CHAPTER 72: CHAPTER 72: ARRIVAL AT THE IMMORTAL CITY

At this moment, a petite and exquisite maid gracefully arrived, guiding him into the compartment numbered "104."

"Immortal Master, would you like something to drink? The boat offers free spirit tea, as well as spirit wine and spirit fruit at a charge, with prices the same as those within the market."

The maid blinked her lively eyes and said to Xu Ping in a sweet voice.

The maids on these spiritual boats were mostly beautiful mortal women.

They follow the boat day and night, braving the elements, hoping that someday an Immortal Master might take a fancy to them and bring them into his household, a good fate even as a servant.

"No need! You may go."

Xu Ping remained unmoved, for women would only slow down his cultivation progress.

"During the upcoming journey, if Immortal Master needs anything, feel free to let the maid know."

The maid retreated with a charming smile, but a hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes as she turned away.

This Immortal Master, though young, was incredibly wealthy, truly a good prospect, but alas, the Immortal Master was not interested.

With half an hour until departure, Xu Ping quietly began cultivating the Taihang Nourishing God Skill.

Time flowed by, and soon it was time for the ship to depart, the vessel began to rock slightly.

Soon afterward, at the second floor corridor entrance, a voice as loud as a great bell spread across the flying boat.

"Fellow Daoists, I am Peng Wei, a cultivator of the Law Enforcement Hall from Beixi Market, responsible for all affairs aboard this spiritual boat."

Xu Ping ended his cultivation and listened quietly.

"This route begins at Beixi Market and ends at Qiu Xuan Immortal City. Along the way, we will stop at places like White Leaf Market, Yellow Stone Immortal City, and Wujian Mountain.

"We will stay at each stop for three hours, so those wishing to disembark for trade or purchase, please be mindful of the time. The ship will depart on schedule, and if missed, you will have to wait for the next trip."

"Let me make it clear upfront, no combat is allowed on the spiritual boat. Violation will be met with death without mercy!"

His words carried a hint of coldness towards the end.

Simultaneously, a surge of divine sense emanated from the third level, oppressing everyone. Though it quickly dissipated, it still caused almost everyone to tremble inwardly.

Xu Ping also narrowed his eyes slightly.

Then, the voice of the man at the second-floor corridor entrance sounded again: "If any Daoist thinks their cultivation is deep and disregards me, Beixi Market, and the Purple Mist Sect, feel free to try."

"Of course, as long as everyone abides by the rules, we promise to deliver all Daoists safely to your destination."

After these words, Peng Wei spoke no more, turning and walking into a room on the second floor.

The atmosphere on the ship relaxed considerably at this point.

Buzz buzz buzz...

Accompanied by a violent shake, the flying boat soared into the sky at high speed.

The ship pierced through the clouds, parting a path through them.

Before long, it had already left Beixi Market far behind.

The ship flew smoothly, without the slightest feeling of turbulence.

Xu Ping silently returned to cultivating the Taihang Nourishing God Skill.

The journey from Beixi Market to Qiu Xuan Immortal City was long, with stops along the way, taking at least ten days, but with the thin spiritual qi on the ship being poor for cultivation, he had no choice but to pass the time cultivating the Taihang Nourishing God Skill.

And so, ten days passed slowly.

The journey was without any incidents, and they finally reached Qiu Xuan Immortal City safely.

...

Xu Ping looked out the window.

A majestic, giant city expanded in view, the surrounding mountains seeming to become mere hills in comparison.

Qiu Xuan Immortal City, settled amid this mountain range, spans hundreds of miles.

Below the city lies a large third-rank upper-grade spirit vein, with several first and second-stage spirit vein offshoots.

The entire Immortal City is enveloped by a massive third-rank grand array, surrounded by white mist, resembling a celestial realm.

Such an array, guarding a sect, is not only vast but also more complex than ordinary formations of the same rank, with exponentially higher resource consumption.

The sky continuously conveys sounds of things breaking through the air, magical artifacts, flying boats, spirit birds, and escape lights blur the view, as if entering a world of immortals.

Occasionally, Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators would break through the air, and the rest of the cultivators would automatically make way.

Xu Ping, staring like a country bumpkin, couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, "Now, this is what cultivation looks like!"

As for Dongwu Market, what the heck is that!!

The flying boat slowly descended, landing in a spacious square outside Qiu Xuan Immortal City.

"Immortal Master, we’ve arrived at Qiu Xuan Immortal City."

At this moment outside the compartment, the maid cautiously reminded.

In truth, Xu Ping didn’t need her reminder to know they had reached Qiu Xuan Immortal City.

He pushed open the door and jumped off the spiritual boat.

What entered his sight was a gate ten stories high, with cultivators coming and going continuously before it.

Xu Ping found a less crowded area, reverted to his true appearance, and followed the crowd into a side hall at the city gate, registered his information, paid two spirit stones, and obtained an identity token.

When traveling, caution is paramount!

...

Qiu Xuan Immortal City was bustling, naturally not short of guides.

Xu Ping easily found a guide and asked about the city’s layout.

"Qiu Xuan Immortal City is divided into four major parts."

"The first is the Outer City, enjoying first-rank medium and upper-grade spiritual qi, generally where ordinary Qi Cultivators live."

"The second is the Inner City, enjoying second-stage lower-grade spiritual qi, where wealthy Qi Cultivators reside. Various shops, inns, hostels, residential areas, and loose cultivator markets are all concentrated here."

"The third is the ’City Center,’ enjoying second stage medium and upper-grade spiritual qi, where Foundation Establishment Cultivators and people of deep backgrounds live. You need a pass to enter. If you’re advancing to Foundation Establishment, you can specially apply for a cave with second-stage upper-grade spiritual qi."

"The fourth is Qiu Xuan Mountain, where Qiu Xuan Zhenren and his disciples reside, not open to the public. I don’t know much about it."

Listening to the guide’s explanation, Xu Ping gradually formed a mental image of Qiu Xuan Immortal City’s layout.

"Where can I rent accommodations in the Inner City?" Xu Ping asked.

"There are definitely places for that. The Immortal City has an official rental option with slightly lower prices but cumbersome procedures; there’s also a broker, which is a bit pricier, but you can move in as soon as you find a place you like," the guide replied.

After some thought, Xu Ping decided to go with the broker.

A bit more expensive is fine, as long as it’s convenient.

"Alright, guest, I’ll take you to find a broker." The guide led the way.

The two of them entered the Inner City, arrived at a large hall, and found a broker with the surname Wu.

"Fellow Daoist, what kind of cave dwelling are you looking to rent?" the broker Wu said with a smile.

"One that’s a bit larger, with a sturdy practice room, preferably with some spirit fields for planting," Xu Ping stated his requirements.

Broker Wu pondered for a moment before nodding, "There are a few cave dwellings that meet your requirements. Would you like to take a look first?"

"Sure, lead the way," Xu Ping agreed.

Then, Broker Wu began to show Xu Ping several cave dwellings.