Transmigrating Into a Fantasy World: Signing in During Pregnancy, Reaching the Summit with My Childhood Sweetheart

209: Chapter 209: Crimson Rock Ghost Market and the News of Molten HeartThe relentless sun of the Southern Wilderness mercilessly scorched the crimson earth, heatwaves distorting the distant scenery. Having dealt with the aftermath of the Fire Fiend Gang, Nangong Xuan’s group of three did not linger. Although the commotion from the earlier fight wasn’t too large, in this chaotic land, any fluctuation of spiritual power could attract unnecessary prying eyes.

Based on the fragmented information tortured out of the One-Eyed Stout Man and the general orientation from the star map, Nangong Xuan identified a direction. The three of them restrained their auras and used the cover of jagged rocks to depart quickly.

As they traveled, the environment became increasingly harsh. The ground frequently cracked, spewing out scorching earth-fire and toxic fumes. The Fire Baleful Qi permeating the air grew denser and more violent, constantly attempting to corrode their Physical Bodies and Divine Souls. Had the three not possessed solid cultivation Foundations and the constant harmonizing resistance of the four keys’ balance, an ordinary Golden Core Cultivator would likely find it impossible to take a single step here.

Su Muxue was forced to continuously consume Taiyin Star Power to offset the parching heat. Her cold lunar radiance became the most conspicuous presence among the three, drawing several waves of ill-intentioned Divine Sense scans. However, after perceiving Nangong Xuan’s unfathomable and faintly threatening aura, they all quietly withdrew. In the Southern Wilderness, the Law was survival of the fittest; displaying sufficient strength was the best protective talisman.

Along the way, they encountered other Cultivators. Some traveled alone with somber auras; others moved in groups with uniform clothing, seemingly mining or hunting parties from some Sect. When meeting, most kept a wary distance. Occasional eye contact was filled with scrutiny and calculation, with no attempt to hide greed for Su Muxue and Zi Linger’s beauty, yet none dared to make a move lightly.

After traveling for a full day and crossing several scorching mountain ranges, a peculiar town nestled under a massive dark-red rock finally appeared at the edge of their vision.

That was ”Red Rock City.”

Rather than a city, it was more of a massive, disorganized settlement. There were no tall city walls, only crude perimeter walls and houses built from natural boulders and rough stone. The town was shrouded in a thin crimson haze formed by a mixture of countless Fire Baleful Qi and dust. The noisy clamor of human voices, the clanging of metal, and the roars of some giant beasts faintly drifted out from within.

At the town entrance stood a crooked, charred wooden sign with the words ”Red Rock” written in red mineral pigment; the calligraphy was wild, as if it might burst into flames at any moment. Several fierce-looking Cultivators wearing mixed leather armor stood guard at the entrance, lazily and arrogantly collecting ”entry fees” from the flow of people.

Nangong Xuan’s group paid several water-attribute Spirit Stones brought from the Central State—which appeared quite rare in this region—and successfully entered the city.

The scene inside the city was even more chaotic. The streets were narrow and filthy, lined with all sorts of stalls and shacks. The goods for sale were a motley mix: various Ores containing Fire Baleful Qi, crudely refined Magical Artifacts, Materials from unknown Yao Beasts, and even dying slaves of foreign races bound by iron chains... The air was thick with the smell of sweat, blood, sulfur, and various strange medicinal herbs.

Most Cultivators here had ferocious countenances, bearing scars and Evil Qi. Their cultivation ranged from Foundation Establishment to Golden Core, with an occasional subtle Nascent Soul aura sensed lurking deep within the town. Everyone seemed to have their nerves taut; a single disagreement could lead to drawing blades against one another.

”What a chaotic place...” Zi Linger instinctively moved closer to Nangong Xuan. The atmosphere here made her very uncomfortable. Her Wood Spirit power, full of vitality, was as out of place here as a candle flame in the dark.

”Resources are scarce in the Southern Wilderness and the environment is harsh; survival is the first priority. Morality and Laws are at their thinnest here,” Nangong Xuan said in a low voice, his sharp gaze scanning the surroundings. His Nirvana Sword Intent was restrained yet like a crouching Vicious Beast, making some miscreants who tried to approach and eye Su Muxue instinctively feel palpitations and retreat sheepishly.

They needed intelligence regarding the Tiangong Sect, the Heart of Molten Fire, and the possible whereabouts of the fire star key.

In such a den of dragons and snakes, the best sources of information were none other than two types: taverns or teahouses, and... the black market.

Nangong Xuan chose a tavern called ”Earth Fire Magma” that looked the most boisterous and chaotic. Lifting the animal-skin door curtain, a wave of heat even more intensely mixed with the stench of sweat, alcohol, and fire fiend scent hit them. The tavern was dimly lit and teeming with people; crude cursing, boasting, and gambling sounds were constant.

The trio’s entrance drew brief attention, especially since Su Muxue and Zi Linger’s appearances and temperaments were completely out of place. Countless greedy, lewd, and scrutinizing gazes immediately focused on them. However, those with discerning eyes soon noticed the faint aura of danger on Nangong Xuan and the trio’s composed attitude in such an environment. They withdrew their gazes and returned to their business. Those who could survive in the Southern Wilderness were not fools.

Nangong Xuan found a relatively secluded corner to sit and ordered a jar of the strongest local ”Fire Baleful Wine.” While appearing to drink alone, his Divine Sense had already spread out like a spiderweb, capturing all the fragments of conversation in the tavern.

”...Damn it, the Tiangong Sect’s ’Trial of the Molten Heart’ for recruiting Outer Sect Disciples is starting again. I heard the reward this time includes a ’earth fire lotus heart’!” ”...Psh, as good as an earth fire lotus heart is, is it worth your life? Last trial, a hundred went in, and fewer than ten came out alive!” ”...A new Fire Crystal Vein was discovered over by Black Volcano; several Gangs are nearly killing each other over it...” ”...I heard things aren’t peaceful deep within the ’Fire Fiend Fissure’ lately, like something is about to come out. A few days ago, an entire team from the ’Blood Wolf Gang’ went in and never returned...” ”...The auction is tonight at midnight, the ’usual place.’ They say there’s good stuff, even some defective spiritual weapons leaked from the Tiangong Sect...”

Noisy information flooded in like a tide. Nangong Xuan patiently filtered through it, quickly grasping several key points: the Tiangong Sect, the Trial of the Molten Heart, the Fire Fiend Fissure, and tonight’s black market auction.

The Trial of the Molten Heart was a brutal test for the Tiangong Sect to select Outer Sect Disciples and recruit laborers. It took place in the outer regions of the Heart of Molten Fire, which was exactly where they needed to go. As for the Fire Fiend Fissure, it seemed related to earth-fire anomalies and eruptions of Fire Baleful Qi, and might also be connected to the fire star key.

As for the black market auction, perhaps they could buy more detailed intelligence or some essential items for adapting to the Southern Wilderness environment.

Just then, the conversation of a few Cultivators at a neighboring table caught Nangong Xuan’s attention. ”Hey, have you heard? The ’Primordial Fire Eye’ at the deepest part of the Heart of Molten Fire has been erupting more and more violently these past few years. Those Artifact Refining lunatics from the Tiangong Sect can barely suppress it. They say even their Sect Master’s ’Tiangong Divine Hammer’ was almost melted!” ”Isn’t that right? Otherwise, why would they suddenly ramp up Disciple recruitment? They just want more cannon fodder to reinforce the Seal! I heard that beneath the fire eye, it connects to the true Netherworld Earth Fire, and there might even be some ancient fire-attribute treasure hidden there...” ”Treasure? You need to be alive to take it! Approach that fire eye, and anyone below Nascent Soul will be turned to ash in an instant!”

Primordial Fire Eye? Netherworld Earth Fire? Ancient fire-attribute treasure?

Nangong Xuan’s heart stirred, and the crimson light representing the fire star key within his Dantian seemed to glow slightly hotter for a moment.

He set down his wine cup, left behind a few Spirit Stones, and rose to leave the tavern with the two women.

That night, at the hour of the rat.

Based on the vague information gathered during the day, Nangong Xuan’s group bypassed several dark and filthy alleys to reach the entrance of an abandoned mine on the edge of Red Rock City. There were guards at the entrance; they were only allowed inside after paying ten Low-Grade Spirit Stones.

Deep within the mine was a different world altogether, having been carved into a massive underground space. This was the black market of Red Rock City. The lighting was even dimmer, with only scattered torches and certain glowing Ores providing illumination. Figures moved like shadows, and transactions were conducted in low voices, making it seem even more mysterious and dangerous.

Nangong Xuan’s goal was clear; he went straight to a stall specializing in selling intelligence and ancient texts. The stall owner was an old man shrouded in black robes with a cold aura.

”What’s the price for a detailed route map and the forbidden zones of the Tiangong Sect’s Trial of the Molten Heart?” Nangong Xuan got straight to the point, his voice processed with spiritual power to sound deep and raspy.

The black-robed old man looked up, revealing a pair of cloudy yet shrewd eyes. He sized up Nangong Xuan and extended three withered fingers: ”Three hundred High-Grade Spirit Stones, or equivalent water-attribute or wood-attribute spiritual Materials or Medicinal Pills.”

The price was outrageously high, clearly an attempt to fleece a customer. Nangong Xuan didn’t haggle; he directly threw over a bottle of low-grade wood-attribute Spirit Pills obtained from the Wood Spirit Clan that he had no use for. The old man took it and sniffed, a flash of surprise crossing his eyes. Clearly knowing his goods, he immediately and readily took out a Jade Slip and handed it to Nangong Xuan.

”One more question. Has there been any anomaly with the Primordial Fire Eye deep within the Heart of Molten Fire recently? Is it related to the eruption of the Fire Fiend Fissure?” Nangong Xuan put away the Jade Slip and continued asking.

Hearing this, a flash of wariness appeared in the old man’s cloudy eyes. He lowered his voice and said, ”Guest, inquiring about this can bring trouble upon yourself. The Primordial Fire Eye is the Tiangong Sect’s private domain; it’s said to involve their greatest secret. This old man only knows that in the past year, the frequency and intensity of the fire eye’s eruptions have far exceeded the past, even drawing out the Fire Baleful Qi of the entire Southern Wilderness’s ley lines. Those rifts are merely small channels for the fire eye’s power to vent. As for the deeper reason... perhaps only the Tiangong Sect’s Core Elders know. There are rumors that some supreme Yang and intense treasure is about to be born within the fire eye, causing the heaven and earth anomalies...”

A supreme Yang and intense treasure? Nangong Xuan and Su Muxue exchanged a glance, already seventy to eighty percent certain in their hearts.

Just as they were preparing to leave the black market, Nangong Xuan suddenly felt the dormant chaos star core in his breast pocket produce an extremely faint throb toward an unremarkable, charred, coal-like stone on a stall in a corner of the black market.

That stone looked completely ordinary, without even a trace of spiritual power fluctuation.