Chapter 47: Setting Up a Stall

In the southern district of the market, a large number of cultivators flooded the square. In just half an hour, the number of people rapidly exceeded a thousand and was still growing, making the trading area extremely lively.

Since arriving at his stall, Lin Tianming had waited for half an hour before finally attracting his first customer, a male cultivator at Qi Refining stage seven.

This cultivator, named Qin Yun, was a first-tier rogue cultivator who often moved between various markets, buying and selling spiritual herbs to earn a profit. With substantial wealth, he had sold off his stockpile of herbs in preparation for the market's grand gathering, intending to purchase some pills for his cultivation. Pills from larger stores were always more expensive, so he came to the stalls hoping to find some bargains.

After browsing several stalls, he found mostly average-quality Qi Refining pills, likely made by novice alchemists. Though priced at eight spirit stones each, the quality didn't match the price. When he arrived at Lin Tianming's stall, he was impressed by the quality of the pills, indicating a skilled alchemist. Satisfied with the pills, he inquired about the price.

"Fellow Daoist, how much are your Qi Refining pills?"

Having finally attracted business, Lin Tianming stood up and calmly responded, "One pill for nine spirit stones. If you buy three, it's twenty-five spirit stones."

Without hesitation, Qin Yun pulled out fifty spirit stones to buy two bottles. Though more expensive than those he'd seen earlier, the superior quality of these pills justified the price.

Lin Tianming accepted the spirit stones and handed over two bottles of pills, watching as Qin Yun moved on to browse other stalls. Finally, having made his first sale, Lin Tianming felt a sense of relief. Selling high-quality pills should not be difficult.

Within the next hour, Lin Tianming sold only a few first-tier spiritual herbs, earning sixteen spirit stones. Many low-level cultivators inquired about the prices but left empty-handed, likely due to insufficient funds.

A steady stream of Qi Refining cultivators came to ask about prices, leaving disappointed. Most were family disciples or lower-level sect cultivators, unable to afford the prices.

Surprisingly, the rogue cultivators weren't as poor. Though they lacked backing, they lived risky lives, and the greater the risk, the greater the reward. Those who survived often amassed significant wealth. Unlike family or sect disciples accustomed to a stable life, rogue cultivators thrived on danger and opportunity.

Lin Tianming, a family disciple, also faced danger head-on, accumulating wealth and rapidly advancing in cultivation. Meanwhile, those with less talent from families or sects relied on benefits and safe tasks, leading to a slow decline over time.

As the morning progressed, the market filled with more cultivators, reaching its peak. Almost every stall had at least one customer browsing.

At Lin Tianming's stall, a burly man was examining his wares. This man, significantly taller than Lin Tianming, had a muscular build with visible scars across his chest and arms. He exuded a powerful aura, indicating he was at Qi Refining stage six and a body cultivator.

The surrounding cultivators were drawn to him, with one yellow-robed cultivator remarking, "That's Tie Feng, a formidable figure."

Another cultivator, curious, asked, "Who's Tie Feng?"

The yellow-robed cultivator explained, "Tie Feng is a rogue cultivator known for his prowess. Even at Qi Refining stage five, he often ventured into the Huoyun Mountains, taking down mid-tier first-stage beasts. He's rumored to have fought late-stage first-tier beasts and survived."

The surrounding crowd gasped in admiration, noting to avoid offending such a powerful figure.

Tie Feng ignored the chatter, focusing on the two large hammers in his hands. He tested their weight and balance, satisfied with the feel.

"Fellow Daoist, what's the name of these hammers? How much are they?" he asked.

Lin Tianming, smiling, explained, "These are the Heaven-shaking Hammers, a pair of mid-tier first-grade magical tools, each weighing a thousand pounds. They suit a body cultivator like you perfectly. I'll give you a good deal—one hundred eighty spirit stones for the pair."

Tie Feng, recognizing the fair price, also picked up a bottle of Qi Refining pills for his cultivation. After some negotiation, they settled on two hundred spirit stones for the hammers and the pills, with Lin Tianming offering a discount.

Grateful for the deal, Tie Feng inquired about Lin Tianming's future stalls, planning to buy more.

"Unfortunately, I'm a rogue cultivator with no fixed residence," Lin Tianming replied. "I often come to Qianchuan Market, so we might meet again. Let's exchange contact information."

They exchanged contact details, and Tie Feng left, praising Lin Tianming's goods. Soon, more cultivators came to buy his high-quality pills, quickly selling out his stock. Even Xin Qing from the neighboring stall bought a bottle.

Satisfied with his sales, Lin Tianming packed up his stall and returned to his cave to rest.