Family Cultivation: Rise of the Wilderness

Chapter 149 Black Market
Can spirit pets be compared to cultivators?

At this moment, Li Xiangming, who was standing next to him, spoke up in a cold voice.

No matter how powerful a spirit pet is, it has been raised by cultivators and has lost its wild nature. If its strength is about 70% of that of a demon cultivator of the same level, that would be considered good.

Moreover, even if they retain their wildness, demon cultivators in the Spirit Awakening stage cannot compare to cultivators in the Qi Refining stage.

Only after a demon cultivator's bones are fused, and their intelligence and physical body are further developed, can their strength undergo a qualitative leap.

The shopkeeper was clearly taking advantage of the Shen family's two young daughters and their love of beauty, deliberately inflating the price of the Jade Spirit Snow Maiden to create the impression of a rare and precious treasure.

"This guest has misunderstood. Jade Spirit Snow Maiden's combat power is remarkable, far surpassing that of ordinary spirit pets. Even experienced late-stage Qi Refining cultivators would be terrified in its presence."

The shopkeeper was talking non-stop when Li Xiangming interrupted him with a single sentence: "How does it compare to the Iron-Tailed Jade-Shattering Fox?"

The shopkeeper was momentarily speechless, looking slightly embarrassed: "The Iron-Tailed Jade-Shattering Fox is the signature spirit pet promoted by the Luo Yan Merchant Guild. After hundreds of years of breeding, it may have a slight advantage over the Jade Spirit Snow Maiden in combat."

After saying that, as if he felt he had lowered his own status, he quickly added, "But that's all. Yu Ling Xue Gu is even more beautiful, and her eyes possess a bewitching power that often allows her to win unexpected victories. These are things that Tiewei Suiyu Li cannot compare to."

"However, the Iron-Tailed Jade-Shattering Fox is cheaper than your spirit pet."

Li Xiangming smiled enigmatically. In Tengjiao Workshop, an adult Iron-Tailed Jade Fox only sells for 450 spirit stones. Why should Jade Spirit Snow Maiden sell for 500 spirit stones?
"Cheap?"

The shopkeeper shook his head, his tone certain: "The customer may not know, but the Iron-Tailed Jade-Shattering Fox is only sold at Yifeng Pavilion. However, Yifeng Pavilion does not deal in spirit pets. The few that are occasionally transported here are all pre-orders by some important figures. The ownerless Iron-Tailed Jade-Shattering Foxes that come from these important figures are definitely not cheaper than Jade Spirit Snow Maidens."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiangming frowned slightly, not expecting this.

Speaking of which, the spirit pets sold in Xiaoganshan Market are significantly more expensive than those in Pushui Market. I don't know why the Luoyan Merchant Guild would abandon this market.

After thinking for a moment, Li Xiangming transmitted his thoughts to Shen Ruqing: "If Miss Shen needs a combat spirit pet of the same kind, I can help you purchase the Iron-Tailed Jade-Shattering Fox in Pu County. It will only cost 450 spirit stones. If it is a cub, it will cost 500 spirit stones."

Li Xiangming revealed the price quoted by Manager He of Tengjiaofang.

"Would it be too much trouble for you?"

Shen Ruqing hesitated.

"It doesn't matter."

Li Xiangming replied that the people from the Shijinfang often frequented Zhangning Prefecture, so it wouldn't be a problem to have them deliver the goods to the Shen family.

"Thank you very much, Young Master Li."

Shen Ruqing had heard of the Iron-Tailed Jade-Shattering Fox's fearsome reputation.

Most spirit pets are afraid of high-level demon cultivators.

Iron-tailed Jade-Shattering Fox, however, can effectively overcome this weakness. Even when facing a Bone-Melting stage demon cultivator, it can fight to the death and unleash its full combat power.

If you're looking to buy a combat pet, the Iron-Tailed Jade-Shattering Fox is undoubtedly a better choice.

Due to Li Xiangming's intervention, Shen Ruqing chose to give up on Yu Lingxuegu.

Upon seeing this, the shopkeeper hurriedly lowered the price, at one point reducing it to 450 spirit stones.

However, at the same price point, the Iron-Tailed Jade Fox is still more reliable than the Jade Spirit Snow Maiden.

The two women from the Shen family eventually left the spirit pet shop.

The shopkeeper was so angry that he pointed and poked at Li Xiangming's back.

"Coward, don't try to fool my sister Qing!"

After leaving, Shen Rubei raised her fist in a show of defiance towards Li Xiangming.

Shen Ruqing covered her mouth and smiled: "How can you address Young Master Li like that?"

"It's his fault for not daring to accompany me to Moxin Island, which made me miss Xiangyu's championship battle."

When Li Xiangyu was mentioned, Shen Rubei's eyes were filled with admiration.

Li Xiangming ignored her and observed the surrounding shops and pedestrians.

"By the way, Young Master Li, you've been shopping with us for so long, haven't you bought anything yet?"

Shen Ruqing suddenly realized this.

"I'm short of money, so I'll just look."

Li Xiangming spoke frankly; he wasn't as wealthy as Shen Ruqing, who not only bought Huangting Pills for her cousin but also dared to covet the Iron-Tailed Jade Fox worth four or five hundred spirit stones. Actually, Li Xiangming wasn't short of money; he still had the 700 spirit stones he'd collected for the seat at the Puyin Mountain Guild Hall.

But to be honest, he has been staying in Danggui Mountain for most of the year and does not need to go out and risk his life.

They also have no shortage of commonly used cultivation items such as pills and talismans.

It would be better to save some spirit stones and buy some better treasures.

This was also his main purpose in coming to the Yifeng Pavilion auction.

Shen Ruqing, unaware of Li Xiangming's thoughts, assumed he thought the goods in Xiaoganshan Market were too expensive, and remarked, "The black market here is quite good, and the goods are cheap."

"black market?"

"It can't really be called a black market. Anyway, there is such a place. It's actually a legitimate business, but everyone calls it that because they're used to it."

"Oh?"

Now Li Xiangming was curious and followed Shen Ruqing into a cluster of low-rise buildings.

"The prices in this area are low, which makes it popular with independent cultivators, and there is a constant flow of people here."

"However, it is said that many of the items sold here are made by thieves, and their quality cannot be guaranteed. This is why it is called a black market."

After a brief explanation, Shen Ruqing, familiar with the place, led Li Xiangming and Shen Rubai through the area.

"Sister Qing, you still know the way!"

Shen Rube was incredibly excited when she first arrived at the black market.

“I’ve been here quite a few times before.”

As she spoke, Shen Ruqing turned to look at Li Xiangming: "I've found some good things, and I've also been cheated. If you encounter something that catches your eye, Young Master Li, you need to be careful."

Shen Ruqing then listed several shops and stalls with decent reputations for Li Xiangming to consider.

Finally, Li Xiangming stopped in front of a stall selling talismans.

The stall owner, a lame old man, said leisurely, "What do you want to buy? All of them are top-quality talismans."

Li Xiangming reached out, intending to flip through the pages.

The lame old man grabbed his arm: "You can look, but you can't touch me."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiangming narrowed his eyes.

How can one judge the quality of a talisman without personally examining its magical power?
Does it depend on first impressions?

"Uncle Qian, this is my friend."

At this moment, Shen Ruqing spoke up.

Qian Ying turned her gaze to Shen Ruqing: "Shen family girl, it's been a long time since I've seen you."

"I've been busy with household chores, so I haven't been able to come for many days," Shen Ruqing replied.

"Busy participating in the Magic Tournament on Moxin Island, huh? How did it go? Did your Shen family achieve a good ranking?"

"It's okay."

Shen Ruqing smiled slightly. The Shen family's victory in first place was something to be happy about and proud of, but because of Li Xiangyu's presence, Shen Qiushui had given a gag order and did not reveal too many details.

Qian Ying wasn't genuinely interested in the affairs of these powerful families. Seeing that Shen Ruqing was unwilling to elaborate, she turned and glanced at Li Xiangming: "Your lover?"

"what?"

Shen Ruqing was caught off guard, and her face flushed slightly: "No, that's not it."

"Really?"

Qian Ying, with a mocking expression, seemed to thoroughly enjoy teasing Shen Ruqing, bombarding her with questions until Shen Ruqing was embarrassed and annoyed. Then he laughed and released Li Xiangming's arm, saying, "Fine, fine, if you don't want to admit it, then don't. But since you're not lovers, it's best to buy her now that you've got your hands on her."

Li Xiangming frowned, said nothing, and slowly pulled out a square talisman with a bluish-green color from a pile of messy talismans.

"Is this a Five Thunder Talisman?"

(End of this chapter)