Chapter Thirteen: The Bazaar (Part One)

  Yuan Futong's first stop after leaving the village was Nanhuacheng. Because there is a Xiuxian market near Nanhuacheng, it belongs to Liyangzong's site, and those who go are some low-level Xiuxian practitioners in the Qi training period. The goods sold are all medicinal materials, low-grade Dan medicine, and talismans. There are also some low-level Gongfa and Fa Shu. It is a convenient place for low-level Xiuxian practitioners to sell items and buy what they need. Because it is Liyangzong's site, it is relatively safe, at least within the market, you won't be robbed. As for what happens after leaving, it depends on one's own strength and luck.

  This market town is still relatively suitable for Yuan Futong. With his cultivation of the second layer of Qi, plus the effect of the Introspection Technique, he can pretend to be a fourth-layer cultivator. When one reaches the fourth layer, they can use magical tools. A wealthy cultivator at the fourth layer with good magical tools can rival higher-level cultivators. If one is determined to fight to the death, it's difficult for robbers to take down their target without suffering losses. Therefore, many people consider carefully before robbing a fourth-layer or above cultivator. If there isn't much profit to be gained, they won't bother to rob. Yuan Futong is taking advantage of this point to dare to go to the market town to buy some things. He has two gourds on his waist that can pretend to be magical tools, displaying his combat strength. As long as he uses a bit less spirit stone and is cautious, he shouldn't encounter any danger. Because right now, he really needs one thing - an introductory book on spiritual medicine.

  Since obtaining the "Liu Yun Dan Fang" from Gui Dao Ren's乾坤袋, Yuan Fu Tong had made up his mind to learn alchemy. After all, during the Ascension Conference, not only was a high level of cultivation required, but also having a unique skill made it easier for cultivators to enter sects. In his past life, he had seen that many protagonists were good at alchemy and had earned a lot of wealth through it. Since heaven had given him this dan formula, coupled with the possession of the precious fire jade, and practicing fire-based martial arts, not learning alchemy would be a waste. Moreover, Yuan Fu Tong had an advantage - his experience as a master chef in his past life. Alchemy required not only medicinal materials, fire, and cauldrons, but also software conditions, mainly the control of fire timing. As an excellent first-class chef, Yuan Fu Tong was confident in his grasp of fire timing. With the support of the abundant resources from the "Big Gift Package", Yuan Fu Tong felt that his chances of mastering alchemy were great.

  But now he lacks two things. One is the knowledge of spiritual medicine, and there are many types of spiritual medicine that need to be used for alchemy. Yuan Futong only understood some through a few notes, and his understanding was very incomplete. Many spiritual medicines on the pill formula were unheard of by him, and a book introducing spiritual medicines was something Yuan Futong needed badly. Another thing he needs is to get an alchemy furnace. Primary pills can be practiced with ordinary cauldrons, but slightly better pills need an alchemy furnace to refine them. Alchemy furnaces are all magical instruments, and they must wait until the fourth layer of Qi Refining to use. So now Yuan Futong isn't in a hurry to buy one either. He plans to buy a book on spiritual medicines and some basic medicinal materials at Nanhuabang Market. Study for a period of time, practice basic pill refining, and then buy an alchemy furnace to practice alchemy after his cultivation improves.

  Fifty miles southeast of Nanhuacheng, there is a mountain valley called Huixiong Valley. This is where the market is located. The place has been shrouded in mist for a long time, with few people around. Generally, people who enter easily get lost and turn back in a daze. Therefore, it is also known as Guigou (Ghost Valley) nearby. In fact, this is because a simple maze array was set up outside the market. Only cultivators who can use divine sense and high-level warriors who know the way can come in. This market is one of more than a dozen markets under the control of Liyang Sect, and it is relatively small in scale. There are over a dozen shops, and most of the others are individual practitioners setting up stalls here. The source of goods is very complicated, but there is nothing high-end.

  Yuan Futong followed the notes and felt his way to Gray Bear Valley. He saw that the mountains were indeed shrouded in mist, with very low visibility. Releasing his spiritual sense, he discovered a small path leading into the valley through the fog. Yuan Futong proceeded cautiously along the road, walking half a mile before the fog dispersed, and when he looked up, he saw a village market-like place not far ahead.

  This bazaar has two streets, one of which is lined with relatively regular shops, all of which are attic-style buildings, but each building has its own characteristics. Some are intricately carved and ornate, showing off their luxury. Others are very simple, almost indistinguishable from ordinary residential houses. The most eye-catching is a bright red attic in the middle of the street, which is entirely red from top to bottom, like a burning flame. The other street is lined with small stalls, similar to the antique market stalls of past dynasties. Yuan Futong looked around for a while, and didn't dare go into those shops at first, instead strolling along the small stalls to take a look around.

  There aren't many people shopping on the street, they are strolling around in twos and threes. Some vendors are very calm, just sitting behind their stalls. They only open their mouths to introduce a few words when someone stops in front of their stall. Some are more outgoing, shouting loudly as soon as they see customers passing by, and once someone stops, they talk endlessly about their goods. Yuan Futong had only walked two steps before he met one such vendor.

  The stall owner was short and had a sallow complexion. His cultivation should be higher than Yuan Futong's, because Yuan Futong couldn't see through him. The dwarf saw Yuan Futong passing by and loudly called out: "Top-grade Lingzhi wine, restores spiritual power, promotes cultivation. Is this brother interested?"

  "Is it me?" Yuan Futong stopped in his tracks.

  "Of course, looking at your young age, you already have such achievements, truly a rare talent in cultivation. You must be well-read and knowledgeable."

  "There, I have been cultivating in seclusion among the tribes. It was only recently that I came out to gain experience, and I don't have much insight to speak of." Yuan Futong replied cautiously.

  "Haha, I'm sure you're an elite young master of the clan. My surname is Wang, and others call me Wang Zui Gui. May I ask your noble surname and name?"

  "I dare not, my surname is Yuan." Facing the enthusiasm of the boss, Yuan Futong became somewhat apprehensive and his tone also became neither hot nor cold.

  "Ah, it's Young Master Yuan. Since you're just starting out on your journey, you should definitely stock up on some wine and water from me. This Lingzhi brew of mine is made with 1,500-year-old Lingzhi as the main ingredient, paired with various spiritual herbs, and crafted using a secret formula. Drinking it regularly can improve your cultivation. When engaging in a magical duel, taking a sip can restore your magical energy. Ten spirit stones per liter. It's truly a rare and precious product that you can't miss out on, Young Master."

  "Oh, how amazing?" Yuan Futong had never heard of this thing before, and after listening to Wang Zuogui's introduction, he became slightly moved.

  "Of course, ask around in this town and you'll find out that Wang Zui Gui's Lingzhi brew is famous."

  "Oh, I'll go take a stroll and come back to see you later." Although he was somewhat moved by the words, Yuan Futong suddenly had the feeling of being cheated in an antique market. He decided to wait and see.

  "It seems little brother doesn't trust me." Wang Zui Gui looked a bit angry.

  "There, little brother didn't bring many spirit stones this time, and there are still some things to buy. I'm afraid that if I buy big brother's wine, I won't have enough spirit stones to buy other things."

  "Since you say so, I won't force it. But what do you want to buy? I'm familiar with this market, and I know the prices of everything. I'll introduce you to some people, and I won't let you get cheated." Wang Zui Gui seemed to believe Yuan Fu Tong's explanation, and he wanted to introduce him to some acquaintances, with a somewhat over-familiar tone.

  Yuan Futong couldn't shake off the enthusiastic vendor and thought to ask about the price first. He nodded at Wang Zuigui.

  "Thanks a lot, I came out this time to buy a book that introduces spiritual medicine."

  "Rare books? There are actually two places in this market that sell such things. One is the stall of the second-to-last house on the street, he has a lot of rare books for sale and should have what you need. The other one is on another street, there's a shop called Baicao Pavilion, it's a branch of Huichun Valley, they definitely have the stuff but the price will be much more expensive."

  "How many spirit stones would this kind of book cost?"

  "Generally it's around 200. Better ones cost over a thousand spirit stones. It depends on what level you want." Wang Zui Gui said, observing Yuan Fu Tong's expression.

  "It's so expensive!" Yuan Futong exclaimed in surprise.

  "How many spirit stones did that brother bring?"

  "Uh..."

  "Hehe, I guess I talked too much. You go ask that store on the street, see if they can give you a discount."

  "Thanks a lot, big brother."

  Yuan Futong hastily left Wang Zui's stall and strode towards the other end of the street.