The shopkeeper stroked his beard and smiled, a keen glint flickering in his eyes. "Taking four magical artifacts in one go-quite a purchase, fellow Daoist. I hope you'll come back often."
Qing Chen's heart stirred at those words. This shopkeeper was rather generous, and the discount he had offered was no small one.
But thinking of all the spirit stones he had spent, he took a few more looks at the old shopkeeper's face, thinking, This fellow looks like he has quite a stash of spirit stones and magical artifacts.
Qing Chen's heart gave a twinge. He cupped his hands and said, "With such generosity from you, how could I refuse? I'll certainly come often, and I'll repay you handsomely."
The shopkeeper laughed heartily, clearly very pleased with Qing Chen's straightforwardness as well. "You're a straightforward man indeed, fellow Daoist. If you need any more magical artifacts, feel free to come and choose from my wares. I'll be sure to give you the best price."
With these four magical artifacts to aid him, Qing Chen's strength had increased greatly.
But the spirit stones were disappearing far too quickly!
Six hundred spirit stones! Even fifteen years of his sect stipend would not add up to that much.
After leaving the Hundred-Forging Pavilion, Qing Chen led Su Zixuan through the market.
They passed several bustling streets and finally found a cave abode for rent at the end of a secluded alley. It was crude but practical.
Though the spiritual energy here was not particularly dense, the place had the advantage of being quiet and hidden.
"The spiritual energy in this cave abode is comparable to that of a mid-grade tier-one spirit island, just right for your current cultivation. This will be where you cultivate for the next five years."
As Qing