Shengui Changsheng: Start from Zhenwuwei and add some points to cultivate immortality

The old shopkeeper pondered for a moment, then lowered his voice and said, "The Crimson Essence Ganoderma is potent, containing a trace of pure yang fire energy. It is rarely used in ordinary prescriptions, and if not used properly, it can be harmful. If you really need it urgently, you might try your luck at the 'Ghost Market' in the west of the city. At midnight on the fifteenth of each month, there might be... like-minded people there trading some rare items. However, the place is a mixed bag, and it's hard to distinguish the genuine from the fake. You'll also need an introduction or enough money, so please be careful."

Ghost Market! Fellow travelers!
Fu Shaoping suddenly understood; he had finally found a clue! He thanked the old shopkeeper without making a sound and bought some ordinary qi-tonifying and blood-nourishing herbs as a cover.

After receiving the clue about the "ghost market," Fu Shaoping did not go there immediately. He knew that such a place inevitably contained both risks and opportunities.

• Preparing the "Introduction": He meticulously painted a small piece. It depicted a cluster of orchids growing on a cliff, rendered with simple brushstrokes, yet infused with his Daoist understanding of the "vitality of plants," making the orchids seem to sway gently in a breeze, emitting a faint fragrance (a spiritual effect). This painting is of extremely high artistic quality and contains a touch of the extraordinary, enough to attract the attention of "like-minded" individuals without being too shocking.

• Investigating the Ghost Market: He continued to cautiously gather information about the "Ghost Market" among the common people. He learned that it was a secret market that had spontaneously formed in the abandoned dock area in the west of the city. The participants were a mixed bag, including martial arts masters, scions of impoverished families, and possibly even genuine "cultivators." The main mode of trade was barter, but gold and silver were also accepted, though rare resources were valued more highly. The market had unwritten rules: one must not inquire about the origins of goods, and forced buying and selling was prohibited; once outside the market, one was responsible for their own life and death.

Assessing his own strength: He knew that his Qi Refining Level 2 cultivation was probably at the bottom in this realm. But he also had advantages: a strong Dao Heart realm, a keen perception of energy, and the unique technique of "Daoist Rhyme Painting". He devised a strategy: observe discreetly, trade cautiously, never easily reveal all his trump cards, and if things went wrong, immediately use the Lightness Technique (driven by true qi, much more advanced than ordinary lightness skills) to escape far away.

At midnight on the fifteenth of that month, Fu Shaoping arrived at the abandoned dock in the west of the city as instructed. The moonlight was dim, the river wind was bleak, and the abandoned ships and dilapidated warehouses were looming in the distance.

He circulated his inner energy, concealing his aura to the extreme, and slipped into the area like a ghost. Soon, he saw the so-called "ghost market"—it wasn't brightly lit, only adorned with a few dim lanterns or spontaneously glowing stones (low-grade lighting materials in this world?). Figures moved about, mostly wearing straw hats or masks, silently setting up stalls in their designated areas, displaying all sorts of strange and unusual items: broken jade slips, rusted swords, oddly shaped bones, herbs emitting a strange odor, and some ores with faint energy fluctuations.

Fu Shaoping scanned the area with his spiritual senses, his heart sinking slightly. Most of the items lacked spiritual energy; they were mostly mortal oddities or ancient artifacts, with very few truly containing spiritual power. The auras of the stall owners and passersby were also mostly mixed, with many practicing rudimentary hard skills or unorthodox methods, and very few possessing pure true energy fluctuations.

The cultivation civilization in this world seems to be even more decadent than he had anticipated.

He silently observed from a corner for a long time, finally fixing his gaze on a stall. The stall owner was an old man wearing a black wooden mask, exuding a cold aura. Although the true energy emanating from him wasn't particularly strong, it was several times purer than that of those around him, probably around the third or fourth level of Qi Refining. On the stall were several pieces of dull-colored metal ore, a few herbs with faint spiritual energy stored in a jade box, and—a pale blue jade slip with slightly damaged edges!

On that jade slip, Fu Shaoping sensed a Daoist aura that was somewhat similar to, yet more complete than, his ancient cave cultivation technique!
“Perhaps, this is what I need…” Fu Shaoping took a deep breath, suppressed the turmoil in his heart, and walked towards the stall.

Seeking a predestined connection with immortals in the mortal world, the first step has finally been taken. The real test has only just begun.

Fu Shaoping (Shen Mo) walked steadily, his aura restrained like that of an ordinary person, towards the stall radiating pure true energy. The closer he got, the more he could sense the subtle Daoist charm emanating from the pale blue jade slip. It was a more systematic and complete aura of inheritance than the carvings on the ancient cave walls, and it might even contain guidance for Foundation Establishment or even higher realms!

The old man in the black wooden mask seemed to sense something. He slightly raised his lowered eyelids, and his cloudy yet sharp gaze swept over Fu Shaoping. Fu Shaoping immediately felt a faint but probing divine sense sweep over him. With a slight thought, his internal energy naturally circulated, simulating the energy fluctuations of someone at the first level of Qi Refining, slightly sluggish (pretending to be a beginner in the Dao and with an unstable foundation). At the same time, he completely concealed the unique aura brought by "Daoist Rhyme and Painting".

The old man's gaze lingered on Fu Shaoping for a moment, seemingly not noticing anything unusual, before slowly lowering it again, as if he were uninterested in everything.

Fu Shaoping stopped in front of the stall, not immediately asking about the jade slip, but first looking at the herbs displayed in the jade box. He picked up a "Frosty Star Grass" with serrated leaves and a faint blue glow, examining it carefully, while secretly using his spiritual sense to perceive its medicinal properties.

"The Cold Star Grass grows in extremely yin and damp places and contains a small amount of moonlight essence. It can be used to refine the Heart-Clearing Pill or to assist in the cultivation of yin attribute techniques." His voice was calm, as if he were talking to himself, but it clearly entered the old man's ears. "Unfortunately, the main root was damaged when it was picked, and nearly 30% of the spiritual energy was lost, greatly reducing its medicinal effect."

The old man moved almost imperceptibly, raising his eyes to look at Fu Shaoping again, this time with a hint of scrutiny. To be able to describe the origin, effects, and even the flaws in harvesting the Frost Star Grass with such precision, this person was no ordinary rogue cultivator.

"Fellow Daoist has good eyesight." The old man's voice was hoarse, like sandpaper scraping. "Now that you know the medicinal properties, would you be interested?"

Fu Shaoping put down the Cold Star Grass and shook his head: "This grass is of little use to me." His gaze then casually swept over the pale blue jade slip, his tone still calm, "This jade slip has an ancient aura. I wonder what it is and what its purpose is?"

He did not express strong interest directly, which is basic caution in the trading world.

The old man stared at Fu Shaoping, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly said, "This is something I obtained by chance. It is a Qi cultivation method called 'Qingxuan Breathing Technique,' which can be cultivated up to the early stage of Foundation Establishment. It also includes several basic spells." He was concise and to the point, without much boasting.

Early stage of Foundation Establishment! Basic spells!

Fu Shaoping's heart skipped a beat; this was exactly what he desperately needed! But he remained outwardly calm, instead slightly frowning: "Oh? Foundation Establishment method? In this world, it's already difficult to cultivate to the late stage of Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment... hehe." He chuckled lightly, with a touch of just the right amount of doubt and感慨, as if he were talking about an unattainable legend.

Upon hearing this, a barely perceptible hint of sadness flashed in the old man's eyes, as if his thoughts had been touched upon. His tone softened somewhat: "Believe it or not. This method may not directly lead to the Great Dao, but its advantage lies in its impartiality and stability, with a solid foundation, making it far superior to those unorthodox and heretical paths."

Fu Shaoping remained noncommittal, but extended his hand and said, "May I take a look?"

The old man hesitated for a moment before handing over the jade slip, but added, "I can only use my divine sense to examine the first small part of the contents to confirm its authenticity."

Fu Shaoping nodded and accepted the jade slip. The moment his fingertips touched it, he could feel the warm, smooth texture of the jade, confirming its antiquity. He sent a wisp of his divine sense into the jade slip. Sure enough, a stream of information flooded his mind: the initial stage techniques of the *Qingxuan Breathing Technique*, and a basic spell called "Wind Control Technique." The content of the techniques was indeed as the old man had described—balanced and peaceful, emphasizing the gradual absorption of spiritual energy to temper oneself. It was similar in principle to his ancient cave cultivation method, but even more detailed and systematic! Although he could only see the beginning, even this glimpse revealed the extraordinary value of the entire text!
He suppressed his excitement, slowly withdrew his divine sense, put the jade slip back in its original place, and pondered, "The method is acceptable. May I ask what you wish to exchange it for?"

The old man said directly, "Thirty low-grade spirit stones, or something of equivalent value."

Spiritual stone!

Fu Shaoping's heart skipped a beat again. This was the hard currency of the cultivation world! But he didn't have a single spirit stone on him. A troubled look appeared on his face: "Spirit stones... I'm short of money. I wonder if I could offer something else in lieu of payment?"

The old man seemed to have expected this and was not surprised. He simply said, "That depends on what it is. Ordinary gold and silver jewelry are useless to us."

Fu Shaoping took out the "Orchid Painting" that he had prepared beforehand from his bosom and slowly unfurled it.

The scroll was small, but the moment it was unfurled, a serene and elegant atmosphere seemed to permeate the air. The cluster of orchids on the cliffside in the painting was lifelike, its branches and leaves seemingly breathing, subtly exuding a tranquil and calming charm. In this dim and chaotic ghost market, the appearance of this painting was like a breath of fresh air.

The old man's previously cloudy eyes suddenly lit up as he stared intently at the painting, even unconsciously leaning forward. He could sense that the painting was not only technically superb, but more importantly, it contained a unique "spiritual essence" that could calm the mind and spirit, greatly benefiting cultivation, especially when breaking through bottlenecks! This was even better than many low-grade pills!
"This painting..." the old man's voice held a hint of suppressed excitement, "who painted it?"

"I obtained it by chance," Fu Shaoping naturally wouldn't admit to drawing it himself, glossing over the matter. "Do you think this painting might be worth that jade slip?"

The old man's eyes flickered, clearly indicating an intense internal struggle. In his view, the painting was worth no less than thirty low-grade spirit stones, and even more valuable to a cultivator needing to stabilize their mind to break through a bottleneck! But he still tried to negotiate a lower price:

"The painting is nice, containing a hint of tranquility. But it is ultimately an external object, and its effects are finite. It cannot compare to a cultivation technique that can be practiced for a long time. This painting is worth at most twenty spirit stones."

Fu Shaoping sneered inwardly, but his face remained calm. He made a move to put the scroll away, saying, "Since that's the case, then forget it. Let this painting stay with someone destined to appreciate it." His actions were decisive, without the slightest hesitation.

"Wait!" The old man quickly stopped him as he was about to leave. He knew that paintings with such special meanings were rare and hard to come by; if he missed them, he might never see them again. He gritted his teeth and said, "Twenty-five spirit stones! Plus that Frost Star Grass!" He pointed to the Frost Star Grass, which was priced at about five spirit stones.

Fu Shaoping stopped what he was doing and pretended to think for a moment. He knew this was already the best offer the other party could make. He needed the cultivation technique, and he also needed to learn more about this world.

“Alright.” Fu Shaoping nodded. “However, I am new here and not very familiar with the local customs and traditions. I would like to ask you a few questions. I hope you will be kind enough to enlighten me.”

Seeing that the deal was done, the old man breathed a sigh of relief and his mood improved considerably. He pushed the jade slip and the jade box containing the Cold Star Grass to Fu Shaoping, and at the same time put away the "Orchid Painting" carefully rolled it up. His tone became more polite: "Fellow Daoist, please ask. I have been staying in this place for many years. As long as it does not involve secrets, I will tell you what I know."

Fu Shaoping took the jade slip and jade box, quickly put them away, and then asked seemingly casually:
"I wonder where else can rogue cultivators like us go to seek opportunities or exchange goods besides this ghost market?"

"Does Your Excellency know of any stable sources of spirit stones or blessed lands where cultivators gather near Chengdu?"

"Do you know of any clues regarding the follow-up to the 'Azure Profound Breathing Technique,' or even more profound techniques?"

Through these questions, he hoped to sketch out the general outline of the cultivation world within a thousand miles of this place.

The old man, having received the benefit, readily agreed and, lowering his voice, recounted the limited information he possessed:

It turns out that the Jin Guan City Ghost Market was merely a low-level gathering place for independent cultivators. Larger trading venues and cultivator settlements lay deep within the "Cloud and Mist Mountains," thousands of miles away. There, several small cultivation families and alliances of independent cultivators had established markets, some even reportedly overseen by Foundation Establishment cultivators. Most spirit stone mines were controlled by these families and alliances, making it extremely difficult for independent cultivators to obtain spirit stones. They either had to risk venturing into dangerous areas to collect spiritual herbs or hunt low-level demonic beasts for them, or possess a special skill (such as alchemy, weapon crafting, or talisman making). As for more advanced cultivation techniques, they either had to join those forces or wait for a greater opportunity…

Although the information was fragmented, it pointed Fu Shaoping in the right direction.

After the question and answer session, Fu Shaoping did not linger. He cupped his hands in greeting to the old man, turned around, and disappeared into the shadows of the ghost market, quickly leaving.

The first trip to the Ghost Market, though risky, yielded far more rewards than expected—they obtained crucial foundation-building techniques, gained an understanding of the surrounding cultivation world, and confirmed the unique value of "Daoist Rhyme and Painting" in this realm.

Next, he needs to find a safe place to process what he has gained and improve his strength. Then, his target will be the Cloud Mist Mountain Market! The true world of cultivation awaits him ahead.

Fu Shaoping (Shen Mo) left the Ghost Market without lingering in Chengdu. He swept through the night like a startled swan, easily shaking off any potential pursuers with his superhuman agility and keen perception of energy (although the old man in the black wooden mask might not have intended to, he habitually remained vigilant), and went straight out of the city, disappearing once more into the vast mountains and forests outside. (End of Chapter)