Eternal Tale

Chapter 231: Merchant Guilds, Sea Beasts, and Demonic Cores

Chapter 231: Merchant Guilds, Sea Beasts, and Demonic Cores

A green-robed woman slowly approached and blocked Chen Xun’s path. "Fellow Daoist, may I have a word?"

"Please, go ahead."

"Are you a rogue cultivator? If you're planning to go out to sea, you might consider joining our Chengfeng Merchant Guild. Any sea beasts you hunt will be distributed according to..."

"Fellow Daoist, we don’t currently have such plans."

Chen Xun smiled, now realizing she was recruiting hunters. "To be honest, we’re not very familiar with the West Sea yet, so we don't have any intention to venture out for now."

It had been many years since they played the role of hired help. Now, they were the bosses.

"Then I won't disturb you. If you reconsider, I hope you'll think of the Chengfeng Merchant Guild."

"Of course."

Chen Xun nodded politely, then continued walking away without looking back.

The green-robed woman glanced at him a couple more times, then turned her attention back to the teleportation array, scanning for more potential ‘mercenaries.’

On the broad streets, the distinctive salty smell of the sea wafted through the air. Everywhere, cultivators were selling sea beasts, and the loud shouts of vendors filled the air, adding a lively, bustling atmosphere.

"Blackscale Fish! Mid-stage Foundation Establishment sea beast! For sale, whole, intact demonic core—highest bidder wins!"

"Is that really a Blackscale Fish? It’s great for cultivating spiritual sight!"

"Haha, sharp eyes indeed! Several of us had to team up to take it down. It wasn't easy to come by."

"I’ll take it! The rest of you, back off!"

...

The streets were packed with cultivators gathered around the merchants, eager to make a purchase. Chen Xun and his companions lingered on the edges of the crowd, watching the spectacle with wide eyes and occasionally joining in the shouts of surprise.

The sea beasts on display were creatures they had never seen before. Even the bestiaries Chen Xun had studied in the past didn’t include these sea creatures.

Their spiritual connection allowed them to communicate effortlessly, and Xiao Chi eagerly joined the conversation.

"Brother Xun, Brother Ox, these sea beasts are nothing like the beasts from the Heaven’s End Plains!"

Xiao Chi licked his lips, his courage growing with excitement. "I’ve never even heard of Foundation Establishment beasts being so powerful!"

"Mo~!" Brother Ox was just as stunned, his mouth slightly agape. Even a simple cow like him was astonished by the sight.

"These aren’t spirit beasts—they’re sea beasts! They’re from the ocean, completely different!" Chen Xun adopted a know-it-all tone, extending his neck for a better view. "Xiao Chi, you stayed holed up in the Heaven’s End Plains. Of course, you wouldn't know!"

"Heh..." Xiao Chi scratched his head, embarrassed but eager to learn. After all, coming out with his two elder brothers had proven to be an enlightening experience. Besides, staying close to them gave him a sense of security.

"Mo~!" Brother Ox nudged Chen Xun, his eyes drawn to the sight of an enormous sea beast being transported down the road.

"Whoa, they’ve brought in the big one!"

Chen Xun exclaimed, placing Xiao Chi back on Brother Ox’s back. "Brother Ox, let's hurry and see what’s going on!"

Xiao Chi, standing atop Brother Ox, jumped in excitement. "My heavens, it's enormous! Brother Xun, does that mean the sea is even bigger than the Heaven’s End Plains?!"

"Of course! You think the sea’s small?"

"Mo~!"

"Forget it. Let’s try another alchemy shop."

"Mo~ Mo~!"

"Exactly! Brother Xun, we’ll still make our spirit stones elsewhere!"

Three days later, Chen Xun finally managed to sell the herbs and gathered enough funds for their next journey. He also bought a few incomplete maps. Still, the price for land-based spiritual herbs was indeed lower here.

After endless rounds of haggling, Chen Xun finally accumulated around twenty thousand middle-grade spirit stones. Though exhausted from the constant negotiations, he and his companions managed to gather what they needed.

They now sat on the street once more, casually watching the hustle and bustle of the city. The faint scent of the sea was ever-present in the air.

Chen Xun casually sipped some herbal tea while offering it to Brother Ox and Xiao Chi.

"Brother Xun, what kind of miraculous tea is this?" Xiao Chi asked after taking a sip, feeling instantly rejuvenated. "It tastes better than any spirit herb I’ve had!"

"Brother Ox, explain to Xiao Chi the benefits of this tea. It's an exclusive recipe passed down from my master!"

"Mo!" Brother Ox proudly lifted his head and began explaining the tea’s benefits, sprinkling in stories from their early days in the mortal world.

Xiao Chi gasped with wide eyes, fully convinced and absorbed in Brother Ox’s storytelling.

Chen Xun laughed heartily. Brother Ox had been non-stop in his storytelling, chatting with Xiao Chi the entire journey. Watching their bond grow filled him with joy.

"Xiao Chi."

"Yes, Brother Xun?"

"Mo?" Ox-

Head turned his gaze toward Chen Xun.

"Why haven’t you ever asked us for spirit herbs, or even mentioned that Extinguishing Spirit Stone we gave you?"

Chen Xun asked calmly as he pulled out a new blank notebook and started writing in it. The first line read, *'Flameglow Ancient Lion'*.

"Ah?" Xiao Chi froze, puzzled by the question. "Brother Xun, aren’t those your things? I’m just here to tag along and enjoy the journey. I’m not really interested in those things."

"Don’t worry, we won’t leave you behind."

Chen Xun smiled warmly as he continued writing. "You’re one of us now. You’re our little brother."

"Mo~!" Brother Ox snorted, looking back at the dazed Xiao Chi clinging to his back.

"Brother Xun, Brother Ox, when are we heading to the West Sea?"

Xiao Chi eagerly pulled out a small sea chart from his storage pouch, spreading it out with both paws. "This sea is enormous! It looks even bigger than the entire kingdom of Da Li!"

Brother Ox’s eyes lit up with excitement, nudging Chen Xun.

"We set sail tomorrow!"

"Mo~!"

"Awesome!"

Xiao Chi was thrilled. For once, he wasn’t scared. His red fur faintly glowed, and he began daydreaming about the sea and the mysterious sea beasts that awaited them.