5 Ch-5 A Cultivator (Part-1)

Somewhere near the north-western fēi-shan mountains, China.

The entire mountain range was covered in a 36-layered seal, which shields the mountains from the eyes of mortals.

Everything in the 400 sq. Km is owned by the White Jade Martial sect. These mountains are converted into the holy land of the sect.

There are 112 peaks on the mountain range, and each peak is assigned to the people who have contributed the most.

Out of 112 peaks, 12 peaks are considered immortal peaks, as they possess the 6+ grade Qi stone mines.

These peaks are limited to inner-sect disciples and sect elders, and the founding family.

The sect leader, Shi Huang, is a 7th-stage Venerable with the title of Venerable God Eye, as he possesses the ability to appraise the treasures of heaven and earth.

Venerable Shi Huang has seven sons and four daughters, which are born to his wife and eight concubines.

[1st January, 20XX]

Today is an important day of the year, as every member of the sect, along with their family, were gathered in the Common Arena of the 45th peak.

More than 17 million people were sitting in the arena, which scientifically isn't possible. Yet the space formation made by a 7th stage venerable made it possible.

Today is the first day of the year, which is also the day when the sect was founded.

It is celebrated as Founding Day and every year, the young generation participates in a one-on-one battle with each other.

Although it sounds like a tournament, it is more of a festival. There is a market outside the arena which is opened once in a year and there is also a frozen spirit cave that is open to outsiders for a day.

Invitations are sent to every sect in the Cultivator's Alliance, and even loose cultivators are welcomed.

...

In the Market outside of the Arena, there are countless stalls selling various items, ranging from weapons to medicines, talismans to charms, chariots to spaceships. All of it is sold in this market.

In a certain stall, there stood a man wearing a red-white robe. Next to him stood a red-haired girl wearing a French-maid costume.

"Young master, please be careful of scammers." the maid whispered.

"How could I be scammed?" the young master whispered back.

Because it was a public place, it is impolite to talk loudly.

Since the young master was a weakling, he couldn't use the sound transmission techniques to communicate with his maid.

"You said the same thing when you bought all of the rings from the market, believing that some ancient powerful immortal would reside within it." the maid retorted in a low voice.

"You also lost a litre of your blood by dripping it on the rings. Don't tell me you believe in those third rate Xianxia novels." the maid continued.

"*Ahem* Last time was a fluke. Today, I will buy every bracelet in the market."

From his words, it was clear that the young master believed in those third rate novels.

As the master and maid were conversing, they forgot that this is the world of cultivators, and even a slight whisper is as audible as music in rock concerts.

"I am amazed at the wisdom you possess, young master Shi."

The stall owner, who overheard their conversation said in a flattering voice.

"To make me witness such profound insight, I decided to sell all these treasure bracelets at a 5% discount."

"Maybe there is some hidden inheritance in one of these. I am sure that you are destined for it."

The seller flattered the young master and successfully sold every item in his stall.

After buying everything from that stall, the young master and maid strolled further into the market.

"See, even that mysterious seller believes in my wisdom." said the young master.

"Please refrain from titling every shady character as mysterious and unfathomable." the maid said in a monotonous voice.

She was too familiar with the character of her master.

"Hey. You don't know enough about the world, and naturally lack a profound understanding of it."

The young master shook his head in disappointment.

The maid looked at him blankly and said

"A week ago you knelt in front of a beggar and pestered the poor guy to accept you as his disciple."

"Hahaha. I know that one. I was even grounded for a month as punishment for tarnishing the clan's reputation." the young master laugh awkwardly.

Turns out that beggar, was actually a beggar.

"I am glad that you know you're being grounded." said the maid.

"If wasn't for that, why else would I be sneaking around?"

"..."

Just as the duo were bickering, they unknowingly approached the uninhabited side of the market.

There were few stalls, and even less public. As if all the hustle they faced was nothing but an illusion.

"Master, I think we should leave this place. It looks gloomy and suspicious." the maid tugged his clothes and said in a low voice.

"That is so much unprotagonist-like thing to do. Remember, all shady things are either a secret passage to the black market or a hidden opportunity."

The young master shook his head and taught his maid a valuable lesson.

"..." The maid said nothing and quietly accompanied her master in this suspicious space.

They stopped at a stall after looking at the banner which said, 'Divination of the day, a copper coin each.'

The stall looked ugly and the poster was worn out.

But that was not the selling point of that stall. What caught the eyes of the duo was that the person tending the stall was a beautiful woman.

The woman had fair jade white skin, and her body was well-shaped like an hourglass. Her eyes were violet and her hair was of dark shade of green.

She was like a polished jade, full of mystery and beauty.

'What a beauty.' both, the maid and master thought at the same time.

"Welcome, young master. Would you like me to do divination for you?" the woman looked at the dazed duo and said.

Her voice was soft and enchanting as if a fairy from heaven was speaking.

"Ah. Yes... I would like to try it." the young master woke up from the trance and said.

"Payments first."

Although her words were rude, her voice made them charming and captivating.

"Xiao'er" the young master looked at his maid and signalled her to take out the money.

"Yes." complied the maid as she took a copper coin and handed it to the woman.

The woman placed the copper coin in her blouse and took out a yellow parchment. Using blood-red ink, she drew some symbols on the parchment and injected her Qi into it.

"Tell me your name, full name." the woman said while drawing the symbols.

"Shi En." answered the young master.

As his words fell, the symbols on the parchment shone a golden light and disappeared slowly.

"The divination is successful."

"Your feng shui says that your next three months will be spent in bliss and delight. Although there is no fortuitous encounter, your life is safe and secure."

The woman recited the contents of her divination.

"Master, I have a feeling that you are being scammed." the maid leaned and whispered.

"How could such a beautiful woman be a scammer?" Shi En whispered back.

"More beautiful the woman is, the better she is at lying." answered the maid.

"Then you must be telling the truth."

"..." the maid looked at him angrily and said, "I am not talking with you anymore."

"Ah. I am sorry Xiao'er. To be honest, I think that you are the number one liar in nine provinces." Shi En complimented.

"I would appreciate it if you don't talk." the maid said.

As they were busy bickering, the woman quietly packed her stall and disappeared from the lane.

By the time duo realised, the woman had already left.

"..."

"See, I told you that you are being scammed."

"No, She must be a hermit master who has quit the secular world."

Shi En shook his head and said.

"A hermit master? Just like that beggar, librarian, and floor-sweeping monk?" the maid said sarcastically.

"Indeed." Shi En replied seriously.

"... you are hopeless."

The maid was too tired to argue with an idiot.

"..."

"At least we got a divination for a cheap price."

Usually, to ask someone to do divination, it would cost a 3rd-grade Qi stone as a starting price.

To get it done for a cheap copper coin, it can be considered to be free of cost.

"As the saying goes, if the product is free, then you are the product."

"How could I be a product?"

"Maybe you are a beta-tester."

"Where did you learn that word?"

"From the internet."

"..."

"...So, we also have the internet at home?"

....

Sorry for the delay, I was busy studying for the yearly exams.