Chapter 50: Preparing to Depart (Requesting Follows—Entered Round Two of PK)

"Since Qin Daoist has made up his mind."

"Then I won't press further, but I hope we can strengthen our cooperation in the future."

Gu Qingzhao sensed Qin Ming's firm stance; she knew well that she couldn't sway him in a short time.

But she wasn't in a hurry.

There was plenty of time ahead; gradually building contact with him wasn't out of the question.

As long as Qin Ming remained in Qingyang Market, opportunities would always arise.

The negotiations concluded.

Gu Qingzhao rose and saw Qin Ming off to the ground floor.

She then instructed Shopkeeper Liao to deliver the spirit materials Qin Ming required.

After Gu Qingzhao left.

Qin Ming said to Shopkeeper Liao: "Shopkeeper, I wish to purchase a flight artifact—do you have any decent ones?"

Shopkeeper Liao's expression darkened; he had just been lamenting Qin Ming's refusal to become Qin Keqing.

"Of course we do! Qin Daoist, I won't hide it—our airship artifacts are top-tier in the market!" Liao's spirits lifted instantly at the prospect of another sale, his face lighting up with warm smiles.

In a few days, Qin Ming would depart for Lingyu Sect's branch in Yunze Dahuang; though not far from the market, he'd need to ride an airship.

Beyond Qingyang Market, Yunze Dahuang teemed with bandit cultivators, high-grade demonic beasts, and countless dangers—every step was fraught with peril; caution was paramount.

Though his storage bag held the four airships, they were all standard Lingyu Sect artifacts—he dared not use them openly.

Qin Ming intended to buy one superior artifact outright.

Shopkeeper Liao led him to the Artifice Pavilion and introduced each one:

"This is the most basic low-grade Green Leaf Airship—most cultivators use this type, priced at fifty spirit stones."

"Mid-grade flight artifact: Five-Petal Wind Chariot—excellent value, popular among cultivators with some means, priced at one hundred spirit stones."

"High-grade flight artifact: Flowing Light Flying Carpet—enchantments of three wind arrays inside, blazingly fast, rivaling the full-speed flight of a Foundation Establishment cultivator, crafted by Master Jin of the Artifice Hall, priced at six hundred spirit stones."

Flight artifacts were generally cheaper than other types.

Qin Ming carefully examined these flight artifacts and cut straight to the point: "Do you have anything faster?"

"Huh?"

Shopkeeper Liao was momentarily stunned—still too slow? "Yes, yes! Of course we do!" He nodded eagerly.

He then retrieved two artifacts: a flying sword and a flying shuttle.

"Qin Daoist, these two flight artifacts are no ordinary pieces—they are masterworks of the great artificer Fang Yezi."

"This supreme-grade flying sword, named Piercing Void Shadow Blade, contains five swift-wind enchantments, optimized for explosive speed—its peak velocity rivals the normal flight of a Foundation Establishment cultivator."

"Priced at nine hundred spirit stones."

After speaking, Liao stole a glance at Qin Ming's reaction; seeing no response, he immediately moved on to the next item.

"Supreme-grade flying shuttle: Spirit Light Shuttle—equipped with six swift-wind array enchantments and one protective enchantment array, offering limited defense; at full speed, it matches the full-flight pace of a Foundation Establishment cultivator."

"But full-speed flight consumes immense magic power."

"Priced at one thousand three hundred and fifty spirit stones."

"Fortunately, artifact prices dropped recently; otherwise, this Spirit Light Shuttle would've cost far more."

Qin Ming stared at the unassuming Spirit Light Shuttle, pondered briefly, then decided: "Alright, I'll take this one."

"Oh my! Qin Daoist, your discernment is truly sharp!" Shopkeeper Liao beamed—another big sale, and he promptly flattered.

"After discount, it's one thousand two hundred and fifteen—let me round it down for you: one thousand two hundred spirit stones."

The transaction concluded.

Shopkeeper Liao warmly saw Qin Ming off, watching until his figure vanished, then murmured: "Qin Daoist's status as a mid-grade alchemist truly sets him apart—his spending is so lavish!" He now found Qin Daoist's gesture of pulling out spirit stones utterly elegant.

…

Qin Ming followed Qingyang Market's main road back to Qingliang Cottage.

He was about to activate the barrier to enter when.

Creak!

The gate of his neighbor's courtyard suddenly opened, and out stepped an old man with white hair and a bald crown.

He radiated the aura of a Qi Condensation peak cultivator.

The old man was startled upon seeing Qin Ming.

Then he smiled and approached, bowing courteously: "You must be Qin Daoist? I'm Elder Yan—I just moved in recently; we'll be neighbors now."

"Elder Yan." Qin Ming promptly returned the bow; they were now acquainted.

Qin Ming chatted with him briefly.

Through conversation, he learned this Yan elder was also a mid-grade alchemist.

What a coincidence—but Qin Ming didn't reveal he himself was a mid-grade alchemist.

"Qin Daoist, when I registered at the Duty Hall, they told me you're a mid-grade spirit cultivator."

"Now that I see you, so young—your cultivation path is boundless!" Master Yan praised.

"By the way, Qin Daoist, I've met all the neighbors around here—next door are the Feng brothers, beast hunters."

"Across the way, the two courtyards."

"The Ding-shaped courtyard belongs to Daoist Huang—a late Qi Condensation cultivator and high-grade artificer, chief artificer at the Artifice Hall in the market."

"The Bing-shaped courtyard belongs to Daoist Lin—also Qi Condensation peak, a mid-grade array master; both are lone cultivators."

Besides the Feng brothers, whom he'd seen once, he knew nothing of the others.

Hearing Master Yan's account, Qin Ming realized he now had so many new neighbors nearby.

And all of them were formidable lone cultivators.

Alchemist Yan, seeing Qin Ming's astonished expression, couldn't help but say, "Heh, let alone you, Fellow Daoist Qin; when I first arrived, I was equally startled."

"I have already communicated with those few. It is not easy for us scattered cultivators; meeting here from all corners of Tiannan is itself a fate."

"I plan to organize a small exchange gathering then, for us to get acquainted and converse. We shall meet for just one day in my courtyard. What do you think, Fellow Daoist Qin?"

Hearing this, Qin Ming paused; personally, he did not much care for such social gatherings.

Yet, since they were all neighbors, he replied, "Very well, I shall follow Senior Yan's arrangement. However, the coming few days may be inconvenient for me; I must venture out in two days' time."

"No matter! The Feng brothers have just gone out to hunt demonic beasts, so let us set it for one month from now." Alchemist Yan pondered briefly, then sought Qin Ming's opinion: "Fellow Daoist Qin, what do you think? When the time comes, I will send you a message talisman."

"Agreed; I will certainly arrive on time." Qin Ming nodded his assent.

Afterwards, the two exchanged a few more pleasantries.

Having matters to attend to, Alchemist Yan took his leave.

Entering the courtyard, he shut the gate.

Qin Ming let out a heavy sigh.

"Why have so many high-cultivation cultivators suddenly appeared? The pressure is somewhat great!"

"Cannot get carried away; must remain low-key."

(End of Chapter)