Stepping into this market district, Lei Dong finally had his eyes opened. The market wasn't large, but it boasted numerous quaint storefronts, each shop peddling an overwhelming variety of magical artifacts, pills, talismans, and props. Some shops sold everything, much like a general store. Others specialized exclusively in elixirs or artifacts. Beyond these, one entire street was designated for cultivators to set up their own stalls; for the mere cost of one spirit stone, one could occupy a spot for the entire day.

Lei Dong could never have dreamed that so many cultivators would congregate here. While it wasn't the tidal wave of people seen during a market fair back in his hometown, it was certainly bustling. Lingering and observing for half a day without betraying his composure, Lei Dong gradually grasped the layout. Shops that sold everything certainly did good business, but precisely because they dealt in everything, finding high-quality goods within them was difficult.

Specialty stores operated very formally, prioritizing reputation for long-term viability. However, the prices for similar small items in these specialty shops were usually ten to twenty percent higher than outside, though the quality was more assured. As for the motley collection of stalls, these were set up by individuals, selling everything from a single Yin Mushroom to the Dharma treasures used by Golden Core cultivators—truly an exhaustive inventory. Of course, the quality of goods at these stalls was highly questionable. Many, seeking a bargain with the hope of striking it rich cheaply, often ended up losing out at these very stalls.

The sellers were always savvier than the buyers. Based on Lei Dong’s observations, the vast majority of stall owners were veterans who had been peddling their wares here for years, forming what appeared to be tacit alliances among themselves to prey upon newcomers and cultivators with lower cultivation bases. However, a small minority were people who preferred setting up stalls because they were dissatisfied with the acquisition prices offered by the shops, hoping to fetch a better sum here.

Even regarding this latter group of stall vendors, Lei Dong dared not trust them casually. Who knew if they were just one of the seasoned tricksters putting on an act?

After spending one spirit stone, he secured a room at an unremarkable little inn for a month. Every night, he dedicated himself to Qi refinement and meditation within his room. During the day, he continued to wander around, occasionally striking up casual conversations with clerks and stall owners. Having lived two lifetimes, Lei Dong, though not a master of social graces, understood human nature better than those his age. When others weren't busy, a few pleasantries and subtle compliments ensured he wasn't entirely unwelcome, despite his refusal to spend money on purchases. Everything he overheard and observed, he meticulously filed away, pondering it in private.

Over twenty days later, Lei Dong, now full of quiet confidence, stepped into a modestly sized shop that specialized exclusively in the trade of Spirit Ghosts. Since this area remained within the sphere of influence of the Yin Sha Sect, the clientele consisted mainly of individuals from unorthodox paths, ensuring a substantial market for Spirit Ghosts here. Through hearsay and discreet inquiries, comparing this establishment with several similar shops, Lei Dong concluded that this particular Spirit Ghost shop had a good reputation, offered fair prices, and did not fleece newcomers. Only then did he confirm his intent to sell a Mid-grade Spirit Ghost here.

The mortal errand boy, lacking any cultivation base, listened politely to Lei Dong’s purpose before respectfully inviting him into a private room, understanding that the acquisition of a Mid-grade Spirit Ghost was beyond his authority. After receiving a small gratuity, he went to fetch the manager.

Soon after, two palace-attired maids, seemingly no older than seventeen or eighteen, arrived to pour tea and water. Their delicate and shy demeanor made them quite attractive. However, having spent considerable time in the Myriad Ghost Cave, Lei Dong felt little interest in them. Firstly, the Myriad Ghost Cave held an abundance of mortal maids of every description. Secondly, Lei Dong considered himself quite young and felt his energy should be focused more intently on cultivation.

Moments later, the manager, dressed in an amiable manner and appearing middle-aged, entered with a warm smile. He bowed slightly. "My apologies, my young friend, I was occupied with urgent matters just now, causing you to wait. I am the Third Manager of this Spirit Ghost Pavilion, surnamed Li. You may simply call me Old Li. May I ask your name, young sir?"

"Senior Li is too kind; this junior’s surname is Chen, given name Hua." Lei Dong rose steadily, returning the gesture. "Senior Li's cultivation far surpasses this junior’s; how could I presume familiarity?" The Cultivation World values strength above all else; the weak are prey to the strong. When encountering a high-level cultivator whose power surpasses one's own, humility and discretion are paramount. Otherwise, an unintentional slip of the tongue could lead to unknown peril. This Third Manager, who called himself Old Li, was utterly unfathomable to Lei Dong’s senses; there was no way he would actually address him as 'Old Li.'

After a few pleasantries, Manager Li took a sip of tea and smiled. "The errand boy mentioned that Young Master Chen possesses a Mid-grade Spirit Ghost he wishes to sell to our Pavilion. Li thanks you for your trust in our establishment. Young Master Chen must have already inquired about our reputation beforehand. Here, I can guarantee you that as long as you are a client of this Pavilion, we absolutely will not disclose a single piece of your information, and we ensure that both parties to the transaction are treated fairly and justly, so you will not be disadvantaged."

Lei Dong nodded. Business, especially long-term enterprise, absolutely hinges on reputation. Yet, he also understood that if the item he presented made them excessively greedy and they possessed the means to silently eliminate him, they wouldn't hesitate to play the role of bandits. There was a question of boundaries. As the saying goes: it’s not that one won't betray, it’s just that the stakes for betrayal are too low, and the cost is too high.

However, considering the strength and reputation of the Spirit Ghost Pavilion, risking murder over a single Mid-grade Spirit Ghost made the potential risk and reward disproportionate. Therefore, Lei Dong felt relatively reassured. Nevertheless, maintaining an extra measure of caution and vigilance was necessary, given his current weakness.

"This junior happened upon the capture of this Mid-grade Spirit Ghost accidentally while performing a sect mission. The reason for selling it is twofold: firstly, this junior does not primarily cultivate the Ghost Control Arts, and secondly, I do not wish to incite excessive envy among my sect members." Lei Dong stated this subtly, explaining his motive for the sale while simultaneously hinting that he was a sect disciple, not one of the low-level rogue cultivators easily encountered elsewhere.

Hearing this, Manager Li became noticeably warmer. After all, sect disciples, even the most junior ones, would prompt the sect to seek retribution if they suffered harm while traveling outside. This was a tenet of sect survival; if a sect ignored abuse suffered by its own members and acted like a shrinking turtle, over time, the sect’s cohesion would erode. Once morale fractured, the sect itself would inevitably weaken.

Especially since this area remained under the dominion of the Yin Sha Sect. The nearest other major sect was seemingly tens of thousands of miles away. Thus, if the young man’s words were true, he must be a disciple of the Yin Sha Sect. Manager Li wouldn't even entertain the thought of offending such a colossal power as the Yin Sha Sect.

"Young Master Chen, rest assured, the details of this transaction will not be revealed to any outside party." Manager Li said with deep sincerity. "As for that errand boy, this humble manager will personally handle the matter."

Lei Dong was slightly taken aback, then let out a slight laugh. "There's no need for that. The matter isn't as dramatic as Manager Li imagines; simply keeping it quiet will suffice." He mused inwardly that Manager Li must have guessed he was a Yin Sha Sect disciple, or he wouldn't be so overly cautious. But it made little difference; the Yin Sha Sect had countless lairs, and no one would be foolish enough to track him down over one Mid-grade Spirit Ghost.

Manager Li also felt a slight easing of tension. After all, cultivating a clever and capable errand boy required considerable effort. After a moment of thought, he asked, "May I ask what price Young Master wishes to sell it to us for?"

Before arriving, Lei Dong had thoroughly researched the market price for Mid-grade Spirit Ghosts. In a formal specialty shop like the Spirit Ghost Pavilion, a Mid-grade Spirit Ghost was a relatively rare commodity. Due to its scarcity, it typically sold externally for around thirteen or fourteen hundred spirit stones, and even then, stock was tight. Lei Dong, having long settled on his asking price, stated calmly, "Twelve hundred spirit stones."

Manager Li’s expression faltered slightly, and he offered a wry smile. "Young Master’s price is a bit high. Although we can sell it externally for thirteen to fourteen hundred, running a shop here incurs significant overhead—rent, taxes, staffing, and so forth. If you agree to sell for one thousand spirit stones, we can conclude the deal immediately."

"That can't be said in that way. Mid-grade Spirit Ghosts are rare and highly sought after. If Manager Li acquires it, you turn a profit of two hundred stones just by reselling it. If you don't make this deal, does your shop suddenly become free of rent and other expenses? It’s just a simple transaction on your part," Lei Dong countered, sipping his tea and speaking eloquently. It wasn't that he enjoyed haggling; rather, in a transaction of this size, variations of tens or even hundreds of spirit stones were not insignificant sums. Although he possessed the Soul Devouring Pagoda and could manufacture Mid-grade Spirit Ghosts, advertising the constant sale of such items without restraint would hasten his demise.

After some back-and-forth, Lei Dong, stubbornly holding his ground, managed to sell the ghost for eleven hundred spirit stones. This was four hundred stones more than he had estimated before arriving at the market. He couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction; his spirit stone assets had finally surpassed the one thousand mark.

...