Rebuilding the Immortal Cultivator Clan Chapter 1857 - 1397: Identity (Part 2)

"Naturally! However, there is a price to be paid for such a service."

"Let us find a more suitable location to discuss the specifics."

"Follow me!" The man appeared thrilled, clearly surprised by the other's quick decision-making, and he immediately began to lead the way.

As they walked, Li Zhirui observed the local mortals. Noting their healthy, rosy complexions, he surmised that their standard of living was likely quite good.

Regrettably, the Dayan Dynasty was wedged between the Daqian and Great Zhou Dynasties. Its growth had been systematically suppressed, and it seemed to have already reached its maximum potential.

Unless one of the two superpowers fell into internal chaos and suffered a massive decline in strength, the Dayan Dynasty would never find the momentum needed to rise.

"We have arrived!"

After navigating a cramped alleyway, the pair stopped before a crumbling courtyard. The man performed a unique rhythmic knock while explaining, "Do not let this modest exterior deceive you; there is far more than meets the eye within these walls."

Li Zhirui offered a smile and a nod, though he secretly thought that calling the place "modest" was an understatement—it was practically a ruin.

Nevertheless, the man’s claim held true; the interior of the courtyard certainly contained hidden wonders!

Passing through an entrance concealed by a false mountain and utilizing a Secret Technique, they descended into a massive underground chamber. The area was bustling with people moving in and out of various storefronts lining the subterranean streets.

It was obvious that a sophisticated underground black market had been established here.

'It is no wonder they can produce forged identity proof and provide sanctuary for fugitives; a powerful benefactor must be backing this operation, someone who fears no consequences.'

"What you require can be found inside. I will take my leave here and head back." Guided by the man, Li Zhirui was brought to a plain-looking shop before being left to his own devices.

He remained undaunted. Given his actual Cultivation level, not only was this black market trivial, but even the entire Dayan Dynasty posed no threat to him.

Without hesitation, he crossed the threshold and walked inside with a relaxed gait.

"Are you seeking to acquire identity proof?"

The entry process for this small city had been effortless and devoid of inspections—a unique local trait that set it apart from other settlements.

Typically, the more vital a city was, the more rigorous its defenses became!

"Yes," Li Zhirui replied with a nod. "Will this identity proof pass a formal inspection without revealing any flaws?"

"But of course!"

The man gave a confident smile. "Provided the client can meet the cost, they could walk into the capital of the Daqian Dynasty itself without a single issue."

"And what is the price for such a service?"

A spark of curiosity flickered in the man's eyes, yet he kept his expression neutral. Maintaining a professional smile, he said, "Please step into the elegant room; a specialist will discuss the finer details with you."

"Lead the way." Li Zhirui followed closely behind.

Inside the elegant room sat a stern, plain-looking middle-aged man. Upon seeing the visitor, he asked directly, "Are you here for the highest grade of identity proof?"

"I am."

"The price is three Human Immortal Rank Spiritual Objects, or alternatively, two Spiritual Objects originating from the Human Dao Hundred Schools." The man stated his terms without delay.

Spiritual Objects from the Human Dao Hundred Schools typically referred to items like Great Confucian inscriptions or original poems that had gained fame across the entire State Domain.

The former was easy for Li Zhirui to provide, as it was of little consequence to him. He did not possess the latter, however, since he was not truly a native of the Southern Domain.

He was slightly taken aback by the steep price. It was a significant sum; a genuine Individual Immortal cultivator might find it impossible to pay.

To maintain his cover, he did not produce the items immediately. Instead, he feigned hesitation for a moment, appearing as though he were about to act before suddenly asking, "Is there any room for a discount?"

"The price is firm and beyond my authority to alter. I trust the client will not make things difficult for me," the man replied with a polite but unwavering smile.

"Very well." With a heavy sigh of feigned regret, Li Zhirui reluctantly pulled out three Human Immortal Rank Spiritual Objects.

The man gave him a searching look but remained silent. He swept his hand to collect the treasures and said, "This is your voucher. The client must now provide a name, date of birth, and a portrait."

"Understood."

The personal details were easily fabricated. For the portrait, the man took a sheet of high-quality rice paper and a fine, long-tipped brush. After studying Li Zhirui’s features, he began to sketch with rapid, precise strokes. Soon, a detailed likeness of Li Zhirui’s disguised face appeared on the paper.

Even Li Zhirui was impressed by the artistry, despite it being a false face. He couldn't help but remark, "Exquisite skill!"

"I appreciate the compliment. The forging process will take several days. You may return in five days to collect your identity proof."

"I shall do so." Li Zhirui nodded to confirm the arrangement and stood up to leave.

Once he was gone, the man whispered to himself, "That was a disguised face. It seems the trouble he is in is quite serious, and..."

He recalled the question the stranger had asked, but he eventually fell silent, choosing to ignore it since it was none of his business.

...

After exiting the shop, Li Zhirui located a decent inn and paid for a high-grade room for five days while he waited for his documents.

He did not spend the entire time in seclusion. Instead, he used the interval to research the current state of the Southern Domain, focusing particularly on the Human Dao dynasties.

He spent a fair amount of Spiritual Objects to acquire various books and records.

In the Southern Domain, Spirit Stones were not the primary medium of exchange. Many smaller establishments refused them entirely, preferring the official currency minted by the dynasties.

These texts provided Li Zhirui with a much deeper and more systematic understanding of the region.

Following centuries of development, the Southern Domain was now dominated by three Great Dynasties: the Daqian, the Great Zhou, and the Great Xia.

Numerous minor states like the Dayan Dynasty were scattered between them. Their purpose was simple: they acted as buffer zones to prevent the superpowers from sharing a direct border.

In the event of a conflict, the initial devastation would occur on the soil of these small dynasties rather than within the major powers' own territories.

Of the three, the Daqian Dynasty was the clear hegemon, followed by the Great Zhou, with the Great Xia being the weakest of the trio.

Furthermore, all three dynasties were currently facing the same problem: they had run out of room to expand.

Rumors were circulating that a massive war between the three powers was imminent.

Li Zhirui, however, believed that the three would likely exercise restraint. A major war would be unwise, as the Southern Domain was not entirely secure. Beyond the human borders, the Ten Thousand Spirit Race and the Devil Race were watching like hungry wolves.

An all-out war would only serve the interests of those alien races.

As an outsider, he was curious to see how the three Great Dynasties would solve their stagnation. He assumed they would focus on internal Cultivation and slow, steady growth, as that was their only logical path forward.

In addition to political news, he found records concerning the Devil Race and the Ten Thousand Spirit Race.

Because the Human Dao dynasties had won easy victories in the past, driving the alien races into the Extremely Southern Land, the literature was highly biased and often portrayed them in a derogatory light.

Li Zhirui saw this as a dangerous trend. It bred arrogance and led the people to underestimate potential hazards.

...

The five days passed in a flash, and Li Zhirui returned to the shop with his voucher in hand.

"It is finished, honored client. One moment, please." The attendant verified the voucher, bowed respectfully, and went to fetch the custom identity proof.

He returned shortly after, holding the document with both hands. "Client, here is your requested item."

"Excellent!" After a thorough inspection to ensure there were no defects, Li Zhirui tucked the proof away and walked out.

With his preparations complete, Li Zhirui set out to begin his journey through the Southern Domain.