The Eternal Way-Chapter 139: The Bustling Street Scene

When this question was asked, Li Qi picked up some shredded chicken with his chopsticks and looked Piaoxu over carefully.

This fox demon was already beautiful, with a timid demeanor that made one want to tease her. Now, under Li Qi's gaze, she turned her face away in embarrassment, clearly showing her inner fear.

"Well, we plan to visit the market to see if we can buy Wind-Travel Talismans or some cultivation methods suitable for demons. But don't you have business to attend to, Miss Piaoxu?" Li Qi said kindly, not wanting to put her on the spot.

Upon hearing this, Piaoxu quickly replied, "There are staff members and my... Chang Ghost who will manage things. I also have Qiyat's help; it'll only delay the dine-in service for half a day at most, no problem."

Li Qi then asked, "Speaking of which, that Chang Ghost... did you strip him of his consciousness and turn him into a puppet?"

"Of course not. If he were a puppet, how could he be so lifelike? When I inherited the tiger demon's Chang Ghost, he had already been refined into this state. Though he still retains some intelligence, his true spirit is under my control, unable to resist. That's why I ordered him to disguise himself..."

A Chang Ghost retained its intelligence and wisdom, capable of thought and even emotion, but all feelings were controlled by the tiger demon. Even if told to lure close relatives to become food for the tiger, they would do so without hesitation or remorse.

"If you think..." she started to add hastily after her explanation.

"Forget it, it's your matter to handle. The Chang Ghost is long dead, and strictly speaking, even their intelligence is fake—a mere puppet. Since it won't affect your business, could you guide us around the market, Miss Piaoxu? Of course, we will compensate you for your time," Li Qi stated firmly.

Piaoxu hurriedly responded, "No need for compensation. You saved my life, and repayment is due. How could I take more from you?"

Li Qi shook his head and took out a translucent bead, "Please accept it. I uphold justice and fairness. Saving your life means little to us, so excessive compensation isn't right. Free lodging here is enough; anything more would be unjust."

Li Qi spoke seriously, as this pertained to his principles, leaving no room for refusal.

Hearing his tone, Piaoxu dared not argue further and accepted the translucent bead.

The bead was transparent with five differently colored auras swirling inside, looking quite beautiful. It felt icy cold and wouldn't warm up no matter how much it was held.

"May I ask what this is, sir?" Piaoxu asked curiously.

"These are the five ghostly auras that tried to kill you. They succeeded once but were captured and sealed into this bead during their second attempt. If you wish to find your enemy, this might provide clues. Using this as compensation seems appropriate," Li Qi explained.

"Thank you, sir." Piaoxu bowed gratefully.

"No need for such formality. Go prepare yourself, we'll finish eating, and then you can show us around when we leave. No need to waste too much time," Li Qi said, picking up his bowl to eat.

There was no other choice.

While chatting with Piaoxu, Shen Shuibei had almost finished the dishes!

If he didn't hurry, there'd be nothing left!

Seeing this, Piaoxu chuckled softly and stepped aside, soon returning with a pot of crab roe soup.

Crab roe, rich and fatty, white like jade and yellow like gold, represented the pinnacle of color, aroma, and taste. Cooked with oil, salt, bean powder, and pan-fried, it became increasingly delicious, almost creamy, truly a delicacy.

Another round of competition ensued.

Li Qi lost because Shen Shuibei used Dao techniques.

He only got one spoonful; the rest was devoured by the rabbit.

His frustration grew.

His good mood from the morning vanished.

After about two hours, they set off for the market.

Arriving, Li Qi truly experienced the prosperity of Clear Mist City.

This vitality and prosperity far surpassed anything in Deer Kingdom or Oil Realm.

Shen Shuibei hadn't seen such scenes either, having spent most of her time cultivating at Luofu Mountain. She watched intently, recognizing materials and principles but marveling at the elaborate effects.

As for Li Qi, being a country bumpkin, he couldn't get enough of the extraordinary skills and techniques, finding them far more impressive than any special effects.

For example, roadside flower shops displayed blooming flowers even in winter, likely using secret methods.

Further ahead, people played chess, but not with ordinary pieces. The board resembled a vast battlefield with miniature warriors representing each piece, engaging in fierce combat.

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Moving pieces affected these miniatures, simulating real battles between two nations.

Passing by a lake, they saw someone boating amidst mist, creating a scene reminiscent of ink paintings.

Street vendors sold tea and cheese, steaming hot and fragrant. Shen Shuibei insisted on buying three cups, one for each.

They tasted sweet and delicious.

New buildings showcased luxurious materials and intricate craftsmanship by cultivators. Celebrations included music and dance performances, filling the streets with joyous energy.

Nearby, street performers offered magic shows. A black curtain transformed into vivid scenes using colorful lights, creating a short yet spectacular visual experience akin to a holographic movie.

Even Li Qi applauded, while Shen Shuibei tipped generously, earning a scolding from Li Qi.

Navigating through bustling markets filled with stalls selling various goods, including small magical items, decorations, toys, instruments, and books, they found themselves bargaining and enjoying the lively atmosphere.

Halfway through, Shen Shuibei spotted a jade hairpin shaped like a rabbit. Seeing her still wearing the copper wire flower pin he bought last year, Li Qi decided to buy it for her.

She was delighted, hugging it and planning to wear it after bathing.

In just half an hour, Li Qi witnessed the city's vibrancy.

Beyond entertainment and festivities, the sheer level of prosperity exceeded his previous experiences.

This place lived up to its reputation as a money pit. With limited funds, Li Qi could only wander the streets, imagining the extravagance wealthier individuals might enjoy.

Such was the joy of the wealthy.

After passing several markets, they arrived at what seemed to be an arena, where faint traces of blood could be sensed, suggesting ongoing battles.

However, Piaoxu stopped here, saying, "We've arrived, sirs. This is where you can buy Wind-Travel Talismans."

"Here?" Li Qi was surprised.

Indeed, tickets, standardized magical weapons, and portraits of gladiators adorned the area, indicating endorsement deals.

Standardized magical items were something Li Qi had underestimated. Despite industrial production capabilities, customized or self-made items were generally superior, tailored to individual needs.

Standardized items typically performed at only sixty to seventy percent efficiency compared to personalized ones.

For instance, the Tang knife he carried was a standard issue weapon, enhanced by Tang Kingdom's advanced techniques, making it superior to most ninth-rank magical items.

His real trump card remained the willow branch tied to his waist, containing the Grand Diviner's spiritual essence, never failing him.

Noticing Li Qi's confusion, Piaoxu explained, "Don't underestimate this place. Inside lies the largest trading center for magical items and talismans below ninth rank in Clear Mist City."

"I see, please lead the way," Li Qi nodded.

Following her into the market, they encountered craftsmen and alchemists showcasing their wares, accompanied by clashing sounds and dazzling light effects, creating an intense atmosphere.

Passing through weapon and armor sections, they reached the talisman market.

---

Meanwhile, in the VIP viewing box of the arena.

From here, one could overlook the entire venue, watching the ongoing matches.

Currently, the event named "Ever-Victorious Warriors" was taking place—one of the cruelest gambling formats.

Why the name?

Because every contestant was undefeated, continuing until defeated, usually resulting in immediate execution, providing the crowd with bloody spectacles.

Each match eliminated losers, leaving only winners.

Thus, it was called "Ever-Victorious Warriors."

In this box, a lavishly dressed man suddenly opened his eyes, "Master Si, I sense your ghostly aura below. What's going on?"