Gateway of Immortality-Chapter 321: The Secret Market

In the end, Qin Sang obtained a token for the auction from Manager Pu. Following Manager Pu’s directions, he rested at the Spirit Pill Pavilion for a few days before leaving Yinshan Stronghold three days early to head for the stone island.

Along the way, he noticed streaks of evasion light heading in the same direction. However, unlike Yinshan Stronghold, there were no guards here to maintain order. Everyone remained vigilant, keeping their distance from one another.

Flying aboard his Sky Shuttle, Qin Sang kept a low profile as he skimmed over the treetops, deep in thought.

The Sky Shuttle was an artifact he had acquired back in his Qi Refining Realm days. Though a high-grade artifact, it now felt slow and inefficient, wasting precious time during long-distance travel.

This thought had already crossed his mind during his journey from Xuanlu Stronghold.

For extended trips, one needed an artifact like the Sky Shuttle for speed and ease of travel.

Using sword flight or the Nine-Dragon Heavenly Chariot Talisman was faster, but these methods drained spiritual power rapidly and were not sustainable over long distances.

Over the years, Qin Sang had yet to find a better replacement. The upcoming trade fair was an excellent opportunity to search for one and finally retire the Sky Shuttle.

Additionally, he planned to stock up on spiritual wood while he was there.

Of course, his top priority remained the Soul-Guiding Grass. Everything else would be a bonus, dependent on fate.

As he sped through the swamp, the dense fog ahead began to thin abruptly. Realizing he was nearing the stone island, Qin Sang urged the Sky Shuttle upward, soaring above the fog.

From high above, the swamp appeared like an endless ocean of clouds. The murky atmosphere stretched as far as the eye could see.

The weather was overcast, but visibility remained excellent. Apart from occasional treetops breaking through the fog, nothing obstructed the view.

Few cultivators dared to fly above the fog, as it made them an obvious target unless they were supremely confident in their strength.

Scanning his surroundings cautiously, Qin Sang turned his gaze forward.

Not far ahead, a massive circular void suddenly appeared in the otherwise unbroken fog. Not a wisp of mist filled the area.

The thick fog, rolling like turbulent water, was blocked by an invisible barrier at the void's edge, forcing it downward. This created a ring-shaped "waterfall" of fog around the void's perimeter.

The scene was both majestic and awe-inspiring.

Beneath the void lay the stone island, though direct flight to it was impossible.

Qin Sang descended back into the fog and continued flying forward. Soon, he felt a peculiar force pressing against him, attempting to push him away.

The force wasn’t strong—just as Manager Pu had described. Any cultivator at the tenth stage of the Qi Refining Realm or higher could resist it.

Channeling his spiritual power, Qin Sang easily withstood the pressure. Before long, the sensation disappeared, and the fog parted suddenly. A black island came into view.

The island, composed entirely of black stone, resembled the shell of a turtle resting in the swamp’s center. No grass or trees grew upon it.

The island was dotted with orderly rows of stone houses. At its center stood a grand, imposing tower where the auction was to be held.

Numerous cultivators were moving between the stone houses, engaging in trades.

Qin Sang donned a cloak to obscure his face and descended onto the island. A few cultivators glanced at him before losing interest and continuing with their own business. Unbothered, Qin Sang began leisurely exploring the stone houses.

Evil spirit-bound items, artifacts, art manuals...

Everything imaginable was available.

Due to the array's barriers outside the stone island, only powerful cultivators could enter. Naturally, the quality of goods being traded was quite high.

Still, few items managed to catch Qin Sang’s eye.

After wandering for a while, Qin Sang couldn’t help feeling disappointed. Not a single top-grade flying artifact was to be found. Though there was some spiritual wood, their quality was subpar—not even comparable to Golden Thread Cedar Wood. At this point, even Golden Thread Cedar Wood would barely improve his ebony sword, making it a waste of spirit stones to purchase.

This wasn’t surprising, though. In such open-market trade fairs, few people were willing to display truly valuable items.

Qin Sang pondered briefly, deciding not to waste any more time. He abruptly turned and headed toward the end of the street, stopping in front of an inconspicuous stone house.

The stone house bore no signboard, and its interior was barren, save for an elderly man with snow-white hair sitting alone, seemingly dozing.

"Greetings, Daoist," Qin Sang said softly as he stepped into the stone house, cupping his hands and rousing the old man.

The elderly man stood up and returned the gesture, then waved his hand to activate a barrier, sealing the stone house. "Forgive my negligence, Daoist. Pray, do not take offense. What business brings you here? I must inform you that I have neither artifacts nor pills for sale."

Qin Sang smiled faintly. "To be honest, I was guided here by a friend, who told me you have a way to connect like-minded individuals for mutual exchange. I seek your advice."

The old man let out an "Oh" and scrutinized Qin Sang, not asking him to remove his cloak. Stroking his long beard, he replied, "Since you know who I am, you must have been referred by an old acquaintance. However, the rules cannot be broken—this is not about cultivation level, Daoist, you..."

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Midway through his sentence, the old man paused, his gaze falling on Qin Sang’s outstretched palm, where three exquisite spiritual swords lay side by side.

These three spiritual swords were spoils Qin Sang had taken from Yu Dayue and his companions. They were all top-grade artifacts, though their quality varied. Among them, the scar-faced man’s sword was exceptional even within its tier.

Since Qin Sang already had the ebony sword, he had no immediate use for these spiritual swords and had long decided to exchange them.

The old man was known for organizing secret markets whenever the stone island’s trade fair was active. His events were highly regarded, with a solid reputation.

To join one of these secret markets, one either had to receive the old man’s invitation or prove their "worth" to earn his approval.

It was through Manager Pu’s guidance that Qin Sang learned of the old man’s identity and sought him out.

"Are these sufficient?" Qin Sang asked with a smile.

The old man’s cloudy eyes sparkled at the sight of three top-grade artifacts, and he quickly replied, "More than enough! Daoist, take this jade token..."

He handed Qin Sang a jade token.

"The auction hasn’t begun yet, and not everyone has arrived. I’ve decided to hold the secret market after the auction concludes. The location hasn’t been finalized, but once the auction ends, Daoist, remain on the stone island for an extra day. Activate the barrier within the jade token using spiritual power, and it will guide you to the location."

The old man explained the jade token’s use in detail.

"Thank you, Daoist," Qin Sang said as he stored the jade token and took his leave of the old man, stepping out of the stone house.

After patiently browsing the market again, he acquired two artifacts of lower grade but with unique properties. With little else catching his interest, Qin Sang lost enthusiasm and rented a private room on the stone island.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

As night fell, Qin Sang’s eyes suddenly opened. He rose, pushed open the door, and stepped outside.

The grand tower at the center of the stone island was ablaze with lights, and a large crowd of immortal cultivators had already gathered at its entrance. The auction was about to begin!