Arriving at the Market Town

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

The morning sun streamed through the window lattices of Green Bamboo Lodge, carrying a hint of the crisp air unique to the mountains.

Chen Heng had long since finished his meditation, having rested and done his final warm-up exercises overnight.

Not only was his mana fully restored, but the Water-Fire Treasure Gourd he had newly refined also glowed with a gentle radiance all over, its artifact patterns stable, having thoroughly settled into the mid-grade first-tier magical artifact level, ready to be used at any time.

Uncle Fu had already tidied everything up and was waiting in the courtyard.

Chen Heng cast a final glance at Green Bamboo Lodge, where he had lived for several years, his gaze calm.

While the tranquil time spent cultivating on the mountain was good, the vast world below the mountain and the experiences gained in the market towns were also indispensable parts of a cultivator's journey.

He securely fastened the storage bag containing important spiritual materials, elixirs, talismans, and the Ruyi Water-Fire Cudgel to his waist, and the newly refined Water-Fire Treasure Gourd was slung diagonally across it.

"Uncle Fu, let's go."

"Yes, Young Master."

Master and servant walked out of Green Bamboo Lodge and headed towards the agreed-upon mountain gate.

At the mountain gate's ferry crossing, an elder with a stern face, wearing a dark Jade Spring Water-Pattern Robe, and possessing a presence as deep and steady as an abyss, had already been waiting for a long time.

His beard and hair were impeccably groomed, his eyes sharp as lightning. He was the Fifth Elder, Chen Xingjiang, who would be taking Chen Heng to Southern Foothills Market this time.

Chen Xingjiang's cultivation was profound. Within the Chen Family, he was known for his artifact refining technique and his steady, reliable nature. He was habitually responsible for the family's affairs related to the market towns.

Seeing Chen Heng approach, Chen Xingjiang's gaze fell upon him, and he nodded slightly, "You're here. Are you all prepared?"

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

"Mm," Chen Xingjiang said no more, only adding, "We will be traveling by sword riding flight this time. If you feel unwell during the journey, inform me immediately."

With that, he flicked his sleeve, and a streak of ethereal green sword light flew out. It grew in the wind, transforming into a vast, door-sized giant sword capable of holding several people, hovering about a foot off the ground.

The sword body shimmered with flowing colors, emitting a heart-palpitating sharpness, clearly a flying magical artifact of a much higher grade than what Chen Heng used.

As soon as the two stood firm, they felt a gentle yet powerful mana envelop them, shielding them from the strong wind pressure of high-speed flight.

"Stand steady!"

Chen Xingjiang let out a low shout and formed a sword seal. The large flying sword let out a clear, resonant hum, suddenly accelerating and soaring into the sky, instantly breaking through the mountain mists.

This was Chen Heng's first experience with such high-speed sword riding flight. He felt the mountains below recede rapidly, and the winding Li River flowed like a jade belt across the distant land.

The wind was fierce; without Chen Xingjiang's mana protection, he would have almost lost his footing.

He quickly mobilized his own mana to stabilize his body, concentrating on this entirely different way of traveling, his heart inevitably stirred.

Uncle Fu stood slightly behind him, his face pale, but his grip was firm.

Chen Xingjiang piloted the flying sword throughout the journey, his expression focused, and he did not speak much.

However, when he occasionally glimpsed Chen Heng's initial discomfort quickly turning into stability, a hint of imperceptible approval flashed in his eyes.

The flying sword pierced through clouds and mist at extreme speed.

Along the way, they encountered several groups of cultivators or small flying artifacts also on their journey. Some had powerful auras, while others seemed to be in a hurry.

Each time this happened, Chen Xingjiang would slightly adjust their direction or speed, displaying a cautious and experienced demeanor.

Chen Heng observed silently, committing these details to memory, understanding that the world below the mountain was far from as peaceful as the mountain, and he needed to remain vigilant at all times.

The journey was uneventful.

After about half an hour, the flying sword's speed began to slow.

Below them were no longer continuous mountains and wilderness, but a gradually appearing area with a concentrated population and relatively active spiritual energy.

Beside the Li River, a rather large cluster of buildings was situated, row upon row, with faint patterns of light circulating above them.

A tall archway stood at the front, inscribed with three ancient and vigorous characters—Southern Foothills Market.

The market entrance was bustling with people, with mortal caravans walking in and cultivators entering and exiting on various strange magical artifacts.

From afar, one could feel a bustling, mixed, yet vibrant atmosphere, completely different from the pure cultivation ambiance on Jade Spring Mountain.

Chen Xingjiang did not stop at the market entrance but flew the giant sword directly towards a core area on the side of the market near the Li River.

The buildings there were more orderly, and several tall shops bearing different family emblems were particularly conspicuous.

The flying sword finally landed steadily in the open space behind the courtyard of a rather grand shop, whose plaque bore the four characters "Jade Spring Artifact Pavilion."

"We're here," Chen Xingjiang retracted his flying sword artifact, and the large sword instantly transformed into a green light and disappeared into his sleeve.

Someone in the courtyard had already heard the sound and quickly came forward to greet them. Leading the group was a middle-aged cultivator dressed as a shopkeeper, with a kind face and sharp eyes, followed by several people who looked like shop assistants.

"Elder Xingjiang, you've had a hard journey!"

The shopkeeper greeted them with a smile and cupped his hands, then turned his gaze to Chen Heng and Uncle Fu beside him, "This must be the Mingheng nephew the family has newly assigned? Welcome, welcome!"

Chen Heng dared not delay and quickly cupped his hands in return, "This junior is Chen Mingheng. Greetings, Shopkeeper."

Uncle Fu also bowed respectfully beside him.

"No need for formalities, we are all family from now on," the shopkeeper said warmly, ushering them forward, "You must be tired from your journey. Please, Elder and Nephew, come inside to rest for a while. Accommodations have been arranged, in the east wing of the back courtyard."

"Nephew will be helping me manage things here at the Jade Spring Artifact Pavilion from now on."

Chen Heng entered the Jade Spring Artifact Pavilion with Chen Xingjiang and the shopkeeper.

The interior of the shop was spacious and bright, with rows of exquisite wooden counters displaying all sorts of magical artifacts, materials, and other cultivation supplies.

Even the air was filled with the unique scent of metal, wood, and spirit herbs characteristic of magical artifacts.

Several family employees were meticulously wiping down counters or attending to customers in an orderly fashion.

Scanning the dazzling array of goods and the shop's layout, Chen Heng thought to himself, Southern Foothills Market, arrived safely.

The guest room in the back of the Jade Spring Artifact Pavilion was spacious and elegant. On the display shelves, several exquisite semi-finished magical artifacts for appreciation and some mineral samples were arranged artfully. The air was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood mixed with iron.

As soon as Elder Wu, Chen Xingjiang, was seated, someone immediately served him clear tea.

Shopkeeper Chen Xing Shan then turned to Chen Heng, his smile as warm as ever, but his eyes held a hint of scrutiny. "Cousin Mingheng, I've heard much about you. I am Chen Xing Shan, the humble shopkeeper of this Jade Spring Artifact Pavilion."

"The family message said you are skilled in artifact refining, already at the mid-grade first-tier level. It is truly the fortune of our small shop, and a blessing for the customers of the market town, that our family can send you here today."

Chen Heng put down his teacup, his posture neither servile nor overbearing. "Shopkeeper Xing Shan, you flatter me. I am new here and unfamiliar with many of the rules. I hope you will guide me more in the future. It is my duty to contribute to the family's business."

"Haha, Cousin, you are too modest," Chen Xing Shan said with a clap of his hands, laughing. "This Southern Foothills Market is not as quiet as the mountains. All sorts of people are mixed here, but there are still rules to follow."

"This place is jointly managed by our Chen, Wu, and Luo families. We are in a triangular standoff, and open and secret struggles are inevitable. Cousin, you must keep this in mind."

"Normally, I oversee the shop, appraise materials, and maintain magical artifacts. Occasionally, I also craft custom orders for distinguished guests. If you have free time, there is a miniature earth fire vent in the backyard that can be used for your refining and research. Basic materials can be drawn from the shop."

"I understand. Thank you for the arrangements, Shopkeeper." Chen Heng nodded in agreement.

Chen Xingjiang then interjected, his expression somewhat solemn. "Xing Shan, the family sent Mingheng here not only because his artifact refining skills have reached a preliminary success, but also because we have high hopes for him."

"You must not treat him as just an ordinary artifact refining apprentice. For some important matters, you may consider his opinion."

"Mingheng, although this place is bound by the rules of the three families, you must act cautiously, especially paying attention to the Luo family's movements. Many people in this market town have heard and seen the recording of your Blade-Hiding Staff defeating an enemy."

Although his last sentence was not explicitly stated, all three present understood it clearly.

"Rest assured, Elder. Xing Shan understands," Chen Xing Shan said earnestly. "Cousin Mingheng, you can rest assured here. In the market town, no one dares to openly violate the rules agreed upon by the three families. If there are any foolish individuals, our family's enshrined protectors and the market town's enforcement team will deal with them."

He turned to Chen Heng, his gaze gentle yet with a hint of warning. "Of course, Cousin, you also need to act prudently and avoid unnecessary disputes. This market town is like the Li River; the waters run deep."

"Thank you for your guidance, Elder. Thank you for your warning, Shopkeeper. I will certainly keep it in mind, prioritize harmony, and put the family's affairs first."

Chen Heng bowed again, his attitude sincere.

He understood that in this chaotic place, the current priorities were to act low-key, improve his artifact refining skills, and steadily increase his cultivation.

"Very good," Chen Xingjiang nodded. He was quite pleased with Chen Heng's composure and stood up.

"Everything has been explained here. I still have important matters to attend to at the Wu Family's shop. Mingheng, since you have entered the world, adapt well and think carefully when encountering issues. Uncle Fu will also stay behind to follow all arrangements made by Shopkeeper Xing Shan."

"Yes, Elder. Please go slowly," Chen Heng and Chen Xing Shan said in unison as they saw Chen Xingjiang leave the backyard of the shop.