Destiny Brings Us Together

The next morning, just as the sun peeked over the horizon.

The Shaoyang Market Town was shrouded in a light mist, obscuring the surrounding shanty towns in a hazy blur.

Su Fan, having just finished cultivating the Primordial Chaos Technique, went to the kitchen.

He lifted the lid of the iron pot on the stove, and steam billowed out.

He took out a large ceramic basin from the pot, filled with glistening braised pork, neatly arranged on top of Spirit Rice.

This large basin of Spirit Rice was equivalent to five bowls of his old meals, plus over a pound of braised pork.

Now, Su Fan's single meal was more than what others ate in several meals, possibly even more.

It couldn't be helped; body cultivators naturally had huge appetites.

After achieving the Lightning Dao Body, his appetite increased again, making him no different from a bottomless pit.

If it were in the past, he truly couldn't afford to feed himself.

Su Fan carried the ceramic basin to the hall.

The braised pork, steamed by the heat, had its juices fully integrated with the Spirit Rice.

Taking a mouthful of Spirit Rice, then a piece of braised pork, accompanied by the richly flavored pickled vegetables.

The taste was so good, he wouldn't trade it even for immortality.

Damn it, if only I had brought out those jars of pickles from the small courtyard.

After finishing breakfast, Su Fan left home.

He walked into a secluded alley nearby and arrived at a dilapidated small courtyard. He opened the gate and went inside.

A moment later, the gate of the adjacent courtyard opened, and a middle-aged man with an ordinary face walked out.

This was another identity of Su Fan.

He had rented both small courtyards and often used this guise to buy and sell various cultivation resources in the Market Town.

With the end of the conflict between immortals and demons, the prices of various cultivation resources had dropped significantly, so Su Fan thought about stocking up.

This situation definitely wouldn't last long.

The prices of various cultivation materials would eventually return to normal.

Spirit Stones in hand wouldn't multiply.

If he didn't take this opportunity to stock up, it would be an unforgivable sin.

After selling off his spoils of war, he had over 1,800 Spirit Stones.

He had originally wanted to buy some high-grade Talismans, but their prices remained stubbornly high.

So, he hadn't made a move, waiting for this opportunity.

After observing for a few days, he felt that this market downturn had reached its peak, and he decided to start his shopping spree.

Su Fan arrived at the Market Town and found a place to change into his hooded cloak.

He browsed the open-air stalls for a while, then began to discreetly conduct transactions.

Su Fan's target was various Talismans.

As he was a Talisman Master himself, it was only natural for him to set up a stall and sell Talismans.

Su Fan only bought mid-grade Talismans, especially defensive ones.

He bought as many as he could of popular items like the Adamantine Talisman, Golden Shield Talisman, Wood Armor Talisman, Earth Armor Talisman, and so on.

Next were offensive Talismans, which he also purchased selectively.

He went on a large-scale buying spree for powerful offensive Talismans such as the Fireball Talisman, Water Dragon Talisman, Wind Blade Talisman, Earth Spike Talisman, Golden Cone Talisman, Rolling Stone Talisman, and others.

Finally, there were some auxiliary Talismans.

He would bargain ruthlessly for practical Talismans like the Gravity Talisman, Quicksand Talisman, Entanglement Talisman, Earth Prison Talisman, Light Body Talisman, Evil Exorcising Talisman, and Evil Suppressing Talisman. If the price was low enough, he would buy them.

The market prices had gone crazy. Before the war, a Golden Adamantine Talisman would cost at least eight Spirit Stones, but now it could be bought for four.

This was a typical case of oversupply, causing short-term abnormal market fluctuations.

Rogue Cultivators knew this principle, but seeing everyone else converting their useless resources into Spirit Stones, who had the patience to wait?

Su Fan naturally wouldn't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He spent over a thousand Spirit Stones to stock up on hundreds of mid-grade Talismans of various types.

This quantity of mid-grade Talismans was enough for him to sell for two years.

And the profit was nearly double. Even if he drew these Talismans himself, he wouldn't earn this much.

Not to mention the time and effort involved in drawing Talismans; if the profit wasn't high, it would definitely not be worth it.

Su Fan also took this opportunity to buy a considerable amount of Talisman Paper, Talisman Skin, and Talisman Ink, with prices reduced by about twenty percent.

He also had an incredible stroke of luck and found a bargain, acquiring a high-grade Talisman Brush.

Perhaps the stall owner had obtained it as spoils of war from the Qin State and didn't know its value. In any case, he spent less than a hundred Spirit Stones on it, which was practically like getting it for free.

Not only that, he also bought quite a few high-grade talismans at the largest shops in the market town.

Last time, he escaped the pursuit of the Demonic Sect female cultivator thanks to the "Earth Escape Talisman."

Now, the price had dropped by 30% compared to before the war, so he immediately bought three.

He also bought two of each of the following: "Invisibility and Qi Concealment Talisman," "Ice Needle Arrow Rain Talisman," "Heavenly Thunder Evil Suppressing Talisman," "Taiyi Golden Sword Talisman," "Five Elements Spirit Armor Talisman," "Nine Dragon Divine Fire Talisman," and "Taiyi Golden Blade Talisman."

He also bought a good number of high-grade auxiliary talismans like the "Law Banning Talisman" and "Body Fixing Talisman."

The shops didn't sell second-tier talismans; if they did, he would have bought them too.

After a massive shopping spree, Su Fan, leaving only two hundred Spirit Stones for his ferry fare, spent the rest clean.

He could draw low-grade talismans himself, so he didn't buy a single one.

Su Fan returned home contentedly after clearing out the market town. He took out the high-grade talismans and examined them one by one.

He wouldn't sell these talismans until he broke through to the late stage of Qi Refining; they were his life-saving capital for the future.

Next, Su Fan sorted the collected talismans into categories.

Once the market prices returned to normal, he would display them at his stall for sale, perhaps a tiny bit cheaper than others.

Since he got them cheaply, any profit was good.

He wouldn't have to worry about his supply for the next year or two; he could focus on his cultivation.

A few days later, Su Fan returned to the market town. The open-air market was still crowded.

He set out a few low-grade auxiliary talismans and sat on his stool, taking out an ancient book to read.

Business was dismal today. Even though the talismans were priced at a loss, no one was interested.

Su Fan didn't care much about his business.

If not for his identity as a Talisman Master, he would have preferred to stay home every day.

Just then, a cultivator in his thirties walked past his stall, glancing at him casually.

"Huh..."

He stopped, turned back, and walked to Su Fan's stall.

Su Fan was engrossed in his ancient book and had no intention of acknowledging the other person.

Buy it or don't, if you don't buy, get lost.

"Why are you selling talismans here?"

Hearing this, Su Fan was taken aback.

Who the hell are you? What business is it of yours if I sell talismans or not?

Although he thought this, he still put down his book and gave the other person a weak smile.

"Sigh... it's for a living..."

The other person nodded and said, "Body cultivation is indeed a bit tough..."

Su Fan was immediately furious. Who is this guy? How could he know I'm a body cultivator?

His current appearance was that of someone suffering from a chronic illness, nothing like a body cultivator.

Su Fan couldn't help but look up and carefully examine the cultivator before him.

The man was in his thirties, tall and slender, with a lean face and an aura of aloof solitude.

He wore an old, worn-out grey robe, its edges faded from countless washes.

A long sword was strapped to his back, its scabbard tightly wrapped in cloth strips. The hilt protruded from the sheath, worn and tattered.

"Sword Cultivator..."

Su Fan was bewildered. He was sure he didn't know this person.

Moreover, he couldn't discern the man's strength, only feeling a sharp aura pressing towards him.

He coughed lightly and said, "Senior, you are..."

The Sword Cultivator nodded, then squatted down and picked up the talismans on the stall, examining them one by one.

"Your drawings are good, not like a self-taught amateur..."

What else could Su Fan say? He nodded, flattered.

"That day, what was that purple lightning on your sword?"

Hearing this, Su Fan's head exploded with a "buzz."

He already knew who the person before him was – the Sword Cultivator Ye Tianhe who had fought the Demonic Sect female cultivator.

But he had changed his appearance, adjusted his posture, and even used the "Void Spirit Technique." How had this person recognized him?

Seeing Su Fan's flustered expression, Ye Tianhe smiled.

"Don't be nervous. It's because of my cultivation technique. Besides me, no one else should be able to recognize you."

Instead of feeling relieved, Su Fan became even more nervous.

This stall can't be set up anymore.

He smiled at Ye Tianhe, then started packing up.

Shouldering his tattered bag, he cupped his hands towards the other man and turned to leave.

"I'll be in Shaoyang Market for the next few months. If you run into any trouble, you can find me. Just ask any Qingxuan Sect disciple, and they'll point you to me."

Su Fan stopped in his tracks. He had been here for months; what if his secrets got out?

With that thought, he turned back and cupped his hands.

"Senior, we're fated to meet. Let me treat you to a drink."

Ye Tianhe paused, almost laughing.

Where did this little cultivator get the nerve to invite him, a Sword Maniac, for a drink?

Although Sword Cultivators were formidable in battle, most were straightforward and few were willing to associate with them.

After witnessing Su Fan kill the Demonic Sect cultivator from the Zombie Path during his battle with Gu Qinghuan of the Ghost King Sect that day, Ye Tianhe had become somewhat interested in him.

He had intended to refuse, but after the recent Immortal-Demonic war, he had nothing else to do in Shaoyang Market besides practicing his sword.

Ye Tianhe considered it, and on a whim, nodded and said, "Alright..."

Su Fan and Ye Tianhe left the market stalls and headed to the main street of the market town.

Shaoyang Market was now a far cry from its former self. The north and south main streets were lined with all sorts of shops.

The various restaurants in the market town were also doing booming business, packed with people.

Ye Tianhe stood before one of the restaurants, frowning at the noisy scene inside.

Su Fan understood immediately. It was said that these Sword Maniacs were quite difficult to please.

He ventured a question.

"Senior, why don't we go to my place? I'll whip up a few dishes, and we can have a drink."

Ye Tianhe turned his head, glanced at Su Fan, and nodded.

He found this little rogue cultivator quite interesting; he had never met anyone like him before.

If it were anyone else, Su Fan wouldn't dare invite them home.

But a Sword Maniac would be fine.

For a Sword Cultivator, one should always press forward.

If a Sword Cultivator's mind was filled with crooked thoughts, then his sword would have been practiced in vain.

Seeing Ye Tianhe agree, Su Fan bought some ingredients in the market town.

He then went to a restaurant and reluctantly bought a bottle of Spirit Wine.

Calling it Spirit Wine was essentially a tax on intelligence; it barely contained any spiritual energy.

The lowest grade ones dared to charge ten Spirit Stones.

Of course, there was real Spirit Wine, but it was astronomically expensive.

This kind of Spirit Wine was meant to fool those sect disciples who loved to show off. In reality, it was no different from bars or KTVs in his previous life.

Su Fan busied himself by darting around the market town, deliberately keeping a certain distance from Ye Tianhe.

Ye Tianhe, on the other hand, strolled leisurely, following not far behind him.

He found it quite amusing to watch Su Fan haggle with shopkeepers, arguing over a few Magic Coins.

He had joined a sect at a young age and had always been accompanied by his sword.

Over the years, besides practicing his sword, he had only killed people.

This was the first time he had experienced something so down-to-earth, and everything felt novel.

After Su Fan finished purchasing the ingredients, he didn't speak to Ye Tianhe and walked straight out of the market town.

Only when he reached his doorstep did he turn around.

Seeing Ye Tianhe following behind, he opened the gate to his small courtyard.

The two entered the courtyard. Ye Tianhe looked around before following Su Fan into the house.

Su Fan took off his cotton robe, revealing the "Immaculate Treasure Robe" underneath.

Ye Tianhe glanced at it and almost burst out laughing. He had never seen anyone wear a high-grade magic robe on the inside.

However, he didn't harbor any covetous thoughts. In the eyes of Sword Cultivators, apart from their swords, they paid no attention to other external possessions.

"Senior, please have a seat for a moment. I'll go prepare some dishes."

Su Fan said and, without waiting for a response, went directly into the kitchen to get busy.

Ye Tianhe looked around each room, then found a spot in the hall to sit down and began reading an ancient book.

People like him rarely interacted with others, but he quite enjoyed Su Fan's way of interacting.

As Ye Tianhe was engrossed in his reading, Su Fan entered carrying two plates of food.

"Senior, the food is ready..."

Ye Tianhe nodded and put away his book.

Su Fan simply prepared a few small dishes and placed them on the eight-immortal table. He took out some spirit wine and poured it for Ye Tianhe.

"Senior. I'll toast you with this cup..."

He picked up the wine, tilted his head back, and drank it down. Then, he rolled up his sleeves, revealing the crimson ghost face tattoo.

Ye Tianhe glanced at it and asked, "Is that a mark placed by that demonic woman?"

After speaking, he chuckled.

"Gu Qinghuan of the Ghost King Sect, she's a notorious demonic woman throughout Yongzhou. What exactly did you do to her?"

Su Fan's face was full of misery as he said, "Sigh... it's a long story..."

Ye Tianhe wasn't that gossipy and didn't ask for the reason.

"The Ghost King Sect is far away in the Qin State. What are you afraid of her for?"

Su Fan said with a wry smile, "Senior, do you think that the Ghost King Sect would infiltrate the Chu Kingdom and destroy the Market Towns and mines of the Five Sects overnight without anyone assisting them?"

Ye Tianhe frowned and said, "You mean there are still people from the Demonic Sect in the Market Town?"

Su Fan nodded and said, "To be honest, Senior, I've completely offended that woman. Before she left, she didn't forget to curse me. With the methods of the Demonic Sect, it won't be difficult for her to find me."

Ye Tianhe took out a small sword from his storage bag and handed it to Su Fan.

"Take this. If anyone from the Demonic Sect comes looking for you, crush it."

Su Fan's face was still bitter. "Senior, after a few months when you leave, who will I turn to? I'm disguising myself and acting like a nobody precisely because I'm afraid the Demonic Sect will find me."

Ye Tianhe's eyes suddenly lit up, and he said excitedly, "You want to lure them out and catch them all in one go? Then I..."

Before he could finish, Su Fan quickly waved his hand.

What a joke! You're a Sword Maniac, but I'm not crazy.

He believed Ye Tianhe had the strength to do it.

But if he killed people from the Demonic Sect and then left, wouldn't he be the one left to deal with the consequences?

"Senior, I'm just a small rogue cultivator. If I weren't forced into a corner, how would I dare to offend the Demonic Sect? I only beg you, Senior, not to mention what happened that day."

This was his true objective today. He was also willing to take a gamble.

Sword Cultivators were arrogant and unrestrained. As long as they agreed to something, they would never go back on their word.

But he realized that Ye Tianhe might have misunderstood.

Su Fan was already regretting bringing him home. He should just take the nearest flying boat and leave Shaoyang Market Town.

He couldn't stay in this place any longer, or he might end up losing himself.

Ye Tianhe heard his words, thought for a moment, smiled, and nodded.

"Alright, I promise you..."

Thanks to the third generation of webnovel authors, the third generation, book friend 2018072021009178, book friend 20190807101110109, book friend 20181125140200635, book friend 20170330081538065, and all the great patrons for their recommendation tickets. Old Bu is deeply grateful. For some unknown reason, I cannot see the names of the book friends who gave 6 monthly tickets and 3 rewards on the page. I have already contacted the editor. Here, Old Bu expresses his sincere gratitude, thank you all for your love and support.