Seeking Immortality in a Bizarre World-Chapter 723 - 717 Mind Control Hairpin, Hunting_1

Tu Bai Ling?

Jia Ren was not unfamiliar with this woman; it was only after her reminder that he became aware of the Red Dust Tribulation Qi. Otherwise, who knew when he would have discovered the problem. If it had dragged on until the Red Dust Tribulation Qi attracted the Mortal Dust Celestial Tribulation, the trouble would have been unimaginable. Undergoing a tribulation in the Chaotic Immortal Realm was like asking for a swift death. Countless Immortals and Bizarre Immortals would likely be drawn to the Heavenly Tribulation, eagerly waiting to kill, rob, and seize a great opportunity. The information from the Heavenly Immortal View that Tu Bai Ling had reminded him of was extremely valuable. It allowed Jia Ren to resolve the Red Dust Tribulation Qi so quickly, saving him from many detours. Otherwise, he would still have been entangled with the Red Dust Tribulation Qi; how could he possibly have reached the Mid-stage True Immortal realm?

Jia Ren carefully sized up Tu Bai Ling, realizing her state was not right. Her eyes appeared dull, and she followed the man in white mechanically, like a puppet on strings.

Is she being controlled by someone?

Jia Ren remembered how she had hastily left when they first met, advising him to leave the Chaotic Immortal Realm. He had been followed afterward, and now it seemed likely that this was the handiwork of the man in white.

How strong is this person? If his strength is weak, I wouldn’t mind lending Tu Bai Ling a hand and rescuing her from dire straits. If he’s strong... I won’t overestimate my own abilities.

The man in white didn’t exude the slightest hint of his aura, making it impossible to determine which Immortal Path he followed. As if sensing his gaze, their eyes met. Jia Ren nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes unknowingly shifting to an envious expression.

Bringing the Nine-Tailed Fox Lady was too conspicuous. With so many similar gazes around, Lin Xianjun paid no attention to the unremarkable Jia Ren.

"Daoist friend, you are indeed fortunate to have subdued the legendary Nine-tailed Fox!"

"Members of the Divine Beast clan are always rare, let alone the most beautiful Nine-Tailed Fox Lady!"

The Immortals around them cast envious and jealous glances, wishing they could take his place.

"The Mind Control Hairpin?!"

A few Demon Immortals looked at the green hairpin on Tu Bai Ling’s head and recognized the Immortal Artifact, their eyes flashing with anger.

"You’ve got some nerve, enslaving a Demon Immortal!"

"And to flaunt it in front of us—you’re truly courting death!"

The member of the Demon Race who spoke had red fox fur on his face and fox tails sprouting from his back. There were many clans among the Demon Immortals, so it was difficult for them to unite. The Fox Demon Immortal who spoke became uncontrollably furious upon seeing a noble Nine-tailed Fox being controlled. A bright silver light flashed in his palm, tearing through the air with a piercing screech. With a flash of light, the attack reached Lin Xianjun.

Now’s my chance!

Jia Ren had been watching Lin Xianjun closely, hoping to seize this opportunity to gauge his strength.

Lin Xianjun remained composed in his seat. The incoming silver light veered off course, striking empty air as if misled by an Illusion Technique. Before the Fox Immortal could see through the Illusion Technique, a myriad of Formations in Linding Cave Heaven activated, creating intricate, crisscrossing patterns. Restrictions surged into the Fox Demon’s body, immobilizing him on the spot. Multiple attempts to break free from the restraints failed.

"This is Linding City!" a voice declared. "Daoist friend, you are acting unruly and even dared to attack a guest of the City Lord! Come with me!"

"My apologies for startling the honored guest!"

Several azure-gold chains bound the Fox Demon. A White-robed Immortal cupped his hands towards Lin Xianjun and dragged the attacking Demon Immortal away.

Jia Ren failed to seize the chance to ascertain the man’s strength, a touch of regret evident in his eyes. The commotion did not cause much of a disturbance, and the exchange continued as normal.

The Qi-surnamed Immortal took the lead, presenting a piece of fiery red crystalline stone. "This Red Fire Immortal Spirit Crystal," he announced, "is a high-quality Immortal material for forging Middle-grade fire-based Immortal Artifacts, in exchange for the same tier of water-based Immortal materials."

Materials for Middle-grade Immortal Artifacts?

Immortal Artifacts ranged from Lower-grade to Supreme-grade, with a vast difference between each tier. The Immortal Artifacts Jia Ren had sold in his shop were all Lower-grade Immortal Artifacts. Middle-grade Immortal Artifacts were significantly superior to Lower-grade ones, mostly held by Golden Immortal-level powerhouses, and were seldom seen. The vast majority of Immortals would never have the chance to see one.

Although Jia Ren had the Sacrificial Immortal Fire, which could enhance Immortal Artifacts, he didn’t possess any such artifacts himself. Lower-grade Immortal Artifacts could indeed be upgraded to Middle-grade, but the Sacrificial Immortal Fire was primarily supplied to the Profound Heaven Suppressing Immortal Demon Pagoda. This pagoda was embarking on a path toward becoming a Xuantian Immortal Treasure, a route quite different from that of typical Immortal Artifacts. It had accumulated enough Immortal Power to reach the peak of a Middle-grade Immortal Artifact, but due to insufficient Power of Laws, it was unable to ascend to become a true Middle-grade Xuantian Immortal Treasure.

"Daoist Qi, Middle-grade water-based Immortal materials are hard to come by. Is it possible to use Immortal Jade or other treasures in exchange?" someone asked.

A supply of Middle-grade Immortal Artifact materials was still tempting, prompting many Immortals to make offers. The Qi-surnamed Immortal was intent only on acquiring water-based Middle-grade Immortal materials, so the first exchange ended without success. Subsequently, some presented Immortal Pills and Immortal Talismans for trade, but unfortunately, after a bad start, these exchanges also ended in failure.

It was soon Jia Ren’s turn. "I’m looking to exchange for Golden Immortal-level Immortal Techniques," he stated. "If there are any satisfactory Immortal Dao Secret Techniques, they can be traded for with Immortal Artifacts."

Gathered here were Immortals from small sects and Loose Immortals. Most of them had illustrious ancestors and had inherited Golden Immortal-level Cultivation Techniques passed down through generations. Jia Ren successfully exchanged for a water-based Golden Immortal Cultivation Technique called the Xuan Yin Suppressing Prison Canon, paying only the price of a common Immortal Artifact. Previously, such a high-level Cultivation Technique couldn’t have been exchanged for just one Lower-grade Immortal Artifact, let alone ten.

Lin Xianjun spoke up, "I have a Golden Immortal Cultivation Technique. I am willing to offer it if Daoist friend explains what use he has for Golden Immortal Cultivation Techniques."

Lin Xianjun wasn’t particularly interested in trading; his gaze swept over everyone as if he were merely a spectator. However, the exchange of a Lower-grade Immortal Artifact for a Golden Immortal Cultivation Technique piqued his interest.

As numerous eyes scanned him, Jia Ren gave a shy smile. "The path to becoming a Golden Immortal has been severed, and there is no hope of progressing further. I can only hope to gain insight from the experiences of predecessors to find an alternative path."

Upon hearing this, the crowd couldn’t help but sneer.

"That’s just wishful thinking!"

"You’re just a Loose Immortal! Not even a Daluo Golden Immortal or a Dao Ancestor could continue the Great Dao. What makes you think you’re worthy?"

"How utterly overconfident!"

Jia Ren ignored all their skepticism. Summer insects cannot speak of ice. I possess the Proficiency Panel, capable of turning the decayed into the miraculous. What Daluo Golden Immortals and Dao Ancestors couldn’t achieve doesn’t mean I can’t either!

Jia Ren continued, "This has already become my Heart Demon. Even if I fail, I will have no regrets."

Lin Xianjun gave Jia Ren a long, deep look before eventually withdrawing his gaze. Tu Bai Ling stood quietly to the side, silent throughout, never once looking at Jia Ren.

The trading meet proceeded normally, with most exchanges ending in failure. The Chaotic Immortal Realm had undergone a great calamity. Immortal resources were relatively scarce, and the rarest among them were mostly controlled by major sects like the Heavenly Immortal View. Minor sects and Loose Immortals could only pick at the leftovers. They possessed few treasures and could hardly meet the various exotic demands.

After the trading concluded, the Immortals sat down to discuss the Dao.

The Qi-surnamed Immortal announced, "Let me share some good news. The Teleportation Array in Linding City was repaired just before nightfall, and it’s now possible to teleport to Linding City. The Linding City Lord has entrusted me to sell these Immortal Talismans, priced at ten thousand Lower-grade Immortal Jades per piece."

This was indeed another piece of news announced by the Immortal surnamed Qi at the end of the trading meet. However, the set price made people hesitate. Ten thousand Lower-grade Immortal Jades could buy two or three decent Lower-grade Immortal Artifacts; not everyone could afford such a steep price.

"The teleportation cost is too expensive!"

"Can the price be lowered? I, Liu, am truly financially embarrassed."

Ten thousand Lower-grade Immortal Jades were indeed expensive. However, if one could leave the Chaotic Immortal Realm without venturing into the Void, the price was still within an acceptable range. Immortal Jade was precious indeed, but one needed the opportunity to spend it.

The Qi-surnamed Immortal continued, "Fellow Daoists, you can use the Immortal Artifacts and Talismans in your possession in lieu of Immortal Jade. The Demon God Temple and the Demon Source Cave are about to fall. The three Bizarre Path Immortal Sects will soon cleanse the Chaotic Immortal Realm of Immortals. Make your decisions quickly."

His words caused the Loose Immortals present to become restless, each using their own methods to verify the truth of his statement. Those Immortals with substantial wealth didn’t hesitate. They paid the Immortal Jades, exchanged them for Immortal Talismans, and left via the Teleportation Array. Those who came after took the cue and followed suit.

Immortals who could casually take out ten thousand Immortal Jades were ultimately in the minority. Those without enough Immortal Jade had no choice but to liquidate their Immortal Artifacts in exchange for a ticket out. More Immortals who had not participated in the trading meet arrived, drawn by the news, to exchange for their tickets out. Gradually, no fewer than a hundred Immortals showed up.

The crowd thinned, leaving only about a dozen Loose Immortals who, due to financial distress, couldn’t gather enough funds even by selling their Immortal Artifacts.

For Jia Ren, producing ten thousand Immortal Jades for the ticket wasn’t difficult, but he had an ominous premonition.

Lin Xianjun asked, "Daoist Zhen, you shouldn’t be lacking Immortal Jades, right? Why are you still lingering here?" He sat in his chair, quietly observing like a spectator. He noticed Jia Ren delaying his departure and casually remarked, "Daoist friend, don’t miss this opportunity."

The reminder itself might have been fine, but Lin Xianjun speaking made Jia Ren realize something was amiss.

A weasel paying a New Year’s visit to a chicken—no good intentions there!

Jia Ren decided to follow his intuition and leave. Besides Linding City, he believed there had to be other ways to leave the Chaotic Immortal Realm.

He said aloud, "After a few treasure exchanges, I’ve traded away all my remaining Immortal Artifacts. I truly cannot afford the exorbitant cost. It’s better to earn the full ten thousand Immortal Jades before returning to Linding City."

Without hesitation, he turned and left. Whether his suspicions were true or false, it was best to quickly leave this troublesome place.

Lin Xianjun watched Jia Ren’s retreating figure, his gaze toward Tu Bai Ling turning icy. "Do you know him?" he asked. "The way he looked at you was different from how others do. He might fool others, but he can’t deceive me. After all, I cultivate the Deceptive Love Immortal Power."

Tu Bai Ling gave no response, her eyes showing no hint of emotion, like a delicate puppet devoid of life.

Lin Xianjun mused, "This person must have some ulterior motive for collecting Golden Immortal Cultivation Techniques. I will pay him a personal visit and uncover the truth!"

Lin Xianjun strode out of the trading room, chasing in the direction Jia Ren had fled, with Tu Bai Ling following closely behind.

"Young Master!"

A red-haired Demon Immortal with a canine nose and an expressionless middle-aged man hurriedly saluted Lin Xianjun. They appeared to be his personal attendants.

Lin Xianjun declared, "Accompany me on a... hunt!"

A sinister green Wind-driven Carriage flew out of Lin Xianjun’s palm, expanding in the wind until it was about ten meters long. The group of four entered it, and the carriage sped off in pursuit of Jia Ren at an astonishing velocity.