C14 Ghost Market

Xiao Feng sat cross-legged in the training room, the Overlord Spear resting on his knees. His recent dedication to practicing the One-line Vast Heaven technique had also served to forge his mental resolve.

With each thrust of his spear, he aimed to pierce even the Heavenly Dao itself—that was the essence of this spear art!

Yet, Xiao Feng was uncertain how to fully grasp this sense of invincibility and the relentless dominance it required. Perhaps it would come with the elevation of his cultivation level.

During his time with the Mountain Sea Sect, in addition to his training, Xiao Feng had learned of three exceptionally talented disciples: Xianyu, Hai Qingyu, and Liang Meng.

Something had been weighing on his mind: he and Xianyu had only just arrived at the Mountain Sea Sect when someone promptly declared their affection. Was it mere coincidence?

Xiao Feng suspected otherwise. It seemed likely that someone with a hidden agenda was orchestrating these events.

If his suspicions were correct, then Hai Qingyu was the prime candidate.

Hai Qingyu bore a grudge against him and possessed the strength to either coerce or entice Zhang Cheng to come here.

He was the most likely person with a motive!

Now at the Eternal Realm, Xiao Feng was not intimidated by typical experts of this level, but he knew better than to underestimate Hai Qingyu, one of the Mountain Sea Sect's most gifted disciples.

"Senior, do you have any cultivation techniques I could practice?" Xiao Feng inquired, eager to advance beyond the Heaven Ranking Technique of the Divine Cloud Sect.

After all, why waste the opportunity to learn from a senior who held such knowledge?

To Xiao Feng's surprise, the armored figure responded negatively, "No, the techniques I possess are beyond your body's capacity to endure. You'd perish within two days. But the Heaven Rank techniques you have are indeed ill-suited for you. Why not request a more fitting one from your current master?"

...

Atop a mountain peak, a young man sat with his legs crossed, his body radiating a powerful Spiritual Force that marked him as a master.

Behind him stood another person, head bowed, seemingly prepared to remain standing indefinitely unless the man before him chose to speak.

"I never expected the Vice Sect Master to personally intervene on his behalf."

The young man was none other than Hai Qingyu, and to everyone's surprise, standing beside him was Elder Ma!

Elder Ma remarked, "The Vice Sect Master likely spared him for Lau Ruyan's sake. But let's be clear, this sort of leniency won't be extended indefinitely."

After a pause, Elder Ma added, "This kid may only be in the Flood Realm, but his actual combat power rivals that of the Eternal Realm. He's not one to act rashly; he considers his moves carefully. If we let him continue to grow, he'll become increasingly troublesome."

Hai Qingyu turned with a grin, "True, he's both brave and strategic, but he tends to act on impulse, which is why Xianyu could be our way in."

"But how can we exploit this? The whole sect knows he killed Zhang Cheng, who was smitten with Xianyu."

Hai Qingyu's smile broadened, "The weaker members will certainly be deterred, but what about the sect's top geniuses?"

Elder Ma caught on immediately, "Are you suggesting Liang Meng?"

"Being one of the top three geniuses in the sect, he's not going to fear a newcomer. Plus, if he makes a move, Lau Ruyan won't be in a position to object."

Elder Ma's smile turned sly, "That's a brilliant strategy!"

...

"What?! You're asking for an immortal-level cultivation technique?! You must think you're the embodiment of one!"

Lau Ruyan was flabbergasted that this upstart would have the audacity to demand an immortal-level cultivation technique right off the bat!

I'm practicing Divine-level techniques, and you have the nerve to ask me for an immortal-level one?

Perhaps the ask was too ambitious?

Xiao Feng's strategy was to start with an outrageous request and then negotiate downwards.

Clearly, his plan was a success.

"Well, if there's no immortal-level technique available, I suppose a Divine-level one will have to do."

Just barely do?

Lau Ruyan was sorely tempted to give Xiao Feng a taste of what a strict mentor is like.

"The sect has only two Divine-level cultivation techniques, and to learn one, you'd need to have exceptional talent and make significant contributions to the sect. Clearly, you don't qualify."

Xiao Feng was stunned. Was he truly destined to cultivate a Heaven Rank technique? But according to the sect's rules, he needed to earn contributions first. Who knew how long that would take? The Divine Cloud Sect's methods weren't even a good fit for him.

This was a tough spot to be in!

Lau Ruyan felt a hint of satisfaction seeing him like this. This was exactly the reaction she was hoping for!

But despite her inner triumph, Lau Ruyan kept her composure. "Humph! Stop fretting over it! Follow me, I'll find you a suitable cultivation technique."

Beneath the Mountain Sea Sect lay Mountain Sea City, the bustling hub of Purvavideha. Here, countless merchants conducted their trade. With enough money, one could acquire anything they desired, including cultivation techniques.

Lau Ruyan led Xiao Feng to the front of a shadowy storefront with a massive sign above the entrance — Ghost Market!

Xiao Feng was familiar with the name. Rumor had it that with the right amount of cash, one could purchase anything they desired from this place. Its influence stretched across every corner of the world, rivaling even the Mountain Sea Sect in power.

Yet, they kept a low profile, which is why they weren't as widely known as the Mountain Sea Sect.

At the Ghost Market, customers simply stated what they wanted, and the staff would fetch it. Payment was made upfront, and the goods were handed over immediately.

"I would like a Divine Rank cultivation technique," Lau Ruyan stated to the Ghost Market's owner, draped in a black robe.

The owner barely acknowledged their presence, simply nodding before disappearing into the back room. Moments later, he emerged with a scroll in hand.

He tossed the scroll onto the table as if it were a trinket rather than a Divine Rank cultivation technique.

"One hundred thousand Dragon Crystals."

One hundred thousand?! Was this not daylight robbery?

Xiao Feng was clueless about the price, but the thought of his dwindling Storage Ring made him anxious.

Without hesitation, Lau Ruyan handed over a Storage Ring to the man in the black robe and picked up the cultivation technique, ready to leave.

The black-robed man didn't bother to inspect the ring and accepted it directly.

"Master, isn't this a bit too pricey?" Xiao Feng exclaimed.

"Hmph! Good to know! After all, I am your master! Train diligently, because if you don't secure first place in the Great Competition, just wait and see how I'll handle you!"

Xiao Feng nodded, yet after a moment's hesitation, he still pulled out a small box. Even before it was opened, an overwhelming Spiritual Force could be felt emanating from it. Inside was a Dao Crystal. Xiao Feng was not one to be comfortable with owing favors.

"What's this? Trying to repay me? Hehe, there's no need. But I must admit, it's impressive that you managed to acquire a Dao Crystal!"

As they retraced their steps, only the armored figure seemed to let out an almost imperceptible sigh, his gaze lingering on the Ghost Market they left behind.