Inside Austin's mansion...
After careful thought, Austin divided his fortune into three.
Turning to his friend, he said, "Evan, this Energy-boosting Elixir and these earth spirit fruits are now yours. And take 1, 000 vital energy crystals as well. Buy as many weapons, martial arts books or elixirs as you want," Austin told his friend.
Since he and Austin were now close friends, Evan was no longer shy about accepting the generous offer. As soon as Austin said he could have the treasures, he quickly stuffed them in his pockets.
Turning to Violet Austin said, "You can have these two earth spirit fruits. The Energy-boosting Elixir is of no use to you considering you're at the Earth Realm phase now. I'll carry the vital energy crystals, so if you need anything, I'll buy them for you."
With profuse thanks, Violet accepted the earth spirit fruits.
She knew she was practically a servant to Austin because her spiritual soul was under his control. So it came as a complete surprise to Violet that Austin was willing to share those precious resources with her. Such a gesture made her more cordial towards him.
"Evan, I'd like to head to the Task Hall and perhaps, take on some tasks to earn some more vital energy crystals. I might also take a walk in the market nearby to check if there are any elixirs worth buying," Austin said.
Although Sun Sect carried a variety of elixirs in its Medicine Hall, the quantity allowed for each disciple is quite limited. On the other hand, extracts sold to ordinary disciples were not very high-classed. If a disciple wanted to purchase those more advanced ones like the Energy-boosting Elixir from Medicine Hall, it would be very difficult.
Elixirs of that quality and effect were a precious resource for a sect with several thousand disciples. Supply couldn't cope with the demand. The good and rare kinds were only kept for key and inner disciples.
However, there exist secret markets organized by local martial arts practitioners, and a disciple can easily find assorted elixirs at a fair price. If he is lucky, he may even discover other suitable medicines, martial arts books, and weapons.
So whenever Austin was free, he liked going to these markets and searching for objects he might need.
"Tin, I'd rather not accompany you to the market this time. My cultivation is still very low. With everything you just gave me, I believe I don't need to buy anything more for a long time," Evan suggested.
At this point, the guy already had a clear view of himself.
So, Austin left his home and Sun Mountain by himself. Since he had visited the nearby secret markets several times, he was already quite familiar with the location of these stalls.
After traveling a dozen miles for half a day, the young cultivator arrived at a secret market in the suburb of Peace Town, called Dark Market.
This Dark Market was even larger than the Marginal Trade Market which Austin and Mindy visited the last time. The market already occupied the entire block.
When Austin stepped inside the market, he saw that every part of it was unfamiliar to him.
The crowd that packed the place was boisterous, and the wide main road stretched far ahead until it was out of sight. That road was around ten yards wide, lined with numerous stalls.
Stall owners were all cultivators from a broad range of regions who came expecting to do quick business in the market. Some were busy hawking wares. Some sat behind their stalls with a smile, looking like their goods were in high demand and would be sold out soon. Others recommended their products enthusiastically to passers-by, hoping to make a sale.
Shoppers roaming the street were equally many.
Most of the stall owners and even shoppers had a steady and intense aura. Their cultivation bases were relatively high, and Austin even found a handful of people from the Earth Realm.
It was obvious that business in the Dark Market was booming!
Intrigued by the dazzling array of treasures, Austin strolled down the road.
"Hey, little fella! Over here! I have a few Body-Strengthening Elixirs concocted with cores of sixth-level diabolic beasts.
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