A First Foray into the Mountain Market

The setting sun slipped beneath the horizon, painting the sky in a gentle gradient—from golden yellow to deep orange, and then fading into a soft purple over the distant peaks. I followed the winding mountain path back to my lodgings. The lingering scent of medicinal herbs mixed with the sweet fragrance of wildflowers, drifting away on the night breeze.

A full day of alchemy practice had not only taught me how to effectively use a sword sheath to assist in refining pills but had also enabled me to produce a fair number of Huayu Dan. Yet, I was troubled by the favor I owed to the Wan sisters—a large basket of medicinal ingredients was no small matter, and even for a core disciple, gathering such precious herbs in a short span was no easy feat.

"I must think of a solution…" I murmured to myself as my eyes skimmed over the list of ingredients. Some items were common, yet there were a few rare herbs that even the venerable Nanshan had mentioned only in passing during his lecture.

Upon returning to the courtyard, I soon heard a burst of cheerful laughter in the distance. Su Li was seated by a stone table, a small, unnamed flower tucked behind her ear. In front of her lay a collection of colorful threads and Yun brocade fabrics as she deftly threaded a needle while quietly chatting with another girl dressed in a light blue dress.

"Sister Lingwei!" Su Li called out joyfully as she saw me return, waving excitedly, "Come and meet my new good friend, Qin Yunshang!"

The girl turned at the sound, revealing a delicate, oval face with fair skin and artistically drawn features. With a graceful smile, she rose; as her skirt swayed, a faint, enchanting fragrance accompanied her elegant bow. "I have long admired you, Sister Lingwei," she said respectfully.

"You flatter me," I replied in kind, my gaze drifting to the fabrics spread on the table. "What are you two up to?"

"Yunshang is the finest embroiderer among our inner disciples!" Su Li exclaimed, her fingers dancing as she plucked a blue handkerchief from a pile of fabrics. It was embroidered with a lifelike spiritual butterfly, every antenna and wing detail rendered with exquisite precision. "Look, this is what she taught me today. Sister Yunshang explained that by infusing inner energy into the thread and using a specific needle technique, the embroidery gains a unique spiritual aura and power."

Su Li proudly displayed her tentative work; though the lines were a bit crooked, the shape of a butterfly was discernible. In contrast, Qin Yunshang's piece was far more exquisite: on a plain white handkerchief, several bamboo shoots were embroidered with delicate artistry, and nestled among the leaves was a lifelike little bird. Its eyes shone like two black pearls, every feather rendered in fine detail. Most astonishing of all, the bird was enveloped in an almost imperceptible golden inner glow, quivering subtly as if about to take flight. This was no ordinary embroidery—it was clearly a form of spiritual art that ingeniously wove the path of cultivation into the needle and thread.

"Sister Qin's craftsmanship is truly extraordinary," I sincerely admired.

"Sister Lingwei, you flatter me. It's merely a little pastime, hardly comparable to your swordsmanship," Qin Yunshang replied with a slight smile, her voice as clear and melodious as a bubbling spring. "I've heard that when you dueled with Brother Ye Ming, your sword techniques were evenly matched—truly impressive." As she spoke, she couldn't help but cover her mouth with a soft laugh, adding, "But I also heard that when you refined your pills the other day… well, they had a rather distinctive quality?"

The word "distinctive" was emphasized with a playful lilt at the end, and I couldn't help but smile. It seemed that even the "glorious feat" of detonating the alchemy furnace seven times had spread throughout the Tianyan Sect, becoming a running joke among the new disciples.

"Seven explosions in a single day—that must be a new record," I joked with a wry smile. Qin Yunshang and Su Li exchanged amused glances, doing their best not to laugh out loud.

"You've made some progress today," I remarked casually, as I took out a few Huayu Dan and placed them on the table. "They look quite good."

Qin Yunshang's eyes lit up as she picked up one pill and examined it closely. "Truly of the highest quality! Sister, you truly deserve having ascended to the eighteenth level—your progress is astonishing," she said, her expression tinged with admiration.

"What are these pills for? Are they for your own use?" Su Li asked curiously, her delicate fingers cautiously fidgeting with the pills on the table.

"Not entirely for myself," I replied after a brief pause, shifting my gaze from the pills to the window and lowering my voice slightly. "I owe the Wan sisters of Guicang Peak some medicinal ingredients and must repay that favor soon. I was wondering, within the sect, is there a place where these pills can be exchanged for herbs or sold for spiritual stones?"

Qin Yunshang explained, "At present, the sect does not permit disciples to directly trade pills for spiritual stones. The sect's canteen and service departments supply basic pills at fixed prices. If a disciple needs additional pills, they must apply to Guicang Peak, where the elders will allocate them uniformly."

"That's rather unexpected," I said with a frown. "Why impose such strict controls? Pills aren't exactly forbidden items."

Qin Yunshang sighed softly, "The sect believes that allowing disciples to trade freely could cause uneven resource distribution and frequent disputes. More importantly, it could enable the spread of dangerous items."

"For example?" I pressed further.

Lowering her voice, Qin Yunshang replied, "For instance, copies of forbidden techniques or demonic cultivation methods, and even pills from the demonic sects."

A moment of silence fell over the room. After a brief pause, Qin Yunshang, as if having made up her mind, spoke, "Actually… there is a place," she whispered, "but it's rather special."

My interest was immediately piqued. "What place?" I asked.

Leaning in close, Qin Yunshang murmured, "The Mountain Market."

"The Mountain Market?" I looked at her, puzzled.

Su Li moved closer and, after glancing around to ensure no one was listening, Qin Yunshang explained in a hushed tone, "It's a mobile trading market outside the sect that appears several times a month with no fixed location. There, cultivators can trade freely, and the elders turn a blind eye."

"I've heard of it too," Su Li interjected, her eyes sparkling with excitement, "and they say it's actually run by an elder from Mingjing Peak. I've heard other senior sisters mention it recently, but I haven't had the chance to go yet."

"The Mountain Market originates from a millennia-old tradition in the cultivation world," Qin Yunshang said, a glint of excitement in her eyes, "initially established so that cultivators from various sects could exchange ideas anonymously, it has gradually evolved into what it is today."

"Mingjing Peak is responsible for the sect's rules and regulations, yet they allow such clandestine trading to exist?" My confusion deepened.

"Precisely because Mingjing Peak is orchestrating things behind the scenes, it becomes all the more subtle," Qin Yunshang remarked meaningfully. "Perhaps in the eyes of the sect's high authorities, the Mountain Market serves as a necessary pressure release valve—publicly, private trading is strictly forbidden, but in reality, it provides a controlled venue. In this way, the sect's authority is upheld while the needs of the disciples are met—a win-win situation."

"Just like a dam must have a spillway, right?" Su Li suddenly interjected, her eyes gleaming.

"Exactly, that's a very apt comparison," Qin Yunshang said with a smile, giving Su Li a gentle pat on the hand.

"So, what are the rules?" I inquired, as the concept of the Mountain Market sounded just right for my needs.

"It's by invitation only," Qin Yunshang explained in a hushed tone. "Everyone must wear a special mask that hides both their identity and cultivation. No exceptions. All trades happen face to face—goods and payment are exchanged at the same time. If a dispute arises, the roving stewards will step in to settle things. But…"

"What's the matter?"

Qin Yunshang continued, "While anonymous trading preserves the sect's reputation and meets the disciples' needs, once you leave the Mountain Market, you must be cautious. On the journey back to the sect, you might be targeted, and then it becomes a matter of personal strength to settle things. In recent years, there have been several cases of disciples 'unexpectedly dying' on their return—reportedly, most of these were due to acquiring things at the market that they shouldn't have."

"I've even heard that you can buy copies of the sect's forbidden texts there," Su Li said in a mysterious tone, only to be gently tapped by Qin Yunshang shortly after.

"Don't spread such rumors—those are just hearsay," Qin Yunshang said firmly, then turned to me. "If you're interested, Sister Lingwei, the Mountain Market will open tomorrow night. I have an invitation and can take you along."

I nodded. "Then I'll rely on you, Sister Qin."

"No need for such courtesy, Sister," Qin Yunshang replied with a smile. "But the Mountain Market is a place where people's intentions can be complex. Especially on your first visit, it's best not to go alone."

Upon hearing this, Su Li immediately chimed in, "I want to go too!" Her excitement evident, she turned to Qin Yunshang and, in a playful tone, tugged at her sleeve, "Sister Yunshang, you promised to help me finish this embroidery—please accompany me tonight!"

Qin Yunshang shook her head with a hint of resignation. "Alright, my dear sister, if that's what you want."

Watching their close interaction, I suddenly realized how little I knew about Su Li's daily life. Apart from cultivation and seeking the truth, I had scarcely paid attention to her personal interests and lifestyle.

"Su Li, do you enjoy embroidery?" I asked, a note of curiosity in my tone.

I nodded, my eyes sparkling as I replied, "I've loved it since I was little. My grandmother was an embroiderer and taught me a great deal." Carefully, Su Li tucked away the half-finished handkerchief and added, "I've been thinking… once my cultivation improves, maybe I could embroider spiritual patterns on magical implements to enhance their power. But that's no ordinary embroidery—it requires infusing inner energy into the silk thread and using a special needle technique to stitch the patterns; it's a profoundly intricate art." 

I smiled in response.

"Look at it—Sister Yunshang's embroidery already possesses a spiritual charm," Su Li boasted as she pointed to Qin Yunshang's work. "See that little bird? When she stitched the final few lines, I swear I saw its wings flutter!"

A pair of blushes spread across Qin Yunshang's cheeks as she retorted, "It's nothing that miraculous—it must have been your eyes playing tricks on you."

"Really! I saw it with my own eyes!" Su Li insisted. I was secretly astonished that this seemingly ordinary inner disciple possessed such remarkable talent.

"Speaking of the Mountain Market," Qin Yunshang shifted the topic, "if Sister Lingwei plans to sell her pills, you'll need to prepare a mask. After a brief thought, she added, "Tomorrow afternoon, I'll have one ready for both you and Sister."

"I'm deeply grateful for your eagerness to help, sister," I said, nodding in thanks as I took out some pills. "These are the Huayu Dan I refined today. They may not be exceedingly rare, but they are a token of my effort—hope you won't mind."

"Oh, Sister, you're too kind—it makes me feel unworthy. I'll decline the pills; I only ask that you guide me more in my cultivation from now on," Qin Yunshang said with a dismissive wave.

"Sister Lingwei's pills are of the highest quality, so you must accept them, Sister Yunshang. You mentioned that you'd be going on a sect mission next month—these will surely come in handy," Su Li said earnestly, her eyes pleading as her small mouth puckered, clearly hoping that Qin Yunshang would accept my kind offer.

With a helpless sigh, Qin Yunshang bowed gracefully to me, "In that case, I cannot refuse. Sister, your generosity will be remembered by Yunshang." She accepted the pills and carefully tucked them into her sleeve.

That evening, Qin Yunshang stayed behind with Su Li to finish the embroidery, while I remained in my room consolidating today's cultivation. Each alchemy session brought only a slight improvement, but over time, I could faintly sense signs of nearing the mid Core Formation stage.

As night deepened, I carefully sorted through the pills I had refined today. I kept the best ones for myself and prepared to take the rest to the Mountain Market in exchange for medicinal ingredients. The thought of tomorrow night's market filled me with both anticipation and a measure of caution—perhaps I could glean some clues about the secrets behind the Tianyan Sect.

At dawn the next morning, I rose early to meditate and cultivate. The spiritual energy at three in the morning was at its richest; I sat cross-legged in the courtyard, practicing the "Xuan Yuan Five Elements Technique" while feeling the flow of inner energy within me. In just a few days, my cultivation had seen slight improvements, and the mid Core Formation stage no longer seemed unattainable. I opened the "Jietian Sword Diagram" on my table; its cryptic characters and intricate diagrams remained as enigmatic as ever, and my thoughts wandered to the Jingxin Pavilion atop Taihe Peak—how was the woman in white there faring these days?

In the afternoon, as promised, Qin Yunshang arrived carrying an exquisitely crafted wooden box.

"Sister Lingwei, these are the masks I've prepared for you and Su Li," she said as she opened the wooden box and produced a half-face jade mask adorned with intricate patterns. I accepted the mask, marveling at its superb craftsmanship—the edges were smoothly polished, and it fit perfectly without any discomfort. Most intriguingly, the mask appeared to be made of a special material that, once worn, was almost imperceptible yet perfectly concealed one's appearance.

"This is far superior to ordinary masks," I remarked as I admired the mask in my hand. I gently infused a bit of inner energy, and the patterns on the mask rippled like water, forming new designs. "It must be quite valuable, huh?"

"Indeed, it isn't cheap," Qin Yunshang nodded. "Each one costs at least thirty low-grade spiritual stones, and you need the right connections to acquire one. These two were given to me by my senior sister in celebration of my modest achievements in spiritual pattern embroidery."

"Then what about mine—"

"No need for you to be so polite, Sister," Qin Yunshang replied with a smile, "your Huayu Dan are already precious enough."

She then turned to Su Li and handed her a pink mask, "This one is for our little Su Li."

Su Li accepted the mask with delight and carefully put it on, asking, "How do I look?"

"Like a little fairy," Qin Yunshang laughed as she retrieved a gilded red mask for herself, "It's getting late; we should prepare to set off."

Under the cover of night, the three of us quietly left our lodgings and made our way toward the Mountain Market's location. According to Qin Yunshang, tonight's market was set in an abandoned dojo on a small hill outside the sect. We followed a narrow path as moonlight, like liquid silver, bathed the mountains and illuminated the winding stone road.

"Remember, once inside the Mountain Market, do not reveal your identity or trust anyone too easily," Qin Yunshang advised in a very low voice as we walked. "If you run into trouble, seek out the patrolling stewards. Though their identities remain unknown, they are the enforcers of the market's rules."

I nodded in agreement, pondering the peculiar rules of the Mountain Market. Beyond the official regulations of the sect, there existed this semi-clandestine, gray trading zone—and I couldn't help but wonder what hidden intrigues lay within.

As we reached mid-mountain, the clear path gave way to dense thickets and jagged rocks. Qin Yunshang halted and produced a bronze token from her sleeve, embossed with the character "山" (mountain), which shone with an ancient luster under the moonlight.

"Hold onto your masks and stay close to me," she whispered, then raised the token high.

The bronze token shimmered with an uncanny light under the moon, and the air seemed to ripple with invisible waves. Suddenly, the scene blurred as if the shadows of trees and rocks were drawn aside like delicate veils, revealing another hidden vista—a small bluestone path leading to a brightly lit plaza at mid-mountain.

"What an incredible illusion array!" Su Li exclaimed in wonder, her eyes brimming with curiosity.

"Put on your masks and don't speak," Qin Yunshang instructed sternly. She herself donned a gilded red mask that covered most of her face, leaving only her bright eyes visible.

Su Li and I also put on our masks. A strange sensation welled up within me—the mask seemed to resonate with my inner energy, fitting as if it were a second skin.

Once masked, we proceeded along the revealed bluestone path. As we drew nearer, the clamor of the Mountain Market grew clearer—shouts of vendors, haggling, and the clatter of goods colliding—all a stark contrast to the solemn atmosphere within the sect.

Rounding a mountain ledge, the view opened dramatically—a vast platform dotted with dozens of stalls, lit as brightly as day. Each stall displayed an array of treasures: pills, talismans, magical implements, spiritual materials, ancient texts... you name it. Both vendors and customers wore a variety of masks—some ornate and exquisite, others rustic and timeworn, and still others eerie and foreboding—each distinct in its own way.