I Seek Immortality Through Serendipity

Outside Thunderwood Island, about three hundred miles away, on a serpent-shaped island, an Earth Demon with a snake head and lizard tail was lounging lazily on a bluestone, basking in the sun, while a Little Demon attentively served fresh venison, fish, and shrimp, thoroughly enjoying itself.

But at this moment, a golden streak of light rapidly approached and landed outside the island.

The Earth Demon’s eyes narrowed immediately, rising in vigilance, looking towards the light that had arrived.

"Pardon the intrusion, I am Su Huazheng, the Island Lord of Thunderwood Island. I am heading to White Flame Market and happened to pass by here uninvited. I hope you can forgive me."

Within the light, a young man with a jade-like face and upright posture extended his hand in salutation, speaking respectfully to the Earth Demon.

"If you wish to go to the market, then go. At most, it’s only a few hundred miles away. What business do you have on my island?"

The Earth Demon asked in a deep voice.

"I wouldn’t want to disturb you, but I, Su, find myself short of funds, so I have come specifically to ask if I might borrow some Spirit Stones and treasures from you for travel expenses."

The young man smiled slightly.

"Borrow Spirit Stones and treasures?"

"For travel expenses?"

The Earth Demon was momentarily stunned and then became furious: "You brazen human brat, trying to rob your Great-grandpa Lizard Snake, and still acting all formal and faking politeness?"

"If you want Spirit Stones and treasures, let’s see if you’ve got what it takes!"

With that said, it roared angrily and charged towards the human without hesitation.

...

After a dozen breaths later, the lizard snake stared in horror at the distant streak of light escaping, feeling a lingering fear.

The scale armor it cherished the most was now covered in sword marks, one of which nearly shredded its scales and pierced into its abdomen.

"Damn it! When did another powerful figure move in nearby? And why is that White Worm not dealing with this?"

The lizard snake raged loudly, but its eyes were filled with panic.

"Someone, quickly gather all the Spirit Fruits and ores on the island. I’m moving out!"

...

...

A day later, Gu Yuan flipped three full Storage Bags and a faint smile appeared at the corner of his lips.

"This should be enough for a trip to the market..."

Having been transported to this Ten Thousand Islands Sea Territory, although without the protection of a Daoist School, many things were less constrained.

This area was quite chaotic, a paradise for Loose Cultivators and Demon Beasts, unlike the South Mountain Domain where each major sect and Demon King maintained order, making wanton actions nearly impossible.

Just like in the Red Moon River, there were many Earth Demons and countless Little Demons, but few cultivators dared to venture in and act recklessly.

But the Ten Thousand Islands Sea was different. These Earth Demons mostly had no established roots and cultivated using their bloodline talent. It’s not uncommon for islands to change owners periodically.

Gu Yuan recently had scouted the surrounding sea area, and this action had long been part of his plan.

Leaving the Daoist School, having lost the resources of the Spirit Island, he could only ’borrow’ from the neighbors.

Robbing the Demon Race gave Gu Yuan no particular discomfort. Unfortunately, he hadn’t encountered any Tribulation Cultivators lately, or it wouldn’t have been such a hassle.

With a slight sigh in his heart, Gu Yuan put away the Storage Bags and rode his Escape Light swiftly towards White Flame Market.

...

...

White Flame Market, also known as White Flame City, was founded many years ago by a Foundation Establishment Perfection Pill Cultivator with formidable skills and possessing Exotic White Flame True Flame. It is situated on a Tier Three Spirit Island called Flying Fox Island.

Surrounding the island, there are countless small scattered islands rich in Spiritual Qi. Countless mortals and Qi Refining cultivators reside here, making it the most populous area in the Ten Thousand Islands Sea.

Due to its large population and advantageous geographic position in the central territory of the Ten Thousand Islands Sea, it developed into the foremost market, attracting many Loose Cultivators and Demon Beasts daily for trade and resource exchange.

Periodically, various Dharma Assemblies, Pill Gatherings, and auctions are held, making it quite lively.

Gu Yuan had just arrived when he saw numerous streaks of Escape Light continuously coming and going. A majestic Grand Array covered the sky, enveloping the entire Flying Fox Island. Within the array, several white-robed cultivators, holding Dharma Swords, were patrolling continuously.

On the island, a magnificent grand city built along the mountain rose before him. On the city wall stood a towering tower, exuding an imposing aura, suppressing the area.

Though White Flame Market is merely a marketplace, over time, it has evolved into a renowned force in the Ten Thousand Islands Sea.

The island possesses a Tier Three Array, the "Azure Sea Flame Heaven Array", capable of resisting even a Golden Core Cultivator.

The marketplace is guarded by three formidable Late-stage Foundation Establishment offerings and a well-trained Law Enforcement Team, making it a bastion in the Ten Thousand Islands Sea.

Outside islands may change ownership every decade, but White Flame Market has operated smoothly for six hundred years.

"Senior, is this your first time visiting White Flame City? I am a guide of White Flame City, named Xiang Di, specifically serving Foundation Establishment Stage seniors. If needed, I can introduce you to the city."

Just as Gu Yuan’s Escape Light landed before the Grand Array, a clean-looking young man at the Qi Refining Seventh Layer, with bright red lips and white teeth, respectfully approached him, riding a Dharma Artifact.

He wore a pure white Dharma Robe, with a flame pattern at the cuff.

In the Ten Thousand Islands Sea, a large number of Loose Cultivators and Demon Beasts surge in periodically. Coupled with the fierce sea contention and the rapid turnover of cultivators, White Flame City intentionally nurtured a group of guides to freely introduce the marketplace.

Of course, only Foundation Establishment Cultivators and Demon Race above Earth Demons receive this treatment, whereas Qi Refining Cultivators must either pay or explore on their own.

"Lead the way!"

Gu Yuan waved his sleeve robe, not refusing the offer.

Though he had learned a bit about White Flame City in Flying Fish Market, having never been there in person, a guide could save a lot of trouble.

"Please, senior!"

The young man took out a token, opening a passage through the Grand Array, and then led Gu Yuan towards the city.

"Senior might not know, but our White Flame City encompasses all, with distinct divisions and subsections. A city within a city, it comprises six markets: Dharma, Pill, Artifact, Seal, Defense, and Miscellaneous, each with its treasures." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Senior is quite fortunate to arrive today, as it coincides with our city’s biannual ’Little Myriad Phenomena Assembly’. All six markets will be auctioning treasures. Although not as precious as the triennial Myriad Phenomena Assembly, it definitely won’t disappoint you, senior."

The young man cheerfully introduced this to Gu Yuan and handed over a treasure catalog.

Gu Yuan was noncommittal; he did not happen upon this place by chance but timed his visit deliberately.

For refining the Six Ren Golden Book of Alchemy required precious spiritual materials, with the most prized being Demon Pills, while the other items were merely ancillary. The Little Myriad Phenomena Assembly should suffice for his complete procurement.

Taking the treasure catalog, Gu Yuan glanced briefly and showed a surprised expression.

He saw on the "Dharma" book, a one-foot-high sculpture illustration, shining brightly and emitting a gentle glow.

Below the illustration was a line of small text.

"Inference Daoist Statue!"