Zhou Kai left the inn but did not rush directly to the East Gate Courtyard. Instead, he wandered around the market for a couple of rounds.

He needed to find that blockhead Fang Lizhe as soon as possible.

Firstly, a miraculous technique like the Cicada Raiment Art must hold many more unknown secrets, worth delving into deeply. Secondly, although Fang Lizhe was simple-minded, he was also enthusiastic. Moreover, managing to draw Qi into his body even in the mortal world indicated some talent. If he could be properly guided and trained into a loyal underling to run errands, that would be excellent.

However, the market was still bustling with people, vendors’ shouts rising and falling one after another. Unfortunately, Fang Lizhe seemed to have vanished into thin air, nowhere to be seen.

“Has this kid really run into trouble?” Zhou Kai frowned slightly.

He calculated in his heart: if Fang Lizhe had truly met with misfortune, he would have to find time to return to the Great Zhou Kingdom. At the very least, for the sake of the Cicada Raiment Art, he should look after the boy’s family, considering it repaying a favor. Secondly, he could try to inquire about the origins of the Cicada Raiment Art from the Fang family itself.

Finding no trace of the person, Zhou Kai delayed no further and headed straight for the East Gate.

Outside the East Gate Courtyard, a person stood at the entrance with hands clasped behind their back. Seeing someone approach, they expressionlessly extended a single hand.

Zhou Kai was straightforward enough, taking out five Spirit Stones and handing them over.

The courtyard inside was a different world. Dozens of torches illuminated the entire yard, making it as bright as day. Over fifty cultivators were scattered about, most at mid-First Realm cultivation, equivalent to Qi Condensation layers four to six. Among them were a few whose auras were deeper and more profound, having reached the late stage.

Zhou Kai’s current cultivation was at Qi Condensation layer four and Body Cultivation Meridian Opening layer two. However, concealed by the Cicada Raiment Art, the aura fluctuation he emitted was perceived by outsiders as only around Qi Condensation layer two—at most bordering on layer three.

Many cultivators couldn’t help but cast a few more probing glances upon seeing such low cultivation daring to come here. Zhou Kai paid no mind to this, calmly observing the situation in the courtyard with an unperturbed expression.

In the very center of the courtyard stood a figure atop an artificial rockery.

It was none other than that flamboyant fellow from before.

On the surrounding covered walkways stood over ten more cultivators in uniform attire. Each had a strong aura; all were at the late stage of Qi Condensation—clearly fellow disciples from Calamity Abyss Valley.

The expert cleared his throat. “For those friends who don’t know me yet, I’ll say it again: I am Gao Feiyang of Calamity Abyss Valley!”

“Everyone, time is up! The Trading Gala begins now!”

Before his words even faded, he swung his arm. A dazzling flash of light swept past as an array of various items instantly appeared before him, their treasures gleaming and shimmering.

“Take a look! Have a look! Products from Calamity Abyss Valley are guaranteed to be top quality!” Gao Feiyang began his pitch. “Premium elixirs for consolidating foundations, nurturing vitality, and advancing cultivation—we have it all! Powerful talismans for offense and defense combined—essential for killing and plundering, or just for home use!”

“And these lively spirit pets—obedient and docile with limitless potential! Not to mention these mighty puppets—fearless in battle, striking wherever you point!”

With each item mentioned, he picked one up and tossed it playfully in his hand for display, his posture ostentatious and his expressions exaggerated to the extreme.

The dozen or so Calamity Abyss Valley disciples behind him also followed suit one by one, displaying the goods they had prepared. For a moment, the array was dazzling and splendid with shimmering treasure light.

Many Loose Cultivators in the courtyard were dazzled by the sight but could only stare helplessly.

The quality of items from Calamity Abyss Valley was naturally beyond reproach… but their prices…

“Tsk, is this guy here to do business or just show off his wealth?”

“Exactly! Which of these things isn’t sky-high expensive? How can we Loose Cultivators afford them?”

“Let’s just wait for the free exchange.”

Everyone inwardly grumbled but dared not discuss it loudly. After all, their faction was powerful, and Gao Feiyang himself was a Qi Condensation Great Perfection expert.

Only a handful of late-stage Qi Condensation cultivators pondered briefly before stepping forward to trade a few items with Gao Feiyang and his group—mostly healing elixirs or special talismans.

Most mid-stage Qi Condensation cultivators gathered in small groups of two or three. Their gazes wandered among the various stalls; clearly, they were waiting for Gao Feiyang’s wave of “official selling” to end so they could participate in the free exchange segment.

Zhou Kai wasn’t in a hurry. He stood with hands clasped behind his back, watching Gao Feiyang’s performance with great interest.

Only after those late-stage Qi Condensation cultivators finished their trades and drifted in small groups to the corners of the courtyard to chat did he finally stroll over to Gao Feiyang’s stall.

His gaze swept over the merchandise as he calculated internally:

Raising spirit pets is time-consuming and labor-intensive; results are hard to see in the short term. Puppets are powerful but prohibitively expensive. As for elixirs… I have my own supply. So it seems I can only buy some talismans.

His gaze finally settled on two types of talismans.

One type was entirely crimson-gold with faint sharp energy emanating from it—named “Fiend Gold Sword Talisman,” an offensive talisman.

The other type was azure-green in color, emitting gentle waves of vitality—named “Green Wood Barrier Talisman,” a defensive talisman.

“Expert Daoist Friend,” Zhou Kai inquired. “How much are these two types of talismans?”

Gao Feiyang glanced at him. Seeing someone with low cultivation, although somewhat impatient, he still explained:

“The Fiend Gold Sword Talisman, when activated, can transform into three small swords controlled by your Divine Sense, lasting roughly one incense stick’s worth of time. The Green Wood Barrier Talisman can generate a resilient protective shield capable of withstanding three attacks from an eighth-layer Qi Condensation cultivator.”

“These are both second-grade lower-tier talismans. Each costs twenty Spirit Stones!”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Kai didn’t even furrow his brow. He said calmly, “Ten Fiend Gold Sword Talismans. And ten Green Wood Barrier Talismans, too.”

These words not only stunned Gao Feiyang, making those peach-blossom eyes widen considerably, but even caused several nearby Loose Cultivators who had been eavesdropping to turn their heads simultaneously.

Four hundred Spirit Stones!

This was no small sum! A mere second-layer Qi Condensation minor cultivator actually being so extravagant?

An ordinary mid-stage Qi Condensation Loose Cultivator’s entire net worth might only amount to this much!

A flicker of surprise passed through Gao Feiyang’s eyes while internally his mind churned tumultuously:

Good heavens! Are low-level Loose Cultivators nowadays all so rolling in wealth? Could this be some young master from a major family out gaining experience, deliberately concealing his cultivation?

He deftly took out twenty talismans, handed them over, and accepted the four hundred Spirit Stones from Zhou Kai. The smile on his face became several degrees more sincere. “This… young brother has excellent taste! Our Calamity Abyss Valley talismans absolutely guarantee quality! Fake ones compensated tenfold!”

Just then, a shifty-eyed middle-aged cultivator sidled up beside them, wearing an ingratiating smile.

“This Daoist Friend is truly generous with your spending! May I ask which immortal cultivation family’s talented scion you are? I am Hu Yongyu. Perhaps our two families share some connections!”

Zhou Kai glanced at this Hu Yongyu and immediately began scheming.

He remained expressionless, adopting an appearance of worldly naivety, saying, “Daoist Friend flatters me. I am no scion of any family, merely a Loose Cultivator fortunate enough to encounter some opportunities.”

“Oh? A Loose Cultivator?” A glint flashed briefly in Hu Yongyu’s eyes. His smile widened further. “Might I ask young Daoist Friend your esteemed name? And your immortal hometown?”

“My name is… Han…” Zhou Kai’s mind raced. What alias had I casually made up before?

For a moment, he actually drew a blank. This detail, observed by others, made him appear even more “simple.”

“My name is Han Cheng, from Great Zhou,” Zhou Kai quickly continued.

Hearing this, Hu Yongyu became even more enthusiastic. He steered topics from strange tales about the Dragon Gate Assembly to how difficult cultivation is for Loose Cultivators, emphasizing mutual support. He praised Zhou Kai for having a kind face and a blessed fate, insisting on befriending him. After the trading session ended, he absolutely must invite him for drinks at a nearby tavern to get properly acquainted.

Zhou Kai, thinking this little fish had taken the bait on its own, pretended ignorance, responding intermittently.

Gao Feiyang initially thought this was just ordinary chatter between cultivators. But he also sensed something off.

He felt that as the initiator of this Trading Gala, he had an obligation to enlighten this seemingly naive, money-rich, cultivation-low “Han Cheng.”

“Ahem.” He lightly coughed, interrupting Hu Yongyu’s spiel. Addressing Zhou Kai, he said:

“Young Brother Han, I see you’re young. Your cultivation… cough… still has immense room for improvement. Yet possessing such wealth, you must have encountered significant serendipity. However, as they say, wealth shouldn’t be displayed. In Broken Wood Bay, people’s hearts are unfathomable. Better be cautious.”

He meaningfully glanced at Hu Yongyu.

Hu Yongyu’s smile stiffened somewhat awkwardly.

Pausing briefly, Gao Feiyang shifted his tone. His face once again revealed that signature flashy smile. “Besides selling various treasures, I also offer a special service—personal protection!”

“Young Brother Han, if you trust me, Gao Feiyang, and Calamity Abyss Valley’s reputation, just pay a small price, and I can guarantee your safety here. What do you think?”

Hearing this, Zhou Kai felt moved internally.

He originally thought that after the trading ended, he would find an opportunity to lure this ill-intentioned Hu Yongyu somewhere secluded to properly “deal” with him and seize his Storage Bag.

Now, with Gao Feiyang saying this, it gave him new ideas.

If he directly rejected Gao Feiyang’s goodwill, it would seem ungrateful, even foolish, arousing suspicion.

Better go with the flow and see what medicine Gao Feiyang sells in his gourd.

“Personal protection?” Zhou Kai’s eyes lit up. Then, tentatively, he asked, “How much does it cost? Wouldn’t it… be very expensive?”

Seeing him receptive, Gao Feiyang felt his advice was effective. Pulling out a talisman from his robe, he handed it to Zhou Kai: “This is a Transmission Talisman, convenient for our contact. One piece, two Spirit Stones—a fair price for all!”

Two Spirit Stones per Transmission Talisman seems reasonable, Zhou Kai thought privately. His impression of Gao Feiyang improved further. Although flashy and ostentatious, this person conducted business fairly decently.

After a “slight hesitation,” he still readily paid two Spirit Stones, accepting the Transmission Talisman.

Receiving the stones, Gao Feiyang’s smile broadened further. “Whenever you encounter danger, activate this talisman. As long as you are within a hundred li around Broken Wood Bay, this Expert will arrive at the first chance. I will take action once…” He paused, extending two fingers. “…for two hundred Spirit Stones!”

Suddenly, he abruptly puffed out his chest, left hand on his hip, right hand pointing a single finger skyward. Simultaneously swinging that cloak embroidered with “Calamity Abyss Valley Expert, Qi Condensation Great Perfection” in front, he struck what he considered an incredibly cool pose and loudly declared:

“Remember my name—Gao Feiyang! Below Foundation Establishment, I’m invincible! Against early Foundation Establishment, a one-for-one trade!”