[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-starlight-professional":3,"chapter-starlight-professional-starlight-professional-chapter-21":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Starlight Professional",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2308681,4512,"Chapter 21: Qinglin Market","starlight-professional-chapter-21",21,"\u003Cp>Dawn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thin mist hung hazy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qinglin Market sat atop a green mountain, surrounded by towering green trees.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The peak was shrouded in thick fog, partially obscured; at its base stood rows of shacks, mostly built from massive local timber, cramped and suffocating, with no drainage ditches—wastewater flowed freely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is Qinglin Market? Reality is far worse than the rumors…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing wore a green robe, his hair tied in a topknot, a basket slung on his back; his face had been disguised into that of a simple, good-natured youth, indistinguishable from the locals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed, remotely controlling a simulated yellowbird descending from the sky, slipping into his basket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had spared no effort for today’s exploration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had planned multiple escape routes, worn a basic nanofiber protective suit beneath his robe, and carried an electric baton at his waist—fully armed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, throughout his journey, simulated bird drones had constantly monitored his surroundings, helping him avoid several groups that looked clearly dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this a cultivation market or a slum?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After entering the shantytown, a foul stench hit him—he couldn’t help fanning the air before his nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The road was muddy, overgrown with wild grass, occasionally revealing a gleaming white bone…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It looked like a human femur.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing stared at a corner ahead—there lay what seemed to be a fresh corpse, stripped completely bare, no telling who had killed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few passersby hurried past; occasionally, eyes peered through cracks in wooden planks or behind windows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone treated the corpse as if it were ordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Chaos, disorder… death could come at any moment?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Surviving in this environment must impose enormous mental pressure!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing silently scoffed, then his gaze sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tall, thin middle-aged man approached, clad in a gray Daoist robe, his expression cold and gloomy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More importantly, as he walked, faint threads of spiritual light shimmered along his robe!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Spirit robe? A cultivator?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing’s heart leapt—he quickly imitated nearby martial artists, stepping aside to clear the central path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some martial artists even bowed deeply, faces filled with humble, flattering smiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything felt natural, as if governed by unspoken custom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Etiquette, hierarchy, survival of the fittest…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If I hadn’t stepped aside and bowed, would I have been killed? And would anyone care?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With heavy thoughts, Fang Xing climbed upward out of the shantytown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mountain path was paved with green stone slabs, some covered in moss—quietly picturesque.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Halfway up the mountain, large buildings became visible, neatly arranged, with clean stone-paved ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several martial artists swept nearby, some carrying wooden buckets like servants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After walking another dozen meters, Fang Xing saw an archway inscribed with four large characters: ‘Qinglin Market.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the market, crowds thickened; vendors lined both sides of the road, selling all manner of odd goods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rare flowers and herbs, vegetables and fruits glistening with morning dew, animal hides, flesh, and bones, piles of pure white rice…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And of course, various strange weapons, peculiar talismans, and bottles and jars…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many stood before stalls, either gazing intently or haggling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing observed coldly, confirming that most trade here was barter; the most commonly used currency was something called ‘spirit sand’—the grain-like crystals in his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides stalls, the market housed numerous shops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qingdan Shop, Baibao Pavilion, Huolian Workshop, Xiao Fu Hall, Tingyu Tower…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some names clearly indicated their wares; others required guesswork.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing paused briefly before Tingyu Tower—soft, seductive music drifted to his ears; he instantly knew what sort of place it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young sir, wanna play? Just one spirit stone per session!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps he lingered too long—a woman with half-exposed chest waved at him, her gaze dripping with allure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Spirit stone? Seems to be a higher-tier currency than spirit sand.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing’s heart stirred, but he feigned a slight blush, shyly backing away—earning a chorus of tinkling laughter behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half an hour later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How much for this Zhulong grass?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing stopped at a stall, pointing to a crimson, jade-like herb with thick leaves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vendor was an old man resembling a farmer, smoking a brass-tipped pipe; wisps of smoke curled from its bowl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Fang Xing’s question, the old man didn’t hurry—he took another slow, satisfied drag, then lazily tapped the pipe against a nearby green stone slab.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The slab bore a deep indentation—clearly worn by years of habitual tapping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhulong grass is two spirit sands per plant… but if you’re selling to me, it’s one spirit sand per plant.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man spoke slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How do you know?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing’s heart jumped; his face betrayed nervousness, like an inexperienced youth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh…” the old man grinned smugly: “I can smell the herb’s scent from a zhang away—it’s Zhulong grass, isn’t it? Trying to get a higher price, you’ve been asking around…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re truly… sharp-eyed, sir.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing smiled innocently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had prepared extensively for this market trip—his main stock was Zhulong grass!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the wild boar beast’s territory had plenty of this herb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Using drones to harvest posed little risk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Fang Xing had brought twenty fresh Zhulong grasses, ready to test the market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To be honest, only Qi Condensation cultivators find Zhulong grass useful… martial artists just earn their hard-earned coins. But lately, demand’s risen—otherwise, normally you’d need two or three plants to get one spirit sand!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man, with no other customers, spoke casually: “Young man, I won’t cheat you—your Zhulong grass fetches the same price in shops, but I’ll give you a discount: ten plants for eleven spirit sands…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t have that many—these few are all I managed to scrape together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing shook his head, his face showing hesitation: “I’ll look around some more…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said no more, turning and vanishing into the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moral bottom line of people in this world is too low—I can't trust them…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Compared to that, at least shops have better reputations…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My small profit shouldn’t be worth a shop ruining its name… but individuals? Who knows.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After weighing everything, Fang Xing decided to sell at a shop—even if the price was lower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Talismans for sale! Freshly drawn: Wind-riding Talisman, Fire Rain Talisman, Golden Bell Shield Talisman, Spirit Detection Talisman… come take a look!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this, Fang Xing was drawn to another stall—his expression turned serious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vendor was a middle-aged man wearing a spirit robe, its surface shimmering with spiritual light—he was a cultivator!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wind-riding Talisman: stick it on your legs, makes you run like the wind—essential for travel. Cheap! One spirit stone per talisman.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fire Rain Talisman: Rank One, Low-grade attack talisman—five spirit stones.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Spirit Detection Talisman: detects spiritual roots. Everyone knows mortals without roots can’t cultivate. Maybe you were misdiagnosed as a child—today’s your second chance to defy fate! Only eight spirit stones!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing’s heart stirred as he turned to the last talisman: the ‘Golden Bell Shield Talisman.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It sat dead center on the stall—clearly a premium item.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rank One, Mid-grade—Golden Bell Shield Talisman: can withstand several attacks from a Qi Condensation mid-stage cultivator. A true gem! Only three spirit stones—I’m taking a loss!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing had learned by now that ten spirit sands equaled one lower-grade spirit stone—he found the vendor’s words amusing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He squeezed out of the crowd, compared prices at several shops, then entered ‘Qingdan Shop!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He chose it because it was clearly a pill shop—likely needing herbs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second, the green leaf emblem on its sign matched the mark on the Qixue Pill bottle—giving him a favorable impression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sir, what medicine do you need?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A bright-eyed, lovely girl greeted him as he entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even seeing Fang Xing as just an ordinary martial artist, she showed no trace of disdain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘In Weiying Star, this would be standard service—but here in Qinglin Market, it’s rare…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing sighed inwardly, then spoke: “I want to sell herbs… Do you buy Zhulong grass?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. One spirit sand per plant. How many do you have?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl paused, then replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just these…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing removed his basket and laid out twenty Zhulong grasses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm. Freshly picked. Technique’s a bit clumsy, but the medicinal quality remains intact… Twenty spirit sands total. How does that sound?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl inspected each one carefully, then quoted her price.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Agreed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing spoke sparingly—soon the girl took the herbs and produced two crystalline stones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lower-grade spirit stones?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes lit up as he took the spirit stone and placed it in his palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The low-grade spirit stone was no larger than a fingernail, translucent and crystalline, its internal mist thick and dense, sending a cool sensation through his palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is there anything else you need, guest?” the girl seemed eager to make another sale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Qi-Blood Pills…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing paused, then asked tentatively: “How much do they cost?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Qi-Blood Pills are for mortal martial artists—very cheap, just one spirit stone per vial,” the girl replied with a light laugh; though her tone remained unchanged, it naturally carried an air of superiority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll take one!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing handed over the spirit stone he had just received—still warm from his palm—and received a jade vial identical to the one the female martial artist had seized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After leaving Qingdan Fang, he glanced toward the stalls, then entered another building with thoughtful intent: “Xiao Fu Tang.”\u003C\u002Fp>",1531,"2026-06-20T11:03:20.053Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","2c93814a9cf0ef4410ceccedde8eb65e66de6d93698524979f5febc9708b071b","starlight-professional-chapter-22","starlight-professional-chapter-20",726,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstarlight-professional-cover.jpg"]