Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8539: Cool breeze (1)

Capítulo 8539: Cool breeze (1)

The Deserted Tomb Market wasn't an enormous island at all. Its total expanse measured merely ten thousand miles in length and exceeded six thousand miles across. Though modest in scale, it served as a stable, unchanging landmass. In the Blood Sea Realm, islands this small were scarce and usually seized ages ago to function as a sect's central headquarters or key outpost. Why, then, had it transformed into a bustling market?

The explanation was straightforward. The primary factor lay in its position. The Deserted Tomb Market sat in an unfavorable spot, positioned far too near the Corpse Demon Sect. That sect's main base occupied a nearby island, from which it had founded and expanded its influence. Initially distant from the Corpse Demon Sect's core, the market gradually edged closer as the sect flourished and claimed more territory, eventually becoming its frontier.

Given these conditions, no rival sect dared to claim the area. Though separated by some distance from the Corpse Demon Sect itself, the market wasn't suitable for their sub-branch, so they converted it into an open trading hub instead. This free market let loose cultivators barter without restriction, while the Corpse Demon Sect merely dispatched overseers for basic supervision and fee collection. They paid it little heed.

Still, as the Blood Sea Realm's dominant power, the Corpse Demon Sect attracted plenty of cultivators eking out a living there. Cheng Wanchun counted among them. His forebears had started as a loyal servant to a minor sect, later ascending to disciple status upon successful cultivation. Limited by his innate gifts, however, his ancestor remained an outer sect member lifelong, holding no elevated rank. His lineage shared that lack of talent, and the small sect rejected further integration. Thus, they drifted into rogue cultivator life. Through generations of trials and tribulations, they persisted as independents. Cheng Wanchun himself remained one, lacking great power or kin, forcing him to scrape by in the market squares.

At just over thirty years old, Cheng Wanchun's power had barely entered the Profound Qi Realm. For someone of his age and level, no sect would accept him. To them, individuals like him offered zero promise, so rejection was inevitable.

Yet Cheng Wanchun refused to despair. He trained relentlessly and tackled numerous assignments. Among fellow rogues, he ranked as a true hard worker. Still, with so many in similar straits, no one took special notice of him.

Having finished yet another task, Cheng Wanchun made his way back to the market from the Blood Sea. He navigated the familiar route straight to a shop named the Clear Wind Pharmacy. This was a frequent haunt of his, where he'd taken on countless jobs. The tasks from this place always proved equitable, never skimping on his crystal payments. Over time, he'd built a rapport with the owner.

The Clear Wind Pharmacy had launched only a few years prior. At its debut, rival shops had tried to squeeze it out. But it offered mixed energy pills for cultivation at reasonable prices, backed by ample funds. The competitors backed off from further pressure.

Certainly, those shops had mulled over aggressive takeovers. Yet, the aggressors from several pharmacies vanished without trace one night, while the Clear Wind Pharmacy continued undisturbed. Word spread that it wasn't to be messed with, and challenges ceased. The business thrived quietly thereafter.

In recent years, the Clear Wind Pharmacy's operations grew steadily without fanfare. Among rogue cultivators, though, it earned glowing praise. Known for honest dealings, it stood as a top-notch medicine hall, drawing independents eager to handle their commissions.

Cheng Wanchun reached the front of the Clear Wind Pharmacy. Despite solid business, the storefront appeared unassuming—a compact shop covering about a hundred square meters. A plain signboard dangled above, inscribed simply with 'Clear Wind Pharmacy.' Nothing flashy marked it.

The entrance allowed two to pass abreast. Though Cheng Wanchun had visited innumerable times, each approach stirred a quiet admiration. Such thriving enterprise, yet so understated—truly uncommon.

Sighing inwardly, he focused on the matter at hand. He pushed through the door into the medicine hall. Few patrons lingered inside; after all, evening had fallen, and most shoppers had concluded their business. With closing time nearing, the crowd had thinned considerably.

A handful of young staff bustled about the hall. None exceeded twenty summers in age, and a pair seemed even younger, their features still boyish. Clad in matching uniforms, they sorted the herbs before them. Deepest within, a counter held sway, where a fiftyish cultivator pored over ledgers, tallying the day's earnings.

The medicine hall's layout carried a distinctive flair. Upon entry, one faced a broad open space. Encircling walls bore medicine cabinets, each fitted with myriad tiny compartments. Labels on every drawer named its contents, clearly designating storage for specific remedies.

Before the cabinets loomed a lofty wooden counter, equipped with miniature scales, grinders, mortars, and sundry tools. Some sections displayed fresh herbs outright. Attendants hurried to organize the stock, infusing the air with rich herbal scents.

The sound of the door drew glances from the staff, who chorused in unison, “Hello!” Such was their standard welcome, extended to all newcomers. It had ingrained itself as routine. Initially, it had felt odd to Cheng Wanchun, but familiarity bred comfort now.

Spotting Cheng Wanchun, the shopkeeper grinned. “Little Cheng, you're back. How'd the mission go?” Having crossed paths for years, the shopkeeper skipped formalities. This familiarity warmed Cheng Wanchun rather than irking him.

Cheng Wanchun chuckled. “Brother Bao, you've toiled all day. The task wrapped up smoothly. Figured you hadn't shuttered yet, so I swung by. Here, check these golden sakura we gathered this round. See if the color's right.” He produced a jade box and passed it over.

Shopkeeper Bao beamed. “Fine, I'll inspect them. Your herbs always top quality—no need to check, really—but rules are rules, so I must.” He accepted the box from Cheng Wanchun.

The jade box Cheng Wanchun presented was sizable, roughly forty centimeters each way. Only rogue cultivators lugged such large ones for herb transport. Valued for preserving potency, independents often packed several along.

Shopkeeper Bao unsealed the box, scrutinizing the golden sakura within. He lifted a sample, inhaled deeply, then nodded approvingly. “Perfect—high grade, small success stage. Cashing in for jingshi now? I'll quote the best rate, sound good?”

Cheng Wanchun agreed. “Yes, let's trade. I need crystals for some pills too.” No prodigy himself, he'd toiled fiercely to hit the Profound Qi Realm. Slack now, and progress would stall forever.

Shopkeeper Bao nodded, emptied the box onto the scales for weighing, then handed over several dozen crystals. Cheng Wanchun expressed thanks, pocketing them, and prepared to purchase primordial chaos pills for practice when Shopkeeper Bao eyed him thoughtfully. After a pause, he ventured, “Little Cheng, we've been acquainted a good while. I've a matter to discuss—mind stepping back with me?”

Cheng Wanchun paused, eyeing Shopkeeper Bao in confusion. But the man's steady demeanor eased his doubts; no harm seemed intended. As a mere rogue, what threat could he pose anyway? He nodded promptly. “Sure.”

Shopkeeper Bao brightened. “Great, follow me.” He moved to the counter's edge, unlocked a side door, and ushered Cheng Wanchun through. Without hesitation, Cheng Wanchun slipped behind the counter and trailed him via a narrow passage into the rear quarters.

The back area spanned generously, featuring a vast parlor with a sofa ensemble and paired antique racks flanking it. The shelves brimmed with curios—tomes, tiny cauldrons, jade slips aplenty. The ambiance evoked refined antiquity, quite appealing.

Once inside the parlor, Shopkeeper Bao gestured for Cheng Wanchun to sit, then lifted the teapot to fill a cup. “Here, tea.” Cheng Wanchun accepted and sipped, only to start in surprise. Spiritual tea—such a rarity! Not for everyday folk, it deepened his intrigue about Shopkeeper Bao's background. What secrets did the man hold to partake of this?