The commercial district: Asura Tower
Regardless, the battle between Zhuge Xiang and Zhang Kuang has finally come to an end, with Zhuge Xiang emerging victorious. Zhang Kuang's combat prowess in this battle Human Heart. Although he only possessed the cultivation of the Ninth Layer of the Meridian Opening Realm, with his Damaged Treasure Artifact in hand, along with the support of his Spear Intent and Asura True Body, Zhang Kuang's overall combat strength was comparable to that of a top-tier Cultivator in the Innate Realm.
Of course, Zhuge Xiang, who defeated Zhang Kuang, is naturally stronger. Most importantly, Zhang Kuang's last words, that Zhuge Xiang had not yet used his full strength, made Zhuge Xiang's strength even more mysterious and unfathomable.
Zhang Kuang's departure, however, caused a great deal of discussion throughout the Inner Sect Headquarters about this Duel. The emergence of a genius like Zhang Kuang further demonstrated Zhuge Xiang's strength.
There was much discussion about just how strong Zhuge Xiang was, but no one could come up with a definitive answer based on mere speculation. These disciples of the Battle Hall were all eagerly anticipating his arrival. Back in the Meridian Opening Realm, Zhuge Xiang Zhuge Xiang had dared to erect a sign blocking the entrance to the Blood Hall. Now that he had broken through to the Void Splitting Realm, what would he do? Would he challenge all the Innate Realm Squad Leader, or even the Squad Leader of the Return to Simplicity Realm?
Thinking of the feats that Zhuge Xiang might perform later, these disciples of the Battle Hall were filled with anticipation. However, Zhuge Xiang had lost interest in blocking the gate. A few days later, Zhuge Xiang carried Xiaoyue on his shoulder and Qin Qing by his side, and walked to a large commercial area east of the Asura Sect.
Yanling Commandery has over a hundred cities like Rakshasa City. Ink Martial City is the Commandery City of Yanling Commandery, and its commerce is naturally equally prosperous. To the East of the Inner Sect Headquarters, there is a large commercial district. However, the goods traded here are not those of ordinary people, but rather a trading place for cultivators.
The truly valuable items, whether they are Pill with special effects, Magic Artifact Secret Manual, martial arts manuals, recipes, materials, or even Ghosts and Monsters and Monster Beast, can all be traded in this Trading Area.
As the Commandery City of Yanling Commandery, this Trading Area naturally bustling. Many ordinary young men have been born here, and some have become legendary figures by finding Luck -quality magical Magic Artifact or martial arts Secret Manual. This has made the trading market even more prosperous.
A chaotic mix of good and bad. This was Zhuge Xiang's first impression upon entering this large commercial district. However, at a glance, there were quite a few good things to see. The cries of vendors rose and fell, some were from solitary Cultivator who had stumbled upon treasures by chance, and others were from large shops. As Trading Area for cultivators in the Commandery City, this commercial district was quite large, with probably over a thousand shops of all kinds, not to mention countless Cultivator setting up stalls.
"Young master, take a look at this longsword. It is Six-Star Magic Artifact. As the saying goes, a gentleman wears a sword, and a precious sword is given to a hero. It is perfect for you."
"Young master, I have a Pill here that I obtained by chance from the Secret Realm. I don't know how effective it is, but it looks extraordinary. How about six hundred Spirit Stone Coin? Hey? Don't go! Five hundred, four hundred?"
"Miss, this Crimson Rainbow Robe was practically designed just for you. It's a Six-Star Magic Artifact, combining both aesthetic appeal and practicality."
Along the way, many lone travelers with stalls recommended equipment to Zhuge Xiang and his companions. However, most of this equipment was flashy but impractical, with no real use. Not to mention, just looking at Xiao Yue perched on Zhuge Xiang's shoulder, who didn't even bother to lift her eyes and had no appetite, it was clear that the quality of this equipment was not very good.
After walking around and looking around, Zhuge Xiang soon found his destination. In the very center of the commercial district, in the most bustling part, stood the largest and most luxurious commercial building in front of Zhuge Xiang.
The Asura Tower is a commercial building belonging to the Asura Sect. The sale and purchase of equipment, Pill, and Magic Artifact artifacts here are all handled by the staff of the Asura Sect. As it belongs to the Asura Sect, it is the safest place in this commercial area, which naturally attracts more cultivators to spend and sell their items.
"Do you need to purchase equipment?" Qin Qing asked gently, standing beside Zhuge Xiang.
Shaking his head, Zhuge Xiang smiled and said, "You're wrong. I'm not here to buy equipment, I'm here to sell equipment."
The Asura Tower is a property of the Asura Sect, and it is managed by the Asura Sect's staff. Not just anyone can set up a stall here; only Asura Sect Disciple are qualified. After entering the Asura Tower, Zhuge Xiang quickly found the person in charge of the Asura Tower.
To put it nicely, these staff members are all from the Asura Sect. To put it bluntly, almost all of them are disciples who failed to comprehend Qi Energy at the outer bases or who failed to reach the Body Tempering Realm within five years at the Asura Headquarters and were thus expelled. That's why they were assigned to work under the Asura Sect's assets.
The person in charge of the Asura Tower was a robust middle-aged man. Although his aura was not strong, and he had only barely entered the Meridian Opening Realm, his expression was neither humble nor arrogant.
"So it's Squad Leader Zhuge who has graced us with his presence. May I ask what Squad Leader Zhuge wishes to choose? My name is Zhao Dongming. I have worked in this Asura Tower for over twenty years, and now I am the newly appointed person in charge of the Asura Tower."
Upon seeing Zhuge Xiang, before Zhuge Xiang could even explain, the middle-aged man smiled and spoke, his words not flattering but warm nonetheless.
"Oh? Mr. Zhao actually knows me?" Zhuge Xiang was slightly taken aback when Zhao Dongming took the initiative to greet him.
"Squad Leader Zhuge, a few days ago, blocked the entrance to the Blood Hall with his Meridian Opening Realm cultivation and defeated all the Void Splitting Realm Cultivator. A few days ago, he also defeated Zhang Kuang, who possessed Spear Intent and the Asura True Body. He has already become famous in the Inner Sect. Although I am not Inner Sect Disciple, the Asura Tower is right next to the Inner Sect Headquarters. If I haven't even heard of Squad Leader Zhuge's name, I must be really hard of hearing," Zhao Dongming said with a smile. His words of praise were not meant to flatter.
"Mr. Zhao, you flatter me. Since you recognize me, I'll be frank. I have some knowledge of Forging, and I'd like to hone my Forging these days. I wonder if you could arrange a stall for me?" After exchanging greetings, Zhuge Xiang got straight to the point and explained his purpose.
Upon hearing Zhuge Xiang's words, not only Zhao Dongming but even Qin Qing stared at him in astonishment. They hadn't expected Zhuge Xiang possess Forging? He actually wanted to stay in this Asura Tower to forge magical Magic Artifact?
Zhao Dongming, who had initially thought Zhuge Xiang had come here to select Magic Artifact, was stunned when he heard his words. It took him a while to react, but he still couldn't believe his ears and asked with certainty, "What did Squad Leader Zhuge say? You said you want to forge magical Magic Artifact here?"
"Good, any problems?" Zhuge Xiang nodded and asked.
"There's no problem. The Sect has trained a group of Artifact Forger, so it's fine to place you in there. It's just that Squad Leader Zhuge is so young and already has such cultivation. Shouldn't you focus on cultivation and make great strides? It's not worth wasting your time on forging equipment and affecting your cultivation progress," Zhao Dongming said tactfully, staring at Zhuge Xiang.
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing when it comes to cultivation. My Artifact Forger skills are already at the Beginner Grade Seven. I'd appreciate it if Mr. Zhao could arrange a stall for me," Zhuge Xiang replied, knowing that Zhao Dongming was looking out for him.
Since Zhuge Xiang had made his decision, Zhao Dongming had no choice but to accept it. However, he was slightly startled upon hearing Zhuge Xiang's words.
Zhuge Xiang's name is already well-known in the Inner Sect. Judging from his appearance, he is not even twenty years old. At the same time, he has such cultivation and is actually a Beginner Grade Seven Artifact Forger?
However, although he was shocked by Zhuge Xiang's status as Beginner Grade Seven Artifact Forger, Zhao Dongming immediately felt regret. If he had spent his time on Forging and cultivation, his cultivation level would definitely be higher. This was a complete waste.
Artifact Forger, Pill Alchemist, and so on are all paths chosen by those with poor cultivation aptitude who have given up on cultivation. It is truly incomprehensible that a genius like Zhuge Xiang would choose such a path and waste his time.
"Although Squad Leader Zhuge is Inner Sect Disciple, the rules of the Asura Tower stipulate that even if a disciple of the sect requests a stall, 20% of the profits from the transaction must be handed over to the Sect." Since he couldn't persuade Zhuge Xiang to "turn over a new leaf," Zhao Dongming stopped saying anything more.
"Yes, of course," Zhuge Xiang nodded, having no objection.
After the details were quickly settled, Zhao Dongming personally arranged a good stall for Zhuge Xiang, and then had his staff bring Zhuge Xiang some casting tools. He then told Zhuge Xiang to contact him if he needed anything before leaving.
The Asura Tower is filled with stalls, each floor with its own designated area. Some stalls sell or buy various materials, some trade Pill, some trade martial arts Secret Manual, while the second floor is for trading equipment and magical Magic Artifact.
Looking around the entire second floor, there are probably hundreds of stalls. These stalls display various Magic Artifact and equipment. The place is bustling with people. You can see many Cultivator wandering among these stalls, looking for the Magic Artifact they need, or carrying their own Magic Artifact and looking for discerning stall owners to buy their Magic Artifact and equipment.
Zhuge Xiang did not display any Magic Artifact artifacts or equipment at his stall; instead, he put up a sign indicating that Zhuge Xiang accepted all custom-made Magic Artifact.
Zhuge Xiang's price was about half that of other vendors. Of course, Zhuge Xiang had about 20,000 low-grade Spirit Stone, which meant he would buy all truly high-quality Magic Artifact and equipment.
After setting up the sign in front of the stall, Zhuge Xiang and Qin Qing sat down, and even Xiao Yue lay down on the stall to sleep, looking like Jiang Taigong fishing and waiting for the willing to take the bait.
"You buy truly high-quality Magic Artifact? I wonder if you can discern the value of this Magic Artifact?" After an unknown amount of time, just as Zhuge Xiang and Qin Qing were circulating their Qi Energy with their eyes closed, a soft voice suddenly rang out in front of Zhuge Xiang's stall. (To be continued...)