Qin Ming paid Spirit Stones to enter the market.

This Celestial River Market was also a place he learned about from the map he purchased from Guu Qingzhao.

Its scale is much smaller than the Qingyang Market.

However, the shops inside are quite distinctive, with a complete range of various types of stores.

Qin Ming casually stepped into a tavern.

"Esteemed guest, is there anything you need? Our shop's Cyan Dragon Spirit Fish is famous far and wide. Would you like to try one?" the server eagerly introduced.

Hearing this, Qin Ming became interested. He had long heard that the Spirit Nest Islands produced a type of Spirit Fish that only exists locally.

Its Spirit Fish Soup is quite effective for enhancing mana during the Qi Cultivation Stage, a rare immortal mansion delicacy known as "Lesser Cyan Dragon Soup."

"How much for this Cyan Dragon Spirit Fish?" Qin Ming inquired.

The server, seeing the customer's response, smiled broadly, suspecting Qin Ming to be a wealthy patron, and promptly responded, "The Cyan Dragon Spirit Fish is extremely difficult to catch and cannot be artificially bred, so the price is somewhat high."

"One pound of Cyan Dragon Spirit Fish costs one hundred and eighty Spirit Stones."

Evidently, this special fish is not something ordinary cultivators can afford.

"Uh... then just bring me some regular dishes," Qin Ming said, even though he had plenty of Spirit Stones and could afford a whole fish banquet.

Considering his first time in this place, it was unwise to show off wealth, lest it attracted unwanted attention.

Better to stay low-key.

As for this Spirit Fish... he'd try catching one himself another day.

Then.

Qin Ming swiftly ordered a few dishes.

The server chuckled awkwardly, surprised at the swift change of heart once the price was mentioned.

Nevertheless, he courteously brewed a pot of tea for Qin Ming and invited him to rest while meal preparations were underway.

Moments later.

A few local delicacies unique to the Spirit Nest Islands were served, mostly seafood.

Priced affordably, ordinary cultivators could enjoy these, unlike the expensive Cyan Dragon Spirit Fish.

Qin Ming's appetite was sparked, and he picked up his chopsticks to savor the food.

Midway through his meal.

He overheard cultivators at an adjacent table discussing something.

"Hey! Did you hear?"

"The Yu Family from White Wave Island, who live by fishing, caught a Cyan Dragon Spirit Fish King in the Minjiang River Basin yesterday, possessing a hint of Flood Dragon bloodline."

"A sight unseen for a hundred years!"

"A Great Cyan Dragon Soup made from this Cyan Dragon Spirit Fish King is said to greatly benefit Foundation Establishment cultivation."

"The Yu Family is destined for fortune with this catch!"

"How many Spirit Stones will this fetch?"

"Reportedly, a senior at the Foundation Establishment Stage purchased it on the spot for over two thousand Spirit Stones."

"How much?!"

"Did I mishear? Two thousand Spirit Stones!"

Qin Ming, while picking up his food, pondered.

Could one fish really sell for two thousand Spirit Stones?

If he captured a Cyan Dragon Spirit Fish and applied the "Bloodline Ancestor" entry, would a Cyan Dragon Spirit Fish King with Flood Dragon bloodline emerge?

But he quickly dismissed the thought.

The Spirit Plant entries likely only affect spirit plants or himself, right?

He shook his head and resumed eating.

"There's another piece of news."

"It's said that the lease on Mo Family's Qingxia Island in the north is about to expire."

"Now several Qi Cultivation Clans are eyeing this treasure land hungrily."

"After all, it's a Tier Two Spirit Island; who wouldn't covet it?"

"Compared to that, I suspect you're more enthralled by the Qingxia Fairy, aren't you? Hahaha!"

"Indeed, Mo Lingwei from Qingxia Island is renowned as the number one beauty of the Spirit Nest Islands."

"Rumor has it that Qingxia Fairy is going all out to retain the Spirit Island and plans to recruit two skilled Loose Cultivators to jointly lease Qingxia Island."

"No way, such an opportunity! Do you think I could stand a chance?"

"Get real; Qingxia Fairy has certain requirements for co-leasers."

"Not only must they possess a stable Spirit Stone income."

"But they must also be recommended by trustworthy individuals with impeccable character."

"In recent years, some Qi Cultivation Clans recruited outside Honored Guest Elders, only for rogue elements to make nests, causing family disasters—a situation not occurring for the first time."

...

Qin Ming finished his meal leisurely, having picked up some information.

He still planned to conduct an on-site investigation.

But before that.

Qin Ming planned to dispose of some acquired loot.

Following this.

He visited three or four shops in succession, selling off low-tier spiritual artifacts, pills, and cultivation techniques he no longer needed.

He earned several thousand Spirit Stones.

Having completed these transactions.

Qin Ming settled in an ordinary inn at the market.

The next day.

Qin Ming finished running through the Longevity Technique, then after breakfast, received a message from Wu Jiang.

He promptly informed him of the meeting place.

An incense stick later.

Wu Jiang arrived at Qin Ming's room following the directions.

Upon entering, Wu Jiang appeared uneasy, hesitating before speaking:

"Fellow Daoist Qin, there's bad news... Your plan to lease an island might prove difficult."

"I believe you must have heard some news at the market yesterday."

"It seems Qingxia Fairy Mo Lingwei is determined to continue leasing the island to others."

Qin Ming nodded, then spoke.

"I'm aware of the situation."

"However, Fellow Daoist Wu, could you escort me to Qingxia Island for an on-site visit? I wish to make an informed decision."

Wu Jiang, previously dejected, brightened up immediately hearing Qin Ming's words, visibly energized.

"No problem! Fellow Daoist Qin, to be honest, I'm a local expert in the Spirit Nest Islands."

"Even if you're interested in co-leasing Qingxia Island or discussing business cooperation, I could potentially introduce you."

Wu Jiang spoke, patting his chest, implying assurance.

Conversation ended.

The two left the Celestial River Market and boarded the Flying Spiritual Artifact for the north.

"Brother Wu, I'm curious about something."

"Given that the Vast Sea Immortal City is so close, why venture far out to develop in the Yunze Wilderness?" Qin Ming casually asked his inner question.

Wu Jiang replied with a wry smile: "No need to laugh... Once you experience the Vast Sea Immortal City, you'll know the harsh competition among Loose Cultivators at the base of the cultivation realm."

"I wandered within the Immortal City for years, but due to my lack of notable cultivation or skills, achieved little and remained stagnant in cultivation."

"Typically, opportunities belong to those with strong backgrounds or skills."

"That life, with a visible endpoint, may be unrelatable for a High-Tier Spirit Plant Master like you, Fellow Daoist Qin."

"Hence, I decided to try my luck outside for a chance."

Wu Jiang shared, rather emotionally.

"Brother Wu, you're being too modest. I can empathize; honestly, a few years ago, I was a mere Spirit Farmer, struggling for survival too."

"Only through persistent farming efforts have I reached this point." Qin Ming smiled, offering comfort.

He omitted one detail.

Besides, he had occasional help from a Golden Finger!

Wu Jiang, upon hearing this, appeared energized, "Really? I can't believe Fellow Daoist Qin's story is so inspiring!"

"It seems I've become slack. Alas! My Dao Heart still lacks resolve..."

"From now on, I'll take Fellow Daoist Qin as my role model and learn more from you."

Qin Ming chuckled, offering no further comment.

Two hours later.

An island shrouded in Spiritual Mist emerged in their view.

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