He thought to himself, with cultivators from various factions gathering here, there must be plenty of news to be heard about items needed for solidifying a pill. Though he intended to visit the Beichen Sect later, a few days’ delay wouldn’t matter. He could find a place to settle, purchase a few rare treasures, and then visit the sect in style, preserving the dignity of a Great Sect disciple. So, he nodded and said, "Lead the way, then."
Back when Opening Meridians, he had obtained forty or fifty thousand Spiritual Shells from the Cloud Luminous Shell Field. For this trip, he packed all of them into five Sleeve Bags and carried them with him, and now his wealth surpassed even small sects and clans. This truly gave him a sense of confidence.
Hearing this, Yan Tong was delighted. As flying was forbidden in this area, he summoned a horse-drawn carriage pulled by four fine steeds to serve as transport and acted as the driver himself.
Zhang Yan climbed aboard the carriage, observing the scenery along the way. In this Immortal Market, every several stalls were separated by light silk curtains serving as partitions. At the ends of the curtains hung Treasure Beads, with Yingluo chains draping between them. The extravagance was beyond compare.
He thought to himself that the person capable of organizing this Immortal Market must be extraordinary. However, they were likely more focused on worldly wealth than cultivation, and their cultivation level might not be overly impressive.
Yan Tong was well-spoken, his words flowing like pearls, sharing insights and stories along the way, making the journey anything but dull.
In less than an hour, Zhang Yan found himself at the base of the nine-tiered palace. Looking up, the signboard bore the gilded characters "Qichang Tower." Earlier, he had only glanced at it from afar; now, up close, he could see that the palace roof was covered with Jade Clear Glazed Tiles. Under the sunlight, they reflected iridescent hues amidst the clouds. Hundreds of silver bells hanging from the eaves swayed lightly, producing melodious sounds.
Under Yan Tong’s guidance, Zhang Yan alighted from the carriage, crossed a golden bridge at the entrance, and stepped through the grand doors. Before him appeared a spacious hall, flanked by agate vases containing Purple Coral, while a Bixiu Linglong Stone rested on a peach wood table at the center. The Immortal Spirit Qi emanating from it refreshed and invigorated. The hall’s pillars shimmered with golden light, each affixed with thousands of Exorcism Gold Foil Talismans. Beneath his feet, white jade bricks were intricately engraved with auspicious beasts and immortal birds, each lifelike in its appearance.
If Zhang Yan were still the pampered young master he had once been, he would surely marvel at this opulent sight. But now, having embarked on the path of cultivation with his mind set solely on immortality, he found these golden treasures and vibrant ornaments pointless. Rather than being impressed, he felt they were somewhat vulgar.
Observing Zhang Yan’s expression, Yan Tong noticed that he was entirely unimpressed, even disdainful. Yan Tong thought to himself, "Anyone else who set foot here would marvel at its grandeur and inquire about the owner. Yet this man seems dismissive, as if he’s accustomed to such sights. He must be from a prestigious Xuanmen clan. I must tread carefully and win his favor—who knows, I might benefit from it."
With that in mind, Yan Tong became even more solicitous.
Soon, he led Zhang Yan to a serene upper room on the eighth floor and said, "Immortal Guest, you must be weary from your journey. I shall take my leave now."
Zhang Yan noticed the room was furnished with well-stocked tables and bookshelves. The flowers on the tall stands emitted a subtle fragrance, unlike the garish decorations outside. He nodded slightly and casually threw out a bottle of Elixir Pills, saying indifferently, "Look after the surroundings. Do not disturb me unless it’s important. Return tomorrow at dawn as I have questions for you."
Yan Tong, without inspecting the pills closely, tucked them into his sleeve and replied affirmatively before leaving the room. On descending the staircase and reaching a secluded corner, he pulled out the bottle and smelled its fragrance. Instantly, his face lit up in joy, his hands trembling as he exclaimed in shock, "It’s actually a Great Origin Pill! This man must indeed be someone of great status."
Thinking about his return the next day, Yan Tong grew even more eager. After glancing around to ensure no one was following him, he headed off.
After Yan Tong departed, Zhang Yan closed the room doors and activated a spell. Instantly, hundreds of talismans flew out, sealing the doors and windows of the room. He then unfurled the Mountain and River Map, slowly drawing out the Golden Fire Poisonous Qi within and began breathing it in and out.
After entering the Xuan Guang Realm, when cultivating Mysterious Skills of the Upper Grade, the process largely depended on diligent effort. With steadfast commitment to the Dao Heart, advancing to the Xuan Guang Third Realm was achievable, though achieving the Golden Core remained an altogether tougher endeavor. Not only were external medicines rare, but solidifying a pill required immense mental fortitude, a challenge that had defeated countless prodigies.
Moreover, the earlier he reached the Xuan Guang Third Realm, the better his chances of finding external medicine. Therefore, whenever he had spare time, he refused to let it slip away, focusing wholeheartedly on cultivation.
In the East Wing Room of Qichang Tower, a veiled woman in white sat in the central hall. Addressing the two servants before her in a cold tone, she said, "The tasks I assigned to you—have they been completed? Let me be clear: I am determined to acquire the Zhi Ma Fruit tomorrow."
Her voice was slightly husky, lacking the sweet charm of an ordinary maiden, but it carried an odd allure.
One of the servants, bowing humbly, replied, "Mistress, we have notified all wealthy guests who arrived at this Immortal Market. However, it seems the West Wing Room has just been occupied by a new guest, who appears to be of some standing. We haven’t had the chance to approach him yet."
The other servant glanced sideways at her companion and interjected, "Mistress, among those with the wealth to contest us, there are only a few families. That person came alone and is unfamiliar. He’s likely just a sect disciple being sent out to explore for novelty’s sake; there’s no need for undue concern."
The veiled woman thought briefly but didn’t dwell on it. She nodded and waved her hand, saying, "Then proceed with the preparations. A few fellow sect members will arrive later, and among them is a distinguished guest from the Shaoqing Sect—it’s of utmost importance that we show them proper respect."
Both servants replied in unison, "Understood." They then withdrew.
... (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian.com to cast your recommendation votes and monthly tickets. Your support is the greatest motivation for me.)