This place was never large to begin with; two corners of the main hall had collapsed, and more than half of the side chambers were also in ruins.
Ironically, the Taoist temple's gate remained intact—awkwardly, aside from this gate, all the surrounding walls had fallen, leaving only a line of foundation.
That very gate stood, lonely and stubborn, isolated in its existence.
Even so, Qing Ruyan approached with what one might call "politeness," knocking on the door, intending to enter through the front.
After she knocked three or four times, an impatient voice finally sounded from inside, "Just come in."
Qing Ruyan, with utmost respect, pushed one side of the door open just a crack and slipped in with Chen Gu.
In front of the main hall stood an incense burner, over a meter tall, comically split in half as if someone had cleaved it with a single strike.
Chen Gu became increasingly curious about this place. This was a virtual world; surely, they could make these dilapidated facilities look new if they wished. Was this state of disrepair a deliberate effect created by the entities here?
On the part of the main hall's steps that hadn't collapsed, an old Taoist lay askew. His robe was tattered, and a scruffy beard covered most of his long face, making it impossible to clearly see his features or determine his age.
Qing Ruyan stepped forward, greeting cheerfully, "Taoist Tianyi, I've brought a newcomer."
The Taoist rolled his eyes. "Whatever."
Qing Ruyan still beamed. "We need your approval."
Taoist Tianyi remained indifferent. "Do as you see fit."
This is very Taoist indeed, Chen Gu thought.
Qing Ruyan said, "Then, I'll consider this registered with you."
"Whatever you think is best."
Qing Ruyan continued, "He's about to advance to the Second Energy Level and is looking for something useful."
The Taoist immediately expressed dissatisfaction. "His level is too low. You know the prices here; he can't afford anything."
Qing Ruyan confidently stated, "He has money."
The Taoist's interest was piqued. He sat up, eyes gleaming as he sized up Chen Gu, and then tentatively asked, "With only Starshield, he won't be able to buy anything here."
"He has more than just Starshield," Qing Ruyan replied.
Taoist Tianyi's eyes shone even brighter. Chen Gu increasingly felt that Qing Ruyan had pegged him as an easy mark and was leading him into a den of thieves.
"Come on in, let's talk details," Taoist Tianyi said enthusiastically, leading them into an adjacent, half-collapsed chamber.
Once inside, Chen Gu stated his needs. Taoist Tianyi frowned and pondered. "Radiation Missionary… Hmph, you young folks nowadays all like new professions. What's so great about new professions? All flashy, without any substance."
He scratched his dirty hair and said, "I know of something that's perfect for you."
With a flick of his finger, a screen of light appeared before Chen Gu.
In the center was an irregularly shaped, pale green substance, rotating continuously for a complete display. Text floated around it, providing an introduction:
"A super-material from the 'Kutuwak Celestial Body Worm,' weighing 8.21 grams, from the Fearworm super-material series.
Research indicates that when used during advancement, there's a thirty percent chance of awakening one to two new skills, which vary depending on one's profession.
The Radiation Missionary profession may awaken skills including 'Nuclear Continuation,' 'Nuclear Magnetic Storm,' 'Radiation Body,' and others.
Additionally, this super-material provides a certain degree of protection against the Endless Realm. During advancement, it can help the professional fend off the contamination invasion of the Endless Realm."
The various introductions were very detailed. After reading them carefully, Chen Gu was greatly tempted. This was indeed something he needed!
He couldn't help but ask, "What's the price?"
Taoist Tianyi revealed the standard smile of a shrewd merchant. "Don't rush. There are a few more items. Take a look at all of them before you decide."
As he spoke, he flicked his fingers, and several more light screens unfolded before Chen Gu.
Chen Gu examined each one.
The second item was an ancient finger bone.
"Originating from an animal-type humanoid super lifeform, the 'Great Demon Envoy,' this special relic measures 9.6 meters in length and weighs 12 tons!
Research has confirmed this relic to have an excellent promoting effect on four professions: 'Starshield Commanding Officer,' 'Quantum Wizard,' 'Abyssal Blacksmith,' and 'Radiation Missionary.' It can improve the success rate of advancements and reduce the risk of mutations when facing the Endless Realm.
The downside is that it may awaken fewer skills; current research indicates it only affects the 'Quantum Wizard.'
Additionally, it can be sold in cut pieces."
The next item was a small cup of black sand.
"Special deep-space star sand, weighing 40.55 grams. It is a byproduct of interstellar mining and extremely precious. To date, it is still impossible to accurately determine which kind of mineral it accompanies. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novel⟡fire.net
Scientists speculate that the material's formation is likely random.
Initially, it was a precious additive used by 'Abyssal Blacksmiths' when forging various items. Later, it was discovered to have excellent assistive effects for several professions during advancement. After using this material, the 'Radiation Missionary,' 'Psychological Spy,' and 'Potential Postman' professions experienced significant enhancements in many post-advancement skills, with improvements ranging between 11% and 34%.
Additionally, it can be sold by weight, but such a good item should, of course, be bought all at once!"
The last item was a mechanical product that looked like a desk lamp. However, this thing was wrapped with all sorts of colorful wires, which were somehow harmoniously and artistically matched, as if they coordinated with each other.
To Chen Gu, they felt like arteries.
"A Level Seven Energy-Gathering Internal Organ from the 'Energy Gathering Mechanical Species' known as 'Nuclear Slar.' It's one of the auxiliary organs for its most powerful technique, 'Nuclear Eruption.'
It's not large, but terribly heavy.
It should have a very good assistive effect on the various professions of the 'Atomic Holy Church,' though no one has researched its exact effects.
Additionally, although its effects are unknown, this item is really not cheap."
However, Taoist Tianyi specifically recommended this last item. Chen Gu looked at him, uncomprehending, as Taoist Tianyi expounded, "Even though 'Nuclear Slar' is rated only as a Level Seven dangerous species, the destructive power of many Level Eight dangerous species doesn't even come close.
The reason for its reduced rating is because its intellect is pitifully low. It only knows brute force, which doesn't fit the profile of a high-level boss.
Those who can kill a 'Nuclear Slar' are all powerful individuals. For example, the owner of this war trophy—she is an outstanding hunter, long hailed as a genius in the professional domain. Her intuition is frighteningly accurate. If she feels that this item offers good assistance to the various professions of the 'Atomic Holy Church,' then she must be right.
Therefore, after she made this judgment, other experts, once they saw who made the claim, lost interest in researching it—because the results of their research would merely confirm her judgment."
Chen Gu smiled wryly and asked, "But after all, it's just an assistive effect, isn't it?"