Chapter 0440: Not Wearing Clothes

"Divine Source Mine? Impossible. The appearance of divine source is always accompanied by crystal stone mines—it's the very essence born from them. How could there exist a source crystal mine entirely filled with divine source?"Yi Tianxing's first reaction was disbelief.

According to what he knew, divine sources only ever appeared within crystal stone mines, and even then, only after deep excavation. Their formation was uncertain and unpredictable. Anything could happen. But one thing was certain—no crystal stone mine ever had an abundance of divine source. That was a rule of the world.

If a massive divine source mine really did exist, not only humans and alien races would be tempted—even those reclusive powerhouses would be drawn out. It would lead to a bloody storm. Divine source had an irresistible allure to any lifeform.

If even a trace of its aura leaked, it would immediately attract hordes of ferocious beasts and monsters. The resulting chaos would be unimaginable.

"It truly is a divine source mine. No one knows how it was formed. Originally, it was a crystal stone mine, but during excavation, the mine vein suddenly collapsed, revealing an underground cavern. Inside that cavern was divine source. When it was discovered, it triggered turmoil. Many people in Dark City died. But that time, the amount of divine source brought out was extremely small. The changes inside made the cavern extremely dangerous, like a forbidden zone."

Qin Hongyi explained slowly, her expression completely serious.

She had personally experienced that event. She had even seized a portion of the divine source herself. Without it, she would never have reached her current realm in such a short time—already at the peak of the Divine Sea Realm, just a step away from the Life Aperture Realm.

"A lot of people died, and it's practically a forbidden zone now. Looks like there's something unusual in there."Yi Tianxing said with meaning.

He already suspected that if divine source truly existed, then something terrifying must also dwell within. Otherwise, with how greedy the cultivators in Dark City were, they wouldn't just sit and watch, unable to obtain it. That kind of longing was painful.

"Yes. There's a terrifying creature in there. Those who went in just... died. No sound, no trace. Not from poison—it must be something far worse."Qin Hongyi nodded.

"You came to find me because you want me to enter that divine source mine and help you deal with the threats inside the cave?"Yi Tianxing asked with a half-smile.

"Correct. And not just you—this time, all the powerhouses in Dark City will take action. Based on observation, the divine source mine may be nurturing some kind of extraordinary treasure or immortal relic. For several days now, strange lights and colors have been emanating from within."Qin Hongyi continued.

"If it's really producing a treasure, you'd all keep it a secret. Why come to me?"Yi Tianxing smiled faintly, clearly unmoved by the mention of immortal relics.

"Because of strength. You, Daoist Yi, are strong enough to survive in the divine source mine. I don't want to die, so I hope you can protect me—as much as possible. Also, even if I didn't tell you, you'd find out soon anyway. The news is already spreading. I just got ahead of it."Qin Hongyi said with a charming smile.

"You trust me that much? And why would I protect you? What obligation do I have to you? Just for the news you brought? As you said, I'd have learned it soon anyway."Yi Tianxing looked at her meaningfully.

Indeed, why should he? He had no obligation to protect someone he'd only met once. He wasn't foolish. But Qin Hongyi wouldn't have come unprepared—she must have a strong bargaining chip.

"Of course not. I, Qin Hongyi, would never trade such widely known news for protection. The divine source mine is incredibly dangerous. The cavern isn't a single tunnel—it's a labyrinth filled with numerous branching paths. Without a correct map, finding the right path is nearly impossible, much less avoiding all the dangers."

Qin Hongyi's eyes glowed with confidence."I have a map—a layout of the divine source mine's tunnels. It points directly to the area where the immortal relics are forming. It took my Red Pavilion six months of effort to create this. Following it will save a huge amount of time. I offer this Divine Source Immortal Relic Map in exchange for your protection. That should be enough."

"Impressive. Others see the divine source mine as a death trap, but your Red Pavilion dares to investigate it and even draw a map. That alone makes it valuable."Yi Tianxing nodded. If the mine was truly as perilous as she claimed, a correct map could be invaluable.

"Give me the map, and I'll agree—on the condition that I'll protect you as long as it doesn't endanger my life. If I sense mortal danger, don't blame me for withdrawing."

After a brief pause, he agreed decisively.

He had already made up his mind—if such an opportunity had appeared, he couldn't miss it. A chance to obtain divine source would greatly benefit his cultivation. And if there really were immortal relics forming within... one could only imagine how wondrous and powerful they might be.

Given that, there was no way Yi Tianxing would refuse.

Opportunities like this were tied to one's fortune. Shrinking back meant wasting one's destiny.

To travel the world was to face danger and opportunity alike. It was the only way to grow and transform, to ultimately reach the pinnacle and ascend to higher realms.

Divine source wasn't an ordinary treasure.

"Of course."Qin Hongyi nodded confidently.

"You trust me that much? Aren't you afraid I'll change my mind?"Yi Tianxing looked at her deeply.

"A man who, upon first meeting, would selflessly protect a little girl, wholeheartedly defend her, despite having no real connection... If that kind of person isn't trustworthy, then no one in all of Dark City is. Especially since you're not a native of Dark City—that makes you even more trustworthy."Qin Hongyi said smoothly.

With the Red Pavilion's influence, learning about today's events wasn't difficult. They knew he had just arrived, and that despite having just met Nan Nan, he had unreservedly gone out of his way to help her.

Most importantly, he was an outsider—which made him harder to corrupt or manipulate.

"Interesting. The Red Pavilion truly lives up to its reputation. Very well. I accept the deal."Yi Tianxing nodded again.

"Good. I'll give you the map now. Consider it your gift."Qin Hongyi stood up and, with a flick of her fingers, unfastened the belt at her waist.

"What are you doing?"Yi Tianxing's eyes narrowed. Even he found this too stimulating. The visual impact was tremendous.

"I'm giving you the map, of course."Qin Hongyi said with a playful laugh, turning around gracefully.

Yi Tianxing's gaze sharpened.

There, on her smooth and pale back, was a lifelike map—almost like a tattoo, glowing faintly with seductive light.

Even Yi Tianxing, who prided himself on his composure, couldn't help but feel a little dry-mouthed. It was as if the blood in his body had begun to boil.

"I am the map. And I'm also the gift... for you."Qin Hongyi said with a bewitching smile, slowly walking toward him. It was clear she intended to offer more than just information—to have a far more intimate exchange with Yi Tianxing.

"Big Sis, why aren't you wearing clothes?"Just as the atmosphere grew dangerously heated, a clear, innocent voice suddenly rang out.

NanNan had somehow woken up and was now sitting up on the bed, her eyes wide and curious as she looked at Qin Hongyi.

The abrupt question froze Qin Hongyi's seductive smile. Even her body stiffened. She turned toward Nan Nan, an awkward expression twitching at the corners of her lips.

No matter how confident she was, it was impossible to remain poised in front of a child.

"NanNan heard that all women who don't wear clothes are bad women. They're all fox spirits. Big Sis, are you a fox spirit?"NanNan tilted her head, her voice sweet and full of curiosity.

Big Sis.

Fox Spirit.

Bad Woman.

Qin Hongyi's face instantly turned dark. She no longer had any face to remain in the room. In the blink of an eye, she grabbed her clothes from the floor and dressed herself with record speed, fleeing the room with a swish of her figure.

"Daoist Yi, the meeting will be in three days. I'll come find you then."Her voice echoed in the air as she disappeared.