[Wind Control Skill Proficiency Level+1]
Wind Control Skill was not a combat Spell and could be used anytime, anywhere. When his Spiritual Power was depleted, he would meditate to recover in his spare time, repeating this cycle. While running his stall to earn Spirit Stones, he didn't waste any time increasing his Proficiency Level.
Eating rice balls and smoked fish, time flew quickly. As the Golden Crow descended in the west, the sky gradually darkened. The bait sales were poor in the afternoon. He only sold ten, which was just enough to cover the cost of the stall. Jia Ren was not in a hurry; good wine needs no bush. Once my reputation is established, relying on the exorbitant profits from the bait, it will be hard not to earn Spirit Stones. The only concern is how long I can sustain the business before the Spirit Fish in the Lake of Smoky Waves are exhausted.
"It's time to pack up."
Jia Ren was in no rush to leave the West District Market, as there were still items to be purchased. Sulfur, saltpeter, charcoal, dogs, Poison, Talismans... Sulfur is used in small amounts for Artifact Refining, saltpeter can be used to make ice, and charcoal is simple to buy or make myself. Those aren't hard to find. Except for dogs... Not many Cultivators keep dogs. Spirit Farmers might keep them to guard their fields. Maybe I could ask fellow Cultivator Yang Bingzhi for help. I'll put that aside for now.
Jia Ren followed the flow of people, his gaze sweeping over each stall, looking for treasures he could use or opportunities to pick up some bargains. This was one of the few pleasures for Loose Cultivators. However, there were few who found such bargains, while countless others made mistakes.
"Five-Colored Mother Brocade Chicken, on sale cheap, only three Spirit Stones!"
Three Spirit Stones? That is cheap indeed! The Five-Colored Mother Brocade Chicken was gentle by nature and could be eaten. The hens laid Spirit Eggs, which sold for at least five Spirit Stones each. Many Loose Cultivators came upon hearing this, hoping to snag a bargain. Jia Ren was no exception and reached in to touch the chicken, then left expressionlessly.
Something is definitely wrong! My hand that touched the Five-Colored Mother Brocade Chicken is smeared with colorful paint. The vibrant colors are completely faked with dyes... Trying to scam people with paint that's not even dry? That's not very professional! I have to leave immediately to avoid being extorted by the stall owner.
Just as he took a few steps away, Jia Ren vaguely sensed something and looked down. A hand has stealthily made its way to the Storage Bag at my waist and is attempting to unhook it!
"Let go!"
A pickpocket is trying to steal my Storage Bag? That's way too bold! This is all I own, and I can't afford to lose it! Jia Ren's left hand secured the Storage Bag, and with a thought, his right hand had drawn the Low-Quality Magical Artifact, the Black Fang Sword. The Black Fang Sword glowed with Spiritual Energy, ready to Slash at any moment. This display scared the nearby Loose Cultivators, who hastily cleared a large space, fearing they might be caught in the fallout.
The thief, an unremarkable-looking youth, saw the theft had been discovered and skillfully darted into the crowd of Cultivators, melting away like a drop in the ocean.
This Sword was more for intimidation; I had no real intention of using it. Jia Ren dared not fight in the Market, nor did he wish to go to the Law Enforcement Office. As Loose Cultivators said, the Law Enforcement Office was a bunch of demons who devoured men without spitting out their bones; go in innocent, and you'd come out with an empty wallet.
It's really chaotic here! The thief might bear a grudge and attack at night... I must buy something to ensure my safety through the night. A man without foresight will soon have troubles at hand.
Jia Ren prepared for the worst, getting ready as soon as possible. Sulfur, saltpeter, and charcoal were quickly found at makeshift stalls; a few dozen Gold could buy quite a bit.
Lime? His eyes lit up when they landed on lime. I should buy some lime to carry with me. If I run into pickpockets again, I can use it to greet their faces. The key point is not to use Spiritual Power, which won't attract the Enforcement Team... He decisively purchased several packs of quicklime to process carefully back at his dwelling.
Poison is difficult to get... It wasn't that there was no Poison on the stalls, but the ones targeting Cultivators were not cheap. A small dose of Spirit Severing Powder cost one Spirit Stone. Too expensive! It's more economical to purchase Talismans.
After a round of shopping, he had bought quite a few generic alternatives without spending many Spirit Stones. They can temporarily serve as transitional items until I have enough Spirit Stones on hand to switch to array Talismans.
Eternal Spring Technique?! Jia Ren stopped at a Talisman stall, intending to buy a Water Spirit Shield Talisman for self-protection, when he unexpectedly spotted the Cultivation Techniques being sold by the stall owner. The stall offered four types of Cultivation Techniques: "Eternal Spring Technique," "Return to Origin Technique," "Fiery Sun Technique," and "Profound Yin Skill."
"How many Spirit Stones for the Eternal Spring Technique?"
The Eternal Spring Technique was a wood-attribute Cultivation Technique, not proficient in combat, mainly for Spiritual Energy and injury recovery, with some added longevity benefits. However, the effects on longevity were uncertain. This must be the easiest longevity-related Cultivation Technique for me to find. Recovery of Spiritual Energy and longevity are essential; faster recovery can prolong the time I can spend grinding Proficiency Levels, and increased longevity enhances daily Breakthrough Points. The most important aspect is that it's cheap... Perhaps there are better techniques out there, but I cannot afford such luxuries for now.
"Three Spirit Stones, including the complete Cultivation Technique from the first to the ninth level of Qi Refinement," the stall owner perked up, scrutinizing Jia Ren.
"Can it be any cheaper?"
"Three Spirit Stones, non-negotiable," the stall owner responded icily, paying no further attention to Jia Ren.
The price of three Spirit Stones for a Qi Refinement fundamental technique was normal, not excessively marked up. Jia Ren had a total of two Spirit Stones and Five Broken Spirits on hand, and he still had to consider the fee for his stall space tomorrow; he only had two Spirit Stones and Four Fragmented Spirits to spend.
"Is it possible to use bait in place of Spirit Stones?"
"What? I don't accept trash! Are you buying or not? If not, don't waste my time." When the stall owner saw Jia Ren take out the Bait Tempting Technique, his face turned as black as the bottom of a pot. He had a fiery temper and bluntly shooed Jia Ren away.
Jia Ren couldn't be bothered to look at the stall owner's face any longer and turned to leave. With such a foul temper, it's no wonder you can't make any money. The Eternal Spring Technique isn't exclusive to one seller; there are other options.
Insect Control Scripture? Jia Ren stopped at another stall, his attention drawn to a grey Jade Slip engraved with the Insect Control Scripture. The stall owner was an elderly Cultivator with pale, long hair. He appeared to be nearing his life's end; even though his Taoist Robe was starched and neat, it couldn't hide the smell of old age and decay.
The elderly Cultivator opened his murky eyes and gave Jia Ren a brief look, his age-worn voice following shortly. "Young friend, are you interested in controlling insects? It's rare to see a Cultivator interested in insects these days."
Black bugs crawled out from the edges and collar of the elderly Cultivator's robe, increasing in number, constantly moving across his clothes and skin, looking as if they had made a home on him. The terrifying sight could scare someone with trypophobia half to death. Jia Ren, too, was deeply shocked, instinctively backing away a few steps.
"Are you still interested now?" The elderly Cultivator's face carried a mischievous, sly smile. On the brink of death, yet his childlike spirit remained intact.
If the Insect Control Scripture is truly useful, what is there to fear from insects? I had considered buying a dog earlier for nighttime vigilance. Insects can do the same! Moreover, smaller insects are more concealed and difficult to notice; they would be an excellent tool for night watch. Jia Ren could tell that the old Cultivator's teasing was more playful than a true desire to turn him into a monstrosity; otherwise, an Insect Control Scripture with such hidden dangers wouldn't be worth cultivating.
"Controlling insects is not much different from controlling beasts. They're both Cultivation skills; what is there to fear?" Jia Ren approached the stall, picked up the Insect Control Scripture Jade Slip, and placed it against his forehead to examine it. The readable section was limited, mostly sealed by restrictions and not available for free perusal.
"May I ask how much the Insect Control Scripture is priced at?" Just from the part Jia Ren could see, his interest was piqued, so he inquired about the price.
The elderly Cultivator's smile faded, reverting to the demeanor Jia Ren had first encountered. "One hundred Spirit Stones, non-negotiable."
One hundred Spirit Stones? That's practically robbery! Too expensive, I'll take my leave! Jia Ren put down the Insect Control Scripture and turned to leave. But after a couple of steps, he seemed to think of something and suddenly looked back.
"May I know if the Insect Control Scripture can be sold in separate parts?"