Translator: CinderTL
Xu Sanyan silently pondered his meager possessions, considering what to sell in Yue Clan Market. First, the Dust-Whisk he had obtained from Lan Yue was definitely on the chopping block—it served no purpose to keep it.
Next, the relics of the Great Liang National Preceptor—the sword and dagger—were equally useless.
If the price was right, he might buy some Spirit Herbs as a backup.
As Xu Sanyan mulled over these matters, he followed Qin Manyang.
After their recent experience, their relationship had clearly grown closer, though trust was still far off. At best, they had temporarily acknowledged each other as partners.
Qin Manyang's eyes flickered, and she turned to him with an admiring gaze. "What kind of Dao Body are you cultivating? It's so amazing! Even that ferocious Corpse Walker couldn't stand against you."
Xu Sanyan raised an eyebrow. "Why don't you tell me about yours first?"
Such matters involved cultivation secrets, which he would never reveal to others. Qin Manyang's attempt to pry into his background was utterly futile.
"Hehe... mine is just ordinary, nothing worth mentioning," Qin Manyang replied, naturally refusing to reveal her own secrets.
Each harboring their own hidden agendas, neither was willing to expose their true strength.
Xu Sanyan said, "That Qi Observation Technique you used earlier..."
"Oh, I'll teach you. It's very simple. Just circulate your Spiritual Power through the Chengqi and Tongziliao acupoints, directing the Qi to your eyes. Then you can see a person's aura and determine their approximate cultivation level based on it," Qin Manyang said.
Xu Sanyan nodded silently, and a panel appeared in his mind's eye.
[Xu Sanyan]
[Age: 19/380]
[Cultivation Level: Foundation Establishment Stage (Peak Stage)]
[Cultivation Method: Supreme Truth and Absolute Stillness Sutra (Mid Stage)]
[Mystical Arts: Blood Demon Corpse Refining Method (Initial Stage), Life Coffin Technique (Entry Level), Qi Observation Technique (Entry Level)]
[Techniques: Perfect Circle Stance (Peak Stage), Three Tigers Subduing Dragon Saber (Peak Stage), Horse Appraisal Technique (Peak Stage), Excavator Maintenance & Repair (Initial Stage), ...]
[Vitality: 516]
Seeing the Qi Observation Technique already listed on the panel, Xu Sanyan knew she hadn't lied.
This mystical art was simple to learn but incredibly practical. After a moment's thought, Xu Sanyan decided to upgrade it first.
Thirty-eight points of Vitality instantly vanished as the Qi Observation Technique advanced from Entry Level to Initial Stage, then to Mid Stage. This mystical art was remarkably easy to master, requiring very little Vitality to break through.
Xu Sanyan channeled his Spiritual Power, and a clear light suddenly appeared in his eyes as he gazed at Qin Manyang. Yet he saw no change.
Qin Manyang chuckled smugly as they walked. "Hehe, I have a technique to conceal my aura. You can't see through it."
Xu Sanyan didn't bother to respond. He retracted his technique and followed her. After walking for a long time, they reached a small city.
They had arrived at the Yue Clan Market.
"This city belongs entirely to the Yue Clan. Everyone here is related to them in some way. Let's keep a low profile and avoid any conflicts. We can't afford to offend them on their own turf," Qin Manyang cautioned earnestly.
Xu Sanyan curled his lips slightly. "You should worry about yourself."
Above the city gate hung a plaque bearing the words "Yue Clan City" in large characters. Many cultivators passed through the gate, most wearing wide-brimmed hats to conceal their faces.
Qin Manyang said, "Fighting is strictly forbidden within Yue Clan City. Moreover, the Yue Clan Patriarch is at the Soul Refinement Cultivation Level. Let's be careful."
"Mm."
Xu Sanyan nodded and strode inside.
Many eyes turned to Xu Sanyan. Most men wore expressions of disdain, while women stole glances at him.
"Why don't you go buy some new clothes first?" Qin Manyang suddenly felt a pang of resentment, as if someone had taken advantage of her.
"Alright."
Xu Sanyan didn't want to be stared at any longer. The two of them found a clothing shop. This time, with a storage pouch, they could buy a few extra sets.
"This one, this one looks nice," Qin Manyang said, appearing even more enthusiastic than he was, constantly picking out clothes for him.
The shop owner, an elderly man with a beaming smile, watched them. "Madam has excellent taste. These garments are all crafted by renowned masters. Just feel the fabric, the texture—truly exceptional."
Qin Manyang glanced at Xu Sanyan, not correcting the shop owner's address. She puffed out her chest and waved her hand grandly. "Wrap them all up."
"Certainly."
Qin Manyang leaned in close to Xu Sanyan and whispered, "Pay up."
Xu Sanyan turned his head. "Huh?"
After all that fuss, he still had to pay?
Then why had she been so generous?
"What else? You're the one buying the clothes, not me," Qin Manyang replied matter-of-factly.
After spending a few taels of silver, they left the shop. Xu Sanyan couldn't help but sigh. The prices in the Central Region were truly exorbitant. In the Qi Kingdom, these few garments would have cost no more than a single tael of silver.
Qin Manyang led the way, walking ahead. "This area is for mortals. We need to go to the Cultivator market. Follow me."
They arrived at a long street lined with various shops, one after another. However, the number of people in this area was noticeably fewer.
Qin Manyang led Xu Sanyan through the familiar streets to a magnificent pavilion. The pavilion occupied a vast area, and cultivators were constantly entering and exiting, indicating brisk business.
Xu Sanyan looked up and saw the words "Treasure Pavilion" emblazoned above the entrance.
"This is it. It's the Yue Clan's shop. They offer the fairest prices. Let's go," Qin Manyang said, striding ahead.
Xu Sanyan peered inside. The shop was bustling with customers, about a dozen browsing the treasures on display.
As soon as they entered, a young attendant with a beaming smile greeted them. "Greetings, Celestial Immortals. May I offer you my assistance?"
Some customers preferred to browse alone, so the attendant always inquired first.
Qin Manyang replied directly, "Call your shopkeeper out."
The attendant immediately understood that the two were likely here to sell items. He nodded and said, "Please follow me."
The attendant led them to a quiet chamber. Moments later, a middle-aged man entered, his face wreathed in a warm smile. He clasped his hands in greeting. "Greetings, fellow Daoists. My surname is Yue, and I am the shopkeeper of this Treasure Pavilion."
"Shopkeeper Yue," Xu Sanyan and the other man didn't stand on ceremony, returning the greeting with clasped hands.
Qin Manyang took out a storage pouch and slapped it on the table. "Shopkeeper, give us an appraisal."
Shopkeeper Yue glanced at it, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. "A Corpse Walker?"
"Sharp eyes, Shopkeeper," Qin Manyang nodded.
"Corpse Walkers are no easy foe. You two have impressive skills. Let's cut the pretense—I'll make a firm offer: one thousand six low-grade spirit stones." Shopkeeper Yue was clearly very interested in the item.
Qin Manyang glanced at Xu Sanyan, who gave no indication of disagreement. She immediately sealed the deal. "Deal!"
"Indeed, you two are decisive."
Shopkeeper Yue was equally pleased to have closed a deal. They exchanged payment for the Corpse Walker on the spot, completing the transaction face-to-face.
Just then, a commotion erupted from the shop outside, interrupting their conversation.
"What the hell are you talking about? Don't you believe in first come, first served?"
"Hmph, in business, it's always the highest bidder who wins. If you don't have the money, why are you even trying to buy anything?"
Shopkeeper Yue turned to Xu Sanyan, his expression apologetic. "Please excuse me, Daoist friends. I must go see what's happening."
Qin Manyang, sensing an opportunity for excitement, immediately jumped up. "Let's go together! Let's go together!"
(End of the Chapter)
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