Purchasing Items
Qi Yuan stepped into the market town. As described in the original novel, the town was sparsely populated. The roads weren't empty, but at least they weren't overcrowded.
Between the pavilions and buildings stood rows of quaint attics, with banners hanging at their doors marking the names of various shops. On both sides of the road, casual cultivators had set up stalls selling elixirs, talismans, and magical instruments. However, their quality was questionable at best.
Along the way, Qi Yuan observed many oddly dressed individuals. Judging by their attire, they were likely cultivators from the Yuanwu Kingdom.
He soon arrived at a particular establishment—**Wanbaolou**.
Looking up at the plaque, Qi Yuan recalled the treasures Han Li had exchanged here for thousand-year-old spiritual herbs. Among them was the Golden Talisman, which had later displayed its power in the Blood Forbidden Land, helping Han Li defeat the Black Dragon and obtain valuable spoils.
Through that fateful encounter, Han Li had become Li Huayuan's disciple, vastly improving his cultivation environment in Huangfeng Valley and laying a solid foundation for his future practice.
Though Qi Yuan had enough spirit stones to buy a thousand-year-old elixir, their scarcity made purchasing one nearly impossible. Still, this was not an immediate concern. He had inquired around about Han Li's presence in the valley but had received no feedback, meaning Han Li had yet to join Huangfeng Valley. Based on what he had overheard from Hong Fu in the past, there was still some time before Han Li would obtain the Golden Talisman.
---
A servant greeted him upon entering Wanbaolou. "Sir, welcome to Wanbaolou. How may I assist you today?"
"I want to buy a hundred-year-old Ice Spirit Grass. Does your store carry it?"
Since Qi Yuan planned to visit Hong Fu, he couldn't go empty-handed. He needed a suitable gift as a token of respect. Originally, he had considered a three or four-hundred-year-old elixir, but given his current status, such a gift would be excessive. A hundred-year-old elixir, on the other hand, was valuable yet reasonable, ideal for refining pills for her disciples.
The servant quickly led him to the counter, returning shortly with a wooden box. "Sir, this is a hundred-year-old Ice Spirit Grass. Do you find it satisfactory?"
Qi Yuan examined the green-and-white spiritual herb inside the box. It emitted a faint aura of spiritual energy. As he touched it, a cool sensation spread across his fingertips.
"Well, I am satisfied. Wrap it up."
"Of course," the servant replied with a pleased smile, quickly packing the item.
Qi Yuan then inquired, "Do you have any hidden weapons here?"
The servant's eyes lit up. "Yes, sir, please wait a moment." He handed the first task to another worker and swiftly retrieved a selection of magical weapons.
A moment later, the servant returned, carrying over a dozen jade boxes. He opened them one by one and introduced the items:
- **Low-level weapons:** Shadow Needle, Soaring Cloud Dart, Plum Blossom Dice, Soul-Breaking Nail.
- **Mid-level weapons:** Five Poison Needle, Seven-Orifice Bleeding Divine Pearl.
- **Defensive items:** Small Bell, Small Shield, Red Silk.
Qi Yuan noted the servant's keen insight. He had correctly deduced that Qi Yuan's defenses were lacking. As expected of a Wanbaolou worker, he had a sharp eye for customers' needs.
Inspecting the Five Poison Needle, Qi Yuan saw a single thin silver needle gleaming with a purple hue—a sign of potent poison. The Seven-Orifice Bleeding Divine Pearl contained five scarlet beads, capable of inducing instant death through severe internal bleeding.
Low-level weapons were unnecessary; they might be useful now but would soon be obsolete, merely collecting dust in his storage bag.
After deliberation, he selected:
- **Five Poison Needle** and **Seven-Orifice Bleeding Divine Pearl** for offense.
- **Flowing Fire Bell** for defense.
The servant's enthusiasm grew as Qi Yuan made his purchases. Another commission would soon be credited to his account.
After marking the magical instruments for easier control, Qi Yuan prepared to leave. Proper practice was still required before he could wield them effortlessly. These purchases ensured his safety against potential threats.
---
As he was about to exit, the servant called out, "Sir, please wait a moment."
Qi Yuan stopped, his voice calm. "Is there a problem with the transaction?"
The servant shook his head quickly. "No, no. It's just that you've spent enough today to qualify as a distinguished guest. May I ask for your name? This will ensure better service on your next visit."
Understanding that this was simply a membership ranking, Qi Yuan responded indifferently, "Han Li."
The servant promptly engraved the name onto a token, displayed it to Qi Yuan, and asked, "Is this correct, sir?"
Qi Yuan raised an eyebrow. "Yes, that's right."
Delighted, the servant handed over the token. "Sir, when you visit Wanbaolou in the future, simply show this token to access our best treasures. As your membership level increases, you will also receive discounts."
Qi Yuan took the token and left Wanbaolou without another word.
Having acquired everything he needed, he saw no reason to linger. Exiting the market, he flew toward the Taiyue Mountains.
---
Han Li had once made a similar trip, taking a circuitous route back to Huangfeng Valley to avoid potential ambushes. Qi Yuan followed the same precautionary method, ensuring that he wasn't being tailed.
After a day and a night, he returned to Huangfeng Valley unscathed.
Back in his quarters, he began refining his new magical instruments. Several days passed in intermittent training.
Finally, after tidying up, he set off toward **Hong Fu's cave**.
---
Hong Fu was a **Jindan-stage cultivator** in Huangfeng Valley. Her cave residence was among the most well-hidden and heavily defended in the valley. Even inner disciples could not disturb her at will.
However, Qi Yuan's ancestors had some connection to Hong Fu. Upon his entry into the valley, she had left him a **pass token**, stating that he could visit her if he had any questions. Without this token, he would never have dared to approach her.
Now, his cultivation had improved significantly. He was presentable.
Bringing the hundred-year-old **Ice Spirit Grass** as a gift was a calculated move. Though inexpensive, it symbolized his sincerity. If Hong Fu accepted the gift, it meant a shift in their relationship. If she refused, or accepted but remained indifferent, then after the Bloody Forbidden Land expedition, his only option would be to flee to the Yue Kingdom—far away from Huangfeng Valley.
(End of Chapter)