Demon Ancient Wasteland, Thousand Mechanism Poison Swamp.

Above the celestial vault, a gray haze lingered.

The swamp was perpetually shrouded in emerald toxic mist, capable of eroding cultivators’ mana and divine sense. Cultivators here called it ’Nether Mist’.

Within the mist, one could barely see their fingers stretched out. Even Golden Core Stage cultivators found it difficult to probe deep into the area.

Toxic insects and fierce beasts were lurking everywhere, and any carelessness could cost a life.

Thus, this vast poisonous swamp had become a forbidden zone for mortals, only cultivators could survive and thrive here.

Before arriving, they had learned a bit about this place. This expanse of a thousand miles in the Thousand Mechanism Poison Swamp region was rich with a rare poisonous mineral called ’Nether Crystal Stone’, one of the few prized resources cultivators came here to explore.

Qin Ming and Lan Bing Fairy flew through the Thousand Mechanism Poison Swamp. Both of them were Divinity Transformation Stage cultivators, and with their bodies immune to all poisons, the Nether Mist didn’t cause them much trouble.

However, Qin Ming discovered that his divine thought, comparable to Late-stage Divinity Transformation, had a very limited range in this poison swamp.

At most, it covered a range of within a hundred miles.

The eerie nature of the Nether Mist was evident, and it was even more challenging for low-tier cultivators.

Without special methods, it was likely impossible to move a step.

Days passed.

Amidst the emerald mist, the two crossed several regions until a gentle rain began to fall from the sky.

Suddenly, the view ahead became much clearer.

Finally, the two entered a massive mountain range, resembling a barbaric giant beast slumbering within the Thousand Mechanism Poison Swamp.

Then.

Under the gloomy sky, a vast purple array light curtain vaguely appeared in Qin Ming’s line of sight.

Numerous mystical purple runes swam unpredictably within the light curtain.

Qin Ming could tell at a glance it was a Tier Five Low-Grade defense array.

The fine raindrops fell upon the array light curtain, disappearing instantly, isolating the outside Nether Mist.

Meanwhile.

The surrounding Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi began to gradually thicken.

Amidst the lush and misty mountains, beneath the purple light curtain, a cultivation city spanning hundreds of miles emerged faintly.

"Fellow Daoist Qin, have we arrived at the place?" Lan Bing Fairy asked.

Qin Ming concentrated his divine thought and immediately saw the situation inside, "Yes, this is indeed the place."

Under the protection of the grand array, hundreds of streets intersected, densely packed with pavilions, towers, and palaces. Above the Immortal City floated massive luminous pearls, emitting a white glow, illuminating the entire city like daylight.

On the four sides of the Immortal City near the defense array edge, stood massive city gates, with plaques engrained with the three characters ’Qianji City’.

At each city gate, two towering divine beast stone statues, carved with dragons and phoenixes, stood vividly, exuding a strong aura as if they might come to life at any moment.

Despite the treacherous geographic location, coupled with the Nether Mist shrouding the sky and natural barriers,

outside Qianji City’s four gates, numerous carriages, flying birds, beasts, spiritual ships, and magical artifacts shuttled with escape light, creating an extremely bustling scene.

Qin Ming and Lan Bing Fairy disguised themselves as a pair of Loose Cultivator couples, suppressing their cultivation aura to Mid-Stage Nascent Soul. After paying a few spirit stones as toll, they entered the city.

At the gate guard station, he learned that entering Qianji City, even Nascent Soul Stage cultivators must abide by rules.

Only cultivators residing within the city with cave mansions or industries could enter and exit freely.

Once inside the city, they were met with a throng of diverse cultivators, the shouts of merchants and peddlers along the street continued non-stop.

"Come and see! Freshly cooked Tier Two Demon Boar treasure meat! The aroma speaks for itself!"

"Take a look, just harvested Tier Three High-Grade Nether Bone Flower from the poison swamp, top quality!"

"Miasma Avoiding Robes crafted by Famous Artifact Pavilion, an essential tool for mining trips, with various styles to choose from!"

"Tier Two Guiding Talismans! Illuminates a hundred-meter range of Nether Mist, an indispensable item for swamp excursions!"

"Cyan Rain Tower has a new batch of Spirit Tea, inviting fellow Daoists to come for tea and tunes..."

"Treasure Flavor Pavilion launches a new immortal mansion delicacy, Purple Squirrel stew Water Fish Whip... guaranteeing to revitalize fellow Daoists!"

"..."

Qin Ming and Lan Bing Fairy slowly walked along the main avenue, observing the state of this Immortal City.

Upon setting foot within, they experienced differing sensations.

The streets were full of human race cultivators, mostly loose cultivators, mixed and varied, with all kinds flocking here, cultivators from both righteous and demonic dao present.

After all, everyone came to the Thousand Mechanism Poison Swamp seeking fortunes, regardless of righteous or demonic paths.

However, overall, the folk here were valiant, as these remaining cultivators were all those able to survive in the swamp’s harsh environment.

Just then.

Qin Ming’s expression changed, sensing someone following them, he turned and looked back.

"Hehe! Greetings to the two seniors! Are you visiting Qianji City for the first time? Do you need a professional local guide?"

A gnome-like old man with a small melon cap and a rosy complexion appeared in front of the two.

This person was at mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivation and was enthusiastically and respectfully greeting Qin Ming and his companion with a bow.

His height only reached Qin Ming’s knee...

Qin Ming frowned slightly and immediately replied flatly, "No need for now, thank you."

With his Divine Thought encompassing the entire Qianji City, naturally, he didn’t require an Immortal City Broker to show him around.

"Hehe! Then do you need a complete map of Qianji City, seniors? It’s only ten Spirit Stones..." The gnome-like old man was not discouraged and took out a pale yellow jade scroll, continuing his sales pitch.

Qin Ming, just about to leave, halted, and asked in surprise, "Just a mere map costs ten Spirit Stones?"

The gnome-like old man was taken aback and hurriedly explained, "Hehe! Senior, you may not be aware, but this map is my masterpiece after roaming this place for over a hundred years. Besides a detailed map, it also includes some intelligence and introductions about the city."

"For example, which shops are run by Loose Cultivators, which stores belong to Major Sects, which places look glamorous on the surface but are actually deceptive... and even organizations that sell intelligence... commerce guilds controlled by the Loose Alliance, all are included to save you much hassle." The gnome-like old man said with a smile, holding the jade scroll.

Facing two Nascent Soul Stage Great Powers, even as a seasoned veteran here, he had to deal cautiously.

Moreover, the place was not short of Demonic Cultivators. Encountering one with a bad temper could spell trouble for him.

Though fighting was not allowed within the city, it was a different story outside.

However, having survived Qianji City for many years, the gnome-like old man had long honed a keen perceptiveness and could read people exceptionally well.

This was also why he had managed to survive over a hundred years in Qianji City.

He could basically tell at a glance who was not to be provoked and who was more approachable.

"Alright, bring me one." Since the gnome-like old man said so, Qin Ming became a bit interested, a Spiritual Light flashed through his right hand, and he took out ten Low-Grade Spirit Stones for the old man.

The gnome-like old man, seeing the business deal, was instantly overjoyed, and respectfully presented the map jade scroll, "Thank you, senior! May you profit immensely in the Thousand Mechanism Poison Swamp in the future!"

The transaction was completed.

Before leaving, the gnome-like old man didn’t forget to introduce himself, "Seniors, my name is Baili Hui, an informer of this area. If you need any errands run in the future, you can find me at the shantytown on the eastern outskirts of Qianji City, hehe!"

"As for the price concessions, I guarantee satisfaction, seniors!"

Then, he watchfully saw Qin Ming and his companion off, his service attitude was meticulous to the utmost...

At that moment, a few other brokers approached, staring sourly at the ten hot Spirit Stones in Baili Hui’s hand, saying, "Baili old ghost, you’re really daring! Those two seniors just now seemed to be Demonic Cultivators at least at the Golden Core Stage, aren’t you afraid you’ll make a living but won’t live to spend it..."

"Hmph! Without courage, where’s the output? You guys should learn more," Baili Hui said dismissively, then pocketed the Spirit Stones, adjusted his small melon cap, and cheerfully headed toward the Treasure Flavor Pavilion.

"Waiter, just that... some Water Fish Whip for this old man... "

The brokers on the street stood dumbfounded watching the gnome-like old man’s antics, looking at each other, one of them speechless, "This old guy earns some Spirit Stones, but doesn’t think about saving up a few more Detoxification Pills, and instead spends it in such a money pit, doesn’t he consider his life too long already..."

...

On the main street.

Qin Ming released his Divine Thought, examining the map he just acquired.

Sure enough, Baili Hui’s map not only showed the complete layout of the Immortal City but also clearly marked the distribution of each force.

And detailed reviews of various shops in the city, the content was very comprehensive...

This also facilitated Qin Ming to filter when needed accordingly.

Besides, there was some basic intelligence inside and outside of Qianji City, indeed value for money.

"This little old man really knows how to do business, the original asked me to investigate the Guiding Envoy in Celestial Star City, as well as the information about the Inspector Huang Chao from the Lower Realm, and the intelligence of that Immortal Mansion treasure..."

"If it’s inconvenient for me to appear, I might as well get this person to run errands, it wouldn’t be a bad idea either." Qin Ming Demon Infant thought to himself as he continued to look through.

According to the records from Baili Hui in the jade scroll, it turns out that this Qianji Immortal City belonged to a nearby Divinity Transformation Sect—Netherworld Sect.

The Netherworld Sect is a Demonic Sect, with several Divinity Transformation period patriarchs overseeing, and even cultivators at the late-stage Divinity Transformation present.

For the surrounding few major countries, the Netherworld Sect is the true local overlord here.

Not only monopolizing all the transactions of the rare poisonous ore ’Nether Crystal Stone’, but it also sells a kind of ’Detoxification Pill’ in the Immortal City, which can lessen the effect of the Nether Mist’s poison, but the price is also very exorbitant.

Ordinary Loose Cultivators can only look on from afar, purchasing a single High-Tier Detoxification Pill could instantaneously drain their savings of years.

The construction of this Immortal City brought countless Loose Cultivators who came to the Thousand Mechanism Poison Swamp to strike it rich, all gathered here, and then drained them of their value, while the Netherworld Sect made a fortune.

Qin Ming was all too familiar with this kind of setup.

Since ancient times, those who came to strike it rich gained nothing, but those selling the tools made huge profits instead.

Just like that, the Netherworld Sect held this area firmly in its grasp, with the only possible opposition being the Loose Alliance.

However, despite this, there were still numerous cultivators pouring in, hoping for the slim opportunity in the Immortal Dao.

Many have stormed out of the Thousand Mechanism Poison Swamp and become renowned even within the Demon Ancient Wasteland.

...