Chapter 69: Sister Miaoge, I Never Go to Places Like This!

Two days later.

Two Iron Feather Eagles soared like sharp swords through the clouds and mist.

“Changsheng, ahead is Jiulong Market, prepare to land.”

“Be careful not to hit the market’s formation, or you might trigger an attack.”

Lu Miaoge, dressed in a whiteelong skirt with her long black hair cascading down her scented shoulders, sat elegantly on the Iron Feather Eagle and transmitted a message to Lu Changsheng.

“Okay, Sister Miaoge.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, having already seen the Jiulong Market ahead.

From high above, the market looked larger than Qingzhu Mountain, covering an estimated five to six thousand acres.

It was surrounded and formed by nine towering peaks reaching up to the sky.

This was also the origin of Jiulong Market’s name.

On the nine peaks, layers of terraces could be seen, filled with spirit plants, while around the market, spirit fields were cultivated.

Inside the market, concealed by formations, the view was hazy and only a vague outline could be seen, obscuring the details.

Along the way, as they neared Jiulong Market, more and more cultivators came and went.

Some rode spirit birds, others flew on magical instruments, and some piloted flying boats.

Many rode spirit beast mounts, galloping on land or escorting goods.

It gave Lu Changsheng a feel of a strong cultivator atmosphere.

He had never left Qingzhu Mountain, and this was his first time visiting such a cultivation market.

Niutou Mountain was merely a small gathering place for rogue cultivators, not even counting as a market, lacking any cultivation atmosphere.

Moments later, Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge landed their Iron FFather Eagles safely beside the entrance of Jiulong Market.

Although called a market, it resembled a city.

It was grander and more imposing than Ruyi County City he had visited before.

With walls nearly a hundred meters high, like a cerulean dragon lying prostrate, connecting the nine towering peaks.

On the walls, there were faint spiritual energy fluctuations, clearly bearing engraved formations.

Lu Changsheng felt the defensive formation of Jiulong Market was a level higher than that of Qingzhu Mountain.

But this was normal.

Below Qingzhu Mountain lay a Second-grade Mid-tier spiritual vein.

Jiulong Market also sat on a Second-grade Mid-tier spiritual vein.

Equally as good as Qingzhu Mountain.

Furthermore, Jiulong Market was established by Azure Cloud Sect, naturally possessing masterfully laid formations.

The two approached the entrance gate tower.

The gate tower stood tens of meters high, imposing and magnificent, making one feel very small in front.

Two Azure Cloud Sect cultivators stood guard at the entrance, with a small pavilion beside them.

Every cultivator entering the market had to present an Identity Token.

Without one, they would need to register in the pavilion and pay Spirit Stones.

Lu Miaoge told Lu Changsheng hat the Identity Tokens were divided into temporary and long-term.

Temporary ones cost one Spirit Stone and allowed a stay of half a month.

Long-term ones cost ten Spirit Stones and were valid for two years.

Only those who bought a house or owned a shop in the market could get a free residence permit.

If one stayed past the token’s expiration without renewal, Azure Cloud Sect’s enforcement team would arrest and fine them with Spirit Stones.

If there were no Spirit Stones, they would be made to work as laborers to pay off the debt.

This was one of the main profit sources of establishing the market.

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng couldn’t help but sigh inwardly, understanding why many cultivators avoided such large markets.

Although safer and more convenient than outside,

for lower-level cultivators, the entry fee was not a small amount.

And once inside, they also had to pay for food and lodging.

As for buying a house or owning a shop in the market, it was definitely difficult.

Indeed, cultivation is hard; survival even harder!

Subsequently, Lu Changsheng followed the crowd, paid ten Spirit Stones, and got a long-term Identity Token.

These ten Spirit Stones could be reimbursed by the Lu Family later.

With the Identity Token in hand, Lu Changsheng entered Jiulong Market with Lu Miaoge..

Upon entering the city, they saw a bustling street.

Pedestrians of all ages, mostly cultivators, traveled along the street, while pavilions, towers, and palaces lined both sides.

“Azure Cloud Sect has rules prohibiting fighting and disturbances, unauthorized stalls, or sleeping in the streets in the market.”

“If such actions are discovered or reported, the enforcement team will come to punish those involved.”

“Except for Azure Cloud Sect’s law enforcers and Foundation Establishment cultivators, ordinary Qi Refining cultivators are not allowed to fly or ride mounts within the market.”

Lu Miaoge communicated to Lu hangsheng.

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng nodded.

No wonder no one was flying or riding mounts; everyone was walking.

He felt more assured about Jiulong Market’s security environment.

“Jiulong Market is divided into five zones: East, West, South, North, and Central.”

“The central area is the core of the Second-grade spiritual vein, reserved for Azure Cloud Sect disciples. Only a few Cave Dwellings are open to outsiders.”

“The east zone is where some cultivation families and wealthy households reside. Our Lu Family has a large courtyard there, and you can live there too; the spiritual energy is between low-grade and mid-grade.”

“The west zone is where rogue cultivators live; conditions are relatively poorer but there is a First-grade spiritual vein level.”

“The South and North zones are commercial and entertainment areas, with inns, restaurants, and shops for various needs.”

“We are currently in the North zone; our Lu Family’s Spirit Talisman Shop is ahead.”

Lu Miaoge led Lu Changsheng iito the city, continuing to introduce Jiulong Market’s setup.

Lu Changsheng nodded as he listened.

It was his first time hearing Lu Miaoge speak so much..

However, he knew Lu Miaoge was just reserved, ot wanting to talk much usually, seeming aloof from worldly matters, but actually having a good nature.

That’s why she brought him to Jiulong Market and explained things in detail, knowing he was not familiar with the place.

While walking, Lu Changsheng kept looking around at the pavilions and towers on the sides.

‘Drunken Immortal Tower,’ ‘Gathering Immortal Tower,’ ‘Wondrous Treasure Pavilion,’ ‘Alchemy Furnace Pavilion,’ ‘Hundred Refinements Workshop,’ ‘Jinxiu Shop.’

From the names of these pavilions and halls, one could vaguely tell their business.

Seeing the Drunken Immortal Tower with its red lanterns and hearing faint debauched sounds, Lu Changsheng felt it wasn’t an ordinary restaurant.

“Changsheng, you’re married, you should avoid such places. It’s wasteful and affects cultivation.”

Seeing Lu Changsheng eyeing the Drunken Immortal Tower, Lu Miaoge softly spoke, her vvice carrying slight shyness.

Hearing this, Lu Changsheng’s mouth twitched.

Instantly, he confirmed what kind of place the Drunken Immortal Tower was.

No wonder he faintly heard sounds of women; he hadn’t misheard.

Indeed, fairies aren’t just in the world, but also in private rooms.

“Sister Miaoge, I just found that restaurant suspicious and looked a couple of times. I never go to such places.”

Lu Changsheng adjusted his posture, speaking seriously.

He truly had no interest in such places.

Even with five wives, six concubines, and two favored mistresses at home, why would he need to visit such places?

Even when considering taking a concubine, considering a ‘fairy’ to bear his children,

he wouldn’t persuade someone to abandon immortality here. That would be senseless.

Yet, this Young Miss knew such places.

Well, this Young Miss seemed unattainable and aloof, but she was six years older than him.

Frequenting the market over the years to manage the shop, how could she be an entirely naive girl?

“That’s good.”

Lu Miaoge lightly pursed her ips and replied faintly, not continuing the topic.

Then she continued introducing Lu Changsheng to more details.

Thus, the two talked and walked for about fifteen minutes before stopping in front of a shop.

Lu Miaoge said to Lu Changsheeg, “This is our Lu Family’s Spirit Talisman Shop.”

Lu Changsheng looked at the shop before him.

The shop had a three-story structure, about six zhang high, with ornate yet tasteful decorations.

A sign reading ‘Qingzhu Lu’s Spirit Talisman Shop’ hung above.

“Owner!”

At the shop’s entrance, a 17 or 18-year-old girl with a delicate appearance, wearing a uniform with ‘Qingzhu Lu’s Spirit Talisman Shop’ printed on it, immediately saluted upon seeing Lu Miaoge..

Her eyes naturally lingered on Lu Changsheng beside her.

Drawn by Lu Changsheng’s handsome face and gentle, jade-like temperament.

“Hmm.”

Lu Miaoge nodded coolly..

She introduced Lu Changsheng via transmission; she was the shop’s receptionist and saleswoman.

Currently, the Spirit Talisman Shop had one manager, two apprentices, and two receptionists.

The manager, named Zhang Shan, was a Qi Refining Sixth Layer cultivator who had worked at the Lu Family’s Spirit Talisman Shop for about ten years.

The two apprentices, named Li Shi and Wang Wu, had been at the shop for five or six years.

They’re descendants of Jiulong Market cultivators, possessing Ninth-Tier Spirit Roots, with some talent in Talisman Making, sent by their families to apprentice at the Spirit Talisman Shop.

Their daily work involved painting talismans, making talisman paper, and spiritual ink.

What the Fourth Elder referred to as mentoring apprentices were these two.

These apprentices signed long-term contracts, only needing food, lodging, and occasional guidance, without monthly pay.

This is how apprenticeship works.

Whether Talisman Making, pill making, or equipment refining, all have thresholds, built over time and effort.

Even if they fail to master the craft, it’s not unexpected.

As for the two receptionists, they were mortals.

Though Jiulong Market is a cultivator market, many mortals also lived there.

Some came with cultivators.

Others were descendants of cultivators, working and living there.

Despite the difficulty of residing in the market,

as long as they found work, even mortals could survive.

They might even save up a couple of Spirit Stones.

After all, they earned gold and silver normally but earned Spirit Stones in Jiulong Market.

“He Liu, come inside.”

“I have something to discuss.”

Lu Miaoge glanced at the girll

She led Lu Changsheng into the shop.

The shop’s interior measured around 200 square meters.

The decor was simple, with finely crafted showcases on the sides and center.

Displaying various talismans, talisman paper, spiritual ink, Talisman Pens, and related items.

“Owner!”

“Owner!”

Inside the hall were a middle-aged man with a thin face and a young woman in work clothes.

Seeing Lu Miaoge and Lu Changsheng, hey greeted them with cupped hands.

“Uncle Zhang, please call Li Shi and Wang Wu; I have something to discuss with you.”

Lu Miaoge nodded and addressee the man.

“Sure.”

Zhang Shan responded, heading to the inner room.

Soon, he returned with two young women, around twenty years old, with delicate appearances, wearing ‘Qingzhu Lu’s Spirit Talisman Shop’ uniforms.

Though cultivators, their cultivation was low, only at Qi Refining Level Two or Three.

“This is Lu Changsheng, our Lu Family’s Mid-grade Talisman Master.”

“I won’t have time to manage the shop, so it will be entrusted to Changsheng. From now on, he’ll be the shop’s deputy owner.”

“Uncle Zhang, report any shop matters directly to Changsheng.”

“Li Shi, Wang Wu, report anything directly to the deputy owner.”

With everyone gathered, Lu Miaoge addressed them..

Her tone was cool, exuding a decisive presence.

This showed Lu Changsheng another side of this Young Miss.

During their interactions, Lu Miaoge always seemed otherrorldly, calm, and elegant.

The five were surprised, looking in astonishment at Lu Changsheng.

They hadn’t imagined this handsome young man was a Mid-grade Talisman Master!

Their future new owner.

“Zhang Shan greets the deputy owner.”

“Li Shi greets the deputy owner.”

“Wang Wu greets the deputy owner.”

“He Liu greets the deputy owner.”

“Sun Qi greets the deputy owner.”

The five did not hesitate, immediately saluting.

Their astonishment turned into admiration, respect, and adoration.

A Mid-grade Talisman Master could live a good life anywhere.

Especially when they heard Lu Changsheng bore the Lu Family name.

They subconsciously assumed he was from the Qingzhu Lu Family, here for experience.

Handsome, talented, and well-born, envy naturally arose.

Li Shi, Wang Wu, and the two receptionists looked at Lu Changsheng differently.

In the future, I leave it to all of you.”

Lu Changsheng smiled and bowed slightly.

Before arriving, Lu Miaoge had told him about he shop’s situation.

The manager, Zhang Shan, could usually handle the shop, requiring little of his attention.

Apart from instructing Li Shi and Wang Wu on Talisman Making, he mostly just needed to oversee the supplies.

The Spirit Talisman Shop had to restock monthly.

Naturally, the Lu Family couldn’t solely supply it.

Most high and top-grade talismans were crafted by the Fourth Elder.

Basic talismans, low and mid-grade, were mainly purchased from freelance Talisman Masters.

Although these freelancers worked with the Lu Family for years, quality checks still required his oversight.

To avoid substandard goods.

This shop’s items were pricier than freelance stalls.

That extra cost ensured quality.

Talisman paper, spiritual ink, Talisman Pens—all the same.

Additionally, if a talisman was out of stock and a customer urgently needed it, he could craft it if possible.

After introducing Lu Changsheng to the staff, Lu Miaoge allowed them to disserse.

Taking some talismans from her Storage Bag, she handed them to Zhang Shan.

All were First-grade mid and high-grade talismans.

Each month, she brought a batch of talismans from the Fourth Elder during visits.

Lu Miaoge told Lu Changsheng,,besides medium and high-grade talismans, the Fourth Elder also crafted three First-grade top-grade talismans monthly.

These were the treasures and foundation of the Spirit Talisman Shop.

However, she wouldn’t hand these three top-grade talismans to Zhang Shan, keeping them herself.

She’d only trade them face-to-face if needed.

Later, she gave Lu Changsheng a tour, introducing the shop.

This shop had three floors.

Besides the sales hall, the first floor had a reception room and small courtyard.

The second floor was where Li Shi and Wang Wu worked and rested.

The third floor was where Lu Miaoge, the owner, rested,,containing a living room, bedroom, rest room, Talisman Room, and storage room.

The third floor had restrictions; a token was needed to enter.

Later, Lu Miaoge told Lu Changsheng he rarely stayed there.

If Lu Changsheng found it inconvenient to stay at the Lu Family courtyard in the east zone, he could reside here.

Lu Changsheng didn’t mind.

He planned to first stay at the Lu Family courtyard in the east zone.

Since he was in Jiulong Market, he should visit there first.

Before coming, the Fourth Elder had told him, Jiulong Market had more than just this Spirit Talisman Shop; the Lu Family had other businesses.

The Lu Family’s Second Elder managed the Lu Family’s market business and usually resided in Jiulong Market.

If he needed anything, he could find this Second Elder.

Now that he was here, he naturally had to pay his respects.

This was family tradition, involving many social interactions.

Otherwise, he might seem too reclusive.

“Sister Miaoge, it’s getting late; let me treat you to a meal?”

“You’ve been helping me; I feel obligated.”

After Lu Miaoge showed Lu Changshenn the shop and explained things, Lu Changsheng asked her.

“Okay, we’ll just eat something nearby.”

Lu Miaoge didn’t refuse and nndded.

“I haven’t eaten much for the past couple of days; food has no taste. But today I’ll eat well, not just anything.”

“Sister Miaoge, is there anything good around?”

Lu Changsheng said directly.

“Then let’s go to Yushan Pavilion nearby. I’ve eaten there a few times; the food is great.”

Lu Miaoge mused softly..

“Let’s go then.”

Lu Changsheng nodded.

The two went downstairs. A customer was inspecting Talisman Pens in the shop, while a staff member introduced them.

Although the staff were ordinary, they were well-trained, knowing these items thoroughly.

Lu Changsheng and Lu Miaoge didn’t look much, ssmply nodding to Manager Zhang Shan before exiting the shop.

They arrived at the ‘Yushan Pavilion’ Lu Miaoge mentioned not far aaay.