Seeing Zhong Shenxiu inquire, the plump shopkeeper smiled ingratiatingly, “We only purchase venomous snakes here, and the price varies depending on the species.” “What’s the going rate for a Five-Pace Viper?” “Seven silver coins apiece.” “And what about a Five-Pace Viper King?” Zhong Shenxiu pressed further. “Seventy silver coins per snake.” “You buy as many as we bring?” “Yes, as many as you have!” The plump shopkeeper felt that this poorly-dressed child before him was truly a gift sent by the Divine Light itself! “I’ll bring you a load next time,” Zhong Shenxiu said before stepping out of the shop. As he left, the fat proprietor was still enthusiastically repeating, “Welcome back anytime!”

Upon exiting, Zhong Shenxiu began to wander the streets aimlessly. It was peculiar; the shops here seemed to have no custom of closing, generally operating all day long. After browsing several stores and purchasing two sets of clothing along with various sundries, he had spent only two silver coins, even receiving over three hundred copper coins back in change. This was utterly beyond Zhong Shenxiu’s expectations; he hadn't realized his modest funds could procure so much.

Finding a secluded spot, Zhong Shenxiu changed into his new attire, discarding his previous rags as far away as he could manage. Clothes make the man, or so the saying goes, and it proved true. The moment he donned the new clothes (though they were humble, the kind worn by common folk), he transformed instantly from a little beggar boy into a handsome youth.

Through this shopping spree, Zhong Shenxiu finally gained some understanding of this world’s currency. Besides silver and copper coins, there were also gold coins and diamond coins. The conversion rate between them was based on a factor of 1000: one diamond coin equaled 1000 gold coins; one gold coin equaled 1000 silver coins... and so on.

Aside from learning about the money, Zhong Shenxiu also discovered that this world had no Cultivators—not even a single Martial Artist existed. The only professions were classes like Mages and Swordsmen.

Driven by curiosity for the new, Zhong Shenxiu made his way to the so-called “Mage Guild.” He heard this Guild was where Mage ranks were certified; those who passed the tests received special certificates and badges issued by the Guild. Zhong Shenxiu desperately wanted to know what a Mage truly was.

Previously, observing Mage assessments was forbidden. However, the “Mage Guild” had recently undergone sweeping reforms. The new policy stipulated that assessments for ranks below High Mage could be observed, but a viewing fee was required. The fee for observing an Apprentice Mage assessment was thirty silver coins, while for an Intern Mage, it was three gold coins.

Mages were ranked in ascending order of power: Apprentice Mage, Intern Mage, High Mage, Magister, Grand Magister, Saint Magister, and Divine Magister.

Zhong Shenxiu was lucky that day; when he arrived at the “Mage Guild,” several individuals were undergoing their Apprentice Mage assessments. For ordinary citizens, thirty silver coins was no small sum, and Zhong Shenxiu knew how much he could buy with it. Still, adhering to the principle that “knowledge is priceless, though money has a price,” he paid the fee, determined to see what this so-called Mage business entailed.

But after watching, Zhong Shenxiu felt a pang of regret; his thirty silver coins seemed utterly wasted. He had expected Mages to be magnificent, yet all they did was conjure a few minor fireballs, little water splashes, or pathetic sparks of lightning—was this truly the extent of their power? It felt like a complete sham!

To Zhong Shenxiu, who had mastered the Samadhi True Fire, these minor fireballs were beneath contempt; and having weathered Heaven's Thunder, he scoffed at the paltry lightning bolts. In retrospect, the money was indeed spent foolishly.

Disappointed with the Mages, Zhong Shenxiu became interested in something they mentioned casually: Necromancers. From their conversation, it sounded like Necromancers were rather mysterious and seemed quite powerful.

After making a few inquiries, Zhong Shenxiu learned that these Necromancers were generally unwelcome and had no dedicated “Mage Guild.” He only heard rumors of a “Necromancer Exchange Meet” located ten kilometers west of the city gate, reportedly organized privately.

Leaving the “Mage Guild,” Zhong Shenxiu headed straight for the rumored “Necromancer Exchange Meet.” He had a strong premonition that this gathering would not disappoint him.

Upon reaching the site of the “Necromancer Exchange Meet,” Zhong Shenxiu could hardly believe his eyes. The dilapidated wooden shack before him was the supposed meeting place. At first glance, it looked scarcely better than the hovel he used to inhabit!

Zhong Shenxiu truly couldn't fathom how the “Necromancer Exchange Meet” could be so vastly different from the “Mage Guild.” Sweat.

Despite his thoughts, Zhong Shenxiu didn't hesitate and pushed the door open. Once inside, he realized the place held a hidden mechanism; there was nothing but a staircase leading downward.

Evidently, the true “Necromancer Exchange Meet” was underground. Creative; I like it!

Zhong Shenxiu found his anticipation for the supposed Necromancers growing.

Descending the stairs, the muffled, chaotic noise from below grew clearer. By the time Zhong Shenxiu reached the first basement level, he saw that the attendance was quite large. There were dozens of figures scattered throughout the main hall, and numerous smaller doors lined the walls—he wondered if those rooms held just as many people.

Zhong Shenxiu curiously observed these supposed Necromancers. They shared one distinct characteristic: every single one was shrouded entirely within voluminous black robes, their faces hidden so thoroughly that only their eyes were visible, leaving no hint of nose or mouth exposed.

The Necromancers gathered in small groups of three or five, some discussing incantations, others catching up, and some engaged in trade; it was certainly a lively scene!

Just as Zhong Shenxiu prepared to approach a group to start a conversation, a small, huddled figure in a dim corner caught his attention.

Zhong Shenxiu walked toward the silhouette. Up close, he could see the figure, about his own height, curled tightly, twitching uncontrollably, seemingly enduring immense agony.

“What’s wrong with him?” Zhong Shenxiu asked a nearby Necromancer out of curiosity. The questioned Necromancer swept his gaze over Zhong Shenxiu. Perhaps sensing he wasn't a fellow practitioner, the man showed disdain for conversation, coldly spitting out four words—"Darkness Backlash"—before walking away. “Darkness Backlash?” What in the world was that?? Zhong Shenxiu’s mind filled with questions.

Seeing that the other Necromancers were similarly aloof, Zhong Shenxiu decided not to impose further and squatted down, gently patting the huddled form. “Hey, are you alright?” Zhong Shenxiu asked kindly. There was no response; the figure merely continued to convulse.

Through that light touch, Zhong Shenxiu felt a strange, faint energy travel up his fingers. This weak force felt three parts like magic power, three parts like witchcraft power, three parts like ghost power, and one part was an indescribable energy. This only served to ignite Zhong Shenxiu’s curiosity further.