Perhaps because something weighed on his mind, Li Xiaoya could not settle into meditation even after sitting for over an hour. He ended his practice, stood up, and took several deep breaths, deciding he might as well go out for a walk rather than risk cultivation deviation. Most of his previous bouts had happened because he forced himself to circulate his energy when he could not enter a meditative state. He never wanted to experience that agony again.
After wandering around the mountain for a while, he felt his mind regain its calm. Seeing that it was about time, he ate a little at the Dining Hall, then headed toward the small trading market.
He had still arrived a little early. Very few people had set up stalls in the trading area, with only three or four scattered about. Li Xiaoya browsed them one by one, but after visiting three stalls, he had yet to see any pills or similar items that could advance his cultivation. Most of the goods were ordinary, commonly used materials. There were one or two rare treasures, but none were useful to him, so he could only head toward the final stall.
"Junior Brother Li! What can I get you?" The disciple at the last stall greeted him politely from some distance away as he approached. He had already noticed Li Xiaoya wandering around the trading area early that morning. A trace of amusement appeared in his eyes, only to vanish as soon as Li Xiaoya drew near.
"Hehe, nothing in particular. Just looking!" Li Xiaoya walked over and replied with a smile, putting on a casual air.
"Oh! You're in fine spirits, Junior Brother, getting up so early. Hahaha! Have a look around! Perhaps there's something you need!" The disciple chuckled nonchalantly and welcomed