This was a bustling market, filled with the surging sound of noise, rising and falling without cease, filling the entire space.
Numerous Cultivators wove through it like a dense tapestry, their figures intertwining, embodying the clamor and prosperity of the place.
In front of one stall, several young Qi Refinement Stage Cultivators gathered around a pile of Low-Grade Magical Artifacts, whispering, pointing, and discussing animatedly.
“Although this Spirit Sword is not of high grade, its spiritual light remains stable when Spiritual Qi is injected, so it should still be quite good,” a Cultivator in green robes slightly narrowed his eyes, his gaze sharp as he meticulously examined the Spirit Sword.
Upon hearing this, the stall owner’s face immediately broke into a fawning smile, and he hastily chimed in, “This young man truly has discerning eyes! This Spirit Sword was something I stumbled upon by chance in a mysterious ruin. The price is absolutely fair, no deception, young man, you can try it out yourself.”
Not far away, a graceful female Cultivator sat elegantly in front of a stall, with dozens of Talismans laid out before her.
“Here are Fire Talismans, Water Talismans, Quicksand Talismans, Dungeon Talismans, Earth Spike Talismans, and various other first-level Low Grade Talismans! Come and take a look, the prices are fair and the value is excellent,” the female Cultivator’s cherry lips parted slightly, her voice clear and pleasant, like an oriole emerging from a valley, sounding exceptionally melodious in the noisy market.
A simple-faced Qi Refinement Stage Cultivator squatted on the ground, with several freshly picked Spiritual Plants spread out before him, continuously shouting loudly, “Fresh Spiritual Plants! Can be used for Alchemy, can be used as medicine, even eating them raw has good effects! Don't miss out if you’re passing by!”
His voice was rough and loud, attracting the attention of many passersby.
“Excuse me, how much is this Cultivation Technique?” A dark-skinned, sturdy young man pointed to a book titled “Introduction to Spells” on a Cultivation Technique stall and asked, his youthful voice carrying a hint of nervousness.
“5 Low-Grade Spirit Stones,” the young stall owner didn’t even lift his head, his expression indifferent, seemingly unconcerned with the transaction at hand.
“The Spells inside are all basic Qi Refinement Stage Spells, many of which are included in main Cultivation Techniques. Your price is too expensive,” the young man frowned slightly, attempting to haggle.
“The lowest is 3 Low-Grade Spirit Stones, no lower. If you don’t want it, move along, don’t block others,” the young stall owner showed no intention of backing down.
“1 Low-Grade Spirit Stone, if not, then forget it,” the young man stood up, making as if to leave, a resolute expression on his face.
“Then go ahead, hurry up and go. It’s not even dark yet, and you’re already dreaming,” the stall owner retorted directly, with a hint of disdain in his tone.
The young man’s expression changed, and he stood up and left the stall.
However, the young man had only walked a few steps when he heard the stall owner call out, “Come back! You have an extraordinary appearance; you’re destined for great things in the future. I’ll just make a friend.”
The young man was first stunned, then delighted. He turned back, paid the Spirit Stones, put the book into his Storage Pouch, and then continued to leisurely stroll through the market, occasionally glancing at one item and inquiring about another treasure, appearing quite relaxed and at ease.
This young man was none other than Zhang Tie, who had traveled thousands of miles from the Black Phoenix Country, enduring a month-long journey to finally arrive in Qin Country.
After Zhang Tie arrived in Qin Country, he quickly and keenly noticed that the Spiritual Qi here was much denser than in the Black Phoenix Country, and his Cultivation speed was indeed much faster.
Moreover, the Mortals here were not as ignorant about Cultivators as those in the Black Phoenix Country; in many places, one could hear various rumors and news about Cultivators.
While Zhang Tie was briefly resting in Feiyun City, a city on the border of Qin Country, he coincidentally met two Qi Refinement Stage Cultivators at a bustling inn.
He did not hesitate and immediately went forward to inquire about matters concerning Cultivation Sects.
However, the knowledge of these two was quite limited, but they did mention the location of this market to Zhang Tie, suggesting he come here to inquire further.
Thus, Zhang Tie immediately rushed to this place called Feiyun Market.
This place primarily catered to Qi Refinement Stage Cultivators, and the market master was a Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivator from a Cultivation Family.
There was a strict prohibition in the market: no one was allowed to fight or cause trouble within the market. Violators would be killed on the spot, without any leniency.
Zhang Tie strolled through this market, looking left and right, his gaze filled with curiosity and exploration.
As he walked, he saw five people leisurely chatting in a quiet pavilion in the distance, two of whom were engrossed in a game of chess, their expressions focused.
So Zhang Tie quickly walked over.
“Greetings, Fellow Daoists. I am Liu Ye, and I wish to inquire about some information from you all,” Zhang Tie cupped his fists and bowed, his expression sincere, “May I ask if any of you Fellow Daoists know which Cultivation Schools are nearby, and when these Cultivation Schools recruit Disciples?”
“Brother Wang, you’re familiar with this, you answer this young brother,” a middle-aged, short-haired man turned to a young man beside him and said.
“Since Brother Zhao has spoken, then I shall speak.”
The young man, referred to as “Brother Wang,” paused slightly and cleared his throat, “Fellow Daoist Liu, it’s clear you haven’t been here long. In fact, what you’re asking are not secrets; most Fellow Daoists who frequent this place are well aware of them.”
“There are only two Sects in the entire Qin Country with Core Formation Stage Cultivators overseeing them: one is the Jinyang Sect, and the other is the Liuyun Sect. The rest are not worth mentioning.
As for recruiting Disciples, unless one possesses special Aptitude and talent, they must wait for the ‘Ascension Immortal Assembly,’ which occurs once every five years.”
“Then, may I ask how long until this Ascension Immortal Assembly? And what are the requirements for recruiting Disciples?”
“It will be about a month or so until they begin recruiting Disciples. As for the requirements, that would be Spiritual Root Aptitude. The better the Spiritual Root, the naturally better the treatment.
Although the minimum requirement is just to have a Spiritual Root, ordinary miscellaneous Spiritual Roots are usually not accepted. The worst accepted must be Four Spiritual Roots,” the young man referred to as Brother Wang explained to Zhang Tie unhurriedly and patiently.
“Thank you, Fellow Daoist Wang, and thank you all, Fellow Daoists. I, Liu, shall take my leave now,” Zhang Tie cupped his fists and bowed again, then turned and walked towards the deeper parts of the market.
As Zhang Tie walked, he silently pondered in his heart.
There was still over a month until the Sects began recruiting Disciples. Although this month wasn't ample time, he could use it to learn more about the conditions for these Sects recruiting Disciples.
Zhang Tie naturally didn’t wish to be some miscellaneous Spiritual Root; otherwise, he would truly have to become a rootless Loose Cultivator. Zhang Tie couldn't help but shake his head, gather his thoughts, and walk towards the market exit.
He now needed to set off to see the two Sects nearby. That way, if one Sect didn't accept him, he could quickly try his luck at the other.
After leaving the market, Zhang Tie no longer paused. He cast the Royal Wind Technique and hastened away.