Chapter 6: Gulu
After leaving the Attribute Enhancement Hall, Su Xiao did not immediately head to the Skill Upgrade Hall. Instead, he first went to the Trade Market.
The Trade Market was bustling with activity. Contractors from various paradises gathered here to trade items. Su Xiao found a relatively secluded spot, set up a stall, and placed the Holy Spirit Chest on it.
"Holy Spirit Chest for sale, exchange for Black Maple Tree products or high-quality Soul Crystals."
As soon as the words were spoken, many contractors cast curious glances over. Holy Spirit Chests were not common, and many people were interested.
Soon, a contractor wearing a mask walked over. "How many Soul Crystals do you want?"
"Depends on the quality. If it's high-purity Soul Crystals, at least fifty."
"Too expensive." The masked contractor shook his head and turned away.
Su Xiao was not in a hurry. Holy Spirit Chests were rare items, and there would always be buyers.
After waiting for about ten minutes, a female contractor dressed in a black robe approached. She had a graceful figure, and her aura was somewhat eerie.
"This chest, I want it." The female contractor's voice was somewhat hoarse. "I have Black Maple Tree branches here, three of them, plus twenty Soul Crystals."
Su Xiao glanced at the items she offered. The Black Maple Tree branches were of average quality, but the Soul Crystals were decent.
"Deal."
After completing the transaction, Su Xiao put away the items and prepared to leave the Trade Market.
"Wait." The female contractor suddenly called out to him.
"Is there something else?"
"Are you... Bai Ye?" The female contractor stared at him, her eyes flickering with a strange light.
Su Xiao's gaze turned cold. "Who are you?"
"Don't be nervous, I'm just a little curious." The female contractor chuckled lightly. "I've heard of you, the one who killed the Archbishop of the Abyss in the Eternal Light World."
"That's all in the past."
"Maybe we can cooperate." The female contractor extended a hand. "I'm Gulu, a contractor from the Holy Light Paradise."
Su Xiao did not shake her hand. "If there's nothing else, I'll be going."
"Don't be in such a hurry." Gulu withdrew her hand, not minding. "I know you're looking for high-quality Soul Crystals. I have a batch here, but the price..."
"How many?"
"One hundred, all high-purity." Gulu's eyes held a hint of a smile. "But I don't want Paradise Coins. I want information."
"What information?"
"Information about the Abyss Passage." Gulu's voice lowered. "I heard you've been to the Abyss Passage and came back alive. I need a map of the passage."
Su Xiao was silent for a moment. "The map of the Abyss Passage is not something that can be bought with just a hundred Soul Crystals."
"Then add another fifty." Gulu's tone was firm. "This is my bottom line."
"Deal." Su Xiao nodded. "But I only have a partial map, and it's from the outer layer."
"That's enough."
The two quickly completed the transaction. Su Xiao obtained one hundred and fifty high-purity Soul Crystals, while Gulu got a rough map of the Abyss Passage.
"Pleasure doing business." Gulu smiled meaningfully. "If you need anything in the future, feel free to look for me."
After watching Gulu's departing figure, Su Xiao's eyes flickered slightly. This woman gave him a very dangerous feeling, as if she were hiding some secret.
Shaking his head, Su Xiao put away the thoughts and headed toward the Skill Upgrade Hall.
The Skill Upgrade Hall was even more magnificent than the Attribute Enhancement Hall. The entire hall was constructed from a translucent crystal material, shimmering with a faint blue light. Inside the hall were rows of Skill Upgrade Pods, each emitting a low hum.
Su Xiao found an empty Skill Upgrade Pod, stepped inside, and closed the hatch.
[Detected that the contractor has Skill Upgrade Pod usage authority. Do you wish to proceed with skill upgrade?]
"Confirm."
[Please select the skill to upgrade.]
Su Xiao opened his skill list. Currently, his main skills were: [Blade Path: Azure Demon Lv.50], [Cyan Steel Shadow Energy Lv.40], [Blade Demon Spirit Lv.35], [Devouring Core Lv.30], and so on.
After some thought, he chose [Blade Path: Azure Demon].
[Skill: Blade Path: Azure Demon (Active Skill)]
[Current Level: Lv.50]
[Effect: Unleash a powerful slashing attack, dealing 500% weapon damage + 3000 points of true damage.]
[Upgrade Cost: 5 Soul Crystals (High-Purity) per level]
[Upgrade Success Rate: 100%]
"Upgrade."
[Upgrade Commencing...]
A warm current flowed through his body, and Su Xiao felt the blade intent within him growing stronger. After about ten seconds, the upgrade was complete.
[Blade Path: Azure Demon has been upgraded to Lv.55]
[Effect: Unleash a powerful slashing attack, dealing 550% weapon damage + 3500 points of true damage.]
"Continue."
[Upgrade Commencing...]
After consuming fifty Soul Crystals, Su Xiao raised [Blade Path: Azure Demon] to Lv.60. At this level, the skill's power had significantly increased, and an additional effect was unlocked: [When attacking, there is a 10% chance to trigger a double strike].
Satisfied, Su Xiao exited the Skill Upgrade Pod. Just as he was about to leave the Skill Upgrade Hall, he suddenly sensed a familiar aura.
Turning around, he saw a figure in a black robe standing not far away, staring at him.
"Long time no see, Bai Ye." The figure lifted his hood, revealing a pale face.
"Grey Gentleman." Su Xiao's eyes narrowed slightly. "What are you doing here?"
"Just passing by." The Grey Gentleman smiled lightly. "I didn't expect to run into you. Looks like fate has its plans."
"Fate?" Su Xiao sneered. "I don't believe in that."
"Neither do I." The Grey Gentleman shrugged. "But since we've met, how about a chat?"
"Sorry, I'm busy."
"Don't be in such a hurry to refuse." The Grey Gentleman took out a black token. "I have something here that might interest you."
Su Xiao glanced at the token. It was engraved with complex runes, emanating a faint spatial fluctuation.
"What is this?"
"The key to the Abyss Passage." The Grey Gentleman's tone carried a hint of temptation. "With this, you can enter the deeper layers of the Abyss Passage and obtain even greater power."
"What's the condition?"
"Simple." The Grey Gentleman's smile grew even more profound. "Help me kill someone."
"Who?"
"Lord of the Abyss, an avatar." The Grey Gentleman's eyes flashed with a dangerous light. "As long as you help me kill his avatar, this key is yours."
Su Xiao was silent for a moment. "Deal."
"Pleasure doing business." The Grey Gentleman tossed the token over. "I'll contact you when the time comes."
After watching the Grey Gentleman's departing figure, Su Xiao's expression grew heavy. This guy was definitely up to no good, but the key to the Abyss Passage was too tempting to refuse.
Putting away the token, Su Xiao left the Skill Upgrade Hall and headed toward the Exclusive Room.
Back in the Exclusive Room, Su Xiao sat cross-legged, beginning to digest today's gains. One hundred and fifty high-purity Soul Crystals, three Black Maple Tree branches, plus the key to the Abyss Passage—this trip was quite fruitful.
Just as he was about to start cultivating, the communicator suddenly rang.
"Boss, something's happened!" Baha's urgent voice came through.
"What's wrong?"
"Someone's causing trouble at the Trade Market, and it involves our people."
Su Xiao's eyes turned cold. "I'll be right there."