Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8539: Cool breeze (1)

The Desolate Tomb Market wasn't a particularly large island. Spanning just ten thousand miles in length and over six thousand miles in width, it occupied a modest space, yet it stood as a fixed landmass. In the Blood Sea Realm, islands of such size were uncommon and typically claimed swiftly to serve as a sect's primary headquarters or a key outpost. So, how did this one end up as a marketplace?

The explanation was straightforward. Its position played the biggest role. The Desolate Tomb Market sat in an unfavorable spot, too near the Corpse Demon Sect. That sect's central base rested on a nearby island, from which they had built their entire organization. Initially distant from the Corpse Demon Sect's main hall, the market gradually edged closer as the sect expanded its territory over time.

In this situation, no rival faction dared to seize control here. Though separated by some distance from the Corpse Demon Sect, the group showed no interest in claiming it as an outpost. Instead, they transformed it into a marketplace—a free one at that—where loose cultivators could barter freely. The sect merely dispatched overseers for basic supervision and fee collection, paying it little mind.

Still, as the Blood Sea Realm's dominant power, the Corpse Demon Sect drew plenty of cultivators to eke out a living in the area. Cheng Wanchun counted himself among them. His forebears had started as loyal servants to a minor sect, but one ancestor rose to become a disciple after achieving success in cultivation. Limited by his aptitude, though, he remained an outer disciple throughout his days, holding no great status. His offspring shared his lack of talent, and the sect rejected them, forcing the family into the life of rogue cultivators. Through generations of hardship, they persisted as independents. Cheng Wanchun himself stayed a rogue cultivator, lacking both power and kin, so he wandered the market squares.

At just over thirty years old, Cheng Wanchun had barely entered the Profound Qi Realm. At his age and level, no sect would accept him. To those groups, he represented wasted potential, unworthy of recruitment.

Yet Cheng Wanchun refused to despair. He trained diligently and took on numerous tasks. Among rogue cultivators, he stood out as exceptionally dedicated. Still, countless others mirrored his struggles, drawing no special notice his way.

Having finished yet another assignment, Cheng Wanchun returned from the Blood Sea to the market. He knew the path well and headed straight for a shop named the Clear Wind Pharmacy. This was a frequent stop for him, as he often picked up missions there. The tasks from this place proved equitable, always paying in crystals without delay. Over years of service, he'd grown close to the owner.

The Clear Wind Pharmacy had launched only a few years back. At its debut, rival shops tried to squeeze it out. But it offered affordable mixed Qi pills for cultivation, along with fair-priced herbs, and seemed backed by ample funds. The competitors soon backed off.

Sure, some pharmacies considered rough tactics to shut it down. Yet those who attempted vanished without a trace one night, while the shop carried on. Word spread that the Clear Wind Pharmacy backed serious power, so challengers ceased their harassment. It thrived undisturbed thereafter.

Over those years, the Clear Wind Pharmacy's operations stayed modest and unassuming. Among loose cultivators, however, it earned glowing praise. Known for honest dealings, it became a favored medicine hall, with independents eager to tackle its quests.

Cheng Wanchun reached the Clear Wind Pharmacy's entrance. Despite solid business, the building appeared small, covering about a hundred square meters. A simple sign bore the name 'Clear Wind Pharmacy,' nothing flashy.

The shop's doors stood open. Cheng Wanchun had visited countless times, yet each approach stirred a sigh. Such substantial trade, handled with such humility—it was truly uncommon.

Sighing aside, business called. He pushed through the door into the hall. Few customers lingered; the hour grew late, and most shoppers had departed. With closing time nearing, the crowd thinned naturally.

A handful of young staff bustled about inside. None exceeded twenty, and a couple seemed under that mark, their faces fresh and youthful. Clad in matching uniforms, they sorted the herbs before them. At the rear, behind a counter, a man around fifty flipped through ledgers, tallying the day's earnings.

This medicine hall's layout carried a unique flair. Stepping in revealed a broad open space. Along the walls stood cabinets packed with tiny drawers, each labeled with a herb's name, clearly for storing specific remedies.

Before the cabinets rose a lofty wooden counter, equipped with scales, stone grinders, herb mills, and similar tools. Some sections displayed loose herbs directly. Attendants worked to organize everything, filling the air with rich medicinal scents.

The sound of the door prompted all inside to glance up, chorusing, “Hello!” This served as their standard welcome, extended to every visitor. It had become routine. At first, Cheng Wanchun found it odd, but now it brought a comforting familiarity.

Spotting Cheng Wanchun, the shopkeeper grinned. “Little Cheng, you're back. How'd the mission go?” Having built a rapport over time, he skipped formalities. Cheng Wanchun appreciated the casual warmth, feeling no offense.

Cheng Wanchun chuckled. “Brother Bao, you've toiled all day. The mission wrapped up smoothly. Figured you hadn't shut down yet, so here I am. Come, check these out—the golden sakura we gathered this round. See if the color's right.” He pulled a jade box free and offered it to Shopkeeper Bao.

Shopkeeper Bao smiled. “Sure, let's inspect it. Your herbs always top quality; I trust them blind. But rules demand a look, so I'll oblige.” He accepted the box from Cheng Wanchun.

The jade box Cheng Wanchun held measured roughly forty centimeters across in every dimension. Rogue cultivators favored these large ones for herb storage, valuing jade's ability to lock in properties, and often carried several.

Shopkeeper Bao unsealed the box, examining the golden sakura closely. He lifted some, inhaled deeply, then nodded at Cheng Wanchun. “Perfect—high-grade, small success. Cashing in for crystals now? I'll pay top rate, naturally.”

Cheng Wanchun agreed. “Yes, exchange it is. Need crystals for some pills too.” No prodigy, he had labored intensely to reach the Profound Qi Realm and couldn't afford sloth, lest he stagnate forever.

Shopkeeper Bao nodded, emptying the golden sakura onto the scale for weighing, then handed over dozens of crystals. Cheng Wanchun accepted with thanks, planning to purchase Qi condensation pills for training, when Shopkeeper Bao eyed him thoughtfully. After a pause, he said, “Little Cheng, we've known each other a good while. I've got something to share—mind stepping back with me?”

Cheng Wanchun paused, eyeing Shopkeeper Bao in confusion. But the man's steady demeanor eased his doubts; he trusted no harm would come. As a mere rogue cultivator, what threat could he pose anyway? He nodded simply. “Sure.”

Delighted, Shopkeeper Bao replied, “Great, follow me.” He moved to the counter's side, unlocking a door to usher Cheng Wanchun through. Cheng Wanchun bypassed the counter without fuss, trailing the shopkeeper via a side entrance into the rear quarters.

The back area sprawled generously. A wide living room featured sofas and flanking antique racks, laden with books, mini cauldrons, jade slips, and more. The setup exuded classic elegance.

Once inside, Shopkeeper Bao gestured for Cheng Wanchun to sit, then lifted the teapot to pour. “Here, tea.” Cheng Wanchun sipped, surprised—it was spirit tea, a rarity beyond ordinary reach. Curiosity about Shopkeeper Bao's background deepened; how did he access such luxuries?