Cultivation begins with ice harvesters

Chapter 9: Selling

A low-grade first-level crystal shrimp has limited intrinsic value and contains no spiritual materials that can be used to refine magical artifacts. It is mostly hunted by cultivators in the early stages of Qi Refining.

Therefore, on the way back to Binghai Market, although he occasionally brushed past other groups of cultivators, he only glanced at most of them.

As for the few early-stage Qi Refining cultivators, they might have some reservations, but after careful consideration, they ultimately chose not to make a move.

After all, a cultivator who can hunt crystal shrimp alone, regardless of the final form of the hunt, is a symbol of strength.

As for the six complete first-grade low-level water-attribute spiritual herbs, they were naturally hidden inside the robe, so other cultivators could not easily discover them.

"Take a walk and have a look; the treasures here are of high quality and low price."

"A time-honored weapon-refining shop, every magical artifact is a masterpiece, quality guaranteed."

"The Chen family's alchemy workshop produces spiritual pills, each one of which has been verified by the family. They are of superior quality and limited in quantity, so fellow cultivators should not miss them."

"The treasures that originated from the caves of ancient cultivators may well be the source of your good fortune."

As soon as Tong Bingfeng stepped into the Ice Sea Market carrying the Crystal Shrimp, he was surrounded by various hawking cries, with every stall owner and shop assistant trying their best to promote their spiritual items.

As for the slogans they mentioned, most of them were just one-sided exaggerations, mainly to attract more attention from the cultivators in the market. How much of it was true and how much was false was naturally up to the cultivators to refute.

Of course, the aforementioned indistinguishable hawking cries would not cause Tong Bingfeng any additional trouble, because he was penniless and had no purchasing power whatsoever.

As for a complete Tier 1 low-grade crystal shrimp, it would not attract any attention or interest in this vast Ice Sea Market.

Even when he passed by, regardless of whether they were mid-to-late stage Qi Refining cultivators, they would flash by with obvious disgust. Crystal shrimp love to live in the mud, so naturally they would have a unique fishy smell all over their bodies.

Fifteen minutes later, Tong Bingfeng stood in the backyard of a two-story wooden building called "Ling Shi Guan" that specialized in purchasing ingredients, waiting for the shop owner to appraise the value.

Spiritual Food Hall, as the name suggests, is a shop in the market that sells spiritual food containing spiritual power. It uses various monster meats as the main ingredients, adds a small amount of spiritual herbs and flowers as garnishes, and cooks them using the unique methods and techniques of spiritual chefs.

This shop is not large and mainly sells first-tier spiritual food. The shop owner is both a spiritual chef and a spiritual ingredient purchaser.

"A first-grade, low-level crystal shrimp, its demonic body intact. The only wound on its abdomen has been frozen and has not caused any damage. The Spirit Food Hall operates on the principle of integrity. How about we purchase it intact for three spirit stones?"

It didn't take too long; the chef had already offered a relatively fair price, which basically met Tong Bingfeng's expectations.

"Boss Liu is indeed decisive. Deal. I wonder if the Spirit Food Pavilion would be willing to purchase a low-grade first-tier water-attribute spirit herb?"

Tong Bingfeng agreed without hesitation and tried to conduct a second transaction today, adhering to the principle of not bothering two clients with the same matter.

After all, in a sense, the preparation of spiritual food by a spiritual chef is similar to the alchemist's preparation of spiritual pills, and spiritual herbs are also indispensable.

"Of course, it was acquired. May I ask what other miraculous herbs you possess, young man?"

Only then did Boss Liu take a proper look at the disheveled Qi Refining Level 3 cultivator before him, and a hint of seriousness appeared in his eyes.

Although there are many first-grade low-level crystal shrimp in the Northern Frontier Ice Region, their strength is limited. However, there are not many that have companion spiritual herbs and can be successfully harvested. This in itself is the best symbol of a cultivator's strength.

"Six clusters of first-grade low-level algal crystals, complete and flawless, with abundant vitality. Given a suitable environment, they could potentially be cultivated and transplanted."

Tong Bingfeng removed all the algae crystals. Because they had been away from the water for a short time, he could still clearly feel the vigorous life force contained within them.

Although algal crystals are widely distributed, they will lose their luster once they are away from the water surface for more than half a day. Although the water-attribute spiritual power will not disappear, the possibility of cultivation and transplantation will be lost.

For the Spirit Food Pavilion, while there is no shortage of first-grade low-level algae crystals, and the amount used each time is not large, they are still an indispensable seasoning in the preparation of many spiritual dishes, so it is natural to have some in stock.

Furthermore, in the preparation of many spiritual foods, freshly picked algae crystals naturally yield twice the results with half the effort. Although Tong Bingfeng had never eaten spiritual foods, he was well aware of some common knowledge about them.

"Young man, you've got some impressive skills. Six clusters of first-grade low-level algae crystals, and the Spirit Food Pavilion is offering one spirit stone for fifty spirit crystals."

As expected, after personally witnessing the quality and condition of the algae crystals, Mr. Liu, the owner of Ling Shi Ge, decisively chose to purchase them at a premium.

"make a deal"

Tong Bingfeng naturally wouldn't refuse this acquisition price, which was clearly beyond his expectations. Fifty spirit crystals were already a considerable windfall for him at this stage.

"Young friend, you are a straightforward person. If you ever have similar quality monster corpses or spiritual herbs in the future, feel free to come to the Spirit Food Hall to trade. I will definitely give you a fair and just price."

When the owner of the Spirit Food Hall, surnamed Liu, handed over a total of four spirit stones and fifty spirit crystals at the end of the transaction, he also took the initiative to extend a corresponding invitation.

After all, for these shops of all sizes scattered throughout the market that specialize in selling spiritual food, a stable source of ingredients is also an essential element.

The chef in front of us, surnamed Liu, is only at the eighth level of Qi Refining. At most, he is qualified to prepare first-grade high-quality spiritual food. In his daily business, the first-best-selling items are always the cheap and easy-to-prepare first-grade low-quality spiritual food.

"Your price is fair. I will naturally come here often for minor repairs in the future, so please don't worry, shopkeeper."

"The transaction is complete today. Congratulations on your prosperous business, shopkeeper. I'll take my leave now."

After counting and pocketing the spirit stones he was entitled to, Tong Bingfeng decisively took his leave.

After finishing a series of miscellaneous tasks and returning to the courtyard, it was already close to evening. This time should have been the best time for quiet rest, refining the spiritual energy accumulated in the house, and focusing on cultivation to improve one's strength.

But today, unexpected guests arrived: two mid-stage Qi Refining cultivators dressed in standard uniforms and belonging to the Market Management Office stood outside the door.

Although he didn't barge into the rented courtyard like a patrolman, his arrogance was still evident.

Moreover, Tong Bingfeng was quite familiar with these two mid-stage Qi Refining cultivators; they were direct descendants of the Chen family who were in charge of collecting rent for the courtyard every month.

"Why are these two 'gods of wealth' here? Shouldn't they be waiting patiently at the management office for the renting cultivators to pay their spirit stones? Why are they in such a remote place?"