Without the directions of the Old Daoist pointing out where the Flying Boat Immortal Market was, Zhang Yan did not concern himself. At most, it would require a bit more effort.
After flying a hundred or so miles away, he waved his sleeve, and from his Sleeve Bag emerged a piece of talisman paper. It floated lightly three feet before him. Joining his fingers, he traced a talisman pattern upon it, then struck it with his hand, speaking aloud: "Search!"
The talisman paper, having received the Command, ignited without flame. It first spiraled in circles before drifting toward the northwest, automatically seeking the area where the Golden Jade Spiritual Energy was most abundant. Zhang Yan followed behind it, stepping upon the clouds. When one talisman paper burned out, he would take out another.
After several attempts, Zhang Yan realized that the Flying Boat Immortal Market was not fixed in one location but moved unpredictably through the heavens. Most likely, those heading there possessed tokens or similar items to guide them toward the site.
After burning through seven or eight talismans, he finally spotted a majestic Flying City spread wide across the sky up ahead.
This Flying City was assembled from hundreds of flying boats, each a hundred feet long. They were linked by Cloud Golden Locks, with boards laid across their surfaces, forming a walkable land. At each of the four corners stood towering structures, their walls painted gold, adorned with Brocade Sails and Banners. Beneath the city were four massive Jade Pixiu Beasts, each the size of three zhang, their forms pressed against the seams to provide stability. The tallest point within the city was a nine-story palace with flying eaves and curving corners. Surrounding it were indistinct pavilion structures, curving upward toward the moon, evoking an aura of grandeur.
Above the Immortal Market, hundreds of tunneling lights moved up and down, like drifting silver leaves or blossoming sparks, shining brilliantly. Cultivators arriving from all directions greeted one another in the air, calling friends and companions together with cheer. The scene was lively indeed.
When Zhang Yan flew closer with his tunneling sword light, the radiant beams sliced the air, resembling meteoric starlight cascading across the heavens, dazzling and resplendent. Compared to the typical cultivators riding their Magic Artifacts, this method was unparalleled. Some cultivators with sharp observation skills recognized the sword flying technique and quickly stepped aside, leaving the path clear, not daring to contest for precedence.
Close by, several young men and women were seated aboard a flying boat. Among them, a fifteen to sixteen-year-old delicate and pretty girl’s eyes lit up as she pointed ahead and exclaimed: "Senior Brother, what Magic Artifact is that?"
The Senior Brother glanced over with some reverence and muttered softly: "That is no ordinary Magic Artifact but the tunneling light formed by a sword ball. This individual’s cultivation is at least equal to the Elder of our sect."
The girl did not understand and asked, "Senior Brother, why have I never seen the Elder using sword escape?"
The Senior Brother replied with a helpless sigh: "Junior Sister, you’ve only recently joined the sect, so you wouldn’t know. The sword ball itself is incredibly difficult to obtain. Even Nascent Soul cultivators must spend over a decade refining one. Without the backing of a Great Sect, it’s nearly impossible to acquire."
The girl’s eyes sparkled with excitement. Clasping her hands, she said: "Do you think there will be a sword ball among the treasures at tomorrow’s auction? If so, we should buy one!"
Hearing his Junior Sister’s naive remark, the Senior Brother smiled bitterly and replied: "Junior Sister, a sword ball might indeed be among the items, but without the Sword Scripture inheritance or the requisite Xuan Guang Cultivation, even if you obtain it, you likely won’t be able to activate its tunneling light. Forget flying and escaping; owning it would be no more than collecting a trinket."
The girl paid no heed, tugging at his arm repeatedly, insisting they purchase a sword ball. The Senior Brother, unable to resist her pestering, reluctantly agreed.
From the distance, Zhang Yan surveyed the Immortal Market, finding the constant flow of cultivators reminiscent of bustling worldly cities. Upon stepping onto the site, he was surprised to see many nobles riding in ornate carriages, accompanied closely by their attendants. This sight left him momentarily astonished. Turning toward a servant boy who stood at the side to welcome visitors, he smiled and asked, "Is it always this lively here?"
The servant boy replied honestly, "Not at all. Normally, it’s quite deserted."
At this moment, a middle-aged steward with an experienced demeanor stepped forward, first dismissing the boy. Then, with his hands clasped in a deferential gesture, he smiled warmly and said: "Immortal Guest, allow me to explain. Tomorrow’s auction in this Immortal Market will feature several rare and treasured items that have been kept hidden for an extended period. News of the event had already spread far and wide earlier this year, which is why visitors from all corners have been drawn here today."
Though the steward did not recognize sword escape, he observed Zhang Yan’s ability to fly without using a Magic Artifact. This was a clear sign that Zhang Yan was a cultivator of the Xuan Guang Realm, a level that, in some smaller sects, positioned him among their elders. Thus, the steward cautiously attended to him with respect.
Upon seeing Zhang Yan nod slightly and not reject his words, the steward let out a sigh of relief and tentatively continued: "I am Yan Tong, a steward here tasked with welcoming guests. Immortal Guest might consider staying in one of the palaces or towers, as they offer comfort during your visit. The Qichang Tower in this Zhou City is an excellent choice. Its decorations are refined, and there are female Immortals playing flute and zither. Tomorrow’s auction takes place right in front of the tower, providing ease whether you wish to enjoy the scenery or entertain guests."
Zhang Yan found this amusing. He hadn’t expected this Immortal Market to not only accommodate worldly customs but also adopt the practices of mundane commerce so thoroughly. However, he thought to himself, without such an approach, this place would likely not thrive as it had.