Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Flint Fire Crystal Insect
He stood here in brief contemplation, then feeling relieved.
Hope was right before him, the best arrangement indeed.
So he slowly strolled into the marketplace, cautiously scrutinizing the goods sold by cultivators—much like a marketplace in the mortal world, primarily selling various spirit beasts and spirit plants, with a rare few selling cultivation techniques and magical treasures.
It didn’t seem very different from a flower and bird market, just that this group of cultivators strolling late at night seemed quite absurd.
’Spirit beasts with abundant vitality of fire attribute...’
He kept the explanation he had just seen in mind, but maybe he wasn’t lucky; there were indeed some peculiar fire attribute spirit beasts here, like the Flame Spirit Dog, Candle-tailed Mouse, Red-skin Rabbit...
But the prices were rather steep.
He only had five spirit stones, which really felt inadequate.
No choice there, most of what’s sold were the kind of spirit beasts beneficial to cultivators, no one would painstakingly raise a niche spirit beast to sell here.
Clearly, finding a bargain was out of the question, but he did not feel discouraged, heading straight into Huiya marketplace’s official store—accompanied by a light creaking sound.
What appeared before Li Ye was an exquisite hall approximately half an acre in size.
The floor of the hall was laid with a kind of emerald green carpet that helped calm the mind, and farther stood separate little rooms for cultivators to transact quietly and privately.
At first glance, the place resembled a pharmacy in the mortal world, after all, the products of spirit plants also needed to be preserved with strict techniques, or the medicinal effects might dissipate; there were indeed many parallels.
He directly entered a small room, which inside had a counter, behind which there wasn’t a shopkeeper or attendant, but a jade-like green vine grew.
At its tip, there was a small white flower, seemingly looking at Li Ye like an eye.
A voice came from somewhere, saying: "So it’s you, kid, what are you looking to buy?"
Li Ye blinked. This vine was said to be cultivated by the Four Seasons Sect and had intelligence.
Furthermore, it was sensitive to the aura of spirit beasts and plants; only marketplaces belonging to the Four Seasons Sect had it stationed.
The original owner’s Silver Moon Grass was bought here.
[Name]: Young Spiritual Mechanism Vine
[Mood]: Joyful
[State]: Well-rested
Well-rested? So even a vine needs sleep...
He only looked for a moment, then respectfully said: "Senior, I am looking to buy some fire attribute..."
Mid-sentence, he suddenly thought of something and continued: "Fire attribute spiritual insects or spirit beasts."
The Spiritual Mechanism Vine was curious: "Are you buying them to eat or to raise? Last time you came here, you took Four Seasons Sect’s spirit plant. How is it you’re this weak so soon?"
"Ah, careless operation of power."
"I think if there were fire attribute spirit pets with vitality, they might help me nourish my meridians." He did not hide it, apparently, the other party already figured it out.
Moreover, using the aura of spirit beasts and plants to nourish oneself was indeed a cultivation method; a spirit pet that could aid in personal cultivation was exceptionally valuable.
"How many spirit stones do you have?" The Spiritual Mechanism Vine was still quite concerned about those Silver Moon Grass because it was an upper sect’s issued task, related to its assessment.
"Five." Li Ye answered.
"..."
The Spiritual Mechanism Vine clearly emitted an emotion of speechless.
Li Ye could only chuckle sheepishly: "Senior Vine, for the Silver Moon Grass, I have truly exerted myself to the fullest, honestly, no spare spirit stones remain."
This was indeed true.
Then, the Spiritual Mechanism Vine sighed: "Then I only have one thing here for you."
Saying this, it tapped the desk, immediately a box appeared, upon opening it revealed several translucent-red small insects.
About the width of a pinkie finger, with a small red bud on their heads like a grass, scurrying inside the box at an exaggerated pace, in stark contrast to their round and chubby appearance.
Upon opening the box, Li Ye felt a surge of heat rising.
Around the panel, multicolored fragmented lights continued to flicker.
[Name]: Flint Fire Crystal Insect
[Mood]: Irritated.
[State]: Yearning for a cold environment.
[Can Bind]:"Yin" attribute spirit plant.
Ah? I’ve gotten them just like that? Is my luck really good?
Li Ye felt quite amazed inwardly.
Was his luck becoming favorable after crossing worlds?
"These spiritual insects arrived just today." The Spiritual Mechanism Vine introduced:
"First tier insects, they emit vitality during the winter, burrowing into the ground to become spirit plants in the summer, awaiting the next winter."
"The vitality they emit can be directly absorbed, considered decent healing insects, originally from the extreme cold regions of the Western Territory."
Sounds good, usually, situations like these involve a twist, Li Ye thought.
These aren’t cheap-looking; could it be that they’re genuinely affordable?
A twist?
The tip of the Spiritual Mechanism Vine gently stroked the little fellows scurrying around, unsurprisingly stating: "However..."
"These little fellows faced troublesome conditions during incubation, most likely they won’t survive until summer to transform into grass; naturally, it’s best to utilize them as they are. Normally, they’d cost ten spirit stones each, but now one spirit stone each."
"Estimating the time, they should be enough to last until your Silver Moon Grass matures, then you can return for more pills."
"But seeing your circumstances, fully healing might only happen by joining the Four Seasons Sect."
"Cultivation is important, yet caution is needed; if one dies and the path disappears, all will be in vain."
Having said that, it awaited Li Ye’s response.
Actually, the Four Seasons Sect did care for lower tier cultivators like Li Ye quite well; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to snatch the Silver Moon Grass task without power or influence.
But still, it depended on the young man’s decision.
Just a shame about these little fellows... wonder if they can find an owner.
Li Ye keenly noticed the panel showing its mood had turned to sympathy—not for him, but obviously for these spiritual insects.
He pondered a bit, then solemnly said: "Senior’s kindness, of course, I cannot refuse; these spiritual insects can alleviate my pain, I will certainly care for them well.
Just daring to ask senior how to raise these spiritual insects, I really haven’t seen such peculiar little creatures."
Saying so, he extended a finger, cautiously intending to touch the spiritual insect.
Unexpectedly, his finger had just moved closer when the rapidly scurrying insect halted, diligently raising its plump body, using the bud on its head to actively reach toward his fingertip.
A warm aura flowed from the little bud of the Flint Fire Crystal Insect, briefly warming his finger.
Li Ye was slightly taken aback.
The Spiritual Mechanism Vine was somewhat surprised, its tone involuntarily softened: "Rarely do they show such friendliness."
A flash of spiritual light on the table revealed a jade scroll laid there.
It gestured for Li Ye to take it: "This jade scroll contains the method to raise Flint Fire Crystal Insects; take it back for thorough study, if there are any issues, feel free to come find me."
This was the Spiritual Mechanism Vine of the Four Seasons Sect! Building a good relationship with it surely wouldn’t be wrong.
"Rest assured, senior, I will definitely take care of them well."
Li Ye placed his sole five spirit stones on the table, then picked up the box and took his leave.
The vine of the Spiritual Mechanism Vine slightly swayed; it too had been such a poor specimen earlier, fortunate to find a good owner; hopefully, these little fellows would also meet a nice owner.