Sword Sovereign of the Celestial Emperor

The street was bustling with people coming and going, and hawkers' cries were endless.

Walking along the street, Chu Ming discovered a peculiar issue. In the Saint Tribe, most people were body refining martial artists. Only a few martial artists had spiritual power within them, and it was so weak that it could be ignored.

"How much is this ore?"

Chu Ming squatted beside a small stall, gently picking up a piece of black ore. The ore was completely dark, with what looked like nebula explosions within, emitting a faint glow, extremely beautiful.

"Three Blood Pearls of the Three-tailed Black Cat Demon."

The vendor was a white-bearded old man with a full face and muscular arms, clearly also a capable body refining martial artist.

Along the way, Chu Ming had already understood the value of the Three-tailed Black Cat Demon's Blood Pearl. Its purchasing power here was roughly equivalent to ten thousand middle grade Spirit Stones in the outside world.

Of course, the only circulating currency here was Blood Pearls, which might also explain why most people were body refining martial artists.

The black ore in Chu Ming's hand was called Black Star Ore, the main material for crafting Earth Level high tier weapons. In the outside world, it would definitely be worth more than three hundred thousand middle grade Spirit Stones.

Placing the ore back on the stall, Chu Ming stood up and left. The white-bearded old man didn't bother with him and continued arranging his ores.

To be honest, Chu Ming had collected quite a few rare minerals along the way. If he sold them all, he would definitely get a lot of Blood Pearls. In an unfamiliar place, the most important thing was to enhance one's strength.

Choosing a random open space, Chu Ming took out most of the ores from his Storage Ring, a total of several hundred pieces, then set up a sign beside him and quietly waited for buyers.

He didn't have many Blood Pearls left on him, only three: one from a Four-tailed Black Cat Demon and two from Three-tailed Black Cat Demons. To break through to the Fifth Layer of the Primordial Body Refining Technique, he would need at least a dozen Four-tailed Black Cat Demon's Blood Pearls or one from a Five-tailed Black Cat Demon.

The strength of a Three-tailed Black Cat Demon was equivalent to the Seventh Layer of the True Dao Realm, a Four-tailed Black Cat Demon's strength was equivalent to the First Layer of the Guiyuan Realm, and a Five-tailed Black Cat Demon was equivalent to the Third Layer of the Guiyuan Realm. A Six-tailed Black Cat Demon could rival a typical Sixth Layer Guiyuan Realm expert.

He had considered going out of the tribe to hunt Black Cat Demons, but they were extremely rare. Even in the Mist Mountain Range, they were almost impossible to find. It all depended on luck.

"How much is this ore?"

While Chu Ming was deep in thought, a pleasant voice rang out, refreshing like a breeze in spring. Chu Ming immediately became alert and looked up.

Squatting by his stall was a young girl in her twenties, with a pretty face and a hint of charm between her brows. She was holding a piece of Golden Rock in her right hand, looking inquiringly at Chu Ming.

"Two Blood Pearls of the Three-tailed Black Cat Demon."

Chu Ming replied faintly.

Golden Rock was the material for crafting Earth Level middle tier weapons. Adding some Golden Rock to a weapon would give it a sharp edge, thus it was quite valuable.

"That's a bit pricey."

The girl frowned and began to haggle. She was planning to ask a master in the tribe to forge a pair of gloves. She hadn't expected to find Golden Rock here, and felt joyful. However, the price did not satisfy her.

"Non-negotiable, the price can't be lowered."

Chu Ming's expression remained calm. Golden Rock was extremely useful, and he believed that even if the girl didn't buy it, it wouldn't be long before someone else did.

"Here you go!"

The girl hesitated for a moment but finally relented. She took out two Blood Pearls of the Three-tailed Black Cat Demon from a fragrant pouch at her waist, placed them at Chu Ming's feet, took the Golden Rock, and left.

After the girl, many martial artists came to Chu Ming's stall to buy rare minerals. Two or three hours later, half of the ores at Chu Ming's stall had been sold.

While selling the ores, Chu Ming kept observing. He found that most martial artists in the tribe had body refining power ranging from the Third Layer to the Fourth Layer of the Guiyuan Realm. Martial artists at the Fifth Layer were extremely rare; at least, he hadn't seen any, let alone those of the Sixth Layer.

As the sun set, its golden rays illuminated the village, making it appear serene and peaceful. At this time, the vendors were packing up to leave, not wanting to stay any longer.

By this time, Chu Ming had sold three-quarters of his rare ores, and his Storage Ring now held more than 130 Blood Pearls of the Three-tailed Black Cat Demon and 30 of the Four-tailed Black Cat Demon.

These Blood Pearls were enough for him to break through to the Fifth Layer of the Primordial Body Refining Technique, with plenty to spare.

Back at Gu Xiaodi's house, Gu Xiaodie was cooking. When she saw Chu Ming return, she waved a greeting and continued with her work.

Gu Yuan, who had taken Chu Ming's Healing Elixir, looked much better with a rosy complexion. Seeing Chu Ming return, he slowly sat up.

"Uncle Gu, I have something to ask you."

Chu Ming sat down in a chair and slowly spoke.

"You're asking about... the Holy Alliance?"

Gu Yuan had an odd look on his face, seemingly knowing what Chu Ming was curious about, and guessed.

"Yes!"

Chu Ming nodded. Anyone in an unfamiliar environment would be full of caution and curiosity about everything around them.

"I don't know when the Holy Alliance was founded. I only know that the Saint is extremely mysterious and that ordinary people can't see him. Usually, the four Saint Envoys manage the entire tribe. The Holy Alliance has over ten thousand members, with countless experts. Four years ago, hundreds of Five-tailed Black Cat Demons attacked the tribe. The four Saint Envoys alone managed to kill them all. You must hide the fact that you're an outsider in the tribe, or you'll be killed."

Gu Yuan explained slowly.

Chu Ming pondered. The strength of a Five-tailed Black Cat Demon was equivalent to the Guiyuan Realm Third Layer, but they were tougher to handle. The four Saint Envoys could kill hundreds of Five-tailed Black Cat Demons, which meant they were at least Guiyuan Realm Fifth Layer experts. However, Chu Ming was most wary of the Saint.

"Is the Holy Alliance hostile to outsiders?"

Chu Ming looked up and asked.

"Not exactly. It's just that the Holy Alliance is collecting something called Spirit Stones. It seems only outsiders have them. Half a month ago, another outsider came to Saint Village and was killed for not handing over Spirit Stones."

Gu Yuan's words carried some regret. Although the Holy Alliance protected the Saint Tribe, many of their actions displeased the tribe's martial artists. But the Holy Alliance was too powerful. Even if the tribe was unhappy, they could only swallow their resentment.

"Spirit Stones?"

Chu Ming fell into deep thought.

"Dinner's ready!"

At this moment, Gu Xiaodie brought in the dishes, then placed bowls and chopsticks lightly in front of Chu Ming and Gu Yuan.