Chapter 472 - 241: The First Assessment! A Fallen Genius?

「A few days later.」

Chuyang Peak, C Seventy-Two Courtyard.

It was afternoon, a rare moment of rest.

The four of them had all finished their daily cultivation practice. Now, they were sitting around the old locust tree in the courtyard, sipping tea and chatting idly.

A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, and mottled sunlight dappled the stone table, bringing a rare touch of comfort to their otherwise tense cultivation life.

"Everyone, I have some good news for you!"

Bao Da leaned in conspiratorially, his voice low. His thick-browed, large eyes glinted with excitement.

"What news?" Lin Xiao, who had been sipping his tea, set down his cup and looked over, puzzled.

Bao Da chuckled, glancing left and right as if sharing an unspeakable secret.

"I found out that Sect points... can be traded privately!"

"Really?!"

At these words, Jiang Che’s hand, holding his teacup, paused. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. "Points are the foundation of the Sect. If they can be bought and sold freely, wouldn’t that cause chaos?"

"Hah, Brother Jiang, that’s where you’re wrong."

Bao Da waved his hand.

"That’s one way to put it. But as the saying goes, ’water that’s too clear has no fish.’ The Sect’s upper echelons understand that with just the rigid missions from Xuanwu Hall and their expensive redemption prices, it’s hard for us bottom-tier disciples to get ahead."

"So, when it comes to private trading among disciples, the Sect has always turned a blind eye, even tacitly condoning it."

At this point, Bao Da pointed toward a spot behind Duobao Peak.

"Between Duobao Peak and Chuyang Peak, there’s a valley perpetually shrouded in mist. It’s called Spirit Mist Valley."

"There, the disciples of our Myriad Phenomena Dao Sect have spontaneously formed an underground market!"

"Spirit Mist Valley?" Su Xiaoxiao blinked her big, curious eyes.

"That’s right!" Bao Da explained excitedly. "Not only can you barter goods for goods, but you can also use points as hard currency for buying and selling!"

"Many senior brothers and sisters who get spoils from their adventures outside find the Sect’s buyback prices are often pushed way down. So, they’d rather set up stalls in Spirit Mist Valley and sell to fellow disciples who need the items."

"This way, not only can the sellers earn a bit more, but the buyers can also get their desired treasures at a lower price than on Duobao Peak. It’s a win-win!"

"Most importantly..."

Bao Da swallowed, his eyes burning with fervor. "The gold and silver we brought from home might be worthless in the Sect’s shops, but in Spirit Mist Valley, if you run into a senior who needs money for matters in the mortal world, or some new disciples who urgently need funds to grease a few palms, you can trade it for points!"

"I’ve already decided. In a bit, I’m going to take some of the stuff I brought from home and try my luck there, see if I can trade for some points!"

After Bao Da’s speech, the atmosphere in the courtyard immediately livened up.

A sharp glint flashed in Lin Xiao’s eyes. He tapped his fingers lightly on the stone table, clearly calculating something.

"If it’s really as Senior Brother Bao says, then this is definitely an opportunity. I have some Refining Materials I got while training in Gangzhou that I’ve never used. Maybe I can trade them for some points."

Su Xiaoxiao was also giddy with excitement.

"That’s great! I also brought a lot of Weapons and Elixir Pills from home. If I can turn them into points, I can buy that Seven-Colored Spirit Deer!"

Jiang Che sat to the side, his expression still calm, but inside, his heart was stirring.

’Points can be traded...’

This was absolutely fantastic news for him!

The bottle of Elemental Fusion Vein Protection Pills that Daoist Wu Wei had given him was too conspicuous, and there was a personal favor attached to it, making it unsuitable for sale.

However, he had accumulated quite a fortune on his journey here!

Back in Cangzhou Prefecture, he’d made significant gains, and later, in True Master Xuan Yang’s cave abode, he had plundered a massive amount of loot.

Especially some Elixir Pills and Weapons that were no longer of much use to him.

To him now, these things were like chicken ribs: tasteless to eat, yet a pity to throw away.

But if he could take them to Spirit Mist Valley and exchange them for even one or two thousand points...

That would be enough for him to trade for something good!

Although he wasn’t sure what he needed yet, getting some points first was never a bad idea!

Thinking of this, Jiang Che no longer hesitated and nodded at once.

"In that case, let’s go together."

"As it happens, I also have some unused odds and ends. I hope I can trade them for some points to solve a pressing problem."

Seeing Jiang Che agree, Bao Da was even happier. He slapped his thigh and stood up.

"Great! Then we’ll set off tomorrow morning!"

"We’ll go early to get a good spot!"

The four of them hit it off immediately. They each returned to their rooms to quickly pack up the items they wanted to sell.

Early the next morning, led by Bao Da, the group left the small courtyard in high spirits and headed for Spirit Mist Valley.

...

Spirit Mist Valley.

True to its name, the valley was perpetually shrouded in a thin layer of white mist, making the scenery within appear and disappear, adding an air of mystery.

The moment the four of them stepped into the valley entrance, they were captivated by the sight before them.

On both sides of the path inside the valley, all sorts of stalls were already set up.

Most of the stall owners were Inner Sect Disciples dressed in green robes, with a few Outer Disciples in gray.

Some sat cross-legged with their eyes closed, resting.

Others were haggling with customers in low voices, creating a rather lively atmosphere.

"Whoa! This place is actually pretty big!"

Bao Da’s eyes lit up as he couldn’t help but exclaim in admiration.

Although the valley wasn’t as magnificent as Duobao Peak, its advantage lay in being down-to-earth, filled with the atmosphere of the Jianghu’s marketplaces.

The four of them strolled leisurely, their eyes lingering on the various stalls.