hand. With my own aptitude, I could only have been an outer disciple of the Han family. Now, I've joined a cultivation sect. I don't know whether to hate or thank Zhen Ming for this.Qin Sang couldn't...Master Wu also understood that it was impossible to auction artifacts like spiritual springs in the black market. His tone shifted, and he said: "If Daoist Qin is interested in the black market, I can introduce you. Besides the black market, there is a secret shop in the Ask Moon Market. It's run by a highly respected senior cultivator. In fact, it's a gathering place for like-minded cultivators. Most of the members are independent practitioners who exchange resources and information with each other in the secret shop. They can also post tasks, needing something or encountering difficulties, everyone works together to solve them. It's better than doing things alone."

"Oh"

Qin Sang was a little surprised, but then he thought about it, and it wasn't strange for such a place to exist. On Shaohua Mountain, there were similar small groups among the same disciples. If he couldn't buy it outside, he planned to ask Wen Senior Brother for an introduction or two.

"This kind of gathering shouldn't be open to just anyone, right I wonder what the requirements are"

The shopkeeper nodded and said, "Indeed, there are two requirements. The first is a joint recommendation from at least three members. Don't worry, Qin Daoist friend, I can help you find two more friends to assist you. The second is to state your identity and background, which must stand up to scrutiny and be completely transparent. Because most of the people here are casual cultivators, everyone is very cautious. Joining the secret shop is for mutual aid, aiming to prevent those with bad intentions or ulterior motives from infiltrating."

Having said that, the owner Wu looked at Qin Sang somewhat awkwardly, unsure of his thoughts.

Qin Sang smiled upon hearing this. His identity wasn't something to be ashamed of, and the reason he had always concealed his cultivation in front of Wu Zhu was simply out of habit, to avoid unnecessary complications during their interactions. Hearing Wu Zhu say this, he took out his waist token and handed it to Wu Zhu.

“Qin had gone into seclusion on Mt. Shao Hua for cultivation. Wu shopkeeper, you can hand over the waist token to that senior. If you need to go to Mt. Shao Hua to get other disciples to verify, Qin will do his best to cooperate.”

"Master Qin!"

Wu, the shopkeeper, had long suspected Qin Sang's identity. Seeing this waist token representing a disciple of Shaohua Mountain's Foundation Establishment period, although somewhat surprised, he wasn't greatly shocked. He stood up wanting to bow in greeting.

Qin Sang moved his spiritual energy to gently press down on Wu Zhu, and asked, “Wu Daoist friend, have I ever offended you these years”

“Ah”

Wu, the shop owner, was dumbfounded. "Senior Qin, what do you mean I have benefited greatly from your guidance, which has allowed my refining skills to improve. How could I…"

>

"It's fine if I haven't offended you," Qin Sang said seriously, "Wu Daoist and I met when we were both insignificant. The first time I came to your shop, I was indeed in the Qi Refining Stage. Later, I luckily broke through. Since then, our several collaborations have been very pleasant. You and I should still address each other as Daoists, please don't say anything like senior anymore, otherwise, how could I bear to ask Wu Daoist for help again"

“This...”

Master Wu hesitated for a moment, but seeing Qin Sang's persistence, he had no choice but to concede. He clasped his hands and said, "Thank you for valuing me, Friend Qin. If there is anything I can do for you, I will definitely do my best..."

Qin Sang smiled and nodded, "That's right! I came this time, and there's one more thing I want to ask Wu Daoist for help..."

Seeing the Black Tiger demon corpse, shopkeeper Wu was shocked. He ran a shop in Yuefang Market, mostly dealing with low-grade and mid-grade magical artifacts for casual cultivators. He had rarely seen such a demon corpse of this level, let alone one so complete.

Just as a white rhino carcass had been brought in, another powerful black tiger was slain. It seemed that this Qin Dao-you's strength was more formidable than expected. Wu Dianshi also felt a desire to befriend him.

Actually, he wanted to refine magic weapons more, but Qin Sang insisted on refining the Devouring Yuan Cone, so he had to do as Qin Sang requested.

After settling everything, Wu the shopkeeper packed away the black tiger demon's corpse, closed up shop, and led Qin Sang towards the secret store.

What was even more surprising was that the secret shop was actually located in a district populated by ordinary people. Qin Sang and Wu Dianshi walked along the streets, turning left and right, until they finally stopped in front of a small shop called Taohu Zhuixuan.

The little shop was unusually quiet, not a single customer in sight. The shopkeeper was an old woman who appeared to be in her seventies or eighties, her figure stooped and her wrinkles deep. She was sitting on a bamboo chair, feigning sleep.

Looking at this old woman, Qin Sang's eyes narrowed slightly. He had a feeling he couldn't quite see through her, it was very likely that she was a cultivator in the middle or even late stage of the Foundation Establishment period.

According to Wu, the shopkeeper, this person surnamed Jing was respectfully called "Jing Granny". She suddenly appeared in Wenyuefang Market decades ago, opened this secret shop, organized gatherings for wandering cultivators, and always upheld justice. She was highly respected with a reputation of excellence.

There was once a Qi Refining cultivator in the hidden shop. During a scheduled mission, he developed murderous intentions and stole treasure. After succeeding, he fled without a trace. Unexpectedly, Granny Jing disappeared for a month before finally returning with the cultivator's head, earning her unwavering respect from everyone since then.

Could it be that this person has no hope of forming a Golden Core and is now wandering the world like a plaything

Qin Sang thought to herself.

"Wu Yàng has met Madam Jing."

The owner, Wu, hurried to the old woman and bowed deeply.

The old woman opened her eyes, her gaze clear and bright. She looked at Qin Sang, "Wu Daoist has arrived. And who is this Daoist friend"

The voice was somewhat aged and hoarse, but there was no trace of malice in it. It sounded like a kind elder in the family.

Qin Sang took the initiative to step forward, "Shao Huashan Qin Sang, meet Elder Jing."

Then, Mr. Wu told Granny Jing his reason for coming. On his way here, Mr. Wu had also found two of his friends, and the three of them together recommended Qin Sang. But they would still need Granny Jing's approval, otherwise, there would definitely be more than just this number of people in the secret shop.

After learning Qin Sang's identity, Granny Jing became interested. She sized Qin Sang up and down, chuckled softly, and said with sharp words, "Daoist Qin comes from a famous sect. You mix with us loose cultivators. Aren't you afraid of being ridiculed by your fellow disciples if they find out"

Qin Sang's expression remained unchanged, "In Qin Sang's heart, everyone is a cultivator, and we should not judge each other based on our origins. As long as someone is dedicated to the Dao, they are worthy of respect from juniors."

That's truly what he was thinking.

The path of cultivating immortals is arduous, a desperate struggle for every inch of progress!

Only after embarking on the path of cultivation will one realize how arduous and lonely this journey is. Those who can overcome all sorts of hardships and obstacles, and remain steadfast in their Dao heart, are his role models.

Jing Po's eyes narrowed as she looked at Qin Sang for a long time, her voice tinged with both nostalgia and emotion. "You are also a devoted cultivator… Wu Dao-friend has probably told you the rules of the secret shop, but this old woman still wants to emphasize it again: anyone who is tempted by wealth or kills their companions will be punished by this old woman! Qin Dao-friend mustn't think that because his cultivation is high and his background is deep, this old woman can't do anything to him. The gathering time is always the first of each month, and the place is in this old woman's shop. Qin Dao-friend leave your cave dwelling address so that this old woman can contact you."

Qin Sang and the shopkeeper Wu exchanged glances, both a little surprised that it was so easy to pass. However, Qin Sang naturally wouldn't be unhappy at all. He eagerly agreed and left the address of Huilong Temple.

Then Qin Sang explained his intentions.

Let me know if you'd like to translate something else!

The old woman did not ask further, and said: "I understand. If there is any news, I will go to the Luong Guan Temple and inform Qin Daoist friend."

>

> by a hand, she still struggled.“Go to sleep.”Upon hearing this gentle voice, the mute's murderous intent immediately receded like a tide, and she obediently closed her eyes, falling into a deep sleep...