Chapter 51 - Arc 5: Loose Cultivator Alliance | Chapter 51: Trading Hall

Chapter 51 - Arc 5: Loose Cultivator Alliance | Chapter 51: Trading Hall

Translator: Lynn ÚpTodated novels on no(v)el()bin(.)com

Not far from the hill, a seven-story pagoda stood before Xu Ziqing.

The pagoda emitted a faint spiritual light, giving Xu Ziqing a sense that a cultivator of higher cultivation resided within it. However, he quickly dismissed the thought, realizing that it was normal for such a prominent trading place to have high-ranking cultivators present. There was no need to make a fuss about it.

Interestingly, there were no guards outside the tower. Instead, there was a gentle light emanating from a token upon entering, presumably serving as identity verification. Unperturbed, Xu Ziqing confidently walked inside.

Contrary to the bustling exterior, the interior of the tower was spacious and not overcrowded, despite the constant flow of people.

Xu Ziqing looked around, carefully observing the tower’s structure. The octagonal tower had closed caves at each corner. Inside each floor sat a cultivator, all with cultivation levels ranging from seven to eight Qi refinement levels. These individuals possessed exceptional talent, even when compared to the prominent clans and families outside the Alliance. They served as stewards responsible for transactions on the ground floor of the tower.

Curiosity led Xu Ziqing to approach for a closer look. He discovered that each floor had a silk cloth hanging, covered in small, densely packed characters resembling gnats. These characters represented the resources received by the respective steward, with corresponding contribution points assigned to each item, making it easy to understand at a glance.

Although there was no physical barrier separating the stewards from the onlookers, everyone instinctively maintained a three-step distance, suggesting the presence of a restriction that deterred individuals of average cultivation from getting closer.

“This is quite convenient,” Xu Ziqing thought to himself. With that in mind, he continued on his path, casting his eyes over the silk cloth in the eight pagoda caves, gaining a clear understanding of the situation.

While he could clearly see the resources, he had no intention of retrieving them at that moment. Instead, he turned around and proceeded toward the second level of the pagoda.

Ascending the wooden staircase, Xu Ziqing felt a slight pressure on his body, which dissipated as soon as he circulated his spiritual energy. It seemed that he had successfully passed through the second restricted area.

The wooden staircase was not too high, allowing Xu Ziqing to quickly reach the second level. As he looked up, he noticed another set of eight tower caves, each accompanied by a small shop in front.

Within the shops, eight stewards of similar cultivation levels engaged in transactions with customers.

Xu Ziqing immediately understood that while the first level dealt with resources obtained from cultivators, which were then exchanged for contribution points, the second level already had resources integrated into the small shops. This level allowed cultivators to freely exchange their contribution points for the resources they needed.

The categories were clearly defined: spiritual pills, magical tools and talismans, martial arts techniques, spiritual herbs, consumables, miscellaneous items, and more. Each category was overseen by a steward, ensuring convenient access for cultivators.

As usual, Xu Ziqing meticulously inspected each shop, silently calculating the available options in his mind, before proceeding to the third level.

The pressure on the wooden stairs increased slightly, but it did not pose a significant hindrance to Xu Ziqing, and he smoothly passed through without any trouble.

Upon reaching the third floor, the number of people decreased noticeably.

Although an octagonal inner room was present in the tower, it was occupied by monks of higher ranks, with cultivation levels ranging from the ninth to the tenth level of Qi refinement. Xu Ziqing possessed a keen eye and could sense the formidable power emanating from them, making it clear that they were not to be trifled with.

These monks’ role was to mediate conflicts among the scattered cultivators in the Alliance.

In addition to the towering cave, there were numerous stalls laid out in the area, covered with brocade cloth. Hidden within the cloth were magic weapons and spiritual pills.

It turned out that this floor served as a space where cultivators could freely exchange resources. As some resources were rare and difficult to obtain, cultivators felt it was not worth exchanging them for contribution points on the ground floor. Instead, they set up stalls on the third floor, hoping for fortuitous trades.

Upon witnessing this, Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but feel a tinge of melancholy.

The Alliance’s trading hall was incredibly comprehensive, leaving no room for any criticism.

Xu Ziqing recognized that it was sufficient to explore this floor alone. Although he was curious about the trading happening above the third floor, there was no rush. He wanted to thoroughly survey this level first to see if there were any useful items.

Thus, he halted in his tracks and began inspecting the stalls on his left-hand side, one by one.

A cultivator’s stall was distinct from that of an ordinary person. Moreover, since the individuals here were focused on resource exchanges rather than making a living, they naturally exuded an air of haughtiness and detachment.

Xu Ziqing was pleased with the pill and spirit pearls he obtained. However, he suddenly remembered something important that he had been searching for. After a moment of contemplation, he continued on his way.

The transaction between Xu Ziqing and Kang Wenyu didn’t go unnoticed by the other cultivators on the trading floor. The rarity and quality of the spiritual herbs attracted their attention, and they couldn’t help but observe Xu Ziqing for a while.

Though slightly embarrassed, Xu Ziqing didn’t let it bother him and continued browsing the stalls. As he surveyed the area, he stopped in front of a woman seated on a futon. She wore a plain yellow dress and exuded a calm aura.

On her stall, there were several small bags, emitting varying degrees of light and thickness. Xu Ziqing recognized them as storage pouches, which he needed.

He thought about the limitations of his current ring and wanted to have a spare storage pouch, as well as one for his friend Yun Lie. Xu Ziqing had inadvertently placed the blood demon’s flesh in his ring before, which Yun Lie had found displeasing when she entered it later. He felt remorseful and wanted to make it up to her by providing her with a more comfortable space in the future.

With these thoughts in mind, Xu Ziqing approached the woman’s stall and tapped on the barrier, waking her up. He asked about the cost of the storage bags, as the woman hadn’t listed any requirements on her stall. If he didn’t have what she needed, he would have to visit the next two pagodas to find out.

The woman opened her eyes, her ordinary face contrasting with her captivating star-like eyes. She responded, “Beast core, beast skins, spirit herbs, magic weapons—anything suitable for water-based cultivators. If you have any, show them to me.”

No wonder the woman hadn’t marked it; it turned out that she wanted to collect these items, which were complex and inconvenient to write down. Bartering on the top floor was more cost-effective and allow for negotiation. However, Xu Ziqing looked around and felt regret.

Items related to water were typically found in water-rich areas. Although Xu Ziqing had found some in the secret realm near streams and lakes, they were scarce, so he had very few on hand. Water-devil beasts were rarely found on the shore, and their presence in the secret realm was limited.

After searching, Xu Ziqing spread out his hand, revealing a first-rank demon beast Water Bull’s beast elixir, several dark black scales, and a leaf packet. He said, “I only have the first-rank demon beast Water Bull’s beast elixir and a few rib scales, along with three two-hundred-year-old top-quality Water Xie grass in this leaf packet.”

The woman gave a faint glance and replied, “I have one upper-grade storage bag, three middle-grade ones, and more than ten lower-grade ones here. These items aren’t enough to exchange for the upper grade, so if you want the middle grade, you can choose one; if you want the lower grade, you can choose three.”

Although the storage pouch was considered a magic weapon, it differed from others. Even the highest-quality one was only stronger and capable of holding more. It was much easier to refine than other top-grade magic weapons. Therefore, Xu Ziqing could exchange these items for a medium-grade storage bag. However, it was mainly due to the high-grade Water Xie grass; otherwise, he would likely only get a lower-grade storage bag.

Unexpectedly, someone approached and said, “I’ll take all three of these storage bags! How about a second-order iron-horned rhinoceros and two first-order water python beast cores?” With those words, the three medium-grade storage bags were quickly taken away.

Xu Ziqing was taken aback. He could hear that the three beast pellets were all of the water genera, especially the second-rank one, which was more valuable than the first-rank cores.

As Xu Ziqing raised his eyes, he noticed three cultivators who seemed familiar. They wore purple vestments, appeared to be in their twenties or thirties, and had handsome features. The first one was rough and straightforward, exclaiming, “Yesterday, my brothers asked you for a price and went to the sea to hunt, so they easily obtained these beast pills. You should sell them to us first!”

Another man chimed in, “That’s right, Miss Shui. You can’t go back on your word.”

The woman seemed helpless and explained, “You did ask yesterday, but you didn’t set a time. If someone wants to buy them today, I naturally won’t refuse.”

Xu Ziqing understood the situation. The three cultivators exchanged glances, realizing that the matter was still in their hands as buyers. One of them stepped forward and greeted Xu Ziqing, saying, “Fellow Daoist.”

Xu Ziqing smiled faintly and responded, “If you have something to say, feel free to speak.”

The cultivator said, “My brothers and I are going on a long trip and need a medium-grade storage bag. Our original one was destroyed, so I wonder if you could give it to me...”

Realizing the situation, Xu Ziqing replied, “That’s alright. I’m only packing some small items, so it’s not a problem. Take three lower-grade storage bags.”

The three cultivators were delighted and expressed their gratitude. The woman named Shui was also satisfied, as she hadn’t offended either side and was pleased with the outcome.

Without saying much, Xu Ziqing took the three lower-grade storage bags, turned around, and headed for the staircase.

When the three cultivators saw Xu Ziqing moving away, the rough-looking one spoke up, “Why is Second Brother being so polite to him?” As they were at the eighth and seventh levels of Qi refinement, they weren’t afraid of the young cultivator.

The cultivator who had spoken earlier didn’t answer but turned to the tallest cultivator and asked, “Brother, do you think this man looks familiar?”

The one referred to as “Big Brother” nodded and said, “Indeed, we did see him,” His expression darkened, “At the sea.”

The rugged-looking cultivator also remembered and exclaimed, “Ah! Is that him?”

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