Chapter 2397: Puppet Beast's Big Sale

Tianhai Market City is a market jointly managed by Zhenhai Palace and the Cold Flame Sect. It was formerly Tianpeng Island, the old lair of the Golden Roc clan.

After the Golden Roc clan's defeat and retreat, the Cold Flame Sect relocated Xueyan Market City to Tianpeng Island, where they managed it alongside Zhenhai Palace. Additionally, many cultivators were moved from the mainland to develop their skills overseas.

After more than fifty years of development, Tianhai Market City became abundant in cultivation resources. Many cultivators traveled from the mainland to purchase these resources, and their unfamiliarity with the city led to a surge in demand for local guides.

Wu Yixi was one such guide. He had grown up in Tianhai Market City, and all his relatives made their living there. His grandfather, Wu Feng, possessed the highest cultivation among them, having reached the Great Perfection stage of Foundation Establishment.

If fortune favored them, the Wu family might one day acquire their own territory and establish their own clan.

One day, as was his custom, Wu Yixi stood at the market entrance, his gaze intently fixed on the gate, seeking potential clients.

A group of cultivators entered, led by a tall, slender old man in a golden robe, who had a square face and large eyes.

The golden-robed old man looked around, seemingly searching for someone.

Wu Yixi quickly approached them, asking with a polite smile, "Senior, do you require a guide? This junior grew up in the market and is intimately familiar with its layout."

A burly man in a green shirt took out a mid-grade spirit stone, tossed it to Wu Yixi, and instructed, "Take us to Thousand Puppet Tower, and give us an overview of Tianhai Market City."

Wu Yixi repeatedly agreed, a wave of secret delight washing over him as he realized he had stumbled upon a lucrative client.

As he led the way, he began to describe Tianhai Market City.

"'Thousand Puppet Tower can custom-order fifth-tier puppet beasts? Are there any specific requirements?'"

The golden-robed old man inquired.

"'Yes, fifth-tier puppet beasts can be custom-ordered. Thousand Puppet Tower is one of the Wang family's businesses, primarily selling puppet beasts ranging from first to fifth tier. However, fifth-tier puppet beasts require advance orders and specific conditions, the exact details of which this junior is not privy to.'"

Wu Yixi explained truthfully, noting that over the years, many cultivators had specifically traveled to Tianhai Market City to purchase puppet beasts from the Wang family.

"'Does the Wang family operate many shops in Tianhai Market City? And do they exclusively sell puppet beasts?'"

The golden-robed old man asked with curiosity.

"'As far as this junior knows, the Wang family operates one hundred and eight shops, including inns, spirit beast shops, teahouses, puppet shops, weapon shops, elixir shops, spirit grain shops, talisman shops, bookstores, spirit fish shops, wine shops, and more. Their business scope is vast, but the Wang family is most renowned for its puppet beasts.'"

Wu Yixi slowly continued, explaining that the Wang family was an affiliated cultivation clan of Zhenhai Palace, and True Lord Taihao had greatly distinguished himself during the great racial war, securing considerable advantages.

All one hundred and eight shops, from management to staff, were staffed by cultivators from the Wang family. However, Wu Yixi was unsure if the Wang family operated any other types of establishments, such as intelligence-gathering posts or shops that acquired materials of dubious origin.

After the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Wu Yixi stopped before an eighteen-story golden pavilion. Its eaves soared, its dougong brackets were intricate, and its railings were exquisitely carved from jade.

At the pavilion's entrance stood two massive stone lions, their bodies covered in spiritual patterns, clearly indicating they were not inanimate objects but puppet beasts.

On the lacquered golden plaque, the three large silver characters "Thousand Puppet Tower" shimmered with spiritual light.

"'Senior, this is Thousand Puppet Tower. The Wang family's puppet beasts are known for their excellent quality.'"

Wu Yixi pointed to the pavilion as he spoke.

"'Alright, you don't need to follow us any further. You may leave now.'"

A burly man in a green shirt tossed Wu Yixi five mid-grade spirit stones, signaling his dismissal.

"'Wait for me here; I'll be out shortly.'"

The golden-robed old man gave his instruction, then strode purposefully into Thousand Puppet Tower.

The spacious and brightly lit hall displayed a wide variety of puppet beasts on its shelves, where more than fifty customers were busy making their selections.

The golden-robed old man did not linger in the hall, heading directly upstairs.

On the fifteenth floor, Wang Qingfeng sat in a chair, while a shrewd-looking young man in a golden shirt reported to him.

The family was expanding rapidly and was in dire need of skilled personnel, particularly puppet masters. As the Wang family's fifth-tier puppet beasts were highly sought after, Wang Qingfeng had moved to Tianhai Market City to conveniently oversee their production.

A faint sound of footsteps heralded the arrival of a tall, slender old man in a golden robe.

"'Fellow Daoist Wang, it's been a long time.'"

The golden-robed old man offered a smiling greeting.

"'Are you Fellow Daoist Dongfang?'"

Wang Qingfeng paused, a hint of doubt in his voice.

Years ago, he had met several cultivators when he attended True Lord Taiyang's Integration Grand Ceremony with Wang Changsheng. The golden-robed old man was Dongfang Hong, whom he hadn't seen in many years.

"'Indeed. It's been so many years, I thought Fellow Daoist Wang might have forgotten this old man.'"

Dongfang Hong replied with a smile.

Wang Qingfeng waved his hand, and the young man in the golden shirt discreetly withdrew.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Dongfang Hong broached the main topic: "Fellow Daoist Wang, I'd like to custom-order a few fifth-tier puppet beasts. I wonder if you could facilitate this?"

The Dongfang family of Golden Ape Valley had lost their Void Refinement cultivator during the Great Tribulation. Without such a powerful individual, the family intended to purchase several more fifth-tier puppet beasts to bolster their foundational strength.

The Wang family's Azure Lotus Valley did have fifth-tier puppet beasts for sale, but Wang Jiye, not knowing Dongfang Hong, would naturally not offer any special favors.

Dongfang Hong's visit to Tianhai Market City this time was specifically to appeal to Wang Qingfeng based on their past acquaintance, hoping to secure permission to purchase additional fifth-tier puppet beasts. In addition to Dongfang Hong, the Dongfang family had dispatched numerous other cultivators to various major market cities to acquire more of these beasts.

The outside world was unaware of the demise of the Dongfang family's Void Refinement cultivator, so their rival forces still harbored some apprehension.

"'Custom-ordering fifth-tier puppet beasts? To be frank, Fellow Daoist Dongfang, crafting fifth-tier puppet beasts is no easy task, and our order backlog is quite extensive.'"

Wang Qingfeng's expression became troubled.

Dongfang Hong took out an exquisite jade box, handed it to Wang Qingfeng, and stated, "This is Five-Colored Divine Clay, an excellent material for crafting the core components of sixth-tier puppet beasts."

Wang Qingfeng opened the jade box and, with a quick glance, saw a lump of paste-like substance glowing with five-colored spiritual light—perfect for crafting the core components of a sixth-tier puppet beast.

"'Considering our past acquaintance, Fellow Daoist Dongfang may custom-order three fifth-tier puppet beasts, with delivery in twenty years.'"

Wang Qingfeng replied with a smile.

Dongfang Hong considered briefly, then produced another jade box and handed it to Wang Qingfeng, saying, "This is a piece of Heavenly Thunder Crystal, but it has been tainted by some toxic blood, rendering it unsuitable for condensing a Dharma Idol. However, it should be fine for artifact refining. Your esteemed father is a sixth-tier artifact refiner; perhaps he can remove the toxic blood. I would like ten fifth-tier puppet beasts."

The Dongfang family's Void Refinement cultivators had attempted various methods but failed to remove the toxic blood. When offered in exchange to other Void Refinement cultivators, it was simply disregarded.

Wang Qingfeng frowned. He opened the jade box to reveal a pale silver jade stone that emitted a faint silver glow and bore several brownish marks on its surface.

"'Ten is too many. Seven at most, with delivery within fifty years.'"

Wang Qingfeng said, frowning.

"'Very well, it's a deal.'"

Dongfang Hong assented.

Wang Qingfeng drafted two promissory notes, which they both signed, each retaining a copy.

After a brief chat, Dongfang Hong took his leave.

"It appears I was right to put you in charge of the puppet shop."

A relieved male voice suddenly resonated, and Wang Changsheng approached, a broad smile gracing his face.