Started out getting scumbags, but then invested in the invincible Empress.

Chapter 293 Old Knife Handle

Spirit-Gathering Pearl!

These three words exploded in Li Wudao's ears like a thunderclap.

He had just stood up to leave when he quietly sat back down, picked up his wine glass, and continued drinking as if casually.

To completely cure Zhou Bai's sister's "Soul-Eating Body," the Green-Haired Turtle once said that three conditions are required:

Techniques for powerful individuals to seal spiritual roots and guide spiritual energy, and the Spirit-Nourishing Pearl.

The first two are not difficult to obtain; the Xuantian Sect possesses them all. However, the Spirit-Nourishing Pearl is an object formed from the condensation of the spiritual essence of heaven and earth over a thousand years, making it extremely rare and difficult to obtain.

I thought it would take a long time to find out any information.

Unexpectedly, today, amidst the bustling atmosphere of the restaurant, I overheard a clue.

According to the Green-haired Turtle, if the Soul-Devouring Body can grow up, it will be placed among the Holy Bodies, and will be one of the best among them, with combat power that should not be underestimated.

Li Wudao pondered, his thoughts flashing through his mind like lightning.

Zhou Bai is a man of great loyalty and righteousness, with a resilient character. If he can save his sister from dire straits, he will surely become a great help to her in the future.

Moreover, it can be used for investment returns, guaranteeing profits without loss.

In short, this is an excellent opportunity to buy at the bottom.

"Brother Li, what's wrong? Aren't you leaving?"

Qiu Zishi helped the drunken Wang Zhao up, and was about to get up from his seat when he saw Li Wudao stand up and then sit down again, staring at the table of merchants, and he couldn't help but look puzzled.

Li Wudao waved his hand and said gently, "Please wait a moment."

Under the slightly puzzled gazes of the others.

Without making a sound, he picked up a bowl of freshly poured wine, and with his blue robe fluttering, he walked to the table of merchants.

"Gentlemen."

Li Wudao walked to the table, a warm smile spreading across his face, like a gentle spring breeze.

He raised his bowl in acknowledgment, his voice clear and resonant:

"I was deeply impressed by your eloquent discussions and your remarkable tales. It is fate that we meet in this world. I would like to offer you all a bowl of wine."

The four merchants were all taken aback.

Looking up, one could see a young man dressed in the robes of a true disciple of the Xuantian Sect, his posture upright like a pine tree, his features clear and handsome.

Despite his young age, he possesses a calm and composed demeanor, as solid and imposing as a mountain.

What's even more remarkable is that he was humble and unassuming, without the arrogance typical of disciples from major sects.

The elderly man at the head of the group quickly stood up, and the other three followed suit, the clinking of bowls and cups creating a crisp sound.

"You're too kind, young man!"

The old man raised his bowl to welcome him, his gaze lingering on Li Wudao's face for a moment before he smiled and said:

"Judging from your demeanor, young brother, you must be a esteemed disciple of the Xuantian Sect. I have traveled far and wide for many years, and it is truly an honor to share a drink with someone of your stature."

"You flatter me, senior."

Li Wudao smiled modestly, tilted his head back, and drank the wine in the bowl in one gulp.

After that bowl of wine, the atmosphere at the table instantly became as harmonious as spring water melting.

Li Wudao took the opportunity to sit down in the empty seat next to the old man and naturally picked up the conversation:

"I just overheard you all talking about the sights and sights of various places. I've been living in the sect for a long time and my knowledge of the outside world is limited. I'm really longing to go there. I wonder if the Land of Ten Thousand Swamps is really as dangerous as the rumors say?"

"More than just dangerous!"

A younger merchant chimed in, his eyes still showing lingering fear:

"That year, I was traveling with a caravan and passed by the edge of the swamp. We only stopped to rest on the outskirts, but at night we heard roars of beasts coming from the depths of the swamp. The sound... it was as if it came from the deepest hell!"

The old man stroked his white beard and said in a deep voice:

"That land of ten thousand swamps is shrouded in mist all year round, and is filled with poisonous miasma."

Not only are ancient species inhabiting this place, but many evil cultivators and villains also lurk within. Nine out of ten ordinary cultivators who venture in will not survive.

Li Wudao listened quietly, nodding occasionally and asking questions at other times.

He talked about everything from the perilous Eastern Wilderness to the strange tales of the Northern Regions, his speech and manners were proper and natural, and he even had considerable insight into the local customs and traditions.

In the short time it takes for an incense stick to burn, he was already chatting and laughing with these people as if they were old friends.

The old man's eyes showed even greater admiration.

Having roamed the martial world for over a hundred years, he had seen far too many arrogant disciples of sects, and someone as humble and insightful as the young man before him was truly rare.

Seeing that the time was right, Li Wudao asked, seemingly casually:

"I just heard a few of you mention the 'Spirit-Nourishing Pearl,' and I'm quite interested in it."

Legend has it that this pearl is formed from the essence of heaven and earth. Is what you just said true?

Upon hearing this, the old man paused slightly in his wine bowl, a strange glint flashing in his eyes.

He pondered for a moment, then slowly shook his head: "Young man, to be honest, I heard this news from someone else as well."

He lowered his voice and leaned closer:

“I have a brother who’s been through thick and thin with me. He makes a living in ‘Chaotic Stone City.’ He mentioned it to me when we met up recently while he was passing through this place.”

He said a rumor had recently circulated in the black market of Luanshi City that a Spirit-Gathering Pearl had appeared. However… no one had actually seen it with their own eyes.

The old man gave a bitter smile:

"In the black market, it's a mix of truth and falsehood, and you're lucky if one out of ten statements is true."

Most of these are just concoctions by charlatans, designed to prey on naive and greedy young people.

Li Wudao's heart sank slightly, but he remained outwardly calm and continued to ask, "Where exactly is that Chaotic Stone City?"

"Young man, you...you really intend to go to Chaotic Stone City?"

The old man's wrist, which was holding the wine cup, froze in mid-air, and his expression suddenly turned serious.

He put down his wine bowl, his gaze sharp as lightning, and stared directly at Li Wudao: "Take my advice, brother, that's not a good place!"

He took a deep breath, lowered his voice, and each word carried a heavy weight:

"It was a desolate wasteland, shrouded in poisonous miasma year-round, inhabited by countless powerful monsters, and teeming with venomous insects and ferocious beasts. Even more terrifying was..."

The old man paused, a hint of apprehension flashing in his eyes: "That place is far from all righteous forces; it is a den of villains and a refuge for sinners!"

"The various forces are intertwined, including rogue cultivators, thugs, evil practitioners, and wanted criminals being hunted down... a mixed bag where the strong prey on the weak."

The city operates under the most primitive law of the jungle, where killing and looting are commonplace. Outsiders who enter without protection rarely return.

He earnestly advised, "Brother, I've been traveling the world for so many years and have seen many hot-blooded young people who, out of curiosity or greed for the so-called 'opportunities' in the black market, rashly go to Chaotic Stone City."

And the result? Eight or nine out of ten were beheaded... either dying in that dark, sunless swamp, devoured by monstrous beasts; or, if they were lucky enough to make it into the city, they were eaten alive by those ruthless man-eaters, leaving not even a trace!

At this point, the old man thought he could scare the young man away.

In his experience, most young people would turn pale and have the thought of giving up when they heard about such a dangerous place.

However, he looked up.

But the young man before her remained calm and composed.

There wasn't even a ripple in those deep eyes, as if they had only heard ordinary gossip.

The old man was filled with doubt and unease.

This child... is extraordinary.

As he was wondering what was going on, Li Wudao had already picked up the wine pot, filled a cup for him, and handed it to him with both hands, his manners impeccable and composed.

"Thank you for your kind words, brother. However, I do have a compelling reason to go. I hope you can show me the way and tell me the exact location of Chaotic Stone City."

The aroma of wine wafted through the air, and the young man's gaze was clear and resolute.

The old man was taken aback, took the wine cup, and gave Li Wudao a deep look, his serious expression softening slightly.

He tilted his head back and drank the wine in his glass in one gulp, then sighed:

"Young man, I admire your magnanimity. However... it's not that I'm unwilling to tell you, but even if I did tell you the location, you still wouldn't be able to get in."

He put down his wine glass and said seriously, "The City of Chaotic Stones is hidden deep within that vast swamp. Its location is extremely secretive, and it is surrounded by illusionary arrays and barriers."

Without a guide, outsiders simply cannot find the entrance. Even if they are lucky enough to find it, there are numerous checkpoints outside the city gates, and without a guide's guarantee, they cannot even enter the city.

Upon hearing this, the light in Li Wudao's eyes dimmed slightly.

This chaotic city is more complicated than he imagined, and it's quite troublesome.

He was silent for a moment, then finally raised his bowl and said with a smile, "In any case, thank you for informing me, brother."

After saying that, he beckoned to the waiter and pointed to the table: "Put the food and drinks for these gentlemen on my tab."

The merchants were all taken aback, then their faces showed gratitude.

The old man waved his hands repeatedly, saying, "Young man, you're too kind! I can't accept this..."

"We met in the martial world, it was all by fate."

Li Wudao smiled freely, stood up, cupped his hands, and said, "Please enjoy your meal, everyone. I'll take my leave first."

He turned around, his blue robe fluttering, and walked towards Qiu Zishi and the others.

Just as Li Wudao took three steps, the old man's voice suddenly came from behind him:

"Little brother stay!"

Li Wudao stopped and turned around, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.

The old man looked like he was struggling, his withered fingers rubbing the wine glass.

After a long pause, he finally let out a long sigh and gave a bitter smile:

"Young brother, I... sigh... never mind."

I see you have an extraordinary bearing, you're no ordinary person. Since we've hit it off today, I'll show you a way.

He stepped forward, pulled Li Wudao to a corner, and lowered his voice, saying:

"If you really want to go to Luanshi City... tomorrow at midnight, go to the deepest part of 'Ghost Cry Alley' in the west of the city, where there is a withered old locust tree."

There's a run-down blacksmith shop under the tree. Find a man called "Old Knife Handle." Just say "Old Hu San" sent you... he can get you in.