Song Wen sighed inwardly. The Jade Spirit Palace certainly lived up to the words "righteous path."
Banning all black markets hindered trade between cultivators to some extent, but it also put an end to certain acts of pillage.
In particular, disciples of established sects and lineages often carried pills, magical treasures, and spiritual artifacts bearing distinctive markings. Without black markets, bandit cultivators would struggle to sell such spoils and thus avoid targeting those people.
"If you wish to sell anything discreetly, Senior, your only option is a private exchange gathering among cultivators. But only acquaintances are allowed to attend. You would need someone to introduce you," the stallholder told Song Wen, switching to communication through divine sense.
Song Wen raised an eyebrow, a trace of interest appearing on his face.
He had only just arrived and knew neither the place nor its people. Attending one of these so-called exchange gatherings could do him no harm.
"It seems you can provide an introduction, then?"
The stallholder replied, "I may be of little ability, but I've knocked around Taitan City for several hundred years. I do have a few connections."
Song Wen casually tossed him ten superior spirit stones.
"These are your reward. If I obtain what I want at the gathering, there will be a generous reward to follow."
"Thank you, Senior." The stallholder accepted the spirit stones, his face wreathed in smiles. "There will be an exchange gathering for high-level cultivators in a month. Only those at the nascent soul stage or above may attend. Would you be interested?"
Song Wen nodded slightly.
Seeing this, the stallholder continued.
"At the hour of the dog one month from now, I will await you at Auspicious Jade Mountain, a thousand li east of the city."
"I'll be there on time," Song Wen