Chapter Fifty-Five: Why Don’t You Just Rob Me Instead?

Fortunately, He Song was quick to inscribe the array’s patterns for the Spirit Gathering Formation; otherwise, all thirty-five spirit stones might have been lost.

“Friend Bing’er, have some tea first,” He Song said, handing her a cup as she finished introducing the jade slips. Yet his mind was already racing, pondering which spells he ought to choose.

The more he considered, the more he realized that he seemed to have no choice at all. The prices for these spells were far steeper than He Song had anticipated.

He had believed that spells for the Qi Refining stage would be inexpensive, perhaps ten spirit stones each. Even the special ones for this stage should only be a bit pricier, nothing outrageous. Yet every price Bing’er quoted was higher than the last; by the end, a single sword technique cost two hundred spirit stones.

At this rate, why not just rob people?

He Song glanced at Bing’er, a hint of doubt in his eyes.

Sitting beside him, Bing’er paused when she caught his puzzled look, then quickly understood what he wanted to ask.

“Friend, basic spells are ten spirit stones each, mid-grade spells fifty, high-grade spells a hundred. Offensive spells double the price. For rogue cultivators, all prices are doubled again—this is the rule of the Immortal Market,” her clear voice explained, her gaze tinged with curiosity.

Did he truly not know the prices of spells? Did he only toil away in cultivation, never exchanging ideas with fellow cultivators?

What she didn’t know was that He Song rarely interacted with others. His few close friends never discussed the cost of spells. Those more advanced, like Wei Fan, had higher incomes and never cared about such things. Peers like Zhao Lin, a talisman master, thought the prices normal and could afford them. Those less advanced wouldn’t even know this information.

He Song had always assumed spells at the Qi Refining stage were all similarly priced, thus not expensive.

But now—

After Bing’er’s explanation, He Song finally grasped how costly knowledge was in the cultivation world. Not only must one spend spirit stones to learn the basics, but even higher-level spells demanded a hefty price.

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At the same time, the divide between the Immortal Market’s insiders and rogue cultivators was immense.

Insiders could access cultivation world knowledge for free; rogues paid one spirit stone per day.

Basic Qi Refining spells cost insiders ten spirit stones; for rogues, twenty.

Mid-grade spells, insiders paid fifty; rogues, a hundred.

High-grade spells, insiders paid a hundred; rogues, two hundred.

In other words—

For rogue cultivators, obtaining resources meant risking their lives. Advancing their cultivation required intrigue and cunning. Even acquiring techniques, spells, and basic knowledge came at the highest cost.

Even for mere Qi Refining spells, their cost was twice that paid by insiders.

It was not easy to be a rogue cultivator.

He Song already understood this well, but hearing the spell prices from Bing’er brought the hardship home.

No wonder rogue cultivators always occupied the lowest rung in the cultivation world’s hierarchy.

A glimmer of relief flickered in He Song’s eyes; silently, he thanked his predecessor.

If not for the chance his predecessor seized, stepping halfway into the Immortal Market, he would never have cultivated so peacefully until now.

But this was not the time to dwell on such thoughts.

After Bing’er’s introduction, He Song felt at ease, but his gaze could only settle on the two basic spells he could afford.

Fireball Technique: one of the basic spells, conjures fireballs to attack enemies, impressive power, worth ten spirit stones.

Lightness Technique: one of the basic spells, increases speed, essential for long journeys and escaping, worth ten spirit stones.

Recalling Bing’er’s descriptions, He Song reached out, and twenty spirit stones appeared on the table.

“Friend Bing’er, I’m a bit short on funds and can only purchase those two basic spells for now.” He Song cupped his hands in apology, his expression unchanged.

“Very well, just place the jade slips against your forehead,” Bing’er replied.

Seeing He Song buy only the two basics, Bing’er didn’t mind. She handed him the two jade slips and collected the twenty spirit stones from the table.

As she did so, a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes.

If she hadn’t mistaken, He Song had simply waved his hand and twenty spirit stones appeared.

It wasn’t much, but such a gesture indicated he possessed a storage pouch.

Only with a storage pouch could he perform such an action.

She glanced at He Song, who was now pressing the jade slips to his forehead, and her curiosity deepened.

“Short of funds, yet carrying a storage pouch—does this He Song truly lack money, or…?”

After pondering, Bing’er resumed her normal expression, though a subtle, indefinable meaning lingered in her gaze toward He Song.

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Soon, He Song imprinted all the spell instructions from the two jade slips into his memory.

Whenever he wished, he could recall the details and secrets of their casting.

Fireball Technique—one of the basics.

It could harm enemies, serving as an offensive measure; its high temperature could also destroy evidence, useful for everyday needs.

Lightness Technique—one of the basics.

After casting, it boosted speed, essential for escaping and traveling.

With these two spells, He Song would no longer be helpless in the face of danger.

Though Fireball Technique wasn’t particularly powerful, it surpassed the Spirit Arrow in offensive capability.

And with Lightness Technique, if he couldn’t win, he could always flee.

“Goods and payment exchanged; I shall take my leave,” He Song said, rising to bid Bing’er farewell.

But as he was about to turn away, Bing’er stopped him with a smile.

“No need to hurry, friend. I recently acquired some fine tea. Since you’re fond of tea, why not take some with you? Wait a moment—I’ll fetch it.”

Before He Song could refuse, Bing’er had already left.

A moment later, He Song walked out of the Spirit Arts Pavilion, carrying a small box filled with tea leaves.

Behind him, Bing’er watched with a radiant smile as his figure disappeared into the distance.

Having decided three years ago to befriend He Song, she naturally seized the opportunity upon this reunion.