The morning after returning from my mission, I headed toward the sect market again—familiar streets now, after my last visit.
But this time, I wasn't alone.
Li Shen, my friend from the training grounds, walked beside me with an easy grin. "So, this is the sect's market? You've been here before, right?"
"Yeah," I nodded. "I came here to look around before my first mission. This place can empty your pouch fast if you're not careful."
Li Shen laughed. "Good thing you're with me then. I can keep you from spending too much."
I shook my head. "If I want to keep progressing, I need to get my hands on some Body Refining Pills as soon as possible."
The market buzzed with the usual energy—disciples haggling, merchants shouting their wares, and the scent of spirit herbs lingering in the air. I had walked these paths before, but now I truly understood their value. In this world, spirit stones were everything.
After a bit of searching, I found the familiar stall—a humble setup with just a few bottles of pills remaining.
The old merchant from before glanced up and grinned. "Back again, boy? Body Refining Pills—five spirit stones each. I've only got two left."
Before I could speak, a tall disciple with sharp eyebrows and a cold expression stepped forward and dropped five spirit stones on the table.
"I'll take one," he said.
The merchant simply nodded and handed it to him.
I quickly placed my five spirit stones on the table to claim the last pill.
But the tall disciple smirked. "Seven spirit stones. I'll take the last one too."
The merchant hesitated, glancing at both of us.
"Ten spirit stones," I said firmly, gritting my teeth.
The disciple's smile vanished, but he didn't raise the bid. With a flick of his sleeve, he turned and left, his cold gaze lingering on me for a moment.
"You've got spirit, kid," the merchant chuckled as he handed me the last pill.
I pocketed both pills carefully and left the stall with Li Shen by my side.
Li Shen shook his head. "Do you know who that was?"
"No idea."
"His name is Jiang Mu. He's from a strong background. You may have made a dangerous rival today."
"I didn't offend him," I muttered. "I just bought what I needed."
Li Shen smirked. "In this world, that's all it takes."
I tightened my grip on the pouch in my hand.
Cultivation wasn't just about training. It was about competition, survival, and grabbing every opportunity you could find.
And I wouldn't let anyone take mine.