Crystal stones contained energy, the vitality of heaven and earth — and it was extremely pure. The higher the grade of the crystal stone, the purer the contained energy. Whether for fierce beasts, other races, or humans, crystal stones were a tremendous aid. They could accelerate one's cultivation and allow one to grow stronger faster. Such an item was universally needed, making it the most natural choice for common currency.
Using crystal stones for transactions was perfectly normal.
Crystal stone mines were scattered across various regions of the Eternal Continent, and mining them wasn't particularly difficult. These factors greatly increased the likelihood of crystal stones becoming standard currency.
Yi Tianxing didn't believe the Dragon Gate Inn had the power to issue a new form of currency.Thus, the widely available crystal stones were the most probable medium for trade.
"Guest, you're indeed sharp. Here at the Dragon Gate Inn, we calculate value using crystal stones," the server said, smiling even more brightly."From your bearing, it seems you must have quite a few crystal stones. I'm sure you can pay for the dishes you just enjoyed."
Crystal stones were precious. The inn's daily operations relied heavily on them, especially for assisting with cultivation. They were highly beneficial.
"How many crystal stones for these dishes?"Yi Tianxing asked calmly.
"These three dishes are our Dragon Gate Inn's signature dishes, prepared by top-tier chefs. You've seen for yourself — their color, aroma, and taste are unmatched. They are some of the rarest delicacies in the world. Naturally, their value isn't cheap," the server said with a grin.
"The flavor was decent. As for the appearance and aroma, well, I wouldn't exactly call them top-notch — they might even be revolting under the surface," Yi Tianxing said meaningfully.
The server's heart trembled slightly. He was no fool and instantly caught the hidden meaning.Had this guest truly seen through the illusions?Or was he bluffing?Either way, this was serious.Until now, no one had ever uncovered the truth behind the food served at Dragon Gate Inn.
"Guest, you must be joking. You've already eaten the food; you can't refuse to pay. Otherwise, our inn is not just for show," the server's smile disappeared, his tone gaining a trace of sternness.
"Deceiving customers isn't what a reputable inn should do. Could this place be a black shop, then?"Yi Tianxing asked indifferently.
"Xiao Wang, give him a 20% discount."From upstairs, a calm voice spoke — it was Jin Xiangyu.
"Yes, Boss Lady,"the server replied respectfully.He turned back to Yi Tianxing and said,"Our three signature dishes are all priced the same — 100 black-iron grade crystal stones each. That's 300 stones in total. With the 20% discount, it's 240 stones. Please settle the bill."
One dish costing 100 crystal stones — it was outrageous.Even pills and rare herbs often weren't priced so high.To Yi Tianxing, this amount wasn't much, but to ordinary cultivators, it was exorbitant — likely unaffordable.Definitely black-hearted pricing.
"I don't have crystal stones,"Yi Tianxing smiled,"but I can pay with these instead. They're no less valuable."
With a casual wave of his hand, golden coins fell onto the table — not too many, exactly eighty.They gleamed with golden light, ancient inscriptions of "Eternal" and "Xuanhuang" clearly visible.
"What's this? Coins? I've never seen this type of currency before. Could it be from some ancient world? Looks exquisite...""Golden, like gold coins. But real gold isn't worth much here. How could it compare to crystal stones?"
The surrounding guests, watching secretly, all whispered in curiosity.
"No, wait — these are Eternal Coins! They're from Xuanhuang Town! I've seen them before. These coins are amazing — not only can they be used for trade, but they also contain pure energy and can boost cultivation speed by three times for a whole day!"someone exclaimed suddenly.
He had personally experienced their magic.
While the energy in an Eternal Coin was slightly inferior to a black-iron crystal stone, the difference wasn't huge. Plus, the coins boosted cultivation speed threefold, were beautifully crafted like works of art, and carried intrinsic value.One Eternal Coin was worth roughly three black-iron crystal stones — definitely worthwhile.
"Eternal Coins!!"At some point, Jin Xiangyu had descended from upstairs. She picked up an Eternal Coin, examining the delicate patterns, heavy feel, and brilliant golden light. She immediately found herself irresistibly drawn to it.
Holding it, she instinctively developed a fondness for it.
She could feel the pure energy within — easier to absorb than crystal stones, with no impurities. Coupled with the cultivation boost, its value far exceeded that of crystal stones.
"What a wonderful thing. So, these are Eternal Coins — truly exquisite," Jin Xiangyu said softly."There have been rumors about Xuanhuang Town issuing a new currency called Eternal Coins. I just never had a chance to see them until now. They're even better than the rumors claimed."
She gazed at Yi Tianxing, her eyes twinkling."You said your surname is Yi. The Lord of Xuanhuang Town is also said to be surnamed Yi. To have Eternal Coins, could you be that very lord?"
Dragon Gate Inn wasn't far from Xuanhuang Town. Plus, many travelers passed through, bringing news.The inn specialized in gathering intelligence, and from many clues, Jin Xiangyu had already guessed Yi Tianxing's identity — though he hadn't been actively hiding it.
"Can Eternal Coins be used here for transactions?"Yi Tianxing asked calmly.
"Of course,"Jin Xiangyu smiled."Following your estimation, the exchange rate will be one Eternal Coin for three black-iron crystal stones. How many can you provide? I can trade treasures for them."
Clearly, she wanted a large quantity, not just a few.
Yi Tianxing quickly realized something:The Dragon Gate Inn doesn't have a large stockpile of crystal stones.
Although crystal stones could serve as currency, acquiring them wasn't so simple.Finding and mining veins took time, and in this short period after the cataclysm, only major forces could accumulate a substantial stockpile.
Thus, the guests couldn't easily pay with crystal stones either — only by pledging treasures valued in crystal stones.This explained why Jin Xiangyu was so eager to acquire Eternal Coins.
Especially since Eternal Coins better fit human concepts of money and aesthetic appreciation.
Yi Tianxing's mind spun rapidly, then he smiled and said,"I have plenty of Eternal Coins. But they aren't unlimited. Whether you can obtain them depends on whether you can offer treasures that truly move me."
This was also a golden opportunity — a chance to spread Eternal Coins and increase their influence.
"Please, come upstairs so we can discuss it in detail."Jin Xiangyu smiled invitingly.
"Lead the way."Yi Tianxing agreed without hesitation.
The two went upstairs, leaving the other guests whispering among themselves, their minds full of speculation.
Everyone had heard their conversation.The implications were not small.Maybe the currency used at Dragon Gate Inn would soon shift to Eternal Coins.Perhaps they would soon have a way to earn Eternal Coins themselves.
Killing beasts, gathering spirit herbs, pledging treasures — all could be recorded as credit, but real crystal stones were hard to come by.If they could earn Eternal Coins, it would change everything.
The inn itself was a treasure — simple on the surface, but extraordinary in essence.The buildings radiated a subtle mystical light.
Following the staircase, they reached the second floor.At a table, they sat facing each other.
"Although Dragon Gate Inn is an inn,"Jin Xiangyu said, smiling,"we also trade in information.If I'm not mistaken, you've come here for the treasure nearby — Phoenixes never land where there is no treasure; Dragon Gates only appear where storms gather.Within a hundred miles of here, we have complete intelligence.I possess a map, showing not only the safest and quickest route to the treasure, but also the zones where powerful beasts roam.If you follow it carefully and avoid provoking strong beasts, you can reach the treasure safely."
She blinked, smiling sweetly.
Dragon Gate Inn's intelligence network was formidable.Since discovering signs of a phoenix's descent, they had been gathering data and drawing maps.
"The map sounds good, but it's not enough to move me,"Yi Tianxing said, shaking his head.
With his own strength, he had no fear of reaching the treasure without it.