68: Chapter 68 Heshun Chamber of Commerce

After half a day of rapid Flight through the air, clouds zoomed past them, and the astral winds whistled through their robes.

It wasn't until the silhouette on the horizon shifted from rolling green mountains to a grand city of row upon row of buildings that Sect Master Shen Yurong slowed her output of spiritual energy.

Qingzhou City in the distance was like a dormant ancient beast spanning between heaven and earth. Its scale was more than ten times larger than the former Xia Country's imperial capital. Yet, such a magnificent city was merely a provincial capital within the Great Qi Dynasty.

The entire Great Qi Dynasty possessed a vast territory, spanning nearly five hundred thousand miles, almost reaching a quarter of the area of the Hundred Thousand Mountains. The Dynasty's foundation and depth were far beyond what Xia Country could compare to.

A trace of fatigue showed in Sect Master Shen Yurong's eyes, but she had no intention of landing at the city gates.

There were no top-tier Sect forces within Qingzhou's borders. Although Luoxia Valley was only a mid-tier Sect within the Great Qi Dynasty, it was already a top power in the Qingzhou region. While not the sole hegemon of Qingzhou, it still possessed the privilege of flying directly into the city.

Spiritual energy rippled slightly around her as she flew straight toward the western side of the city. In less than the time it takes for half an incense stick to burn, a vast estate with high walls and vermilion gates appeared before them.

A plaque with a black background and gold lettering hung above the estate's entrance, bearing the four large characters 'Luoxia Villa' in a vigorous script. Inside the courtyard walls, ancient trees reached for the sky and pavilions were scattered about; it was clearly an industry managed by Luoxia Valley in Qingzhou City.

At the entrance of the estate, a white-haired old man dressed in a grey cloth robe had long been waiting. His aura was restrained; he was the Deacon stationed in Qingzhou City by Luoxia Valley.

Seeing Sect Master Shen Yurong and her party land, the old man quickly stepped forward and bowed. "Sect Master, Elders, and True Disciples, you have had a long journey. This old man has prepared the courtyard and meals and has been waiting for a long time."

Sect Master Shen Yurong nodded slightly, accepting the gesture. She turned her head to look at Yuan Kun beside her and gave a faint instruction.

"I leave the follow-up matters for you to arrange. I am going back to the courtyard to regulate my breathing."

After speaking, she walked straight into the villa. Her posture remained upright, yet she could not hide the instability caused by her depleted spiritual energy.

Yuan Kun watched the Sect Master's back and nodded gently. He then turned to look at the five young Disciples beside him, whose eyes were bright and who could hardly hide their excitement.

Most of these Disciples stayed within Luoxia Valley year-round and rarely stepped into a prosperous provincial capital like Qingzhou City. At this moment, their eyes were full of curiosity and excitement, and even their breathing had become a bit lighter.

Seeing their youthful and vibrant appearance, a gentle smile couldn't help but tug at the corner of Yuan Kun's mouth. With a wave of his hand, five bulging green cloth bags appeared in his palm.

He handed the bags to Lin Qing and the others one by one, solemnly instructing them:

"We have just arrived in Qingzhou today, and there are still several days before we depart for the imperial capital. You may wander and shop in the city to purchase items needed for cultivation. But remember, you are not allowed to cause trouble and tarnish the reputation of our Luoxia Valley."

Having said that, he looked at Yun Nian. "Yun Nian, if you encounter an emergency, send out the Sect signal immediately. Do not try to handle it on your own."

Next, Yuan Kun's gaze fell on Lin Qing.

"Lin Qing, your cultivation is profound. If there is any trouble, look after them."

Lin Qing nodded slightly.

"Rest assured, Elder."

Yuan Chong, who was already unable to contain his curiosity, impatiently opened the cloth bag to check. When he saw the fifty round and full Spirit Stones inside the bag, he couldn't help but let out a low cry.

The other Disciples also checked one after another, all showing joyful expressions—fifty Spirit Stones were quite a fortune for them.

Just then, several spacious carriages slowly approached, pulled by horses of extraordinary spirit and glossy coats. Clearly, the villa's Deacon had already arranged everything properly.

Qingzhou City's territory was vast. If one relied solely on their legs to wander, they probably wouldn't finish exploring half a street in a day. Carriages were the most convenient tool for transportation.

Everyone boarded the carriages in turn. The external Disciple responsible for driving the carriage outside asked softly:

"Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters, where shall we head first today?"

Inside the carriage, Lin Qing was the first to speak.

"Find a chamber of commerce first."

Lin Qing rarely spoke, so since he had opened his mouth, everyone agreed.

The Heshun Chamber of Commerce was the largest and most reputable chamber of commerce within the Great Qi Dynasty. Its influence spread across every city in the Dynasty, with extensive connections and a complete range of goods. Whether it was rare precious medicines, Cultivation Technique Jade Slips, or miscellaneous cultivation items, they were all for sale. it was the preferred place for Cultivators of all sides to trade.

The carriage traveled smoothly on the main road of Qingzhou City, with the constant noise from outside the carriage drifting in. In less than the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the carriage slowly stopped, and the driver's voice came through:

"Senior Brothers and Senior Sisters, we have arrived at the Heshun Chamber of Commerce."

Everyone got off the carriage one by one and looked up to see a grand seven-story pavilion standing in the center of the street. The pavilion was built entirely of precious Black Jade Wood, and a plaque with four gilded characters, 'Heshun Chamber of Commerce,' hung over the entrance, shining brightly.

Seeing the arrival of the Luoxia Valley party, the shop assistant at the door immediately stepped forward with a face full of smiles, his posture extremely respectful. Luoxia Valley was a top-tier power in Qingzhou, so the Heshun Chamber of Commerce naturally would not neglect them, bowing all the way as he led everyone into the shop.

As they stepped into the main hall of the chamber of commerce, they saw a bustling crowd. Counters on both sides displayed various Medicinal Pills, weapons, and spiritual materials, all shimmering with spiritual light. Cultivators of all kinds moved back and forth, and the sound of bargaining was endless; it was extraordinarily lively.

Lin Qing had no heart for wandering and looked at the shop assistant beside him, asking:

"Is there a private trading room?"

"Of course there are. Young Master, please follow me." The assistant hurriedly bowed in response and turned to lead the way.

But just then, a shrill and mocking voice suddenly came from the side, carrying a thick tone of provocation:

"Yo, yo, yo, I was wondering who it was. Turns out it's the Disciples of Luoxia Valley. What's the matter? Can the grand Disciples of Luoxia Valley not even buy things without hiding away? Could it be you have something shameful to hide?"

Everyone looked toward the source of the sound and saw seven or eight Disciples dressed in tight-fitting clothes with black tiger patterns embroidered on their robes leaning against the counter.

The leading youth had a face full of arrogance, his eyes scanning the Luoxia Valley group with contempt. They were Disciples of the Tiger Hall, a local Qingzhou power also participating in the Heavenly Pride Competition.

Tiger Hall and Luoxia Valley were competitors in the Qingzhou region and had always been on bad terms. Now that enemies had crossed paths, they naturally took the opportunity to provoke.

Seeing this, Yuan Chong, Yun Nian, and the other two instantly tensed up and hurriedly reached out to pull Lin Qing beside them.

"Senior Brother Lin Qing, stay calm!" Jing Rong lowered his voice. "The ones opposite us are the participating Disciples of Tiger Hall. It's best not to fight directly before the competition, otherwise, Luoxia Valley will be punished by the Imperial Family."

Yun Nian also hurriedly echoed, her eyes full of dissuasion:

"Senior Brother, there's no need to lower yourself to their level. Getting our business done is more important."

Yuan Chong, on the other hand, said directly:

"Senior Brother Lin Qing, you go to the trading room and handle your business first. Leave this to me; I'll argue with them."

The way the Luoxia Valley group acted as if they were facing a great enemy to prevent Lin Qing from attacking actually left the group from Tiger Hall stunned. The mockery and provocation on their faces instantly froze, and for a moment, they were somewhat at a loss for what to do.

Lin Qing slowly turned his head, his cold gaze like a frigid blade as it swept across the Tiger Hall Disciples. Just a single faint glance made all the Tiger Hall Disciples stiffen, feeling a chill rush from the soles of their feet to the tops of their heads, and they subconsciously held their breath.

Without any extra words, Lin Qing withdrew his gaze and gave a slight nod to the assistant leading the way, then stepped forward to follow him toward the private trading room at the back of the hall.

It wasn't until Lin Qing's figure disappeared at the end of the corridor that the Tiger Hall group collectively breathed a sigh of relief. The leading youth's face was pale, and a layer of cold sweat had actually broken out on his back.

The trading room was simply furnished with a square table and two chairs. Just as Lin Qing sat down, a slightly plump middle-aged man with a kind face walked in quickly.

The man cupped his hands toward Lin Qing.

"I am Ma Chenghou, the humble manager of this shop. I wonder if this young hero has come to sell treasures or to purchase items?"

Lin Qing got straight to the point, taking out two lustrous white jade bottles from his robe and handing them over.

"Give me an estimate for the things inside."

Ma Chenghou took the jade bottles with both hands, carefully uncorked them, poured a drop of the medicinal liquid onto his fingertip to inspect it closely, and then held it to his nose to sniff. After a moment, he smiled and said to Lin Qing:

"This is Profound Stone Condensate, a common body quenching medicine that is of great benefit for low-level Cultivators to temper their Physical Bodies. My Heshun Chamber of Commerce will offer a fair price of fifty Spirit Crystals per drop. What does the young hero think?"

Spirit Crystals were a lower currency than Spirit Stones, with one hundred Spirit Crystals exchanging for one Spirit Stone. One drop of body quenching milk for fifty Spirit Crystals was half a Spirit Stone. He wasn't afraid of the other party cheating him; if they really dared to do so, he wouldn't mind flattening this Heshun Chamber of Commerce in the future. He immediately nodded slightly.

"Acceptable."

"The young hero is decisive." Ma Chenghou's smile grew even wider, and he then asked, "I wonder if the young hero has any other needs besides selling medicinal medicine? My Heshun Chamber of Commerce has everything: Cultivation Techniques, spells, spiritual materials, and Magic Treasures."

Lin Qing had been waiting for these words and immediately spoke up.

"The Pulse Opening Method, how much does it cost?"

Hearing this, Ma Chenghou replied truthfully:

"The Pulse Opening Method is fifteen Spirit Stones per technique. I wonder which one the young hero would like to study?"

"All five types. I want them all."

As soon as these words came out, the smile on Ma Chenghou's face froze, and he showed a hesitant expression, his gaze toward Lin Qing carrying a hint of confusion.

Lin Qing's brow quirked slightly as he asked faintly:

"What? Can the Heshun Chamber of Commerce not even put together five Pulse Opening Methods?"

"The young hero misunderstood. It's not that we can't put them together, but there is one thing this old man must truthfully inform the young hero of." Ma Chenghou warned with a solemn expression, "The young hero might not be aware, but these Pulse Opening Methods cannot be Cultivated simultaneously."

Hearing this, a flash of surprise crossed Lin Qing's eyes. He indeed did not know this before and immediately asked in return:

"Why can't they be Cultivated together?"

Seeing that he truly didn't know, Ma Chenghou explained patiently:

"Each Pulse Opening Method corresponds to a path for opening Meridians. The core of the methods and the logic of spiritual energy circulation are naturally in conflict and incompatible with each other."

"Since ancient times, countless Prodigies and geniuses in the cultivation world have exhausted their life's effort and could at most only be compatible with two Pulse Opening Methods simultaneously, opening two different Meridian paths."

"If anyone attempts to Cultivate three or more at the same time, it will inevitably lead to a conflict and rampage of spiritual energy. At best, their cultivation will never progress again for the rest of their life; at worst, their spiritual energy will explode, and they will die on the spot."

"This is an iron rule verified by the lives of countless predecessors in the cultivation world. The young hero has outstanding talent and must never take such a strange risk."

Ma Chenghou spoke these words with genuine sincerity.

Lin Qing understood. So the Pulse Opening Method had such a catch. However, he developed a strong desire to investigate this and immediately looked at Ma Chenghou.

"In that case, are there any ancient records that document the principles of conflict between Pulse Opening Methods and the records of Pulse Opening attempts by past Cultivators?"

"Of course there are." Ma Chenghou nodded quickly. "This is a recognized unsolved mystery in the cultivation world. Every generation has ancient records and case files. I happen to have the most complete copy of the 'essence of pulse opening' here. If the young hero needs it, I can give it to you for free."

"Good." Lin Qing decided on the spot. "I'll take the 'essence of pulse opening,' and I'll also buy all five of the Five Elements Pulse Opening Methods. I will make my own judgment regarding the pros and cons; you need not worry."

Since it had come to this, Ma Chenghou no longer tried to dissuade him and went to prepare. Lin Qing then asked:

"Besides that, are there any basic spells?"

"Of course." Ma Chenghou smiled as he took a thin booklet from the Storage Pouch at his waist and handed it over. "What's recorded here are the most basic spells in the cultivation world. They can be practiced at the fifth level. Each one is five Spirit Stones; the young hero may choose as he pleases."

Lin Qing took the booklet and flipped through it, quickly selecting five: Object Manipulation, Flight, Sound Transmission Technique, Breath Concealment Technique, and Trace Leaving Technique.

Among them, Breath Concealment Technique was a method of using Divine Thought to cover one's body to prevent others from probing, though the effect depended on the relative strength of the Divine Thoughts. Trace Leaving Technique was the basic method for recording Divine Thought marks and onto Jade Slips.

A moment later, Ma Chenghou had prepared the Jade Slips for the five Pulse Opening Methods, the 'essence of pulse opening,' and the five basic spells, placing them before Lin Qing.

After the settlement, the five Pulse Opening Methods were seventy-five Spirit Stones, and the five basic spells were twenty-five Spirit Stones, totaling one hundred Spirit Stones. This happened to equal the money Lin Qing had obtained from selling the body quenching milk.

As for the fifty Spirit Stones the Sect had given him, they remained untouched.

Lin Qing's fingers brushed against the empty pouch at his waist. Thinking of the inconvenience of storage, he asked again:

"Manager, how much do storage items cost?"

Ma Chenghou replied quickly:

"To answer the young hero, storage items are divided into two types: one is the most common Storage Pouch, and the other is the rare storage Magic Treasure."

"What is the difference between the two?"

"A Storage Pouch requires Divine Thought to control and can only be used at the fifth level of cultivation at minimum. Its advantage is its low price; one with a capacity of three cubic feet costs only thirty Spirit Stones. The disadvantage is its average security; if it is taken by someone else, they only need to wipe away the Divine Thought mark to open it."

"A storage Magic Treasure can be bound by a drop of blood and controlled solely by thought. It does not require a fifth-level cultivation and has higher security. Even if it is taken, unless the enemy's strength is overwhelmingly superior, they cannot use the items inside. The only disadvantage is the expensive price; a storage Magic Treasure of the same capacity is ten times the price of a Storage Pouch."

Lin Qing nodded. His Divine Thought was already formed, enough to control a Storage Pouch, and he couldn't afford a storage Magic Treasure anyway. He immediately said:

"I'll take a three-cubic-foot Storage Pouch."

With that, he took thirty Spirit Stones from the bag Yuan Kun had given him and handed them to Ma Chenghou.

The transaction complete, Lin Qing put all the Jade Slips and the remaining Spirit Stones into the newly acquired Storage Pouch, then placed it inside his robe. Hanging it directly on his waist would be a bit too conspicuous.

During this shopping trip, he had prepared all the techniques, spells, and storage equipment needed for his current cultivation. After all the spending, he still had twenty Spirit Stones left in his hand.

Once everything was packed, Lin Qing pushed open the door of the trading room and returned to the chamber of commerce hall.

At this time, in the hall, the groups from Luoxia Valley and Tiger Hall were still in a standoff, but the situation had long since reversed.

The Tiger Hall Disciples, who had been arrogant and provocative before, were now all flushed with anger and frustration. Meanwhile, Yuan Chong, Yun Nian, and the others appeared composed. Clearly, the Luoxia Valley group had won this war of words.

Seeing Lin Qing walk out, both parties stopped their arguing. The Tiger Hall Disciples looked at Lin Qing with lingering fear in their eyes and subconsciously took half a step back, not daring to show any more provocation.

Lin Qing looked at his fellow Disciples.

"If you have items to buy, go ahead."

Yuan Chong and the others had long since grown bored of arguing. They nodded one after another. They didn't have any urgent items to purchase and were just wandering to relax. They split up and quickly toured the chamber of commerce. In less than half an hour, they had all gathered back at the entrance.

The group boarded the carriage and returned to Luoxia Villa.

Back at the villa, the Deacon had already arranged independent courtyards for each of them, which were quiet and private. Lin Qing bid farewell to his fellow Disciples, walked into his room, took out the 'essence of pulse opening' from his Storage Pouch, sat cross-legged on the bed, and began to study the pages carefully.

He wanted to investigate thoroughly what kind of mysteries were hidden within the path of Pulse Opening.