### Chapter 30: A Thousand Spirit Stones
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Three days later, Lin Yi's strength finally returned. He and the apple-faced female cultivator left the cave, heading for the marketplace.
In those three days, he'd learned her name: Xiao Bei, an alchemist from Fengqi Valley in the Great Liang Kingdom. Oddly enough, some of the Big Supplement Pills in his storage bag had been炼制 by her sect.
With Xiao Bei stranded in the Southern Tang Kingdom, knowing no one, it only made sense she'd follow Lin Yi. And Lin Yi, now flush with loot, could afford to rent her a room in the marketplace.
Dianxuan Sect strictly forbade disciples from bringing outsiders back—punishment was severe. Lin Yi had no desire to test that rule.
By day three, Xiao Bei had fully recovered her Level 6 cultivation. Alone in the marketplace, she'd be safe enough.
"There's the marketplace," Lin Yi said, pointing.
Xiao Bei nodded, her voice soft. "Mm."
Though Lin Yi was only Level 4, she'd witnessed him take down multiple raiders single-handedly. She didn't question why he seemed stronger than other Level 4s—she was too trusting, even after a year of captivity. If she'd thought harder, she might have hesitated to follow a virtual stranger.
But innocence clung to her, unshaken by her ordeal.
Lin Yi, for his part, couldn't help stealing glances at her chest, recalling the glimpse he'd caught through her robe that day. His thoughts wandered, unashamedly lewd.
They slowed to a casual pace, entering the marketplace.
Lin Yi had removed his disguise after washing off the blood. With his Level 4 cultivation, he no longer feared Chu Tianhu's gang—no need for the mask.
Inside, familiar faces called out, their greetings quickly turning to teasing at the sight of Xiao Bei.
"Hey, Linzi! Where'd you swindle this one from? She's not much to look at—your standards dropping?"
"Ha! Old Zhang, looks aren't everything. That body—curves in all the right places. Perfect for Linzi's tastes!"
"Linzi, what's her name? Hook us up, yeah?"
...
"Bro Yi! No wonder you've been MIA—scored a sister-in-law!"
"Teach us your moves, Bro Yi!"
"Yeah, don't hog all the luck!"
"Idiot! That's Bro Yi's girl—show some respect!"
...
"Master Lin, forgot us so soon for a new flame?" cooed a group of female cultivators.
"We've been waiting, but you're too busy chasing fresh meat."
"If she were a stunner, we'd get it. But *her*? We're way better!"
"Master Lin, we treated you so well—how could you cast us aside?"
...
Lin Yi's mood plummeted, his face darkening. Regret hit hard—he should've kept the mask. Their jeers drew Xiao Bei's increasingly odd stares.
*Great*, he groaned inwardly. *She must think I'm a scumbag. There goes any chance with her.*
He hurried to avoid more熟人, Xiao Bei trailing behind.
"Uh… ignore them. Just idiots joking around," Lin Yi said, his voice pleading.
Xiao Bei merely smiled, her gaze softening. "It's fine."
"I'm not like that, really. They're just—"
"I believe you," she interrupted, earnest. "You're a good man."
"A good man?" Lin Yi mused. He hadn't done anything *evil*, so… maybe?
"Thank you. Seriously—this means a lot. You're… you get me," he said, nearly choking up.
Dodging greetings added detours, but they finally reached the housing office. A small room cost three low-grade spirit stones a month.
Lin Yi held up a jade token, waving it past a tiny formation by the door. It slid open with a *click*.
"Thank you. I'll earn the stones to pay you back," Xiao Bei said, sincere.
"Pay me back, and I'll pretend we never met," Lin Yi feigned anger. "Three stones? Nothing. I'd spend a mountain for you."
The double entendre hung in the air. Xiao Bei froze, her cheeks flushing crimson, spreading to her ears. She ducked her head, too flustered to speak.
Lin Yi cursed internally. *Smooth, genius.* But her bashfulness sent heat racing through him—temptation coiled, fierce.
Silence thickened, charged, until Lin Yi broke it.
"I… should head back to the sect."
"Mm."
"I'll visit the marketplace now and then. I'll check on you."
"Mm."
He pressed a communication jade slip into her hand. "Call if you need anything—works within 500 li."
"Mm."
Her automated replies left him哭笑不得. With a final wave, he left, Xiao Bei watching until he vanished around a corner.
Alone, Lin Yi relaxed, no longer dodging stares. Two tasks remained: sell his junk, and cash in the Bounty Token.
He passed Fan's General Store, pausing. Memories of Li Shun flooded him—the only person he'd called "brother," taken by a black-robed elder. Li Shun had promised to return, but a gnawing feeling told Lin Yi they might never meet again, or not for decades.
A sigh escaped him as he stepped inside. A plump youth approached—new help, hired after Li Shun's departure.
"Need something?" the youth asked, bowing.
Lin Yi dumped storage bags on the counter—all but two. "Appraise the materials, artifacts, and bags. Name your price."
"Right away!" The youth pulled out a scanning tool, moving quickly, clearly experienced.
An hour later, he looked up. "Total: 563 low-grade spirit stones."
Lin Yi nodded. "Done."
The youth hurried to fetch the stones, returning with a bulging bag.
Adding this to his savings pushed Lin Yi over 1,000 low-grade stones—ten mid-grade. For an outer disciple with no sect stipends, it was a fortune.
And he still had the Bounty Token to cash in.
*Not bad*, he thought, grinning. *Enough to fund my cultivation, maybe even buy some good artifacts for the sect tournament.*
With a spring in his step, he headed for the Alliance Hall, already planning his next move.