"The 'Golden Sword Technique,' a top-tier method that nurtures metal-based sword energy within the meridians through a unique practice. When activated, it moves as swift as the wind, inflicting immensely strong damage."
A top-tier method! What an unexpectedly valuable find within this luminous orb...
Lu Xuan's mind momentarily wandered. He currently held mastery over three techniques: the Fireball Technique, Spirit Rain Technique, and the recently revealed Earth Attraction Technique from the white luminous orb. All three techniques were considered low-level, merely rudimentary applications of spiritual power.
However, the 'Golden Sword Technique,' despite being the lowest of the top-tier methods, left Lu Xuan utterly content.
It's essential to note that even among Qi refining cultivators, top-tier techniques weren't commonplace.
Staying put, he concentrated his spiritual power following the mental route, slowly gathering it.
Soon, a pale golden stream, about three inches long and as wide as a finger, surged vigorously from within him, swiftly slicing a black thorn into two as it raced towards the stone wall.
Lu Xuan walked over, picking up a smoothly cut piece of thorn, secretly amazed at the slashing power of the pale golden sword energy.
Although the black thorn wasn't a spiritual plant, it was remarkably resilient. Lu Xuan had previously experimented with the Fireball Technique, taking half a moment to burn through the thorn.
Comparatively, the Golden Sword Technique was significantly cleaner and at least twice as powerful.
"However, using the Sword Technique right after cultivation takes too long, reducing its effectiveness."
"With such a potent technique, I'll need to diligently practice in the future."
"Of course, if I could unlock an additional 'Golden Sword Technique' as an experience boost, that would be the best."
Lu Xuan contemplated as he looked at the remaining fifteen Firefly Grass plants.
He placed the harvested Firefly Grass into a jade box, planning another outing.
He currently possessed nine mature Firefly Grass plants: six of average quality and three of good quality.
With limited space in the jade box and to prevent the loss of spiritual energy from the Firefly Grass, he needed to sell these nine plants quickly.
Simultaneously, with ample space now available in the spiritual field and the remaining area's Firefly Grass soon to mature, Lu Xuan intended to use the earned spirit stones to buy some spiritual seeds.
If he had enough spirit stones, he might even search for a low-level defensive formation in the market.
The appearance of the white luminous orb in the courtyard increased the significance of the spiritual field. Lu Xuan feared that cultivators or beasts might sneak in, pilfer or harm the spiritual plants, thereby affecting the orb's richness.
He instructed the straw puppet to watch over the house, carrying the jade box filled with Firefly Grass as he left the courtyard.
Just as he stepped out, he coincidentally met Zhang Hong returning from the market.
"Lu Brother, where are you headed?"
Spotting Lu Xuan from afar, Zhang Hong greeted cheerfully.
"Hello, Brother Zhang. I'm planning to visit the market."
Lu Xuan greeted Zhang Hong and learned that he had just returned from the market, having purchased several protective talismans in preparation for the upcoming exploration of a new secret realm.
"Do you truly not wish to join us in exploring the new wilderness?" Zhang Hong asked, unwilling to give up.
"Brother Zhang, I appreciate your kindness, but my aspirations lie elsewhere. I merely wish to be an ordinary and content spiritual plant cultivator."
Lu Xuan waved his hand, firmly declining.
"In that case, I was hoping that with our mutual understanding over this long time, we could watch out for each other," Zhang Hong expressed regret.
"I wish you an adventurous and safe journey," Lu Xuan sincerely blessed.
And with that, the two parted ways.
Lu Xuan walked to the market and noticed more cultivators than usual.
Protective talismans were in high demand, healing elixirs were scarce, and as soon as they appeared, many cultivators scrambled for them. Despite the higher prices, these items remained in short supply.
"It seems like news about the Wang family's upcoming exploration of a new realm has spread across Lin Yangfang Market."
"So many Qi refining and mid-level cultivators are vying for a piece of the pie. I wonder how many will find opportunities, and how many will become stepping stones for others."
Lu Xuan sensed the restlessness in the market but remained unaffected, observing quietly.
He spent two to three intervals in the market, paying attention to every detail and occasionally inquiring from the wandering cultivators. Eventually, he turned onto several streets and arrived at a herb shop named 'Hundred Herbs Hall.'
The shopkeeper was an alchemist with a significant demand for various alchemy ingredients. Lu Xuan had previously sold the spiritual herbs he cultivated to this shop, which offered reasonable prices.
Entering the shop, a strong herbal fragrance enveloped him as he entered a wooden house.
The room was filled with all sorts of spiritual herbs, and a few apprentices were busy processing them.
"Lu lad, back to sell Firefly Grass again?"
A thin old man spotted Lu Xuan and greeted him, noticing the bulging chest pouch he carried.
"Yes, Manager He. Some Firefly Grass has matured, and I've come to sell it to your esteemed shop."
The thin old man was a relative of the alchemist who managed miscellaneous tasks in the shop. If Lu Xuan wanted to sell Firefly Grass, he had to deal with him. They were somewhat acquainted.
"How much do you have?"
"Nine plants. What's the current rate for Firefly Grass per piece?"
Lu Xuan took out the jade box from his chest and inquired.
"It's still the old price, three inferior spirit stones per plant."
"Manager He, isn't that a bit unfair?"
Hearing the response, Lu Xuan retracted his hand, holding the jade box.
"From what I know, many Firefly Grass plants cultivated by the spiritual plant cultivators in the northern district have suffered from insect damage lately, resulting in lower yields."
"The news has spread throughout the market. The imminent exploration of a new realm by the Wang family in the central area has caused a significant surge in healing elixir prices."
"As the primary material for healing elixirs, Firefly Grass, even at the usual rates, seems to be exploiting us honest wandering cultivators."
"You sneaky kid, your cultivation might not be high, but your nose is quite sharp."
Manager He chuckled and scolded lightly before adjusting his expression.
"One plant of Firefly Grass for three spirit stones and twenty broken fragments. Fixed price."
After contemplating for a while, Lu Xuan understood this was a fairly reasonable price.
"What about Firefly Grass of good quality?"
"Oh?"
Manager He raised his head, surprised.
"You've actually grown Firefly Grass of good quality? Let me have a look."
High-quality raw materials slightly enhanced the success rate and effectiveness of elixir refinement, greatly valued by alchemists.
"Indeed, they're of good quality."
"You're young and your spiritual field has sparse spiritual energy. To cultivate such high-quality spiritual plants is quite commendable."
"Alright, I'll purchase these three Firefly Grass plants of good quality for fifty broken fragments and three spirit stones each. What do you say?"
Lu Xuan quickly agreed. As they
were only slightly better than average, receiving an additional thirty broken fragments per plant was already quite good.
He handed over the nine Firefly Grass plants to Manager He, who meticulously inspected them without faultfinding. He then counted out the spirit stones and handed them to Lu Xuan.
Six ordinary Firefly Grass plants and three good-quality ones fetched him a total of twenty-nine inferior spirit stones and seventy broken fragments.
Lu Xuan carefully stashed them away at his waist, feeling the chilling sensation of the spirit stones through his clothes, his heart ablaze with excitement.
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