Chapter 3: The Market District

The light rain finally ceased only after dawn, leaving crystalline droplets clinging to the leaves outside the window. Sunlight broke through the clouds, shining upon the earth as if the heavens themselves had opened their eyes.

Seeing the sun rise, Wen Rongxin, after a brief rest, began tidying the bedding, intending to wash everything clean. Meanwhile, Li Guanzhen, wearing a contented smile, headed to the cultivation chamber, ready to devote himself to alchemy.

About three hours later, Li Guanzhen stared at the pile of medicinal dregs in the cauldron, falling into deep thought.

His cultivation and mastery of talismans had both progressed, yet his skill in alchemy remained utterly stagnant.

“So, pure energy seems to have no effect on alchemy… However, one thing is clear: after last night’s tenderness, my cultivation didn’t instantly break through to the fourth layer of Qi Refinement, but instead, my foundation at the third layer has become more solid.”

Beyond that, Li Guanzhen sensed a trace of vitality within the pure energy.

“Could it be… that this vitality can extend my lifespan?”

He was dumbfounded, suddenly understanding why the patriarch of Mount Felicity would go to such lengths to recover it, even offering generous rewards to anyone who could provide a clue.

With this precious tree, it was akin to possessing immortality!

“No… The patriarch of Mount Felicity probably doesn’t know the proper usage of the Velvet Blossom Spirit Tree. A lofty cultivator of his stature would never comprehend true tenderness or sincerity.”

Li Guanzhen felt a surge of emotion; only when husband and wife are of one heart, full of affection, could the Velvet Blossom Spirit Tree manifest the auspicious vision of dragon and phoenix united.

Only with such a phenomenon would pure energy flow into every corner of the body.

“The most coveted treasure among cultivators is now within me. As long as I lie low and nurture myself, even if the old monsters are still alive, one day my cultivation will catch up to theirs.”

At this thought, Li Guanzhen’s heart grew calmer.

Since heartfelt union could further his cultivation and extend his life, there was no need to engage in reckless battles with others.

He would simply focus on living quietly, waiting for those ancient beings to pass away—then, he would naturally become invincible.

“I’ll focus on making talismans first. Craft during the day, cherish at night—earning money and cultivating side by side. Sooner or later, I’ll reach the day of invincibility.”

He stretched lazily, a smile upon his handsome face.

After so many years in this fantastical world of cultivation, today was the first time he truly felt he could survive and thrive here.

…

Ten days later.

Pure energy once again filled every part of his body, but Li Guanzhen only felt his vitality growing stronger than ever; his cultivation showed no progress, and his skills with talismans had improved only slightly.

“Cultivation is about patient accumulation, achieving breakthroughs naturally… I mustn’t rush.”

—

“My dear, I need to visit the market to sell the protective talismans I’ve made these days, and buy some spirit rice and food. It will be good for your nourishment as well.”

“Oh, alright…”

Wen Rongxin hurried over with his clothes in her arms, helping him dress, her voice full of worry and reluctance as she whispered, “Husband, please be careful. If anything happens… just run.”

“Don’t worry, I cherish my life more than anyone now.”

Li Guanzhen pinched her cheek; compared to before, her skin was now smooth and radiant.

Wen Rongxin didn’t shy away. Her clear, apricot-shaped eyes were still filled with concern.

Any place of trade was rife with hidden dangers; flashing wealth would surely attract the attention of bandits.

“Just wait at home for me to return. There’s nothing to worry about.”

With that, Li Guanzhen headed out.

After only a few steps, he was met by a pair of cultivators—a man and a woman. The man, surprised, exclaimed, “Guanzhen, you’re heading out? I thought you’d stay cooped up for another two months. Looks like you’re not as steadfast as we thought.”

The woman smiled slyly, “Is it that your wife doesn’t know her way around? Would you like me to teach her some real skills? We’re neighbors, after all—just ask if you ever need help.”

Hearing their banter, Li Guanzhen could only sigh inwardly.

The man was Chen Yinshan, the woman Zhao Guili—husband and wife, living next door. In the past, their noisy antics had often disturbed him, making him irritable. Still, they were good neighbors; when he’d run short on talisman paper, he’d borrowed from them.

Chen Yinshan grinned, “Don’t talk nonsense. Brother Guanzhen is a man of deep reserves—decades spent meditating in a wooden hut, more than enough to match his wife’s pace. He doesn’t need your meddling.”

Zhao Guili suddenly realized, “So that’s it… Seems I was the one being ignorant.”

“Alright, enough, you two. No more teasing—I need to get to the city market. Let’s chat another time.”

Faced with their relentless ribbing, Li Guanzhen decided to retreat, hoping to slip away.

But Chen Yinshan warned, “Be careful out there, Guanzhen. It’s been unstable lately. Go early and come back early—don’t linger.”

Li Guanzhen’s curiosity was piqued. “Unstable? What’s happened? Tell me more.”

Chen Yinshan’s expression grew serious as he explained, “Word is, the sect’s treasured tree that vanished from Mount Felicity twenty-five years ago was spotted in Qing’an City. Now, people from Mount Felicity and other factions are gathering here, searching for its whereabouts…”

Li Guanzhen nearly jumped out of his skin.

Could he have been exposed?

—

But no, if he had been found out, the patriarch of Mount Felicity would have come to kill him instantly. How could rumors be spreading about it instead?

A plot!

The word flashed through Li Guanzhen’s mind. Someone was deliberately spreading false information, luring certain people into Qing’an City for a clean sweep.

With this realization, he quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

The Velvet Blossom Spirit Tree was safe in the dark space, far beyond anyone’s detection. Even the pure energy it produced was gradually being converted into his own spiritual power, leaving nothing suspicious behind.

Moreover, he rarely ventured far from the eastern suburbs, only ever going out for food.

Li Guanzhen’s expression turned grave. “In that case, I’ll hurry there and back, then go into seclusion for half a year.”

“If you need anything, send a message.”

“Alright.”

After bidding farewell, Li Guanzhen headed straight for the eastern market of Qing’an City.

He had to be home before sunset.

…

As he entered the city, the crowds thickened—mostly itinerant cultivators of all sorts, a true motley assembly.

The entire eastern street of Qing’an was lined with market stalls. On every side, there were portable stands and houses selling cultivation essentials—elixirs, magical tools, and treasures.

Li Guanzhen had with him twenty-three mid-grade first-tier protective talismans and six low-grade first-tier Returning Essence Pills.

If he went to a large shop, they might buy everything at a low price, taking advantage of him. Worse, he could attract the attention of robbers and bring trouble upon himself.

So, he decided to sell his goods at the small stalls, bit by bit. Only if he ran out of time would he turn to the big shops for spirit stones.

He also needed to purchase materials for making talismans, as well as spirit rice, meat, and poultry.

Losing a few low-grade spirit stones was no matter—peace and safety were all that counted, especially since time was short.