The marketplace of Yellow Maple Valley bore a striking resemblance to Han Li’s hometown Qingniu Town, consisting of just a single north-south street. Dozens of buildings of varying sizes stood at the southern end—some tall, some short, some multi-storied structures, others mere huts, creating a distinctly uneven skyline.
These were all properties of Yellow Maple Valley, though only a minority were managed directly by its disciples. The majority were leased to immortal cultivation families and rogue cultivators who conducted business here year-round. Most shops traded in raw materials, talismans, and magical instruments, with one specializing in elementary spell manuals at the Five Elements Bookstore, plus two inns providing food and lodging.
Beyond lower-level attendant disciples, several Foundation Establishment experts were permanently stationed here to maintain order and prevent disturbances.
The northern section of the street remained empty, reserved for cultivators who decided to set up temporary stalls. For one low-grade spirit stone paid to the managing Yellow Maple Valley disciples, outsiders could occupy a street-side spot for a full day without interference—even receiving protection against potential enemies seeking revenge.
These measures encouraging external cultivators to trade, combined with the market’s unique location, made Yellow Maple Valley’s marketplace increasingly prosperous. Occasionally, rare treasures would surface, attracting more cultivators seeking hidden gems.
To avoid recognition, Han Li didn’t enter through the convenient southern entrance but took a detour to approach from the north. Before stepping onto the street, he pulled up a green cloak to conceal his face, just in case someone might know him.
It was already afternoon, and the street appeared sparsely populated—perfectly normal for an immortal marketplace, unlike bustling mortal towns. Those who came here were one-in-ten-thousand cultivators; this crowd size was actually quite impressive.
Chuckling at his own miscalculation, Han Li first browsed the small street stalls before heading to larger shops. After circling around, he felt somewhat disappointed. Aside from three or four barely acceptable items, the magical tools and talismans offered were useless to him—mere spirit stone wasters. Abandoning further time waste, he turned toward the major stores.
“Seven Ingenuity Pavilion”
“Wind Drawing Studio”
“Divine Artifice Tower”
…
Instead of rushing into random shops, Han Li strolled slowly down the street, mentally noting each store’s name and scale before choosing the most imposing building with frequent customer traffic—Treasure Pavilion.
The name alone suggested the owner’s confidence in their goods. Han Li hoped to find truly rare treasures here rather than return empty-handed.
Upon entering, he paused in mild surprise. The bright hall could easily accommodate dozens without crowding. Counters made of precious red tong wood and seven or eight attendants in unified green robes created an impressively grand atmosphere.
Two attendants were explaining items to customer-like cultivators while the counters displayed diverse objects clearly meant for cultivators—from lowest-grade materials to common talismans and magical instruments.
Han Li smiled faintly; he’d found the right place.
Just then, a green-robed attendant approached smilingly: “What would you like to see, sir? Shall I provide introductions? Our products guarantee satisfaction!”
“I want to see magical instruments and talismans—only the best. Don’t show me inferior goods,” Han Li said flatly through his cloak.
The attendant paused, then upon assessing Han Li’s demeanor and confirming he wasn’t joking, his smile turned genuine. Recognizing a major customer, he promptly ushered Han Li inside and personally guided him to a second-floor VIP room.
The upstairs layout differed completely—smaller space with antique chairs and tables arranged elegantly yet comfortably. Surprisingly, a sandalwood incense burner in the corner filled the room with subtle fragrance.
A refined middle-aged man reading an ancient scroll stood in the room, appearing completely ordinary without any detectable magic power.
Han Li found it astonishingly unlike a business venue—more resembling a wealthy family’s sitting room.
The reader calmly closed his scroll as the green-robed attendant whispered in his ear.
After listening, the man clasped hands and approached smiling: “I’m Tian Bulì, manager of Treasure Pavilion. May I ask how to address you?”
“Li Feiyu,” Han Li unhesitatingly borrowed his friend’s name.
“Brother Li! Please sit! Fetch premium Biyun tea!” the manager instructed a servant while seating Han Li.
“Is this your first visit to our establishment?” Tian asked courteously after Han Li settled.
“Heh! Manager Tian has keen eyes. This is indeed my first time,” Han Li deliberately altered his voice to sound like a rough man.
“First visit or not, we’re honored by your presence. We’ll ensure your satisfaction!” Tian declared confidently.
“If I can find what I need in one place, I’d rather not trouble myself with multiple shops. I hope your products live up to expectations,” Han Li said with feigned skepticism.
“Haha! Set your mind at ease, Brother Li. Our reputation is unmatched on this street. If we can’t satisfy you, other shops certainly won’t!” the manager responded unhurriedly with complete confidence.
A maid brought up a teapot and cups. Before she even approached, elegant tea fragrance already permeated the room.
“This is our specially crafted aromatic tea—rarely found elsewhere. Not only fragrant but also invigorating. Please taste it,” Tian said after the maid set down the tea service and left, taking a satisfied sip himself.
Han Li glanced at the tea and shook his head slightly: “Manager Tian, tea can wait. Let’s handle business first.”
“Unexpectedly impatient! Very well, please wait momentarily.” Tian stood up somewhat regretfully, clasped hands, and left Han Li alone downstairs.
About tea-brewing time later, Tian reappeared holding several brocade boxes of varying sizes.
“Hearing you wanted our finest magical instruments and talismans, I specially retrieved these long-treasured items from our vault. I hope they meet your standards!” Tian patted the boxes cheerfully.
Han Li’s eyes brightened with curiosity about these so-called treasures. He wondered if they would exceed his expectations.
As Tian arranged and opened the boxes for inspection, Han Li suddenly detected two spiritual pressures—both surpassing his own power—locking onto his movements from unknown origins.
Startled initially, Han Li quickly realized these were Treasure Pavilion’s security measures against potential robbery attempts. Relaxing his posture, he gained new appreciation for the pavilion’s capabilities.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage