Chapter 626 - 254: Chongzhen Temple’s Nascent Soul Ceremony

Chapter 626: Chapter 254: Chongzhen Temple’s Nascent Soul Ceremony

Xiao Chen had been delayed a bit on his journey, so it was already noon the next day.

There was only one day left until the start of the Nascent Soul Ceremony.

By this time, a large number of Cultivators had already gathered on Red Flower Island.

A large portion of them came from Tinglang Island, and even more Cultivators were still on their way.

Judging by the results, Chongzhen Temple’s plan to attract a crowd was a great success.

To better guide the Loose Cultivators attending the ceremony, many disciples in uniform Magic Robes were arranged in pairs.

They were scattered at various intersections, handing out simple pamphlets detailing the schedule for the Nascent Soul Ceremony.

Xiao Chen took a pamphlet and quickly read through it.

It turned out that the entire Red Flower Island had now been simply divided into three sections.

These were the core area where the ceremony would be officially held, a specially prepared banquet area next to it, and the outer trading area.

The core area was not open to the public; only Cultivators with invitations could enter.

The banquet area was already set up with a running feast, and everyone could go for a free meal during specific times.

Aside from that, the rest of the island was considered a trading area where people could move about freely.

’This layout is rather crude.’

Xiao Chen was a bit surprised at first, but on second thought, Chongzhen Temple was a new power and didn’t have much time to prepare.

This approach was actually for the best—simple and clear.

In any case, most of the Cultivators were here for the True Monarch’s sermon and wouldn’t be too concerned with the surroundings.

For the Loose Cultivators, the absence of expensive shops and inns was actually more comfortable, as they could find their own places to rest or set up stalls to trade.

As for the other major powers, they would naturally be hosted in the core area.

’Perfect. I’ll go check out those stalls too.’

With the Rough-ribbed Twisted Leaf on his mind, Xiao Chen decided against cultivating and instead began to wander around the island’s outer area.

He soon discovered that although Chongzhen Temple hadn’t designated specific areas for stalls, most of the vendors had spontaneously gathered in a basin on the east side of the island, with almost no one setting up shop elsewhere.

As a result, most of the Loose Cultivators had also congregated in the basin, carefully selecting goods and haggling over prices.

Even some vendors who had initially chosen to stay outside eventually moved over, bringing their Spiritual Objects with them.

As soon as he walked into the basin, Xiao Chen heard all sorts of enthusiastic sales pitches.

"Top-quality Five-Colored Profound Water, selling cheap!"

"Top Grade Ice Spirit Pearls, selling at a loss! Only ten thousand Spirit Stones each!"

"Come take a look! We’ve got nothing but fine-quality Beneficial Spirit Pills here! Buy a bottle for the juniors in your family!"

"Step right up, don’t miss out! Top Grade Magical Artifacts, half price! An eighty-percent new Flowing Cloud Sword, only Five Thousand Spirit Stones!"

Oh?

Hearing the word "discount," Xiao Chen glanced over with great interest.

He was surprised to find that the vendor was actually selling the real deal!

With his discerning eye, he could tell that the Top Grade Magical Artifacts on the stall were exquisitely crafted and indeed of superior quality.

He recalled that back in the Southern Domain, while Top Grade Magical Artifacts weren’t exactly rare, they were generally hard to come by and almost always had to be purchased at auctions.

But now, they were being sold at stalls like common cabbages.

Not only were there different types to choose from, but the price was also slashed in half.

Although Xiao Chen could see they were all secondhand, used Magical Artifacts, he still couldn’t help but feel a little wistful.

If he were still in the Southern Domain, a secondhand Flowing Cloud Sword of this quality could easily sell for ten thousand Spirit Stones, and there would be no shortage of buyers.

Alas, times had changed.

These days, forget Top Grade Magical Artifacts—even ordinary Spiritual Artifacts wouldn’t catch Xiao Chen’s eye.

Speaking of Spiritual Artifacts, it suddenly occurred to him that he could probably start preparing a new one for himself.

Previously, limited by his total amount of True Essence, he couldn’t even make full use of the few Spiritual Artifacts he already owned.

But now, as his Cultivation had broken through successive levels, he could finally start thinking about adding another Spiritual Artifact to his collection.

"Purple-flowered Twisted Leaf, Fine-flowered Twisted Leaf, Rough-ribbed Twisted Leaf..."

Hmm?

Xiao Chen was contemplating Spiritual Artifacts when his ears twitched, catching a key piece of information.

Looking up and to his right, he saw a Loose Cultivator hawking various Spirit Grasses, including the exact Rough-ribbed Twisted Leaf he needed.

He immediately stepped forward. "I’ll take a catty of Rough-ribbed Twisted Leaf. How many Spirit Stones?"

When the vendor saw a customer approach, he didn’t quote a price directly.

Instead, he gave a sly grin and explained, "Senior, we sell these Twisted Leaves by the bundle. It’s one thousand Spirit Stones for a bundle like this."

Hmm?

Xiao Chen took a closer look and saw bundles of pre-tied Twisted Leaves arranged on the red cloth at the vendor’s feet.

Each bundle contained three different types of Twisted Leaf, all mixed together for sale.

’Seriously? They’re even doing bundle deals?’

A sweep of his Divine Sense revealed that each bundle contained only one tael of Rough-ribbed Twisted Leaf.

Setting up the Nursery Altar required about a catty, which meant he would need to buy ten bundles.

Of course, ten thousand Spirit Stones wasn’t an exorbitant amount; he could easily afford it.

’The question was, why was this happening?’

Xiao Chen feigned dissatisfaction to probe for information. "These used to be sold separately. Are you trying to pull a fast one on me because you think I don’t know the market?"

The vendor hurriedly explained, "Oh, heavens no! How could I dare to deceive you, Senior?"

"You may not know this, Senior, but while they were indeed sold separately before, Rough-ribbed Twisted Leaf has been in short supply since the beginning of last year."

"Ever since then, all the shops, big and small, have been selling them in bundles."

"I’ve heard from others that in many places to the West, they’re completely out of stock."

’Looks like there really is a problem, but this vendor’s knowledge is probably limited.’