Chapter 33: Zheng Family Recruiting Honored Guest Elders

Under normal circumstances.

Whether in terms of Cultivation Techniques, Magic, or Magical Artifacts, the disciples of Noble Families and Sects are superior to Loose Cultivators.

Because of this, when at the same level of Cultivation, Loose Cultivators are often weaker than Cultivators from Noble Families and Sects.

However, Loose Cultivators tend to be more ruthless.

In a life-or-death battle, it is difficult to predict who will live and who will die.

In the past, Li Chang’an only knew a few of the most common Low Grade Wood Element Magic, so his Magical Combat strength was average.

’Learning too many Low Grade Magic techniques is useless. I need better Magic now.’

He searched through the Black Market as he pondered.

After a long while.

He finally found a suitable Middle Grade Wood Element Technique—Cyan Vine Entwined!

This technique didn’t consume much energy, had moderate power, and was mainly used to trap enemies.

"How many Spirit Stones for this ’Cyan Vine Entwined’?"

"Four hundred Spirit Stones, non-negotiable!"

the stall owner said lazily.

Li Chang’an frowned. "This isn’t like a Magical Artifact. There’s no material cost since it can be copied at will. How can it be so expensive?"

"It’s precisely because it can be copied at will that I’m selling it for so much."

The stall owner chuckled and glanced at Li Chang’an.

He began to explain.

"Daoist, once you learn this Middle Grade Technique, you’ll have an advantage over those Cultivators who only know Low Grade Magic."

"If I sold it too cheaply, everyone would learn it. What advantage would you have then? I’m just looking out for you!"

Li Chang’an was taken aback.

The logic sounded twisted.

But upon further reflection, it was true.

For the vast majority of Loose Cultivators, the price of a Middle Grade Technique was, in itself, a barrier to entry.

"Fine."

Li Chang’an tossed out four hundred Spirit Stones and bought the technique.

After that.

He searched for a long time again and found two more suitable Middle Grade Wood Element techniques.

They were ’Cyan Profound Sword Qi’ and ’Wood Armor Spirit Shield’.

One for offense and one for defense, they were a perfect fit for him.

Of course.

Neither was cheap.

’Strange. I’ve been looking for so long, but I haven’t found a single Body Refining Technique, and I’ve barely seen any Escape Techniques.’

Li Chang’an’s brow furrowed slightly as his gaze swept across the various stalls.

Body Refining Techniques were indeed far too scarce.

As for Escape Techniques.

Li Chang’an had only found three Low Grade Escape Techniques: ’Blood-Burning Escape Technique’, the Earth Escape Technique, and the Water Escape Technique.

The first one consumed one’s lifespan, while the latter two did not match his Spiritual Root.

"Aren’t there any other Escape Techniques?"

Li Chang’an asked a stall owner who specialized in selling Magic.

The stall owner shook his head.

"Daoist, in a small place like this, these few are all we have. If you want a better Escape Technique, you could try looking in Yellow Crane Immortal City."

"Yellow Crane Immortal City?"

Li Chang’an’s heart stirred.

Yellow Crane Immortal City was founded by a Golden Core Loose Cultivator known as the "Huang He Master" and was regarded as a sacred place by countless Loose Cultivators.

A place like that would surely have more Treasures, and the chances of finding a hidden gem would be greater.

However, it was quite far from Qinghe Marketplace, and all sorts of accidents could happen on the way there.

Besides, the Immortal City was full of powerful experts.

Li Chang’an had no plans to go for the time being.

"Oh, right. Rumor has it that the Third Master of Black Wind Mountain has peerless Escape Techniques, and was even able to escape from a Foundation Establishment Powerhouse."

The stall owner suddenly spoke up, mentioning something he had heard.

"If you have connections, Daoist, and sufficient resources, you could try to trade with him for his Escape Technique."

"Alright, thank you for the information, Daoist."

Li Chang’an cupped his hands in a salute.

Afterward.

He bought some more materials needed for refining Puppets and for Talisman Painting.

Perhaps because their origins were unknown, some items in the Black Market were cheaper than in the main Marketplace.

Even so, Li Chang’an’s net worth had shrunk by a small portion.

’I still have over two thousand Spirit Stones. That’s enough for my Cultivation,’ he calculated inwardly.

Thankfully, he had saved the Spirit Stones he would have spent on an Array and Armor; otherwise, his fortune would have shrunk even more.

’Time to head back.’

Carrying all his gains for the day, Li Chang’an began his journey home.

The road back was peaceful.

He didn’t encounter any other Tribulation Cultivators.

...

Just as he returned to the Marketplace, Li Chang’an ran into Chu Daniu and learned a new piece of information from him.

"The Zheng Family is recruiting Honored Guest Elders?"

The Zheng Family had high requirements for their Honored Guest Elders; one needed to possess at least a Tier One Middle Grade craft.

Once one became an Honored Guest Elder, they could receive a stipend from the Zheng Family and enjoy various preferential treatments.

If they performed exceptionally well, they could even enter the Zheng Family’s Library and choose from various Cultivation Techniques and Magic that were difficult to obtain in the outside world.

"Ah, if only I could become an Honored Guest Elder for the Zheng Family."

Chu Daniu sighed.

He only had the inheritance for making Low Grade Spirit Wine.

And on the surface, Li Chang’an only had a Talismanic Inheritance for Low Grade Talismans.

Neither of them had a chance.

"Brother Li, did you know? Elder Luo has successfully created a Tier One Middle Grade Talisman and has been hired by the Zheng Family as an Honored Guest Elder."

"Elder Luo Kun?"

Li Chang’an remembered the man.

The fellow loved hearing flattery and compliments from his juniors.

"Yes, Elder Luo Kun."

Chu Daniu said, his face full of envy, as he spoke about the news he had just heard.

This news had caused a sensation in their small circle of craftsmen.

Almost everyone envied Luo Kun.

As he spoke, Chu Daniu sighed again.

"Brother Li, Elder Luo promised me back then that he would give you some special guidance. You should have gone!"

Speaking of this, Chu Daniu always felt it was a shame.

After all, Luo Kun had never taken on a disciple.

If Li Chang’an had performed a little better back then, he might have inspired Luo Kun to consider taking him as a disciple.

Now, Luo Kun’s status and position were far beyond what they once were.

It would be much harder to ask for his guidance now!

"What’s past is past. There’s no need to bring it up again."

Li Chang’an’s expression didn’t change, and he appeared very casual.

But Chu Daniu refused to give up.

He had always felt that Luo Kun was Li Chang’an’s easiest path to obtaining a Middle Grade Talismanic Inheritance.

"Brother Li, there’s still a chance!"

Chu Daniu suddenly lowered his voice.

He said to Li Chang’an, "When I was delivering Spirit Wine to Elder Luo earlier, I heard the Zheng Family assigned him a residence near the core area of the Marketplace. The Spiritual Qi Concentration there reaches Tier One Top Grade!"

"That’s normal."

Li Chang’an nodded. After all, an Honored Guest Elder was practically one of their own.

The Zheng Family would certainly treat him well.

Chu Daniu added, "Brother Li, Elder Luo said the residence is too large, and he plans to hire a few servants!"

"This is the chance you were talking about?"

Li Chang’an couldn’t help but smile.

Chu Daniu nodded emphatically.

"Brother Li, there’s nothing wrong with being a servant! You’d get to be around Elder Luo often, and you could cultivate in that residence!"

As he spoke, Chu Daniu couldn’t help but show a look of longing.

Although he had a skill in making Spirit Wine, it was only enough to barely cover the needs of his daily cultivation.

He simply couldn’t afford a better residence for himself.

"Brother Li, think about it! The Spiritual Qi Concentration in that residence is Tier One Top Grade, much better than the place we live in now! As long as you can..."

"Big Bull, I actually don’t live in my old place anymore."

Li Chang’an spoke up at the right moment, interrupting Chu Daniu.

Chu Daniu froze.

"Brother, did something happen? Did someone force you to leave?"

"No, I just moved to a new residence and haven’t had the chance to tell you yet."

Li Chang’an said with a friendly smile.

He beckoned.

"Come on, I’ll show you."