"Terrible, truly terrible. Fellow Daoist Yi, I'm afraid you've really stirred up public resentment this time. And your display of wealth... it was far too blatant. You've become a walking treasure trove, a juicy target in the eyes of countless powerful beings. Once we return, you'd best stay within the Yellow Springs Inn, and even then, you might not be entirely safe. In the Underworld, there's no telling how many ghostly tricks and demonic arts exist. Better be cautious. There are too many ways to be silently and inexplicably killed."
After leaving the auction house and following Yi Tianxing back to his lodgings, Zhao Li once again spoke up with a heavy expression.
Yi Tianxing had indeed drawn too much attention this time, recklessly snatching up every treasure he wanted with sky-high bids. Though the method was efficient and decisive, it also carried enormous risk.
A mysterious powerhouse flaunting such wealth—how could he not become the center of attention? His approach had been too aggressive, even wild.
"It's fine. I'm actually curious to see what kinds of tricks these people will try. If they want to come for me, they'd better be strong enough." Yi Tianxing remained unbothered. After all, he was merely using an incarnation. Even if it perished, it would have no effect on his true self. That freedom allowed him to act as boldly as he liked.
In fact, he was more interested in exposing the Underworld's secrets—things that couldn't be seen under normal circumstances. He had to draw the snakes out of their holes.
"As long as you know what you're doing." Zhao Li nodded, then added, "By the way, the time to attack the Red-Robed Ghost King has been set—three days from now. If you plan to participate, don't miss it."
Three days should be enough to prepare.
The Red-Robed Ghost King was currently surrounded and monitored. Unless he abandoned Crimson Flame City and Ghost Gate Pass entirely, he had no way to escape the net.
"Alright, I'll be ready."
Yi Tianxing nodded calmly.
That night, under twin moons in the sky...
Knock knock knock!
A crisp knock came from outside his door, followed by a gentle voice: "Fellow Daoist Yi, may I come in?"
Opening his eyes from meditation, Yi Tianxing showed no surprise. "Come in."
"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Yi. Forgive the intrusion," came a seductive voice as Nalan Rou entered gracefully. Her attire was alluring, her every movement oozing charm—this was clearly a woman who knew how to wield beauty as a weapon.
"Visiting a man this late at night... if word got out, it might damage your reputation," Yi Tianxing said with a half-smile.
"Hehe."Nalan Rou found herself a seat and sat down casually, saying with amusement, "My reputation? Surely you've heard about it already. Whether it's ruined or not, it matters little to me. You, however, might be more concerned."
She looked at Yi Tianxing with a teasing gaze full of feminine allure.
"Other people's words do not shake my will." Yi Tianxing remained unfazed. "You didn't come just to get to know me. Let's get to the point. We're cultivators—there's no need for games."
"Very well." Nalan Rou's smile faded a bit. "I came for two reasons. First, to see the man who crushed all opposition at the auction with sheer wealth. Second, I wish to discuss a possible trade."
Yi Tianxing smiled. "Please go on."
"I'm interested in your Reincarnation Pill. If you're willing to part with it, I'm ready to offer a high price—one you'll find worthwhile."
Yi Tianxing had expected this. The Reincarnation Pill was indeed priceless—it offered a second life, a chance at reincarnation, something few could resist. Though truly ancient beings had mostly already reincarnated during the Myriad Realms' merger, the pill still held immense strategic value.
"You're well aware of the pill's worth. What do you have to offer in exchange?"
Yi Tianxing didn't refuse outright. Instead, he waited to hear her offer.
Nalan Rou's eyes lit up, her hopes rising. She took out a list and handed it over.
Yi Tianxing scanned the list—an impressive catalog of treasures: divine weapons, rare materials, even cultivation techniques. One in particular caught his eye:
"Underworld Moon Ascension Sutra" (冥月羽化经): A top-tier cultivation method that absorbed the essence of the moon to transform death into rebirth and achieve ascension. Designed by and for the zombie race, it allowed undead beings to transcend their limits and achieve liberation.
This technique wasn't limited to zombies—any creature aligned with yin energy could theoretically cultivate it. It was an extremely rare and valuable technique in the Underworld.
Alongside it were numerous other valuables:
Ice-Fire Duality Staff
Heaven-Earth Dao Robe
Thousand-Illusion Poison Net
Soul-Link Jade
Even rare buildings like a Wine Pool and Meat Forest.
But one item in particular made Yi Tianxing raise a brow.
"Hall of Phantom Beasts? What's that?"
The list offered no description.
Nalan Rou explained: "It's a special relic building I acquired. It allows the capture of fierce or nether beasts, extracts their beast souls, and stores them inside. Within the hall, a strange power transforms them into phantom beasts. When fused with a cultivator, these phantoms grant abilities—sometimes as weapons, sometimes as armor, wings, or other enhancements. The effect is different for each person."
However, it only worked for beings with yang energy, meaning those from the Living Realm. To someone like her, it was useless, a chicken rib treasure: too precious to discard, yet of no personal benefit.
After reviewing the list, Yi Tianxing looked up. "There's no doubt you've brought valuable treasures. But they still fall short of what the Reincarnation Pill is worth. I can't trade it. That said, I'm willing to buy some of your items outright. Name your price—I'll make it worth your while."
"Haha, Fellow Daoist Yi certainly lives up to his reputation." Nalan Rou smiled. "If the price is right, everything is negotiable."
"I'll take the Hall of Phantom Beasts, the Wine Pool, and the Meat Forest," Yi Tianxing said directly, making it clear he intended to buy them all—no bargaining, no hesitation.
Of course, the price was generous, paid in billions of Eternal Coins.
Nalan Rou was visibly pleased. This had been her goal from the start—a deal with a golden goose like Yi Tianxing.
"Still... you've drawn a lot of eyes. Especially from that Shura King Dotara—he's notorious for holding grudges. You humiliated him; he won't forget it. You'd better stay put in Yellow Springs Inn. And beware—the Shura Clan knows a dark curse known as the Blood Curse of All Souls. Once it hits you, it's excruciating and fatal. Best stay on your guard."
"Blood Curse of All Souls?"
Yi Tianxing narrowed his eyes slightly, and nodded. He would keep that in mind.