88: Chapter 88 is so expensive!

Ye Changge put away Xiao Jin and walked toward the city gate.

Under the massive city gate, several long lines had formed, all consisting of Cultivators waiting to enter the city.

Standing on both sides of the gate were eight guards in silver armor, their auras condensed and disciplined.

The leader among them was surprisingly at the Foundation Establishment Early Stage.

When it was Ye Changge's turn, he handed over the ten Low-Grade Spirit Stones he had prepared in advance.

In exchange, he received a pale green temporary jade pass.

“The jade pass is valid for thirty days, during which you can freely enter and exit the outer city. If you wish to enter the inner city or reside long-term, you must handle separate procedures. Private fighting is strictly prohibited within the city; violators will be severely punished.”

The guard captain gave the routine instructions and then waved him through.

Ye Changge nodded and took the jade pass. It felt warm to the touch, faintly connected to the aura of a grand Formation within the city.

He didn't delay any further and stepped into the Immortal City along with the flow of people.

Upon entering, the hustle and bustle of prosperity hit him immediately.

On both sides, pavilions and buildings stood in rows, with flying eaves, bracket sets, and intricately carved beams—an extraordinary sight.

The shop signs were a dazzling array: Medicinal Pill shops, Magical Artifact pavilions, Talisman stores, material merchants... everything one could need was there.

Ye Changge was in no hurry to find Xiao Zhi at the Hundred Herbs Pavilion. Instead, he decided to browse the commercial areas on both sides first.

He wanted to see if he could find what he needed and, in passing, get a feel for the prices and market conditions of this Immortal City.

He strolled along, his gaze sweeping over shop after shop.

Eventually, he stopped before a building that occupied a vast area, stood five stories high, and bore a gilded plaque over the lintel reading "Jinling Chamber of Commerce."

This chamber of commerce appeared to have substantial strength and a grand storefront. Many Cultivators were entering and leaving, so its stock was likely quite complete.

Ye Changge stepped inside.

The interior space was even more expansive than it appeared from the outside, having been expanded by some kind of spatial Formation.

The first-floor hall displayed all sorts of Magical Artifacts, Materials, and Medicinal Pills, categorized and neatly organized.

Several waitresses dressed in uniform pale yellow dresses were softly introducing products to customers, appearing well-trained.

A waitress with delicate features and sharp eyes saw Ye Changge enter. Noting his Bufan temperament, she immediately approached with a perfectly measured smile and a slight bow:

“Welcome, Senior. How may I assist you today? Medicinal Pills, Magical Artifacts, Materials—this establishment has everything, and at fair prices.”

Ye Changge nodded and asked directly:

“Do you have Materials here for refining Tier 3 Talismans?”

Relying on the System and years of unremitting practice, his Talisman arts had reached a stable peak Tier 2 level.

He had long been itching to try Tier 3 Talismans. If he could find the right Materials,

He could begin attempting to cross the threshold to become a Tier 3 Talisman Master.

The power of a Tier 3 Talisman far exceeded Tier 2, enough to threaten a False Core or even a Golden Core True Person; they were true strategic assets.

Hearing this, a hint of apology appeared on the waitress's face, and she replied respectfully:

“My apologies, Senior. While this establishment does have Tier 3 Talisman Materials in reserve, such supplies are strictly controlled and are not for public sale.

According to the chamber's regulations, one must either become a Guest Elder of this establishment or exchange rare resources of equivalent value, and obtain special permission from the shopkeeper, before they can be purchased.”

Ye Changge understood.

As expected, Tier 3 Talismans could already influence conflicts at the Golden Core level.

Core Materials such as 'Ethereal Sand,' 'Spirit-Concentrating Jade Marrow,' and 'Tier 3 Yao Beast Essence Blood, Skin, and Bone'...

Regardless of the power involved, these were sought-after strategic resources that would not easily flow into the open market.

This rule was common enough.

He shook his head, not surprised by the result and not one to force the issue.

Being a Guest Elder involved too many entanglements, and he didn't want to be tied down for the time being.

Subsequently, he asked again:

“Then, do you have any Spirit Beads or Spirit Springs in stock that can be used to improve the quality of a Spiritual Vein?”

The waitress shook her head again, her tone still respectful but tinged with a bit of helplessness:

“Senior, to be honest, there is a small stock of Spirit Beads in the warehouse, but similarly... a Guest Elder status or special clearance is required for exchange. Spirit Springs are even rarer; this establishment has not acquired any in recent years.

Treasures like these, which can stabilize the source and improve the Foundation of a spiritual land, are always strictly guarded by major Sects and Cultivator Families for internal use. They rarely circulate outside.”

She paused, and as if sensing Ye Changge's considerable cultivation, she added:

“If Senior has reached Tier 2 in Talisman-making, Alchemy, Artifact Refining, or Formations, or if your own cultivation has reached Foundation Establishment Mid-stage or higher, you can apply to become a Guest Elder. This grants access to internal exchanges and certain discounts.

Guest Elders only need to complete a few chamber tasks within a set number of years or provide corresponding technical support. The restrictions are not strong, yet the benefits are quite generous. Would Senior be interested?”

Ye Changge waved his hand and said calmly:

“There's no need. I am but a Loose Cultivator, accustomed to being a wild crane among idle clouds. I do not care for restrictions.”

He had his own considerations:

Firstly, Longmai Mountain was not close to Sky Dome Immortal City, making travel inconvenient.

Secondly, joining such a large chamber of commerce would inevitably require registering his background and undergoing a certain level of investigation and oversight. With the System and many secrets, it was better to avoid such entanglements.

Seeing Ye Changge's clear stance, the waitress didn't press further, though her smile remained:

“Then, does Senior have any other needs?”

Ye Changge pondered for a moment and listed several material names:

“Three drops of 'Profundity Yin True Water,' one block of 'Thousand-Year Cold Jade,' five ounces of 'Icy Soul Silk,' one 'Tier 2 High Grade Water-Attribute Monster Core,' and half a catty each of 'Void Nether Stone' and 'Flowing Cloud Crystal.'”

These Materials were exactly what was needed for a matching Spiritual Artifact recorded in the Taiyi Life-Water Art.

The "Profundity Ice Condensing Light Shroud."

This shroud integrated offense and defense, specializing in trapping enemies, slowing them down, and wearing away their Magic Power and Divine Sense.

Furthermore, it could amplify the power of water-attribute techniques. If refined, Lu Shiyin's combat strength would surely increase significantly.

Moreover, it was perfectly compatible with her Cultivation Technique, allowing her to exert 120% of its effectiveness.

Since he had taken Lu Shiyin as his wife, he naturally kept such things that could tangibly improve her strength in mind.

After hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in the waitress's eyes.

While these Materials weren't as strictly controlled as Tier 3 Talisman Materials or Spirit Beads,

They were still quite valuable, and most were rare water or ice-attribute items.

It seemed this Senior was either very wealthy or had a specific demand behind him.

She dared not be negligent and said, “Senior, please wait a moment.”

She walked quickly behind the counter, took out a jade slip that recorded the stock,

And immersed her Divine Sense into it to search carefully.

A moment later, she looked up with a professional smile and gave a clear quote:

“'Profundity Yin True Water' is priced at one thousand two hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones per drop, totaling three thousand six hundred Spirit Stones for three drops.”

“'Thousand-Year Cold Jade' is priced at four thousand five hundred Spirit Stones per block.”

“'Icy Soul Silk' is priced at two thousand eight hundred Spirit Stones for five ounces.”

“'Tier 2 High Grade Water-Attribute Monster Core,' taken from a water monster equivalent to Late-stage Foundation Establishment with abundant monster power, is priced at five thousand five hundred Spirit Stones.”

“'Void Nether Stone' and 'Flowing Cloud Crystal' are both auxiliary Materials for refining spatial and flight-type Magical Artifacts. For half a catty each, they are priced at nine hundred and seven hundred and fifty Spirit Stones respectively.”