59: Chapter 59 Purchasing a Map of the Cultivation World

Next is the mutual exchange of intelligence and the unification of combat strategy.

The exchange meeting has effectively become an intangible intelligence hub, where Cultivators who travel to gain experience share their observations with one another, discussing the species, behavioral weaknesses, and movement patterns of the Yao Beasts they have encountered in the deep mountains.

By aggregating and analyzing these fragmented pieces of frontline information, the upper echelons of the Sect can accurately determine the scale and direction of the main Beast Tide, allowing them to prepare defensive deployments in advance rather than fighting passively.

Finally, it is about soothing hearts and minds, and consolidating the belief in resisting the crisis together.

News of the approaching Beast Tide has spread everywhere, and feelings of panic are spreading among Loose Cultivators and low-level Cultivators; once public morale collapses, it will only increase chaos.

The three Golden Core Stage powers joining forces to hold this grand assembly is a signal of stability to everyone, demonstrating that their three Sects have not retreated, but are instead taking the initiative to coordinate planning and gather strength.

Such an orderly and lively scene can effectively dissolve the unease in everyone's hearts, allowing Cultivators from all sides to unite as one and face the crisis of the Beast Tide together.

The next day, at the break of dawn, there was still one day left before the opening of the exchange meeting.

After greeting Clan Leader Li Huaming, Li Changqing left the inn early in the morning and strolled through the streets alone, carefully touring this bustling market.

While walking through the bustling crowd, a simple and ancient pavilion stood quietly in the distance, appearing exceptionally distinct among the flourishing shops.

The pavilion had nine stories in total and was constructed entirely from a peculiar, dark material that was neither metal nor wood.

The corners of the eaves curved upward into the air, hanging with several ancient-looking copper bells. Even when there was no wind, they would emit a soft, lingering chime, the sound subtle and hidden within the noisy market.

Above the main entrance of the building hung a millennium-old ebony plaque over three zhang long and nine chi wide, implying the profound meaning of the Dao evolving into all things and surviving nine tribulations.

The background of the plaque was as black as ink, and the two characters "Wanxiang" engraved in the center seemed to have been condensed from the night sky, with starlight slowly flowing and shining brilliantly between the characters.

The border of the plaque was intricately carved with Nine Dragon and Nine Phoenix patterns, the scales and feathers vivid and lifelike. The eyes of the Dragon and Phoenix were inlaid with spiritual jade, flashing with light day and night. Just gazing at it from afar, one could feel a majestic aura that captivated the mind.

As a powerful force that transcends worldly disputes, Wanxiang Tower has set strict rules to protect the rights and interests of every visitor; anyone who enters the building must strictly abide by them.

The building upholds the principle of three no-Restrictions: no Restriction on race, no Restriction on Dao traditions, and no Restriction on Cultivation Realm. Regardless of social status, differences in Cultivation Technique schools, or different races, anyone can enter the building to trade and inquire, receiving equal treatment without bias.

However, there are other rules in the building: each Cultivator can only visit once a year, and each visit must involve at least one completed transaction.

Such Restrictions are not intended to be difficult, but only to control the flow of people, maintain the quiet and stability within the building, and avoid trouble caused by a complex crowd.

Li Changqing stood before the ancient and majestic Wanxiang Tower. As the wind brushed against his sleeves, he slowly composed his breath and spirit, took a deep breath to suppress the chaotic thoughts in his mind, and stepped into the building.

Separated by a single door, it was like two worlds as different as clouds and mud.

The clamor of the outside market and the buzzing of carriages and horses were instantly cut off, vanishing without a trace, leaving behind a deep silence that permeated to the bone.

The soft light within the building was misty, neither bright nor dim, spreading perfectly across every inch of space.

Wisps of elegant and indifferent sandalwood drifted, lingering at the tip of his nose, soothing the spirit and calming the mind.

There were no ordinary bricks or walls here; the four walls were actually a vast, ever-flowing starry sky. The deep, dark canopy of heaven slowly rotated, and tiny, fragmented streams of light occasionally trailed across the sky, like shards of time, floating and swaying, infinitely mysterious.

The floor-to-ceiling bookshelves on both sides reached up to the high dome, with layers of Jade Slips and ancient silk scrolls neatly displayed upon them. Having withstood the passage of time, they remained spotless, faintly exuding an aura of ancient permanence.

Directly opposite the main entrance, a heavy and simple ebony desk stood quietly.

Behind the desk sat a Golden Core Stage Cultivator dressed in a simple white robe with flowing cloud patterns; he was the master of the Huangfeng Prefecture branch of Wanxiang Tower.

His appearance was elegant and refined, and his demeanor was as gentle as jade. A faint, mild smile always hung on the corners of his lips, making one feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze.

At this moment, he was looking down, his fingertips gently twirling a Jade Slip as he read it carefully. His expression was calm and indifferent, as if he had long known of Li Changqing's visit and had been waiting for some time.

"A new guest has arrived. I wonder what you seek?"

The Tower Master did not look up, but his gentle and peaceful voice rang out from thin air. It was neither high nor low, clear and transparent, resonating directly within Li Changqing's Sea of Consciousness, without a hint of worldly hostility.

Li Changqing composed his spirit, straightened his posture, and bowed solemnly, his tone respectful and measured:

"Junior has recently achieved a Breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Initial Stage. I wish to gain insight into the path of cultivation in advance to prepare for venturing into the vast Cultivation World in the future. I have come specifically to purchase a detailed map of the world, and I also wish to know the distribution patterns of the major powers and an overview of the Sects in the current Cultivation World."

"So that is the case."

The Tower Master nodded gently, his wide sleeves brushing lightly across the ebony desk.

A faint white light rippled outward, and five warm, jade-like Jade Slips appeared out of thin air, slowly floating to a stop in front of Li Changqing.

"These five Jade Slips are: 'Introduction to Tianyun Realm', 'Preliminary Understanding of Tianling Continent', 'Preliminary Understanding of Dongyun Prefecture', 'Preliminary Understanding of Juxing Domain', and a volume containing a detailed record of powers above the four-star level in the Tianling Continent."

Li Changqing's gaze tightened slightly, and he quickly asked: "May I ask, Senior, what is the price for each of these Jade Slips?"

The Tower Master's voice remained calm and soft as he slowly explained:

"The information Jade Slips stored in our tower are all for single viewing. They are sealed with a Restriction exclusive to Wanxiang Tower. Once read by a Cultivator, the Restriction will automatically disintegrate, the Jade Slip will be destroyed, and the content is strictly prohibited from being privately shared with others."

"Each volume is priced at twenty Low-Grade Spirit Stones. Once the purchase is confirmed, you only need to enter into a rule contract with our tower, and you may view them immediately."

Li Changqing understood; he had long heard of the rules of Wanxiang Tower. This practice was an unwritten regulation in the Cultivation World and was also the fundamental means by which Wanxiang Tower protected the information order of the Cultivation World, preventing private reselling and the disruption of the cultivation market.

"Senior, I will take all five volumes."

As his voice fell, Li Changqing raised his hand and took out one hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones from his Storage Pouch, placing them on a long table.

Subsequently, the delivery was completed, and the transaction was successfully concluded.

Li Changqing put away the Jade Slips, turned around, walked out of Wanxiang Tower, and headed straight for the Tianyuan Chamber of Commerce at the core of the market.

Coming to Huangfeng Market this time, Eighth Uncle Clan Leader Li Huaming was fully responsible for the exchange and procurement of cultivation supplies needed by the Family. Li Changqing accompanied him, firstly because the journey was long and the mountains and forests outside the market were full of hidden Yao Beasts and evil Cultivators; having another Foundation Establishment Cultivator with him provided an extra layer of security and greater safety.

Secondly, it was also an opportunity to broaden his horizons and incidentally purchase some spiritual Materials needed for his own cultivation.

The Tianyuan Chamber of Commerce was located in the very center of the Huangfeng Prefecture market, occupying the area where the Spiritual Vein was most concentrated in the entire market.

The building was towering and magnificent, with carved beams reflecting the clouds and jade pillars reaching the sky. It was the most impressive and grand building in the entire market, with Spiritual Qi lingering around it all year round, making it recognizable at a single glance.