However, this plan was ultimately disrupted.

Three days after achieving mastery in the Pure Yang Five Elements Technique, the sound of knocking on the door rang out.

Zhou Changwang opened the door, only to find an unexpected person standing outside.

It was none other than the broker from the Independent Cultivator Marketplace, Brother Xiu, Tuoba Xiu.

"I don’t know why Fellow Daoist has come to see me?"

Zhou Changwang’s expression turned slightly cold as he spoke.

If he remembered correctly, he had never told ’Brother Xiu’ about his residence. 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

His unexpected visit clearly indicated prior investigation, naturally causing him some displeasure.

"Fellow Daoist Zhou, no offense.

I’ve come this time to return the one hundred Lower-Grade Spirit Stones that Fellow Daoist entrusted with me last time.

After deducting the three pieces of information you requested, you still have seventy Lower-Grade Spirit Stones left with me."

Tuoba Xiu seemed to have noticed Zhou Changwang’s displeasure, quickly explaining while handing over a small pouch, "Here are your Spirit Stones, please take them."

"Fellow Daoist indeed possesses great integrity, which earns my admiration."

Zhou Changwang was taken aback, cupping his hands as he spoke.

"Actually, it is because in a few days I have to leave the marketplace.

There are always matters that need to be handled.

The Cultivation Realm is vast with abundant resources; upon this farewell, we may no longer meet again. I naturally need to clear my debts before I can leave with ease."

Tuoba Xiu followed with further explanation.

"Is there any change within the marketplace?"

Zhou Changwang was startled.

"Not at all.

My birth mother sent a letter some time ago, saying she successfully reached Foundation Establishment, and thus invited me to join the Qingyuan Sect, also securing me a position.

Naturally, everything in Fengming Dock Marketplace must be dealt with cleanly."

At this point, he unexpectedly revealed a rare smile.

"Congratulations to the Fellow Daoist.

Onward to the Qingyuan Sect, your future seems promising.

With your mother as a Foundation Establishment True Cultivator overseeing you, things might go smoothly within the Qingyuan Sect, perhaps allowing you to ascend to the Foundation Establishment Realm and glimpse the essence of the Great Dao."

Zhou Changwang first sighed with relief and then sincerely extended his congratulations.

"The sect has many rules, in fact, it’s not as free as being in the marketplace.

However, entering the Qingyuan Sect does indeed offer more opportunities, and its cultivation resources are far superior to those of the marketplace.

Moreover, the current Fengming Dock Marketplace is unpredictable, with hidden currents flowing, it’s unknown how many masters or schemers lie in hiding; conflicts and battles could erupt at any moment.

It truly isn’t a place to linger.

Therefore, I’ve decided to leave early to avoid the dangers here."

As Tuoba Xiu spoke, he couldn’t help but shake his head with a sigh.

Then, as if remembering something, he continued, "By the way, regarding the auction I mentioned to you before, are you still interested?

This time, it’s said that the Bai Family is offering a valuable treasure as the centerpiece, attracting many cultivators, including some Foundation Establishment True Cultivators.

If you want to attend, my previous offer still stands.

I plan to leave the marketplace on the third day after the auction concludes."

"Forget it.

I won’t join in the excitement.

My cultivation level is insufficient, and attending wouldn’t yield any results."

Zhou Changwang shook his head.

Then he thought for a moment and spoke again, "But the Five Elements Glazed Heart Lamp you mentioned before, I’m indeed interested in it.

Would Fellow Daoist be willing to bid for it on my behalf?

As long as it’s within five thousand Lower-Grade Spirit Stones, feel free to bid.

Regarding the remuneration..."

"The remuneration will be the seventy Lower-Grade Spirit Stones.

Three days later, the auction will begin. After it ends, I’ll come to find you again; then you will simply need to provide the auction-required Spirit Stones."

As he spoke, Tuoba Xiu, seemingly relieved, quickly re-pocketed the pouch of Spirit Stones with a smile on his face and then turned around and left with large strides.

Zhou Changwang blinked for quite a while before letting out a silent chuckle.

Whether Tuoba Xiu truly cherished those seventy Lower-Grade Spirit Stones, or if it’s simply a merchant’s instinct, remains unknown.

However, he indeed prefers interacting with such people.

Clearly marked prices are always better than secret calculations by others.

Returning to the courtyard.

For this instance, Zhou Changwang refrained from practicing cultivation.

Instead, he went straight to the Talisman Room.

Three days later, the auction will start.

And the five thousand Lower-Grade Spirit Stones he agreed upon are not an insignificant amount.

After recently spending thirteen thousand five hundred Lower-Grade Spirit Stones to purchase the Pure Yang Five Elements Technique, he was left with only three thousand Lower-Grade Spirit Stones.

He has a gap of two thousand Lower-Grade Spirit Stones remaining.

Naturally, he needs to earn them anew.

And nothing is quicker than drawing talismans.

Thus, for the next two days, Zhou Changwang primarily focused on drawing talismans.

One talisman after another, as he drew them, successfully materialized.

One, two, three...

Zhou Changwang primarily drew Fireball Talismans, Thunder Talismans, and Golden Shield Talismans.

These three Spirit Talismans were the most popular; other Spirit Talismans have markets but sell slower and are not his first choice.

Finally, just as Zhou Changwang finished drawing a Thunder Talisman.

Thunder Talisman +1

Buzz~!

The fierce Spiritual Light flickered upon the talisman.

Simultaneously, abundant drawing experience concerning the Thunder Talisman emerged in Zhou Changwang’s mind, as if in this short time, he had drawn them thousands of times, gaining extraordinary understanding of every step, every stroke, and every detail.