Gateway of Immortality-Chapter 366: The Guide

As they walked deeper into the market, Wandering Man moved unhurriedly, pausing occasionally before finally stopping in front of a shop named Tianfeng Tower. Without hesitation, he stepped inside.

The shop was nothing more than a crude stone hut, constructed from solidified earth, barely a single story high. Yet, it was grandly named a tower, making it seem somewhat comical. Inside, an elderly man with a lot of energy sat at a counter, fiddling with an artifact in his hands. His aura was deeply concealed, giving no hint of his true strength.

Qin Sang, using the Spirit Evasion Art, disguised his cultivation as that of an early-stage Foundation Building cultivator. Following behind Wandering Man, he found that even he could not see through this man’s depths, causing him to grow wary.

He knew well that the shops here were backed by powerful forces, some even directly affiliated with major sects. For this man to be stationed at Endless Valley, his background and strength were certainly not simple.

"Greetings, Daoist. I wish to purchase a map of the first and second zones of Endless Valley. Does your shop sell them?" said Wandering Man cupping his fist in respect.

Although the second zone was not as volatile as the first, it was still best to acquire a map as a precaution.

The shopkeeper set down the artifact in his hands and, upon noticing the cultivation of Qin Sang and Wandering Man, immediately brightened with a welcoming smile. He stood up and strode forward enthusiastically. "Ah, the esteemed guests grace my humble shop! Please, come in!"

After they were seated, the shopkeeper poured tea for them as he spoke. "Daoists, you’ve come to the right place. Our shop does indeed sell maps, divided into three tiers, each varying in detail and focus. Which one would you like?"

Wandering Man considered for a moment before replying, "This is our first time here. We intend to gather spiritual herbs in Endless Valley, so the more detailed the map, the better."

The shopkeeper’s smile deepened, stroking his long beard. "Naturally, the most detailed one is the best choice. However, the price..."

Wandering Man, unconcerned with cost, waved his hand. "As long as the map is detailed enough, price is not an issue!"

After paying with spirit stones, they watched as the shopkeeper retrieved a jade slip. However, upon inspecting it, both Wandering Man and Qin Sang frowned deeply.

Qin Sang’s expression darkened as he looked up. "Daoist, are you mocking us? The front section of this map is well-detailed, with multiple routes clearly marked, but the latter half turns into a chaotic mess. The core of the first zone barely has any labels at all! And you dare call this your best map?"

The shopkeeper, seemingly unfazed by Qin Sang’s reaction, immediately put on a troubled expression. "Daoist, you might not be aware, but Endless Valley is constantly changing. It is impossible to create a map that meets your expectations. The recent beast tide only subsided not long ago. These few routes were painstakingly scouted by several merchant guilds working together. As long as there are no unforeseen incidents, these paths guarantee safe passage."

Qin Sang snorted, feigning displeasure. "What use is safety? These routes don’t even cover half of the first zone, and there’s almost no indication of any valuable resources along the way! Not a single mention of Huanglong Grass! Are we supposed to take a leisurely stroll inside and then leave?"

Wandering Man tugged at Qin Sang’s sleeve, prompting him to soften his expression slightly, though he maintained his look of frustration.

"You two wish to gather Huanglong Grass?" The shopkeeper’s eyes lit up with understanding. He immediately began explaining, "It seems this is your first time in Endless Valley..."

"To be frank, there are indeed places within the valley where Huanglong Grass grows, but they are all located in some of the most perilous areas in the heart of the first zone."

"If you had come a while ago, some of those locations had already been mapped out."

"But after the last beast tide, Endless Valley has undergone a complete upheaval. Previously safe areas are now overrun by beast hordes or have turned into demonic lairs. Such shifts are entirely normal. Any spiritual herbs within those areas were either devoured or destroyed by those creatures."

"I wouldn’t dare fabricate information on a map and risk putting you two in danger."

"However, if you insist, I can provide you with a map marking those locations. You’ll have to explore them on your own."

"Of course... there is another option."

But just as he was about to continue, he suddenly fell silent.

Wandering Man placed his palm on the table and spoke in a low voice, "Daoist, if you have a way to solve our problem, name your price." ƒгeewёbnovel.com

Upon hearing this, the shopkeeper grinned in satisfaction and leaned forward slightly. "The two of you could hire a guide to lead you inside... If you trust me, I can make an introduction."

"A guide?" Wandering Man looked hesitant. "Is there really anyone who understands Endless Valley better than you merchants?"

The shopkeeper nodded. "If we’re talking about the ones who know Endless Valley best, it’s not us—it’s the outlaws who roam the valley.

"The moment the beast tide ends, before the valley even stabilizes, they charge in without hesitation, braving the dangers to explore first. They are always the first to uncover the latest changes in Endless Valley."

"These people would never sell us their maps so easily, and since the valley changes constantly, only they have the most up-to-date knowledge."

"Of course, if you walk around the market or near the valley entrance, you’ll find plenty of people claiming to be guides. But most of them are unreliable and not to be trusted."

"As the manager of Tianfeng Tower, I can personally vouch for the credibility of the guides I recommend."

Wandering Man and Qin Sang exchanged a glance.

They knew the shopkeeper wasn’t lying. Their reason for choosing Tianfeng Tower was precisely to ensure reliability and avoid dealing with deceitful individuals who would waste their time.

The guide recommended by the shopkeeper wasn’t necessarily guaranteed to be trustworthy, but at the very least, the shopkeeper had to consider Tianfeng Tower’s reputation. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn’t dare act recklessly.

Feigning a brief discussion, Wandering Man eventually spoke, "Since that’s the case, we’ll trouble you to make the introduction. We’ll meet the guide first and decide afterward."

The shopkeeper had no objections. He immediately retrieved several Sound Transmission Talismans and sent them out.

Not long after, a talisman flew back into the shop. The shopkeeper caught it and, after reading its contents, his expression brightened. "As it happens, a guide has just gathered a team and is preparing to depart. He knows of a location where Huanglong Grass grows and is willing to lead the way. If you’re interested, I can take you to meet him now so you can discuss the details."

Upon hearing this, Wandering Man and Qin Sang immediately stood up.

"Please, follow me!"

The shopkeeper led the way, guiding them through the mountain ridge until they arrived in front of a wooden hut nestled in the back hills. "This is the place..."

As he spoke, he activated a wisp of spiritual power, triggering the barrier around the hut.

Creak!

The door was pushed open from within, and a young man who appeared to be in his early thirties stepped out.

His cultivation was unmasked, comparable to Wandering Man’s.

Yet, for some reason, despite being an immortal cultivator, his face was deathly pale, completely devoid of blood. His frame was thin and frail, making him seem extraordinarily weak—like a mortal suffering from severe depletion of qi and blood. The sight was rather astonishing.

"Kong Xin greets the senior."

The young man bowed slightly toward the shopkeeper before shifting his gaze to Wandering Man and Qin Sang. "Greetings, fellow Daoists."