Immortality Starts From Making Money.-Chapter 367: Game Replay Crystal

"What are you saying?" a boy asked his friend as they walked along a quiet street in the lower district.

"I’m telling the truth. There is an artifact that shows the football game," his friend replied without hesitation.

He was a thin boy with short, fiery red hair that stood slightly on end, as though it reflected his restless nature.

His eyes blazed with anticipation and barely contained excitement as he spoke, his hands moving animatedly while describing the mysterious artifact.

Every word spilled out faster than the last, as if he feared his friend might interrupt or dismiss him before he could finish.

"Are you telling the truth?" his friend asked again, his eyes widening with open skepticism.

An artifact that could show something that had already happened in the past. How was that even possible?

Even the powerful clans and prestigious sects did not possess such miraculous objects. Image crystals existed, yes, but they were crude, expensive, and limited.

Most could only capture vague silhouettes or soundless shadows, and only the wealthiest forces could afford them.

"Don’t worry. You’ll see it for yourself," the red-haired boy said impatiently.

His voice carried a hint of irritation as he lengthened his stride, clearly eager to reach their destination.

The two friends weaved through narrow alleys and crooked side streets, avoiding puddles and piles of discarded debris.

The lower district was rarely quiet, but today, an unusual buzz hung in the air. Along the way, fragments of conversation drifted toward them, whispered with excitement and disbelief.

"...I heard it looks real, like the players are right there..."

"...They say you can hear the crowd cheering..."

"...Impossible. That has to be exaggerated..."

"Do you hear that?" the red hair boy muttered, his lips curling into a faint sneer.

His friend did not reply. Instead, his steps slowed, and his expression shifted into stunned disbelief.

They had arrived.

Before them stood an old wooden storefront with weathered planks and a faded sign hanging crookedly above the entrance.

It was nothing special at first glance, yet a dense crowd had gathered outside, completely blocking the street.

People of all ages pressed forward, their faces alight with curiosity and excitement.

Everyone was talking at once, their voices overlapping in a chaotic hum.

"Heavens, I never expected I would be able to watch the football game again."

"Do you know which senior created such a magical artifact?"

"How would I know?"

"Such an expert must be someone beyond our imagination."

"You’re right. They probably created these artifacts simply because they love the game of football and want everyone to enjoy it—even from their own rooms."

These were people who had already been completely won over by the game of football. Some had once dismissed it as a passing novelty, but now their eyes gleamed with devotion.

The sport had taken root in their hearts far more deeply than anyone had anticipated.

"Enough! Keep quiet!"

A loud voice thundered over the crowd.

A middle-aged man with a protruding belly stepped out of the store, his hands planted firmly on his hips.

His robe was stretched tightly around his waist, and sweat glistened on his forehead, yet his face was filled with undeniable pride.

"If you want to buy the Game Replay Crystal, line up on this side," he shouted, pointing sharply to his left. "If you just want to watch, gather on this side."

At once, the crowd split into two groups. Surprisingly, far more people rushed to the viewing area, while only a small number initially lined up to purchase.

After all, ten high-grade spirit stones was not a small sum for those living in the lower district.

The shopkeeper nodded in satisfaction and turned back into the store.

Moments later, he returned carrying a faintly glowing crystal the size of a small stone. He placed it carefully on a wooden table and injected a strand of spiritual energy into it.

The crystal lit up.

Light burst forth, forming a translucent projection in the air. A familiar stadium appeared, followed by the thunderous roar of an unseen crowd.

The match between the Blood River and the Black Spider unfolded vividly before everyone’s eyes.

"Wow!"

Gasps echoed through the street. Mouths fell open. Even those who had arrived filled with doubt were struck speechless.

The movements were smooth, the images crisp and lifelike. Every sprint, tackle, and pass played out as though the match were happening live before them.

Most astonishing of all, sound rang clearly through the air—cheers, commentary, even the clash of boots against the ground.

Looking at the stunned crowd, the shopkeeper puffed his chest outward, basking in their reactions. He turned toward the line of buyers, his eyes shining greedily.

"I only have limited stock," he announced loudly. "Each Game Replay Crystal costs ten high-grade spirit stones."

Before he could finish speaking, the once-short line doubled in length.

Those who had doubted before now scrambled forward, fear flashing across their faces at the thought of missing out.

Even those who could barely afford it gritted their teeth, determined to obtain one at any cost.

Similar scenes unfolded throughout the lower district and even parts of the middle district. In just a few hours after the Game Replay Crystal hit the market, its fame spread like wildfire.

Inside the headquarters of the Red Serpent Gang, a projection flickered silently in a dimly lit room.

The Red Serpent leader sat at the head of a long table, her sharp eyes fixed on the image floating before her. As the replay continued, her jaw slowly dropped, a rare expression of shock crossing her face.

"Boss," a woman standing beside her said cautiously, "with this crystal, we could study the game more thoroughly."

"You’re right," the leader replied, nodding slowly. Her gaze never left the crystal. "Who do you think created this?" she asked.

The woman froze, her brows knitting together as she thought carefully. "I would have said it was them," she admitted, "but I don’t believe they possess this level of capability. This is unlike any image crystal we have ever seen."

She gestured toward the projection. "The image is far clearer and sharper. More importantly, we can hear their voices."

"This must be the work of a powerful artifact refiner," she concluded.

Silence settled over the room. The Red Serpent leader frowned deeply, her fingers tapping against the table.

Why would such an expert create something so... trivial?

The Game Replay Crystal merely replayed a recorded event. It had no combat function, no defensive properties, no direct value in cultivation or battle.

An expert capable of creating powerful artifacts should not be so idle.

Should they?

This question echoed through the minds of many powerful figures across the city.

Smaller clans and the three major gangs quickly came to the same conclusion.

Participating in the football game had been the correct decision. If their forces could acquire dedicated Game Replay Crystals, their fame would skyrocket.

Just like the Blood River and the Black Spider.

The influence of the Game Replay Crystal only deepened the city’s fascination with the sport. Those who had once relied solely on storytellers could finally see the matches for themselves.

Even if it was only a replay.

It was still better than nothing.

Spies moved swiftly through the streets, discreetly purchasing crystals before rushing back to deliver them to their masters. Information flowed upward, and interest spread far beyond the lower district.

The game of football might have been born in a small corner of the city, but with the emergence of the Game Replay Crystal, it was destined to reach places where ordinary gossip could never travel.

And once it did, nothing would ever be the same again.