"Buzz!"
Gu Yuan instinctively gathered mana, placing it as a shield in front of him.
Yet what arrived wasn’t a malevolent enemy, but a stunning beauty like a flower, with fair, tender skin. She wore a long pink dress, her demeanor somewhere between that of a maiden and a young woman, both delicate and enchanting.
"Is it your first time at the market, sir?"
"Do you need a guide? I have lived in the market since childhood and am very familiar with an area of a hundred miles. For just one Spirit Stone, I can help you explore all territories."
Her voice was crisp and melodious, quite pleasing to the ears.
Gu Yuan lifted his head and saw a woman of extraordinary beauty cautiously gazing at him.
Behind her, there were several other equally attractive women, who seemed a step too late, standing in place with regretful expressions.
"Sir, the Moon Bamboo Market is vast, with numerous shops varying in quality. Hiring a guide can save you a lot of trouble."
The woman lifted her head, pleading with Gu Yuan.
Gu Yuan looked up at the pavilions and shops hidden among bamboo groves, then glanced at the pink-dressed ladies beside other cultivators on the streets and nodded.
Hiring a guide when new to a large marketplace is a common practice.
After all, this is not the small-scale bustling of Half Moon Bay. Spanning hundreds of miles, densely packed with shops like a small city, exploring it alone without a knowledgeable guide is indeed time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Having already paid the six Spirit Stone entrance fee, an extra one wouldn’t matter much.
Gu Yuan lifted his hand, and a Spirit Stone fell into the woman’s palm.
"Thank you, sir, thank you!"
The woman carefully stored the Spirit Stone, continuously expressing her gratitude to Gu Yuan.
She wasn’t an ordinary person either, possessing some cultivation, but her level was low—only at the Qi Refining Second Layer. Judging by her appearance, she was likely a descendant of both cultivators and mortals, with aptitudes of only a few apertures, allowing her to only do odd jobs to earn Spirit Stones.
"May I know if your visit here is to purchase or to sell?"
Upon storing the Spirit Stone, the woman immediately began her work, softly asking Gu Yuan.
"Both."
Gu Yuan responded softly, then asked the woman, "I’m here looking for a special technique called ’Soul Signing Technique.’ Do you know where it’s sold?"
Gu Yuan didn’t hide his purpose; he asked directly.
He wasn’t worried about revealing his identity.
The Moon Bamboo Market was established by a Golden Core Ascendant, and like the Celestial Star Dark Market, its six Spirit Stone entrance fee guarantees not only the safety of cultivators but also a certain degree of privacy.
As soon as Gu Yuan entered the market, a leaf-like green mask appeared on his face, obscuring his aura and appearance. Without a Golden Core Divine Thought, no one could discern his identity, quite similar to the Celestial Star Dark Market.
"Soul Signing Technique?"
The woman was slightly taken aback.
Guides in the market naturally had some skills. The Soul Signing Technique was an extremely unique method, used either for contracting rare exotic beasts or the highly mysterious Star Spirits.
Star Spirits were so mystical; could it be that this customer before her had acquired some Exotic Beast Spirit Pet?
Curious as she was, she dared not inquire further. After a brief thought, she replied, "To be honest, sir, though this method is marvelous, I’m not sure the market has it for sale. However, if there’s any place likely to sell it, it would be the ’South Mountain Pavilion.’
"This pavilion has vast influence, with sub-pavilions in many markets within the South Mountain Domain. While each sub-pavilion sells different artifacts and spiritual materials, the techniques are universally available."
"Even with just one pavilion, you can communicate across the entire South Mountain Domain."
Gu Yuan had heard of the South Mountain Pavilion.
It’s said there’s a "Mountain Sea Seal" within this organization that has been passed down for thousands of years. This seal can divide into 365 sub-seals, and with one in hand, one can communicate freely across vast landscapes, even expanding and transmitting Dharma Seals, truly a profound mystery.
It is because of this that the pavilion’s influence gradually expanded, distributing its power throughout the South Mountain Domain.
The pavilion even had a presence in barren lands, and in Demon King’s Lands where humans couldn’t tread.
"Does this pavilion also accept artifacts?"
Gu Yuan inquired further.
"Yes, sir, they do, but not all artifacts are accepted. Those of unknown origin might be rejected."
The woman replied softly.
"Then let’s go see this pavilion first!"
Gu Yuan waved his hand.
"Please follow me, sir!"
The woman bowed and then elegantly led the way ahead.
...
...
The South Mountain Pavilion wasn’t far; after a short walk, the pair arrived at a magnificent and towering six-story pavilion.
A Qi Refining Fifth Layer servant in blue ran out to greet them.
"Honored guest, your presence brings light to our humble pavilion. May I know what you seek?"