Chapter 25: The Water Element Essence

Chapter 25: Chapter 25: The Water Element Essence

Taking advantage of the remaining time, Ye Xuan continued flying north on his sword. He wasn’t heading back to the Sky Cloud Sect but making his way to Shunxi City.

After six hours of flying, the northern port city finally came into clear view. Senior Wang had been right. The city was close to the sea and was strongly associated with the water element.

Even from his current position in the sky, Ye Xuan could clearly see a magnificent structure rising above the sea, complete with towering spires and grand palaces.

That must be the Ocean Sword Sect.

However, his destination wasn’t the sect itself. He had come to Shunxi City to shop. He needed to start searching for water-element essence, regardless of its grade.

His flying sword slowed to a stop, and he landed on the ground before walking through the city gates. Compared to Shabao City, Shunxi City was far more lively, with a greater variety of people and activities.

He saw the city’s residents selling all kinds of goods, ranging from handicrafts to food.

Cultivators also came and went along the streets, wearing robes of various colors and designs that identified their respective sects. Ye Xuan even spotted several cultivators wearing the robes of the Sky Cloud Sect.

He didn’t recognize them, and they didn’t recognize him either. That made it less likely for anyone to become suspicious of him.

"Come and have a look! Check out my goods and accessories, Fellow Daoist!"

Shouts echoed throughout the area as merchants advertised their wares to every cultivator who passed by. Some showed interest and approached their stalls, while others simply ignored them.

Now... where should I start?

[Visit the nearest shop. They might have the essence you need.]

Ye Xuan surveyed his surroundings before walking toward a shop that didn’t have many customers. Despite its quiet appearance, the goods on display seemed quite varied.

He stopped in front of the shop and was immediately greeted by a woman. She appeared to be in her early twenties, but her body was so thin that her cheekbones were faintly visible.

"W-Welcome to our shop, Fellow Daoist."

"Is there anything you need?" the woman asked.

COUGH!

As they spoke, Ye Xuan faintly heard a woman coughing from somewhere behind the shop. Since the place was so quiet, the sound was clearly audible.

"I’m sorry about that. My mother has been seriously ill lately. I’ll help you find whatever you need, Fellow Daoist."

"I need water-element essence."

"Water-element essence? An excellent choice. We have plenty of that."

Ye Xuan followed her until they reached a wooden counter. The woman took out seven black bags, similar to the ones Ye Xuan carried.

She explained that she could only provide water-element essence up to the Yellow Grade.

"All water-element essence above the Yellow Grade is owned by the Ocean Sword Sect."

The young man understood why. High-grade items containing water-element qi essence were valuable and possessed considerable amounts of spiritual qi.

This restriction naturally benefited the Ocean Sword Sect’s business, while allowing the city’s residents to continue trading in items below the Profound Grade.

It seems we should buy these Yellow Grade items first and ask Senior Wang what he thinks.

If he wants something of a higher grade, our only option is to purchase it directly from the Ocean Sword Sect.

[Give it a try. At least you’ve made an effort to fulfill his request. He’ll understand.]

Ye Xuan raised his head and looked at the woman. He picked up one of the black bags and handed it to her, intending to purchase the Yellow Grade water-element essence.

"Each bead of water-element essence costs two low-grade spirit stones. I have around fifty-nine beads. How many would you like to buy?"

The young man glanced briefly at Qingyu, asking whether she wanted him to purchase the water-element essence for her.

However, the white snake clearly refused.

Although the beads contained qi essence, it was water-element qi, which didn’t suit her innate element. Even at the Yellow Grade, it wouldn’t help her very much.

Seeing Qingyu’s response, Ye Xuan realized that he couldn’t multiply the water-element essence because she had refused to accept it.

Forcing her wouldn’t be a good idea either, as it might affect her Affection value later.

"How many beads of Mortal Grade water-element essence do you have?"

"Around one hundred and twenty," the woman answered.

"I’ll buy all of them."

"R-Really? Thank you so much, Fellow Daoist!"

The woman began counting the items and informed Ye Xuan of the total price.

The young man handed over approximately 238 low-grade spirit stones: 120 for the Mortal Grade water-element essence and 118 for the Yellow Grade water-element essence.

After completing the transaction, Ye Xuan stored the bags in his bag of holding. However, before leaving, he asked the woman another question.

"Do you know where I can find Minor Thundergrass?"

"Minor Thundergrass, a spiritual herb? Unfortunately, we don’t have any. However, you could try checking the herbal shop at the intersection ahead."

"All right."

Ye Xuan bid farewell and left the shop. As he was leaving, he accidentally bumped into three unfamiliar cultivators who were entering the establishment.

"Watch where you’re going, brat!"

The young man didn’t overreact, but Qingyu was visibly annoyed by their attitude. The three cultivators had come to shop there, just as Ye Xuan had.

"W-We don’t have any water-element essence left. It’s all sold out," the woman said.

"Your shop is the quietest in the entire city. How could you possibly have sold everything?!" one of them shouted.

The woman looked toward Ye Xuan and pointed at him. "That Fellow Daoist bought everything."

The three cultivators immediately turned around and stared at Ye Xuan, who was still standing outside the shop and had been watching them the entire time.

"Tch! You’re only at Early Foundation Establishment, yet you’re acting all high and mighty by buying so much essence!"

"Do you even know how to use it? If you only bought it to show off, you might as well give it to me. I’ll buy it from you!"

Ye Xuan conjured a black bag containing the water-element essence in his palm, pretending that he was about to hand it over to them.

However, just as they reached for it, Ye Xuan stored the bag back in his bag of holding.

"Sorry," Ye Xuan said. "I’m not selling it to anyone."

"You little brat! Do you know who we are?!" one of them shouted.

"We’re inner disciples of the Pill Refining Hall of the Ocean Sword Sect. Insulting us is the same as insulting our sect!" he barked.

"I didn’t insult you. I simply showed you my water-element essence, and I have no intention of selling it to anyone!"

"You!"

One of the three cultivators approached Ye Xuan while calming down his irritated companion. He stopped in front of Ye Xuan, wearing an arrogant expression.

"I don’t know who you are, but you’ve treated us very disrespectfully."

"Are you trying to threaten me?" Ye Xuan asked.

The man smiled faintly before extending his hand and gently patting Ye Xuan on the shoulder.

"Of course not. I’m just... giving you a warning."

[Let me kill them all, Ye Xuan!]

No. They’re members of the Ocean Sword Sect. This city is their territory.

But that won’t last long. They’ll definitely attack me soon.