Chapter 34: Ninth Layer of Qi Refinement

According to Song Changsheng's speculation, this fragment of jade should be a remnant of a magical tool, though its grade could not be determined.

He had taken an interest in it because he sensed fluctuations of spiritual energy within. On the surface, it appeared to be nothing more than ordinary, first-grade Turmeric Jade.

However, upon closer inspection of the fracture, a faint white hue could be seen inside. Song Changsheng was unsure which type of jade possessed this characteristic, but he was certain it was not Turmeric Jade.

"It looks somewhat like second-grade Yellow Essence Jade, but why are there these minute patterns on it..."

Song Changsheng leaned in to examine it closely for a while, and his expression gradually turned strange. "I actually misjudged it. This is a man-made fake; it isn't even Turmeric Jade."

He thought back to the transaction; he had bought it from a young cultivator's stall. He had examined it meticulously at the time, convinced of its extraordinary nature before purchasing it.

He hadn't expected to have been played by that stall owner, resulting in a heavy loss of five spirit stones.

"This person's methods of forgery are quite sophisticated. I didn't notice the flaw at the time. Interesting; I must make his acquaintance the next time I see him."

Song Changsheng felt no anger at being deceived; instead, he wanted to get to know the stall owner.

He considered himself to have decent vision; otherwise, he wouldn't have scavenged the array foundation and the癸水 (Gui Water) essence. For someone to be able to deceive his eyes meant they truly possessed some real skill.

Although the jade fragment was unexpected, his gains today were indeed significant, making his excursion worthwhile...

In the time that followed, aside from contemplating that array pattern, Song Changsheng left his house almost every day at the hour of *Si* (9–11 AM) and did not return until dusk, quickly exploring the entirety of the Liuyun Market.

His rapport with Zhu Yiqun also grew stronger with every conversation. The two often traveled together, and Zhu Yiqun would occasionally showcase his culinary skills. While allowing Song Changsheng to feast, it also caused his cultivation to surge significantly.

In just two months since leaving the Jade Food Workshop, he had completed the transformation from the eighth to the ninth layer of Qi Refinement.

This was the magic of a medicinal chef. The food they prepared using various spiritual materials and herbs could produce many unexpected effects, with boosting cultivation being just one of them.

They were like a hybrid of an alchemist and a spiritual chef, possessing the advantages and characteristics of both professions.

In certain situations, medicinal meals were even more useful than medicinal pills.

Pills could not be consumed indiscriminately, but medicinal meals were different; eating too many would only result in being overstuffed or over-supplemented. Thus, medicinal chefs were generally treated as honored guests wherever they went.

However, the inheritance of medicinal chefs was extremely rare and the threshold for entry was high, making them a truly scarce species.

This also indirectly revealed that Zhu Yiqun's lineage was quite extraordinary.

During their time together, Song Changsheng also discovered that Zhu Yiqun truly loved making friends. Within the small confines of Lingzhou, he had acquaintances everywhere.

Among them were nameless rogue cultivators, direct disciples of Foundation Establishment families, and even many cultivators from outside Lingzhou; his social circle was incredibly wide.

During this period, Song Changsheng had also indirectly met many people and expanded his own network, which could be described as highly beneficial.

One should not underestimate the power of connections; they might prove to be of great use at any moment.

After several months, their friendship had deepened, but the fog surrounding Zhu Yiqun seemed to grow thicker, making him increasingly difficult for Song Changsheng to read...

——————

"You've worked hard, nephew," Song Luyuan said sincerely as he took the magical tool handed over by Song Changsheng.

"Clan Uncle, I have always had a question. Why does the shop only accept orders up to the high-grade of the first rank? The clan does not lack first-grade peak-quality blacksmiths, does it?" Song Changsheng asked, puzzled.

He had been promoted to a first-grade peak-quality blacksmith for some time now, yet he had never received an order for a first-grade peak-quality magical tool, nor did the shop sell them. Hence, he asked.

The Song clan primarily developed industries related to arrays and tools, so the clan had cultivated many array masters and blacksmiths.

As the clan's only shop selling magical tools in the Liuyun Market, logically, it should at least be overseen by a second-grade low-grade blacksmith.

But why was the limit capped at high-grade first-grade?

Facing Song Changsheng's confusion, Song Luyuan sighed and said, "Sigh, do you think the clan doesn't want the market for first-grade peak-quality magical tools? It's not that we lack the ability, but that we cannot."

"Why?"

"Because of the Bafang Pavilion. From the day they entered the Liuyun Market fifty years ago, they have almost monopolized the markets for magical tools, talismans, pills, and more.

Their goods have better quality, a wider variety, and lower prices; even our local forces cannot compete. We can only watch as our business is gradually snatched away.

To change this situation, the leaders of the six major powers joined forces to negotiate with Bafang Pavilion, and eventually, a contract was signed.

Within the market, Bafang Pavilion sells goods below the first-grade peak level at the same prices as us.

In exchange, first-grade peak-quality goods can only be sold by Bafang Pavilion. Although second-grade goods were not included in the contract, we still cannot compete with them.

Over time, the clan's blacksmiths of first-grade peak quality and above were all withdrawn." A deep sense of helplessness flickered in Song Luyuan's eyes.

Bafang Pavilion's influence spanned the five great continents of the human race; how could a single strand of hair compete with a thigh?

The fact that they even signed such a contract was a sign of their generosity, leaving a way for local forces to survive. Otherwise, they wouldn't have bothered with negotiations at all.

Song Changsheng felt heavy-hearted after hearing this. He had also purchased cultivation resources from Bafang Pavilion before, but this was the first time he had heard of such hidden circumstances.

In this world, the casual movements of great figures could suffocate small forces like them.

"I must get stronger faster!" Song Changsheng encouraged himself silently after walking out of the shop.

*Buzz, buzz.*

The communication jade pendant at his waist suddenly vibrated. Song Changsheng channeled a sliver of spiritual energy into it, and Zhu Yiqun's voice came through his ear: "Changsheng, are you free today? Meet me at the usual place; I have a favor to ask."

Song Changsheng raised an eyebrow, feeling somewhat surprised. He had known Zhu Yiqun for nearly a year, and this was the first time he had heard the word "ask" from his mouth.

"It seems he has encountered some urgent matter. I'll go check first."

Song Changsheng arrived at a pavilion on the southern side of the market at top speed. Zhu Yiqun, dressed in fine silks, was already waiting there.

"Brother Zhu, it is truly rare to hear the word 'ask' from your mouth. Speak, how can I help?" Song Changsheng said bluntly as he sat down beside him.

Zhu Yiqun sat down next to him and smiled mysteriously. "Actually, this might be a good thing for you as well."

"Oh?"

"To be honest, over a year ago, a few close friends and I obtained a map to the ruins of an ancient cultivator's cave dwelling. We have already gone to verify it; the information is authentic, and the ruins are still well-preserved.

We have made many preparations for this. Currently, the biggest problem is the array surrounding the ruins. We need an array master to accompany us, and you were the first person I thought of!" Zhu Yiqun said, patting Song Changsheng heavily on the shoulder.

...

(End of Chapter)