Chapter Six: The Turmoil of Yibao Market (Part Two)

After leaving the Spirit Treasure Pavilion, Lin Feng did not rush to find the Dan Alliance’s medicine-selling branch—the Danbao Pavilion.

He spent ten low-grade spirit stones to rent a low-grade training room. Stepping into the small chamber, he found it simple and refreshing; faint runes flickered on the walls—these were the soundproof and anti-spying arrays quietly in operation.

Taking a deep breath, Lin Feng laid out the medicinal herbs and ores he had just purchased in front of him.

Each herb radiated a ring of spiritual power fluctuations, especially the True Spirit stage beast’s inner core pill—the spiritual energy emanating from it was thick and intense, sending a chill through his heart. Following the Turtle Breath Technique, he began circulating his physical and spiritual energy. Slowly raising his hands, his ten fingers formed intricate seals in the air; each change stirred the surrounding spiritual power with subtle tremors.

He inhaled deeply, stretched out his palms facing upward, and started circulating the spiritual energy within. As the energy flowed, a faint halo appeared around his hands; the spiritual power twined around his fingertips like silk threads, gently quivering.

Lin Feng’s gaze fixed tightly on the True Spirit beast inner core pill. Carefully, he extended a wisp of spiritual energy to lightly touch it. Instantly, the pill seemed awakened; a fierce and wild force surged out, attempting to break free from Lin Feng’s spiritual restraint. His expression shifted, but a spark of determination flashed in his eyes. He quickly intensified the spiritual energy output, rapidly changing hand seals while chanting under his breath. Obscure runes materialized in the air, enveloping the pill.

Under the runes’ suppression, the pill’s resistance gradually weakened. Seeing this, Lin Feng’s heart lifted with joy. He continued controlling the spiritual energy to gently lift the pill, suspending it before him. Sweat poured from his brow, soaking his clothes, but he dared not slacken. His gaze shifted to the Qingling Grass nearby; with a light flick of his finger, a precise beam of spiritual energy severed the grass’s root, drawing it beside the inner core pill.

As the Qingling Grass approached, a strange resonance seemed to arise between it and the pill. Seizing the moment, Lin Feng clasped his hands together sharply, enveloping both in spiritual energy, then began guiding their powers to merge according to the Turtle Breath Technique’s incantation.

In an instant, the training room was bathed in brilliant light. A vast energy radiated outward from Lin Feng, forcing the runic arrays on the walls to flash brightly as they strained against the energy to prevent leakage that might attract attention.

Lin Feng felt a scorching current surge from the inner core pill, rapidly spreading through his meridians as if threatening to burst them. Gritting his teeth, he endured the pain and persistently circulated the Turtle Breath Technique, trying to tame the wild force. Meanwhile, the Qingling Grass’s spiritual energy slowly seeped into his body like a clear spring, nourishing his damaged meridians and alleviating the burning sensation caused by the pill’s power.

As time passed, subtle changes occurred in Lin Feng’s body. His skin gradually took on a faint golden glow; muscles tightened, brimming with boundless strength. His bones, tempered by the power, grew tougher, emitting faint creaking sounds.

During the first stage of the Turtle Breath Technique, Lin Feng faced a backlash of spiritual energy. His understanding of the technique was still shallow, and at the critical moment of merging the inner core pill and Qingling Grass’s power, a slight deviation in energy flow caused the wild force to break through his spiritual defense, rushing toward his sea of consciousness.

A sharp pain struck his head, like thousands of steel needles stabbing simultaneously. His vision blurred, and his mind waned. But at this life-and-death moment, driven by sheer willpower, he steadied his spirit, concentrating on recalling the technique’s incantations and insights.

He realized he had to adjust the energy’s flow path, guiding the fusion of pill and grass power more gently and slowly. Clenching his teeth against the agony, he painstakingly altered the hand seals and energy direction.

Each adjustment brought immense pain, with his meridians pushed to the brink of rupture multiple times. Yet he never gave up. After countless trials, he finally subdued the wild force, enabling it to circulate smoothly within his body according to the first stage of the Turtle Breath Technique.

Upon completing the initial stage, Lin Feng felt his entire body brimming with power; every cell seemed to rejoice. He clearly sensed his physique had significantly strengthened, his skin tougher—ordinary blades and swords would scarcely scratch him.

However, he did not indulge excessively in the joy of success. After a brief rest, he began cultivating the second stage.

The second stage was more challenging. Lin Feng needed to compress and refine the merged power further, integrating it into every inch of his flesh and blood to transform his constitution.

He circulated spiritual energy again, his hands swiftly painting complex patterns in the air. The surrounding spiritual energy responded, converging toward him in visible whirlpools.

Lin Feng channeled the remaining power of the inner core pill and Qingling Grass into these whirlpools, then guided them slowly toward his body. Upon contact with his skin, an immense pressure pressed from all directions, as if a mountain weighed upon him, immobilizing him.

Yet he did not retreat; instead, he guided the pressure deeper into his flesh and bones. Under this force, his flesh underwent drastic transformation, becoming translucent and shimmering with immense energy.

During cultivation, Lin Feng encountered a shortage of spiritual energy. The second stage required vast consumption, but his reserves were limited. At a critical juncture, his energy waned, halting progress.

Anxious, he scanned the surroundings, his gaze falling on auxiliary herbs and ores. Though their spiritual energy was weaker than the pill and Qingling Grass, they could temporarily ease his predicament.

He quickly gathered these materials and employed special techniques to extract their energy, replenishing himself. Only after using two medium-grade spirit stones from his storage ring was his energy sufficiently restored to continue.

He marveled at the technique’s wonder; no wonder ordinary people lacked the means to cultivate it.

After prolonged, arduous cultivation, Lin Feng successfully mastered the first two stages of the Turtle Breath Technique. His physique had undergone a seismic change—muscles bulged with explosive power, and his skin gleamed with a bronze luster, as if forged from metal.

His aura grew more reserved and profound, like a bottomless lake. Even a Foundation Establishment stage cultivator standing before him would barely detect his presence, mistaking him for an ordinary Qi Refinement stage practitioner.

Lin Feng slowly rose, feeling the surging power within, filled with accomplishment. He knew he had taken a solid step forward on the cultivation path, but this was only the beginning. Ahead lay a long road and many challenges, yet he felt no fear, for he held firm faith and unyielding will, certain to carve out his own realm in the immortal path.

He inhaled deeply, slowly drawing back his inner power, stabilizing his cultivation at the first Qi Refinement level. After calming himself, he tidied the training room and prepared to leave. Though the cultivation consumed many resources, the gains were immense. With the first two stages of the Turtle Breath Technique mastered, he believed he could better protect himself within the Yibao Market and explore the hidden opportunities and secrets lurking in the shadows.

Exiting the training room at noon, sunlight bathed him. Lin Feng looked up, his eyes shining with determination and confidence. He strode forward, gradually vanishing into the bustling crowd. His legendary story was only just beginning.

Lin Feng stepped out refreshed, the deep, hidden vigor in him lending his steps confidence and steadiness. His destination was the Danbao Pavilion in Yibao Market’s center, a renowned hub for pill trading in the region.

Even from afar, the pavilion’s grand outline was visible. Its towering roof pierced the clouds, glazed tiles gleaming with rainbow hues under sunlight. Elaborate carvings of auspicious beasts adorned the flying eaves and bracket sets, as if ready to soar at any moment. The pavilion’s crimson doors, two zhang tall, were studded with golden rivets, each inscribed with delicate runes emanating faint spiritual fluctuations—clearly for defense and deterrence. Above the entrance hung a massive gilded plaque inscribed with three bold characters: “Danbao Pavilion,” encircled by a shimmering aura, signifying its eminent status.

Entering, a strong herbal scent greeted him, refreshing the mind. The spacious, bright interior held rows of tall shelves laden with a dazzling array of pills. From “Rejuvenating Jade Dew Pills” that healed flesh wounds instantly with their gentle jade-like glow and faint fragrance, to “Qi Gathering and Condensing Pills” emitting a faint blue mist of spiritual power to quickly replenish lost true qi, and “Clear Spirit Antidote Pills,” jade-green like emeralds, protecting cultivators in poisonous fog environments. Most were tailored for Qi Refinement stage practitioners, varying in type and effect, overwhelming Lin Feng’s senses.

Yet when his gaze shifted to the high-grade pills’ display—such as Foundation Establishment pills and Small Return Pills—he found those shelves empty. A clerk hurried over, explaining, “Sir, these high-grade pills are extremely sought after and must be pre-ordered. Each Foundation Establishment pill costs 100,000 low-grade spirit stones. All stock is sold out. However, we do sell formulas for various pills below Foundation Establishment suitable for Qi Refinement cultivators.”

He pulled out an ancient-looking booklet from under the counter. “This is our Danbao Pavilion’s beginner pill recipe book, containing recipes and material lists for a hundred commonly used pills of levels one to three. It costs only 10,000 low-grade spirit stones. Interested?”

Lin Feng frowned slightly, pondering silently: Foundation Establishment pills are so hard to find; he could only buy this recipe book to study and perhaps craft them himself someday. With that thought, he produced 10,000 low-grade spirit stones and purchased the beginner’s pill manual.

As he inquired about pre-orders for Foundation Establishment pills, a sneer came from nearby: “Hmph, with your Qi Refinement first level cultivation, you think you can buy Foundation Establishment pills? Are you here to cause trouble?”

Lin Feng glanced sideways to see a young man dressed extravagantly with a contemptuous expression—Li Yuan. Not a local cultivator, Li Yuan relied on his family’s influence and often acted arrogantly. He had come to Yibao Market with his junior sister to bid on rare treasures at the auction house.

Beside Li Yuan stood a cold-faced woman, his junior sister. Seeing her brother’s rudeness, she gently tugged his sleeve and whispered, “Brother, don’t cause trouble. We’re here for the auction; don’t spoil things.” Yet Li Yuan showed no restraint, still looking disdainfully at Lin Feng.

Lin Feng returned his gaze coolly, unaffected by the mockery, and continued questioning the clerk about the Dan Alliance. His indifferent attitude enraged Li Yuan further, who thought, “This brat is so ungrateful. Once out of Yibao Market, I’ll teach him a lesson.”

At that moment, the Danbao Pavilion steward noticed the tense atmosphere and hurried over. A middle-aged man in a blue robe with a kind face but sharp, capable eyes, he bowed slightly to Lin Feng and apologized, “Young sir, sorry for the embarrassment. If you wish to assess pill-making levels, you must visit the Dan Alliance branch in Xiyun Town, Xiyun County.” He handed Lin Feng a note with the branch’s address.

He smiled and added, “Today, the Yibao Market auction house is holding a grand auction with many fine items. If interested, you might try your luck. But the auction is a mix of fish and dragons; please be cautious.”

Lin Feng took the note, thanked the steward, and prepared to leave Danbao Pavilion for the auction house. Li Yuan snorted nearby, already scheming to teach Lin Feng a lesson outside the market, unaware he was about to face unexpected trouble.

Following the steward’s directions, Lin Feng headed toward the auction house, reflecting on his earlier encounter. Though Li Yuan’s taunts annoyed him, he dismissed them—such people were common on the immortal path, and to fuss over every slight only bred trouble.

He also looked forward to the auction, knowing it might yield treasures to aid his cultivation. Though competition would be fierce, it was an opportunity.

The auction house stood in Yibao Market’s center, a magnificent circular building. Its black stone walls were inscribed with defensive and sealing runes, radiating powerful spiritual fluctuations to prevent disturbances during auctions.

Two guards in black armor stood at the entrance, eyes sharp, watching all entrants. Lin Feng paid the entrance fee and entered smoothly.

Inside, the spacious hall was tiered with rows of seats facing a large auction platform. On it stood an ornate table, behind which a fair woman in a red qipao acted as auctioneer. Her lively eyes and subtle spiritual aura revealed her considerable cultivation.

Before the auction began, the hall was packed with noisy crowds. Lin Feng found a secluded corner to sit quietly, awaiting the start.

Soon, the auctioneer gently tapped her small gavel, its crisp sound silencing the room. Smiling, she announced, “Welcome to today’s auction. I am auctioneer Su Yao. Today’s event promises excitement and satisfaction. Without further ado, let us begin with the first item.”

An assistant brought a tray holding a pill glowing with blue light. Su Yao introduced it: “Our first item is the Clear Spirit Barrier-Breaking Pill, which greatly aids Qi Refinement cultivators in breaking bottlenecks. Its materials are rare, effects remarkable. Starting bid: 5,000 low-grade spirit stones; increments no less than 500. Let the bidding begin!”

Bids came swiftly: “5,500!” “6,000!”…

Lin Feng’s eyes flickered. This pill exactly suited his needs; winning it might greatly help his breakthrough to Foundation Establishment. He joined the bidding: “7,000!”

His high bid drew many glances—such a sum from a Qi Refinement first-level cultivator was surprising.

Yet Lin Feng ignored the stares; his only thought was to win this pill. As bidding continued, the price climbed quickly past 10,000 low-grade spirit stones.

Only Lin Feng and an elderly man in a gray robe remained in contention. The old man’s deep gaze locked on the pill, determined.

“12,000 low-grade spirit stones!” the elder called out.

Lin Feng frowned. Though he had many spirit stones, continuing was not worthwhile. After a moment’s hesitation, he withdrew, deciding to craft the pill himself in the future.

The atmosphere tensed as all eyes turned to Lin Feng, awaiting his response. After the third gavel strike, the elder’s expression relaxed, and he bowed to Lin Feng in thanks.

“Congratulations to the elder for winning the Clear Spirit Barrier-Breaking Pill at 12,000 low-grade spirit stones!” Su Yao announced with a smile.

Lin Feng turned his attention to the next item when a hostile gaze shot from the crowd—Li Yuan from Danbao Pavilion. His cold smile brimmed with provocation, jealousy, and resentment at Lin Feng’s boldness in the auction. Whispering to his junior sister, she looked worried but powerless to stop him.

Lin Feng coldly glanced at Li Yuan but ignored him, returning quietly to his seat. He knew Li Yuan wouldn’t stop easily, but within Yibao Market’s bounds, restrictions prevented rash actions.

The auction continued, with powerful artifacts, rare spiritual materials, and mysterious cultivation manuals appearing one by one, sparking fierce bidding wars.

After winning a True Spirit beast inner core pill, Lin Feng ceased bidding. His mind turned to countering Li Yuan’s likely revenge and utilizing the pills and recipes to strengthen himself.

As the final item sold, the auction concluded successfully. Attendees rose to leave. Lin Feng blended into the crowd, cautiously observing his surroundings to avoid surprises from Li Yuan.

Outside, night had fallen, but Yibao Market’s streets remained brightly lit and bustling. Lin Feng quickened his pace toward his inn.

Not far out, he sensed someone tailing him. A cold smile crossed his lips—Li Yuan’s group had followed. Without looking back, he deliberately veered into a dark, narrow alley, planning to end this trouble there.

The alley was dim and silent, flanked by dilapidated houses exuding faint rot. Lin Feng halted, turning to face Li Yuan standing at the entrance with a savage glare.

“Hmph, brat, you think causing a scene at the auction means you’re safe? Today, you’ll learn the price of offending me, Li Yuan!” he snarled.

With a sharp gesture, a beam of spiritual energy shot from Li Yuan’s hand toward Lin Feng.

Lin Feng’s eyes hardened as he sidestepped the attack. Having just completed the first two stages of the Turtle Breath Technique, his physique was immensely strengthened; ordinary strikes couldn’t harm him.

“Is that all you’ve got to teach me a lesson?” Lin Feng snorted, circulating spiritual energy as his aura surged.

In an instant, the oppressive presence of a perfected Qi Refinement cultivator enveloped the alley. A move called “Eternal Spring Entanglement” swiftly trapped Li Yuan.

“You—you’re a perfected Qi Refinement cultivator…” Li Yuan’s voice trembled with regret. Desperate, he drew a jade talisman from his storage pouch, its magical fluctuations chilling the heart. “I’ll give it my all…”

Before he could finish, bloodied brains spilled over his lips, silencing him.

Lin Feng gave no quarter. A vine burst from the ground, instantly tearing Li Yuan’s body apart, leaving only a pair of bulging eyes.

Quickly retrieving Li Yuan’s storage pouch, Lin Feng cast a fireball to incinerate the corpse. Inside was the terrifying jade talisman—a powerful attack talisman forged by a perfected Foundation Establishment cultivator. Just imagining its origin sent chills down his spine; this foe had considerable backing.

Though the fight ended swiftly, it alerted the city’s patrol unit. Soon, a squad rushed toward the scene. Lin Feng dared not linger; with a thought, his figure cloaked in a black coat and wide-brimmed hat vanished swiftly down the street’s end…