Just from the name, it was clear that this must be a highly sinister curse technique. Of course, Yi Tianxing had no intention of testing it on himself. A gentleman does not stand under a crumbling wall. He never considered himself invincible or immune to danger. This was the Eternal World—accidents could happen at any moment, and even a mighty cultivator might fall in the blink of an eye.
As the saying went: "If you don't court death, you won't die."
Still, right now, he wasn't really afraid of death.
"The Phantom Beast Hall… In the Underworld, this treasure might not serve much purpose. But in the realm of the living, it is a rare and precious artifact. If used well, it could very well become a cornerstone treasure for the Great Yi Dynasty's foundation."
After sending off Nalan Rou, Yi Tianxing retrieved the Phantom Beast Hall. This was a treasure born of heaven and earth. Its surface shimmered with the phantoms of countless mysterious beasts and fierce birds, exuding divine mystique. It flickered unpredictably, wrapped in an elusive aura.
Unfathomable.
This Phantom Beast Hall could condense Phantom Beasts, merge them with the user's body, and form a spiritual contract, transforming them into the cultivator's most loyal and reliable companion. These beasts could even grow alongside their master. With proper nurturing, they could become formidable aids in the future—possessing boundless potential.
Even more so for the Great Yi Dynasty.
This was a shortcut to massively increase the strength of both Great Yi cultivators and its army.
It could not be missed, no matter what.
"A fine treasure," Yi Tianxing muttered to himself, nodding. Then he put it away.
With his eyes gleaming, he stood up a few breaths later, left the room, and walked to the front of the Yellow Springs Inn. Ascending to the sixth floor of the restaurant, he ordered the waiter to prepare a table of food and wine—and to invite the innkeeper to join him.
Not long after, the sultry Mistress Meng Qi arrived and sat across from him. With a teasing smile, she said, "My, my. Tonight you were quite the star. Calling me over now—what is it? Afraid you'll need the Yellow Springs Inn's protection? You weren't worried during the auction, but now you are?"
Amusement danced in her eyes.
Yi Tianxing was not easily forgotten.
"Of course not," Yi Tianxing smiled. "As long as I stay, surely you wouldn't drive me away, would you?"
"My Yellow Springs Inn welcomes all peace-loving cultivators. As long as they can pay, they're welcome to stay as long as they want. But I must admit, I'm quite curious about your background," Meng Qi said meaningfully. "Eternal Coins, from what I know, are the official currency of the Great Yi Dynasty, the leading human fortune dynasty in the realm of the living. They triple the value of ordinary currency, are exquisitely crafted, and resonate with the Dao of the Eternal World. They carry a unique aura of fate and fortune. Among currencies, they're the most prized."
"A few may circulate in the Underworld, but for someone like you to produce billions in an instant—that's not something ordinary people can do. Your surname is Yi. May I ask, what is your relation to the Great Yi Dynasty?"
Meng Qi was no fool. From Yi Tianxing's unrestrained spending, she already suspected he was a member of the imperial family. However, she hadn't dared guess that he might actually be the ruler of Great Yi. After all, he had only mentioned his surname.
A prince does not sit in danger—a maxim even more valid in fortune dynasties. Even the boldest wouldn't believe that the sovereign himself would show up in the Underworld.
But how else could one explain such immense wealth in Eternal Coins?
"My name… is Yi Tianxing."
"What!?"
Even Meng Qi couldn't keep her composure. Her hand trembled, spilling wine. Yet in the next moment, she caught the falling liquid in her cup without letting a drop hit the floor.
Her inner shock was palpable.
She had never imagined the man before her wasn't just a noble—but the Yi Emperor himself, ruler of the Great Yi Dynasty.
She let out a long breath and gazed at him with new respect. "So it truly is the human Yi Emperor before me. Forgive my poor eyesight—I didn't recognize a great figure right in front of me. Please forgive me for the offense, Your Majesty."
"Mistress, there's no need for such formality. I am who I am, regardless of titles. Between fellow cultivators, there should be no talk of superiority. Besides, I deliberately concealed my identity. It's only natural you couldn't tell," Yi Tianxing said with a smile.
With identities revealed, the atmosphere between them shifted—becoming more relaxed and genuine.
Meng Qi, however, understood one thing: Yi Tianxing revealing his identity meant the matter he wished to discuss was of great importance.
And now, the vast amount of Eternal Coins he spent at the auction made perfect sense.
"Speak plainly, Your Majesty. For you to appear in the Underworld—whether by accident or design—you must have your own plans. Did you summon me here to return to the realm of the living, or is there something else? My Yellow Springs Inn is open to all, regardless of origin. Of course, if there's profit to be made, even better," she said with a fox-like smile.
"What do you think of Eternal Coins, Mistress?" Yi Tianxing asked.
"As I said before—they're exquisitely crafted, usable in both realms, accepted by all races. They far surpass Nether Coins in utility," Meng Qi said thoughtfully. "Are you suggesting something involving Eternal Coins?"
"Exactly. The Underworld is chaotic. Minting Nether Coins is extremely difficult. And with the great powers sealed and suppressed, the monetary system is in disarray. If you, Mistress, could provide a steady supply of Eternal Coins—the Yellow Springs Inn would become the most coveted haven for cultivators in the Underworld."
It was a simple truth. The major factions could issue currency because of both power and privilege. Currency wasn't just coin—it was authority.
If the Yellow Springs Inn could supply Eternal Coins, it would become a transcendent force.
"Your Majesty does not intend to give us the minting methods, does he?" Meng Qi raised an eyebrow. She knew this was unlikely. No dynasty would give away its currency authority—it would be suicidal.
"Of course not," Yi Tianxing replied. "But I can supply Eternal Coins. Not for free, naturally. Why not establish a trade route between the Underworld and the realm of the living? The Great Yi Dynasty can purchase Underworld treasures with Eternal Coins. And in return, we can supply rare and unique artifacts from the realm of the living. This kind of trade would bring benefits beyond measure—to both of us."
Indeed, the two realms nurtured different resources. What couldn't exist in the living world might flourish in the Underworld, and vice versa.
"You mean… to open a passage between your Great Yi Dynasty and the Underworld? That's… impossible." Meng Qi paled.
The implications were staggering. If this became reality, it would completely reshape the power structure of the Underworld. She thought of the Ghost Market—a testament to how valuable interrealm trade could be.
If Yellow Springs Inn could achieve such a feat—it would become a superpower.
"So what you want is for Yellow Springs Inn to open an Underworld–Living World trade route, and even help you return to the living realm?" Meng Qi asked solemnly.
"Yes. As for returning, I have other ways. Through the Gate of Ghosts, I can easily leave. The Red-robed Ghost King holds it now, but he's surrounded by Ghost Soldier armies and is about to fall. Once I seize the Ghost Kings, I'll have the Gate. Leaving won't be an issue. But leaving like that… would be a waste. If we can open a trade route, the benefits to my dynasty would be immeasurable."
In this world, only mutual benefit was eternal.
Yi Tianxing never appealed to Meng Qi with lofty ideals—only tangible, real profit.
"We can't open a permanent realm-spanning passage. And we also can't locate your Great Yi Dynasty to establish a fixed route," Meng Qi admitted after a moment's thought.