Chapter 226
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Chapter 226: The Trading Market
There wasn’t much discussion about Murong Wuqing, but from the brief exchange between Shui Qingxuan and Su Hao, it became clear that Murong Wuqing’s strength was beyond doubt. Even Su Hao might not match him.
What felt even more terrifying and despairing was how Murong Wuqing’s cultivation speed showed no signs of slowing—it kept advancing relentlessly.
After dinner, Ye Yun bid farewell. Su Ling wanted to follow him but was sternly stopped by Su Hao. Given the current circumstances, if Su Ling appeared publicly with Ye Yun acting intimately, it could trigger unforeseen trouble. Since Su Hao aimed to compete for the Heavenly Sword Sect’s Sect Leader position, every possible risk needed to be avoided.
As Ye Yun left the Small Courtyard, night had settled. Stars glittered sharply in the deep blue sky, their light piercing through the faint mist veiling Shadowless Peak.
With Junzi Hall temporarily off-limits, provoking Dragon Hall or the Heavenly Secrets Group seemed unnecessary. From Su Hao’s remarks, Ye Yun learned of another way to earn Contribution Points.
The Trading Market!
Located at the base of Tian Shen Peak, the Heavenly Sword Sect’s Trading Market welcomed all inner disciples and above. Transactions here weren’t limited to bartering or exchanging Contribution Points—tasks like aiding in alchemy, weapon forging, and similar services also counted.
Since Duan Chenfeng and Yu Minghong were still cultivating, and Ye Yun couldn’t yet attempt the third level of Qi refining, he decided to visit the Trading Market first.
At the valley entrance beneath Tian Shen Peak stood a stone tablet inscribed plainly with "Trading Market." The entrance appeared narrow from outside.
Disciples drifted in and out in small groups, none sparing Ye Yun a glance as he arrived.
Stepping into the valley felt like entering another world. Outside, lush greenery lay quiet under the mist. Inside, a long rubble-paved street stretched before him, flanked by chaotic stalls selling every imaginable item—cluttered yet comprehensive.
Noises of chatter, shouts, and hawking overlapped incessantly. This resembled a mortal marketplace more than a cultivation sect’s domain.
"Hey, you look familiar! We’ve met before, right? Bought stuff from my brother once?" A gray-robed man called out as Ye Yun stood bewildered.
Ye Yun had never seen this man, let alone traded with him.
"You’ve mistaken me for someone else. We haven’t met," Ye Yun replied politely.
The man, around thirty, blinked before turning abruptly to leave.
Ye Yun stared. The man had claimed familiarity, then left at the first denial—how blunt!
Before Ye Yun could react, the man spun back.
"I’m Xiao Han. Xiao as in ‘bleak,’ Han as in ‘cold.’" He grinned. "You definitely look familiar—we’ve crossed paths once!"
Ye Yun sighed. What act was this? "I already said we haven’t met."
"Odd! Weren’t you just here? Forget me that quickly? Rich folks have short memories!" Xiao Han winked, laughing loudly.
Ye Yun finally grasped the game: Xiao Han was forcing familiarity. If denied, he’d just "meet" Ye Yun anew each time.
"See? First meeting’s awkward, second’s cozy—we’re practically friends now!" Xiao Han beamed like they’d known each other for years.
Ye Yun chuckled. "Brother Xiao jokes well. What do you want?"
"Don’t call me ‘brother.’ Here, there are no sect ties—only buyers and sellers."
"Then I’ll call you Xiao. Are you a stall owner here?"
Xiao Han shook his head. "Stalls? Petty trade’s beneath me. I handle big deals."
Ye Yun’s interest sparked. Big deals meant more Contribution Points.
His Thunder Sound Metamorphosis ring held precious treasures looted from Hualun’s millennium-long schemes.
"What does Xiao want? Or what goods do you offer?" Ye Yun asked casually, masking his eagerness.
Xiao Han’s eyes flashed with a glimmer of excitement as he grinned, "I take good items and sell unwanted ones. Are you looking to buy or sell, brother?"
Ye Yun answered, "Either works. It depends on my mood."
"What a fitting answer! We cultivators shouldn’t peddle wares like common street vendors. Show me your treasures, brother. I’ll offer fair prices." Xiao Han laughed boisterously, clearly pleased by Ye Yun’s words.
Ye Yun smiled, "Since Brother Xiao knows this is my first visit, how can I trust you won’t cheat me?"
Xiao Han stiffened as if offended. "What do you take me for? I’ve built my reputation here over ten years without cheating anyone. The sect ensures fairness – you can verify any item at the appraisal office for a small fee. If scams were allowed, this Trading Market would’ve collapsed long ago."
Ye Yun nodded. The Heavenly Sword Sect’s market indeed differed from ordinary ones, maintaining strict oversight.
"Fair enough. Let’s find seats instead of standing here," Ye Yun suggested.
Xiao Han brightened. "Good idea! The Tiangyun Loft ahead serves decent tea. We’ll talk there."
A mocking voice interrupted them. "Xiao Han, tricking newcomers again?"
A white-robed man approached, fan in hand. Xiao Han’s face darkened. "White Xianxing! Must you meddle?"
"Meddle? Cheating isn’t proper business." White Xianxing fanned himself leisurely.
"Accuse me without proof, and I’ll report you to the hall of sect regulations!" Xiao Han growled.
White Xianxing shrugged. "No proof needed when the truth’s obvious. Why so defensive?"
Murderous intent flickered in Xiao Han’s eyes. Only sect rules prevented violence.
Ye Yun observed them curiously. "Brother Xiao, is his claim true?"
"Sharp lad!" White Xianxing chuckled. "Xiao Han’s untrustworthy. Sell to me instead. This market has multiple traders."
"Stealing my business?" Xiao Han’s voice turned icy.
"Merely offering alternatives." White Xianxing smirked.
Xiao Han snorted coldly.
Ye Yun interjected, "Since both handle large trades, let’s all go to Tiangyun Loft. My request might need both your resources."
The rivals exchanged glances before nodding.
The modest Tiangyun Loft stood nearby, slightly better than market stalls but unremarkable by worldly standards. They settled by a window with tea.
"May I know your name, brother?" White Xianxing set down his fan.
"Ye Yun, inner disciple of Shadowless Peak."
"Absolute Sword Peak’s White Xianxing, sixth level of Qi refining stage. This grumpy but reliable fellow’s Xiao Han from Tian Shen Peak."
Xiao Han ignored the jab. "What treasures do you seek, Brother Ye?"
Both leaned forward, anticipating profitable business.
Ye Yun smiled. "I need heavenly materials and earthly treasures to enhance Thunder Spirit Qi."
The traders froze. Thunder Spirit Qi hadn’t been mastered in centuries. Ye Yun’s frequent use of Thundercloud Lightning Sword had spread word of his rare ability, though he aimed to hide other energies within him.
Neither merchant possessed such legendary items. They sat speechless, stunned by the extraordinary request.
