Taihang Market, the Hundred Treasures Pavilion.
It was the largest shop in the Market. They said a mighty cultivator of the Foundation Establishment Realm stood behind it, and it had an excellent reputation. Of course, its prices were famous for being exorbitant, too.
With Yun Niang's face hidden beneath a veiled hat, Chen Ping strode into this money-draining den—a place he usually hardly dared even glance at.
The hall was spacious and brightly lit, its floor paved with polished jade tiles that gleamed like mirrors. A faint sandalwood fragrance filled the air, lifting the spirits of anyone who breathed it in.
"Fellow Daoist, what can I help you with?"
A maid in a goose-yellow silk dress came over. Though she was only at the first level of Qi Refining, she was poised and courteous. There was no trace of contempt in her eyes for the unmistakable air of poverty about Chen Ping.
That was how a major establishment did things.
Chen Ping didn't waste words. He took a Low-Grade Spirit Stone from his robes, set it gently on the counter, and lowered his voice.
"I'd like a Warm Jade Silkworm. A first-tier, low-grade one will do."
The maid paused in surprise, then gave Chen Ping another look. Her smile grew a little more genuine.
"You truly cherish your Dao companion, fellow Daoist. Though the Warm Jade Silkworm has no offensive or defensive abilities, it's a wondrous creature that nourishes the heart meridians and dispels cold toxins. Please wait a moment."
A short while later, the maid returned carrying an exquisite Jade Box.
As she opened the lid, a gentle wave of warmth washed over them.
Inside lay a silkworm no bigger than a thumb, its entire body as translucent as white jade.
It wriggled lazily, giving off a soft white