The Market District in the Imperial Capital South District.
After the fifth watch, the crowds were already shoulder to shoulder.
Along both sides of the bluestone-paved road, the medicinal fragrance of pill shops mingled with the tang of tarnished copper from artifact stores and the sweet scent of spirit fruits hawked by vendors. Cultivators' bargaining voices rose and fell.
The disciples of the Xu and Zhou Households strolled together.
"No wonder it's several times livelier than when I came with Father back then. The Black Radiance Grand Assembly is almost here."
Xu Mingxian looked around as he spoke calmly.
"It certainly is lively. Almost everyone here is at the late stage of Qi Refining," Xu Mingqing said.
"Browse as you please. Buy anything you want, but if your judgment falls short and you get cheated, that's your own responsibility," Xu Mingwei said, then addressed the ordinary Xu Household disciples as well. "The same goes for you."
"Thank you, Elder Mingwei." They cupped their fists, delight flashing in their eyes.
Before long.
Xu Mingqing and Ye Xuehua both took an interest in a section of spirit root on a vendor's stall.
"Xuehua, our hearts really do beat as one. We've taken a fancy to the same thing. If you want it, then—"
Xu Mingxuan walked over. "Fellow Daoist, how much is this? I'll take it."
"Fifty spirit stones!"
Seeing several people interested, the stallholder changed his mind. He had originally intended to sell it for twenty or thirty spirit stones.
To him, it was merely the root of some spirit herb. Keeping it alive would be difficult, and it had little value.
But with several prospective buyers, he immediately doubled the price.
Without another word, Xu Mingxuan paid the spirit stones and bought the root.
"Third Brother, why did you swoop