Chapter 202: First Arrival at the Eastern Territory – Xi Lai Country – Han Hai Ring

Chapter 202: First Arrival at the Eastern Territory – Xi Lai Country – Han Hai Ring

After the initial shock wore off, Yu Cha Zhen Ren quickly realized a critical problem—his sky-crossing birds were gone!

Oh no, the act had turned real.

What should he do now?

The worst part was that blaming Xiao Chen would be completely unreasonable. After all, the other party had no way of knowing this was just a test and thus had no reason to hold back.

Yet even in the Eastern Territory, losing three Foundation Building Peak spirit beasts was undeniably a major incident.

Cold-bloodedly speaking, if three Foundation Building Peak cultivators from the Jin Xia Sect had died instead, the situation might have been easier to handle.

But of all things, it turned out to be three spirit beasts—and all three were gone.

Yu Cha Zhen Ren couldn’t help but feel anxious.

How was he supposed to explain this to Gui Xia Zhen Ren, who was waiting by the shore?

And if the two cultivators clashed, which side should he take?

If he sided with Gui Xia Zhen Ren, he would be bullying a fellow townsman, not to mention they were in the wrong.

But helping Xiao Chen would likely anger the Jin Xia Sect, affecting the entire Fu Hai Sect’s interests.

The third and most critical point was that even with their combined strength, they might not necessarily win.

Although Eastern Territory cultivators generally possessed far greater power than ordinary yao beasts of the same stage, thanks to their access to Spirit Herbs, secret techniques, and spiritual artifacts—enough to easily crush cultivators from the Southern Domain—

Xiao Chen had slaughtered those sky-crossing birds like chickens. He didn’t look like a local at all.

“Fellow Cultivator Yu Cha, what’s wrong?”

Xiao Chen returned, seeing the other standing motionless. “It’s already done. Let’s keep going.”

“Ah, right, let’s go.”

Yu Cha Zhen Ren snapped back to reality, forcing a smile. “Haha, never would I have thought Flame Dragon Fellow Cultivator truly lives up to his reputation! Your mastery of fire truly borders on the divine!”

“Amazing! Simply amazing!”

Hmm?

Xiao Chen looked at Yu Cha Zhen Ren, sensing the other’s forced cheerfulness.

But he didn’t dwell on it—after all, being shocked by the True Yang Fire Dragon was perfectly normal.

Back in Li Zhou and Hezhou, similar reactions were common.

Strangely, for the next few days, Yu Cha Zhen Ren didn’t seek him out again, suddenly appearing busy.

No problem—Xiao Chen used the time to review his spells and study formations.

Before reaching land, he successfully refined the Nahuotianzhi Talisman to the Minor Mastery Realm and gained a preliminary understanding of formation techniques.

“Screee!”

With a piercing screech, the anchor plunged into the water, firmly anchoring the Fu Hai Ship just dozens of zhang from the shore.

The distance was practically negligible for cultivators.

Several impatient ones flew straight toward the distant wilderness, eager to catch a glimpse of the legendary Eastern Territory.

They were sorely mistaken—the Xi Lai Country was still 61 million kilometers away!

An hour earlier, a group of cultivators had already gathered by the shore.

Some were responsible for receiving cargo, while others followed the Foundation Building cultivators ashore, hoping to sell Spirit Herbs or purchase Southern Domain specialties.

One item always sold well—maps.

These were extremely rudimentary maps of the Eastern Territory, marking only key landmarks like Xi Lai Country and Jingkong Sea, yet priced at a hundred spirit stones.

They sold a hundred copies each time, and buyers rarely felt cheated—until they noticed the small print in the lower-left corner, realizing they still had months of travel ahead.

At this point, hawkers would step in, promoting Bigu Pills: “Fellow Cultivator, there’s nothing out there. Better bring some pills for safety.”

Though ten times the usual price, these pills often sold even faster than maps.

Some cultivators chose to scout ahead, checking if the map matched reality.

No problem—there was indeed nothing out there. They’d eventually return for supplies, buying even more Bigu Pills to compensate for lost time.

Xiao Chen had brought sufficient provisions but didn’t rush to leave.

Gui Xia Zhen Ren of the Jin Xia Sect was already waiting by the shore, standing midair with an imposing aura.

Since the other party had revealed himself, it was only polite for the two Golden Core cultivators to greet each other.

Yet after waiting a while, Yu Cha Zhen Ren finally approached with hesitant, tiny steps—completely unlike his usual bold strides.

Avoiding eye contact, he muttered: “Flame Dragon Fellow Cultivator… that’s Gui Xia Fellow Cultivator over there. He’s an external affairs elder of the Jin Xia Sect.”

“Let me introduce you.”

Xiao Chen felt curious—the other’s tone had suddenly become strange, as if he’d become someone else entirely.

They didn’t ride their swords but walked forward together.

After brief introductions, Gui Xia Zhen Ren narrowed his eyes, expressionless:

“So you’re Flame Dragon Fellow Cultivator. A pleasure.”

His voice was flat, devoid of emotion.

No hostility, just coldness.

Yu Cha Zhen Ren, hearing this, felt slightly relieved.

As long as they didn’t fight on the spot, any future conflict wouldn’t involve him.

Especially since Gui Xia Zhen Ren didn’t press for answers about the sky-crossing birds, Yu Cha Zhen Ren was happy to feign ignorance.

Xiao Chen was puzzled—why bother showing up if you dislike meeting strangers?

Standing there with a cold face—what was the point?

Since the other party was cold, Xiao Chen naturally wouldn’t force a warm interaction. After a brief exchange, he politely took his leave and departed.

Gui Xia Zhen Ren watched Xiao Chen’s retreating figure, his right hand resting on the spirit beast pouch at his waist.

Seeing this, Yu Cha Zhen Ren’s eyebrows twitched in tension.

The Jin Xia Sect specialized in beast taming, and their disciples often carried spirit beasts in specialized pouches.

In other words, this gesture was no different from a sword cultivator gripping their blade—battle could erupt at any moment.

Fortunately, Gui Xia Zhen Ren eventually restrained himself, letting Xiao Chen leave peacefully.

Then he stood silently midair, like a statue.

Sensing the tense atmosphere, Yu Cha Zhen Ren obediently stayed by his side, keeping watch.

After a long while, he finally couldn’t help asking: “Fellow Cultivator Gui Xia, we haven’t met in ages. Why not grab a drink first?”

This was strange—Gui Xia Zhen Ren he remembered was nothing like this.

The man used to be warm and sociable, a natural choice for an external affairs elder.

What had changed in just two years since their last meeting?

Suddenly, Gui Xia Zhen Ren turned to Yu Cha Zhen Ren, his face grave:

“Who exactly is he?”

The question seemed random, but Yu Cha Zhen Ren understood—it was about Xiao Chen’s identity.

“Flame Dragon Fellow Cultivator comes from the Lihuo Sect, one of the three great sects of Li Zhou. He even carries a letter from Fellow Cultivator Yunxiang for me. There’s no mistake.”

Gui Xia Zhen Ren, responsible for Southern Domain affairs, had a general understanding of that region’s power structure.

Yet he pressed: “What’s his real name?”

“Real name?”

Yu Cha Zhen Ren frowned: “That… I’m not sure. But the letter mentioned I should look after Xiao Chen. He must be from the Xiao clan.”

“What’s wrong? Something off?”

He had just relaxed slightly but now felt tense again.

“Xiao?”

Gui Xia Zhen Ren’s posture finally eased: “You’re sure you didn’t misread it?”

Yu Cha Zhen Ren pulled out the letter, double-checking: “No mistake. It clearly says Xiao Chen.”

Gui Xia Zhen Ren even leaned in to read it himself before shaking his head: “I see. Probably a misunderstanding.”

“Come on, let’s go drink.”

If the surname was different, he must have mistaken him for someone else.

After all, countless people resembled each other. He’d just been too nervous.

Besides, thanks to the sect’s recent progress in spirit beast breeding, the number of three-stage spirit beasts had surpassed a hundred.

As his rank, losing three wouldn’t be a big issue.

Considering they’d initiated the test, they might as well let it slide.

The two hadn’t met in ages and had much to catch up on.

Meanwhile, Xiao Chen bought a map and swiftly departed along the trade route.

Though he’d read countless ancient books, for now, spending a hundred spirit stones wasn’t worth economizing.

After all, even the crudest map was better than imagination.

Besides, it marked key locations like the legendary Golden-threaded Forbidden Realm, Sheng Xia Mountain, and the islands of the Jingkong Sea’s three great clans—Chu, Wen, and Zhao.

These were crucial details.

Those seeking excitement could head there directly.

But for someone like Xiao Chen, simply passing through, avoiding these areas would prevent unnecessary trouble.

Unlike others, thanks to his hex techniques, he entered the Jin Xia Sect’s heartland in just eight days.

“According to the map, Sheng Xia Mountain should be about ten thousand kilometers south from here.”

It was the Mao Hour (5-7 AM), perfect timing.

Xiao Chen veered south, arriving at Sheng Xia Mountain’s outskirts before sunrise.

After just a quarter of an hour, a red sun began rising on the horizon.

Simultaneously, from a distant valley, clusters of clouds and mists rose without wind, echoing the crimson sky.

Under the morning sun, these mists refracted five-colored spiritual light—red as flames, orange like warm sunlight, yellow rivaling amber, green surpassing jade… dazzling and breathtaking.

Soon, the entire Sheng Xia Mountain was shrouded in clouds and mists, dreamlike and ethereal, like a paradise on earth.

“No wonder it’s one of the Eight Great Sights of the Eastern Territory. Truly poetic and picturesque, beyond words.”

Every cultivator who witnessed this scene understood why the Jin Xia Sect’s founding ancestor had chosen the name “Xia” (meaning “rosy clouds”) for the sect and established a palace here.

But Xiao Chen didn’t linger long.

He used the sunrise as an excuse to rest briefly before continuing.

Without further stops, he soon entered the Xi Lai Country.

Xi Lai Country was a super immortal dynasty established under the Jin Xia Sect’s patronage.

It housed trillions of ordinary people, divided into hundreds of thousands of cities and countless villages.

Each county had sect disciples assigned to assist in selecting promising candidates for cultivation.

This system was highly efficient, eliminating the need for the Eastern Territory’s practice of waiting until age eighteen to test one’s spirit root.

Most children were tested before age fourteen, starting cultivation early.

Xiao Chen soared past countless cities, finally arriving at the Royal Capital.

Truth be told, he hadn’t originally planned to come here. But during his journey aboard the Fu Hai Ship, he’d overheard a conversation that piqued his interest—both the Ten Thousand Immortal Pavilion and Chang Xing Workshop had branches here. That alone was reason enough to stop by and check whether he could purchase a Storage Ring without traveling further.

The Royal Capital’s main streets, wide as twenty zhang (66 meters) across, were still packed with bustling crowds shoulder to shoulder. Most were cultivators of considerable cultivation realms. Foundation Building cultivators passed by casually, drawing no special attention.

Right down the center, two red-painted lanes had been reserved for spirit beasts and carriages. Xiao Chen spotted jade-hoofed horses, tiger-striped elephants, golden-horned oxen, mountain-supporting crocodiles, and more. Other spirit beasts—emerald-eyed pythons, crimson-crowned eagles, sapphire-eyed toads, and violet-furred apes—crowded the streets in endless variety. Some cultivators even carried cricket cages at their waists, with a few flaunting multiple cages.

He recalled Dong You Ji mentioning that in mountainous regions of Xi Lai Country, people bet on cricket fights. In riverside areas, they’d race spirit fish or spiritual vessels instead.

Xiao Chen strolled leisurely, deliberately concealing his aura. Instead of rushing to find shops, he spent two ke (30 minutes) wandering while eavesdropping on snippets of conversation.

“Master, has my Seven Feather Cloak arrived yet?”

“Apologies, Master Zhang. The An Ping Princess’s wedding has requisitioned all stock. You’ll need to wait a while longer.”

…

“Didn’t Heiyan Powder just increase in price six months ago? Why another hike?”

“Hear the Wu Lei Guan elders are preparing a grand ritual. Not a single crate’s come out of Heiyan Sea since New Year. We’re helpless.”

…

“Brother Li, ten more portions of nourishing qi herbs, and settle last month’s tab too.”

“Sixty spirit stones total.”

“Wait—nourishing qi herbs dropped in price again? What about qi gathering herbs?”

“Twenty stones per portion for qi gathering herbs now—two stones cheaper than before. Brother Zhao, want to sell some?”

“Truly? Then give me three portions—no, five portions of qi gathering herbs!”

Twenty spirit stones? Xiao Chen perked up at the mention of nourishing qi herbs.

From the conversation, it seemed Eastern Territory’s basic spirit herb prices had plummeted to half of Southern Domain’s. Was this for real? If pills followed suit, cultivators could afford cheap pills to boost their cultivation, raising the entire region’s power level. But if pill prices stayed the same, the profit margins would be astronomical. If first-tier pills were this way, what about second-tier?

Xiao Chen quickened his pace.

Turning a corner, he found himself before a six-story jade-carved pavilion. A massive sign between the first and second floors bore three bold characters: Ten Thousand Immortal Pavilion.

Several attendants stood at the entrance, male and female in neat rows. They didn’t call out to customers, standing like statues. Only when Xiao Chen stepped inside did a female attendant approach, maintaining a respectful eight-foot distance behind him.

She finally spoke as he glanced back: “How may I assist you, sir?”

“Where are the pills sold?”

“First-tier pills northwest on the second floor. Second-tier pills on the third floor’s western side.”

“Thank you.”

The attendant followed two steps behind as he ascended, stopping at the second-floor landing.

True to her words, the northwest corner overflowed with first-tier pills. Each type bore a red-paper label with black ink listing names and prices:

Nourishing Qi Pill – 2 spirit stones + 3 spirit pearls.
Qi Gathering Pill – 10 spirit stones.
Five-Color Heyuan Pill – 6 spirit stones.

…

Spirit pearls, common currency in Eastern Territory, functioned like Southern Domain’s loose spirit sand. Ten pearls usually equaled one stone, occasionally dipping to twelve. This meant Eastern Territory’s pill prices were roughly half Southern Domain’s.

Xiao Chen even noticed Spring Rejuvenation Pill selling for six pearls. And this was Ten Thousand Immortal Pavilion’s price—bargain hunters could find cheaper stalls in the bazaar.

“Hmph, thought I’d make a fortune.”

He felt slightly disappointed. Selling at original prices would’ve meant massive profits. But it made sense—Southern Domain’s pill prices tracked spirit herb costs. Two factors explained this:

First, low-tier Pill Forging Masters were numerous. To recoup funds for more herbs, they slashed prices. Over time, complete core pills barely turned a profit.

Second, taxation was easier on spirit fields. Once herbs became pills, black-market trades flourished beyond control. Major sects and clans simply raised spirit field rents to secure profits. Many cultivators toiled all year, only to see their earnings siphoned off by powerful factions.

“Let’s check the second-tier pills.”

On the third floor, Guyuan Pill caught his eye: Limited-time special—90 spirit stones per bottle!

Not only half price, but an extra 10% discount?

Yet something felt off.

“Huma Pill—1,000 spirit stones? For real?”

A substitute for Foundation Building pills, Huma Pills protected cultivators’ meridians during failed Foundation Formation breakthroughs. In Southern Domain, they sold for 700–800 stones. Eastern Territory’s price was higher?

Huma’s ingredients lacked rare treasures like Five-Color Golden Lotus. Though costly, they grew in spirit fields.

At the stairwell, Xiao Chen asked an attendant: “Do you sell Huma Pill herbs?”

“Wait a moment while I check.”

The attendant fetched a manager from the first floor.

“Apologies, sir. Huma herb stocks are completely sold out—for this year.”

“You’ll need to preorder next year’s share.”

Ten Thousand Immortal Pavilion, with its countless branches across Eastern Territory, shouldn’t be out of stock.

The manager flushed under Xiao Chen’s skeptical gaze: “It’s not just us. Since two years ago, Huma demand skyrocketed. Every shop’s empty.”

“No herb will circulate until next year’s harvest.”

He added, “If urgent, we can arrange a bounty through the headquarters.”

“Baicao Forbidden Realm opens in November. Some herbs might surface then.”

Ten Thousand Immortal Pavilion belonged to the Wanxian Alliance, a vast independent cultivator coalition. Its Wanxian Archipelago headquarters, southeast of Jingkong Sea, boasted tens of thousands of islands, each housing cultivators. Decades ago, a local Golden Core zhunjun united solitary cultivators against sect oppression. Though the alliance failed to conquer rival sects, it evolved into a decentralized bounty platform.

“Never mind. Do you have Storage Rings?”

Back to his original purpose.

The manager’s tone turned respectful: “We have third-tier rings. Which type interests you?”

Eastern Territory offered second-tier rings for Foundation Building cultivators, but they were pricier and required custom orders.

“Third-tier, please. What options are available, and their prices?”

“This way, sir!” The manager bowed. “We have two: the famed Han Hai Ring and the custom Xi Lai Ring.”

“Han Hai—3 zhang (10 meters) square, 300,000 spirit stones. No discount.”

“Xi Lai—8 chi (2.6 meters) square, 40,000 stones. 10% off this month.”

“Let’s go with Han Hai.”

Eight chi was too cramped. Xiao Chen chose the larger one.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end