
"This is a Messenger Paper Crane. Use it to find me," he said, handing Yi Tianxing a new paper crane.
This one was white.
Tracking Cranes were green. Flying Cranes were blue. Apparently, different colors signified different functions — yet another marvel of the Art of Paper Binding.
Leaving the Paper craftsman's stall, Yi Tianxing soon stopped before another.
This booth had only one type of item — a pile of sparkling crystal sand, each grain shimmering with a soft blue glow that cooled the eyes upon viewing.
"What's this?" he asked.
"Nightglow Sand," the black-robed vendor replied coolly.
"Oh? How much?"
Yi Tianxing knew of it. Nightglow Sand was a special material found in bat caves, and though the origin was somewhat unglamorous — it was, in essence, the accumulated feces of bats over countless years — it shouldn't be underestimated.
It was said to be incredibly beneficial for ocular techniques, helping them evolve and transform. It could also be refined into top-grade vermilion ink, ideal for drawing talismans or sealing evil entities.
Its uses were vast.
Moreover, it was rare and often hard to find on short notice.
Without hesitation, Yi Tianxing spent a sum and purchased a batch for storage in his Hongmeng Heavenly Emperor Tower. Even if not needed now, it would come in handy in the future. A good treasure was always worth stockpiling.
"What's this?" he asked again, drawn by yet another oddity.
This time, it was a stall with several giant fossilized eggs, each the size of a grown adult. Their stone shells had clearly formed over untold ages.
"I don't know exactly," the vendor replied, "but I excavated them from three thousand meters underground. There were many bones near them — the aura they emitted was terrifying. I believe these are eggs from some mysterious ferocious beast. Inside might be its offspring."
He spoke with a hint of persuasion.
Truthfully, though he had indeed found a large skeleton, the part about sensing life force was nonsense. When retrieved, the eggs were cold and dead — just stone. No signs of life.
Yi Tianxing, however, said nothing. His eyes gleamed as he quietly purchased the largest egg without haggling over the price.
"Foolish eyes miss hidden treasures. Though the life within is gone, the gathered essence has become something extraordinary — a rare treasure hidden under a layer of stone. Ordinary eyes can't see through it."
He had just scanned the egg with his Spirit-Link Treasure Mirror, which had revealed a radiant spiritual light within. The brilliance indicated the presence of a potent treasure yet undiscovered. Without hesitation, he bought it.
He didn't examine it further but continued browsing through the black market.
Each time something caught his eye, he spent coins freely.
Unknowingly, his Eternal Coins flowed away like water.
A flash of light later, a black portal reappeared in the room Yi Tianxing had rented at the inn.
Back in his room, a satisfied look spread across his face.
"As expected of the black market. So many good things and all kinds of people — from the noble to the vile. Pity I didn't find any top-tier treasures… still, it was worth the trip."
He nodded to himself.
If nothing else, the information he had obtained alone was worth the entire visit.
Boom!
With a wave of his hand, the fossilized egg he had purchased appeared before him. There were six eggs in total, but only one of them had shown spiritual radiance under the Spirit-Link Mirror. The others were merely sturdy stones — not worth taking out.
He had chosen the largest one.
It stood as tall as a man, like a colossal stone egg.
With a flash of light, his Heaven-Slashing Sword appeared in his hand. He began slicing through the outer shell. Though incredibly hard, it was no match for his blade. Layer by layer, the stone was peeled away — just like unraveling jade ore.
Soon, it was reduced to the size of a human head.
"What intense spiritual light!"
Emerald-green radiance seeped out from within, filling the room. Bathed in this light, Yi Tianxing felt an overwhelming sense of joy. Every fiber of his being seemed to sigh in bliss.
His cutting accelerated, the shell shrinking quickly.
Finally, as the last layer fell away, a brilliant green glow burst forth, flooding the entire room — even threatening to leak outside.
Fortunately, he had already laid down protective barriers, shielding the room from prying eyes. Otherwise, the light would have drawn attention like moths to a flame.
But with the light's emergence, something even stranger occurred within the room.
Sprouts began to grow from the wooden bed, extending their tender leaves, quickly turning the furniture into a vibrant green thicket.