“It’s like stepping into a stream,” he muttered, taking a step into the portal.
In an instant, he entered the portal, the world vanished from his vision as he for the first time saw the space for what it truly was.
A vast empty void filled with nothing but dots connecting with each other.
‘Is…this space?’ He quietly thought to himself.
[Indeed, these are the spatial coordinates of your world, they are called Spatial Nodes, if you comprehend the Space Law then you can make use of them, but for now, you can only admire them.]
Before he could look further, the world around him shifted, the greenery and sect paths dissolving into a blur of light before reforming into the Spatial Portal of the bustling Inner Sect Market.
He stood still for a moment, his mind still focused on the incredible view of the Spatial Nodes. His senses soon adjusted to his new environment.
The market lay before him, a lively zone of vibrant banners, intricate storefronts, and disciples calling out their wares.
[The Inner Sect Market feels completely different, doesn’t it? Much livelier than the Outer Sect one.]
Yue Lan commented.
“It’s not just the liveliness,” Shen Yuan replied, his gaze scanning the crowd. “The quality of the goods here is on another level. Even the Qi radiating from the items feels more refined. This place should have quite some good stuff for me to splurge my money on.”
[You can probably find goods up to the level of Extreme Origin Core Realm since it’s the Inner Realm, you should be good with that level of Fire Resistant stuff for your little adventure.]
“Got it, got it,” he muttered with a grin, weaving his way through the market.
Shen Yuan strolled into the bustling Inner Sect Market, his gaze moving from one stall to another.
The air was thick with Spiritual Mist gathered from all the treasures collected in one place. The occasional flare of Qi as treasures was being demonstrated.
[Oh, look at you. The young master on a shopping spree, are you here for treasures or beauties?]
Yue Lan teased.
“I don’t plan to hold back this time either,” Shen Yuan replied with a smirk. “If something catches my eye, it’s mine. Well, not the beauties, though. I’m not here for them.”
The first shop he approached was an alchemist’s stall, its shelves lined with shimmering jade bottles and radiant pills that exuded a fragrant aroma.
A silver-haired attendant greeted him with a deep bow. “Senior Brother Shen, welcome! How can I be of service?”
“I’m looking for something that would be helpful for the Volcanic Fire Region.” He said with a gentle smile.
“Perfect!” She joyfully said before continuing, “We just got a new batch of Extreme Heat-Resistant Pills? Perfect for regions like the Volcanic Fire Region.”
Shen Yuan raised an eyebrow, impressed by the attendant’s knowledge. “Show me.”
The attendant quickly presented a small jade box from one of the shelves. Inside were crimson pills, each emitting a faint heat. “These can withstand temperatures equivalent to the core of a mid-tier volcano. While it also protects you from the poisonous miasma which some of the specific volcanoes there emit.”
“Good enough,” Shen Yuan said, tossing a spatial ring onto the counter. “I’ll take all you have.”
The attendant’s eyes widened slightly but quickly masked her surprise, bowing deeply. “Of course, Senior Brother.”
[Woah woah, calm down there Young Master, you might claim the heart of that young maiden.] Yue Lan quipped as Shen Yuan placed the pills into his storage ring.
‘Why would I think so much about that now? My mere presence is enough to charm these disciples.’ he muttered seeing the subtle blushes on the shopkeepers’ faces which only amused him further.
[You really do enjoy being the center of attention, don’t you?]
Yue Lan teased.
“Haha, it’s not like I asked for this attention. If they find me charming, who am I to deny them the pleasure of admiring me?” Shen Yuan smirked, his hands clasped behind his back as he casually approached another shop.
The next stall specialized in talismans, their door glowing faintly with intricate rune patterns.
The shopkeeper, a petite woman with fiery red hair tied in a bun, greeted him with a bright smile. “Senior Brother Shen, welcome! Looking for anything specific today?”
Shen Yuan’s gaze scanned the talismans on display. “Fire Suppression Talismans. Show me the best ones you’ve got.”
The shopkeeper’s eyes lit up as she quickly retrieved a set of talismans from a golden chest behind her. “These are the best Fire Suppression Talismans crafted by Elder Mo herself. They not only suppress heat but also absorb excess fire Qi to boost your cultivation.”
Shen Yuan picked one up, feeling the faint coolness radiating from the intricate rune. “Not bad. I’ll take the entire stock.”
The shopkeeper froze, her cheeks reddening. “T-The entire stock? Senior Brother, are you sure?”
Shen Yuan nodded, tossing another spatial ring onto the counter. “Do I look unsure? Pack them up.”
With trembling hands, the shopkeeper carefully packed the talismans into a jade box, her eyes sparkling with admiration. “Senior Brother Shen, you’re truly generous. Thank you!”
[Look at you, swooping in like a celestial prince. You’re going to have these girls writing poems about you soon,]
Yue Lan didn’t let the opportunity to tease him slip by.
“Let them, it will be fun to show it off to my family.” Shen Yuan replied nonchalantly, placing the talismans into his storage ring before moving on. empire
At the next shop, a tall, elegant woman with silver hair and piercing blue eyes greeted him with a polite bow. “Senior Brother Shen, an honor to have you here. How may I be of service to you?”
“I need artifacts that can protect against intense fire Qi and volcanic miasma,” Shen Yuan said, his gaze sweeping over the artifacts displayed.
The shopkeeper gestured toward a shimmering golden cloak hanging in the center. “I have quite a few of such treasures in stock.”
“Look at this Emberguard Cloak, reinforced with fire-resistant inscriptions and layered with a protective barrier. It’s one of the best artifacts for fiery environments.”
Shen Yuan examined the cloak, feeling the subtle pulse of Qi flowing through the inscriptions. “Good. What else do you have?”
The woman quickly brought out lots of other artifacts designed to enhance resistance against fire elements. “These are all of the fire-related treasures we have as of now.”
“Pack them all. And anything else you think might be useful for the Volcanic Fire Region.”
The shopkeeper’s calm demeanor cracked as her cheeks turned a faint pink. “Everything, Senior Brother? That’s… quite a huge purchase.”
Shen Yuan chuckled. “Do you doubt me?”
“N-Not at all!” she quickly said, bowing again. “I’ll have it all packed immediately.”
[Give the poor girl some slack, look how she is flustered haha.]
…
At another shop selling rare beast materials, Shen Yuan’s eyes fell on a brilliant crimson orb encased in crystal.
The shopkeeper, a slender woman with sharp, fox-like features, noticed his interest and stepped forward. “Senior Brother, this is a Flameheart Core, taken from an Extreme Origin Core Realm Fire Element Beast. It’s an excellent catalyst for fire-based cultivation.”