Dawn broke over the Cloud Mist Sect. Lin Xuan returned to his small, dilapidated shack in the Outer Sect residential area.
Once safely inside, he willed the boar out of the independent space just long enough to harvest the tusks and gall bladder—valuable materials for alchemy—before storing the meat back inside to sell later or eat.
He washed the mud and blood off his body, changed into a fresh set of robes, and headed towards the Spirit Market with the materials hidden in his sleeve, though he could have easily kept them in the bead. He decided to be cautious; pulling items out of thin air would attract too much attention.
The market was the economic heart of the sect. Disciples set up stalls to sell herbs, ores, and talismans. It was noisy, chaotic, and ruthless.
Lin Xuan pulled his hood low. He didn't want to draw attention to his sudden breakthrough. He approached a stall run by a fat disciple known as 'Old Ma,' a notorious fence for goods obtained in the back mountain.
"Iron-Hide Boar tusks," Lin Xuan said, placing the heavy items on the table.
Old Ma squinted, his eyes widening slightly. "Fresh. Very fresh. Did you find a carcass, kid?"
"Something like that," Lin Xuan said vaguely. "How much?"
"Five low-grade Spirit Stones."
"Eight," Lin Xuan countered. "The tusks are pristine. No cracks."
Old Ma chuckled. "You've got guts today, Lin Xuan. Usually, you take whatever scraps I throw you. Fine. Seven stones. That's my final offer."
Lin Xuan nodded and took the pouch of glowing, translucent stones. Seven Spirit Stones was a fortune to him. Previously, his monthly allowance was only two stones, most of which he spent on healing herbs for his failed training.
As he turned to leave, a commotion broke out near the market entrance.
"Make way! Senior Sister Liu is coming through!"
The crowd parted like the Red Sea. Walking through the center was a young woman of breathtaking beauty. She wore the white robes of an Inner Sect disciple, embroidered with silver clouds. Her expression was cold and arrogant, her gaze looking over the heads of the Outer Sect disciples as if they were ants.
Liu Mei. The genius of the sect. 18 years old, Foundation Establishment realm.
Lin Xuan watched her pass. Years ago, they had entered the sect on the same day. She had looked at him then with pity. Now, she didn't even see him.
One day, Lin Xuan thought, clutching the Spirit Stones in his pocket. One day, you will look up at me.
He turned and headed toward the Scripture Pavilion. With seven stones, he could finally afford a combat technique to match his new cultivation. The azure vortex spun lazily, as if agreeing with his ambition.