Starry Sky Professional

"So Miss Hong Xiu is also a cultivator. Truly an honor to meet you..."

Upon learning that the other party was a cultivator, Fang Xing feigned solemnity and gave a formal bow.

"You're too kind," Hong Xiu waved her hand dismissively, "My aptitude is rather poor, I'm barely at the second level of Qi Condensation... My grandfather doesn't even allow me to leave the market for fear I might be killed by some martial arts master..."

"Oh? I'm curious, how do innate martial artists fare against Qi Condensation cultivators?" Fang Xing asked with interest.

"I'm not too sure," Hong Xiu said, "But from what my grandfather says, if a Qi Condensation cultivator of the early stage doesn't use defensive talismans or artifacts in time and gets close to an innate master, it's very dangerous..."

"Of course," she continued, "Once you reach the middle stage of Qi Condensation, it's a lot better; if you create distance and prepare properly, a mid-stage cultivator can easily slaughter an innate martial artist... those at the later stages are unbeatable by any pinnacle innate warrior."

"I see..."

Fang Xing nodded, realizing this insight from a cultivator was likely sound. 'So even a martial artist at the Jade Body level can threaten early or mid-stage Qi Condensation cultivators? What about those who have mastered an A-grade martial art?'

'What if it's a mage at the Gallant Spirit Realm?'

He thought that once he advanced to the third or fourth martial realm, he might finally find some sense of security.

"I wonder what mighty forces exist in this marketplace..."

After some thought, Fang Xing decided it was best to clarify this matter.

"In the marketplace, 'Qing Xuan Sect' reigns supreme. They are the founders of Qinglin Market, and there's always a Foundation Establishment elder stationed there. Over sixty percent of the shops have close ties with them..."

"Aside from this, the Zheng family boasts a Foundation Establishment ancestor as their second most powerful force..."

"The Black Tiger Gang is formed by several rogue cultivators who have completed Qi Condensation. Their leader, the elusive 'Black Tiger Master,' is rumored to be secretly preparing for Foundation Establishment, ranking as the third major force in the market!"

An elderly voice interjected into Fang Xing and Hong Xiu's conversation.

Fang Xing looked over to see an old man with a white beard, draped in an ill-fitting Taoist robe, which was adorned with several tears yet still shimmered faintly with spiritual light.

As he approached, he felt a wave of refreshing coolness.

This was the robe's inherent 'impervious to heat and cold' effect.

'This robe must have been used for countless years... probably of the first-tier lower grade...'

Fang Xing observed the old man in the robe, with his dark skin, wiry build, a large yellow gourd hanging from his waist that wafted a hint of alcohol, and most memorably, his bulbous red nose.

'Growing spiritual rice and brewing wine... a fitting combination indeed.'

Fang Xing felt a stirring within, sensing the terrifying aura of the old man. He realized that this elder was not just at the early stage of Qi Refining, but likely a mid-stage cultivator!

"Grandfather... you've returned?"

Ding Hongxiu's eyes lit up with joy upon seeing the robed elder, though she cast a disapproving glance at the wine gourd hanging from his waist. "Have you been off drinking again?"

"My dear Hongxiu, you wouldn't understand. The 'Drunken Immortal Manual' that your grandfather cultivates demands drinking. As they say, 'Drink three stone measures a day, and become immortal in a hundred days!'"

The robed elder let out a wine-soaked belch, then clasped his hands toward Fang Xing. "Young friend, I am Ding Bushan. I've heard your conversation with Hongxiu earlier and couldn't help but interject. I hope you do not mind."

"Not at all," Fang Xing replied with equal courtesy. "You possess great wisdom that I truly benefit from."

Turning to Ding Hongxiu, he added, "Wrap thirty catties of Lotus Scent Spirit Rice for me... make it a bit cheaper for me..."

"Sure thing. Originally, it would cost you three spirit stones, but I can let you have it for three pieces of spirit sand."

Hearing Fang Xing's request, Ding Hongxiu's eyes brightened, feeling that the idle chat had not been fruitless after all.

Fang Xing handed over one low-grade spirit stone and seventeen pieces of spirit sand from his day's earnings, counting them out for Ding Hongxiu. He slung the basket over his back, waved his hand in farewell, and left the market.

As he departed, the wind carried whispers of a conversation between the grandfather and granddaughter.

"Grandfather, you're meddling too much..."

"Sweet granddaughter, do you know who that person is? Those who don't even rent a shack in the market are either desperados or paupers. Does he look like a pauper to you? You'd best stay away from people like that in the future..."

...

Their voices faded into the distance, eventually disappearing altogether.

Listening to this, Fang Xing merely chuckled, "They say the older you get, the wiser you become. But he’s just worried about his granddaughter’s well-being..."

Such feelings were natural, and Fang Xing held no grudge.

Returning to his temporary camp, he resumed his routine.

"In this world, what serves me best are the cultivation-conducive environment and the various pills and spirit rice..."

"Or maybe those low-tier talismans and blood-forged tools..."

Inside his cave, Fang Xing practiced his martial stance while letting his thoughts wander.

"In truth, those talismans and tools are not very useful to me... When I have the money, to be honest, getting a laser gun would be much more effective than any blood-forged implement... Although having a few low-tier talismans on hand as surprise tactics might be worth it."

"For now, this world offers me valuable aid with these resources..."

"Focus on cultivating well. Once I reach the pinnacle of the muscle and bone stage, I must purchase an 'Innate Pill' immediately!"

Fang Xing had thoroughly investigated the matter of the 'Innate Pill'. He discovered that it was sold at the Qing Dan Workshop, though its price was far from ideal—requiring a hefty fifty low-grade spirit stones!

In terms of value, it was comparable to a low-grade magical artifact.

It was said that the high cost was due to the consumption of certain spiritual herbs used in Qi Refining period pills necessary for its production.

Moreover, few cultivators were willing to reward their subordinates with such pills, leading to a limited market.

However, for Fang Xing, "Fifty low-grade spirit stones are not difficult to come by... with the continued support of drones, gradually harvesting spiritual herbs can eventually yield the stones."

Time quietly passed, and July arrived.

In the Happiness Garden Community on Hatchling Star, Feeling the heat outside, accompanied by the sounds of cicadas and birds, Fang Xing was rather contemplative.

"Come to think of it, isn't 'my' birthday approaching?"

Despite his desire to continue cultivating in the other world until the school term began, he had to return now to handle some matters, lest others presume him missing and unwittingly cause unnecessary trouble.

Fang Xing glanced at his status panel:

【Name: Fang Xing】

【Age: 16】

【Profession: Martial Artist】

【Second Stage: Muscles and Bones】

【Military Boxing Style - 12 Techniques: 44/100】

【Great Dragon Stance: 6/200】

【Portal of All Heavens】

"Ever since consuming spiritual rice, my muscle refining progress has been about a point per day. Though slower than pills, it feels incredibly stable without the slightest sense of Qi and blood deficiency; step by step, it's very reassuring..."

"At this rate, before the school term starts, I should improve the muscle refining progress by more than half... quite remarkable progress. Improving too quickly might be inadvisable without a mentor's guidance..."

Upon recalling Master Xia's guidance, Fang Xing let out a small sigh.

The absence of Xia Long's guidance during the holidays truly posed a dilemma.

Not to mention, he didn't have a clue whom to seek for advanced martial arts training after breaking through the second realm.

“Perhaps I could call Teacher Xia Long? Or maybe... hire a private tutor? But I have no money...”

“Referencing some online videos could work, but if you fully trust them, you're just asking for trouble...”

“Martial arts teaching requires in-person instruction to be truly reliable...”

After all, everyone has different physical conditions, necessitating tailored instruction.

Moreover, esoteric concepts like martial will are things the internet simply can't convey.

He picked up his phone, responded to a few messages, then his gaze fell on Liu Wei's number, and he went silent.

Over the past few years, Liu Wei never missed a chance to celebrate his birthday.

Now...

“Alas... past times are irretrievable.”

Fang Xing sighed once more, then noticed another message, his eyes suddenly focused.

After pondering briefly, he called back.

Whoosh!

A 3D projection appeared, revealing Gu Yun, still in her little girl form, but her expression was noticeably colder. She glanced around, remarking, “So, this is the environment you live in...”

“Miss Gu...,”

Fang Xing acknowledged with a nod and greeted her, immediately realizing his language was slightly inappropriate, likely influenced by the language style of another world.

“'Miss,' such an old-fashioned address, you can call me Ms. Gu...”

Gu Yun remarked bluntly, “I need a sparring partner. We can discuss compensation later. Will you come?”

“I'll be there!”

...

Magnificent River Estate.

Training ground.

Gu Yun stood with a cold expression, dressed in training clothes, holding the familiar wooden sword in her hand.

No!

In Fang Xing’s eyes, ever since her father, Gu Renwang, perished in battle, this young girl's temperament had changed considerably.

Now, her presence was as cold as ice!

“This time, I want you to give it your all. Make sure to wear protective gear.”

Gu Yun held her sword horizontally, speaking coolly, “In case you get hurt, I’ll cover your medical expenses.”

“I didn't bring the nano suit…”

Fang Xing chuckled, “But I’m confident…”

The nano suit and the electric baton had been left behind in the other world, and he didn’t plan on retrieving them.

What he intended to bring back were only a few things from that foreign place.

Currently, he was contemplating how to get to the black market to make some money.

‘Spiritual rice and talismans from another world… are completely incompatible with the specialties of Ichthawk Star. Even on the black market, they’re not easy to sell… But they do have gold and silver!’

In the interstellar era, gold wasn’t considered a precious metal, and its prices had dropped significantly, yet it still held some value.

In Qinglin Market, gold was a material for refining instruments, needing thousands of pounds to extract a few ounces of ‘gold essence.’

Raw gold wasn’t overly expensive; a small amount of spirit sand could buy quite a bit.

Discovering metals common to both worlds, Fang Xing immediately thought of reselling them.

‘One sale would be enough for spend…’

‘At least, to purchase a real self-defense weapon…’

‘My current strength is too weak. Facing prepared mid-level or late-stage Qi practitioners is extremely dangerous.’

‘Moreover, I’m progressing rapidly, needing an excuse, a way to earn and even launder money… so I can openly use it to buy nutrient solutions and invest in myself…’

“Sparring with me and you still dare to get distracted?”

Suddenly, a clear shout interrupted Fang Xing's thoughts.

Whish!

The blade flashed brilliantly, descending directly onto his head!

]

(End of Chapter)