At the gates of Qianchuan Market, ten cultivators were collecting entrance fees, led by a Foundation Establishment cultivator.
One of the cultivators shouted loudly, "To enter the market, each person must pay five spirit stones. Remember, fighting is forbidden inside the market. Violators will be killed on the spot by the law enforcement team."
Lin Tianming wore a bitter expression. Five spirit stones per person was quite expensive.
He couldn't help but think about the many low-level rogue cultivators who would have to save for half a year just to afford the entrance fee. Considering the flow of people, the daily collection of spirit stones could easily reach tens of thousands, equivalent to Lin's family's annual income.
"Fifteenth Uncle, do Core Formation cultivators have to pay the entrance fee?" Lin Tianming asked.
Lin Shilu scoffed, replying, "Of course not. At that level, they are considered powerful figures, treated as honored guests wherever they go in Wei State, and even in Qingzhou. Qianchuan Market always has several Core Formation cultivators present, including both rogue cultivators and those from major sects and families."
With that, Lin Shilu handed over ten spirit stones, and the inspecting cultivators allowed them to enter.
Inside, the wide roads were paved with blue stones, flanked by various shops.
The entire market was divided into four regions: east, south, west, and north. The entrance was in the western district, where large shops operated by major business alliances were located, offering everything from spiritual pills to magical tools, talismans, and formations.
Shops such as "Lingdan Pavilion," "Baibao Hall," "General Store," "Restaurant," and "Inn" lined the streets, leaving Lin Tianming eager to explore.
Further in, the eastern district featured the tallest building in the market, a structure several dozen feet high, occupying hundreds of acres. This was the market's core institution, housing the auction house and the market hall. Surrounding this were dozens of courtyards where high-ranking cultivators, including Core Formation experts, resided.
The northern district was a residential area with thousands of neatly arranged small courtyards available for rent, either short-term or long-term. Given the high costs, many cultivators chose to stay in inns for short visits.
The southern district was a massive plaza used for free trading. Each cultivator entering the market could rent a small plot of land to set up a stall and sell their goods.
The market maintained strict security with regular patrols by law enforcement teams, ensuring peace and order. No one dared to fight within the market, though outside its bounds, grievances could be settled without interference.
Markets like this provided a stable and prosperous sanctuary for rogue cultivators, significantly aiding their cultivation. Each market generated substantial income, supported by various sects and families.
Qianchuan Market was established by "Zhenyang Sect," one of the three major sects in Wei State, bringing in significant yearly income.
Zhenyang Sect was a formidable power with several Core Formation cultivators, over a hundred Foundation Establishment cultivators, and thousands of disciples, making it the dominant force in southern Wei State.
Listening to Lin Shilu's explanation, Lin Tianming followed him through the bustling western district.
He marveled at the variety of shops, their attendants loudly advertising their wares, much like in a mundane city but entirely focused on cultivators.
After a quarter of an hour, they reached the hall for renting residences.
Given their uncertain stay, which could last from three months to a year, they decided renting a small residence was the best and safest option.
Inside the hall, a large map displayed thousands of red dots indicating rented residences and hundreds of green dots representing available ones. The hall was bustling with more than ten cultivators, including a few Foundation Establishment cultivators, selecting their residences.
Lin Tianming and Lin Shilu approached the counter, where a Qi Refining sixth-layer cultivator greeted them eagerly.
"Welcome, seniors. Please look at the map and choose a residence. I will assist you with the details," he said.
Lin Shilu nodded, studying the map.
The attendant began explaining, "The map is divided into inner and outer areas. Residences near the inner city are first-grade, covering ten acres, while those inside are second-grade, covering thirty acres. First-grade residences cost five spirit stones per month, and second-grade ones are twenty spirit stones per month, with a minimum rental period of one month. Which would you like to choose?"
Lin Shilu pointed to a second-grade residence, paid 120 spirit stones, and received a blue token from the attendant.
"Please keep this token safe. It will guide you to your residence and allow you to control its restrictions. If you need to extend your stay, please return to the hall to renew your lease," the attendant explained.
Lin Shilu accepted the token, and he and Lin Tianming left the hall, heading towards their new residence.
Following the token's guidance through several alleys, they arrived at a small courtyard deep within the northern district, a quiet and secluded spot.
Lin Shilu activated the token, unlocking the courtyard's restrictions, and they entered.
The courtyard was spacious, with stone tables and chairs, a rock garden, a pond, and several rooms, including training rooms and alchemy and crafting chambers, all fully equipped with earth fire sources. The layout was elegant and suitable for several cultivators.
Feeling the abundant spiritual energy, even exceeding that of Qingzhu Mountain, Lin Tianming thought the 120 spirit stones for six months was well worth it.
With evening approaching and after twenty days of travel, they decided to rest first and visit Ye Pinghai the next day.
Each chose a room, and exhausted from the journey, Lin Tianming fell asleep immediately.