Infinite Professions from a Pearl Collector

The Inner Realm!

That was the Fourth of the seven realms for Qi Refiners, a massive watershed.

Upon entering this Realm, a Cultivator could open an Inner World within their body. Their strength would undergo a fundamental, earth-shattering transformation, putting them on a completely different level from the Sea Condensation Realm.

In Yu Huo County, a Sea Condensation Realm expert like Cong Bo was already a top master who reigned supreme in his own territory.

An Inner Realm expert, even in a major place like Qingzhou Prefecture City, would be considered a titan. They would be powerful enough to establish their own sect or hold a high position in the Court’s Demon Slayer Department, such as a Prefecture’s Governor.

Therefore, the value of an Elixir Pill that could help someone break through to the Inner Realm was unimaginable.

’But why would Celestial Sword Manor sell such a precious Elixir Pill?’ Chen Ye was filled with doubt.

Celestial Sword Manor was the number one sect in Qingzhou, famed for its Sword Cultivators. Its power was immense, its foundation unfathomably deep.

Logically, a strategic treasure of this level was something they should have kept for their own use. Why would they be willing to put it up for auction?

"That’s where you’re wrong," Su Yuan explained, putting on the airs of a wise adult. "Celestial Sword Manor is best known for its Swordsmanship, not Alchemy. This Realm-Breaking Pill... they most likely found it in some ancient ruin, or they simply killed an Alchemy Master and stole it."

"An Elixir Pill like this is only useful for Cultivators at the Peak of the Sea Condensation Realm. There can’t be many people in Celestial Sword Manor who fit that description. And even if there are, they might not be stuck at a bottleneck. So, rather than letting it gather dust or waiting decades to use it, it’s better to take advantage of this grand trade fair to exchange it for massive amounts of Cultivation Resources they can use immediately."

"My guess is they want to concentrate all their resources on training that so-called genius Young Manor Master of theirs, helping him ascend to an even higher Realm."

Su Yuan’s analysis was so logical and well-reasoned that Chen Ye couldn’t help but nod to himself in agreement.

’This girl might seem scatterbrained most of the time,’ he thought, ’but she’s surprisingly sharp when it counts.’

"Come on, let’s go check out the third floor," Su Yuan said, excitedly pulling Chen Ye towards the stairs.

The third floor of the pavilion was where tomorrow’s auction would be held.

At this moment, the entrance to the third floor was surrounded by several layers of Celestial Sword Manor disciples and Armored Warriors from Qingzhou Prefecture, creating a solemn and stern atmosphere.

To enter the third floor, one had to present an invitation or undergo an asset verification to prove they had the financial means to participate in the bidding.

Naturally, Chen Ye and Su Yuan were stopped outside.

"What’s the big deal? If they won’t let us in, they won’t let us in," Su Yuan muttered with a pout, her face a mask of disdain.

But Chen Ye could see a hint of mischief in her darting eyes.

He had no doubt that if they weren’t in public, this girl would have sent her Gu Insects sneaking inside to watch the show.

After returning from the inner pavilion, Chen Ye clearly felt a shift in the city’s atmosphere.

The number of Cultivators on the streets was several times greater than the past two days, and among them were many individuals with powerful auras. Most were Sea Condensation Realm masters, clearly drawn by the Realm-Breaking Pill.

"Looks like there’s going to be a good show tomorrow."

Su Yuan sat by the inn window, nibbling on a candied hawthorn stick she had bought somewhere. She watched the endless stream of people below, her little face alight with the excitement of someone who loved watching chaos unfold.

Chen Ye, however, was not in such high spirits.

The brewing storm outside had nothing to do with a pauper like him.

The only thing he needed to do now was seize every moment to increase his own strength.

Chen Ye returned to his room, closed the door, and once again entered a state of Cultivation.

He first performed several Circulations of Inner Qi according to the Golden Toad Qi Swallowing Technique, bringing his Essence, Qi, and Spirit to their peak condition.

Then, he took out the long saber that he had nurtured overnight.

The moment his hand grasped the hilt, a profound sense of connection, as if they were linked by blood, washed over him.

He could clearly feel the saber’s body vibrating faintly, conveying an emotion akin to joy.

A slight smile touched Chen Ye’s lips. He then circulated his Inner Qi once more, beginning to nurture the saber’s body according to the Sword Nurturing Technique’s dharma gate.

With the experience from the first time, he was much more proficient now.

His Inner Qi, like a trickling stream, continuously seeped into the saber’s body, refining its impurities and nourishing the faint, newly-born Sword Spirit within.

Under the gaze of the Asura’s Eye, Chen Ye saw the halo of Energy within the saber’s body growing brighter and purer at a visible rate.

And the faint glimmer representing the Sword Spirit had also grown a bit stronger.

Time flew by during cultivation.

When Chen Ye awoke from his deep state of Cultivation, the world outside his window was shrouded in deep night.

He let out a long breath, feeling as though both his Heart Spirit and the saber had undergone a baptism.

Although his Cultivation hadn’t noticeably increased, he felt that his combat prowess had tangibly risen by a notch.

If he were to face a Puppet like the Ghost Bride now, he definitely wouldn’t be in such a sorry state as before.

Chen Ye was confident that with this wondrous connection to his saber, his Thorn Blade Technique would be able to unleash one hundred and twenty percent of its power!

Just as Chen Ye was feeling pleased with his progress, a powerful sense of crisis surged from the depths of his heart without any warning.

Chen Ye’s body tensed in an instant, like a leopard poised to strike, every muscle entering a perfect state of combat readiness.

He snapped his eyes open, a terrifying, blood-red light flashing in their depths before vanishing.

Asura’s Eye, activate!

A blood-colored vision instantly enveloped the entire room, even extending for several dozen meters around him.