"So it's Daoist Qin. My surname is Liu." Han Li's expression relaxed and he nodded.
"Daoist Liu, nice to meet you," the round-faced Youth said with a smile.
The Youth called Qin Chong was exceptionally talkative. The atmosphere quickly eased up after the two chatted for a while.
"Daoist Qin, do you know when Seagaze City was built?
I've been here several hundred years ago, but this city didn't exist back then. "Han Li asked in a seemingly casual manner.
"Daoist Liu might not know this, but Seagaze City was built a hundred years ago. There's a transportation formation leading to the Blackwind Sea and some of its specialties often appear there. It's become more and more famous in recent years and has attracted many people here. That's why it's been quite prosperous in recent years."
"I see." Han Li nodded, but his heart sank.
It seemed that the connection between the Blackwind Sea Area and the outside world was much stronger than before. For the Blackwind Sea Area, this might be more beneficial than harmful. After all, compared with other areas of the Northern Frost Celestial Realm, the Blackwind Sea Area was relatively poor in cultivation resources. With more resources, even Earthly Immortals would be able to cultivate faster.
But this wasn't a good thing for someone like him who wanted to avoid the limelight.
As the two conversed, the queue moved forward and it was soon their turn.
After paying the entrance fee, Han Li quickly entered the city.
Seagaze City exuded a sense of novelty. The ground and streets were spotless, as expected of a newly built city.
Han Li looked around and looked up at the tall tower in the city.
The white tower was divided into five floors, with five blue jade pillars floating at the top. Each pillar was several meters tall and as thick as a bucket, and carved with countless runes.
The five pillars emitted azure radiance that resonated with each other and emitted powerful fluctuations of star power.
Qin Chong didn't leave and saw Han Li looking at the white tower. He asked in a low voice, "Daoist Liu, are you here to go to the Blackwind Sea?"
Han Li nodded and asked, "Is the transportation from Seagaze to the Blackwind Sea Region the same as before? Every hundred years?"
It was normal to want to go to the Blackwind Sea Region after coming to Seagaze, so there was no need to hide anything.
"That's right, Fellow Daoist. You've come at the right time. There's less than two years before the next teleportation formation opens.
However, there are many people who want to go to the Blackwind Sea Region and the competition for the spots is very fierce. If Brother Liu wants to take this teleportation array to the Blackwind Sea Region, I'm afraid it won't be easy, "Qin Zhong said, seemingly pointing out something.
"Oh, from what Fellow Daoist Qin has said, could it be that there is a way to obtain a teleportation spot? Please enlighten me," Han Li said calmly.
Judging from the flow of people in the city, this teleportation spot would indeed be quite popular.
Of course, if he were to reveal his true strength, it would naturally be extremely easy for him to obtain a position, but this might expose his identity. If he was able to obtain a position from Qin Zhong, then even if he had to spend some Immortal Origin Stones, it wouldn't matter.
"I wouldn't dare to enlighten you, but I do have a spot. If Fellow Daoist Liu is interested, we can discuss it in detail." Qin Zhong smiled mysteriously and glanced at a nearby restaurant.
"Of course." Han Li nodded.
The two entered the restaurant, asked for a private room, and ordered some food and wine.
Qin Zhong poured a cup of wine for Han Li and said with a chuckle, "This restaurant's Clear Spirit Wine is very good. You should try it, Fellow Daoist Liu."
The wine was green in color, and there was a faint spirit mist drifting over it, giving off a refreshing wine fragrance.
Han Li glanced at it but didn't move.
Qin Zhong, on the other hand, seemed rather fond of wine and drank two cups in a row.
"Fellow Daoist Qin, the wine can be enjoyed slowly. Let's talk about the teleportation spot first," Han Li said after seeing that Qin Zhong was about to pour a third cup.
"Fellow Daoist Liu must be joking. Although I've long since abstained from eating, I can't bear to part with fine wine and delicacies whenever I travel the world.
Then let's get down to business. I can see that Brother Liu is a straightforward person, so I'll get straight to the point. "Qin Zhong let out a dry laugh and put down the wine jug with a serious expression.
"There's no harm in saying it," Han Li said.
"This is Fellow Daoist Liu's first time in Seagaze City, so I'm afraid you don't understand the situation here. There are many people who want to go to the Blackwind Sea. Moreover, for some unknown reason, the management of the teleportation spots has become much stricter in recent years. One can't just go with immortal essence stones. They also need some local powers to act as guarantors, so it's much more difficult for foreign cultivators to enter the Blackwind Sea."
Qin Zhong said, "I heard that the Blackwind Sea is different from other places in the Immortal Domain. It's a relatively closed world, and most cultivators rely on Earth Immortals from bloodline clans to cultivate. This is understandable in order to avoid risks.
Fellow Daoist Qin, tell me about your spot first. "Han Li nodded thoughtfully and said slowly.
"My spot isn't actually mine. It's held by a good friend of mine.
He originally planned to go to the Blackwind Sea to do some business, but his cultivation just happened to reach a critical juncture and he needs some pills to help him. That's why he wants to sell this spot. "Qin Zhong didn't see the slightest urgency on Han Li's face and could only continue.
"I see. But the teleportation spots are so scarce that your friend should've sold it long ago if he wanted to. He wouldn't have kept it until now.
If Fellow Daoist Qin has anything else to say, please say it, "Han Li said slowly.
Qin Zhong laughed and said, "I won't hide it from you. My friend is a bit short on money now, so the price for this spot is naturally a bit higher."
When Han Li heard this, he felt relieved and asked, "How much is your esteemed friend asking for?"
Qin Zhong hesitated for a moment and said, "Fifteen immortal essence stones."
"Fifteen?
If I remember correctly, the price of one spot should be five Immortal Essence Stones, right? "Han Li raised his eyebrows and said.
"Hehe, the price on the surface hasn't increased, it's still five immortal essence stones. But Fellow Daoist Liu should know that the teleportation spots are very scarce now. Although some spots occasionally appear in the black market, the asking price is around ten immortal essence stones. Moreover, they aren't responsible for finding a guarantor.
Although fifteen immortal essence stones is a bit expensive, my friend's clan is very prestigious and can guarantee for you for free, "Qin Zhong said immediately.
"Is that so..." When Han Li heard this, he stroked his chin and wore a pensive expression as if he were hesitating.
Qin Zhong hurriedly said, "Fellow Daoist Liu, you might not know this, but the Blackwind Island is paying more and more attention to the teleportation formations. They strictly investigate those who enter and leave. If anyone who is teleported to the Blackwind Sea Region causes any trouble, the powers that vouch for them will be severely punished.
That's why some reputable powers in Seagaze City aren't willing to guarantee for an outsider. Even if they spend some immortal essence stones, it'll still require a huge sum of money. Five immortal essence stones might not be enough, "Qin Zhong said.
"In that case, why are you so sure that your friend's clan will be willing to guarantee for me?" Han Li asked again.
"Hehe, my friend has naturally considered this matter. That's why he asked me to sell the spot and also wanted to understand the other party's identity.
Although I haven't known you for a long time, I can see that you aren't a vicious person from our conversation along the way. "Qin Zhong chuckled.
When Han Li heard this, he nodded and said, "Since Fellow Daoist Qin has said this, then I will agree."
"Then I'll inform him to come over immediately." A trace of joy flashed in the depths of Qin Zhong's eyes.
"Very well, let's do it here. I hope Daoist Qin will return quickly." Han Li nodded.
Qin Zhong drained the cup in one gulp and stood up with a dissatisfied expression. He cupped his hands towards Han Li and quickly walked out.
Han Li frowned after he left. He stood up and walked to the window, gazing at the tall tower in the distance.
It seemed that the originally peaceful Blackwind Sea had undergone great changes over the years. He didn't know if his trip back was the right one.
An hour passed in the blink of an eye.
The door was pushed open with a squeak and Qin Zhong walked in with a smile on his face.
Behind him was a white silhouette wearing a bamboo hat and a veil covering his face.
Han Li raised his brows.
The white silhouette took off the veil to reveal an enchanting face. It was a peerless beauty.
However, her complexion was abnormally pale and her skin seemed to be covered in a layer of white ice crystals. Her entire body exuded an eerie chill.
Han Li was a little surprised, but he quickly regained his calmness.
"I've made you wait for a long time." Qin Zhong said apologetically.
"Don't mention it. I can still wait." Han Li said lightly. He then looked at the lady in white with a hint of inquiry.
"That's right. The teleportation slot belongs to my good friend."
Qin Zhong looked at the lady in white with deep admiration in his eyes. He looked like he was deeply in love with her.
The lady in white blushed and stared at Qin Zhong shyly. However, there seemed to be some affection in her eyes.
The two of them were clearly cultivators who had cultivated for countless years, yet they were currently acting as if they were a pair of lovers. Han Li couldn't help but roll his eyes at the sight of this.
"I'm Xue Luo. Greetings, Daoist Liu." The lady in white nodded slightly at Han Li and said shyly.
"Oh, it's Fairy Xue. Greetings.
May I take a look at the teleportation token? "Han Li nodded and said.
The lady in front of him was at the peak of the Form Synthesis Stage like Qin Zhong. Moreover, the aura from her body was getting restless. It was a sign that she was about to make a breakthrough.
"Of course."
The lady in white, Xue Luo, took out a black token. It was the size of a palm. One side was engraved with the word "Black Wind" and the other side was engraved with the word "Teleportation". It was exactly the same as the token that Han Li got from the Black Wind Island Lord.
Han Li took the command medallion and examined it before nodding his head.
Then, he waved his hand on the table and ten Immortal Meta Stones appeared on the table.
Xue Luo frowned slightly when she saw this.
"Daoist Liu, we agreed on 15 Immortal Meta Stones!" Qin Zhong said with a serious expression.