Chapter 31: "Save Me"
Shops with the prefix "Jia" were typically situated in prime locations within Zengtou Market, commanding the highest rents.
However, Jia-18 was an exception, nestled precisely at the corner between two rows of buildings.
Unless one intentionally sought it out, it was easy to overlook.
Ji Yuan had the same experience; had he not come specifically this time, he wouldn't have known there was a shop hidden here.
Upon entering, his first impression was of dimness.
Moreover, unlike typical shops adorned with shelves, this one contained three separate compartments enclosed by black curtains.
Apart from these, there was only an old man sitting outside the compartments, smoking a dry tobacco pipe.
He glanced up at Ji Yuan, then lowered his head again.
"They're all occupied. Wait your turn."
Uncertain of his meaning, Ji Yuan obediently complied.
He stood by for about half a stick of incense's time before one of the black curtains was lifted, revealing a young man in luxurious white robes who stepped out, frowning slightly.
Instinctively, he looked up at Ji Yuan.
"It's you?!"
Their eyes met, both showing a hint of surprise.
"Greetings, Daoist Wu."
Ji Yuan hadn't expected to encounter Wu Yan here. But upon reflection, it made sense.
Given the secrecy and nature of this place, it likely catered to the affluent clientele of the markets surrounding Yunyu Marshlands.
With Wu Yan's status, he naturally fit their clientele profile.
Indeed, Ji Yuan's assumption was accurate. Wu Yan was genuinely surprised to see Ji Yuan here.
Since Ji Yuan first appeared beside Lu Wan, Wu Yan had already investigated his background.
An ordinary fisherman.
Yet now, this fisherman had discovered the secret of Jia-18—a secret even Lu Wan was unaware of.
This suggested that Ji Yuan was far from the simple man he appeared to be.
"Why are you standing there? If you want to chat, do it outside!"
The old man guarding the entrance scolded with a frown.
Ji Yuan quickly apologized.
Turning around, he saw that Wu Yan had already exited... his attitude now vastly different from before.
Since their last meeting at the Treasure Pavilion, this was Ji Yuan's first encounter with Wu Yan.
It was likely due to Lu Wan; otherwise, Ji Yuan couldn't fathom any connection between himself and the Wu family.
Over the past three months, Ji Yuan had seen Lu Wan a few times—not by chance, but because she had opened a small talisman shop.
She had set up a stall in Zengtou Market.
Ji Yuan had passed by several times and noticed her.
Initially, the Wu family had tried to dissuade her, even causing a scene in the street.
Feeling disgraced, they had since left her alone.
With these thoughts, Ji Yuan finally stepped into the compartment behind the lifted curtain.
Inside, there was only a table and two bamboo chairs facing each other.
Seated within was a cultivator entirely cloaked in black robes, gender indiscernible.
Upon entering, Ji Yuan felt as if the outside world no longer concerned him.
No external sounds reached him, and even the curtain closed on its own.
Instinctively, he glanced back.
The black-robed cultivator slightly raised their head to look at him, then a hoarse voice emerged.
"First time here?"
Ji Yuan turned back, sat down calmly, and replied, "Yes."
"Is there a new elite in Zengtou Market? How did you learn about our place?" the black-robed cultivator asked with a hint of amusement.
Ji Yuan paused, then said, "Is it necessary to inquire about such things when making a purchase?"
"Not at all. Purely personal curiosity," the black-robed cultivator nodded slightly. "Very well, if you prefer not to say, so be it. A guest is a guest. What do you seek?"
"Five jin of Cold Iron Sand, four Bone-Corroding Flowers."
Currently, Ji Yuan's primary need was materials to upgrade the Fish Pond and Pigsty.
"Please wait a moment."
After speaking, the black-robed cultivator fell silent, seemingly consulting with the adjacent compartments.
Ji Yuan waited patiently.
After a short while, the black-robed cultivator spoke again.
"Regarding the Bone-Corroding Flowers, we'll inform you next month whether it's feasible. As for Cold Iron Sand, it's currently a key resource being acquired by the Water Dragon Sect. We dare not interfere. If you need it, we suggest sourcing it yourself or mining it directly."
"If you choose to purchase, avoid being too conspicuous, lest the Water Dragon Sect takes action against you."
"What?" Ji Yuan was taken aback by this response, especially the latter part. "Is it that severe?"
The black-robed cultivator chuckled, "You must have inquired at the Treasure Pavilion about Cold Iron Sand, correct?"
"Yes."
Ji Yuan nodded in acknowledgment.
"Then you're aware of how scarce it is for the Water Dragon Sect. Competing with them for resources... perhaps you don't realize who truly controls Zengtou Market."
After this explanation, Ji Yuan broke into a cold sweat.
Indeed, his recent efforts to acquire Cold Iron Sand had been rather overt.
Not only had he asked around, but he had also intercepted a batch in front of the Treasure Pavilion.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have managed to gather a jin within three months.
In hindsight, he had unknowingly risked his life.
Ji Yuan exhaled deeply, then stood up and bowed deeply to the black-robed cultivator... such life-saving information warranted a grand gesture.
"A modest fee, ten Spirit Stones."
Just as Ji Yuan rose, his smile froze.
Damn, no goods provided, yet charging Spirit Stones—and such a hefty amount... Ji Yuan hesitated briefly, then sensed a heavy aura emanating from the black-robed cultivator.
At the very least, they were in the late stage of Qi Refinement!
Ji Yuan smiled and handed over ten Spirit Stones.
After receiving them, the black-robed cultivator withdrew their aura and said, "We don't have Cold Iron Sand, so no charge for that. This is for the Bone-Corroding Flowers. They're rare... but we know where to find them."
"It's uncertain whether we can procure them. If we succeed, this serves as a deposit. If not, we'll refund you next month."
Upon hearing this, Ji Yuan felt relieved.
"Thank you, senior," he said, bowing again before exiting the compartment.
With news about the Bone-Corroding Flowers, another concern was alleviated.
Regardless, he'd wait a month.
If the Jia-18 people couldn't deliver, he could at least purchase the location from them.
Once he reached the late stage of Qi Refinement, he'd find another way.
Upon returning, Ji Yuan refrained from collecting more Cold Iron Sand.
Even when approached by two cultivators inquiring about it, he claimed he no longer needed it... partly fearing a sting operation by the Water Dragon Sect, partly worried about drawing attention by amassing too much.
Ten days later.
A flying boat descended from the sky, arriving before a mist-shrouded island.
The person aboard didn't disembark but hovered above the water, slowly speaking:
"Old ghost, someone has finally inquired about the Bone-Corroding Flowers you've been yearning for."