Chapter 3: Busy with Trading

"Second-grade magical artifact!?"

When Qi Xiu revealed the item, a second-grade magical artifact, Elder Zhang's reaction was one of subdued astonishment. He carefully examined the artifact, his lips moving as if he wanted to say something but stopped. The rarity of such an artifact was not lost on him, and he handled it with the utmost care.

Qi Xiu remained silent, understanding that for a low-level Qi Refining cultivator like himself, even the inner disciples of a large sect or the direct descendants of a cultivation family could rarely produce a second-grade magical artifact. Such artifacts were not just highly valuable, but also incredibly rare, and their full potential couldn't be unleashed by someone below the late stage of Qi Refining. Even some impoverished Foundation Establishment rogue cultivators might not have a second-grade artifact.

However, Qi Xiu wasn't worried. The auction house had a strong backing and had been in business for years with a good reputation. He had visited many times over the past decade without any issues. A single second-grade low-grade artifact wouldn't cause them to ruin their reputation by investigating his background. As long as he displayed confidence, even if the steward on the second floor was a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator, he wouldn't dare to do anything to a guest.

"[Golden Light Cymbals], a metal attribute second-grade low-grade magical artifact. When combined, they can transform into a copper shield for defense or be used to attack. Striking the cymbals together releases a metal attribute beam of light. The artifact is in perfect condition."

Elder Zhang took the time of an incense stick to identify the artifact's attributes. "In shield form, its defense is equivalent to a first-grade high-quality artifact. At full activation, it barely reaches the second-grade threshold. However, when used for attacks, its offensive capability is poor, worse than a first-grade mid-grade flying sword. The metal attribute beam's speed is good at the second-grade mid-level, and its attack power is at the second-grade low level but consumes much spiritual energy. A late-stage Qi Refining cultivator can barely manage three strikes. Such artifacts focused solely on combat don't fetch high prices. If we were to buy it directly, we'd offer this amount."

Elder Zhang flashed five fingers twice, indicating fifty-five second-grade spirit stones.

"Hiss..."

Qi Xiu drew a sharp breath, his disappointment palpable. Fifty-five second-grade spirit stones were far below his expectations. He had hoped to sell it for at least seventy-five second-grade spirit stones, combining other items' sales to gather enough for a Foundation Establishment Pill. But there was no choice. Around the Qi Yun Sect, most sects and families identified as righteous Daoist sects, leading to lower prices for purely combat-focused artifacts.

Gritting his teeth, Qi Xiu said, "This amount is really... How about auctioning it to try our luck?"

"Alright. This artifact might fetch a good price with both offensive and defensive capabilities. We have a small auction every evening, a temporary exchange fair in two days, and a monthly medium-scale auction in fifteen days. This artifact can be a highlight in the small auction but only a filler in the medium auction. As for the exchange fair, if you participate, you must specify what you need to trade for, and I can help you with that," Elder Zhang replied.

After discussing with Elder Zhang, Qi Xiu decided to try his luck in the medium auction fifteen days later.

Elder Zhang, exhibiting the professionalism of an experienced steward, helped Qi Xiu analyze the pros and cons of different trading forms. Since Qi Xiu needed a Foundation Establishment Pill, those who could offer it likely wouldn't value the [Golden Light Cymbals]. Qi Xiu had nothing else to add as an incentive, so it was better to buy it directly. The exchange fair wasn't necessary.

Although the small auction could feature the artifact prominently, it had few participants and volatile prices, so Qi Xiu, short on spirit stones, ruled it out.

He decided to wait for the medium auction in fifteen days. At worst, he could sell it to the shop for fifty-five second-grade spirit stones without a commission, though he might have to sell the storage bag to make up the difference. But Qi Xiu was not one to give up easily. Fifteen days wasn't long for cultivators, and he was determined to make the best of the situation.

Leaving the shop, Qi Xiu hurried to another store, comparing prices and selling some high-demand materials, visiting several stores before entering a large shop specializing in spiritual herbs and elixirs comparable to the auction house.

After selling some herbs, Qi Xiu inquired about purchasing a Foundation Establishment Pill. The middle-aged steward handed him a booklet with the acquisition methods and prices for the pill.

Three third-grade spirit stones, two refined gold bars, or a hundred-year-old He Shou Wu...

After skimming through the booklet, Qi Xiu handed it back. He had none of those items.

"If I reserve one... Can I get a discount if I pick it up in sixteen days?"

Qi Xiu knew pre-ordering elixirs usually cost less than buying them on the spot.

The steward replied, "For a reservation, if you provide the materials, we only charge a processing fee, and if you provide extra materials, you might get a discount. There's no discount if you pay in spirit stones, but we guarantee availability."

Qi Xiu bit his lip, thinking for a moment, and decided to buy from this reputable large shop, which would keep his purchase secret. Buying elsewhere could attract unwanted attention, considering his cultivation level and the high value of a Foundation Establishment Pill.

"I'll reserve one with spirit stones. How much for second-grade spirit stones?" Qi Xiu asked.

"Today's exchange rate for third-grade spirit stones is one hundred and eight second-grade spirit stones. Since you're reserving, we'll make it one hundred and five," the steward replied.

Qi Xiu felt a pang in his teeth. The standard exchange rate was one hundred second-grade spirit stones for one third-grade stone, but the price was higher in the market due to the scarcity of higher-grade stones. Still, he agreed.

"Alright, that price will do. I'll reserve one."

Gritting his teeth, Qi Xiu completed the transaction, paid the deposit, and left with a receipt for pickup. Noticing the sun already setting, he realized he hadn't eaten all day after the night's travel and day-long errands.

Feeling exhausted and hungry, he stayed at an inn catering to low-level cultivators, booked a room, devoured something, and fell asleep as soon as he lay down.

He slept until noon the next day. His low cultivation level meant he couldn't recover his mental and physical fatigue through meditation. Upon waking, he found blisters around his mouth, a sign of excessive stress.

The Dao is merciless. His master's lifespan was running out, and this Foundation Establishment Pill might be the key to extending it. The items he brought would barely cover the cost if luck were on his side...

Qi Xiu didn't dare think further. Besides making first-grade talismans, he had no other skills to earn spirit stones, and his success rate in talisman-making was average, making it an unreliable income source.

Moreover, Qi Xiu had deeper fears, ones he hesitated to face. This was his third time acquiring a Foundation Establishment Pill for his master. He knew his master had tried at least four times before, officially twice and secretly twice. This attempt would be at least the fifth. Generally, the more attempts, the less effective the pill. His master's advanced age and damaged vital energy from past attempts made success highly unlikely.

If his master perished, the Chu Qin Sect would instantly dissolve.

Qi Xiu had never experienced life without his master or the sect. Growing up in the Chu Qin Sect was his home, and Master Qi was his teacher and father. He had deep emotional ties to both.

Although approaching thirty, Qi Xiu spent his early years focused solely on cultivation within the sect and the past decade in seclusion. He was only familiar with the market and trade tricks. In many areas, he lacked experience and understanding. The thought of life without the Chu Qin Sect filled him with fear, like a child venturing alone at night for the first time.

Entering a meditative state, he temporarily set aside his worries.

After carefully inventorying his items, Qi Xiu found he had sold most of the valuable ones, leaving mainly first-grade items, with the most useful being two first-grade low-grade flying artifacts, [Spirit Bamboo Kites].

Although somewhat impractical, these artifacts, comparable in speed to a mortal's running, were still favored by cultivators as alternatives to expensive flying swords. They were used but still functional and could fetch a reasonable price in the black market frequented by rogue cultivators.

Besides these, he had various first-grade talismans and ordinary elixirs. Except for a few elemental defensive talismans, none could fetch more than a single second-grade spirit stone.

Fortunately, he had a considerable quantity of these items. Shop prices for such goods were low, but they sold high. Setting a slightly lower price in the black market would still guarantee sales.

With a plan in mind, Qi Xiu packed up, devoured something, and headed to the black market in Qinghe Market.