Chapter 312

Chapter 312: No Effort Needed to Obtain

Xu Hongcai was undoubtedly one of the most intriguing cultivators Wang Chen had ever encountered.

When he first knocked on the door seeking shelter, he appeared particularly disheveled and destitute, but after indulging in a few cups of spiritual wine and savoring some beast meat at Wang Chen’s invitation, he quickly became animated and vibrant.

Indeed, this middle-aged cultivator possessed a rather appealing appearance; his complexion was fair, and he exuded an air of refinement, devoid of the tainted aura often associated with those entangled in worldly affairs. His speech was articulate, and he had a remarkable talent for engaging in stimulating conversation.

He was undoubtedly a charmer among middle-aged female cultivators and a consummate socialite!

From him, Wang Chen gleaned numerous fascinating anecdotes from the world of cultivation, as well as various rumors circulating in White Tiger City.

Sharing this New Year’s Eve dinner with him was certainly not a loss.

After a few rounds of drinks, Xu Hongcai, feeling slightly inebriated, suddenly fixed his gaze on Wang Chen and inquired, “Wang, my fellow traveler, are you planning to venture to the West Sea Spiritual Realm after spring?”

Wang Chen nodded, “Indeed.”

This was not a clandestine matter; many cultivators had initially come to Xian City as a stepping stone to traverse the Yulong Mountain Range and enter the West Sea Spiritual Realm.

However, many cultivators had not returned after venturing into the mountains, while some chose to settle down in Xian City.

“This journey is far from easy.”

Xu Hongcai seemed momentarily lost, as if recalling some unpleasant memories.

He set down his goblet and spoke in a deep voice, “Wang, my fellow traveler, crossing the Yulong Mountain is fraught with peril. It’s not just a matter of nine lives and one death; only about two or three out of ten make it out alive.”

“Have you truly considered this thoroughly?”

The Yulong Mountain Range stretched over a million miles from west to east and spanned thousands of miles in width, rendering it impassable even for large vessels.

Countless magical beasts dwelled deep within the mountains, and the journey from south to north was fraught with danger!

Wang Chen replied, “I am fully aware of that.”

Xu Hongcai asked again, “Are you acquainted with the Mountain Crossing Society?”

“The Mountain Crossing Society?”

Wang Chen honestly had no knowledge of it; he had never even heard of it.

Xu Hongcai explained, “If you wish to cross the Yulong Mountain, joining the Mountain Crossing Society is your best option.”

The Mountain Crossing Society was neither a sect nor a gang, but rather an organization established by cultivators intent on crossing the Yulong Mountain.

It could also be regarded as a mutual support alliance.

The Mountain Crossing Society had a long-standing presence in Xian City, and the identity of its original founders was lost to history.

Nevertheless, they organized groups of cultivators annually to enter the mountains and forge a path to the West Sea Spiritual Realm.

In truth, this path had always existed but was subject to frequent changes, necessitating the guidance of experienced ferrymen to navigate the myriad unexpected situations.

The ferrymen within the Mountain Crossing Society were the most adept guides; they were not only well-versed in the mountain terrain but also maintained some communication with the great beasts and even the beast kings of Yulong Mountain.

However, the Mountain Crossing Society had always operated in secrecy, leaving ordinary cultivators unaware of its existence and with no means to join.

“I am acquainted with a ferryman from the Mountain Crossing Society,” Xu Hongcai said. “I can recommend you to join the team venturing into the mountains next year.”

Wang Chen was overjoyed. “Thank you, my fellow traveler!”

Indeed, he had searched high and low for something that turned out to be so easily obtained!

He had been in this area for some time, and while Xian City had transformed into White Tiger City, he still couldn’t find a way in.

Wang Chen had even considered entering the mountains alone to scout the way if all else failed.

However, that was a last resort; unless absolutely necessary, it wasn’t worth taking such a risk.

Now that Xu Hongcai had proactively offered this channel, it was truly an unexpected delight!

“Don’t thank me just yet,” Xu Hongcai said seriously. “The Mountain Crossing Society charges for leading people into the mountains: three thousand spirit stones for a Purple Palace cultivator, and ten thousand for Qi Training. They don’t guarantee one hundred percent safety, so you need to think carefully.”

If it were free, Wang Chen wouldn’t believe it!

He answered happily, “Three thousand is not expensive.”

“Three thousand?”

Xu Hongcai was momentarily taken aback and instinctively replied, “Qi Training is ten thousand spirit stones.”

Wang Chen smiled without speaking.

Xu Hongcai was puzzled at first but then suddenly understood: “You… you… you are a Purple Palace Higher Steward!”

The middle-aged cultivator stuttered, his eyes filled with shock.

Wang Chen silently let go of the Spirit Concealment Technique he had applied to himself, and the aura of a Purple Palace cultivator immediately became apparent!

Usually, whether he was out and about or running his shop, he kept his true cultivation level hidden.

On one hand, it was to avoid drawing attention and attracting unnecessary trouble.

On the other hand, it was to gain experience points for the Spirit Concealment Technique.

But now was not the time to hold back!

Xu Hongcai wiped the sweat beading on his forehead and respectfully bowed, saying, “Lesser Steward apologizes for the earlier offense.”

He felt quite anxious.

Although Wang Chen appeared easygoing, who could guarantee he wouldn’t turn hostile?

Thinking back to his earlier carefree demeanor in front of Wang Chen made Xu Hongcai break out in a cold sweat!

“You’re being too kind, fellow traveler.”

Wang Chen picked up the jar of wine and poured a cup of spiritual wine for Xu Hongcai, saying, “Friendship knows no bounds when it comes to cultivation. Here, let’s drink to this!”

Xu Hongcai steadied his nerves and lifted his goblet with both hands. “Thank you, fellow traveler; I will drink this cup to the last drop!”

After downing a cup of spiritual wine, the atmosphere between the two returned to harmony and warmth.

Xu Hongcai felt a deep admiration.

Wang Chen had broken through to open a house at such a young age and displayed such talent; he would surely be a standout in any grand sect.

With the intention of befriending Wang Chen, he engaged in a lively exchange, sharing clever and witty remarks throughout the meal.

The New Year’s Eve dinner continued until midnight and concluded.

That night, Xu Hongcai stayed at Wang Chen’s talisman shop.

He didn’t dare overstay, leaving early the next morning on New Year’s Day, and promised Wang Chen that once he contacted the ferrymen of the Mountain Crossing Society, he would arrange a meeting.

Wang Chen wasn’t anxious; he continued his cultivation after the New Year celebrations.

On the fifteenth day of the lunar new year, Xu Hongcai appeared at the shop once again.

He informed Wang Chen that he had already spoken with the ferrymen from the Mountain Crossing Society and set a meeting for that night at the Star Plucking Pavilion.

The Mountain Crossing Society had requirements for “customers”; simply offering spirit stones wasn’t enough to join the expedition team. They also needed to assess the newcomer’s cultivation level and understand their personality.

Once the team entered the mountains, they faced unpredictable dangers at all times, and having a liability among them could endanger everyone.

Such situations had occurred multiple times in the past, so the Mountain Crossing Society adhered to a "better to have fewer than to have bad ones" principle.

If Wang Chen couldn’t meet their requirements, paying several times the spirit stones would be futile!

Xu Hongcai made this very clear to Wang Chen.

Wang Chen certainly didn’t mind.

So, at Xu Hongcai’s introduction, he went to the largest tavern in White Tiger City that night.

There, he met the ferrymen Xu Hongcai had mentioned.

The meeting went smoothly; Wang Chen showcased his cultivation level and his second-grade Wind and Thunder Sword.

He proved that he wouldn’t be a burden to the team.

Finally, he received a Mountain Crossing Token!