Chapter 47: Jubao Studio
Chapter 47: Jubao Studio
Cheng Lingyu visited three auction houses, broadening his horizons as he encountered countless peculiar items.
“Where’s the ghost market?”
After exiting Tianbao Building, Cheng Lingyu remembered Senior Sister Caiyun’s words.
Miao Sanxu answered, “The ghost market lies near Quiet Stream in the eastern district. The goods there are shoddy and only sold at night. Most are fakes—easy to get tricked if you’re careless.”
“It’s still early. Let’s check it out.”
Cheng Lingyu felt eager. With The Source Pearl and his Magic Eyes technique, spotting counterfeits would be simple.
By daylight, Quiet Stream was tranquil, its surroundings hushed.
“If fakes are everywhere, do thieves ever strike here?”
“Rarely. The stream’s eerie—phantom shadows emerge at night. Rule-breakers face punishment. Even genuine goods here cost ten times less than auction houses, so few dare cause trouble. Some get robbed after leaving, but that’s outside the market’s bounds.”
Beneath a willow tree, Cheng Lingyu soaked in Yunyang City’s lively yet unfamiliar vibe.
“Qu Wei’s from Shenhuo Sect. What about you three?”
Miao Sanxu grinned. “We’re from Yunyang’s five major gangs. I’m Lièyáng Sect, Slim Bamboo’s Broken Blade Hall, and Jin Miaoyi’s Flying Dragon Gang. His Jin family holds sway here too.”
“Which are stronger: the five gangs or four great families?”
“They’re equal. The families train their own—fewer members but tighter bonds. The gangs have numbers but less unity. The true powers here remain Xuanhuo and Shenhuo Sects—untouchable.”
Cheng Lingyu smiled, about to speak when his gaze snagged on a familiar figure.
“Her.”
Nearby, a green-skirted girl approached gracefully, a striking youth at her side.
Miao Sanxu murmured, “Yun Xi. The youth is Jiang Mufeng, fourth son of the Jiang family—one of Xuanhuo Sect’s top ten disciples.”
Yun Xi, the city lord’s daughter, ranked among Yunyang’s ten great beauties—a cultivator’s dream.
Jiang Mufeng, in his twenties, radiated charm. Already in the Soul Martial Realm, he boasted noble lineage and peerless talent.
Their closeness hinted at his pursuit, though Yun Xi’s feelings stayed unclear.
Yun Xi strode toward Cheng Lingyu, having noticed him.
“We met on Green Island. I’m surprised you’re here. Where’s Qu Wei?”
Cheng Lingyu smiled. “She’s cultivating. I’m exploring with Sanxu. Miss Yun Xi, your progress astounds me—congratulations!”
On Green Island, she’d been in the True Martial Realm. Now, she’d reached Soul Martial—a staggering leap.
“You’ve improved too.”
Jiang Mufeng eyed Cheng Lingyu. “Sister Xi, who’s this? An introduction?”
Miao Sanxu interjected, “Greetings. This is Little Yuzi, Qu Wei’s friend. He’s here to relax.”
Yun Xi added calmly, “He was with Qu Wei on Green Island.”
Jiang Mufeng gave a dismissive “Oh,” his gaze lingering on Cheng Lingyu’s True Martial Fourth Realm cultivation.
Cheng Lingyu caught the scorn, his mood darkening.
“Was Miss Yun Xi just passing by, or did you come here to relax?”
Yun Xi’s expression remained calm, though a faint trace of unease lingered between her brows.
“I came to clear my mind. This Quiet Stream area is peaceful.”
Cheng Lingyu said, “Since Miss Yun Xi prefers quiet, we won’t disturb you. We’ll take our leave.”
Yun Xi felt slightly startled. In her experience, few young cultivators remained as indifferent as Cheng Lingyu upon meeting her.
“When you see Qu Wei, pass along my greetings.”
“I will. Farewell.”
Cheng Lingyu left, avoiding deeper interaction with Jiang Mufeng to prevent exposing his identity to Cheng Zhaolong.
“Annoyed? That’s Yunyang City. Without strength, you’ll be scorned. Jiang Mufeng’s attitude made it clear—he doesn’t value us.”
“Respect must be earned. Jiang Mufeng’s cultivation surpasses ours. His disdain is natural.”
Cheng Lingyu stayed composed. His dire situation in Yunyang City only fueled his determination to rise higher.
Returning to the inn, Cheng Lingyu dedicated himself to cultivation. After just two days in Yunyang City, he already felt the stark gap between his True Martial Realm and others’ strength.
In Yunyang City, the True Martial Realm held the same lowly status as the Ordinary Martial Realm did in Shiyang Town—scorned and belittled.
Cheng Lingyu was at the True Martial Fourth Realm’s River Stage, a phase requiring raw power accumulation. Without pills, progress was slow and grueling.
But pills and resources were scarce for him. Combined with his uniquely challenging constitution, rapid advancement seemed impossible.
On the third morning, Cheng Lingyu visited the chess academy.
If strength couldn’t be quickly boosted, he’d learn something new instead.
Caiyun smiled her beautiful face brightening at his arrival.
“Miss me already, junior apprentice?”
Cheng Lingyu forced a chuckle. “I’m new here. Just… exploring.”
Caiyun didn’t pry, dragging him to share breakfast like a doting elder sister.
She spent most days cultivating, rarely busy. Today, however, she saw through his intent and began teaching him engraved formations after their meal.
“Engraved formations are complex but essential. Once you reach the Blood Martial Realm, this art becomes vital. Many stagnate due to poor mastery here.”
“Why?” Cheng Lingyu asked.
“The Ordinary and True Martial Realms rely on resource stacking. But higher realms demand refinement. Without engraved formations, you’ll never advance past the Blood Martial Realm. This art tests comprehension—only unparalleled geniuses reach the Spirit Martial Realm. Let’s start with basics to gauge your aptitude.”
For three days, Cheng Lingyu studied engraved formations at the chess academy. His startling comprehension impressed even Caiyun.
“Excellent! Your mental power outshines most, granting sharp perception and high comprehension.”
“Your teachings are remarkable, Senior Sister.”
Caiyun lowered her voice. “This is my secret. The formations I teach originate from the Spirit Chart’s Heavenly Resolution—something even I haven’t fully mastered.”
“Spirit Chart’s Heavenly Resolution? Sounds profound.”
“It is. The Heavenly Spirit Diagram holds infinite mysteries. I’ve barely glimpsed its surface.” She offered no further details, deeming it premature.
During the Dragon Boat Festival, Jubao Studio—one of Yunyang’s three major auction houses—hosted a long-awaited auction, drawing crowds.
“Interested, junior apprentice?”
“I’d just stare helplessly. Can’t afford anything.” Cheng Lingyu’s only assets were sparse spiritual grasses.
Caiyun laughed. “I can buy things, silly. You’re just tagging along.”
Days of closeness had warmed their sibling-like bond.
“Then I’ll broaden my horizons with you.”
That afternoon, Caiyun brought Cheng Lingyu to Jubao Studio’s second-floor VIP box.
“You’re a regular here, Senior Sister.”
“This place caters to Yunyang’s elite. Today’s auction has rare treasures.”
The first floor held nearly 200 cultivators, mostly Soul Martial Realm experts. Half the second-floor boxes were occupied by familiar faces: Yun Xi, Jiang Mufeng, Hong Xiu Tian Xiang, Lady Xiuling, Lady Ruyun—all four courts’ beauties present.
Ouyang Lie, Yunyang’s greatest talent, caused a stir by ascending directly to the third-floor reserved for dignitaries.
Another commotion erupted when three entered: Xuanhuo Sect’s Second Elder Geng Qiuhua, flanked by young master Ye Fan and his sister Ye Xinyi—one of Yunyang’s top ten beauties, far surpassing her lesser-known sibling Ye Xiaoyun.
Cheng Lingyu studied them discreetly. The shrewd Elder Geng walked with measured steps. Ye Fan radiated arrogant confidence, his aura overwhelming. But all eyes snagged on Ye Xinyi—tall, fiery, and aloof, her striking features and flame-like presence commanding attention.
Caiyun whispered, “Beware her. The lovelier they are, the deadlier.”
Both ranked among Yunyang’s ten beauties, yet their allure differed starkly.