Chapter Five: The Rising Storm over Yibao Market (Part One)

Lin Feng did not rush to practice the "Azure Origin Sword Technique," but he had already mastered several major spells from the Qi Refining chapter of the "Everlasting Spring Art"—the Everlasting Spring Rejuvenation Technique, Everlasting Spring Shield, Everlasting Spring Binding Technique, and Everlasting Spring Spirit Rain. Lin Feng believed that his current spiritual energy reserves could rival those of an average Foundation Establishment stage cultivator. Cultivation could not be rushed; it required gradual progress, lest one achieve the opposite effect.

He stored the black trench coat and bamboo hat brought from the front desk into his waist storage pouch. The Flowing Cloud Ring had always been kept in the Purple Mansion; he had no desire for others to covet it. It would be about a day before Li Xiaoxia and the others returned, so he planned to go out and find some of the things he needed.

The Yibao Market was the largest trading hub for cultivation resources in the area, renowned far and wide.

From a distance, the architectural style of Yibao Market appeared ancient and mysterious. The towering city walls were constructed from massive bluestones, weathered by the passage of time and covered with mottled marks, as if narrating tales of past glory.

Along the city walls, watchtowers stood at intervals, each glowing faintly with enigmatic runes—clearly enhanced by defensive formations. These mystical runes shimmered alternately with pale blue and deep purple light, as if guarding the peace of the market.

Entering the market, the first sight was a broad main street paved with smooth, sturdy bluestone slabs. The buildings on either side were arranged with aesthetic variety. Some were grand and magnificent, with carved beams and painted rafters exuding luxury; others were simple and elegant, wooden structures emitting a faint scent of timber; still others were compact and exquisite, imbued with exotic charm. These edifices seemed like scrolls of history, each detail whispering tales of the past.

The street bustled with activity—immortal cultivators clad in splendid Taoist robes, ragged wanderers, and enigmatic masked figures mingled, a true gathering of dragons and serpents. Calls of vendors, bargaining voices, and haggling filled the air, weaving together a unique clamor. The robed cultivators walked proudly, exuding an aura of dignity; the ragged wanderers’ eyes gleamed with yearning for opportunity; the masked ones inspired both curiosity and caution.

Lin Feng walked along the street, curiously observing everything around him. He silently marveled that Yibao Market lived up to its reputation; such prosperity surely meant he could find what he sought. His steps were light yet steady, his eyes filled with anticipation, as if countless treasures lay hidden within this bustling market, waiting for him to discover.

After some searching, Lin Feng paused before a roadside stall. The owner was an elderly man who showed no trace of cultivator aura; his face was weathered, but his eyes sparkled with shrewdness. Lin Feng sensed the old man was no ordinary mortal. His wrinkled face bore the marks of time, and his gray hair was neatly combed.

The stall displayed all manner of curious items—worn magical artifacts, ancient manuals, strange ores, and more. Though the artifacts appeared aged, they radiated a mysterious aura, telling of former glory; the ancient books exuded the faint scent of old ink, inviting one to delve into their secrets; the exotic ores shimmered with vibrant, mystical hues.

Lin Feng’s attention was drawn to a tattered cultivation manual. He picked it up and examined it carefully. The cover bore four simple, archaic characters: "Turtle Breath Great Method." The characters seemed to possess a mystical power that captivated Lin Feng’s gaze.

"Good eye, young sir!" the old man smiled warmly. "This is a rare cultivation manual."

Lin Feng frowned slightly. "What makes this method special?"

The old man smiled mysteriously. "This ancient book was a gift from an old friend. I don’t know its full origin, but he told me to keep it safe. It’s been years since I last saw him, and I can’t discern its true value—so I’m selling it to earn some money for my grandson’s cultivation." A hint of nostalgia flickered in his eyes as he recalled old memories.

Flipping through the manual casually, Lin Feng discovered the "Turtle Breath Great Method" was incomplete—only the first three sections remained. Yet once mastered, even Golden Core cultivators could not detect your spiritual power. In such a perilous cultivation world, concealing one’s aura could be a lifesaving skill. The pages were yellowed, but the calligraphy remained clear. Lin Feng studied the contents with growing hope.

An idea stirred within Lin Feng; he needed such a method. In this competitive and dangerous world, hiding one’s strength was sometimes crucial. But he also knew incomplete manuals often carried risks.

"Since it’s incomplete, are there any issues with it?" Lin Feng inquired.

The old man waved dismissively. "Don’t worry, young sir. The first three parts are intact, but cultivating it requires expensive medicinal materials, so it’s not popular—it’s rather impractical for most. But judging by your strength, you might be able to gather those materials."

After some thought, Lin Feng deemed the "Turtle Breath Great Method" sufficient for his current needs. Following some bargaining, he purchased the manual at a reasonable price.

Eagerly, Lin Feng opened the manual. The cultivation method was indeed complex, requiring very precious herbs. Most cultivators couldn’t afford the cost. For instance, to practice the first section, one needed a Core from a true-spirit grade demon beast, a spirit-level Qingling Herb, and several other rare auxiliary herbs.

Lin Feng grimaced inwardly. A Core from a true-spirit grade demon beast corresponded to mid-Foundation Establishment level—very hard to obtain. To cultivate the method, he would have to find ways to gather the necessary spirit stones and herbs.

Determined, Lin Feng decided to visit a shop specializing in medicinal herbs and pills to seek the superior materials required. After some inquiries, he located a well-reputed establishment.

The shop’s facade was spacious and imposing, with a golden signboard inscribed with "Spirit Treasure Pavilion." Upon entering, a strong fragrance of herbs greeted him. Inside, various precious herbs and pills were neatly arranged, exuding potent spiritual energy.

Approaching the counter, a shop assistant promptly greeted him.

"Welcome, sir. How may I assist you today?" the assistant asked warmly.

Lin Feng said, "I’d like to see if you have a true-spirit grade demon beast Core and spirit-level Qingling Herb."

The assistant paused briefly, then replied, "Sir, those are extremely valuable. We have one true-spirit grade demon beast Core for fifty thousand lower-grade spirit stones. The spirit-level Qingling Herb costs five thousand. Other herbs like the Schisandra berry are more affordable."

Lin Feng’s heart tightened—such prices were indeed steep. But he had no choice. Though wealthy, he understood the importance of restraint and not revealing his fortune.

Gritting his teeth, he said, "Alright, I’ll take both."

The assistant’s face lit up. "Such generosity! Please wait a moment; I’ll fetch the items for you."

The shopkeeper himself then approached upon seeing Lin Feng’s lavish purchase.

"Sir, you seem to be a person of status. This is our store’s VIP card. From now on, you’ll enjoy a 20% discount on all purchases," the shopkeeper said with a smile.

Lin Feng accepted the jade card, embossed with the words "Spirit Treasure Pavilion" and three small stars on the back. He couldn’t help but think that such a system was just like those on Earth. He deeply understood the importance of resources in this cultivation world. With this VIP card, future purchases of herbs and pills would be more convenient and economical. He resolved to visit this pavilion often, hoping to find other precious treasures.

Soon, the assistant returned with the herbs. After careful inspection, Lin Feng paid the spirit stones.

Meanwhile, Lin Feng contemplated his next plans. Cultivating the "Turtle Breath Great Method" would require considerable time and effort, so he needed a safe place to train.

He also needed to continue seeking other cultivation resources to strengthen himself. After all, in this dangerous cultivation world, only by growing stronger could one survive. The VIP card was an unexpected boon, allowing him to save many spirit stones—each precious in this realm where resources were scarce and had to be managed carefully.

"Thank you, shopkeeper," Lin Feng said.

"My name is Zhou Guangjing, in charge of this pavilion," the shopkeeper replied, handing over a jade tube. "Young sir, contact me directly if you need anything."

Lin Feng understood this was akin to a communication device, similar to the one Jiang Yan had given him—a kind of phone number on Earth. He looked forward to studying the communication methods of this world, finding them fascinating. The jade tube emitted a faint glow, as if containing mysterious power. Lin Feng wondered how communication here functioned and imagined mastering these incredible tools to communicate more conveniently.

He casually said, "Alright."

"May I ask which sect you belong to?" the shopkeeper inquired with curiosity.

Lin Feng pointed to his Qingyun Sect robe. "I am a disciple of Qingyun Sect," he said proudly. Qingyun Sect was a prestigious and renowned sect in this region.

"So you are an honored cultivator of Qingyun Sect! Excuse my earlier presumption. Qingyun Sect is indeed a famous sect; no wonder you are so generous," the shopkeeper said with respect. The reputation of Qingyun Sect was widespread, and its disciples were known for their exceptional strength and esteem. The shopkeeper’s demeanor became even more deferential, secretly wondering about this young disciple’s true power.

Lin Feng’s aura, that of a perfect Qi Refining stage practitioner, was unobstructed and impressive. Shopkeeper Zhou marveled inwardly, "So young, yet his aura conceals his true cultivation even from me, a Qi Refining eighth layer cultivator. He must be from a prominent cultivation family."

Filled with surprise and curiosity, Zhou scrutinized Lin Feng, trying to glean more clues. Yet Lin Feng’s demeanor was restrained and profound, making him hard to read.

Lin Feng smiled faintly, saying nothing further. Seizing the moment, he asked Zhou about the Alchemist Alliance, eager to learn more about cultivation organizations and resources—key to enhancing his strength.

"Shopkeeper Zhou, I heard of an organization focused on alchemy that assesses alchemists’ ranks called the Alchemist Alliance. Do you know about it?" Lin Feng asked, eyes shining with anticipation.

Zhou nodded. "The Alchemist Alliance is well-known in this region. They gather many top alchemists who produce high-quality pills. They also hold regular alchemy contests and assessments, providing a platform for alchemists to showcase their skills. If you’re interested in alchemy, you should visit them."

Zhou’s praise piqued Lin Feng’s interest further. He had always been fascinated by alchemy, especially since he was an apprentice at the Alchemy Peak of Qingyun Sect. Despite his cultivation stagnation and being assigned to tend spiritual fields—drawing mockery from other peak disciples—he remained devoted.

Recalling his brother’s days at Alchemy Peak, Lin Feng felt a surge of helplessness. He knew he must strive to improve to break free from such a predicament.

In cultivation, pills were vital—not only healing injuries and ailments but also boosting cultivation. Pills were like treasures, each imbued with powerful energy.

"Where is the Alchemist Alliance located?" Lin Feng asked eagerly.

Zhou replied, "Their assessments are held in Xiyun Town, the seat of the county lord in Xiyun County. Joining isn’t easy; one must pass their rigorous tests."

Lin Feng pondered silently how to succeed in their assessments and become a member.

Zhou continued, "There’s a pill trading shop affiliated with the Alchemist Alliance called Danbao Pavilion. We cooperate with them sometimes. Here, we only have low-grade pills like Foundation Establishment Pills, Barrier-Breaking Pills, and Small Rejuvenation Pills. They stock the high-grade ones."

Zhou’s tone carried a hint of helplessness; alchemists, especially high-level ones, were scarce and costly to maintain. His lament reflected the rarity and value of alchemists in this cultivation world.

Lin Feng nodded appreciatively. "Thank you for the information."

After bidding farewell, Lin Feng headed toward Danbao Pavilion, his heart full of hope. Inside his storage pouch was a copy of "Detailed Herbology," which thoroughly documented various spirit herbs and their properties. Though his current body’s cultivation had not advanced, he was well-versed in this text from his past life, aside from the Qingyun Sect’s basic "Qi Guiding Technique."

Touching the book, Lin Feng felt the persistence and effort of his former self.

He silently vowed, "Brother, I will fulfill the wishes you could not. I will take good care of your family here." His eyes shone with resolve and determination.

At this moment, Lin Feng’s cultivation at the Qi Refining stage was complete; to establish his foundation, his mind had to be clear and flawless. He knew the path was arduous, requiring not only strength but an unwavering heart. Every step in this challenging cultivation world was crucial.

After Lin Feng left, inside Spirit Treasure Pavilion, the shop assistant who had served him asked Shopkeeper Zhou, "Boss, I noticed you treated that customer particularly well—offering a 20% discount and even a VIP card on the first visit."

Zhou’s eyes glittered as he replied calmly, "That young man looked so youthful, but his cultivation was inscrutable to me. He’s a disciple of the largest local sect—the Qingyun Sect."

A hint of reverence colored Zhou’s gaze. The Qingyun Sect’s fame in this land was no empty boast; it was a gathering place of countless powerful figures. Every disciple from Qingyun Sect was highly respected.

The assistant, a mere mortal unfamiliar with cultivation matters, knew Zhou was a cultivator—an impressive one at that. Hearing Zhou say this young man was even stronger than himself, the assistant’s expression mixed surprise with admiration and envy. His eyes widened, imagining Lin Feng’s strength.

Zhou added, "Ordinary cultivators can’t afford tens of thousands of spirit stones casually; even our young lady rarely spends so freely. This young fellow is from Qingyun Sect’s Alchemy Peak, so he’s destined to be an extraordinary alchemist. We treated him well today; perhaps he’ll help us someday."

Zhou sighed inwardly, for they truly could not support a high-level alchemist. Their own master was only a junior alchemist, capable of producing low-grade healing pills. Zhou’s expression revealed the high status and immense value of alchemists in this cultivation world—each one coveted by major powers, yet resources to recruit them were scarce.

The assistant admired Zhou’s talent for recognizing people and handling affairs, secretly vowing to learn from him. Though unable to cultivate immortality himself, he resolved to find other ways to realize his worth in this complex world.

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