As Lin Wei approached the towering gates of Baishi City, his eyes were drawn to an enormous iron-carved signboard that read:
"Welcome to Baishi City – The City of Agriculture and Endless Possibilities."
The sheer size of the signboard was awe-inspiring, and Lin Wei could not help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. Compared to his hometown, Qinghe City, Baishi was a realm apart—vast, bustling, and teeming with opportunities. The city's grandeur was evident in its towering walls, the intricate designs on its gates, and the disciplined guards stationed at the entrance.
Upon entering, Lin Wei and his companions were immediately enveloped by the city's vibrant energy. Streets were lined with vendors selling exotic goods, cultivators of various ranks moved with purpose, and the air was thick with the aroma of unfamiliar spices. Despite the allure, they decided to first find an inn to rest and rejuvenate before exploring further.
They settled into a modest yet comfortable inn, where they indulged in hearty meals, a luxury they had not experienced during their journey. That night, as Lin Wei lay on his bed, thoughts of home mingled with anticipation for the adventures awaiting him in Baishi. Sleep came swiftly, and he dozed off.
Earlier in the morning, he heard a knock on the door
A note slid under his door:
"Morning has arrived. Prepare for the market."
Rubbing sleep from his eyes, Lin Wei dressed and joined his team downstairs. They embarked on a journey through the city's winding streets, taking nearly an hour to reach the famed market.
The market was a spectacle to behold. The outer sections buzzed with mortal vendors selling everyday goods, while deeper within, stalls catered to cultivators, offering rare herbs, mystical artifacts, and enchanted weapons. Guided by the head merchant, Lin Wei navigated through the bustling lanes, absorbing the sights and sounds.
After selling his high-quality metals for a substantial sum of 50,500 gold coins, Lin Wei was advised to find a reputable guild to assist in navigating the city's vast offerings by the head Marchant because their own job in escorting him is already done so they have to go their own way and he did as he was told.
He secured accommodations at a well-regarded inn, costing 2,000 gold coins for a week, which included meals and some basic needs then with the help of innkeeper recommendation.
He booked the "Silver Compass Guild," known for their trustworthy guides.
The next day, accompanied by a Level 7 Body Tempering cultivator from the guild named Jian Yu, Lin Wei delved deeper into the market. They visited numerous shops, but the true treasures remained elusive.
Jian Yu suggested they explore the renowned "Celestial Pavilion" the following day because it is already too late that the market is already on their closure point—a place reputed to house the rarest of items.
The Celestial Pavilion was an architectural marvel, its exterior adorned with celestial motifs and its interior divided into sections dedicated to various artifacts. Upon entering, Lin Wei approached the receptionist, expressing his desire to meet the manager. Surprised by his request, she informed him that such meetings were reserved for transactions exceeding 20,000,000 gold coins. Undeterred, Lin Wei insisted, leading to a requirement of a 100,000 gold coin deposit—a sum that momentarily unsettled him but was assured to be refundable.
After the formalities, Lin Wei was escorted to the manager's office. Presenting five distinct stones which are the unknown crystals that he acquire from the shore green, red, golden, diamond-like, and an unknown metal—he awaited their appraisal. The managers examined them, their expressions shifting from curiosity to astonishment. Uncertain of the stones' origins, they summoned a higher authority.
Soon, the young president, Zhang Tian, entered.
Despite his youthful appearance, an aura of immense power surrounded him. He greeted the managers warmly and turned his attention to Lin Wei's items. Recognizing their significance but little skeptical because he wasn't 100% sure if it is what he is thinking it is, he led Lin Wei to a more secluded office, adorned with ancient artifacts and scrolls.
There, he placed a mysterious device atop the stones and waited.
Moments later, an elderly man and a young woman entered. The old man, addressed as Uncle Li, examined the stones and gasped.
These... these are realm crystals! They can open portals to god realms—domains of endless possibilities and dangers. With the right incantations, one could access realms filled with rare elixirs and treasures. But possessing them is perilous; entire clans have been destroyed over such artifacts that have even a longer value than what you have right now."
The room fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in. Uncle Li continued, emphasizing the unparalleled value of the diamond-like crystal and the unknown metal. He urged Zhang Tian to summon the clan head immediately, declaring that their clan stood on the brink of unprecedented power.
Lin Wei sat in stunned silence, the magnitude of his discovery unfolding before him. Emotions surged—fear, excitement, uncertainty. He had ventured into Baishi seeking trade opportunities, but fate had presented him with a key to realms beyond imagination.
Zhang Tian stare at the crystals for long time, eyes shining like stars. He take deep breath, then look serious and ask:
"Young friend... where did you find these? Who are you? These things are very dangerous. If wrong people find out, your life could be over."
His voice was calm, but Lin Wei could feel the strong pressure behind the words. Even Uncle Li now look at him with sharp eyes.
Lin Wei didn't answer. Instead, he point at the red crystal and ask:
How do these things work? You said it opens gate to some world… how can I activate it?"
Zhang Tian raise an eyebrow.
"You're not answering me… but asking more? You're brave, I'll give you that."
He smile a bit, but it wasn't really a happy smile. It was more like someone seeing a strange puzzle.
Uncle Li sigh, then walk to a shelf and take out an old bronze compass. He put it near the crystals. The compass needle start spinning fast and then stop—pointing at the diamond-like crystal.
He nod slowly.
"Each of these Realm Crystals need special chant and blood essence to activate. Some may also require a key… and if done wrong, it might explode or attract creatures from other worlds."
Lin Wei frown.
"Blood essence? What kind? And creatures from other worlds?"
Before anyone could reply, the door slowly open. A powerful aura rush in like wind blowing a fire.
A tall man walk in, long beard, black and silver robe, and in his hand—a giant thick book with strange glowing runes on the cover.
Zhang Tian bow fast.
"Clan Head!"
Uncle Li step aside.
"Master Yun, you must see this for yourself."
The Clan Head sit down slowly, placing the book on the table. He open it, flip few pages, then stop and look at the crystals.
His eyes widen.
He look at Lin Wei.
"Boy... do you know what you have brought here?"
Lin Wei shake his head.
"I found them while mining… they looked special, so I kept them."
The Clan Head close the book with a thump.
"These are not normal treasures. One wrong move, and many powers will come after you—be it sects, clans, kingdoms… even ancient races from the higher realms."
Zhang Tian add:
"That's why I asked who you are. What do you want in exchange for these crystals? Money? Weapons? Status? Protection?"
But Lin Wei still not answering that question. He was more interested in the truth.
"So what do these crystals open to? You said realms… what kind of realms?"
The Clan Head look at the glowing stones, then slowly smile, and simply reply "Am not sure,
But according to the information that we have
It is a realms that hold the bones of ancient gods. Forests where every leaf has spirit. Mountains filled with dragon blood. Some say, the crystals are pieces of the universe's heart… broken during the Battle of the Gods and the reason for such war remains unknown." And some also said that it is the dwelling place of the living devil
Lin Wei eyes open wide. His heartbeat race faster. Suddenly, his dream of power, fortune, and mystery feel closer—but also more dangerous.
The Clan Head push the book forward.
"If you're brave enough, we can help you. But first, tell us one thing—will you share these crystals with us, or walk this road alone?"
The room go quiet. Lin Wei hold his breath. In this moment, his decision could change everything.