The Deal of the Cultivator

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Afraid of missing any news and arousing suspicion, Chu Liang didn’t bother with Yun Chaoxian for the moment. He closed the door and took out the Soul Command to check it. He sent his divine sense into the soul domain, where he saw a gleaming message.

[59]: “I’ve obtained an Ancient Ape Essence. I have no use for it myself and wish to exchange it for another treasure. Does anyone want it?”

Oh?

So this group also served as a marketplace.

A comment from Sha followed closely behind.

[Sha]: “Ancient Ape Essence is quite rare, and can only be produced when time and place converge. If you feed it to combat-type ghosts or spirits, it can greatly enhance their fighting power. How old is your essence?”

[59]: “About three hundred years.”

[Sha]: “That’s still valuable. Let’s see if either of them want it. If not, I can forward your offer to other soul domains.”

[59]: “Thank you, Master Sha!”

His explanation was considerate, and Chu Liang immediately understood its use.

Among ghosts, some are unpredictable like Painted Skin Ghosts or Soul-Hooking Ghosts, while others are direct combat types like Sword-Wielding Ghosts or Rakshasa Ghosts. The Ancient Ape Essence was akin to a Tiger’s Vitality Pill for ghosts, enhancing their strength.

Whatever it was, as long as it was meant for ghosts, Chu Liang certainly couldn’t use it himself.

But now, masquerading as “58,” he was uncertain… could he use it or not?

He decided to remain silent.

Soon, another reply appeared.

[60]: “I want it. What do you want in exchange?”

[59]: “I haven’t decided. As long as it matches in value and is useful to me, it’s fine.”

[60]: “Then I’ll trade you two leaves of Miluo Green.”

[Sha]: “Miluo Green Leaves can store many ghosts, much more convenient than our usual Bottle Technique. Plus, ghosts residing within can nurture themselves and improve their cultivation, with many benefits. Two Miluo Green Leaves are a fair trade for your Ancient Ape Essence.”

[59]: “If Master Sha says so, then of course. Where are you now? Is there a Gourmet Pavilion nearby?”

[60]: “Yes, in Southgate City’s Gourmet Pavilion.”

[59]: “Then send your leaves to the Gourmet Pavilion in Hundred Flowers City. I’ll send the Ancient Ape Essence to Southgate City.”

[60]: “Agreed.”

In just a few words, the deal was smoothly settled.

At this point, Chu Liang appeared.

[58]: “Ah, such a pity he beat me to it.”

[59]: “Ha, senior, maybe next time.”

[58]: “Alright.”

He made a brief appearance, then went offline again, mission accomplished.

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It was merely a simple exchange of treasures, without much further conversation. Still, Chu Liang gleaned some special information from it.

First of all, the seventy-two Soul Commanders were rather loosely connected. Perhaps it was a common flaw among demon sects like the Underworld King Sect: rivalry and infighting among their own were particularly severe, leading to mutual suspicion even among fellow members.

Conducting business through the Gourmet Pavilion instead of face-to-face revealed a lack of trust; many might not have even met each other. For Chu Liang, who was hiding among them, this was undoubtedly good news.

Moreover, their method of exchange inspired Chu Liang. If the White Tower ever offered him a reward he didn’t care for, he could trade it for something he needed.

On Mount Shu, there was a small marketplace where disciples could set up stalls, though he’d heard it was mostly trivial goods with few genuine treasures. He hadn’t participated before, but perhaps he should visit next time.

Outside of Shu, the Gourmet Pavilion was the place mentioned earlier.

All Gourmet Pavilions across the realm belonged to one of the Ten Lands sects—the Gourmet City of the Northern Territory.

...

A thousand years ago, Gourmet City was just an unremarkable third-rate immortal sect, originally established to defend against the demon clans. After their retreat, it gradually declined.

The city sat on the desolate northern plains, with nothing notable except its size.

As the sect waned, the new city lord came up with a bold idea. Since the city was large, why not take advantage of its vastness? He began sending invitations far and wide, drawing cultivators from all walks of life to Gourmet City... to do business.

Yes, it was a commercial venture.

He invited people to trade in Gourmet City.

Due to the unique nature of cultivators, most transactions were still bartering. One exchanged what they needed for what they lacked; money was often useless.

The biggest issue with bartering, however, was the information gap. Perhaps Zhang San from the Southern Territory needed something owned by Li Si in the North, while Li Si needed something from Wang Wu in the East, but they couldn’t communicate effectively and missed their opportunities.

Another key reason for this information gap was the secrecy surrounding cultivators’ treasures.

The saying goes: “It’s not a crime to possess, but it’s a crime to flaunt.” If someone loudly advertised their treasures and what they wanted in exchange, they’d likely attract thieves rather than traders.

Under these constraints, trading among cultivators was highly inconvenient.

Gourmet City provided the venue where cultivators could list their possessions and needs, all in one place, clear and efficient.

With Gourmet City’s reputation as a guarantee, all traders’ information was strictly confidential. Both parties submitted their items to Gourmet City, which verified them before handing them over to the respective parties.

The process was simple and secure. Though Gourmet City charged high fees, it eliminated worries about being robbed. Most cultivators willingly paid for the safety.

For someone like Chu Liang, raised in one of the mainstream sects of the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands, the need wasn’t as pressing.

Large sects were rich in resources and numbers; their internal circulation sufficed. For example, Shu’s Sword Exchange Pavilion and the Four Halls handled resource distribution.

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Backed by a major sect, even trading with outsiders carried no risk of being cheated.

But for the vast numbers of non-mainstream cultivators, these were real pains, and the rise of Gourmet City was a blessing.

Of course, building such a reputation was not an overnight achievement.

It took several generations and centuries for Gourmet City to earn recognition as the trading hub of cultivators, becoming one of the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands.

In recent years, Gourmet City expanded its business beyond its own gates, opening Gourmet Pavilions in various cities.

Now, anyone could trade anonymously from anywhere, with Gourmet Pavilion handling delivery, eliminating all worries.

While running these operations, Gourmet City did not forget its legacy. The wealth earned was used to arm the sect, and its disciples grew stronger.

Today, Gourmet City’s disciples were famous for their arsenal.

They were known for being wealthy.

While other immortal sects competed in martial prowess, Gourmet City built its platform and logistics through trust, then increased strength with early returns, establishing its own moat.

Chu Liang could only call the rise of Gourmet City—professional.

...

The night passed without incident. Early the next morning, Chu Liang finished his simple wash and went next door to find Yun Chaoxian.

He heard shouts and laughter from inside; the man was bare-chested, practicing his punches.

Chu Liang couldn’t help but grumble internally—do all men hate wearing clothes?

Yesterday, after his shirt was torn on Hidden Forest Mountain, Yun Chaoxian came to Kaoshan City shirtless. Bare-chested and carrying a weapon, he almost got stopped by the city guards. He found a place, bought some clothes, wrapped his halberd, and finally entered the city.

“Brother Chu, you’re up,” Yun Chaoxian greeted him, stopping his movements with a smile. “I was about to call you. I’ve tracked down the location of the Tianyin Wave. Let’s go hunt it down!”

“Alright,” Chu Liang replied with a smile. After a pause, he asked suddenly, “Brother Yun, do you have any simple martial arts techniques you can teach me?”

With the strength of ten tigers suddenly granted, having only physical power seemed wasteful. If he could learn some quick martial skills from Yun Chaoxian, that would be ideal.

If it were advanced secret arts, he wouldn’t ask. But for beginner moves, Yun Chaoxian shouldn’t mind teaching him.

“Eh?” Yun Chaoxian was curious. “Why do you suddenly want to learn martial arts, Brother Chu?”

“Because... yesterday on Hidden Forest Mountain, I saw your unrivaled valor and couldn’t help but admire it, so I’m eager to learn,” Chu Liang answered sincerely.

“Heh heh...” Yun Chaoxian grinned, unable to hide his delight, waving his hand. “You flatter me. For a beginner, it’s easy enough to teach you. What weapon suits you best?”

Without hesitation, Chu Liang replied, “A brick.”

Yun Chaoxian: “?”