Chapter 21: The Trade Fair

“Remember, do not disturb them under any circumstances.”
“Yes.”

Elsewhere, Fang Zhiyi keenly sensed the few who had been following her had left.

The window lattice was intricately carved, the gauze curtains like wisps of smoke, gently swaying in the breeze, bringing a faint chill.

Inside the room, sandalwood incense curled upward, candlelight flickering and casting mottled shadows.

Against the wall stood a carved wooden bed, its canopy cascading like a waterfall. The pillowcases and quilts embroidered with gold thread exuded a heavy aura of opulence.

Her expression was cold and indifferent.

As the inn’s upper chamber, this place was excessively luxurious.

It was easy to guess this place had to be closely connected with the Teng family.

After all, within the entire Teng Family City, few could afford such extravagance besides the Teng family themselves.

“Knock, knock, knock—”

Fang Zhiyi’s door was knocked upon. With a wave of her hand, the door opened.

Standing outside was Wang Lin, carrying a sumptuous dinner. “Master, fearing you might not be accustomed to the food here, I borrowed the inn’s kitchen to prepare this meal for you.”

Fang Zhiyi nodded slightly. Setting aside everything else, her disciple had been taking very good care of her lately.

If she were to be separated from this disciple for a while, she would indeed feel somewhat unaccustomed.

Fang Zhiyi nodded again and said, “Set it down.”

After Wang Lin placed everything on the table, he prepared to leave. After all, the twilight was fading, and if word got out, it would not be favorable to their reputations.

Perhaps Wang Lin had spent too long as a mortal and had forgotten the rule of the strong prevailing in the cultivation world.

Fang Zhiyi called him back and slowly ate everything on the table.

Speaking of which, even the amount of food was well controlled by Wang Lin—each meal just enough to fill her about eighty percent.

After dinner, Fang Zhiyi led Wang Lin to an unoccupied lower chamber.

The difference between this place and where Fang Zhiyi had been staying was vast. They leapt down from the windowsill.

Under the moonlight, the two headed toward the central area where Teng Huayuan resided.

The night was dark and high winds blew, the darkness as deep as ink.

Two shadows silently melted into the profound night, nimbly scaling the courtyard walls and landing steadily on the tiled roof.

Fang Zhiyi stood on the tiles, her figure illuminated by the moonlight, appearing like a divine goddess.

Wang Lin lay there motionless, only the subtle rise and fall of his chest betrayed his life.

His gaze pierced through the gaps between the tiles, spying on the room below.

Faint whispers drifted up, accompanied by the occasional clinking of cups.

His brow furrowed tightly; his ears twitched, trying to catch every faint sound.

With Fang Zhiyi, a Nascent Soul cultivator, present, Wang Lin was not afraid of disturbing those inside.

He was confident they would remain undiscovered.

“City Lord, what do you think this Elder Fang of the God of War Hall came all the way to our Teng Family City for?”

After a long pause, Teng Huayuan’s deep voice came, “She once inquired about the monthly trade fair, but I don’t believe she came for that alone. There must be other hidden reasons.”

“Exactly as the City Lord says.”

“But if she spots something worthwhile at the trade fair, no matter what means it takes, she will ensure it ends up in her hands.”

“What do you mean by that, City Lord?”

Teng Huayuan replied, “It’s a show of goodwill. You truly are foolish. Also, as long as Elder Fang remains in our city, you will treat her well.”

“Understood.”

The night breeze blew, bringing a slight chill and causing Fang Zhiyi’s robes to flutter gently.

She toyed with the jade pendant at her waist, silent and deep in thought.

Wang Lin listened quietly until the voices inside ceased, leaving only Teng Huayuan alone.

His fists clenched tightly, his expression cold. The hatred in his heart was like an endless night, tightly entwining him, impossible to escape.

Since seeing Teng Huayuan, Wang Lin’s murderous intent had nearly become uncontrollable.

If not for Fang Zhiyi at his side, he might have charged forward recklessly.

Though cold in nature, Fang Zhiyi somehow gave Wang Lin a feeling of home—he did not want to cause her trouble.

Only when the room fell silent, save for occasional snores, did Fang Zhiyi lead Wang Lin away.

By then, the vendors in Teng Family City had closed their stalls, with only a few scattered figures walking the streets.

It was peaceful; cultivators here looked no different from ordinary mortals.

The two returned to the inn.

“It’s late. Rest early.”

“Yes, Master.”

...

The trade fair began on schedule.

Inside, the auctioneer’s wooden gavel echoed crisply, each strike tightening the nerves of all present.

Before a sandalwood trading table, a refined gentleman in embroidered robes carefully displayed a jade Ruyi scepter inlaid with gemstones, its luster mysterious and alluring under the bronze-hued lamps.

In a corner of the hall, rows of buyers from all directions whispered or watched silently.

Yet this trade fair was somewhat different from those before.

At its center sat a woman of unparalleled beauty.

Cultivators attending the fair were generally highly skilled, yet even they made way for Fang Zhiyi today.

Recalling the recent use of magical artifacts in Teng Family City, those present naturally connected them to Fang Zhiyi.

In her hand, Fang Zhiyi held a cup of fine Pu’er tea, gently swirling it before sipping.

Though the fair was halfway through, she had yet to make a move.

Many items today were arranged by Teng Huayuan to ensure a favorable sale for her—a form of control. Even if others won the bids, the items would ultimately end up with Fang Zhiyi.

Unfortunately, she had not yet spoken.

“The next item should please female cultivators. Male cultivators can also buy it for their favored women; it’s a gift sure to please.”

No sooner had the words fallen than a demure maid approached carrying an embroidered box.

Opening it revealed a string of translucent, gleaming pearl necklace.

“Do not underestimate this treasure. It can block a full-strength strike from a Foundation Establishment cultivator and ensure survival against a full strike from a Core Formation cultivator. Starting bid: ten mid-grade spirit stones, with each raise five mid-grade spirit stones.”

At last, Fang Zhiyi raised her paddle.

“Very well! Number one bids fifteen mid-grade spirit stones. Any other bids?”

“Number fifteen, twenty mid-grade spirit stones.”

“Number thirty-five, twenty-five mid-grade spirit stones.”

“...”

“I think these female cultivators have truly gone mad.”

To guarantee survival against a Core Formation cultivator’s full strike, and given that the artifact was such a finely crafted pearl necklace, it was no wonder many women were interested.