Duo Bao Tower.
"Fellow Daoist, this is the Yellow Luo Umbrella, both offensive and defensive, it is undoubtedly a rare and excellent magical artifact."
"And then there's this Profound Iron Flying Sword, incredibly sharp..."
The shopkeeper, full of smiles, continued to introduce the magical artifacts in the shop, all of which were middle-grade.
Lin Chang'an admitted he was tempted after seeing them, but considering his own Spirit Stones, he sighed slightly.
Over the years, all his resources were used for cultivation, and even his reserves were quite meager.
"Shopkeeper, do you have any wood attribute flying needle hidden weapons? Preferably those that can restrain Protective Spiritual Light."
Despite the shopkeeper eagerly promoting his treasures, Lin Chang'an remained focused on his goal and interrupted the ongoing introduction.
The Wood Spirit Spike spell is most effective when used with flying needle-type magical artifacts.
"Wood attribute, hidden weapon type magical artifacts!"
The shopkeeper was a bit taken aback, as hidden weapons usually don't lean towards the wood attribute, but the next moment he seemed to realize something and smiled.
"Of course there are! How could there not be! Let me tell you, if Duo Bao Tower doesn't have what you're looking for, then there's no point searching anywhere in Cyan Bamboo Mountain Market."
The shopkeeper pounded his chest proudly, constantly showcasing the heritage of Profound Sound Pavilion, yet his hands did not slow down.
With a wave of his hand, two vermilion silk boxes floated from the back of the booth.
"Please have a look, fellow Daoist."
As the two vermilion silk boxes opened, the shopkeeper pointed at the first box with a proud smile:
"Heart Piercing Nail, top notch among middle-grade magical artifacts, contains corpse poison, an absolute must-have for self-defense."
"And the second one, 'Cuiyu Arrow', fellow Daoist must not underestimate this short arrow. This artifact is made of wood with inherent potent poison."
What a guy, two at once; the first is obviously a coffin nail or corpse nail, making Lin Chang'an's eye twitch; Duo Bao Tower truly has everything.
"The first one is a bit large, while the second is somewhat long."
Lin Chang'an shook his head, the spell requires easily concealable types; otherwise, it won't be as effective.
"Large! Long!"
The shopkeeper looked puzzled, it seems the two artifacts were considered too big and long, indeed a bit peculiar.
However, unperturbed, the shopkeeper smiled on.
"No rush, fellow Daoist. According to your requirements, middle-grade magical artifacts are hard to find, yet you came at a good time today. We have a slightly damaged upper-grade magical artifact seemingly fitting your request."
Raising his hand, a ripple flickered across the array behind, revealing a small exquisite box on the table.
"Please have a look, fellow Daoist."
As the box opened, three wooden flying needles shimmering with spiritual light appeared.
"Fellow Daoist, these are made from the Poison Flower Stem of the Cloud Mist Mountain Range. Even Tier Two Demon Beasts would suffer immeasurably when pierced; this is truly a rare upper-grade magical artifact."
Among magical artifacts, hidden weapon flying needles are expensive, let alone a complete set.
Seeing these three wooden spike artifacts, Lin Chang'an was tempted but reeled at the upper-grade price, shaking his head:
"Fellow Daoist, upper-grade magical artifacts are valued around a thousand Spirit Stones, I cannot afford that."
He indeed liked them, but the lack of means was one thing, more importantly, even if he had the upper-grade magical artifact, wielding it might be challenging.
Qi Refining cultivators typically manage lower and middle-grade artifacts, only some at Qi Refining Great Perfection handle upper-grade smoothly.
As for top-grade magical artifacts, they're already under the domain of Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Seeing Lin Chang'an's interest, the shopkeeper smiled, shaking his head:
"Fellow Daoist, you misunderstand. This artifact originally came in a set of thirteen. Sadly, the previous owner ventured into Cloud Mist Mountain Range and never returned, leaving only three from this upper-grade set."
Upon hearing this, Lin Chang'an's eyes gleamed with interest but felt a chill at thinking about the recent dangers outside the market.
The shopkeeper narrowed his eyes, extending his thumb and forefinger to gesture.
"Eight hundred Spirit Stones!?"
"Fellow Daoist, why don't you just rob me! Adding a bit more, I could buy a complete upper-grade artifact."
Lin Chang'an glaringly retorted with a hoarse tone, complaining about the shopkeeper's extortion.
Yet, in business, the shopkeeper shook his head explaining:
"Fellow Daoist, flying needle hidden weapons are inherently expensive; a full set could fetch fifteen hundred Spirit Stones."
"That's thirteen pieces you priced at that, but you only have three."
"Fellow Daoist, you can't view it that way. These three include added Golden Essence, making it a new artifact, the lowest I can offer is seven hundred and fifty Spirit Stones."
"Five hundred Spirit Stones!"
"Fellow Daoist..."
After rounds of bargaining, the incomplete set of three wooden spike artifacts was finally acquired by Lin Chang'an for six hundred ninety Spirit Stones.
"What a rip-off!"
When walking out of Duo Bao Tower, Lin Chang'an felt heartache, but touching the magical artifact in his Storage Bag, he felt relieved.
Flying needle-type magical artifacts inherently countered Mana Shields, paired with his spell, truly complementing each other.
"To others, it might be a defective product, but for me, it fits perfectly."
...
However, no sooner had Lin Chang'an left Duo Bao Tower, he sensed a subtle, lingering presence from behind.
"Big brother, I saw that old man come down from the second floor."
Two middle-aged bandit cultivators, one in front, one behind, communicated discreetly.
"Be careful, find a secluded spot to make a move."
The disguised Lin Chang'an mingled nonchalantly with the crowd; if he initially had doubts, now he was certain.
"Am I being targeted!"
Having survived in the Immortal Cultivation Realm over twenty years, lacking vigilance and experience would have led to his demise long ago.
Circling around, Lin Chang'an secretly used Divine Sense to scout, finding the followers were a Qi Refining Sixth Layer and a Qi Refining Fifth Layer, and became aware.
No wonder they dared such audacity.
"It's a pity, you people will never understand how wealthy a Talisman Master can be."
Lin Chang'an's subtle smile remained as he moved into the alleyway prepared before Duo Bao Tower.
Meanwhile, the two trailing bandit cultivators sneered, opting for a pincer route to block him.
"You!"
As one entered, they were met by a figure.
Indeed, it was Lin Chang'an, now disguised as an elder, bent and hoarse approaching, causing the burly bandit cultivator to glare bloodshot, filled with disbelief.
Wood Spirit Spike.
A flash of cyan light, the bandit's pupils contracted, and before falling into darkness, his only thought was.
"What happened?"
Seeing the limp figure, Lin Chang'an passed unfazed, lightly wiping the Wood Spirit Spike, his eyes mirrored a trace of shock.
The Wood Spirit Spike, the spell's divine technique, proved unexpectedly powerful!