The water is too deep for you to handle.

"Given the current conditions, it's impossible to condense a perfect Divine Pill. It seems advancing to the next realm will have to wait for now.

The top priority is to collect the Divine Swords and gather all thirty-six of them as soon as possible. Once they're refined into an array with the Gengjin Sword Case, and that Sacred Weapon is added in, I might even stand a chance against a Heaven Origin Realm expert.

Along the way, I’ll also look for ways to purify my essence, energy, and spirit."

After setting his goals, Gu Qingfeng began his secluded cultivation.

He practiced the Nine Heavens Soaring Dragon Steps and refined the two newly acquired Divine Swords along with the Sacred Weapon using the Gengjin Sword Case.

Time flies when one is immersed in cultivation—three days passed in the blink of an eye...

Gu Qingfeng emerged from seclusion.

"Who would’ve thought that mastering the Nine Heavens Soaring Dragon Steps, a mere technique created by a Heaven Realm expert, would take this venerable one three whole days? It really does have some substance.

Good thing I took the time to refine and perfect it."

Over these three days, Gu Qingfeng had been quite productive. Not only had he fully refined the Sacred Weapon and the two Divine Swords, but he had also improved the incomplete Nine Heavens Soaring Dragon Steps, though it cost him quite a few brain cells.

He had also thoroughly deciphered the method for crafting Heavenly Thunder Orbs. Unfortunately, while other materials were easy to obtain, genuine Heavenly Thunder was hard to come by.

Of course, he could summon thunder within his Palm World, but the lightning from a minor world was too weak to be of any use.

Such is the privilege of possessing the Innate Sacred Body and the Seven Orifices Exquisite Physique!

After leaving seclusion, Gu Qingfeng altered his appearance and disguised himself before heading straight to the Linyuan City branch of the Myriad Treasures Trading House.

Flashing his prestigious VIP jade token, he enjoyed a 20% discount and began shopping extravagantly.

"Bring out all the Divine Sword-level blades in your store."

The manager of the Myriad Treasures Trading House, upon seeing the token, immediately complied without question.

"Esteemed guest, our store currently has six Divine Sword-level blades: the Profound Shadow Sword, the Crimson Yin Sword, the Five Elements Divine Sword, the Hundred Spirits Demon-Slaying Sword, the Nine Yin Mother-Child Sword..."

"Enough, enough. No need for the introductions. How much for all of them?"

"A-all of them?!" The manager was stunned.

"Esteemed guest, do you intend to purchase them all?"

"Obviously. Why else would I ask you to bring them all out?"

Upon hearing the confirmation, the manager was overjoyed—this was a massive deal!

He had assumed the customer wanted to inspect them one by one, but who would’ve guessed he wanted everything?

He had no doubts about Gu Qingfeng’s financial capability, as the jade token was proof enough—only those with substantial wealth could obtain a Myriad Treasures Trading House token.

"Esteemed guest, the total comes to 61,130,000 taels of Spirit Stones. For you, we’ll round it down to 61,000,000."

"Pack them all—wait! How much?!" Gu Qingfeng was instantly shocked.

"61,000,000 taels," the manager repeated.

"61 million?! Did you apply the discount? Can’t you see this token in my hand?"

"Esteemed guest, this is the price after the discount. Rest assured, our store is fair to all, young and old. You won’t find a better deal anywhere in the Green Wood Domain.

And don’t think it’s too expensive—the Nine Yin Mother-Child Sword alone is a top-grade Divine Weapon, worth 20 million taels of Spirit Stones.

What do you think...?"

Gu Qingfeng didn’t want to think, nor did he have the mood for it. Even though he had over 200 million taels of Spirit Stones, spending like this was unsustainable!

Just six Divine Swords had already cost him 60 million—at this rate, he’d burn through all his Spirit Stones before even gathering all thirty-six swords!

Unless one didn’t care about quality and bought only low-grade divine weapons, perhaps it would be enough—but their power would inevitably suffer.

"Buy them." Gu Qingfeng practically gritted his teeth as he spoke.

After paying, he asked, "Do you know if there are any black markets nearby?"

"Esteemed guest, about a hundred miles west of Linyuan City, there’s a mountain called Ghost Mother Mountain. A black market operates there. However, I must warn you—this black market is privately organized by a few rogue cultivators at the Heavenly Origin Realm. Most of its visitors are either disciples of minor sects, rogue cultivators, or even fugitives wanted by major factions. Occasionally, you might find a treasure or two, but most goods are fakes.

Moreover, since there’s no oversight, killings and robberies happen frequently. If you’re looking to purchase something, it’s best to stick with reputable establishments like our Ten Thousand Treasures Trading House—guaranteed safety and authenticity."

Gu Qingfeng curled his lips. Sure, they were reliable—but they cost a fortune!

He had already made up his mind: wealth never came without risk, just as horses never grew fat without night grazing. A lawless place like a black market, teeming with ruthless outlaws, was ripe for righteous justice!

After inquiring further about Ghost Mother Mountain, he left without looking back—this place had already broken his heart.

...

Night fell outside Ghost Mother Mountain.

Two figures in black robes clashed in battle.

One wielded a blood-red sword, its blade gleaming crimson as it tore through the air, unleashing torrents of bloody light like a raging river, slashing toward his opponent.

The other summoned a silver serpent scissors, transforming it into two intertwined silver pythons that lunged to meet the bloody sword.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Silver and scarlet light clashed, drowning out even the starlight above.

"Hand over the Millennium Blood Lotus, and I’ll spare your life!" the blood-sword wielder threatened.

The silver-scissors user remained silent, fighting desperately but clearly at a disadvantage. His eyes darted around, searching for an escape.

Both were early-stage Earthly Origin Realm cultivators, but the blood-sword wielder was clearly stronger.

Gradually, the silver-scissors fighter accumulated more wounds, his divine energy waning. A tragedy loomed, and evil spread unchecked.

Then—justice arrived!

"Hold your hands, both of you!"

Gu Qingfeng suddenly appeared, startling the two combatants.

In the heat of battle, nothing was more dangerous than a third party waiting to profit. The two immediately halted, eyeing him warily.

When the blood-sword wielder sensed Gu Qingfeng’s mere Soul Realm cultivation, he relaxed.

"Where did this brat come from? A mere Soul Realm cultivator dares to play the vulture?"

"Now, now," Gu Qingfeng said, waving his hands. "I was merely passing by and couldn’t bear to see you two fighting. I came to mediate."

The blood-sword wielder nearly laughed in disbelief.

"You greenhorn! You haven’t even formed your Divine Core, yet you meddle in Earthly Origin Realm affairs? Do you have a death wish?"

"Not at all," Gu Qingfeng shook his head. "Since ancient times, wealth stirs greed. For mere worldly possessions, you two would shed blood and risk your lives—such a waste.

Take my advice: these worldly goods are beyond your grasp. The waters run too deep. Why not hand them over to me and make peace instead?"