Beneath the gilded signboard of the Hundred Herbs Hall, the rich scent of medicine was almost dizzying.
Chen Ping crossed the high threshold, instinctively pressing a hand to the Storage Pouch at his waist.
Ten Low-Grade Spirit Stones were gone from it, but in their place was a small, smooth white jade bottle.
"Heal-Protecting Pill, specially made to treat mortal heart meridians and nourish the blood."
It was the biggest expense he had made since entering the Market, almost draining half the wealth he had painstakingly accumulated over the past two weeks of drawing talismans day and night.
Any other Rogue Cultivator would have called him crazy for wasting precious Spirit Stones on a mortal.
But when his fingertips touched the cool bottle, the long-suppressed restlessness in Chen Ping's heart miraculously began to subside.
Money could always be earned again. But if a person was gone, who would he live forever for?
In high spirits, Chen Ping's steps slowed as he passed a shop called the Drunken Immortal Inn.
He caught the aroma of wine wafting out, gritted his teeth, then turned and went inside to buy a Spirit Fragrant Chicken raised on spirit grain, along with a small jug of the cheapest low-grade spirit wine, Green Bamboo Brew.
Carrying the parcel wrapped in oiled paper and the wine jug, Chen Ping crossed the bustling streets, taking care to avoid the Bandit Cultivator spies with their unfriendly eyes. Light-footed, he returned to the dilapidated wooden hut in the Shantytown.
When he opened the door, the room was dim and cold, with only the charcoal brazier in the corner giving off a faint warmth.
Yun Niang was propped up against the headboard, wrapped in a thick quilt and still clutching the robe she had yet to finish mending. Hearing the noise,