Mortal: The Path to Immortality

After a while, the two arrived at a medium-sized city. With the help of the locals, they found the "Treasure Pavilion".

The shop wasn't large, but business inside was booming. Several monks dressed in different styles were gathered around the counter, arguing with the shopkeeper.

Lu Nanzhu didn't rush forward, but instead pulled Hu Ning to look at the magical artifacts and materials on the shelf next to him.

About fifteen minutes later, the cultivators left, satisfied.

The well-to-do Foundation Establishment shopkeeper wiped the sweat from his brow, a smile plastered on his face, and quickly walked to Lu Nanzhu and his companion's side:

"I apologize to you both. Our shop has been quite busy today, and we have failed to keep you company."

After saying that, he glanced at the two of them up and down with his small eyes, and continued:

"Fellow Daoists, you look somewhat unfamiliar. Is this your first time visiting our place?"

Lu Nanzhu didn't waste any words and went straight to the point: "To be honest, shopkeeper, the two of us have come here to visit the Hu family."

Upon hearing this, the shopkeeper's smile remained, though his expression became slightly more serious. He nodded and said:

"So you were inquiring about the Hu family. The Hu family is skilled in crafting magical artifacts, and many independent cultivators seek them out to buy magical items. I also have some dealings with the Hu family..." He then pointed to a shelf nearby, which was filled with all sorts of magical artifacts and treasures.

"These magical artifacts were crafted by the master of the Hu family. I presume you also wish to obtain some magical artifacts from the Hu family in preparation for venturing into the 'Sealed Sea Fire Abyss'? Why not take a look at my shop first?"

"Sealed Sea Fire Abyss?" Lu Nanzhu looked puzzled.

"Fellow Daoist, you don't know?" The shopkeeper was also somewhat surprised and puzzled. He then patiently explained, "This 'Sealed Sea Fire Abyss' is a renowned secret realm in the Eastern Yu Kingdom."

For thousands of years, many cultivators have tried to enter this secret realm.

Although this place is not as dangerous as the infamous "Fallen Demon Valley", very few cultivators have managed to gain any opportunities here.

However, after years of exploration by cultivators, it is said that the opportunities in this secret realm are becoming increasingly rare, and ordinary high-level cultivators don't even bother to take a look.

"Since it's so dangerous and opportunities are so scarce, what's so special about this secret realm that makes cultivators so eager to venture there?" Hu Ning asked, still somewhat puzzled.

"The young lady has hit the nail on the head. While the 'Sealed Sea Fire Abyss' may not be very attractive to high-level cultivators, it is an incredible opportunity for those of us who have reached the Foundation Establishment stage or are independent cultivators at the Qi Refining stage."

When the shopkeeper got to the crucial point, he even covered his mouth with his hand and emphasized to the two of them,

"It's said that one can even find a sliver of potential for Core Formation within it; how could cultivators not flock to it like moths to a flame!"

"So, after these cultivators arrived in Dongyu Kingdom, they sought out the Hu family to purchase some magical artifacts in order to increase their chances of breaking into the secret realm?" Lu Nanzhu added to what the shopkeeper hadn't finished saying.

"That's right!" the shopkeeper quickly agreed.

After listening to the shopkeeper's words, Lu Nanzhu walked to that shelf and picked up a white jade bead.

To his surprise, this white jade bead was almost identical to the one he had previously found in Fu Kuang's storage bag.

"Fellow Daoist, you have excellent insight! This item is called the 'Fire-Avoiding Pearl.' Most ordinary cultivators who wish to cross the Fire Abyss in the secret realm will need to purchase this item." The shopkeeper quickly approached, explaining the item to Lu Nanzhu, then sighed.

"However, this item is indeed hard to find these days. My shop only has one left, and I was thinking of keeping it as a sample... But if you really want it, I can sell it to you at a discount."

Lu Nanzhu sneered inwardly and said:

"Oh? This item is so hard to find. Is it because the materials for refining it are hard to come by, or the process is too complicated? Or perhaps the shopkeeper couldn't get a large share from the Hu family?"

"Ahem! Fellow Daoist, you're overthinking it. This item is made with exquisite materials and crafted to a superior degree. But if you think you can buy it with just a few spirit stones... then you're being a bit naive." The shopkeeper coughed a few times and explained again. Seeing Lu Nanzhu's puzzled expression, he added,

"Well! Let me be frank. This item can only be purchased directly from the Hu family. If you want to buy it, you need to have some connections with the Hu family."

Ordinary cultivators who wish to purchase it can only do so by performing favors for the Hu family. Otherwise, it's extremely difficult to obtain!

Then, the shopkeeper took the bead from Lu Nanzhu's hand, pointed to it, and said:

"I managed to acquire one by chance because I have some connections with the Hu family. I see that you are quite capable, fellow Daoist. If you add this item, you will surely be able to conquer that secret realm with ease."

If you're interested, I'll sell it to you at a discounted price, only one thousand spirit stones! Would you consider it?

Hu Ning watched quietly from the side, hoping to fulfill his grandmother's wish as soon as possible, to find the Hu family in Dongyu Kingdom, settle down, and diligently cultivate.

Lu Nanzhu cupped his hands in farewell to the shopkeeper, then turned and took Hu Ning's hand as they left "Baobaoge".

Hu Ning, her little hand being held, felt a little flustered. Her face flushed, and she pouted as she spoke to Lu Nanzhu, who was walking ahead of her:

"Why don't you ask the shopkeeper about the Hu family of Dongyu Kingdom?"

While holding Hu Ning's hand, Lu Nanzhu pondered for a moment, then continued asking without turning his head:

"Miss Hu, what were Madam Xie's instructions before you left? Was there any special advice? Do you remember?"

Hu Ning's eyes darted around, trying hard to recall the scene from before:

"Grandma told us to settle down in Dongyu Kingdom, cultivate diligently, and if we succeed in our cultivation, we can return to Yuanwu Kingdom to seek justice from the Fu family."

"Furthermore... I was brought to Dongyu Kingdom, and I can only hand over the complete secrets of the Hu family after I have established my foundation."

Upon hearing her reply, Lu Nanzhu suddenly had a terrible thought.

He stopped in his tracks, turned to face Hu Ning, and said solemnly:

"Miss Hu, if you trust me, come with me. This place is extremely dangerous for you."

Hu Ning was somewhat surprised. After hesitating for a moment, he nodded and chose to follow Lu Nanzhu. The two then rode their magical artifacts southward, heading towards the border of the Yuanwu Kingdom.

"Senior, where are we going on this trip?" Hu Ning asked softly.

Lu Nanzhu shook his head slightly and said, "Let's observe the situation at the border for a while. I hope my speculation is not true, otherwise, Senior Brother Su and Senior Sister Fan, as well as the clansmen who fled to Dongyu Kingdom with you, will be in danger."

As the two were fleeing, Lu Nanzhu heard a cry for help coming from behind them.

He turned around and saw that it was Senior Brother Su, who was carrying Senior Sister Fan on his back and fleeing on a magical artifact. Three Foundation Establishment cultivators were chasing after him.

"Junior Brother Lu! It's me—Senior Brother Su!"

After Lu Nanzhu opened his divine sense and confirmed that Senior Brother Su was not abnormal, he asked Hu Ning beside him:

"Do you still have any puppets for self-defense?"

Hu Ning was surprised again, but still silently took out three self-defense puppets from his storage bag and handed them to Lu Nanzhu.

Lu Nanzhu then took out an array plate from his storage bag and threw it behind Senior Brother Su.