In the vast land, the Jade Marrow River cut through, dividing it.
In Chu Weiyang's memory, to the south of the Jade Marrow River lay a territory where cultivators and disciples of demonic sects roamed freely.
Emerging from the dense mountains, pondering over his blurred memories, Chu Weiyang realized he was not far from the Jade Marrow River.
In the blink of an eye, drifting for several years, it felt like a lifetime had passed, filled with a sense of things being different.
The more he sighed like this, the more Chu Weiyang wanted to visit the River Source Market.
He remembered being taken there a few times by Zhang Laoqi and Wu Er when he first started cultivating the Dao techniques in the Panwang Yuan Sect.
If things hadn't changed much, perhaps Chu Weiyang could still find the River Source Market.
At least, Chu Weiyang was determined not to go where the steward Ma had mentioned earlier.
Who knows if there were people familiar with Steward Ma in that market, or even friends who trusted each other with their lives!
Along the way, Steward Ma became increasingly silent, except for teaching sword techniques.
Now, breaking the silence, there must be something unusual happening, making Chu Weiyang vigilant.
Therefore, taking a slightly longer route seemed like a safer choice.
Inside the basket, Steward Ma helplessly rubbed his neck, rubbing until the mud fell off, then rubbed his clean skin until it turned red before slowly letting go.
The middle-aged man's profound gaze sank into deep contemplation.
It seemed like he was measuring the past and exploring the future.
Occasionally, complex emotions of hatred and regret alternated on Steward Ma's somewhat stiff face.
Occasionally, amidst the fierce hatred, there seemed to be a brewing sword intent.
But at times, as if reminded of something that frightened him, Steward Ma unconsciously shivered, and the killing intent dissipated.
The deep gaze gradually became hollow, and at this moment, Steward Ma seemed to have a resigned look.
-
River Source Market.
In the distance, towering mountains covered in thick snow reached into the sky.
Looking across the vast plain, one could vaguely see a sparse network of water flowing down from the high mountains, gradually converging from the valleys to form the source of the Jade Marrow River.
The name River Source was derived from this.
It was said that beyond these mountains, far to the west, lay an ancient forest where the demon race ran rampant.
Beyond that forest was a vast and prosperous land.
However, those who spoke of this had seemingly never seen anyone who had crossed these mountains and returned.
Although still young, Chu Weiyang had experienced enough in this life and the previous one to have passed the age of longing for a life beyond the mountains.
Simply surviving in the north and south of the great river was already a challenging task.
With such emotions in mind, Chu Weiyang, holding a long sword in one hand and gripping the hilt with the other, entered the River Source Market with a cold expression.
Being close to the south and too far from the mountain gates in the north, the visitors here were mostly disciples of demonic sects and ruthless independent cultivators.
To ensure a safe journey, Chu Weiyang had to display the aura of a demonic sect disciple.
Fortunately, Chu Weiyang's fierce and cold appearance, coupled with a strong scent of blood, was enough to deter many people.
In the flat valley of the mountains, with overlapping eaves and towering palaces, ghostly figures lurked in every hidden corner, watching Chu Weiyang approach with seemingly cold eyes.
In the market, the familiar appearance from memory could still be vaguely seen, but upon closer inspection, it all felt very unfamiliar.
Without stopping his steady steps, Chu Weiyang stood in the center of the market, briefly scanning around before fixing his gaze on a shop.
The plaque above the shop's entrance read "Return Spring Pavilion," with a line of small characters engraved beside it - "Serving the Dan Sect in the River Valley."
The only place that could exist so transcendentally in almost all markets, regardless of righteousness or evil, was the Dan River Valley.
Without hesitation, under the prying eyes of everyone, Chu Weiyang walked straight to the Return Spring Pavilion.
The shop's door was wide open, and as he stepped in, a gust of wind carrying a bloody scent spread through the narrow shop.
Behind the counter, a thin old man with a goatee furrowed his brows.
He looked up abruptly, about to scold the newcomer.
However, upon seeing Chu Weiyang's figure, the old man was momentarily stunned.
He carefully examined Chu Weiyang for a few moments, finding it increasingly strange and rare, as if he had seen a ghost returning to life or a withered tree sprouting new leaves.
Soon after, the old man furrowed his brows again, seemingly unable to understand how someone like Chu Weiyang managed to survive.
Standing quietly, allowing the old man to scrutinize him further, Chu Weiyang finally spoke, getting straight to the point, asking, "Excuse me, sir, do you have any elixirs for dispelling malevolent energies?"
Gathering his scattered thoughts, the old man regained his composure and replied calmly, "Indeed, we have elixirs for that in the Dan Sect River Valley! Elixirs for dispelling malevolent energies? Yes! Tell me, young man, do you need an external ointment or an internal elixir?"
As he asked this, the old man glanced at the basket Chu Weiyang carried on his back.
Without hesitation, if he wanted to use it in conjunction with the "Five Organs Nourishing Qi Scripture," there was only one choice.
"What internal elixirs do you have?" Chu Weiyang inquired without hesitation.
Without much thought, the old man promptly responded.
"For something ordinary, we have the Hundred Herbs Dispelling Calamity Elixir, suitable for both internal and external injuries. One pot with thirty pills, priced at three liang of refined gold or three pieces of spirit stones, with other precious materials depending on the quality."
"For something better, there's the Dragon-Tiger Revitalizing Elixir, which can heal injuries to the meridians caused by malevolent energies. One box with one pill, priced at twenty liang of refined gold or twenty spirit stones, with no additional charges for materials of inferior quality!"
"As for something even better, the Heavenly Pole Jade Dew Harmonizing Fragrance Elixir, not found in any other market, requires a deposit first to have the senior masters of the sect refine it. The price will be determined by the amount produced in one batch, priced at two hundred and seventy liang of refined gold, with a thirty percent deposit."
After speaking, the old man fell silent, looking at Chu Weiyang with an expectant gaze, waiting for the young man's choice.
Chu Weiyang had no spirit stones on him, and the refined gold he had scavenged from Steward Ma's "old residence" was limited.
The so-called refined gold was like condensing malevolent energy into malevolent essence among cultivators.
Similarly, some cultivators combined ordinary gold and silver with spirit iron ore, refining a thousand catties to obtain one, which was extremely precious, hence known as refined gold.
This was a very precious material for refining artifacts, almost everyone needed it.
Unfortunately, even the refined gold Steward Ma possessed was not much.
If he only bought one Dragon-Tiger Revitalizing Elixir, he might find himself in a tight spot.
After a brief contemplation, Chu Weiyang made a decision.
"Sir, please prepare three pots of Hundred Herbs Dispelling Calamity Elixir for me. I will pay with..."
Before Chu Weiyang could finish his sentence, a gloomy voice came from outside the door.
"So, the brat from the Sword Sect dares to come to the River Source Land? Heard that your family recently caused trouble, only an elder survived. Truly embarrassing! Why buy elixirs? Let Ye Ye come and give you a lesson. Perhaps you'll feel better then. Don't forget to thank me in advance, offer some refined gold and spirit stones, play around a bit, how about it?"
Many books are now hard to find, so cherish what you have.