Chapter 72: Cat Girl? Fox Woman? Serpent Maiden?

After parting with Lu Miaoge, Lu Changsheng wanddred around the street twice before entering a secluded alley.

From his Storage Bag, he took out a human skin mask, put it on, donned a wide gray-brown robe, and applied a prepared potion on his neck to make his skin less fair.

In an instant, he transformed from a handsome figure into a young man with dark skin and ordinary features.

His build, however, remained tall and slender.

This was a simple disguise technique he learned from Li Feiyu. It wasn’t advanced, but it worked.

Then, Lu Changsheng took out a talisman from his Storage Bag and used it on himself, concealing his spiritual aura.

A mid-grade Qi Concealment Talisman!

It has the same effect as the Qi Concealment Technique.

But it’s several times better than Lu Changsheng’s rudimentary Qi Concealment Technique.

If not for a Late-Stage Qi Refining cultivator using the Celestial Eye Technique to observe his spiritual power, they wouldn’t detect his cultivation level.

This is also why Lu Changsheng didn’t spend much time and effort on spell practice.

It’s too time-consuming and energy-draining.

Besides, talismans can often substitute for spells.

“Sigh, sometimes being handsome is a hassle.”

Lu Changsheng sighed and walked out of the alley.

His handsome appearance and outstanding temperament made him memorable and influential.

If he went to sell talismans and got recognized as the owner of the Lu Clan’s Spirit Talisman Shop, it would be hard to explain.

So he disguised himself and hid his aura to appear ordinary.

Although this disguise was quite basic, some could see through it.

As long as he wasn’t seen in his true form or remembered, it was fine.

After leaving the alley, Lu Changsheng walked to a street corner.

He saw a few young men squatting there, looking around, holding ‘Guide’ signs.

Before he could approach, a young man enthusiastically stepped forward and said: “Elder, do you need a guide?”

“I grew up in Jiulong Market, and I’m familiar with every area. Whatever you want to know or buy, I’ve got it covered.”

The young man spoke enthusiastically.

Though Lu Changsheng was disguised, appearing ordinary, the guides, having lived there long, had keen insight.

They could tell at a glance that Lu Changsheng intended to find a guide.

Even if he wasn’t interested, asking wouldn’t hurt.

“How do you charge for this?”

Lu Changsheng nodded and asked.

“Elder, I only charge one or two Spirit Stones a day.”

The young man replied promptly.

Each Spirit Stone weighs ten taels.

After its energy is expended, it becomes lighter.

During mining, broken pieces of Spirit Stones also appear.

Such units are rarely used by cultivators.

But they’re somewhat common in this Market.

“Alright, take me for a stroll. You have change for Spirit Stones, right?”

Lu Changsheng asked, handing over a used Spirit Stone weighing four or five taels.

The young man showed some regret but quickly replied warmly: “Yes, we do.”

He took the Spirit Stone, glanced at it, weighed it slightly, then gave Lu Changsheng two broken Spirit Stones.

“Elder, what are you looking to buy or learn about?”

“Take me to the stall trading area.”

Lu Changsheng said.

“The trading stalls are on Southwest Street. Please follow me,”

“It takes about half an hour to get there from here. If you want to buy something, feel free to tell me. I know many shops, all with quality assurance.”

The young man spoke out.

As guides, their main earnings came from bringing cultivators to shop.

“Are there stores selling Natural Treasures here?”

Lu Changsheng inquired.

“Elder, if you want to buy Natural Treasures, head to the Cloud Peak Trading Company and Wanbao Pavilion. They’re affordable and plentiful, with guaranteed quality.”

“If you’re looking to spend less, I also know many shops selling Natural Treasures with guaranteed quality. I can take you there.”

The young man added swiftly.

Though he wanted to earn money by guiding clients to shop, he wouldn’t deceive people into spending.

After all, he is just a mortal.

If he dared deceive cultivators and got caught, it’d be his death.

“If I want to sell some talismans, can I go to a shop too?”

Lu Changsheng asked in a neutral tone.

Upon hearing ‘talisman sells’, the young man realized Lu Changsheng might be a Talisman Master.

But as a guide, he didn’t pry and just answered.

Politely, he said: “Elder, most spirit talisman shops in Jiulong Market purchase talismans.”

“Which talisman shop has a good reputation here?”

Lu Changsheng continued.

“Any shop that can open in the Market generally has a good reputation. But for spirit talismans, Shen Family Talisman Pavilion has the best reputation.”

“Their talismans are not only of assured quality, but they often offer promotions. However, they rarely buy talismans.”

“Next would be the shops of families like the Bihu Mountain Yu Family, Qingzhu Mountain Lu Family, Red Leaf Valley Chen Family, and Centipede Ridge Zheng Family, all with assured quality and reputation.”

“If you want to buy talisman paper, I’d recommend the Qingzhu Mountain Lu Family and Red Leaf Valley Chen Family. Their paper is made from their materials and better than average paper.”

The young man spoke volubly.

Hearing ‘Qingzhu Lu Clan Spirit Talisman Shop’, Lu Changsheng nodded slightly.

He found the young man’s information consistent with what he learned from Zhang Shan yesterday.

“Hmm, White Jade Tower?”

At that moment, Lu Changsheng saw a picturesque building ahead with a sign reading ‘White Jade Tower’.

This reminded him of the two concubines Hong Yi purchased for him, saying they came from the White Jade Tower, bought at a significant price.

Noticing Lu Changsheng’s gaze, the young man quickly said: “Elder, this ‘White Jade Tower’ facilitates marriages, introduces concubines, and sells maids.”

“If Elder is interested in marriage, buying concubines, or maids, you may come to White Jade Tower.”

“It’s an old brand. I’ve heard they have branches not only in Jiulong Market but in many Markets and even Immortal Cities.”

The young said as such.

“Oh?”

Lu Changsheng raised his eyebrow upon hearing this.

He mused if the White Jade Tower Hong Yi bought Jiu’er and Shui’er from was indeed the same as this one.

Different branches?

The White Jade Tower business indeed has extensive reach.

When Hong Yi writes next, perhaps he should ask if it’s the same White Jade Tower.

“Does this White Jade Tower offer concubines or maidens with Spirit Roots?”

Lu Changsheng inquired.

He certainly wouldn’t forget about seeking a ‘fairy’.

After all, everything is fleeting; marrying and having children is paramount.

He was quite satisfied with Jiu’er and Shui’er, gifted by Hong Yi.

If spending could buy a Spirit Rooted, obedient concubine, that would be ideal.

“Naturally, but they’re few. Most are exceptional beauties, descendants of immortal cultivators.”

“I heard White Jade Tower not only sells human ladies but also from other races and demon women. I’m unsure of exact details and prices, but you can inquire inside.”

The young man stated.

Besides humans, there are other races and demon women.

Lu Changsheng knew Jiu’er and Shui’er, sent by Hong Yi, were indeed non-human.

Now hearing about demon women, he thought of cat girls, fox women, and serpent maidens.

“Hmm.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, made a mental note of ‘White Jade Tower’, planning to revisit later.

Girls from such places were likely unfortunate.

If possible, he hoped to help, saving one life is better than building a seven-storied pagoda.

Thus, Lu Changsheng chatted with the young man about the Market, learning various information.

Eventually, they reached his destination, the free-trading stalls on Southwest Street.

“Elder, ahead is the casual trade area of Southwest Street.”

“If you wish to set up a stall, you need to pay one Spirit Stone at the front booth as a management fee.”

The young man informed Lu Changsheng.

“Alright.”

Lu Changsheng nodded, noting that Jiulong Market charges for everything.

Even setting up a stall costs a Spirit Stone for management.

He reached the entrance of Southwest Street.

He saw a street lined with lanterns and organized stalls on both sides.

The central area was bustling like a mundane market, with endless hawking, much livelier than the previous streets.

“Alright, you’re done. You don’t need to follow me anymore; I’ll walk around myself.”

Lu Changsheng said, looking at the bustling street and waving the young man away.

“Yes, farewell. I wish Elder great fortune, all things go well, Heavenly blessings, and prosperous cultivation!”

The young man bowed low, uttering a string of blessings.

Hearing these blessings, Lu Changsheng felt nothing.

He had no intention of tipping and walked into the street.

The young man wasn’t disappointed.

After all, generous individuals are rare.

He’d encounter only a few in a year.

Lu Changsheng didn’t rush to sell talismans; he wanted to explore first.

To see if there was anything he needed or was interested in.

And learn about the prices here.

“Second-hand robes for sale, ninety percent new, no patches!”

“Tiger steak, fresh and tender, butchered last night, fresh out of the oven!”

“Ten-year black truffles, three Spirit Stones per pound, ten stones for three pounds!”

“Do you need pills? Freshly made Ascension Pill, pop one, and all worldly troubles vanish.”

Each stall had someone shouting to hawk their wares.

Following the crowd, Lu Changsheng browsed one stall after another.

The variety of items sold here was impressive.

This place far outmatched Niutou Mountain’s gathering stalls.

Most items were spiritual tools for cultivators.

Naturally, with a stall fee of a Spirit Stone, selling garbage wouldn’t even cover costs.

Lu Changsheng looked in detail.

If he found materials suitable for cultivating the Hundred Refined Body Technique, he bought them immediately.

Due to training in the Hundred Refined Body Technique, he could gauge material quality, avoiding scams.

Getting lucky was out of the question.

Even without considering low odds, sensing the quality of materials with the technique required touch.

Merely looking wouldn’t reveal anything, and he lacked such insight.

Before he had finished half the street, half his Spirit Stones were spent on Hundred Refined Body Technique materials.

He sighed, realizing money vanished quickly.

He controlled his spending, mostly observing.

If he truly wanted something, he planned to buy it later after seeing more.

During this, he overheard bargaining and gossip, pausing for interesting discussions.

Surprisingly, he learned a lot and gained knowledge from all this.

“Friend, I’ll trade this magic Artifact fragment for your item, will you?”

“A magic Artifact fragment? Let me see?”

“What magical fragment is this? It’s just scrap. No trade!”

Lu Changsheng heard this from a nearby stall, paused, and turned to look.

A cultured middle-aged man stood at a stall, reclaiming a thumb-sized black iron piece.

“Friend, you say this is a magic Artifact fragment. What effect does it have?”

A woman in blue stepped forward, curiously asking the cultured man.

Apparently interested in a bargain.

“It has no special effects, just hardness.”

“I once struck it with a mid-grade magical flying sword, and my sword got chipped.”

The cultured man said, appearing pained.

This intrigued the others watching.

A piece that can chip a sword wasn’t ordinary scrap.

Even if not a magic Artifact fragment, it was a rare material.

“Sir, I’d pay twenty Spirit Stones for that fragment. Will you sell it?”

Someone offered.

“No, unless it’s a hundred Spirit Stones!”

The cultured man declined briskly.

“A hundred stones is too much, friend. I’ll offer thirty.”

“Would you cut the iron with the sword again for me? If it chips, I’ll give forty!”

Another proposal followed.

The cultured man frowned darkly, “Get lost!”

“Friend, might I examine that magic Artifact fragment?”

Nearby, Lu Changsheng stepped forward, hands clasped.

His Hundred Refined Body Technique needed Natural Treasures for cultivation.

If it were a magic Artifact fragment and usable, even two or three hundred stones would be worth the investment.

Even if it wasn’t, any heavenly material was valuable.

“A hundred stones, not one less!”

The cultured man handed the black iron piece to Lu Changsheng.

Lu Changsheng received the cool, slightly heavy piece, weighing twenty or thirty pounds.

Its size belied its unusual weight.

Slowly utilizing the Hundred Refined Body Technique, his fingers reddened, sensing its essence.

He swiftly realized it held a vast amount of energy.

Far superior to other materials he had acquired.

Whether it was a magic Artifact fragment or not, it was valuable.

“Friend, I lack enough Spirit Stones. Can these two talismans partly cover the cost?”

Lu Changsheng inquired, unfazed, displaying two high-grade talismans.

At the moment, he had only a hundred and forty stones.

Buying the fragment would leave no stones for other purchases.

So, he tried bartering to expend some talismans.

Trading by bartering wasn’t uncommon here.

Many casual cultivators lacked significant Spirit Stones for transactions.

“A flying talisman and a Golden Light Shield Talisman.”

The cultured man recognized the talismans, eyes alight, and said: “I won’t overcharge. These can cover seventy Spirit Stones.”

“Just give me thirty more stones.”

The cultured man stated bluntly.

He guessed it was a magic Artifact fragment, but wasn’t sure himself.

Though he’d tried selling it, no one was willing to pay much.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t price it at a hundred.

Seeing Lu Changsheng’s interest, he agreed readily.

“Okay, but I’d like to see the sword chip you mentioned.”

“If genuine, I’ll buy at once.”

Lu Changsheng said.

The two talismans were worth around thirty stones each, and the man seemed genuine.

Despite knowing its value, Lan wanted to feign indifference, lest suspicions arose.

“Alright.”

The cultured man drew a blue flying sword from his Storage Bag.

Pointing to a small chip on it, he sighed: “Here. This is where I foolishly struck it.”

Lu Changsheng saw a finger-width chip in the sword’s middle.

Nodding, he handed the man’s talismans and produced thirty stones: “Alright, it’s mine then.”

“Great!”

The cultured man took the talismans and stones with delight, cupping his hands.

Lu Changsheng also cupped his hands, storing the iron before continuing the stroll.

“Tsk, someone really paid a hundred stones for this so-called magic Artifact fragment.”

“This iron, able to chip a sword, is great material, but too small.”

“If it were truly valuable, he’d have taken it to Wanbao Pavilion for appraisal and priced it more.”

“Even if it’s a magic Artifact fragment, a large Artifact fragment should have residual effects.”

“Indeed, how could easily melted Artifact fragments exist?”

“Correct. For us Qi Refining cultivators, it’s useless!”

“Perhaps it’s valuable in some other unique way.”

Nearby, some discussed this scene.

Lu Changsheng heard but wasn’t bothered.

After all, someone was right: he indeed had another use for it, to cultivate.

“I don’t know if this is a magic Artifact fragment. If it is and usable for the Hundred Refined Body Technique, then it’d be a small fortune.”

“By mastering the first stage of the Hundred Refined Body Technique, my physical form will rival a low-grade magic weapon, greatly enhancing my physique.”

Lu Changsheng pondered.

Over half a year, his physique had grown far stronger.

Yet, reaching the first layer of the Hundred Refined Body Technique, where his body equals a low-grade magical item, remained distant.

Body training is inherently costly and time-consuming.

And the Hundred Refined Body Technique excels in typical body training. He’d only practiced for over half a year.

After spending over a hundred stones on materials, now a hundred on this ‘magic Artifact fragment’, Lu Changsheng worried about being targeted, so he left Southwest Street promptly.

Though Jiulong Market had protection from Azure Cloud Sect and was safe, caution was still crucial.