River Bend Market

Li Shuidao and Li Shuilang had studied in the Cultivation Hall for two years; how could they not know the rules of the Five Poisons Sect, which stipulated that disciples of the Five Poisons Sect were absolutely forbidden from killing each other, except during trials?

However, rules were dead, but people were alive. In a place like this, far from any village or shop, if there was a great temptation, it was hard to say.

If Jiang Xue knew that Li Shuidao's Companion was indeed a Jade Toad, it would be strange if she had no thoughts about it.

Even if they didn't make a move today, they would tomorrow.

Even if they didn't make a move openly, they would do so in secret.

Be careful...

It never hurt to keep an eye out.

"To tell you the truth, Senior Sister, we heard from Wang Tianjiao that two years ago, one night, he released his toad to devour mosquitoes and flies, and was knocked unconscious on the spot. When he woke up, his Companion was gone. He didn't mention who did it, and we junior brothers didn't dare to guess rashly," Li Shuidao said respectfully from the side, afraid of angering this Senior Sister.

"Hmph! He's lying!"

"Two years ago, Wang Tianjiao, dissatisfied with his slow cultivation progress, set his sights on Master's spirit fields. While no one was watching, he secretly harvested the Spirit Grass personally planted by Master. He didn't expect to be caught red-handed by Master. If Master had reported this to the Law Enforcement Hall, not only would his life be forfeit, but his entire clan would be shamed. He begged and pleaded, and Master took pity on him, merely confiscating his Companion. I never thought that guy would dare to lie."

"But he's already a cripple. Without a Companion, his cultivation will forever stagnate. He doesn't even get a single Jade Coin a month. Besides chopping wood, brushing toilets, and feeding the Spiritual Beast Crane, he's really useless," Jiang Xue said with a cold smile.

Hearing this, Li Shuilang looked gratefully at his fellow clansman.

If it weren't for his clansman Li Shuidao, with his abilities, he would never have been able to do the work of tending spirit fields, which required profound knowledge. He would most likely have been sent to the woodshed to keep Wang Tianjiao company.

Moreover, this clansman had foresight and strictly forbade himself from picking Spirit Grass, not even a single leaf.

If Master Golden-Faced Gentleman or Mistress Qin Yue'e had discovered it, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

"So that's how it is. It seems we were deceived by Senior Brother Wang," Li Shuidao sighed.

"Hehehehe... Actually, your guess wasn't wrong. After Master confiscated the toad, he immediately rewarded it to this Senior Sister. If it weren't for that Spiritual Object, I'm afraid I wouldn't have broken through to the mid-stage of the Spirit Channeling Realm so quickly," Jiang Xue said proudly.

Wang Tianjiao stole Spirit Grass, could it be that this woman instigated him?

Li Shuidao swallowed and then gritted his teeth, saying, "I never thought Wang Tianjiao would do something so disgraceful. Li is ashamed to be associated with him."

"The Five Poisons Sect is a place that abides by rules. Madam specifically instructed me to bring you to the market, so I am responsible for your safety. Even if you two harbor ill intentions towards this young lady, I will still safely bring you back and inform Madam of your actions. The punishment will be decided by Master and Madam."

"We wouldn't dare! Even if we had the courage of a bear and the guts of a leopard, we wouldn't dare to be disrespectful to Senior Sister."

"Hmph! I doubt you would dare." Jiang Xue flicked her sleeve and continued down the mountain path. The Li brothers exchanged glances and hurried to follow.

Half an hour later, the three arrived at the River Bend Market in Poison Dragon Ridge.

"This is the market?" Li Shuilang's eyes lit up as he looked at the bustling crowd ahead, appearing extremely excited.

"I never expected the market to be so crowded. It's even more crowded than the market in Divine Wood City," Li Shuidao also said with emotion.

"This place is located at the southern foot of Poison Dragon Ridge. It opens for one day in the middle of each month. There are many immortal cultivation caves within a twenty-mile radius, and they all gather here to exchange goods. Today is the day of the gathering, so naturally, it's bustling with people. If it were during the closed period, there wouldn't even be a dog here," Jiang Xue said before walking into the crowd. The Li brothers followed closely behind.

Jiang Xue stopped and turned, snorting coldly, "We're at the market, everyone shop for yourselves. Why are you following me?"

"There are so many people here, what if we get separated?" Li Shuilang asked in panic.

Jiang Xue looked surprised, "Are you two children?"

"Senior Sister, we are here for the first time after all. What if someone bullies us? Wouldn't that bring shame to Master's name?" Li Shuidao said, cupping his fists.

"Don't worry. Although this is a market, it is still within the territory of Poison Dragon Mountain. The Five Poisons Sect has strict rules, and no one will bully or act tyrannically here."

"But if we can't return together when the market closes, with our young faces, I'm afraid villains will know at a glance that we have neither Spiritual Power nor Magical Power. We'll end up as corpses in the wilderness. How will Senior Sister explain this to Madam?" Li Shuidao said again.

Jiang Xue smiled faintly after hearing this, "What you said has some truth to it. Call me Eldest Senior Sister."

"Eldest Senior Sister!" The two bowed respectfully and shouted in unison.

"Hahahaha... You two are quite sensible. Keep up, don't fall behind."

The three followed the bustling crowd into the market. On both sides of the crowd were street stalls displaying various Spirit Grass, refining materials, and spirit fruits.

"Although this is a temporary market, there are still a few shops. Usually, the shops are closed, and they only open when the market is in session," Jiang Xue explained as they walked.

The three followed the crowd towards the center and soon came across a shop called "Hundred Herbs Hall."

"This shop is managed by the Five Poisons Sect. It sells pills, Spirit Grass, spirit fruits, and spirit food. The quality is guaranteed. Of course, it's more expensive than street stalls, but not much. If you don't have a discerning eye, it's better to buy from this official shop to avoid being cheated," Jiang Xue said, pointing to the shop.

"Isn't anyone in charge?" Li Shuilang asked in surprise.

"Hmph! If you get cheated, you can only blame yourself!" Jiang Xue said coldly.

The three entered Hundred Herbs Hall. The interior decoration was quite simple. Besides some spiritual medicines on the counter, there was nothing else. A male cultivator next to the counter, having just served a customer, immediately stepped forward. "Welcome, honored guests. What can I get for you?"

"Five packs of Purple Poison Powder and ten pills of Qi Circulation Pill," Jiang Xue said directly.

"Alright, five packs of Purple Poison Powder are one hundred and fifty, and ten Qi Circulation Pills are five hundred, for a total of six hundred and fifty Jade Coins." The male cultivator smilingly took out the spiritual medicines and pills from behind the counter.

Jiang Xue took out six and a half strings of Jade Coins from her storage bag and handed them to the male cultivator.

The male cultivator counted them briefly, and the transaction was complete.

"Alright, I've completed what Madam instructed. I'll wait for you at the stone by the river bend. Come find me when you've spent all your Jade Coins, and we'll go back together."

After speaking, Jiang Xue walked straight towards the outside of the market.

"Brother, why don't we buy two packs of Purple Poison Powder here? Our monthly allowance is just enough," Li Shuilang asked.

"You buy them. I'm going to look around." Li Shuidao shook his head and wandered alone in the market, his gaze sweeping around. He soon found the item he had taken a liking to.

It was a sword.

A rapier.

The blade was about a foot long, with a black hilt covered in intricate, ancient, and weathered patterns.

The scabbard was made of ebony, and the hilt was carved with a lifelike Black Lotus.

Next, Li Shuidao needed to cultivate the Toad's second Spiritual Power, and he happened to need a rapier.

If he could obtain this sword, he would be able to form a powerful combat force in a short period.