Chapter 8: Unforeseen Changes in the Leisure District
"A top-grade first-tier Golden Light Saber, only 250 Spirit Stones, just 250 Spirit Stones!"
"A top-grade first-tier Godspeed Talisman, a fine-quality Godspeed Talisman, 9 Spirit Stones each, come take a look everyone!"
"Ancient Taoist Instrument fragments, just excavated from a relic, selling cheap at 1999 Spirit Stones!"
...
The stall owners in the street market of Suichuan Immortal City shouted loudly as they hawked their goods.
Yu Qingtan and Shen Wanning, with their veils on, were strolling through the market. Even in their simple dresses, they attracted the attention of others.
The veil was the semi-transparent type that wrapped tightly around the face but didn't cause any discomfort.
After becoming inner disciples, Yu Qingtan's days off had become once a season, and they didn't need to go out together, but they would be followed by two Protecting Disciples for protection.
One day off a season, the Tianxiang Pavilion was even more exploitative than the capitalists of my past life.
Today was the day off at the end of summer, so the two decided to visit the market.
The main body of the market in Suichuan Immortal City was shaped like the character '丰,' with smaller shops and numerous temporary stalls scattered amongst the larger ones.
The Tianxiang Pavilion was located in the northeast area of the market, at the intersection of two main roads, occupying a vast space.
Yu Qingtan and her companion had exited through the back door and circled around to the market via a side path.
Yu Qingtan looked with interest at the goods on the stalls.
This was her first time leaving the Tianxiang Pavilion since she had crossed over to this world.
Shen Wanning too was excitedly looking around, left and right.
However, both of them were aware that it was easy to get swindled at stalls and had no intention of buying anything.
Soon, the two reached the central area of the market, where there stood a luxurious three-story building with 'Hundred Treasures Pavilion' written on its signboard.
They went inside to browse around.
"Hundred Herbs Pills, 50 Spirit Stones per bottle!"
"A top-grade first-tier Clear Wind Fan, 588 Spirit Stones!"
"A mid-grade first-tier Fireball Talisman, 30 Spirit Stones for a dozen!"
"A Storage Bag, 1088 Spirit Stones each!"
...
Just the dazzling array of goods on the first floor was an eye-opener for Yu Qingtan and her companion, while the upper floors were reserved for esteemed guests or Cultivators of Foundation Establishment and above.
After shopping for a while, they arrived at the Heavenly Garment Pavilion in the southeast area.
"A lower-grade first-tier Pursuing Wind Dazzling Skirt for 198 Spirit Stones!"
"A top-grade first-tier Dreamy Floral Fragrance Skirt for 899 Spirit Stones!"
"A mid-grade first-tier Gloves of Silent Night for 230 Spirit Stones!"
...
"They look nice, but it's true we can't afford them!" Yu Qingtan sighed, her thoughts turning to the Phantom Dance Brilliant Robe in her System Space.
"Hmph, I will definitely work hard to earn Spirit Stones and buy beautiful magic skirts," Shen Wanning said through gritted teeth.
With no other option due to their limited funds, they reluctantly bought two pretty dresses from the nearby Plain Clothing Shop.
Unfortunately, without being magic artifacts, they lacked that ethereal aura.
While trying on the dresses, Shen Wanning wanted to drag Yu Qingtan to a fitting room, but Yu Qingtan firmly refused.
"You finally look a little better; it seems the papaya powder I gave you wasn't a waste. I'll get you some more later,"
Shen Wanning joked as she looked at Yu Qingtan, who had changed into a new dress.
Yu Qingtan's face turned slightly red; indeed, she was almost the color of a steamed egg.
...
After a while, the two arrived at a shop called Fortune Pavilion.
It was Yu Qingtan who pulled Shen Wanning inside.
"Qing Tan, why? Are you interested in this? Let me tell you, the waters here run deep," Shen Wanning whispered in Yu Qingtan's ear, her warm breath tickling her ear, causing Yu Qingtan's earlobe to turn slightly red.
"No worry, I just feel that my luck has been really good lately, so I want to try it out," Yu Qingtan explained.
"Fellow Daoists, are you here to seek good fortune? I see a red glow on your foreheads; you're sure to have a good harvest today. Are you here to buy talismans or stones?"
Seeing that no other customers were in the shop, the shop assistant immediately came up to warmly greet Yu Qingtan and her companion upon their entrance.
"We're buying talismans," Yu Qingtan replied, glancing over the rows of talisman papers behind the counter.
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The so-called Fortune Pavilion was actually a place that sold blind boxes.
The charms were Storage Talismans, one-time storage tools that many Qi Cultivation Stage cultivators needed.
When a cultivator passed away from sitting meditation or an accident, Storage Talismans with stored items could end up on the market.
Fortune Pavilion specialized in buying these talismans and then packing them in bulk with other Storage Talismans filled with valueless items to sell as blind boxes.
As for the stones, they were dug out from ancient relics or tombs and exuded spiritual energy. Due to their age, it was hard to identify what was inside, so they were also sold as blind boxes. Naturally, a large number of man-made ones were also mixed in.
Moreover, the stones were very expensive, beyond what Yu Qingtan could afford, so the shop assistant was merely making conversation.
Storage Talismans basically looked the same and one couldn't tell anything just by looking, it all came down to luck.
"Just these two," Yu Qingtan picked two low-grade Storage Talismans, clearly priced at 10 Spirit Stones each.
"Don't you want to give it a try?" Yu Qingtan looked at Shen Wanning.
"Yeah, you should give it a try, you look like someone with profound luck."
The assistant chimed in as well.
"Alright, then I'll also pick two, no, just one."
Shen Wanning casually selected one and reluctantly paid with Spirit Stones.
Yu Qingtan also felt the pinch, but she needed to find a source for the Illusionary Dance Luminous Robe.
Encouraging Shen Wanning to buy was just to make her own actions seem more normal. She would compensate her later.
The two secured their Storage Talismans and continued to browse the market.
...
The two arrived at the Drunken Fairy Building and chose a small private room with curtains next to the main hall, also ordering for a table outside for the four Protecting Disciples.
"Steamed Spirit Mandarin Fish!"
"Mushroom Spirit Chicken Pot!"
"Garlic Spirit Vegetable Hearts!"
"Two bowls of Spirit Rice, a pot of Spiritual Tea!"
"This table costs 8 Spirit Stones, and the one outside with just a bit of spiritual ingredient still costs 1 Spirit Stone. It really is expensive. If it weren't for the reward, I'd be hesitant to indulge!" Shen Wanning said, feeling the sting.
"Hehe, who made you agree to treat? Thanks, Sister Wanning, I won't be polite!"
Yu Qingtan started eating with her chopsticks right away; she was very happy today.
Not having to take photos for social media sure felt good.
Soon, the two finished their meal and leisurely began drinking Spiritual Tea, while listening to the chatter of the people in the main hall.
"Brother Chen, it's all thanks to your effort that we were able to successfully hunt that Two-tailed Leopard this time. A toast to you."
"Since I've joined the team, I'm bound to contribute. From now on, we are brothers and sisters. Cheers."
"Well said, cheers."
...
"Daoist Zhou, why has the Enforcement Team been patrolling the city more frequently lately?"
"Daoist Xiao, you've just returned and don't know yet. Last night, a little thief actually sneaked into the Qis' treasure vault and stole many treasures. The whole city is searching for the thief now."
...
"Brother Peng, are you going to Tianxiang Pavilion tonight to have fun? There are a few new faces dressing up today, and they're said to be quite good."
"Little Brother Cheng, I've moved past those lower-level pleasures. In a couple of days, there will be new girls making their debut at the Tianxiang Pavilion's inner house. That's where I'll be going."
"I see, Brother Peng really is at a higher level."
...
Having finished their tea leisurely, Yu Qingtan and Shen Wanning settled the bill and were ready to continue browsing the market.
Just as they reached the door, a short man dining alone at a corner of the hall also stood up, ready to pay and leave.
Suddenly, two men at the table next to his abruptly stood up, one flinging a stimulated charm from his sleeves.
"Immobilize!" It was an Immobilization Talisman.
Another man simultaneously pulled out a large net from his chest, casting it towards the short man.
The short man was only immobilized for a breath's time before he recovered, and seeing the net-like magic artifact closing in, a fierce look flashed in his eyes. A bead appeared in his hand and he threw it.
"Explode!"
With a loud bang, both the net-like magic artifact and the two men were blown away, while smoke swirled around the explosion.
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