Chapter 49: 22 Spirit Stones

"May I ask the name of your cultivation method, Senior?"

"The Blackwater Art."

"Ah, so it's this one. Senior, you might not get a good price for it, as the first seven levels are quite widespread on the market."

"My version can be cultivated up to the ninth level of Qi Condensation, and it comes with three accompanying spells, allowing one to cultivate all the way until Foundation Establishment."

Upon hearing this, Qi Er immediately patted his chest, guaranteeing a good price.

"However, Senior, if you trust me, you could sell this cultivation method to Old Man He. He specializes in selling cultivation methods at his stall. He's always wanted to collect the complete Blackwater Art and understands the value of having all nine levels, plus the three accompanying spells. Even if you sold it through the general market, it would likely end up with him anyway, so it's better to bypass the middleman."

Hearing this, Chen Mobai's eyes lit up. It truly made sense to seek out these local experts when selling items. He knew Old Man He, the one who sold the seven-level Blackwater Art in the market. If Chen Mobai were to set up a stall to sell the nine-level Blackwater Art, it would be a blatant attempt to steal his business, which would undoubtedly cause great offense. It would be better to sell it directly to him; not only would he gain spirit stones, but he'd also build goodwill.

Qi Er led Chen Mobai to a stall. He first approached an old man with a goatee and a lean face, striking up a conversation. Before long, the three got down to business.

"Excellent. I've cross-referenced the first seven levels, and it's authentic."

The old man, named He Qun, was at the seventh level of Qi Condensation. He took the freshly transcribed eight-level cultivation method scroll from Chen Mobai. After careful comparison, he confirmed the method was legitimate and couldn't help but nod.

"How much would you offer for this complete Blackwater Art, Senior He?"

"How much are you looking to sell it for, fellow Taoist?"

"A flat price: twenty spirit stones. How does that sound?"

Chen Mobai had spent quite some time at He Qun's stall over the past few days and knew the price at which he sold the Blackwater Art. The price he quoted was exactly at the upper limit, causing He Qun's eyelid to twitch as he habitually began to haggle.

"Fellow Taoist, after all, only a minority of rogue cultivators require a ninth-level Qi Condensation cultivation method. Although your Blackwater Art is a complete version, it's difficult to cultivate and not easy to sell. Furthermore, I already possess the first seven levels and two of the spells. Asking for 20 spirit stones from me seems a bit excessive, doesn't it?"

Chen Mobai, having no experience in haggling, froze in place upon hearing He Qun's words, unsure how to respond.

"Senior He, you jest. While this Blackwater Art might be difficult to sell to others, isn't it perfect for you?" At this moment, Qi Er spoke up, taking over the conversation.

"Oh? What do you mean by that, young man?" He Qun narrowed his eyes, looking at Qi Er with a veiled threat. Qi Er recoiled slightly but, remembering his slim hopes for cultivation and that if he didn't take a chance, he might remain stuck at low-level Qi Condensation for life, he mustered his courage and spoke.

"It seems, Senior He, that you yourself cultivate the Blackwater Art, don't you? For you, this cultivation method is something you'd want to complete at all costs. After all, for us rogue cultivators, only by reaching the ninth level of Qi Condensation can we join one of the Seven Great Sects and vie for a Foundation Establishment Pill."

As these words came out, He Qun's eyes widened sharply, and he shot Qi Er a cold glare.

"Senior, isn't it true that the later parts of this cultivation method are more valuable? And doesn't it only achieve its full potential after mastering the Ice Manipulation Art?"

After Qi Er spoke, Chen Mobai also reacted, stepping forward to shield him from He Qun's cold stare. He Qun sensed Chen Mobai's cultivation level and nodded, albeit reluctantly.

"Alright then, 20 spirit stones. But you must swear that after selling this Blackwater Art to me, you will not sell it to anyone else."

Chen Mobai thought about it. Although he felt it was a bit undervalued for the cultivation method to be bought out for 20 spirit stones, since he had already decided to pursue a business in talismans, it made sense to acquire starting capital sooner rather than later. He immediately nodded.

"Here."

He Qun counted out twenty spirit stones from the grey cloth pouch at his waist and reluctantly handed them to Chen Mobai, who immediately presented the remaining ninth level of the Blackwater Art and the Ice Manipulation Art. After both parties had verified their respective goods, they exchanged glances. Chen Mobai then smiled, waved his hand, and left the stall with Qi Er.

Next, he sold three bottles of Spirit Gathering Pills bearing the mark of Rebirth Valley to a cultivator specializing in pills at another stall. However, since they were second-hand, even though their medicinal properties hadn't diminished, he could only sell them for two spirit stones. Even so, Chen Mobai was quite satisfied. The remaining bottle of Spirit Recovery Pill had no mark on its body, and although the pill seller confirmed there were no major issues, he absolutely refused to purchase it. Finally, with Qi Er's introduction, the crossbow was sold for 450 taels of gold, and Qi Er even helped exchange it for gold notes at the Five Elements Sect's money exchange.

While selling the pills, a thought of striking it rich flashed through Chen Mobai's mind. Could he perhaps acquire empty bottles of Rebirth Valley pills and fraudulently substitute them? However, this was just a fleeting thought. He still wanted to conduct business honestly. The education he received on Diyuan Star from a young age had taught Chen Mobai that only good reputation could lead to continuous prosperity.

"You've worked hard today. Here, take this talisman as your compensation."

Chen Mobai, with 22 spirit stones and a stack of gold notes in his possession, was in high spirits. He took out a Green Arrow Talisman and gave it to Qi Er.

"Thank you, Senior. If anything like this comes up again, please find me. There's nothing in Nanxi Market that we don't know well."

Although Qi Er didn't know the grade of the talisman, he knew that even a low-grade Tier 1 talisman could fetch hundreds of taels of gold on the market. Without any hesitation, he immediately took the Green Arrow Talisman Chen Mobai offered him, beaming with joy.

"By the way, you did offend He Qun today. Will he cause you trouble?" Chen Mobai remembered this matter before leaving. He didn't want anything to happen to Qi Er because of it.

"Don't worry, Senior. Even though our cultivation is low, we have people backing us. Our guild leader is an honored guest of the Liu family, a prominent figure in this Nanxi Market. Old Man He has always been patient; he won't make a move against me over something like this." Qi Er patted his chest, boasting about his connections.

"The Liu family? Is that the Liu family who cultivates Blood Jade Carps?" Chen Mobai recalled Liu Lingpei's ledger, which specifically mentioned this family. The Blood Jade Carp fry in Jade Cloud Lake were all purchased from this family.

"Exactly! It's the Liu family, one of the four Foundation Establishment families in Nanxi Market. It's said they've already connected with the Five Elements Sect. A few years ago, the Liu family even sent two true spirit root disciples to join the Five Elements Sect; it seems they're fully aligning themselves." Qi Er said mysteriously. Chen Mobai knew nothing about these matters and could only chuckle awkwardly. However, prompted by this conversation, before leaving, he made another trip to the largest bookstore in the market. He bought the unfinished "Introduction to the Great Sects of the Eastern Wilderness," along with "Introduction to Local Cultivation in Nanxi," "Map of Cultivation Forces in Yun Country," and other similar books.