241: Chapter 241 The Secret of the Measuring Ruler and the Underground Ghost Market

Crushed Stone City, Dragon Snake Inn, Heaven Grade Room 3.

The night was deep, and the Restriction within the room flickered with a faint, eerie light, isolating all prying eyes and the clamor of the outside world.

Zhou Wannian sat cross-legged on the bed, eyes slightly closed, his breathing long and rhythmic. Resting across his knees was the entirely emerald-green [heaven measuring ruler], which radiated an ancient aura.

Although this Acquired Immortal Artifact was seized from Gongshu Jiu, Gongshu Jiu was merely an "user" at the Early Taiyi Stage, not a true "controller." He had only used this ruler to perform superficial space-folding techniques, which was a complete waste of a heavenly treasure.

“Tiezhu, analysis progress,” Zhou Wannian thought silently.

“Reporting to host, analysis progress has reached 45%. Upon deep scanning, a complete spatial Restriction set named ‘Inch Distant Horizon’ is engraved within the core of the heaven measuring ruler, totaling thirty-six layers. Gongshu Jiu had only refined the first twelve layers.”

Tiezhu's calm, mechanical voice echoed in his mind, while a highly complex diagram of the Restriction structure was projected into Zhou Wannian's Sea of Consciousness.

“Thirty-six layers?”

Zhou Wannian slowly opened his eyes, a golden light swirling deep within his pupils.

“No wonder that old fellow Gongshu Jiu used it so stiffly. The material of this heaven measuring ruler isn't some ordinary Immortal Realm spiritual material; it was refined from a branch of the ‘World Tree,’ naturally containing extremely high-level spatial Laws.”

To completely master this killing weapon within half a month, following the standard refinement steps was clearly impossible.

“In that case, I'll just have to cheat.”

With a thought from Zhou Wannian, golden light suddenly appeared behind him.

“Buzz—”

A golden [true word treasure wheel] slowly emerged behind him. Although he compressed the phantom of the precious wheel within a radius of about ten feet to avoid drawing attention, the seventy-two shimmering time dao patterns on it still emitted heart-palpitating Law fluctuations.

“True Word · Time Stagnation.”

With a low shout from Zhou Wannian, the precious wheel began to rotate in reverse.

The space within the room seemed to become viscous. Within this narrow Domain, the flow of time was forcibly altered. An instant in the outside world was stretched more than ten times here.

“Half a month's time is enough to become five months in my Domain.”

Zhou Wannian formed hand Seals, and strands of cyan-gold immortal spiritual power, like silk threads, entwined around the heaven measuring ruler on his knees.

“Open for me!”

As his powerful Divine Sense forcefully surged into the interior of the ruler, those originally obscure and difficult-to-understand spatial Restrictions were unraveled layer by layer with the assistance of the true word treasure wheel, like peeling silk from a cocoon.

The thirteenth layer... the fourteenth layer... As the Restrictions were refined, layers of fine green runes began to surface on the heaven measuring ruler. The surrounding space slightly vibrated as if cheering and jumping for joy, welcoming its true master... Three days later (outside time).

Zhou Wannian slowly withdrew his technique, and the true word treasure wheel behind him faded into his body.

The heaven measuring ruler in his hand had now completely changed its appearance. The originally simple and unadorned green ruler body had now become semi-transparent, with a miniature galaxy vaguely visible flowing slowly inside, emitting spatial fluctuations several times stronger than before.

“Twenty-four layers.”

Zhou Wannian gripped the ruler's handle and lightly slashed toward the void.

“Ssh.”

Without any sound, the space in front of him directly split open with a neat, thin crack, revealing the chaotic turbulent flow of the Void Realm behind it.

“Although I haven't completely refined all thirty-six layers, mastering twenty-four layers of Restrictions is enough for me to walk tall in the Golden Immortal Stage. Even if I encounter an Early Taiyi Stage expert, with the spatial Divine Ability of this ruler, I can escape even if I can't win.”

“Gurgle...”

Just as Zhou Wannian satisfiedly put away the heaven measuring ruler, an untimely sound broke the silence.

He looked down and saw Golden Boy (the Gold Devouring Insect King), who had been sleeping on his shoulder, now clutching her stomach and looking at him with a Face full of grievance. Her large, exquisitely carved eyes were full of accusation, and a trace of crystal saliva hung from the corner of her mouth.

“Boss, hungry...”

The little girl transformed from Golden Boy tugged at Zhou Wannian's sleeve and said in a childish voice.

“That Three-Headed Ghost Crocodile's Yao Core was so gross, it tasted like dirt, and there wasn't even enough to fill the gaps in my teeth. I want to eat gold! I want to eat Geng Gold! I want to eat Taiyi Essence Gold!”

Zhou Wannian helplessly rubbed his brow.

Since this little ancestor advanced to the Early Luo Stage (though suppressed by the interface Laws and currently only able to exert the power of the Early Taiyi Stage), her appetite had become increasingly picky. She didn't care for ordinary Immortal Realm spiritual materials at all; it had to be top-grade Ores containing the power of Laws for her to eat.

“You spendthrift little thing.”

Zhou Wannian sighed, his Divine Sense sweeping through his storage bracelet.

Although top-grade immortal yuan stones were piled up like mountains inside, the high-level metal Ores suitable for Golden Boy to eat were few and far between. The Taiyi Puppet cores he had scavenged in the Minghan Immortal Mansion had long since been eaten as snacks by this creature on the road during their escape.

“Although the Black Earth Immortal Domain is chaotic, it's also a place where materials circulate most frequently. Since we're here, let's go have a look around.”

Zhou Wannian stood up and straightened his robes.

“Come on, I'll take you for a good meal.”

“Yay!” Golden Boy cheered, transformed back into a golden beetle, and burrowed into Zhou Wannian's cuff... Below Crushed Stone City.

If the Crushed Stone City on the surface was a showcase for savagery and violence, then the underground “Ghost Market” was a gold-consuming den of greed and sin.

The entrance was located in an abandoned mine shaft in the west of the city.

After Zhou Wannian paid a hefty “secrecy fee,” he walked along the winding downward tunnel for about half an hour before the view suddenly opened up.

It was a massive underground karst cave, its ceiling embedded with countless glowing fluorites that illuminated the entire space in an eerie green, exuding a ghostly aura.

Stalls lined both sides of the street, and there were even a few quite elegantly decorated pavilions. Most of the Cultivators coming and going wore masks or cloaks and were in a hurry; no one was willing to reveal their true appearance here.

The air was filled with various mixed scents: the bloody smell of Yao Beasts, the burnt smell of Medicinal Pills, and even a faint sweet scent called “Soul-Bewitching Incense.”

Zhou Wannian wasn't wearing a mask at this time; instead, he used the [Fan Sheng True Demon Art] to alter his facial muscles and aura, transforming into a sallow-faced middle-aged man who emitted a faint corpse Qi. This appearance was incredibly common in the Ghost Market.

He didn't stop at the roadside stalls but headed straight for the most magnificent building in the center of the Ghost Market—the [Wanbao Pavilion].

This was the largest chain merchant guild in the Black Earth Immortal Domain, said to be backed by several Taiyi Stage experts and even having intricate connections with the Heavenly Court.

“Please come in, customer!”

Just as he entered, a maid with a Void Refining Stage cultivation level stepped forward to greet him. Although Zhou Wannian's aura was only at the Early True Immortal Stage (disguised), no one who could enter Wanbao Pavilion was poor.

“I want to buy Ores.”

Zhou Wannian's voice was hoarse, conveying a coldness that kept people at a distance.

“Geng Gold Essence, Taiyi Silver Sand, or... ‘World Stones’ containing spatial Laws.”

Hearing this, the maid's expression changed slightly. Each of these items was a top-tier spiritual material that only Golden Immortal or even Taiyi Cultivators could use, and they were worth a fortune.

“You certainly have high demands, customer.”

Although the maid was surprised, her professional quality was very high.

“These items are not on the first floor. Please follow me to the VIP room on the third floor.”

...On the third floor, inside an elegant private room.

A middle-aged shopkeeper dressed in purple robes and quite portly was looking at Zhou Wannian with a smile.

“My surname is Qian, and I am the branch manager of this Wanbao Pavilion. I heard that Fellow Daoist needs Geng Gold Essence?”

Shopkeeper Qian was at the Late True Immortal Stage, and his small eyes sparkled with sharp light, clearly an experienced hand in business.

“As much as you have, I'll take it all.”

Zhou Wannian didn't waste words and casually threw a heavy Storage Pouch onto the table.

Shopkeeper Qian's Divine Sense swept over it, and the fat on his Face immediately trembled three times.

It was a full ten thousand top-grade immortal yuan stones! This huge sum was enough to buy half of Crushed Stone City!

“Fellow Daoist... you're very straightforward!”

Shopkeeper Qian's attitude instantly became incredibly respectful, and he personally stood up to pour tea for Zhou Wannian.

“The shop still has three catties of Geng Gold Essence and one jar of Taiyi Silver Sand. As for World Stones...”

Shopkeeper Qian showed a difficult expression.

“Those things are hard to come by, and we indeed have no stock recently. However...”

He lowered his voice and said mysteriously:

“Recently, several major powers in the Black Earth Immortal Domain are preparing to explore the ‘Rotten Bone Swamp.’ I heard that in an ancient ruin there, someone once saw traces of World Stones.”

Zhou Wannian sneered in his heart.

As expected, all clues pointed to that place. Stone Breaking Void hadn't lied, but he had certainly hidden the most critical dangers.

“Since there are no World Stones, then pack up the Geng Gold Essence and Silver Sand.”

“Right away!”

Shopkeeper Qian nimbly took out a strictly sealed jade box.

“Fellow Daoist, it's eighty thousand immortal yuan stones in total. This is already the Supreme discount price for you.”

Zhou Wannian paid the money and took the jade box. Golden Boy in his cuff was already unable to restrain herself; if it weren't for Zhou Wannian's Divine Sense suppression, she probably would have rushed out and gnawed the table already.

Just as the transaction was completed and Zhou Wannian was about to leave.

“Knock, knock, knock.”

The door to the private room was suddenly knocked.

“Shopkeeper, ‘that’ lord has arrived and specifically asked for Geng Gold Essence.”

The maid's anxious voice came from outside the door.

Shopkeeper Qian's Face changed. He looked at Zhou Wannian, then at the door, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead.

“This... Fellow Daoist, you see...”

“What? The goods and money have been exchanged; do you want to go back on it?”

Zhou Wannian's eyelids lifted slightly, and an invisible Evil Qi instantly locked onto Shopkeeper Qian.

“I wouldn't dare! I wouldn't dare!” Shopkeeper Qian waved his hands repeatedly, “It's just that lord...”

“Bang!”

Before he could finish, the door to the private room was rudely pushed open.

A mysterious person wearing gray robes and a mask that looked like it was both crying and laughing strode in. Behind him followed two elderly men with cold auras, both at the Early Golden Immortal Stage.

“I want the Geng Gold Essence.”

The gray-robed person's voice seemed to come from Hell, carrying an echo that made one's Divine Soul tremble.

He didn't even look at Zhou Wannian, directly throwing a pitch-black token onto the table.

“Double price.”

When Shopkeeper Qian saw that token, he almost knelt on the ground in fear.

“Reincarnation... Reincarnation Token?!”

Zhou Wannian's pupils contracted slightly.

That was a [Reincarnation Token] exactly like the one in his hand!

Moreover, judging from the Law fluctuations emitted by the token, this person's Rank was extremely high, possibly even a core member of the Reincarnation Palace.

“This Fellow Daoist.”

The gray-robed person turned his head, a pair of eyes behind the mask staring coldly at Zhou Wannian.

“This item is of great use to me. Let me have it, and consider it that I owe you a favor.”

Although the tone was one of discussion, that high-and-mighty pressure clearly said: if you don't yield, you die.

Zhou Wannian sat in his chair and did not stand up.

He looked at the gray-robed person, and a thought suddenly rose in his mind.

This might be an opportunity to come into contact with the core level of the Reincarnation Palace.

But if he just handed it over like this, it would be too degrading and wouldn't fit his current persona of a “mysterious powerhouse.”

“A favor?”

Zhou Wannian smiled, his finger lightly tapping the tabletop.

“A favor from the Reincarnation Palace is indeed valuable.”

“However...”

Zhou Wannian slowly stood up, meeting the other's gaze without any fear.

“I have a quirk; I never spit out what has already entered my mouth.”

“Besides, my spiritual pet is hungry, and her temper isn't very good.”

“Screech!”

In his cuff, Golden Boy seemed to cooperate with Zhou Wannian's words, letting out a sharp screech.

The terrifying aura of a Taiyi Stage Vicious Beast, although only momentary, caused the air in the entire private room to instantly freeze.

The two Golden Immortal elders behind the gray-robed person's Face changed drastically, subconsciously shielding the gray-robed person.

“A Taiyi Yao Beast?!”

The gray-robed person's eyes narrowed, seriously scrutinizing this seemingly ordinary “corpse Cultivator” for the first time.

“Who exactly are you?”

Zhou Wannian did not answer.

He just slowly pulled out that same red token from his robes—the [Reincarnation Token].

And lightly tapped it on the tabletop.

“It seems the Dragon King Temple has been flooded by its own,” Zhou Wannian said indifferently.

“Didn't Fox Three teach you the rules?”

“First come, first served.”

Seeing the token in Zhou Wannian's hand, the gray-robed person's whole body shook.

“A Red-level Reincarnation Token?! You are...”

He seemed to think of something, the hostility in his eyes instantly dissipating, replaced by a deep shock and... awe.

“So it is... Lord ‘Green Face’?”

Zhou Wannian's heart stirred. It seemed Fox Three had not only given him the token but had also registered a title for him within the organization.

“Since we are on the same side, then things are easy to discuss.”

Zhou Wannian put away the Geng Gold Essence and casually tossed an ordinary top-grade Ore to the gray-robed person.

“This piece counts as a meeting gift. I have an urgent use for the Geng Gold Essence, so I won't yield it.”

The gray-robed person caught the Ore, remained silent for a moment, and slightly bowed to Zhou Wannian.

“I have been presumptuous.”

“Since Lord Green Face is here, then the situation in Crushed Stone City is likely to change.”

“A word of reminder to you, Lord.”

The gray-robed person took a step closer and sent a Divine Sense transmission:

“Stone Breaking Void's ruin exploration trip is a death trap.”

“The Heavenly Court's ‘Supervisory Immortal Envoy’ has arrived, and the target is the person holding the Great Five Elements Illusory World Art.”

“We in the Reincarnation Palace have already set the net.”

“If you are interested, Lord, see you in the swamp in half a month.”

After saying that, the gray-robed person put away his token and left with his subordinates, clean and decisive.

Only Shopkeeper Qian remained in the private room, still wiping away cold sweat.

“Fellow... Fellow Daoist... no, Senior...”

Shopkeeper Qian's gaze toward Zhou Wannian now was like he was looking at a living ancestor.

Even high-level members of the Reincarnation Palace were so respectful to this person and even called him “Lord”?

What on earth was this person's background?!

Zhou Wannian ignored Shopkeeper Qian's shock.

He gathered his purchased items and turned to leave Wanbao Pavilion.

Walking along the dark streets of the Ghost Market, a playful curve formed at the corner of Zhou Wannian's mouth.

“Supervisory Immortal Envoy?”

“The Heavenly Court really is persistent.”

“However...”

Zhou Wannian stroked Golden Boy in his cuff, who was currently making happy “crunch, crunch” sounds as she devoured the Geng Gold Essence.

“In this net, who is the hunter and who is the prey...”

“...is still yet to be seen.”

...Half a month later.

Outside Crushed Stone City, black clouds pressed down on the city.

Several massive black war vessels hovered in the air, each emitting an astonishing Spiritual Pressure.

Stone Breaking Void stood on the deck of the lead ship, high-spirited. Behind him, besides the elites of Crushed Stone City, stood seven or eight Golden Immortal Cultivators with deep auras.

“Everyone!”

Stone Breaking Void laughed loudly.

“Today we join forces to explore the ancient ruins; we will surely return with a full harvest!”

“Fellow Daoist Zhou, you're late!”

He looked into the distance.

A streak of cyan light pierced through the air.

Zhou Wannian was still in his cyan robes, with a golden beetle resting on his shoulder, landing calmly on the deck.

“I had some personal business to handle on the way.”

Zhou Wannian smiled slightly.

“I hope I haven't delayed the City Lord's great task?”

“Not at all! Fellow Daoist Zhou's presence is giving me, Shi, Face!”

Stone Breaking Void greeted him warmly, but an imperceptible cold light flashed deep in his eyes.

“Everyone is here.”

“Set out!”

“Target: Rotten Bone Swamp!”

Rumble—

The war vessels started up, slowly sailing toward that gray mist filled with death and opportunity.

While Zhou Wannian stood at the bow, his gaze piercing through layers of black clouds, seemingly seeing a massive net slowly opening ahead.

“Tiezhu.”

“Present.”

“Activate ‘War Mode’.”

“Be ready at any time... to start a slaughter.”