With his experience, how could he not understand Yi Tianxing's intentions? If it were anyone else, Jia Chengxin wouldn't have said a word. After all, intelligence was not only a resource—it was a commodity. Information often had to be bought. Knowing something that others didn't—that was value.
But that also depended on who the other party was.
Faced with a premium client like Yi Tianxing, he naturally didn't bring up money. Instead, he relayed the information as if sharing strange tales over wine.
"This area is part of the Boundless Sea Realm, but in the Eternal World, it's merely the tip of the iceberg. Besides the Boundless Sea, there are many other vast oceans. For instance, the Caribbean Sea—a realm of sea monsters, pirates, and treasure hunters. It's rumored that it's a savage world, filled with terrifying pirates and monsters, but also brimming with unimaginable treasure. Once you step inside, there's a high chance you won't make it out. Best not to venture in lightly."
"There's also the Gem Sea, home to countless Gem Beasts. These beasts are formidable, but inside their bodies lies a supreme delicacy—Gem Flesh. Even without cooking, the taste is said to be unparalleled. For gourmet connoisseurs, it's a paradise, a literal food utopia."
"Then there's the Demon Sea, which contains the legendary Devil Fruits. Eating one of these fruits directly opens up a Fate Aperture within the body, granting extraordinary powers. No other process is needed—just eat it. It's said this sea also contains countless treasures."
…
Jia Chengxin rattled off the names of various mysterious oceans as if reciting a familiar litany. Each one had its own distinct characteristics, and many were not ruled by dragonkind. In the Gem Sea, the apex predators were the gem beasts; in the Caribbean, it was the sea monsters.
Hearing these names, Cai Yan and the other ladies were visibly moved, eyes full of wonder. The thought of seeing such fantastical places with their own eyes was beyond enticing.
"Caribbean Sea… Gem Sea… Demon Sea…"Yi Tianxing felt a tremor in his heart.
These names corresponded perfectly with some of his past memories. Without doubt, these oceans had formed due to the fusion of myriad worlds. But far from being a threat, this was a momentous opportunity.
He understood all too well the incredible value hidden in these seas.
"I wonder, Brother Jia, have you ever personally visited any of these places? Especially the Gem Sea. If you have any Gem Flesh, I'd be willing to pay handsomely. The same goes for the Devil Fruits—I'm very interested."
A single Devil Fruit could unlock a fate aperture and grant supernatural powers—a treasure of unimaginable worth. There was no need to refine Fate Aperture Pills or go through any cultivation ritual.
But even more than that, Yi Tianxing's focus was on the Gem Sea. If he could obtain a large quantity of Gem Flesh, he was confident he could rapidly elevate his physical cultivation.
He still hadn't consumed the last piece he'd acquired—it was too precious.
His desire for this mysterious delicacy was clear.
"Heh, next time, next time," Jia Chengxin chuckled ambiguously.
Still, from his demeanor, it was evident he did have some of those goods.
The conversation shifted again, with Jia Chengxin recounting even more stories. Yi Tianxing and the others mostly listened. Much of what they heard was entirely new.
For instance, he spoke of an enormous peak in the heart of the Primordial Continent: the legendary Buzhou Mountain, said to be the first divine mountain of the Eternal World. Or of the Undying Volcano, home to the phoenix race, where massive phoenix trees grew, each a priceless treasure. Even on the sun, Golden Crows were said to cry out.
Cai Yan and the others were fascinated. It was clear: itinerant merchants like Jia Chengxin truly saw more of the world than most. It was enough to make one envious.
BOOM!
Before they realized it, midnight struck. As the bell rang in the new year, the Immortal Delicacy Banquet drew to a close. Guests began dispersing, and Jia Chengxin returned to his merchant city atop the Wandering Bird.
Thus began Year Nine of the Eternal Calendar.
That night, Yi Tianxing naturally spent in tender closeness with Cai Yan and the others. The sweetness of such intimacy was a pleasure words could not capture. The treasures their bodies offered were a pinnacle of worldly bliss.
The next morning: New Year's Day.
The Xuanhuang City was bustling with celebration.
Fireworks burst overhead, streets thronged with people. Everywhere, there was joy and laughter. On the first day of the new year, everything seemed renewed.
Throughout the Great Yi Dynasty, the atmosphere was one of wild celebration.
The essence of human civilization had fully awakened.
Those who had suffered through hardship now felt their lives transformed. Their status and circumstances had changed dramatically.
Sure enough, Jia Chengxin reappeared in Xuanhuang City. This time, he wandered the streets like a common man, leisurely browsing, occasionally purchasing items that caught his eye.
Naturally, he had learned about Eternal Coins—and once he held them in his hand, he could only sing their praises.
The second day of the New Year.
Yi Tianxing brought Cai Yan and the others with him onto the Wandering Bird, stepping into the ancient city atop its back.
"What a massive ancient city… but it's a bit empty."
As they stepped through the gates, the vast emptiness was immediately apparent. It was quiet. Yet the city was clearly filled with buildings—blacksmiths, tailors, taverns, and more. All basic infrastructure was there, just unoccupied.
The most eye-catching structure sat in the city center: a towering Wandering Pavilion.
As soon as Yi Tianxing set foot in the city, the pavilion opened, and Jia Chengxin appeared with a smile.
"Forgive the desolation, my friend. Wandering City was only recently completed. I haven't begun recruiting other merchants yet. But I assure you, next time you visit, it won't be this quiet."
Yi Tianxing smiled. "A mountain doesn't need to be high—having a sage makes it sacred. A body of water doesn't need to be deep—having a dragon gives it spirit. With you here, this city is already the most miraculous place under heaven. It holds the richest treasure of all."
"Haha! You flatter me!"
Jia Chengxin chuckled as he led the group into the pavilion.
The Wandering Pavilion was clearly his core domain. Compared to before, it was far more lavish.
On the first floor, countless display shelves showcased treasures of every kind. Radiant auras glowed from every item, dazzling to the eyes.
"I've gathered quite a bit during my travels in the Eternal World," Jia Chengxin said proudly. "From trading with many races and factions, my inventory's quite diverse. Whatever kind of item you want, I should be able to offer at least something. Though of course, there are some things even I don't have."
Indeed, the goods here far surpassed anything from previous years. Cultivators were excellent at scavenging the world, but itinerant merchants like Jia Chengxin were even better at collecting, salvaging, and even making trash into treasure.
Pills, potions, herbs, spirit fruits, exotic materials—even winter coats, axes, and swords for commoners and soldiers—everything was here. From rare to mundane, the variety was overwhelming.
The motto of itinerant merchants: "If you can name the price, there's nothing we can't find."
Yi Tianxing glanced around, but his divine Innate Yin-Yang Eyes quickly told him the truth.The truly rare treasures… were not on the first floor.
"Hmph. We're old acquaintances. Don't try to fob me off with this entry-level stuff," he said mildly.
"Of course not. This way—let's head to the second floor."
Jia Chengxin didn't mind at all.
The real treasures were upstairs.
They ascended to the second level, which was also a vast space—but with fewer shelves. The glow of the artifacts here, however, was far more intense.
"Take this, for example. A Runic Battle Armor from Atlantis."
Jia Chengxin gestured to one shelf, which held a single item—a crystal orb, shimmering with mysterious runes. Inside, countless symbols flickered, shifting and pulsing like living beings.
"This is the Runic Battle Armor."
Even Yi Tianxing couldn't help but raise an eyebrow in curiosity.
The runes seemed scattered, but he could feel a hidden logic among them—a mysterious, profound structure underlying the chaos.
"Care to try it out?" Jia Chengxin said with a smile, handing him the orb.