Li Wei pores over the manual with intense focus, carefully deciphering each instruction. The process seems deceptively simple: gather a mortal skeleton, infuse it with qi, and recite an incantation in an unfamiliar language. The ease of the ritual makes him wary—something about it feels too straightforward. His unease deepens when he realises that without a skeleton, he can't even begin the process. This realisation pushes him to action.
Setting the manual aside, Li Wei decides that his best course of action is to visit one of the bustling markets within the sect. The market is always a hive of activity, filled with vendors peddling everything from rare herbs to arcane tomes. There, he can acquire the mortal skeleton he needs. Perhaps he'll also come across something else of value—a manual on runes or maybe a new earth-attribute cultivation technique that could further strengthen his abilities.
Li Wei sets out for the market he has visited before. It's a familiar place, especially the outer disciples' section. Although he's unsure of how good this particular market is compared to others within the sect, it's a start. He understands that there are likely better, more exclusive markets reserved for higher-ranking disciples, but those are currently out of his reach. For now, he must make do with what's available.
Stepping into the market, Li Wei is immediately struck by the contrast between his previous experiences and now. Just a short while ago, he was a mere Qi cultivator, fearful of crossing paths with any inner disciple. Now, with his Foundation Establishment status, he is the one being watched. The market is buzzing with activity, but he notices the subtle shift in how others regard him. It feels strange, almost surreal, to be on the other side of the power dynamic he once feared so much. Yet, it's a change he's more than willing to accept. Power is everything in this sect, and Li Wei is determined to continue rising, no matter what it takes.
His eyes scan the stalls, each one offering a myriad of goods—materials, manuals, weapons, and more.
Each vendor is eager to display their wares to potential buyers. Stalls line the path, each one laden with items that speak of power and potential. The air is filled with the sound of animated bargaining and the occasional bone pills being exchanged.
Pills and elixirs, their vibrant hues gleaming in the light, are showcased prominently. As Li Wei scans the display, he recognizes several potions from the Compendium of Essential Elixirs—a Strength Potion tagged with a price of 20 Grade 1 pills, and the Elixir of Stone Skin at 25 Grade 1 pills. The rest, priced around 15 pills, are unfamiliar to him, though they seem to be of lesser value or potency.
Weapons, gleaming with lethal intent, hang from wooden racks. Swords with intricately carved hilts, daggers with a wicked curve catch the eye of disciples passing by. Li Wei notices that some disciples huddle around these stalls, appraising the weapons with a keen eye, their fingers brushing over the cool metal.
Manuals are stacked neatly, their spines bearing the names of techniques and arts that promise mastery over the elements or the mind. The scent of aged parchment mingles with the sharper smell of herbal concoctions, creating a distinct aroma that fills the air.
Conversations swirl around Li Wei as disciples barter not just with pills, but with items they deem of equal value.
Two disciples stand near a stall, locked in a heated negotiation.
"These Ghost Orchid Ferns are worth more than that dusty old technique," the first disciple argues, his tone sharp with frustration. "You know how hard it is to find something like this around here."
The second disciple, his expression cold and calculating, shakes his head. "Maybe, but this is a meditation technique that's been passed down through generations. If you want it, you'll have to offer something better."
The first disciple glares, clearly annoyed. "What more do you want? Ghost Orchid Ferns are high-grade, not the usual junk you see around here."
The second disciple remains unfazed, his grip on the scroll tightening. "I know what it's worth, and I'm not letting it go for anything less than its true value. Either come up with more, or find someone else to trade with."
Li Wei overhears the exchange as he continues through the market, paying little attention to the bartering. He has his own concerns to focus on and doesn't care for the specifics of others' dealings.
Li Wei sighs inwardly as he peruses the stalls. The prices, steep and often set in Grade 1 pills, are beyond his reach. The realisation hits him hard—he has no Grade 1 pills left, having consumed the three he previously had in a bid to strengthen his foundation. The weight of this decision presses on him, but he reassures himself, Cultivation must be prioritised above all else.
As he continues browsing, his thoughts crystallise. The only things that seem to genuinely enhance cultivation are meditation techniques, bone pills, and that elusive Foundation Elixir.
"I must pursue all three with absolute ruthlessness," he thinks, fully aware of the cost that may come with such a pursuit.
The market buzzes with activity around him, but his mind is solely occupied with the cold, calculated pursuit of power.
Li Wei's mind becomes laser-focused as he refines his plan. "I need to make use of those skeletons back at my old cave," he thinks. These skeletons, remnants of Qi cultivation disciples, must be capable of producing Grade 1 pills when properly refined. He knows that these pills are vital, not just for advancing his cultivation but also as a form of currency within the sect. However, he is careful to remind himself that they should only be used for trade once they have plateaued in their usefulness for his own cultivation. He considers the potential benefits: "A meditation technique could be worth the trade," he muses.
Reflecting on the three pills he recently consumed, Li Wei acknowledges their contribution to his cultivation progress, albeit slight. Still, the warning from Elder Guo echoes in his mind, a sharp reminder of the instability in his foundation. "I can't ignore that," he admits to himself. "I have to use the meditation technique to stabilise it. Otherwise, all this effort could crumble into nothing."
His resolve hardens, the path ahead becoming clearer. Each decision is calculated, every move designed to strengthen his position within the sect while minimising unnecessary risks. The meditation technique, once obtained, will be his key to solidifying his foundation and ensuring that his future efforts bear fruit.
For a brief moment, he entertains a darker thought: "Maybe I can kill more Qi cultivators to earn money." But the idea quickly fades as caution takes over. "No, that would draw too much attention," he realises. The elders wouldn't tolerate a Foundation Establishment disciple going on a spree, eliminating Qi cultivators. Perhaps one or two could disappear without raising alarms, but anything more would be too risky.
Determined to make the most of what he has, Li Wei heads toward the outer disciple section. The area is busier, more chaotic than the inner disciple stalls, but it's where he needs to go.
As he navigates through the crowded stalls, snippets of conversation drift through the air.
"Careful," one vendor whispers to another. "Don't say anything."
"Yeah," the other vendor replies. "I heard an inner disciple flattened a stall last week over a missing item."
Li Wei pays little attention to the idle chatter, his focus unbroken as he approaches a shop. The shelves are lined with various bones and oddities, exactly what he's looking for.
The shopkeeper, a thin man with a nervous demeanour, notices him immediately and scurries over. "Senior brother, how can I help you today?" he asks, a hint of anxiety in his voice.
Li Wei looks at him, his expression calm but firm. "I want a complete mortal skeleton. Don't think to leave a single bone out, or I'll come back and kill you."
The shopkeeper's eyes widen slightly, and he swallows hard. "Of course, senior brother. I'll have it prepared for you right away."
Li Wei nods and steps back, watching as the shopkeeper hurries to gather the necessary components. Around him, other customers murmur quietly, casting respectful glances his way.
"An inner disciple," a customer whispers to a friend, his tone a mix of awe and caution.
"Best keep our heads down," his friend replies. "We don't want any trouble."
The shopkeeper returns quickly, presenting Li Wei with a large bundle wrapped in cloth. "Here it is, senior brother. Everything is accounted for."
Li Wei takes the bundle, satisfied with the shopkeeper's efficiency. "Good. I'll be back if I need anything else."
The shopkeeper nods, relief evident on his face. "Thank you, senior brother. Please come again."
The shopkeeper hands Li Wei a sack, and Li Wei tosses him a gold coin, a quick exchange that closes their transaction.