Chapter 66: Preparing to Depart (Requesting Follows—Entering Round Two of PK)

"Since Qin Dao You has made up his mind."

"Then I won’t press further—only hope we can strengthen cooperation in the future."

Gu Qingzhao sensed Qin Ming’s firm stance; she knew it was impossible to win him over in a short time.

But she wasn’t in a hurry.

There was plenty of time ahead; gradual contact wouldn’t hurt.

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 magic treasure—do you have anything better?"

Shopkeeper Liao’s expression darkened; he had just been lamenting Qin Ming’s refusal to become a guest advisor.

"Of course we do! Qin Dao You , I won’t hide it—our airship magic treasures are top-tier in this market." Upon hearing another sale was coming, Liao instantly perked up, his face lighting with warm smiles.

In a few days, Qin Ming would depart for Lingyu Men’s branch in Yunhuang Marsh; though not far from the market, he’d need an airship to get there.

Beyond Qingyang Market, Yunze Dahuang teemed with bandit cultivators and high-rank beasts—dangers lurked everywhere, perilous beyond measure; caution was paramount.

Though his storage bag held the four men’s airships, they were all standard Lingyu Men equipment—he dared not use them openly.

Qin Ming intended to buy one superior airship outright.

Shopkeeper Liao led him to the Alchemy Hall and introduced each item:

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

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

"High-grade flight treasure: Flowing Light Flying Carpet—enchanting three wind-element arrays, blazingly fast, rivaling a Qi Refining peak cultivator’s full-speed flight—crafted by Master Jin from the Magic Artifact Hall, priced at six hundred spirit stones."

Flight magic treasures were generally cheaper than other types.

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

"Huh?"

Shopkeeper Liao was stunned by the question—still too slow? "Yes, yes! Of course we do!" He immediately nodded vigorously.

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

"Qin Dao You , these two flight treasures are no ordinary pieces—they’re masterworks of Artisan Fang Yezi."

"This Jipin flying sword, named Piercing Void Shadow Blade, contains five wind-element speed arrays, optimized for explosive acceleration—its top speed rivals a Foundation Establishment cultivator’s normal flight."

"Priced at nine hundred spirit stones."

After speaking, Liao stole a glance at Qin Ming’s reaction; seeing no response, he pressed on.

" Jipin flying shuttle: Spirit Light Shuttle—equipped with six wind-element speed arrays and one protective array, offering limited defense; at full speed, it matches a Foundation Establishment cultivator’s maximum flight."

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

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

"Fortunately, magic treasures recently dropped in price—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 Dao You truly has an eagle’s eye!" 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 Dao You ’s status as a mid-grade alchemist truly sets him apart—his spending is so lavish!" Now, every time he saw Qin Dao You pull out spirit stones, it looked effortlessly 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 next door suddenly opened, revealing a bald, white-haired old man.

He radiated the aura of Qi Refining peak cultivation.

The man froze upon seeing Qin Ming.

Then he smiled and stepped forward, bowing courteously: "You must be Qin Dao You ? I’m Master Yan—I just moved in. We’ll be neighbors now."

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

They chatted briefly.

Through conversation, Qin Ming 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 Dao You , when I registered at the Administration Hall, they told me you’re a mid-grade spirit plant cultivator."

"Seeing you so young, your Dao path is boundless!" Master Yan praised.

"By the way, Qin Dao You , I’ve met all the neighbors around here—your next-door neighbors are the Feng brothers, beast hunters."

"The two courtyards across the way—"

"The Ding-shaped courtyard belongs to Master Huang, a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator and top-tier artificer, chief artificer at the Magic Artifact Hall in the market."

"The Bing-shaped courtyard belongs to Master Lin, also Qi Refining peak, a mid-grade array master—all are lone cultivators."

Besides the Feng brothers, whom he’d met once, he knew nothing of the others.

Hearing Master Yan’s words, Qin Ming realized he’d suddenly gained so many new neighbors.

And all were formidable lone cultivators.

Master Yan, seeing Qin Ming’s surprise, chuckled: "Heh, not just you—I was stunned too when I arrived."

"I’ve already spoken with them—we lone cultivators struggle; meeting here across heaven and earth is fate."

"I plan to host a small exchange gathering, just to get to know each other—let’s meet at my courtyard for a day. What do you think, Qin Dao You ?"

Qin Ming paused—he personally disliked such social events.

But since they were neighbors, he replied: "I’ll follow Master Yan’s lead, but I’m traveling in a few days—can’t make it soon."

"No problem! The Feng brothers are out hunting beasts—let’s set it a month from now." Master Yan considered, then asked, "Qin Dao You , how does that sound? I’ll send you a message talisman then."

"Agreed. I’ll be punctual." Qin Ming nodded.

They exchanged a few more pleasantries.

Master Yan had matters to attend to and took his leave.

He entered, closed the gate.

Qin Ming sighed heavily.

"Why so many high-cultivation cultivators all at once? The pressure is mounting!"

"Can’t get arrogant—I must stay low-key."

(End of Chapter)