On the second day of his exploration in the xianxia realm, Nolan felt a renewed curiosity stirring within him.
The previous day had been spent acquainting himself with the intricacies of his estate and the various beings that inhabited it—slaves, guards, and servants alike—all of whom seemed to exist in a delicate balance between duty and deference to his status.
After a leisurely breakfast, Nolan turned to Mara, his trusted attendant, with a determined gleam in his eye. "Prepare the carriage, Mara. Today, I shall venture forth beyond our home and do something exciting," he announced, his voice carrying an air of purpose that momentarily surprised Mara.
She frowned slightly, hiding her concern behind a practiced mask of obedience. She wondered if Nolan's newfound change the day before would prove more than a passing fancy.
Yet, she dutifully set about readying the carriage, ensuring it would be prepared as soon as possible.
* * *
"Good morning, Senior Frederick!" Nolan greeted an old man who took the reins of the carriage's horses. Despite his simple appearance, the formidable spiritual pressure emanating from the old man betrayed his true strength.
Senior Frederick was Nolan's dao protector, entrusted by the esteemed Darkmoon family to safeguard him.
Even though Nolan was considered a disappointment, the family's ancient reputation forbade leaving him vulnerable to assassinations or similar threats.
"..." Senior Frederick merely nodded in response, his stoic silence a testament to his unwavering dedication.
"Where do you wish to go, young master Nolan?" Mara's voice held a hint of concern, her loyalty to Nolan evident in every word spoken within the confines of the carriage.
One should know that the two grew up together and share the same age of 18.
Nolan leaned back against the plush seat, considering Mara's question with a contemplative expression. "To the marketplace, Mara. Let's start there," he decided finally, his tone carrying a mix of determination and anticipation.
With a gentle flick of the reins, Senior Frederick guided the horses forward, the rhythmic clip-clop of their hooves marking the beginning of their journey.
Mara observed Nolan quietly, her thoughts wandering to the events of the previous day.
His sudden change in attitude had surprised her—was it just a fleeting spark of motivation or a genuine shift in purpose?
As the carriage rolled through the bustling streets towards the marketplace, Mara couldn't help but voice her concern. "Are you planning to seek out more exotic treasures today, young master?" she asked, her gaze steady on Nolan.
Nolan chuckled softly, a hint of amusement touching his features. "You have the insight of a sage, Mara. Yes, I do intend to explore and perhaps find something of value. You read my mind perfectly," he replied, his eyes briefly meeting hers before returning to the passing scenery outside.
Mara nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I must remind you, young master, that our finances are strained this month because you have already spent a major chunk of them," she cautioned gently. "We cannot afford to be extravagant. At least not before the month ends."
"I understand, Mara. I'll be cautious with my spending," Nolan assured her, though his tone carried a note of determination that hinted at his resolve to make a significant discovery.
Silence settled between them for a moment as the carriage continued its journey through the lively marketplace. Mara stole a glance at Nolan, a mixture of fondness and concern in her gaze.
She had witnessed his repeated attempts to find a breakthrough in his cultivation journey through supposed nameless treasures in the market, often leading to disappointment.
"I have a feeling today will be different," Nolan mused aloud, breaking the silence. His voice held a quiet optimism that stirred Mara's heart. She wanted to believe him, to hope alongside him, yet experience had taught her to temper expectations.
With a wistful smile, Mara replied softly, "I hope so too, young master."
As the carriage rolled to a stop at their destination, Nolan stepped out with renewed purpose, his boots hitting the dusty ground with a determined thud.
The bustling marketplace sprawled before him, a labyrinth of stalls adorned with colorful fabrics, gleaming trinkets, and aromatic spices.
His gaze, sharp and focused, swept across the chaotic scene, searching for something that was exciting amidst this chaos of people and products.
Mara, always attuned to Nolan's every move, followed closely behind. Her heart raced with a mix of excitement and apprehension.
She glanced at Senior Frederick, their elderly guide and mentor, whose weathered face betrayed no hint of curiosity as he observed Nolan's determined strides.
For what felt like an eternity, Nolan moved from one stall to the next, his steps deliberate, his scrutiny intense.
The vendors, sensing a potential buyer in the tall figure clad in dark garb, eagerly displayed their finest goods.
Yet, Nolan's eyes remained fixed on a distant horizon, searching not for mere trinkets but for something unique and special.
An hour passed, the sun climbing steadily overhead, casting long shadows across the bustling marketplace.
Mara exchanged knowing glances with Senior Frederick, silently sharing their unspoken hopes and fears.
Then, just as Nolan seemed on the verge of moving on, his gaze locked onto a modest stall nestled between two larger merchants.
There it was—a glimmer of recognition sparked in his eyes, a subtle shift in his demeanor that Mara keenly observed.
Without a word, Nolan approached the stall, drawn like a moth to flame.
The vendor, an elderly woman with a kind smile and weathered hands, greeted him warmly, as if she knew that she was going to make a good sale today.
"Please take your time, young master Nolan. All my treasures are free for your perusal," the old woman said. She knew Nolan well; he had frequented her shop many times before. This familiarity made her confident that she would make a sale today.
"Thank you, senior." Nolan acted as if he was meticulously checking every product, from enchanted necklaces to magical boots, but he was really only interested in one thing. He maintained his act for over ten minutes, even asking about the uses and effects of various items. Finally, he landed on his target.
"How about this little stone, senior? How much for it?" Nolan inquired.
"Well, that is an immortal stone, young master Nolan. I've tried every means at my disposal, but it is simply indestructible. I'm willing to sell it to you at a discount." The old woman paused and raised two fingers. "Two thousand spirit stones," she added for dramatic effect.
"That's too much, senior." Nolan shook his head in dismay. "Even if it is as you say, indestructible, it is simply too small. It wouldn't even be useful enough to cover one of my eyes should I ask a blacksmith to make it into eye armor or something." Nolan paused and mimicked the old woman's gesture. "Two hundred spirit stones," he countered, raising two fingers.
"Too little. I won't part with less than 1500 spirit stones."
"300."
"1000. That's my bottom line, young master Nolan."
"500. That's my final offer." A long silence ensued until finally, the old woman gave in.
"750," she said, lowering her bottom line.
"Mara, kindly pay the senior," Nolan said with a wide smile as he picked up the little stone, which the old female cultivator had tested to be indestructible.
"Wait! I offer 2000 spirit stones for that treasure!" a voice called from the back.