Market Encountered Again

There were only seven days left until the Inner Sect Preliminary Assessment.

Shen Hao's cultivation had stabilized at Late Qi Refining Third Layer, just a step away from Perfected Qi Refining Third Layer. His practice of the sword technique was also advancing daily; the three forms—slash, thrust, and flick—had been honed to perfection.

That day, after finishing his duties in the Medicine Garden, Shen Hao received a Low-grade Spirit Stone. After a moment's thought, he decided to head to the Market and buy some Spiritual Medicine for healing. The Combat Competition in the Inner Sect Preliminary Assessment was bound to be fierce, and injuries were inevitable.

When Shen Hao arrived at the Market, he saw crowds bustling about, even livelier than usual. Clearly, everyone was preparing cultivation resources for the Inner Sect Preliminary Assessment.

Shen Hao walked over to a stall selling healing Spiritual Medicine, his gaze landing on a pure white herb. This herb was called Blood-Stopping Grass, a common healing Spiritual Medicine used by Qi Refining Stage cultivators. Taking it could quickly stop bleeding.

"How much for this Blood-Stopping Grass?" Shen Hao asked.

The stall owner, a Middle-aged Man, glanced at Shen Hao and said, "Five Low-grade Spirit Stones per plant."

Shen Hao nodded and bought ten plants of Blood-Stopping Grass. He also picked up some Trauma Powder, then prepared to leave the Market.

Just then, a familiar voice came from beside him.

"Senior Brother Shen!"

Shen Hao followed the sound and saw Zhang Shan running toward him, a look of urgency on his face.

"Junior Brother Zhang, what's happened?" Shen Hao asked.

Zhang Shan reached Shen Hao, panting heavily, and said, "Senior Brother Shen, you've got to help me. I spotted a Basic Footwork Technique at a stall just now, but I don't have enough spirit stones on me."

Shen Hao smiled and said, "Basic Footwork Technique? That's a good find. Practicing it can boost your movement speed, which will be a big help in the Combat Competition."

He paused, then added, "How many spirit stones do you need?"

Zhang Shan scratched his head and said, "The stall owner said it costs twenty Low-grade Spirit Stones. I only have ten, so I'm short by ten."

Shen Hao nodded, took ten Low-grade Spirit Stones from his pocket, and handed them to Zhang Shan. "Take these. If you need more, just let me know."

Zhang Shan took the stones, his eyes full of gratitude. "Senior Brother Shen, thank you. I'll remember this favor. Once I pass the Inner Sect Preliminary Assessment and become an Inner Sect Disciple, I'll repay you double."

Shen Hao smiled and said, "It's just a small favor, no need to dwell on it. We're fellow disciples; helping each other is only right."

The two chatted for a while, then headed toward the stall selling the Basic Footwork Technique.

The stall owner was an old man. Seeing Zhang Shan and Shen Hao approach, he smiled and said, "Little fellow, made up your mind? This Basic Footwork Technique is my prized possession. After practicing it, your movement speed will increase by at least thirty percent."

Zhang Shan nodded and handed the old man twenty Low-grade Spirit Stones. The old man took the stones and passed the Basic Footwork Technique to Zhang Shan.

Zhang Shan clutched the Basic Footwork Technique as if it were a treasure, quickly flipping it open and studying it intently.

Shen Hao watched Zhang Shan's expression and smiled. He knew how important the Basic Footwork Technique was to Zhang Shan.

The two left the stall, and Zhang Shan said excitedly, "Senior Brother Shen, with this Basic Footwork Technique, my combat ability is sure to take a big leap forward."

Shen Hao nodded and said, "Mm. Train hard and aim for good results in the assessment."

They chatted a bit longer, then each returned to their own lodgings.