Chapter 117: Ghost Market

Hua Changxi had always believed time to be most precious; every class she taught at the Qihuang Hall began punctually and ended punctually.

The laborers who regularly attended her lectures were already quite accustomed to this schedule of hers.

Once Hua Changxi announced the end of class, they would rise to see her off before attending to their own affairs: those continuing to refine pills remained in Qihuang Hall No. 6, while others departed.

Mu Qingying and the others, attending Hua Changxi's lecture for the first time, however, found it somewhat unsettling when she simply strode away without lingering.

At the Apprentice Hall, the Disciple Hall, and even on Nine Streets, physicians and alchemists never departed immediately after teaching; instead, they always remained to answer questions and resolve doubts for everyone.

Seeing Hua Changxi about to leave the courtyard, Mu Qingying hurried after her: "Hua Changxi."

Hua Changxi halted and turned to look at her: "Is something the matter?"

Mu Qingying said: "Thank you for your correction earlier; had you not pointed it out, I would never have realized my mistake. It is evident your pill-refining technique is highly proficient. There is much I do not understand; may I ask you for guidance?"

Hua Changxi refused outright: "I have matters to attend to. If you have questions, raise them during class next time you attend. I only resolve doubts during lecture hours."

Seeing her reject him so decisively, Mu Qingying froze; ever since becoming the disciple of the Director of the Medical and Pharmaceutical Bureau, she had not been rejected so directly in a long time.

Mu Qingying felt somewhat awkward: "You are busy? Then I shall not disturb you."

Hua Changxi nodded once, then turned and walked away.

Hua Shuran and Hua Wanyue, who had originally intended to approach Hua Changxi to strengthen their ties, seeing Mu Qingying rebuffed, wisely chose not to advance lest they lose face.

With Hua Changxi gone, Mu Qingying exchanged farewells with Young Master Chu, Miss Duan, the He sisters, and Hua Shuran, then departed quickly as well.

Once she left, the others followed suit one after another; soon, only a few laborers still refining pills remained inside Qihuang Hall No. 6.

Hua Wanyue had intended to leave alongside Young Master Chu and Miss Duan, but Hua Shuran held her back.

Seeing Hua Wanyue looking at her in confusion, Hua Shuran could only explain with patience: "Did you not see? Miss Duan does not wish us to follow."

Hearing this, Hua Wanyue gazed at Young Master Chu's retreating figure, regret clouding her face: "What a pity..."

Hua Shuran snorted with a laugh: "What is there to pity? We are all within the Medical and Pharmaceutical Bureau; sooner or later, we will meet again."

Upon hearing this, Hua Wanyue immediately turned to Hua Shuran: "Fifth Lady, why do you suppose the Seventh Imperial Prince came to attend Hua Ninth Lady's lecture?"

Hua Shuran shook her head: "Who knows?"

Although the Earl's Manor maintained extensive social connections, it still could not reach the imperial family, let alone an imperial prince within the palace.

Speaking of Hua Changxi, Hua Wanyue felt a belly full of grievances: "Grandfather was right; this Hua Ninth Lady is truly exceedingly arrogant."

Hua Shuran also felt Hua Changxi was somewhat too arrogant; in her usual dealings with young ladies, regardless of their inner thoughts, their outward demeanor was always 'humble and courteous.'

However, she was even more curious as to why Hua Changxi was so arrogant; where did she derive such confidence?

Furthermore, who had taught her that pill-refining technique, which surpassed even ordinary alchemists on Nine Streets?

Duan Yuyan, walking ahead, glanced back at Hua Shuran and Hua Wanyue; seeing they had not followed, she smiled with satisfaction: "It is just as well they know their place; merely sharing the same path once and they dare dream of climbing into our favor—truly detestable."

Seeing the Seventh Imperial Prince, Chu Junhao, offer no response, Duan Yuyan grew somewhat displeased and tugged at his sleeve: "Cousin, were you not listening to me?"

Chu Junhao glanced at her: "I was pondering something."

Duan Yuyan asked: "What were you pondering?"

In Chu Junhao's mind flashed the image of Hua Changxi lecturing with intense focus, followed by her manner of rejecting others without mercy; he murmured with a smile: "Truly completely different."

Duan Yuyan did not understand: "What is completely different?"

Chu Junhao smiled and shook his head, then asked: "What did you think of Hua Changxi's lecture?"

Duan Yuyan paused; although she felt Hua Changxi's attitude lacked proper respect, regarding the lecture itself, she could not in good conscience say it was poor, for it was far easier to understand than the elixir teachings they usually received.

"It was acceptable."

Chu Junhao laughed: "Since you found it acceptable, let us come more often in the future to attend her classes."

Duan Yuyan did not object to attending lectures, yet she still said: "But Hua Changxi teaches the refinement of Mortal Pills, whereas what we must learn now is the refinement of Spirit Pills."

Chu Junhao tapped Duan Yuyan's head with his fan: "You simply refuse to use your brain; whether Mortal Pills or Spirit Pills, the steps and techniques of refinement differ very little."

"We have previously had little exposure to pill refinement; our foundation is weak, so this is precisely the opportunity to make up for it."

Duan Yuyan felt Chu Junhao spoke reasonably: "Very well, then we shall come more often in the future to attend Hua Changxi's lectures."

Walking at the very rear were Zhu Qinghuan and Shen Qianfan.

Shen Qianfan remarked with emotion: "Indeed, those who obtain a wooden token are no ordinary people."

Hearing this, Zhu Qinghuan glanced at him and smiled: "Is Brother Shen praising himself?"

Shen Qianfan felt not the slightest shame, but instead spoke with great seriousness: "I am merely stating facts; regarding medical arts, I dare say I am not lacking. What, do you lack confidence in yourself?"

Zhu Qinghuan felt choked up, then shifted the topic to Hua Changxi: "I truly never expected Hua Changxi's pill-refining technique to have become so proficient."

Shen Qianfan nodded in agreement: "Heroes emerge from among the youth since ancient times; listening to her lecture, I have gained much."

Zhu Qinghuan glanced at him, somewhat speechless, then continued: "Judging by Hua Changxi's pill-refining techniques, she does not seem like a novice, but rather like an old hand who has refined pills for a long time; she has not yet reached her coming-of-age ceremony, so how did she cultivate such ability?"

Shen Qianfan looked at her: "If you truly wish to know, go ask Hua Changxi directly; however, I advise you best not to, for no one enjoys having their privacy probed. I must return to the Disciple Hall; farewell."

Watching Shen Qianfan stride away, Zhu Qinghuan sighed and whispered: "Indeed, to obtain a wooden token, truly not one of them is a fool."

With the matter of the teleportation array temporarily unsolvable, Hua Changxi could only set it aside; unable to absorb spiritual qi extensively for cultivation, she shifted her focus to body refinement.

Every night she would temper her skin once; after each tempering, the elasticity and toughness of her skin would increase slightly.

After tempering her skin three times, ordinary swords and blades could no longer pierce her skin, and she no longer feared things like fire.

After tempering her skin six times, her skin initially gained the ability to defend against spiritual power.

After tempering her skin nine times, completing the Skin Tempering chapter of the Nine Turns Mysterious Art to perfection, Hua Changxi's skin resembled congealed fat, crystal clear and translucent, shimmering with luster under sunlight; at this point, even a full-power strike from a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator could not breach her skin defense.

On the fourth day of the sixth month, Hua Changxi commenced the second chapter of the Nine Turns Mysterious Art—the Flesh Tempering chapter.

While tempering the skin required enduring the pain of repeated tearing and healing, tempering the flesh demanded she endure not only the agony of skin tearing but also the suffering of flesh dissolving and regenerating.

The index of unbearable pain multiplied several times over.

Soaking in the medicinal bath, Hua Changxi clenched her teeth tightly to endure; by the time she emerged from the bathing tub the next day, she had bitten her lips until they bled.

She could temper her skin consecutively, but tempering her flesh, she absolutely could not do continuously.

It was too painful.

But the effect was obvious; Hua Changxi could clearly feel her body growing stronger. If her body had once been made of mud, it was now transforming into stone.

Hua Changxi soaked in a medicinal bath to soothe and nourish her body before heading to the Qihuang Hall for her lecture.

Seeing Mu Qingying, the He sisters, Hua Shuran, Hua Wanyue, Chu Junhao, Duan Yu, Zhu Qinghuan, and Shen Qianfan had come again to listen to her lecture, she merely gave them a faint glance.

During this period, these few often came to attend her lectures. Their arrival had attracted others as well, including apprentices from the Apprentice Hall, disciples from the Disciple Hall, and even registered disciples from several of the Nine Streets' medicine shops.

With more people attending, not only did Hua Changxi, the lecturer, feel a greater sense of accomplishment, but the sword patterns on the wooden tablet also became increasingly 'three-dimensional'.

Since this was such a good thing, Hua Changxi naturally welcomed all who came.

On this day, after finishing the lecture, Yu Gui approached: "Sister Changxi, Eunuch Lin from the Eastern Depot has arrived. He wishes to see you."

Hua Changxi was somewhat surprised: "Where is Eunuch Lin now?"

Yu Gui replied: "He is with my godfather."

Hua Changxi said: "Then let us go over there."

Eunuch Lin had not come alone; he had brought along a young eunuch, the very godson who had nearly died.

"Steward Hua has arrived."

As soon as Hua Changxi appeared, Eunuch Yu, showing great discernment, led Yu Gui away, leaving the room for Hua Changxi and the father-and-son pair, Eunuch Lin and his godson.

"Eunuch Lin, you came to find me. Is there something you need?"

Smiling, Eunuch Lin took out ten sets of spirit needles from his storage bag: "These are the spirit needles Physician Hua requested. Please examine them. Do they meet your requirements?"

Hua Changxi accepted the spirit needles with delight: "They were refined so quickly." Speaking thus, she swiftly inspected the spirit needles and found no issues.

"Eunuch Lin, how much remuneration should I pay for these ten sets of spirit needles?"

Eunuch Lin laughed: "This humble one has inquired and learned that tomorrow is Physician Hua's fifteenth birthday. Let these ten sets of spirit needles be a birthday gift from this humble one to Physician Hua."

Hua Changxi's eyes flickered: "Eunuch, one should not accept rewards without merit. This gift is too valuable; I dare not accept it."

Eunuch Lin hurriedly said: "How could it be without merit? Physician Hua, you have saved this humble one's life, a great kindness indeed." As he spoke, he glanced at the young eunuch beside him.

"Lin Sheng, why do you not quickly step forward and kowtow to your savior?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Sheng dropped to his knees with a thud before Hua Changxi: "Thank you, Physician Hua, for saving my life."

Hua Changxi tried to stop him but was too late; she quickly urged him to rise: "Eunuch, you exaggerate."

Eunuch Lin shook his head: "Physician Hua, you do not know. Although this child is my adopted godson, we indeed share blood ties. I regard him as my own biological son."

"By saving him, you have essentially saved me. Ten sets of spirit needles are still insufficient to express this humble one's gratitude."

Looking at Eunuch Lin and Lin Sheng, both filled with heartfelt gratitude toward her, Hua Changxi knew clearly they must have other motives.

Having previously been at a loss in finding a talisman master, she had long realized her circle of connections was too narrow. Now, with a desire to expand her network, she simply went along with their words.

"Since Eunuch shows such great favor, I shall shamelessly accept these ten sets of spirit needles. Should you ever need anything in the future, please do not hesitate to speak; I will help wherever I can."

Seeing her accept the spirit needles, Eunuch Lin felt a weight lift from his heart. Then, he assumed an expression of hesitancy, as if wishing to speak but holding back.

Hua Changxi had long guessed that Eunuch Lin had ulterior motives, so his behavior did not surprise her in the least: "Eunuch, feel free to speak plainly."

With a look of someone throwing caution to the wind, Eunuch Lin said: "Physician Hua, I wish for my unworthy son to follow you."

Hearing this request, Hua Changxi was truly somewhat surprised: "Follow me? I am merely a laborer."

Eunuch Lin replied: "Physician Hua is too modest. I heard from Eunuch Yu that now everyone in the Laborer Hall trusts and respects you greatly. For him to follow you would be his good fortune."

Fearing she might refuse, Eunuch Lin continued: "Physician Hua, my son is only a seventh-rank martial artist. However, the duties of the Eastern Depot are far too dangerous. I fear that if he remains there, he will sooner or later lose his life."

"If not for encountering Physician Hua last time, he and many other martial artists from the Eastern Depot would have perished."

"I know Physician Hua may look down upon my son, yet he still has some use. His greatest virtue is obedience; he can serve as a messenger or run errands for you."

Hua Changxi did not wish to become too entangled with the Eastern Depot. Just as she was about to open her mouth to refuse, Eunuch Lin stood up and handed over a wooden box.

"I heard from Eunuch Xuan that Physician Hua is seeking a talisman master."

"As for talisman masters, this humble one does not know any personally, but this humble one knows where one can be found."

Hua Changxi asked: "Oh, where can one be found?"

Eunuch Lin replied: "The Ghost Market."

Hua Changxi frowned: "The Ghost Market? What Ghost Market? Where is it? How have I never heard of it?"

Eunuch Lin pushed the wooden box in his hand forward slightly: "The Ghost Market lies within the boundaries of Jingcheng, but it is extremely mysterious. Entry requires someone to lead the way; otherwise, entering on one's own is nearly impossible, unless one possesses heaven-defying luck and stumbles upon the entrance by chance."

"Inside this wooden box is a token for entering and exiting the Ghost Market. Those who hold the token can sense the location of the Ghost Market's entrance."

"The Ghost Market was established by cultivators, and those who enter and exit are all cultivators. Within the Ghost Market, one can not only purchase all manner of items used by cultivators but also find weapon refiners, talisman masters, pill masters, and formation masters."

After listening to Eunuch Lin's introduction to the Ghost Market, Hua Changxi stared at the wooden box, unable to tear her eyes away. Having cultivated until now, she had never truly entered the circle of cultivators.

If the Ghost Market was truly as Eunuch Lin described, it would absolutely be an excellent place to understand cultivator society.

Hua Changxi hesitated for a moment, then looked at Lin Sheng: "To follow me, you must swear a Heart Demon Oath, vowing never to betray me, or else your soul and spirit shall be utterly destroyed."

Lin Sheng glanced at Eunuch Lin: "As long as it does not harm my godfather, this humble one is willing to obey Physician Hua in all other matters."

Although Eunuch Lin felt gratified by this answer, fearing Hua Changxi might refuse, he immediately scolded: "What nonsense is this? Once you follow Physician Hua, she is your only master. Whatever she orders you to do, you must do it."

Lin Sheng hung his head, refusing to yield.

Seeing this, Hua Changxi actually regarded him with higher esteem: "Very well, I will accept him."

After dripping blood and swearing the Heart Demon Oath, Hua Changxi finally accepted the wooden box. Opening it, she revealed a black token engraved with a skull.

Hua Changxi examined the token briefly, then stored it away. Then, looking curiously at Eunuch Lin, she asked: "With your status, Eunuch, finding a place for Lin Sheng should not be difficult. Why did you come to me?"

Eunuch Lin smiled: "Physician Hua is willing to give lectures to laborers, a truly great act of kindness. Lin Sheng is a eunuch, and wherever a eunuch goes, he is destined to be a servant. Following Physician Hua, he might live a slightly better life."

Hua Changxi had not expected the reason to be so simple. If he was not lying, then he truly possessed a heart full of deep love for his son.