C14 He Went Shopping

Ling Zhan could tell that Ling Xiao was holding back the truth and couldn't help but inquire, "Xiao, how long did it take you to break through your first meridian?"

"It was quite a lengthy process," Ling Xiao responded, careful not to dampen his father's spirits.

Hearing this, Ling Zhan straightened up and offered words of encouragement, "Don't lose heart. It took relentless cultivation, day and night, for me to achieve such a swift breakthrough. With consistent effort every day, I have no doubt you'll soon reach the same speed as your old man."

Ling Xiao, not wanting to burst his father's bubble of enthusiasm, silently contemplated heading back to his room.

However, Ling Zhan, overly excited and proud, pressed on, "Xiao, you've been cultivating for a month now. How many meridians have you managed to open? Could it be just one or two? After all, opening meridians is an agonizing process. I wonder if you've been able to endure it!"

"Just two shy of all twelve main meridians," Ling Xiao said, before turning on his heel to return to his room.

"Only two left, that's not too shabby. What? Just two left?" Ling Zhan muttered to himself, then suddenly cried out in shock. He had labored for ten days to open his first meridian, thinking it a significant achievement. Yet, his son had unlocked ten meridians in a single month, outpacing him by leaps and bounds.

Instantly, Ling Zhan felt as though he'd been drenched from head to toe in cold water, his pride thoroughly quenched.

Meng Xiyun gently patted Ling Zhan on the shoulder and questioned, "Mr. Zhan, why all the commotion so early in the morning?"

"I can't let my son surpass me," Ling Zhan declared, disregarding his wife. With a determined gaze, he shook his head and quickly retreated to his study for seclusion.

"What's gotten into him, all worked up like a child?" Meng Xiyun muttered to herself, watching her husband scurry back to the study.

Today, Ling Xiao took a pause from his rigorous training. After failing to break through the eleventh meridian the previous night, he recognized the risk of injury and opted to explore the Wilderness Mountain Range in search of a Second Rank Dark Ginseng King. This rare herb, known for its ability to unblock meridians and boost profound strength, could be consumed directly. While it wouldn't enable an immediate breakthrough, it would aid in smoothing the flow, widening the already opened meridians, and enhancing his profound strength, ultimately assisting him in overcoming the next hurdle with ease.

The Dark Ginseng King was available for purchase at the Spirit Herb Hall, yet it commanded a steep price of 1,800 gold coins—a sum far out of reach for most. If Ling Xiao's father, Ling Zhan, could regain prominence within the clan, the cost might be trivial. But with their family's status in ruins and a paltry monthly stipend of thirty gold coins, 1,800 gold coins was astronomical to them.

Thus, Ling Xiao's only recourse was to procure the Dark Ginseng King directly from the Wilderness Mountain Range.

Before embarking on his journey, Ling Xiao needed to visit the market to prepare wilderness essentials and find a weapon that suited him. His most powerful martial arts techniques—Heavenly Frost Fist, Cloud Pushing Palm, and Wind God Kick—were formidable, but he had an even more devastating move that he had yet to unveil.

After bathing, Ling Xiao dressed in a spotless white robe, his long hair styled impeccably by Bai Yuxi, enhancing his handsome features and giving him the grace of a dashing young gentleman.

"Yuxi, I'm off to the market today. Care to join me?" Ling Xiao asked, seeking her company.

"I'll follow your lead," Bai Yuxi replied softly.

Ling Xiao's brow furrowed. "How many times must I tell you not to refer to yourself as a 'servant'? If you persist, I'll no longer allow you to serve me."

"I understand," Bai Yuxi said, her eyes welling up with tears as she fidgeted with her clothes.

Ling Xiao's heart softened at her plight. Gently caressing her cheek, he reassured her, "You must behave and remember that you are now a member of the Ling family, not a servant. You're my parents' goddaughter, and you should stand tall and live with confidence, understand?"

Bai Yuxi blinked her long lashes, her cheeks aglow with an endearing blush. She felt the warmth of Ling Xiao's tender touch as if it melted her heart. In a low voice, she promised, "I'll heed your words. From now on, I'll serve only you and your parents."

"That's right," Ling Xiao affirmed with a nod, his encouragement meant to instill confidence in Bai Yuxi, empowering her to live independently and with strength.

Together, they set out for the market, reaching the lively expanse of Meteor City Market just a quarter of an hour from their home.

"Do you know where we can find a weapon shop, Yuxi?" Ling Xiao asked, glancing over at Bai Yuxi.

Bai Yuxi, who had been momentarily preoccupied with her thoughts, blinked in confusion before replying, "Young Master, what was it you just asked me?"

"Where can we buy weapons?" Ling Xiao repeated patiently.

"I know of one on the east side of the city," Bai Yuxi replied.

"Good, let's head there," Ling Xiao said.

Before long, they arrived at a shop with a variety of weapons hanging at the entrance. Ling Xiao took a moment to look around and then stepped inside.

"Welcome! If you're in search of a weapon that feels just right, please have a look around," a man around fifty years old greeted them warmly.

Ling Xiao nodded politely to the shopkeeper and headed straight for the swords. The blades were stylishly crafted but lacked the allure of spiritual energy, making it obvious they were common Mortal Weapons.

It would be no easy task to find a superior weapon in such a place.

Ling Xiao's attention was caught by a magnificent giant sword. It was a grand piece, with a dragon-shaped hilt and spirit patterns carved into the blade—certainly a noteworthy sword.

"Young Master, you have quite the discerning eye. This is a Middle Rank Giant Dragon Sword of the first tier, made from rare black iron and weighing in at 48 kilograms. It's capable of wounding a Second Rank Mountain Piercing Beast," the shopkeeper explained with enthusiasm.

The Mountain Piercing Beast was a Spirit Beast renowned for its tough defenses, typically resistant to common weapons.

"How much is this sword?" Ling Xiao asked.

"For you, just 70 gold coins. But I can let it go for 68 if you're truly interested," the shopkeeper offered with a persuasive tone.

"68 gold coins?" Ling Xiao's eyes widened. The money pouch he had acquired from Freckle held a mere twenty-five gold coins, and this Middle Rank Tier 1 weapon was far beyond his financial reach.

"I'll take a look at what other fine weapons you have," Ling Xiao said, keeping his pride intact and pretending to be nonchalant.

The shopkeeper's eyes lit up, and he smiled at Ling Xiao, saying, "We have a selection of premium weapons in the back. Please, come with me."

Ling Xiao and Bai Yuxi followed the shopkeeper to the back of the store, where they entered a space filled with an impressive array of exquisite weapons that immediately captured their attention.