Chapter 306: Taishan Market, Golden Stone Pavilion, and the Stepping Stone

It had been half a day since they’d left the treacherous region of Nanwa Snow Mountain behind.

Only now were the cultivators from Dahe Market beginning to settle down, the fear that had gripped them slowly ebbing away. The aftermath of what they’d experienced still lingered in their expressions, but at least the worst seemed to be over.

Aboard the Luo Tian Society's ship, Wang Yuan quietly entered Luo Chen’s cabin.

"You really have some guts!

"Throwing out that many top-grade Jade Essence pills at once, that was worth tens of thousands of spirit stones!"

“Tsk tsk, you should’ve seen the faces of those rogue cultivators on the rear ships,” Luo Chen said with a grin. “They were completely dumbfounded, eyes wide as saucers.”

By now, the spirit power Luo Chen had expended had nearly fully recovered. For cultivators who had reached the Foundation Establishment Realm, as long as they didn’t release too much energy in a single burst, recovery came naturally and quickly. This ability stemmed from the spirit energy cloud formed during the ninth stage of Qi-Refining, and once a cultivator broke through to Foundation Establishment, the efficiency of recovery doubled.

On top of that, the automatic energy restoration from his Medicine King Codex of Yimu made the effect several times stronger than that of an average Foundation Establishment cultivator.

"I had to do it at the time.

"The Li and Nangong families lost a great number of domesticated spirit beasts, and Wang Haichao paid a hefty amount of spirit stones. I had to give up something too, otherwise, they’d feel the exchange was unfair."

Wang Yuan nodded.

Luo Chen always thought more thoroughly than he did in matters like this. Still, he didn’t quite understand, wasn’t Luo Chen acting a bit too kind-hearted and selfless in that situation? If it were him, he wouldn’t have spared a second thought for the lives of those rogue cultivators.

Perhaps sensing Wang Yuan’s unspoken doubts, Luo Chen said lightly, "The biggest problem when arriving in a new region is not knowing the people or the place. If there’s a group of people I’ve helped, even if they’re not from the Luo Tian Society, they might still offer us some assistance.

"And as for Wang Haichao..." Luo Chen pursed his lips, a shadow of coldness appearing in his eyes.

That man was like a snake, cruel and venomous. No one could predict when he might suddenly strike. He had previously pushed him into the Alliance Leader position precisely so he’d be the one to stick his neck out and deal with any dangers along the way.

He had handled the situation well, there was no denying that. But he had done it at the cost of other people’s lives. If Luo Chen hadn’t pressured him this time, he probably wouldn’t have been willing to sacrifice a single thing.

Wang Yuan shook his head. "This is someone we shouldn’t grow close to. His appetite and ambition are enormous, and he has no regard for principle.

"I know that." Luo Chen let out a low hum and turned his gaze to Wang Yuan.

"After removing Duan Qiankun’s lingering soul, how has your cultivation been progressing?"

At the mention of cultivation, Wang Yuan perked up. He shook his body, letting out a series of crackling bone pops.

"The Dao to Immortality is currently stuck at the Perfected Mastery of Qi-Refining.

"But over these past days, I’ve developed a real killing move, something that truly belongs to the second stage of Physical-Refining!"

Luo Chen raised his brow. "Can it rival techniques in the early stage of Foundation Establishment Realm?

"This is my full-force strike, and perhaps it's even stronger!"

Luo Chen looked at the confident Wang Yuan in surprise.

Then, he felt a bit more at ease. "With you around, things will go much more smoothly for me from here on out."

***

Composure, in the end, came from strength.

The true inner strength lay in one’s cultivation realm, personal power, and hidden trump cards. Outer strength came from one’s backing, factions, influence, connections, wealth. And after years of tireless effort, Luo Chen had steadily accumulated more and more of both.

As a result, the way he carried himself had grown increasingly calm, measured, and unshakable. The impulsiveness and inexperience of youth had long faded, replaced by a deep steadiness that came only with maturity.

To those around him, it made Luo Chen appear all the more trustworthy, someone people instinctively leaned on, someone they could follow.

After the River-Swallowing Toad incident, the entire Luo Tian Society united behind him without hesitation. Their loyalty was no longer a matter of form, it was genuine and complete. If he could show such compassion and generosity toward outsiders, then following him could only lead to an even brighter and more promising future.

And it wasn’t just the Luo Tian Society. Luo Chen had noticed that whenever he stepped out onto the deck to take in the air, some of the nearby rogue cultivators would look at him with expressions that had shifted, from the initial awe of a Foundation Establishment cultivator to genuine reverence.

That was simply the way of the cultivation world.

Strength reigned supreme, and might makes right. When Wang Haichao sent people to die, those who perished cursed him to the bitter end. Those who survived, though they might complain inwardly, dared not speak a word of disrespect aloud.

Luo Chen, however, had shown a different sort of demeanor. Naturally, the low-tier rogue cultivators treated him differently in return. He could discern how much of that respect was heartfelt, and how much was merely fear.

This is fine. Even if it’s not for myself, I can forge a few more bonds of goodwill for the sake of those under my command. Maybe someday, that will yield unexpected results.

Luo Chen ended his stroll on the deck, hands behind his back, and leisurely returned to his cabin to resume cultivating.

By his estimation, they would reach Taishan Market no later than noon tomorrow!

He didn’t need anyone to tell him, he could calculate the timing himself. And if that weren’t enough, the rising restlessness among the lower-tier cultivators aboard the ship was proof enough. They could feel it too. Arrival was close.

***

The next morning. The sky was clear for thousands of li, and the air was crisp and fresh. The massive fleet slowed down and gradually docked at a vast inlet known as the Reminiscence Bay.

"We're here, we're here!"

"We've finally arrived at Taishan Market."

"This was truly the longest journey of my entire life!"

A lively commotion buzzed from outside, the sound of voices rising in excitement. Amid the noise, the hurried thump of footsteps came racing up the deck stairs.

“Master, we’ve arrived at Taishan Market,” Qu Lingjun called out.

Creaaak!

The door opened, and Luo Chen stepped out, dressed in a brand-new pale moon-white robe.

Standing atop the lofty third-tier deck, Luo Chen gazed out ahead.

Three mountains stood like silent sentinels, encircling a vast marketplace that was more city than bazaar. The Lancang River thundered past its gates, and the area bustled with cultivators.

Yet with just a single glance, Luo Chen’s brow furrowed slightly.

“Master, what’s wrong?” Qu Lingjun asked, glancing at him with concern. Luo Chen’s subtle expression of displeasure hadn’t gone unnoticed.

"It's nothing." Luo Chen’s eyes flickered as he gave a calm order. "Tell Huiniang that the cultivators from the society can explore Taishan Market, but they must go in groups and avoid conflict with the locals whenever possible."

"Mm-hmm, I’ll go inform the Director right away."

As Qu Lingjun nodded, Luo Chen had already drifted away like the wind.

***

Aboard the massive dragon-whale ship, Luo Chen descended gracefully onto the deck, just in time to meet Li Yixian, who had hurried over from another section of the vessel.

The two exchanged polite nods and entered the main hall together.

Inside, Nangong Jin had already arrived, seated in his usual calm composure. At the head of the room sat Wang Haichao, his presence imposing as always.

The four of them took their seats and got straight to the point.

"When will they arrive?"

"They’ll be here soon," Wang Haichao said in a low voice. "Let’s be patient."

Patient?

How could they possibly be patient!

They had already sent men ahead to gather information on Taishan Market’s situation. And the news had been clear.

Because of the ongoing war between the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect and the Luoyun Sect, the Jade Cauldron Sword Pavilion cultivators stationed in Taishan Market had long since withdrawn. The market, once governed under their authority, had become leaderless in their absence.

Though the industries of the Six Great Upper Sects still maintained a presence here, they were external forces, outsiders with no real influence in local affairs. Power, in the absence of the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect, had shifted into the hands of the three major native families.

The Huo family of Chican Mountain, the Kang family of Taishan, and the Yu family of Yihua Mountain.

Among the three, the Huo family held the most influence, being backed by the Flame Alliance and boasting a sixth stage Foundation Establishment Grand Elder of their own. Whether the four major forces from Dahe Market could take root here depended entirely on their favor.

Without their approval, a clash was all but inevitable.

Li Yixian said with concern, "We’ve brought too many people. The rogue cultivators aren’t a big deal, they come and go like drifting duckweed, not enough to shift the balance. But our four families will definitely impact the local families' survival.

"I fear this won’t go as smoothly as we hope."

Since docking, Nangong Jin has calmed significantly.

He snorted lightly and said, "If we can settle things peacefully, all the better. If not, then we’ll just have to let our fists do the talking."

Was he planning to repeat the events of Dahe Market? Since when did Nangong Jin become so bold?

Luo Chen cast a quick glance in his direction, then the corners of his mouth lifted ever so slightly in amusement. Nangong Jin had just shifted his gaze toward Wang Haichao.

“I’m right, aren’t I, Alliance Leader?” he said with a calm smile.

So that was his play, he was trying to push Wang Haichao into taking the lead, to be the first to break the ice.

Wang Haichao met Nangong Jin’s eyes with a long, steady look, but said nothing in return. The atmosphere in the room instantly cooled.

Nangong Jin looked slightly awkward, but he didn't seem to mind. He could clearly see that Luo Chen and Li Yixian were thinking along the same lines. It was just that their forces were well-established, so they wouldn’t be the first to speak up. For the sake of his family, he had no choice but to take on these thankless tasks.

As the four sat in silence, the bustle outside gradually faded away.

Suddenly!

All four of them looked up at once, only to see a paper crane fly in.

A sound-transmitting paper crane?

Wang Haichao made a slight gesture and caught the crane.

As the message entered his ears, his expression darkened. It was a long moment before he looked up again.

"We might have to wait a while."

"Hmm?"

"Why’s that?"

"They’re making us wait?"

In response to the three questioning gazes, Wang Haichao said gloomily, "The Grand Elder of the Huo family from Chican Mountain is currently in seclusion. Until he comes out, the factions of Taishan Market won’t decide whether to accept us."

At those words, the expressions of Luo Chen and the other two subtly shifted.

Was that true, or not?

A mere excuse? Or perhaps... something else was being calculated behind the scenes?

After a round of discussion, no conclusion could be reached. Luo Chen and the others had no choice but to disperse in frustration.

𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

After they left, Wang Haichao once again took out the sound-transmitting paper crane and gently stroked it. An expression of shifting clouds and uncertainty surfaced on his face.

***

After arriving at Taishan Market, most of the rogue cultivators who had followed the fleet from Dahe Market disembarked. Many of them planned to settle down here, and if nothing unexpected occurred, they would likely make their living in the surrounding area. Meanwhile, a smaller number might continue drifting, seeking opportunities in other marketplaces. Some still held hope that a major sect would return to Dahe Market, clean up the mess, and allow them to return to their old home.

After spending the day exploring, the cultivators from the four great factions returned to their ships by evening.

As midnight approached, a lone figure slipped quietly out of a cabin. Their presence was almost nonexistent, barely stirring the air. Stepping lightly over the surface of the river, they moved silently toward the Li family’s ship.

Luo Chen was just about to infiltrate the same ship when his brow lifted slightly. His gaze turned toward a passing blur in the darkness, and he called out, "Fellow Daoist Li?"

In the stillness of night, a pair of luminous eyes turned toward him, watching quietly. "Huh? Fellow Daoist Luo?"

What a coincidence, it was her! The direction she had been heading toward was clearly the Luo Tian Society’s ship.

Her intention went without saying. Looking at the flickering, shadowy figure, as faint as a withered tree’s ghost, Luo Chen praised, "Such a subtle concealment technique!"

Li Yixian also looked at him in surprise. "Your concealment technique is nothing to scoff at either, Fellow Daoist!"

After all, he had detected her first.

"Shall we move somewhere else?" Luo Chen suggested.

"Yes, please lead the way, Fellow Daoist."

Without hesitation, Luo Chen flew toward a dense forest just outside the bounds of Taishan Market. Following the faint trace of aura he had deliberately left behind, Li Yixian kept close behind.

Rumor has it that Luo Chen is extremely proficient in spellcraft, now I see that it’s no exaggeration. The Shadow Yin Art I’ve cultivated for many years is among the best in terms of concealing presence and form. And yet, compared to him, I’m still a step behind.

thought Li Yixian.

Soon, the two of them arrived at their destination.

After landing, Luo Chen cast a quick glance around, making sure the area was clear of any eavesdroppers. Satisfied, he flicked his fingers and released a sound-isolation, forming a barrier around them.

He parted his lips to speak, but instead of diving into conversation right away, the two exchanged a knowing smile.

"What’s your take on all this?" Li Yixian asked with a smile.

Luo Chen didn’t beat around the bush. "Wang Haichao is withholding something."

"Indeed. The four of us Foundation Establishment cultivators arrived together, there’s no reason for Taishan Market to leave us hanging like this," Li Yixian agreed.

They were no small fish. Four Foundation Establishment Initiate, accompanied by the might of their respective families, bringing with them the strength and presence of thousands. That kind of force might not matter much to a major sect, but for a single market town? Showing such disregard was unthinkable.

"He might be hiding something," Li Yixian said softly, "and using it to buy himself time."

"I think the same," Luo Chen replied. "Wang Haichao deals in waterborne trade, he frequently travels between the major markets. News of our relocation should have already been communicated to this side."

"Do you know any Foundation Establishment Initiate here?" Li Yixian asked.

At her question, a particular figure surfaced in Luo Chen’s mind.

He nodded.

Seeing his response, Li Yixian continued, "I’ve been acquainted with the Yu family patriarch of Yihua Mountain for many years. I can visit her tomorrow to feel things out in advance."

"Very well, let’s do that," Luo Chen agreed to the proposal.

Once everything was decided, he turned to leave. But to his surprise, Li Yixian called out to him.

"What is it?"

Looking at him, Li Yixian bit her lower lip and asked, "That agreement between us, to advance and retreat together, does it still hold?"

Luo Chen paused, then gave a carefree smile. "Of course it does!"

***

The next day.

On the long avenue, a tall and lean figure strolled under the blazing sun. As he observed the layout of the surrounding buildings, a look of curiosity appeared on his face.

"It's completely different from the inner and outer cities of Dahe Market."

Taishan Market, rather than a typical market, was more like a gathering place formed on a flat plain surrounded by three great mountains.

Over time, it naturally evolved into the market town it was now. It was obvious that the layout of its buildings had not undergone the kind of professional planning found in Dahe Market.

The structures were scattered haphazardly in small clusters. Some of the buildings were grand and imposing, clearly belonging to wealthy sect enterprises. Others were nothing more than a crude signboard, plain and simple. Undoubtedly, these belonged to minor families or humble vendors.

Soon, Luo Chen’s footsteps brought him before a tall building steeped in antique elegance.

Above the entrance hung a sign that read “Golden Stone Pavilion.”

Upon entering, he was greeted by a lavish and resplendent interior.

Strictly speaking, the Kang family is an affiliated family under the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect. Kang Dongyue personally told me that back then.

Now that the two Nascent Soul sects are at odds, I wonder if they’ll get involved?

As these thoughts passed through his mind, Luo Chen stepped further inside.

A beautiful attendant approached him with a smile. Although Luo Chen had concealed his Foundation Establishment Realm energy, his fine robes and natural composure made it clear he was no mere rogue cultivator.

As such, the attendant welcomed him with great enthusiasm. "Senior, is there anything you’re looking for?"

"Our Golden Stone Pavilion specializes in Golden Jade liquid and Stone Origin pills, both are highly beneficial for cultivation. If Senior plans to travel, our Veilpowder of Sulfur is perfect for keeping poisonous creatures away. We also carry cinnabar, cloud crystal..."

Luo Chen had originally intended to get straight to the point, but after listening to her introduction, he found himself a little tempted. The Kang family of Taishan truly lived up to their origins as an affiliated family of the Jade Cauldron Sword Sect.

After years of operation, they had built a vast catalog of low-tier pills. Their variety even exceeded what the Luo Tian Society currently had.

But thinking carefully, that was only natural. Many of these pills were relatively easy to refine.

Some of the products that sounded impressive at first glance also had competing alternatives readily available on the market.

Still, Luo Chen went ahead and spent a few hundred spirit stones on a variety of low-tier pills, none intended for cultivation, but useful nonetheless.

Though he needed Golden Jade liquid, he didn’t purchase any.

Instead, to her surprise, he took out a Myriad Wonders pill.

"I wonder, does your pavilion purchase pills?"

"Supreme-grade!" The attendant exclaimed in shock, then quickly covered her mouth.

She glanced around and realized that none of the nearby customers had noticed.

Eh?

It was only then that she realized Luo Chen had cast a sound isolation spell in advance.

Swallowing nervously, the attendant nodded quickly. "We do accept pills, but our elders at Golden Stone Pavilion must evaluate them first."

Luo Chen’s gaze sharpened. "Could I trouble Elder Kang Dongyue himself to assess it? I have more than just this one, you know."

As he spoke, he placed the supreme-grade Myriad Wonders pill into the attendant’s hand.

She hesitated for a moment. But when she heard his line, more than just this one, her resolve solidified.

A large batch of supreme-grade pills?

If she could bring in a deal like this for the pavilion, she was sure to be praised and handsomely rewarded.

She gritted her teeth and said, "Senior, please head upstairs and wait a moment."

Luo Chen gave a slight smile and strode upstairs.

The stepping stone had been laid out. Now, it all depended on whether Kang Dongyue would take the bait!