Chapter Fifty: Preparing to Set Out

“Since you’ve made up your mind, Fellow Qin,” Gu Qingzhao said, “I won’t insist any further. I simply hope that in the future, we can strengthen our cooperation.”

She could see the firmness in Qin Ming’s attitude and knew that it would be impossible to win him over quickly. Still, she was not anxious. There would be plenty of time in the days to come; slowly building a connection might prove fruitful. As long as Qin Ming remained in Qingyang Market, the opportunity would surely arise.

Their negotiations concluded, and Gu Qingzhao rose to escort Qin Ming downstairs. She instructed Manager Liao to deliver the spiritual materials Qin Ming required.

Once Gu Qingzhao had departed, Qin Ming turned to Manager Liao. “I’d like to purchase a flying artifact. Does your pavilion have anything of good quality?”

Manager Liao’s expression was gloomy—he was still regretting that Qin Ming had refused the guest elder position. But as soon as he heard the prospect of another sale, his spirits revived and a warm smile spread across his face. “Of course, Fellow Qin! To be honest, our flying boats are among the best in the market.”

In a few days, Qin Ming would be heading to the branch of the Spirit Feather Sect in the vast Cloud Wilderness. Though not far from the market, he would still need to travel by flying boat. Beyond Qingyang Market, the Cloud Marsh was rife with dangers—rogue cultivators, high-level demon beasts, and countless hidden threats. Caution was essential.

He did possess the flying boats taken from those four, but they were all Spirit Feather Sect’s standard artifacts, which he dared not use openly. Qin Ming planned to buy a superior one, once and for all.

Manager Liao led him to the Artifact Hall, introducing the options one by one: “This is the most basic low-grade Green Leaf Boat. Most cultivators use these, priced at fifty spirit stones. The mid-grade flying artifact is the Five-Spoke Wind Chariot, known for its cost-effectiveness. It’s popular among independent cultivators with some means, priced at one hundred spirit stones. The high-grade flying artifact is the Luminous Cloud Carpet, imbued with three wind array restrictions. Its speed is astonishing, comparable to a full-speed flight by a peak Qi Refining cultivator. Crafted by Master Jin of the Treasure Hall, it’s priced at six hundred spirit stones.”

Flying artifacts tended to be cheaper than other types. Qin Ming examined them closely and got straight to the point. “Do you have anything faster?”

Manager Liao was momentarily taken aback by the question—was he still dissatisfied with the speed? “Yes, of course! Certainly!” he replied, nodding quickly.

He then produced two artifacts: a flying sword and a flying shuttle.

“Fellow Qin, these two flying artifacts are both masterpieces by the renowned artisan Fang Yizi. This exceptional flying sword is called the Sky-Piercing Shadow Sword. It carries five swift wind restrictions, designed for explosive speed—at its fastest, it rivals the ordinary flying state of a newly advanced Foundation Establishment cultivator. Priced at nine hundred spirit stones.”

Manager Liao glanced at Qin Ming, who remained silent, so he continued, “The top-grade flying shuttle, named the Radiant Shuttle, is equipped with six swift wind restrictions and one defensive restriction, offering some protection. At full power, its speed matches that of a Foundation Establishment cultivator at full flight. However... full-speed flight consumes a tremendous amount of spiritual power. It’s priced at one thousand three hundred and fifty spirit stones. Luckily, artifact prices dropped recently—otherwise, the Radiant Shuttle would cost much more.”

Qin Ming gazed at the unassuming Radiant Shuttle, considered for a moment, and decided, “I’ll take this one.”

“Ah, Fellow Qin, you truly have a discerning eye!” Manager Liao beamed, delighted to close another major deal. “With the discount, it’s one thousand two hundred and fifteen spirit stones. But for you, just one thousand two hundred will do.”

The transaction concluded. Manager Liao enthusiastically bid Qin Ming farewell, watching his silhouette until it disappeared, and murmured in admiration, “Fellow Qin really is different now that he’s a mid-grade alchemist—so generous in his spending!”

The way Qin Ming handed over spirit stones was the picture of ease.

...

Qin Ming made his way down Qingyang Market’s main avenue, returning to the Cool Retreat Cottage.

Just as he was about to activate the restriction to enter, the sound of a gate creaking caught his attention. The courtyard next door opened, and out stepped an elderly man with white hair and a bald crown, exuding the aura of a peak Qi Refining cultivator.

The old man paused when he saw Qin Ming, then smiled and approached, cupping his hands in greeting. “You must be Fellow Qin? My surname is Yan. I’ve just moved here, so we’ll be neighbors from now on.”

“Senior Yan,” Qin Ming returned the gesture, and thus the two became acquainted.

After some casual conversation, Qin Ming learned that the old man Yan was also a mid-grade alchemist.

What a coincidence!

However, Qin Ming did not reveal that he himself was a mid-grade alchemist.

“Fellow Qin, when I registered at the Steward Hall, they told me you’re a mid-grade spiritual plant master. Seeing you today, so young—your immortal path must be boundless!” Alchemist Yan praised.

“By the way, Fellow Qin, I’ve gotten to know all the neighbors nearby. The courtyard next to yours belongs to the Feng brothers, beast hunters. Across the street, the Ding numbered house is occupied by Fellow Huang, a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator and a top-grade artifact master, serving as chief artisan at the Treasure Hall. The Bing numbered house belongs to Fellow Lin, also a peak Qi Refining cultivator and a mid-grade formation master. All are independent cultivators.”

Aside from the Feng brothers, whom Qin Ming had met once, he knew none of the others.

Listening to Alchemist Yan, Qin Ming realized that many new neighbors had moved in nearby—and all were skilled independent cultivators.

Alchemist Yan observed Qin Ming’s astonishment and chuckled, “Haha, you’re not the only one surprised. I was quite taken aback myself when I first arrived. I’ve spoken with all of them, and it’s not easy for us independent cultivators. Gathering here from all over is a matter of fate. I’m planning a small exchange gathering, so we can get acquainted and share experiences. It’ll be held in my courtyard for a day. What do you think?”

Qin Ming was momentarily taken aback, for he wasn’t fond of such gatherings. But since they were neighbors, he replied, “I’ll follow your lead, Senior Yan. However, I might not be available these next few days—I have to go out soon.”

“No worries! The Feng brothers are out hunting beasts as well. Let’s set it for a month from now,” Alchemist Yan deliberated, then asked Qin Ming’s opinion, “How does that sound, Fellow Qin? I’ll send you a message talisman when the time comes.”

“That’s fine. I’ll be sure to attend,” Qin Ming agreed.

After a few more pleasantries, Alchemist Yan excused himself to attend to some matters.

Once inside, with the door closed, Qin Ming let out a heavy sigh.

“How is it that suddenly so many powerful cultivators have moved in? The pressure is immense! I mustn’t get complacent—I ought to keep a low profile.”