While the storm brewed, Lin Chen was busy strolling through the bustling makeshift marketplace.
At one stall, a disciple with shifty eyes leaned forward eagerly, placing a box on the table. Inside was a crooked ginseng root glowing faintly.
"So this is Heavenly Ginseng, capable of increasing one's natural talent?" Lin Chen asked, holding the root with a completely deadpan face, as if he were examining a rotten cabbage.
The disciple's grin widened. "Yes, yes! Brother has a sharp eye! Since fate has tied us together, I'll even give you a twenty-percent discount. Only ninety-nine mid-grade spirit stones. A rare bargain!"
Lin Chen's eyebrow twitched. He placed the ginseng back on the table with deliberate care, as if even touching it any longer would lower his IQ.
"Eat it yourself," Lin Chen said flatly. "Such a priceless treasure should not fall into the hands of someone as unworthy as me."
He paused, eyes flickering over the root again before adding, "In fact, you should eat it raw—perhaps it will fix that brain of yours. You think you can fool me with this cabbage, you scammer? Not worth shit."
The disciple's smile stiffened, but he quickly leaned forward again as Lin Chen turned to leave. "Wait, wait, Brother, don't go! I have other treasures! Far better than this."
"Good things only," Lin Chen said without stopping "I have no interest in random garbage."
"Hehe, Brother truly is discerning! Then rest assured, everything else I have is of heaven and earth quality! Each one could overturn your fate!"
Lin Chen turned his head slightly, giving the man a deadpan stare sharp enough to pierce through lies. "Stop flapping your tongue. Show me the goods."
The disciple clicked his tongue. "Brother, you really don't know how to enjoy a little humor." With a sigh, he reached beneath the table and pulled out five boxes.
He set them carefully on the stall and opened them one by one.
A faint medicinal fragrance wafted into the air. Within the boxes lay items that radiated genuine spiritual energy: a stalk of Spirit-Cleansing Grass glistening with dew; a talisman etched with flowing golden runes; a vial of scarlet pills that emitted warmth; and two more treasures, each with its own unique aura.
Lin Chen's eyes narrowed slightly. His hand almost twitched. These were no cheap tricks. These things are decent… not something any ordinary outer disciple could casually obtain.
"Brother, what is your name?" Lin Chen finally asked, studying the man more carefully.
Now that he paid attention, the disciple's cultivation was solid, his Qi dense and refined. 9th stage of the Root Vein Realm—already close to breaking through.
His face was youthful, no older than Lin Chen himself. If this guy can cultivate to such a level while still being only an outer disciple, then he is definitely far above average.
"Hehe, it seems you finally recognize my greatness. Remember this name well—Yan Shou, the Heavenly Merchant of the Skies!" Yan Shou puffed his chest proudly, chin raised as though he were announcing his title to the heavens themselves.
Lin Chen stared at him in silence for a moment, his deadpan face unchanging. This fellow dares to call himself such with a measly Root Vein cultivation? Truly, the thickness of his skin could rival city walls.
"…Well, this guy is a little funny," Lin Chen muttered under his breath.
Out loud, he said, "So Brother Yan… may I call you that?"
Yan Shou placed his hands behind his back, nodding with a magnanimous smile. "Of course! You may address me as Brother Yan, honored guest of my stall."
Lin Chen exhaled slowly. "Then I'll be straightforward. Do you have any items that can improve the innate talent of the body? Or at least information. I am willing to trade."
He urgently needs something that can elevate his trash-tier cultivation talent, otherwise his future will be bleak. That is why he is asking—though he does not even know whether this guy has any solid information.
Yan Shou's eyes narrowed slightly, and his tone grew more mysterious. "Treasures that enhance one's talent? Heh. Even in the entire sect, such things can be counted on the one hand. They are top-tier treasures, coveted by the elders themselves. But…" He leaned forward, lowering his voice conspiratorially, "…there is a certain secret that not many know."
Lin Chen's brow furrowed. "Speak."
"Come closer." Yan Shou tapped the edge of his stall with a finger, signaling secrecy.
Lin Chen leaned in.
Yan Shou whispered, "There exists a pill—Jade leaf pill. A single one can enhance the innate foundation of the body. However… it can only be consumed once in a lifetime. Waste that chance, and heaven will not forgive."
Lin Chen's pupils contracted. A pill that enhances talent? "So where can I find one?"
Yan Shou laughed bitterly, spreading his hands. "If I knew the method, would I be wasting my time running a stall here? Do you take me for a fool?" His smile returned, sly and knowing. "But I do know this much—the main ingredient for the Jadeleaf Pill is none other than the Red Lotus Fruit."
Lin Chen's expression sharpened. "And where does this Red Lotus Fruit appear?"
Yan Shou leaned back, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Fate has truly blessed you, Brother. The very first prize of the Inner Court Tournament is said to be a Red Lotus Fruit."
Lin Chen's gaze deepened. "Really?"
"Of course. Would the Heavenly Merchant of the Skies deceive a guest?"
Lin Chen cupped his fist politely. "Then I thank Brother Yan for this news." He straightened, preparing to leave.
But before he could walk away, a hand shot out and grabbed his arm.
Lin Chen turned his head slowly, expression darkening. "Brother Yan… what do you mean by this?"
Yan Shou grinned shamelessly. "Information isn't free. One mid-grade spirit stone will do."
Lin Chen's eyes twitched. "For such a small scrap of information? That's outright robbery."
"Robbery?" Yan Shou chuckled, wagging a finger. "This is business. Pay up, or I'll strip you bare right here in front of everyone. Don't test me, Brother—my shamelessness knows no bounds."
Lin Chen froze, staring at him like he was the lowest of lowlifes. To think such a person exists in this sect. His hobbies are truly vile.
With a sigh, Lin Chen tossed a single mid-grade spirit stone onto the table. "Here. May it choke you."
Yan Shou snatched it up gleefully, tucking it into his sleeves. "Pleasure doing business! Come again next time!"
Lin Chen turned without another word, swearing in his heart that he would never return to this stall again.
As he walked away, Yan Shou's grin lingered. His eyes flickered with an odd glint as he muttered to himself, "Heh… interesting. That guy is different. My merchant's instinct tells me—this fellow will cause great waves in this sect."
***
After the scamming incident, Lin Chen went to register for the Inner Court Competition.
His token read 106—a clear sign that more than a hundred disciples had already signed up. And with four days still remaining, the final count could easily reach hundred and fifty.
Lin Chen smirked faintly. Seems I'll have plenty of people to test myself against.
But as Lin Chen made his way toward his quarters, a faint prickling sensation crawled down his spine, like cold needles piercing his back. His steps slowed ever so slightly.
"Aiva… is it just me, or does it feel like someone's tailing me?" he muttered, keeping his expression calm.
[Positive.]
[Since the moment you registered at the sect venue, a figure has been following you.]
In his perception, Aiva projected a faint image— a young man clad in the dark-blue robes of the inner court.
Lin Chen's pupils narrowed. An inner court disciple? Why would someone of that level be following me?
His heart sank. Could it be… related to Yu Feng's death?
[Ninety percent probability this pursuit is linked to Yu Feng.]
Lin Chen's expression darkened. "So it really is that mess…"
He thought quickly. This guy won't dare act openly within the sect grounds… but at night? Who knows? If he's going to make a move, I'd rather decide the time and place myself.
With that thought, Lin Chen veered off the main path, strolling with the same calm rhythm as before, as if nothing was amiss. His steps led him toward the forest outside the sect.
The inner disciple's eyes flickered coldly. His pace quickened, the distance between them shrinking bit by bit.
The trees grew denser as Lin Chen entered the forest. Voices of disciples faded, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the whisper of the wind.
Suddenly—whoosh.
Lin Chen's figure blurred, vanishing into the depths of the forest, leaving only swaying branches.
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Also, if you have any ideas or suggestions for the story, feel free to share them in the comments — I'd love to hear your thoughts.
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