Arrival at the Market

In the blink of an eye, the three-day deadline had arrived.

Morning sunlight spilled through the lattice windows of Green Bamboo Lodge, carrying the crisp, cool air unique to the mountains.

Chen Heng had long since finished meditating. After a night of rest and one final round of nurturing,

not only had his spiritual power fully recovered, but the newly refined Water-Fire Treasure Gourd now gleamed with a warm luster all over. Its artifact patterns were stable, thoroughly secured at the level of a mid-grade first-tier artifact, ready for use at any time.

Uncle Fu had already packed everything and was waiting quietly in the courtyard.

Chen Heng gave Green Bamboo Lodge, where he had lived for several years, one final look. His gaze was calm.

Though the tranquil days of cultivation in the mountains were pleasant, the vast world below and the trials of the market were also indispensable parts of a cultivator's path.

He securely tied the storage pouch containing important spiritual materials, pills, talismans, and the Ruyi Water-Fire Cudgel to his waist. The newly refined Water-Fire Treasure Gourd was slung diagonally at his side as well.

"Uncle Fu, let's go."

"Yes, Young Master."

Master and servant left Green Bamboo Lodge and headed toward the agreed-upon mountain gate.

At the mountain gate ferry crossing, an elder dressed in a dark Jade Spring Water-Pattern Robe was already waiting. His face was lean and refined, his aura as steady and unfathomable as an abyss.

His beard and hair were groomed without a strand out of place, and his eyes flashed like lightning. He was the Fifth Elder who would be taking Chen Heng to Southern Foothills Market—Chen Xingjiang.

Chen Xingjiang's cultivation was profound. Within the Chen Lineage, he was known for his artifact-refining skill and his steady, reliable nature, and he had long been responsible for the Lineage's dealings related to the market.

When Chen Heng arrived, Chen Xingjiang's gaze settled on him, and he gave a slight nod. "You're here. Are you prepared?"

"Reporting to Elder Xingjiang, everything is ready." Chen Heng bowed respectfully.

"Mm." Chen Xingjiang said no more, only adding, "We will travel by flying sword on this journey. If you feel unwell along the way, inform me promptly."

With that, he flicked his sleeve. A hazy blue sword light flew from within, expanding against the wind into a broad, door-panel-like giant sword large enough to carry several people, hovering a foot or so above the ground.

The sword's surface shimmered with flowing light and radiated a heart-palpitating sharpness. It was clearly a flying artifact of a grade far beyond what Chen Heng used.

The moment the two of them found their footing, they felt a gentle yet immense current of spiritual power envelop them, blocking the fierce wind pressure brought by high-speed flight.

"Stand firm!"

Chen Xingjiang barked, forming a sword seal with his hand. The broad flying sword gave a clear hum, then abruptly accelerated into the sky, instantly piercing through the mountain mists.

It was Chen Heng's first time experiencing sword flight at such speed. Beneath his feet, the mountains raced backward, while the winding Li River flowed across the distant land like a jade ribbon.

The gale was biting. Had Chen Xingjiang not protected them with his spiritual power, he could scarcely have remained standing.

He hurriedly circulated his own spiritual power to stabilize himself, focusing on this utterly different mode of travel. His heart could not help but surge with excitement.

Uncle Fu stood slightly behind him at his side, his face somewhat pale, though his grip remained steady.

Chen Xingjiang controlled the flying sword throughout the journey, his expression focused and his words few.

Yet whenever he caught sight of Chen Heng's initial discomfort swiftly settling into steadiness, a trace of almost imperceptible approval flickered through his eyes.

The flying sword pierced clouds and broke through mist at astonishing speed.

Along the way, they encountered several groups of cultivators traveling by streaks of light or small flying artifacts. Some possessed powerful auras, while others hurried along with urgency written across their faces.

Whenever this happened, Chen Xingjiang would subtly adjust their direction or speed, revealing his caution and experience.

Chen Heng silently observed and committed these details to memory. He understood that the world below the mountain was far less peaceful than the mountain itself, and that one had to remain vigilant at all times.

The journey passed without incident.

After roughly half an hour, the flying sword began to slow.

Below them were no longer endless mountains and wilderness, but an area gradually revealing clustered habitation and comparatively active spiritual energy.

On the banks of the Li River stood a sizable complex of buildings, arranged row upon row, with faintly glowing formation patterns covering them.

A towering archway stood ahead, bearing three ancient, vigorous characters—Southern Foothills Market.

Figures moved to and fro at the market entrance. Mortal merchant caravans entered on foot, while cultivators riding all manner of strange artifacts came and went.

From afar, one could already feel a bustling, mixed yet vibrant aura rushing toward them, entirely unlike the atmosphere of quiet cultivation on Jade Spring Mountain.

Chen Xingjiang did not stop at the market entrance. Instead, he steered the flying sword directly toward a core district on the side of the market nearest the Li River.

The buildings there were more orderly, and several tall shops displaying the emblems of different Lineages were especially conspicuous.

At last, the flying sword landed steadily in an open space in the rear courtyard behind a rather grand shop, whose signboard bore the four words: Jade Spring Artifact Pavilion.

"We're here." Chen Xingjiang retrieved his flying sword artifact. The enormous blade instantly transformed into blue light and vanished into his sleeve.

People in the courtyard had already heard their arrival and hurried out to greet them. At their head was a middle-aged cultivator dressed like a shopkeeper, with a kindly face and shrewd eyes, followed by several attendants.

"Elder Xingjiang, you have had a hard journey!"

The shopkeeper greeted him with a broad smile and cupped his hands. Then his gaze shifted to Chen Heng and Uncle Fu. "This must be Ming Heng, the younger clansman newly assigned by the Lineage? Welcome, welcome!"

Chen Heng did not dare be negligent and quickly returned the salute. "This junior is Chen Mingheng. Greetings, Shopkeeper."

Uncle Fu also bowed at the side.

"No need for such courtesy. We are all one family from now on." The shopkeeper warmly ushered them onward, stepping aside to lead the way. "You have traveled far. Please, Elder and younger clansman, come inside and rest for a while. Your accommodations have already been arranged in the eastern wing of the rear courtyard."

"From now on, younger clansman, you will assist with appraising artifacts here at my Jade Spring Artifact Pavilion."

Chen Heng followed Chen Xingjiang and the shopkeeper into Jade Spring Artifact Pavilion.

The shop's interior was broad and bright. Rows of exquisite wooden counters displayed all kinds of cultivation supplies, including artifacts and materials.

Even the air was filled with a distinctive blend of metal, wood, and spiritual herbs unique to artifacts.

Several Lineage attendants were methodically wiping down counters or receiving customers.

His gaze sweeping over the dazzling array of goods and the shop's layout, Chen Heng thought to himself, Southern Foothills Market—I have arrived safely.

The reception room in the rear hall of Jade Spring Artifact Pavilion was spacious and elegant. On the antique display shelves sat several delicate, unfinished artifacts meant for viewing, along with samples of various ores. A faint scent of sandalwood mingled with ironware hung in the air.

The Fifth Elder, Chen Xingjiang, had barely taken his seat before someone promptly served tea.

Only then did the shopkeeper, Chen Xing Shan, turn toward Chen Heng. His smile remained warm, but his eyes held a probing glint. "Nephew Ming Heng, I have long heard of your name. I am Chen Xing Shan, and I serve as the shopkeeper of Jade Spring Artifact Pavilion."

"The Lineage's message said you are skilled in artifact refinement and have already reached the mid-grade first-tier level. For the Lineage to send you here today is truly a blessing for this humble shop, and for the market's customers as well."

Chen Heng set down his teacup, neither servile nor overbearing. "Shopkeeper Xing Shan, you praise me too highly. I have only just arrived and am unfamiliar with many rules. I hope you will guide me in the future. Being able to contribute to the Lineage's business is simply my duty."

"Haha, nephew, you are too modest." Chen Xing Shan laughed, clapping his hands. "Southern Foothills Market is not as tranquil as the mountain. All sorts of people mingle here, but there are still patterns to the rules."

"This place is jointly managed by the Chen, Wu, and Luo Families. The three stand like tripods, and open rivalry and secret strife are inevitable. You must keep that in mind."

"Normally, you will appraise goods in the shop, identify materials, and maintain artifacts. Occasionally, you may also craft custom pieces for distinguished customers. If you have spare time, there is a small branch of earthfire in the rear courtyard for you to refine and study with. Any basic materials you require may be drawn from the shop."

"This junior understands. Thank you for the arrangements, Shopkeeper." Chen Heng nodded in agreement.

Only then did Chen Xingjiang take up the conversation. His expression was somewhat solemn. "Xing Shan, the Lineage sent Ming Heng here this time not only because he has achieved some success in artifact refinement, but because it has high hopes for him.

"You must not treat him merely as an ordinary artifact-refining apprentice. In certain important matters, you may allow him to offer his opinions as appropriate.

"Ming Heng, this place is bound by the rules established by the three Families, but you must act with caution, especially regarding the Luo Family's movements. Quite a few people in this market have heard of and seen the recording of you defeating an enemy with that Blade-Hiding Staff."

Though he did not spell out the meaning of his final sentence, all three present understood it perfectly well.

"Rest assured, Elder. Xing Shan understands."

Chen Xing Shan promptly straightened his expression. "Nephew Ming Heng, simply rest easy here. Within the market, no one would dare openly violate the rules jointly established by the three Families. If there are any blind fools, the Lineage's Attendants and the market enforcement team will naturally deal with them."

He turned to Chen Heng, his gentle gaze carrying a reminder. "Of course, you must also conduct yourself steadily. Avoid stirring up needless disputes. This market is like the Li River—the water runs deep."

"Thank you for your guidance, Elder, and for your warning, Shopkeeper. This junior will remember it well. Harmony shall be foremost, and the Lineage's affairs shall take priority."

Chen Heng bowed once more, his attitude sincere.

He understood that in this place where fish and dragons mingled, keeping a low profile, improving his artifact refinement, and steadily increasing his cultivation were the main themes for now.

"Very good." Chen Xingjiang nodded, quite satisfied with Chen Heng's composure. Rising to his feet, he said,

"The matters here have been explained clearly. I still have important business and must make a trip to the Wu Family's shop. Ming Heng, now that you have entered the world, adapt well and think carefully when matters arise. Uncle Fu will remain as well. Everything will be arranged according to Shopkeeper Xing Shan."

"Yes, Elder. Take care." Chen Heng and Chen Xing Shan saw Chen Xingjiang off from the shop's rear courtyard together.