"First order," Ariel stated as he produced a jade slip.
"Only one? Is it necessary to engage in a scorpion agreement?" The burly man muttered, not expecting such a small order.
"You're an idiot. If I'm in this body, and you need to make a quick getaway, I won't be able to keep up with you." Ariel remained expressionless as he explained.
In desperation, the burly man reluctantly struck a deal with Ariel, causing the onlookers to disperse.
After completing the agreement, the burly man pointed to the bag on the ground, effortlessly lifting the bag that weighed over 300 kilograms.
While climbing the mountain, Ariel struggled to ascend the stone steps, his body drenched in sweat. The burly man looked back and remarked, "You really lack physical strength." He then urged, "Can you pick up the pace? I intend to complete two more orders today! At this rate, you might just barely make it."
Ariel felt like a fish out of water, barely able to breathe. He sat down on the stone steps, panting heavily, and managed to utter, "I... can't go on..."
The burly man suddenly became agitated, exclaiming, "What's going on? Are you trying to ruin my business?"
Ariel's eyes rolled back, his expression blank. "You've seen it yourself, I truly don't have the strength."
Frustration etched the burly man's face. "I'm the one who's carrying you, and I'm losing money today." Saying this, he lifted Ariel, placed him under his arm, and strode up the stone steps with big strides.
"It's quite enviable, your cultivation." Ariel mumbled, seizing the opportunity to complain.
"Envious? I have to work hard for my meals. I'm at the fifth layer of refinement now, and I can't just rely on a few small jobs to make a living. Once I reach the foundational stage, I can take on more substantial tasks. Life has been tough this year!" The burly man couldn't help but vent.
"Yeah, life is tough," Ariel concurred half-heartedly. He suddenly remembered the Thousand Yufu Boat he had seen on the way and inquired, "By the way, what happened to the Thousand Yufu Boat? I didn't see it when I passed by."
"That's the palace of Akino's true disciples. You better be careful not to offend them," the burly man warned, "When you see women in white veils, be respectful. They're all Akino's true disciples, and they have fiery tempers. Many people who've crossed them have met a terrible fate!"
The burly man's strength was astonishing. He carried a bag weighing several pounds in one hand and Ariel in the other as he spoke effortlessly.
"Of course, bothering these powerful people would only lead to disaster." Ariel agreed.
With the burly man's brisk pace, they ascended the mountain's stone steps in less than half an hour.
Ariel quickly handed over two pieces of spar, and the burly man accepted them before swiftly descending the mountain.
"Life is tough!" Ariel watched the burly man's retreating figure and sighed.
In the Eastern Ring, Ariel was well-acquainted with the area. He picked up his bag and navigated a few turns until he found his destination.
It was a shop specializing in purchasing Linggu, a small storefront with a flag hanging on the door bearing the words "Linggu" in a character array that remained visible even at night.
Over 300 kilograms of second-grade Linggu was merely a small transaction for such a shop. The shopkeeper didn't bother greeting Ariel and instead sent a helper.
"Thirty 2-grade spars."
The assistant didn't entertain any negotiation. Ariel understood he had no room to haggle and simply nodded.
Though the price was somewhat low, other shops would offer the same deal. Only if he could provide tens of thousands of pounds of Linggu would he have the leverage to negotiate. After deducting the sect's share, the 300 pounds of Linggu represented a year's worth of hard work.
Thirty 2-grade spars was a substantial sum for him.
Walking down the street with his bounty, Ariel felt like he was being scrutinized by passersby.
The streets of the Eastern Ring were wide, with many colorful and oddly-shaped buildings floating in the sky. These were also shops, but it was a high-end business district. Without the ability to fly on a sword, entering these areas was near impossible. Some of the high-end shops were like small islands suspended in the air, adorned with flowers and gentle music.
Those were places beyond Ariel's wildest dreams. He focused only on the immediate reality, like a dog eyeing a bone in his bowl.