Mengshan City was an ordinary town in Shu Prefecture, part of the Great Qian Immortal Kingdom.
As Han Yi walked through the streets, doubts surfaced in his mind. The more he learned about the kingdom's systems, the more perplexing they seemed.
One such mystery was the coexistence of cultivators and mortals. They lived side by side, each governed by separate laws. Yet, despite this proximity, cultivators were strictly forbidden from slaughtering mortals. Even publicly killing a mortal would invite severe official repercussions.
This contradicted Han Yi's preconceived notion of aloof cultivators who viewed mortals as mere ants.
He couldn't quite grasp it.
Regardless, since these were the established rules, he would abide by them. Moreover, this environment offered protection to low-level cultivators like himself.
Similar to secular marketplaces, Mengshan City hosted several cultivation markets established by major factions to facilitate trade and communication among cultivators.
The Lei Family Market was one such place, as Han Yi had learned when he researched Mengshan City before descending from the mountains.
Over four months later, after leaving his courtyard for the first time, Han Yi's first destination was this very market.
Two Qi Refining Stage members of the Lei Family guarded the entrance to the Lei Family Market. Cultivators could enter without paying Spirit Stones or Spirit Sand, but they had to channel their Mana into a stone tablet to verify their identity.
After verifying his cultivator status, Han Yi cupped his hands and bowed politely to one of the guards. "Fellow Daoist, this is my first time here. May I inquire about the cost of renting a stall in the market?"
The guard he addressed was a young man with a mature demeanor, exuding composure and steadiness. He glanced at Han Yi, his expression neutral.
"Stalls are divided into fixed and temporary types."
"Fixed stalls vary in price based on their size and location. Daily rental fees range from a minimum of three Low-Grade Spirit Stones to dozens for the largest, prime-location stalls."
"Temporary stalls are two meters wide and cost one Low-Grade Spirit Stone per day. All locations are priced the same—first come, first served."
"To rent a stall, proceed to the market management center ahead."
Han Yi nodded, understanding the arrangements. "Fellow Daoist, I have another question. Besides renting a stall, are there other channels for selling Medicinal Pills? Also, where can I purchase Spirit Medicines and Spirit Herbs?"
At this question, the composed young guard scrutinized Han Yi more intently. After all...
Han Yi's words practically screamed, "I'm an Alchemist!" Such Alchemists were often fresh "fat sheep" just emerging from their Sects, ripe for the picking. Who wouldn't want to take advantage of such vulnerable targets?
The guard's face unexpectedly softened into a smile. "Fellow Daoist, you've come to the right place. Since you've made it here, you must know this is the Lei Family Market. For the best reputation in all types of trade—Medicinal Pills, Formation Arts, Talismans, weapons, Spirit Medicines, Spirit Herbs—the official Lei Family Merchant Guild stands head and shoulders above the rest."
"Walk through the market to the central area, and you'll find our largest shop. They have everything you could want to buy, and they'll appraise and purchase anything you wish to sell."
Han Yi nodded. This guard was likely a member of the Lei Family, so promoting their guild was only natural.
"One last question, Fellow Daoist," Han Yi asked. "Can I also purchase Spells at that main shop?"
The guard nodded proudly. "Absolutely! The Lei Family ranks among the top three Cultivation Families in Mengshan City. Our patriarch is a Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator. Of course, we handle Spell sales."
"However, spells are expensive," the young guard said. "Even the weakest ones cost dozens of Spirit Stones, while slightly stronger ones can easily exceed a hundred. Some even require Medium-Grade Spirit Stones, making them unaffordable for most low-level Qi Refining Stage cultivators."
He glanced at Han Yi, his meaning clear. He clearly doubted that this young cultivator, fresh from the sect with only the mana fluctuations of the Qi Refining Third Layer—indicating a recent breakthrough—could afford such spells.
Han Yi's face lit up with delight. After quickly thanking the guard, he hurried into the market. For him, securing a spell was the crucial first step. After that, it was simply a matter of refining Medicinal Pills—trading time for Spirit Stones.
Alchemists, especially high-level ones, were highly sought after. Through Pill Refinement, they could easily accumulate astonishing wealth.
As Han Yi walked through the market, he didn't immediately head to the large shop in the center, as the guard had suggested. Instead, he leisurely strolled down two streets, casually browsing the fixed stalls and temporary booths.
The fixed stalls were individual, sheltered booths displaying higher-quality goods such as Medicinal Pills, Talismans, and weapons.
The temporary stalls were simpler, some even rudimentary, consisting merely of a white cloth spread out on the ground displaying the vendors' wares.
Neither the temporary nor the fixed stalls exhibited the boisterous hawking common in secular markets. Although the market was bustling with cultivators, most conducted their transactions silently, completing their business and departing without delay.
Han Yi, though curious, didn't linger. After a quick survey of the stalls, he headed straight for the Lei Family's official store. Renting a stall was a plan for another time; this visit was about speed and efficiency, completing his business swiftly to minimize potential risks.
At the heart of the market stood a massive, imposing merchant guild. Above its entrance hung a signboard bearing four large characters infused with the mysterious aura of the Immortal Path:
Lei Family Merchant Guild.
The calligrapher had clearly attained a profound foundation in the Dao. Han Yi sensed something peculiar in the characters at a glance and, wary of lingering, quickly entered the store.
"Shopkeeper," he announced, "I wish to sell some Medicinal Pills and purchase a suitable spell."
Han Yi cut straight to the chase, addressing the shopkeeper who had greeted him.
The shopkeeper appeared to be nearing seventy, but his eyes shone with youthful vitality, gleaming brightly with keen intelligence.
Upon hearing Han Yi's words, a shrewd glint flashed in the old man's eyes. He swiftly ushered Han Yi toward the back of the shop. "Ah, Fellow Daoist, please follow me."
Beyond the shop lay a row of private reception rooms. Each chamber was lightly scented with sandalwood, and a faint mist of spiritual energy hung in the air, creating an ethereal and invigorating atmosphere.
Once they were seated, Han Yi wasted no time. He produced the extra Evil-Repelling Pills and Qi Nourishing Pills he had brought.
Two bottles of Evil-Repelling Pills and four bottles of Qi Nourishing Pills.
The elderly shopkeeper first opened a bottle of Qi Nourishing Pills, sniffed it, narrowed his eyes slightly, and remained silent. Then he opened a bottle of Evil-Repelling Pills, sniffed again, and gave an almost imperceptible nod.
"The Qi Nourishing Pills are of average quality. The Evil-Repelling Pills are slightly above average, just a hair's breadth from the standard."
"There are forty-three Qi Nourishing Pills in total, valued at fifty-five Low-Grade Spirit Stones."
"And eight Evil-Repelling Pills, valued at thirty Low-Grade Spirit Stones."
"Fellow Daoist, what do you think of this offer?"
Han Yi's brow furrowed deeply at the shopkeeper's assessment.