I Cultivate Longevity in the Cultivation Realm-Chapter 61: Moving House

And Thunder Spirit Rice is a specialty of the Qi Family from eight hundred years ago. At that time, the Spirit Vein of the Qi Clan Territory at Celestial Peak Mountain happened to be within the sphere of influence of the Qingyuan Sect and was close to the Fengming Mountain Marketplace. So, it’s quite likely that the Spirit Plant Hall holds information about this Spirit Plant.

However, Zhou Changwang did not go to the Spirit Plant Hall but instead visited the Miscellaneous Affairs Hall once more.

The steward managing house rentals in the Miscellaneous Affairs Hall was the same Bai-surnamed steward from last time, who Zhou Changwang now learned was named Bai Jiuyan after inquiring.

"Steward Bai, I wonder if there are any vacant houses in the marketplace now."

Zhou Changwang bowed and then began to inquire.

"Do you need a house with a Spirit Field?"

Steward Bai evidently remembered Zhou Changwang and asked casually.

"If the price is right... it’s not out of the question."

Zhou Changwang calculated the Spirit Stones he had on hand.

After previous expenses, he had seven hundred and eighty-three Lower-Grade Spirit Stones remaining. After helping the Zhao Brothers eradicate pests and earning fifty stones, he had a total of eight hundred and thirty-three stones. After buying Spirit Rice and Heart-Protecting Armor for a combined cost of two hundred and eighty-three stones... in conclusion, he had only five hundred and fifty Lower-Grade Spirit Stones left.

With these funds, he could indeed rent a courtyard with a Spirit Field, but he would be left financially strained.

He had to reserve some Spirit Stones for contingencies.

"You know, this time the chaos was considerable, and now there are indeed several houses with Spirit Fields available in the marketplace. And to encourage tenants, we’ve provided certain rent discounts compared to before. For instance, one of the courtyards I previously introduced to you, where Spirit Plant Master Lu lived, originally had an annual rent of four hundred and fifty Lower-Grade Spirit Stones; now it’s available for just four hundred stones.

Another, Elder Li’s courtyard, which originally required six hundred and twenty stones annually, now only requires five hundred and fifty stones.

The prices are relatively much cheaper.

Of course, aside from these two, we’ve recently freed up seven or eight courtyards with Spirit Fields as well, the cheapest of which needs just two hundred and fifty stones. However, it only has three acres of Spirit Field..."

As Steward Bai spoke, he began listing them one by one, and then concluded with: "You also know, the higher the rent, the more Spirit Fields there are, and the more concentrated the Spiritual Qi."

Zhou Changwang nodded.

Indeed, that is the case.

All of Fengming Mountain Marketplace is essentially built on a relatively flat mountain. The so-called marketplace outskirts are at the foot of the mountain, even referred to by some as a shantytown, synonymous with filth and disarray.

The midsection is the actual marketplace trading area, with the Independent Cultivator Marketplace, commercial streets, and the residential areas of Inner City Marketplace, where Zhou Changwang planned to rent a courtyard. The distinction was only whether to be near the south, west, or north.

In the West District, Spiritual Qi is weakest; in the North District, it’s decent; in the South District, due to the terrain, Spiritual Qi is somewhat stronger.

Of course, the area with the richest Spiritual Qi concentration is naturally the East District, towards the mountain top, which is the core area of the entire marketplace, the source of its Spirit Vein. It’s where the Bai Family, Chen Family’s leaders, many High-Tier Cultivators, and even Foundation Establishment True Cultivators mostly reside...

Then Zhou Changwang raised the request to view the houses.

This was to be expected, and Steward Bai promptly assigned a staff to lead Zhou Changwang to inspect several courtyards.

Of course, the first one was the cheapest option.

Three acres of Spirit Field with Spiritual Qi concentration similar to what he previously rented at the foot of Changling Mountain. Being close to the foot and in the West District, nearing the outskirts, he hesitated briefly before dismissing it.

Then came Elder Li’s courtyard, occupied by a High-Tier Cultivator, situated in the South District, close to commercial areas like the Celestial Fragrance Tower and Hexagonal Pavilion, justifying its higher rent.

Yet, due to this proximity, it was targeted during a chaotic night, its gate smashed, and Spirit Fields planted with Spiritual Medicine were violently harvested, leaving it in disarray.

However, the seven acres of Spirit Field were of exceptional grade, making it very tempting.

But considering a whopping five hundred and fifty stones for rent, he had to regretfully abandon it.

He only had five hundred and fifty stones in total, renting it would use them all up.

Even if he haggled, it’s unlikely much could be saved.

Finally, he arrived at the courtyard formerly occupied by Spirit Plant Master Chen.

Located at the southern edge, beyond it lies a small cliff about twenty feet high; only Foundation Establishment True Cultivators capable of flying with Spiritual Artifacts could ascend, typical cultivators could not reach it. Furthermore, guarded by an Array, even those who ascend would struggle to enter the marketplace.

The courtyard door remained intact, with two small stone lions guarding the entrance.

Upon entry, it resembled a quadrangular courtyard with spacious chambers, specifically designated for a Pill Room, Talisman Room, and Cultivation Secret Room, along with three guest rooms and two servant quarters.

In the backyard, his first sight was five acres of Spirit Field, which, perhaps due to long-term neglect, was overgrown with weeds. The field’s corners were planted with some ordinary Spiritual Bamboo, with the perimeter lined by walls.

Still, the biggest delight was the small pond at the yard’s center.

Upon approach, he found the pond clear with some koi swimming within.

A pavilion stood amidst the pond, offering a vantage point to enjoy the swimming fish.

He almost instantly took a liking to the place.

Moreover, the surrounding Spiritual Qi was indeed strong, twice as rich as what he experienced at the marketplace outskirts.

So he promptly made his decision.

He went directly back to the Miscellaneous Affairs Hall to negotiate with Steward Bai about the rental. After some verbal sparring, he managed to press the price down slightly, securing it for three hundred and eighty stones annually by extending the rental period to five years, with the rent paid yearly.

After signing the lease contract and handing over the Spirit Stones.

Looking at the Storage Bag with only one hundred and seventy stones left, he felt a pang of heartache.

"Nevertheless, at least one major issue is resolved.

Next, I can cultivate steadily and securely.

No longer needing to live in apprehension, guarding against potential Tribulation and Evil Cultivators."

Joy filled Zhou Changwang’s heart, and he felt satisfied.

With everything going smoothly, he returned directly home.

With dusk approaching, he decided on moving the next day.

Early the next morning, he eagerly rose and began packing.

He discarded what was unnecessary, packed things into the Storage Bag.

After tidying up, just a small cart was required to carry everything.

"Before leaving, I should bid farewell to Qian Xiaoyue.

After all, we faced two crises together."

Zhou Changwang, cherishing old bonds, had just intended to knock on the door but found that Qian Xiaoyue was already coming out, carrying a large bag on her back and two smaller bags in hand.

Behind her was another female cultivator, also helping her carry several items.

"Fellow Daoist Qian, are you moving?"

Zhou Changwang was stunned, curious to inquire.