Arriving at the entrance of the market, Lan Rui followed the usual procedure before stepping inside. As expected, the market was bustling with activity.
He strolled leisurely through the streets before stopping in front of a three-story building. The sign above the entrance read Liu Ye Teahouse (Liu Ye, meaning Willow Leaf). He recalled that the original owner had once used this place to gather information.
Stepping inside, a fragrant aroma of sweet tea filled his senses, instantly calming his mind. He took a brief moment to savor the scent before moving towards an empty seat.
The interior was adorned with elegant Chinese-style decorations. Before he could take a closer look, a young girl with delicate features approached him with a warm smile.
"Sir, is there anything you'd like to order?" she asked politely.
"Please bring me a pot of your local tea with a side of assorted snacks," he replied.
The young girl nodded and quickly walked away. Though she spoke with respect and addressed him formally, Lan Rui could sense that her cultivation level was above his own.
It was rumored that this teahouse was owned by a Foundation Establishment elder from the Cloud Sword Sect. After a short wait, a pot of tea and a small plate of assorted delicacies were placed before him.
Pouring himself a cup, he took a slow sip while discreetly listening to the surrounding conversations. The teahouse was a hub of information, and after an incense stick's time, he had a general understanding of the current situation in the market.
The battle had begun.
The Crimson Blade Gang had made the first move, launching an attack on the Feng Family settlement and seizing control of the mine. The Feng Family had suffered heavy casualties, with dozens of clansmen perishing, including a family elder.
Typically, a Family Elder was at the Late Stage of the Qi Refining Realm, most commonly at the eighth layer or above. For a small Immortal Family like the Feng Family, which likely had fewer than ten elders, losing even one was a significant blow.
Strangely, despite suffering such a loss, the Feng Family had taken no immediate action. They neither retaliated nor issued a public statement. It seemed as though they were silently conceding the mine to their enemies. To this, speculation starts to run rampant.
Some believed the Feng Family was terrified by the unexpected display of strength from the Crimson Blade Gang and had retreated into hiding.
Others suspected they were in negotiations with the other two Immortal Families, seeking an alliance before making their move.
From Lan Rui's perspective, the chance of the Feng Family surrendering was close to zero.
The disciples of Immortal Families were prideful and arrogant, often more so than sect disciples. They saw themselves as possessing noble and superior bloodlines, vastly different from those without prestigious backgrounds. To admit inferiority to a group of Loose Cultivators was unthinkable.
If anything, the theory that they were seeking an alliance seemed far more likely. But the strength of Crimson Blade Gang is to domenering. They couldn't afford to throw their lives away in a reckless battle.
The other Immortal Families were hesitant to get involved, waiting to see if the Feng Family would make a decisive move before committing their forces.
"With the market in turmoil, the prices of materials and resources will likely continue to rise. I need to stock up on supplies and focus on my talisman crafting."
He had briefly considered moving into the market, but the rental prices were exorbitant.
The cheapest residence inside the market was 30 spirit stones per month, amounting to a staggering 360 spirit stones per year, paid upfront. Given the current instability, rent would likely increase even further.
Although his income was stable and he had recently gained unexpected wealth from the robbery incident, such an expense was still a significant burden.
Even so, he remained determined to move. The outer areas of the market were too dangerous, and his recent experience had only reinforced that fact.
Perhaps sharing a house would be an option. The smallest residences in the market were two to three times the size of his wooden hut, meaning they could easily accommodate multiple people.
The problem was, who could he trust?
He had few acquaintances, and even fewer he considered trustworthy. Sharing a residence required complete confidence in the other party, which was nearly impossible unless they were Dao companions.
He sighed. "Dao companion? In my current situation, I can't even guarantee my own survival, and I dare to dream of companionship? That would be sheer foolishness."
Besides, his goal was to reach greater heights in cultivation. A Dao companion would only serve as a distraction, clouding his Dao heart.
Finishing the last cup of tea, he settled the bill and left the teahouse, heading toward the Li Family Talisman Shop to purchase materials.
.....
Standing outside the Li Family Talisman Shop, Lan Rui took a deep breath. His shopping was complete, and he was about to leave when a gentle voice called out to him from behind.
Turning his head, he saw a mature yet beautiful woman clad in a bright green robe approaching him.
He greeted her with familiarity. "Sister Wei, long time no see."
She smiled. "Yes, it's been quite some time. You haven't even set up your stall these past few days."
"I was in seclusion for a while," he replied casually. "I only came out today to restock my supplies."
To his surprise, Sister Wei's next question startled him.
"Is everything settled? Have you disposed of it properly?" she asked in a low voice.
Lan Rui nodded silently.
Seeing his response, Sister Wei gave a small nod. "Good."
A brief silence followed.
Lan Rui was about to say something, but before he could, Sister Wei interrupted him.
"Xiao Lan, do you have some free time?" she asked. "I need someone to accompany me for a drink."
Caught off guard, he hesitated for a moment before nodding. Without another word, they walked together down the road. To his surprise, they soon arrived at a familiar establishment, Liu Ye Teahouse.
He had assumed they would go to an inn or a tavern, but unexpectedly, she had brought him here. Just as he was about to suggest that the teahouse lacked privacy, Sister Wei had already stepped inside.
Helpless, Lan Rui could only follow. However, instead of lingering on the first floor, she walked directly toward the staircase leading to the second floor.
She spoke briefly with a burly man guarding the stairs, gesturing in Lan Rui's direction.
After exchanging a few words, she continued upstairs, waving for him to follow. Lan Rui frowned slightly but complied, curiosity creeping into his mind.
.....