Page 4: Market Encounter

At Yang Residence

Two old men were drinking a tea, one with regal clothing which exudes an aura of a patriarch while the other gives off an ordinary but unperturbed demeanor.

"My friend, thank you for coming back. But why just now?'"

"I think I found something interesting. I would like to do something with my remaining years. Let me have some fun, will you?"

"Are you staying for good? If so you should sit as one of our council elders."

"No. That won't do. I lost the capability to do such a thing. Give me something I can handle. I may have lost my cultivation but I have my skills. You should take advantage of that."

"I see. I'll then prepare your place here. I may have a good position for you. I'm relieved that you'll be staying."

"Well, I can't just eat the rice that someone planted without paying for it."

Laughter filled the courthouse that afternoon as two old people reminisced their past friendship.

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After reading the last page of the book, a translucent notice board appeared in front of Bai Long.

[System notice: You've learned a skill. "Flash Steps" had been integrated into an active skill. Your movement has increased.

Skill Cultivation level: Initial success. ]

"Awesome! Knowledge about the skill is flashing in my mind. This feeling is similar to when you just learned how to play chess or any sports game."

Bai Long, after receiving the notice of learning the skill, instantaneously learned the fundamentals like how a beginner chess player knows each piece's move. The skill consists of different sets of movement about approaching an enemy and evading attacks from a single enemy.

After some thought, Bai has concocted a plan. With his newfound strength, he plans to hunt himself a wild animal. There's no better way than hunting food and getting stronger.

"With this skill, I might be able to hunt an animal with a materialized essence but before that, I should return to my place to practice a bit." Long Bai muttered considering his next days.

Bai returned to his place and practiced for almost an hour. The place was desolate as it was located in the outermost area of the slums. There's no worry for being watched nor even the prospect of alarming someone. During a busy hour as such, people would most likely proceed to the center of the city. His location has become a perfect place to practice his skills.

After getting familiar with the different movements, Bai returned inside his hut leaving the practice ground still churning with dust. If a person sees the area, he might think that a large number of animals came and play. It was a quick rest but somehow some basic needs have started to protest.

It's been quite some time since Bai tasted food. Hell, he didn't taste one since he came*. He's starting to feel the signs of hunger in his stomach. No matter how strong he felt, he knew that he won't last long without food. Unless another essence shard would come knocking at his door, no it wouldn't. There is no free meal in this world. Choices are limited so its either go and hunt alone or steal from someone but since there's still time, those children from before may be able to help.

The market was a half kilometer from Bai's hut but it took him half of his usual time to reach the place. Since learning the Flash Steps skill, his normal walk became lighter allowing him to travel long distances with more ease. Now that Bai is at the market's vicinity, he started to look for opportunities.

Along with the road aligned stalls of different merchandise ranging from daily necessities to cultivation materials such as beast parts. There are even food stalls resembling old night markets back there on Earth.

The place Bai is at right now is where poor people opt to go. The things that can be bought are cheaper but can't guarantee its quality. This is the South post of the

whole market place. This is where peddling is allowed. On the other side of the market, the North post, beggars like Bai can't even lay a single step. Only the rich merchants can go in and commoners with a cultivation level of at least the middle stage of the first layer of Body Tempering are allowed. Since a person was at least able to cultivate at such a level, they can assume that you can afford the prices.

As Bai make a stroll along the way, he noticed a group of three kids haggling with a store owner. Two of them are holding a giant rat in their hands while trying to sell it to the big man. The stall owner is starting to get irritated as the three continue to sell their catch.

"You want me to buy these for 2 red shards? Are you trying to be funny? My offer stands only for 1 red shard. If you don't want, go and try some other place!" the owner argued to the kids while holding the irritation.

"Big brother Ming, let's just take the owner's offer. We can go back and catch more anyway." Yue, the only girl from the group faintly cried.

"Yes big brother Ming, at least we can go back with a shard. We can always hunt some more." Ah Mu seconded Little Yue's plea.

"Little Yue, brother Ah Mu,... alright then."

Ling Tian, the oldest took the offer and received the red shard with a glint of hesitation. The three kids walk away from the store together with their heads down. With a considerable distance, Long Bai followed them until the three reached their hideout. It was much better than Bai's place. There are even some utensils for cooking and eating. The three kids began to discuss their plans while behind the window, Bai listens with attention.

"Brother Ling Tian, this is our first essence shard since we started hunting. Do you think we will be able to find three essence shards before the ceremony? Ah Mu really wants to become a cultivator."

"Don't worry little brother, the three of us will be able to find three shards for our entry and participate in the awakening. This big brother of yours was able to participate twice already so its not impossible for us. How about we go to and hunt this afternoon? We were quite lucky this morning to hunt 2 giant rats."

"Little Yue will do her best!"

The three took off with much vigor while behind them was Bai tailing to observe the group.

Bai decided to follow the three and learn from them. Since his knowledge is limited, learning the native's know-how in surviving is crucial.