Chapter 41: Xiaolan Mountain Market!

"Senior, this is a map of the Immortal Cultivation Realm of the Central Lands, passed down through generations. Please accept it," Xu Rui said, respectfully presenting a map to Shen Yan with both hands.

"Thank you," Shen Yan replied as he took the map and examined it carefully. He then addressed the two men, "Now that matters here are settled, I will depart. You two should absorb the legacy left by your ancestors before leaving."

The pair nodded in agreement. "Of course, Senior. Your advice is wise."

Shen Yan inclined his head slightly and continued, "Take the matter of the Yang family seriously. I do not want any of them escaping. Is that clear?"

Old Feng opened his mouth to reply, but Xu Rui was quicker, smiling as he said, "Senior need not worry. I have already shattered the spiritual seas and dantian of all the Yang family women. Moreover, I have left guards to watch them closely. There will be no mishaps."

Satisfied, Shen Yan nodded and finally took his leave.

Following the directions on the map, Shen Yan guided his crane swiftly to a place called Xiao Lan Mountain, a market for cultivators. It lay in the southeastern region of the Qian Kingdom, deep within a range of mountains, inaccessible to ordinary mortals. Even if a mortal somehow reached this place, a thin veil of white mist surrounding the market would mislead them, preventing entry. Only cultivators with magical power could see through the mist and step inside.

Peering through the fog, Shen Yan gazed at the sprawling buildings nestled among the endless mountains and nodded inwardly.

...

Xiao Lan Mountain sat at the very end of the Taiwu mountain range, while the market itself had been established jointly by three local cultivation families. It was the largest market in the Qian Kingdom and the closest to Shen Yan's current location.

"Though the area is vast, the spiritual energy here pales in comparison to Jingyun Island. Clearly, the so-called cultivation families are still leagues behind true sects like Jade Immortal Sect," he mused. "The formation here is only a basic first-level array, useful merely for keeping mortals out and gathering spiritual energy. It serves no other purpose."

Having studied the basics of formation arts, Shen Yan could discern most of the market’s protective array with a single glance.

Channeling his spiritual power, Shen Yan entered the formation. Ahead, buildings clustered together, but only one main gate permitted entry.

"Fellow Daoist, the entrance fee is one low-grade spirit stone," said one of two gatekeepers, both clad in dark robes. Though Shen Yan appeared empty-handed, gate guards in the cultivation world never judged by appearances; cultivators came in all forms, and it was unwise to provoke trouble with careless words.

Shen Yan nodded, swiftly produced a spirit stone from his pouch, handed it over, and received a small iron token, granting him entry.

Paying a spirit stone to enter such markets was a universal rule among cultivators. If anyone tried to force their way in, unless they could defeat the market's masters, they would be expelled or even killed.

Immortal cultivation is the absorption of spiritual energy from heaven and earth, drawing upon the essence of all things. As Shen Yan stepped into the market, he was immediately greeted by spiritual energy ten times richer than the outside world.

"There is indeed a spiritual vein here. Though it’s only first-grade and not comparable to Jingyun Island, for itinerant cultivators like Uncle Feng and Xu Rui, it’s a thousand times better than the mortal realm."

Cultivators could certainly dwell among mortals, but the thin spiritual energy made advancement nearly impossible—just maintaining one's level was fortunate. Thus, unless they had abandoned the path or lost hope, most cultivators rarely stayed in the mortal world.

For the three families to control a spiritual vein without conflict, it was likely each had a Foundation Establishment cultivator holding sway, keeping outsiders at bay.

As Shen Yan wandered through the market, he noticed how different Xiao Lan Mountain's market was from that on Jingyun Island. The latter mainly served as a place for disciples to exchange cultivation supplies, with little else offered. Xiao Lan Mountain's market, however, sold not only supplies but also offered shops, residences, and even caves for rent or purchase.

"Qi Refining cultivators are little different from mortals. Even after succeeding in refining qi, they must toil to gather resources for cultivation," Shen Yan mused, smiling as he listened to the lively cries of vendors all around.

"Senior, do you require a guide?" someone called out.

"For just two spirit stones, I can help you learn everything about Xiao Lan Mountain in the shortest possible time," offered one.

"Don’t choose him, Senior! I only ask for one stone. I’ve lived here for twelve years," another chimed in.

"Half a spirit stone, honest business for young and old alike! Senior, my family has lived in the market for generations; I know it better than anyone," insisted a third.

No sooner had Shen Yan entered than several mortals with no spiritual fluctuations surrounded him, introducing themselves respectfully. His curious manner as he glanced about marked him as a first-time visitor—a prime target for these guides, who earned their living by helping cultivators navigate the market, charging one spirit stone or even less.

Shen Yan scanned the group, his gaze settling on one honest-faced man who, beneath the surface as revealed by the Heavenly Emperor's Seal, harbored intense malice.

"You," Shen Yan said, tossing a spirit stone to him with a smile. "Give me a proper introduction."

"Thank you, Senior! Thank you!" The chosen guide bowed deeply, overjoyed, while the others sighed and dispersed.

These people were either descendants of cultivators or mortals brought to Xiao Lan Mountain by chance. Limited by talent or resources, they became guides, earning spirit stones for their own cultivation or to support their families.

"Senior, my name is Wu Qi. This is your first time in Xiao Lan Mountain’s market, isn’t it?" Wu Qi, the honest-faced guide, struck up a conversation.

"Yes, I’ve only heard of it before. This is my first visit," Shen Yan replied with a smile.

Though Wu Qi seemed amiable, his malicious intent suggested he might try to lead Shen Yan to a shady shop to fleece him, or perhaps lure him out to be ambushed by cultivators who preyed on outsiders.

Inside the market, private conflicts were forbidden; any violators would be punished by all three families.

Wu Qi, unaware of Shen Yan's thoughts, eagerly began his introduction. "Senior, Xiao Lan Mountain’s market can provide nearly all the resources cultivators need—elixirs, magical tools, talismans, even many cultivation techniques and offensive spells."

Shen Yan’s interest was piqued. He smiled, "Are Foundation Establishment techniques available?"

Wu Qi chuckled, scrutinizing Shen Yan before shaking his head. "Senior, you jest. Foundation Establishment techniques are extremely precious—regular shops wouldn’t offer them. But if you truly require one, I might know a way. The question is, Senior, whether you have enough spirit stones..."

He’s worried I can’t pay.