"Spirit tendons of a Grade One demonic beast, the Azure Wind Snake! Essential for crafting divine bows! Only three low-grade spirit stones—come and see!"
"Various storage pouches! Stylish, practical, and spacious! Only one low-grade spirit stone each!"
"Looking for a trainer! Break through to the third level of Qi Refinement within a month for just five low-grade spirit stones!"
The lively chatter filled the Little Cliff Market as vendors loudly hawked their wares.
Xiao Chen paused for a moment, then chuckled and shook his head. Despite being his first visit to a cultivator's market, it felt strikingly similar to the mundane markets of the mortal world. "Since I'm here, I might as well look around. Who knows, I might stumble upon something worthwhile," he thought, wandering among the stalls.
"Esteemed cultivator, how about some Purple Gold Grass? Perfect for refining Essence Refinement Pills and just right for your needs! Twenty stalks per bundle for a single low-grade spirit stone!"
"And here's Night Fragrance Grass! It calms the mind and wards off insects. Scatter some dried grass in your quarters, and your cultivation efficiency will skyrocket!"
A young man behind one stall enthusiastically pitched his "precious" herbs to Xiao Chen, his fawning expression making Xiao Chen stifle a wry smile. These herbs were far inferior to the ones growing wild in the abandoned medicine garden, let alone those in the main one, Xiao Chen thought.
After nearly an hour of browsing, Xiao Chen hadn't found anything of value. Sighing lightly, he made his way to the market's registration desk.
A young clerk, sensing Xiao Chen's cultivation level, tensed slightly and asked cautiously, "Esteemed cultivator, how may I assist you?"
"I'd like to set up a stall. How much does it cost?" Xiao Chen asked directly.
"Four low-grade spirit stones per four-hour period, with partial periods rounded up. But I can offer a 30% discount for someone of your status," the clerk replied, trying to curry favor.
Xiao Chen shook his head and handed over a spirit stone without hesitation, refusing the small discount. With the wealth he had amassed from his earlier exploits, a few spirit stones were of no concern. Taking the token for his stall, he moved to a quiet corner of the market.
Most of the prime spots were already taken, so Xiao Chen settled for a secluded location. He casually placed seven or eight jade bottles on the ground and closed his eyes to rest, making no effort to attract attention.
About half an hour later, a young man approached with a curious expression. "Esteemed cultivator, what kind of pills are these?"
Without looking up, Xiao Chen replied, "Spirit Gathering Pills, Essence Refinement Pills, Mind Protection Pills, Minor Recovery Pills, Major Recovery Pills, and Nine-Turn Blood Jade Paste."
The young man gasped audibly, his face filled with astonishment. After a moment, he cautiously asked, "May I inspect them?"
"Go ahead."
The young man opened one of the bottles with great care, and a rich medicinal aroma immediately wafted into the air.
"It's real! These are genuine Essence Refinement Pills!" he exclaimed, his face a mix of excitement and disbelief. Closing the bottle reluctantly, he asked, "How much for the Essence Refinement Pills?"
"Five low-grade spirit stones each," Xiao Chen replied without lifting his head.
The price was reasonable—lower than market value, in fact. Pills were always in high demand, and their rarity in smaller markets often drove prices 30% higher than standard rates.
"I'll take three!" the young man said decisively. Spending fifteen spirit stones, his entire fortune, on three pills was a gamble he was more than willing to take. These pills could help him break through his cultivation bottleneck.
Placing the spirit stones on the stall, Xiao Chen swept them into his storage pouch and said indifferently, "Take them."
The young man's heart raced as he eyed the remaining pills. Though tempted to take more, he dared not offend Xiao Chen. Collecting his three pills, he left quickly.
Not long after, a young woman purchased two Spirit Gathering Pills, and word of Xiao Chen's stall began spreading.
Before long, the secluded corner became the market's busiest spot. A crowd of eager cultivators surrounded the stall, their eyes burning with desire as they stared at the jade bottles.
"Esteemed cultivator, I'd like to buy three Minor Recovery Pills!"
"I'll take two Essence Refinement Pills!"
"Esteemed cultivator, I'm out of spirit stones, but I can accompany you for a night in exchange for two pills!"
The noise grew overwhelming as the crowd clamored for Xiao Chen's goods.
Frowning slightly, Xiao Chen raised a hand and channeled spiritual energy into a sharp cough. The crowd immediately quieted.
"Pills are no longer for sale. From now on, they'll only be exchanged for talismans at market value," Xiao Chen announced.
This drew a collective murmur of surprise.
Talismans—magical seals that could unleash powerful effects with a small input of spiritual energy—were his true objective. In the absence of further breakthroughs, talismans were the quickest way to boost his combat capabilities. The pills he was trading were mostly leftovers from his training and of little personal value. Turning them into life-saving tools was a deal he considered well worth it.
"Esteemed cultivator, do you have specific requirements for the talismans, or will you accept any kind?" someone in the crowd asked hesitantly.
"Any talismans are acceptable," Xiao Chen replied evenly.
At this, a boy of seventeen or eighteen stepped forward. "Esteemed cultivator, I have 100 Fireball Talismans, all personally crafted. I'd like to trade them for two Essence Refinement Pills."
His words were met with derisive laughter.
"Fireball Talismans? Those are the lowest tier, barely equivalent to a third-level Qi Refinement spell. How embarrassing!"
"Ten Fireball Talismans for one spirit stone is the going rate. A hundred of those barely buys half a pill!"
"Look at him! Does he think the esteemed cultivator would stoop to such a trade?"
The boy's face reddened, but he stood his ground. Xiao Chen, however, remained unfazed