Chapter 69:

Two days later.The two steel-feathered eagles darted through the clouds like sharp arrows. “Changsheng, the Jiulong Market is ahead. Prepare for landing.” “Be careful not to crash into the market’s formation, or you’ll be attacked by the formation,” Lu Miaoge, elegantly dressed in a long white skirt, her jet-black hair cascading down her shoulders like a waterfall, sat gracefully on the steel-feathered eagle and transmitted her voice to Lu Changsheng. “Alright, Sister Miaoge,” Lu Changsheng nodded, already seeing Jiulong Market ahead of him. Looking down from high in the sky, the entire market appeared even larger than Qingzhu Mountain, covering an estimated area of 5,000 to 6,000 mu. It was surrounded by nine towering peaks that pierced the sky, giving the market its name, Jiulong Market. The nine peaks were covered with terraced fields, filled with spiritual plants, and there were also large areas of cultivated spiritual fields around the market. The market itself was hidden by a formation, and it appeared hazy and indistinct. Only a general outline could be seen, making it impossible to see the details inside. Along the way, as they approached Jiulong Market, more and more cultivators came and went. Some were riding spirit birds, some were flying on magic tools, and some were navigating flying boats. There were also many people riding demonic spirit horses, racing on the ground, or escorting goods. Lu Changsheng could feel a strong Immortal Qi surrounding him. He had spent most of his time at Qingzhu Mountain, so this was his first time coming to a market dedicated to cultivation. Niutou Mountain from earlier was just a small gathering place for rogue cultivators, not even a market, and lacked any real cultivation atmosphere. After a moment, Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge landed smoothly beside the entrance of Jiulong Market on their steel-feathered eagles. Despite being called a market, it looked more like a city. The construction of Jiulong Market was much more magnificent and imposing compared to the city of Ruyi Region that Lu Changsheng had previously visited. The nearly 100-meter-high city wall looked like a mighty dragon lying down, encircling and protecting the nine surrounding peaks. There were subtle fluctuations of spiritual energy on the city walls, indicating that formations had been engraved and arranged. Lu Changsheng felt that the defenses of Jiulong Market were a higher level than Qingzhu Mountain. But this was to be expected. Both Qingzhu Mountain and Jiulong Market were underpinned by second-tier medium-grade Spirit Veins, making them comparable in that aspect. Furthermore, Jiulong Market was established by the Blue Cloud Sect, so naturally, formation masters had arranged the market’s formations. The two of them approached the entrance gatehouse. The gatehouse was several dozen zhang high, grand and imposing, making anyone who stood in front of it feel small and insignificant. Two Blue Cloud Sect cultivators stood guard at the entrance, and there was a small pavilion nearby. Every cultivator entering the market had to present an identity token. Without an identity token, they needed to register their information at the small pavilion and pay spirit stones to obtain one. Lu Miaoge explained to Lu Changsheng that there were temporary and long-term identity tokens. A temporary identity token cost one spirit stone and allowed a stay in the market for up to half a month. A long-term identity token cost ten spirit stones and was valid for two years. Only those who bought a house or owned a shop within the market could obtain free residence permits. If the identity token expired and the holder was still in the market, the Blue Cloud Sect’s enforcement team would apprehend them and fine them spirit stones. If they couldn’t pay the fine, they would be taken as laborers to repay the debt. This was one of the primary sources of income for establishing the market. Hearing this, Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. No wonder many cultivators avoided these large markets. Although they were safer and more convenient than the outside world, the entrance fee was no small sum for lower-level cultivators. Upon entering the market, one also needs to pay for food and accommodation, which can add up quickly. As for buying a house or owning a shop in the market, it goes without saying that it must be quite challenging. Indeed, cultivation is difficult, and survival even more so! Afterward, Lu Changsheng followed the crowd and paid ten spirit stones to obtain a long-term identity token. These ten spirit stones could be reimbursed later by the Lu Family. With the identity token in hand, Lu Changsheng followed Lu Miaoge into Jiulong Market. Upon entering the city, he immediately found himself on a bustling street. There were people of all ages, male and female, almost all of them cultivators, walking along the street. The sides of the street were lined with pavilions, buildings, and palaces. “Blue Cloud Sect has a rule that prohibits fighting, causing disturbances, or setting up stalls haphazardly in the market. Spending the night on the street is also not allowed.” Sᴇaʀch* Thᴇ NʘvᴇlFire.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality. “If anyone is caught or reported, the enforcement team will arrive to mete out punishment.” “Moreover, except for Blue Cloud Sect’s enforcers and high-level Foundation Establishment cultivators, ordinary Qi Refining cultivators are not allowed to fly with magic tools or ride demonic beasts in the market.” Lu Miaoge transmitted her voice to Lu Changsheng. Hearing this, Lu Changsheng nodded in understanding. No wonder he hadn’t seen anyone flying or riding demonic beasts—everyone was walking. His confidence in Jiulong Market’s security and safety increased even more. “Jiulong Market is divided into five zones: East, West, South, North, and Central.” “The central zone is the core area of the second-tier Spirit Vein and is reserved for Blue Cloud Sect disciples for residence and cultivation. Only a small portion of the central residences are open to the public.” “The east zone is home to some cultivation families and wealthy individuals. Our Lu Family has a large courtyard in the east zone, which you can stay in. The spiritual energy is between low-grade and medium-grade Spirit Vein levels.” “The west zone is where rogue cultivators reside. The conditions there are relatively worse, but it still has first-tier Spirit Vein levels.” “The south and north zones are commercial and entertainment areas, with various inns, restaurants, and shops for clothing, food, and lodging.” “We are currently in the north zone, where our Lu Family’s spiritual talisman shop is located.” Lu Miaoge led Lu Changsheng through the city, continuously introducing Jiulong Market’s layout and characteristics to him. Lu Changsheng nodded and listened attentively. Lu Changsheng had never heard Lu Miaoge talk so much before, but he knew that she was naturally reserved, usually speaking little and appearing detached from worldly affairs.  However, she had a good personality and took him to Jiulong Market, knowing that he was unfamiliar with the area, so she spoke at length to provide him with information. As they walked along the street, Lu Changsheng kept glancing at the pavilions and buildings on either side. “Drunken Immortal Pavilion,” “Gathered Immortal Pavilion,” “Myriad Treasures Pavilion,” “Alchemy Hall,” “Hundred Refinement Workshop,” “Brocade Pavilion”—the names of these establishments hinted at their business offerings. He noticed the Drunken Immortal Pavilion adorned with red lanterns, and soft, lingering sounds seemed to emanate from the building, giving Lu Changsheng the impression that it wasn’t a proper restaurant. “Changsheng, you’re already a married man. It’s best to avoid such places; they only waste money and can impact your cultivation.” Seeing Lu Changsheng’s gaze lingering on Drunken Immortal Pavilion, Lu Miaoge spoke up, her gentle voice tinged with a hint of shyness. Hearing this, Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but twitch his lips. He immediately understood what Drunken Immortal Pavilion was about. No wonder he thought he heard faint feminine cries—he hadn’t been mistaken. It seems that heavenly beings exist not only in the heavens but also in private rooms. “Sister Miaoge, I was just looking at how unusual this place seemed and glanced at it a couple of times. I’ve never gone to such places.” Lu Changsheng adjusted his posture, speaking earnestly. He truly had no interest in places like that. After all, he already had five wives, six concubines, two maidservants, and one chambermaid at home. Why would he need to visit such establishments? Even if he wanted to take more concubines and have “heavenly beings” bear his children, he wouldn’t seek them in places like that—that would be foolish. However, it was interesting that the young lady even knew about such places. Then again, she seemed ethereal and removed from the world, but she was still six years older than him. She had been coming to the market for years, managing her shop—she couldn’t be a completely naive and innocent girl. “That’s good.” Lu Miaoge lightly pursed her lips and replied softly, not speaking further on the matter. She then continued to introduce Lu Changsheng to various aspects of Jiulong Market. As they walked and talked, after about fifteen minutes, Lu Miaoge stopped in front of a shop. “This is our Lu Family’s talisman shop,” she told Lu Changsheng. Lu Changsheng looked at the shop before them. The shop had a three-story structure, typical of the main street, standing about eighteen meters tall, with ornate carvings and elegant architectural features. It was luxurious without being gaudy. A sign hung above the entrance, displaying “Qingzhu Lu Family Talisman Shop.” “Greetings Owner!” At the entrance stood a young woman of seventeen or eighteen, with a pretty face and dressed in a uniform bearing the shop’s name.  Upon seeing Lu Miaoge, she immediately bowed in greeting. Her gaze naturally fell upon Lu Changsheng, drawn to his handsome face and graceful, jade-like demeanor. “Mm,” Lu Miaoge nodded coldly. She then transmitted a mental introduction to Lu Changsheng, explaining that the young woman was one of the shop’s receptionists and sales staff. Currently, the talisman shop had a manager, two apprentices, and two receptionists and salespeople. The manager was named Zhang Shan, a cultivator at Sixth Stage of Qi Refining who had worked in the Lu Family talisman shop for over ten years. The two apprentices, Li Shi and Wang Wu, had been with the shop for five or six years. They were descendants of cultivators in Jiulong Market and had Grade Nine Spirit Roots. Despite this, they showed some talent in talisman crafting, so their families sent them to the talisman shop as apprentices. Their daily work involved drawing talismans, making talisman paper, and crafting spirit ink. These were the two apprentices the Fourth Elder had mentioned for Lu Changsheng to mentor. This apprenticeship arrangement involves long-term contracts. Apprentices are provided with food and lodging, and they occasionally receive guidance and instruction in talisman crafting. They don’t even require a monthly salary. Learning a craft such as talisman-making, alchemy, or tool crafting all involves patience and persistence. It is a long process, and even if the apprentices don’t ultimately succeed, they can’t blame anyone else. As for the two receptionists and salespeople, they were ordinary humans. Jiulong Market may be a cultivation market, but not everyone in the market is a cultivator. There are many ordinary people here. Some of them may have come with cultivators to this market, while others may be descendants of cultivators living and working in the market. Though living in the market can be challenging for ordinary people, those who can find a job can make a living here. They can even save up one or two spirit stones. While in the secular world one earns gold and silver, in Jiulong Market, one earns spirit stones. “He Liu, come in. I need to talk to you all,”  Lu Miaoge said, looking at the young woman as she led Lu Changsheng inside the shop. The shop was about 200 square meters in size, with a very simple layout.  There were several elegant display counters on both sides and in the center, showcasing various talismans, as well as talisman paper, spirit ink, talisman brushes, and other talisman-related items. “Greetings Eldest Miss!” “Greetings Eldest Miss!” Inside the hall were a thin middle-aged man and a young woman dressed in work uniforms. Upon seeing Lu Miaoge and Lu Changsheng, they bowed respectfully. “Uncle Zhang, please call Li Shi and Wang Wu; I have something to discuss with you all,” Lu Miaoge said to the thin middle-aged man. “Yes,” Zhang Shan nodded and headed toward the inner chamber. Before long, Zhang Shan returned to the hall, bringing two young women in their twenties, both of whom were dressed in ‘Qingzhu Lu Family Talisman Shop’ uniforms.  Although they were cultivators, their cultivation levels were low, only at the Qi Refining Stage two or three. “This is Lu Changsheng, a medium-grade talisman master from our Lu Family. I won’t be able to manage the shop in the future, so I will hand over the shop’s management to Changsheng. He is now the second owner of the shop.” “Uncle Zhang, from now on, report any matters related to the shop directly to Changsheng. Li Shi, Wang Wu, you can report to the second owner if you have any concerns.” Once everyone had gathered, Lu Miaoge spoke to them, her voice cold and decisive. This allowed Lu Changsheng to see a different side of Lu Miaoge, one he had not seen before. In their usual interactions, Lu Miaoge had always been serene and elegant, her disposition as calm as water. She had never been this assertive. All five of them were surprised and astonished by the announcement, looking at Lu Changsheng with a mix of disbelief and amazement. They hadn’t expected this handsome young man to be a medium-grade talisman master and their new second owner. “Zhang Shan greets the second owner.” “Li Shi greets the second owner.” “Wang Wu greets the second owner.” “He Liu greets the second owner.” “Sun Qi greets the second owner.” The five of them immediately paid their respects, their initial shock transforming into admiration, awe, respect, and even admiration for Lu Changsheng.  A medium-grade talisman master could lead a prosperous life anywhere. When the staff at the shop heard Lu Changsheng’s name and realized his surname was Lu, they automatically assumed he was a member of the Qingzhu Lu Family.  They thought he was there to manage the shop as part of his training and life experience.  His handsome appearance, exceptional talent, and good family background only increased their admiration. This was especially noticeable in the eyes of Li Shi, Wang Wu, and the two receptionists. Their gazes toward Lu Changsheng changed, showing a mix of admiration and curiosity. “Thank you all for your assistance,”  Lu Changsheng said with a smile, giving them a slight bow. Before coming, Lu Miaoge had briefed Lu Changsheng about the shop’s operations.  Typically, the shop’s daily matters were handled by the manager, Zhang Shan, and he wouldn’t need to worry about them much.  His main responsibilities would be guiding Li Shi and Wang Wu in talisman crafting and overseeing the quality of goods. The shop required regular restocking, including high-grade and even top-grade talismans crafted by the fourth elder.  Basic and lower-grade talismans were usually purchased from local rogue cultivator talisman masters, but quality control was essential to avoid inferior goods. The store’s products were generally more expensive than what could be found from rogue cultivator stalls, but the higher price ensured better quality.  This applied to other talisman-making supplies like talisman paper, ink, and brushes. In addition, there might be times when a specific talisman was urgently needed, and if Lu Changsheng could craft it, he would take care of it. After introducing Lu Changsheng to the employees, Lu Miaoge let them return to their tasks and handed Zhang Shan a stack of medium-grade top-quality talismans she had taken from the fourth elder.  She explained to Lu Changsheng that she received a new batch of talismans every month from the fourth elder. In addition to the medium-grade top-quality talismans, the fourth elder also crafted three top-grade talismans each month.  These top-grade talismans were the shop’s prized possessions and foundation.  However, she wouldn’t hand them over to Zhang Shan; instead, she kept them on her person and only dealt them directly to customers upon request. Then she took Lu Changsheng on a tour of the shop and introduced him to its operations. The shop has three floors. The first floor has a sales hall and, in the back, a reception hall and a small courtyard. The second floor is where Li Shi and Wang Wu work, rest, and sleep. The third floor is where Lu Miaoge, the owner, rests and sleeps; it includes a living room,  bedroom, lounge, talisman room, and storage room. The third floor has restrictions; one must have a token to enter. Then Lu Miaoge told Lu Changsheng that she rarely stays here. If Lu Changsheng finds it inconvenient and doesn’t want to stay in the Lu Family’s large estate in the east district, he can stay here instead. Lu Changsheng didn’t mind. He expressed his preference to stay at the Lu Family estate first. Since he had come to Jiulong Market, he should at least visit the area. Before he came, the Fourth Elder had told him that Jiulong Market had more than one talisman shop and other businesses managed by the Lu Family. The Second Elder of the Lu Family manages the Lu Family’s market business and usually stays at Jiulong Market. So, since he was here, he naturally needed to visit the elder. That’s family; there are many social customs and expectations. Otherwise, he would seem too isolated and unsociable. “Sister Miaoge, it’s getting late. Let me treat you to a meal.” “I’ll be bothering you quite a bit in the near future, so I should treat you as thanks.” After Lu Miaoge took Lu Changsheng around the shop and introduced him to everything, Lu Changsheng spoke to Lu Miaoge. “Sure, let’s just eat at the nearby place.” Lu Miaoge didn’t refuse and nodded. “I haven’t eaten anything in the last two days, and my mouth has no flavor at all. I was waiting for a good meal today, so I can’t just eat anything.” “Sister Miaoge, is there any good food around here?” Lu Changsheng asked directly. “Then let’s go to the Yushan Pavilion next door. I’ve eaten there a few times, and the taste is great.” Lu Miaoge said thoughtfully. “Let’s go then.” Lu Changsheng nodded. Then the two went downstairs. At that time, there were customers in the shop looking at talisman pens, and a staff member was introducing them. Although the staff member was an ordinary person, they were well-trained and knew everything about these items. Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge didn’t pay much attention to this and just nodded slightly to the shopkeeper Zhang Shan as a greeting before leaving the shop. They walked to Yushan Pavilion, which was not far away.