Spirit stones and these tamed little monsters all come from the Small Thousand Worlds. Spirit stones are especially treasures of the Small Thousand Worlds—vital energy is everywhere, but it cannot be directly used by people. It’s like air: it nourishes life, but is extremely difficult to refine. However, spirit stones are a marvelous product of the Small Thousand Worlds, containing abundant vital energy, and most importantly, this energy is very easy to absorb. For cultivators, they are the best tonic, like the king of aphrodisiacs, able to turn a weakling into a strong man.

Although these two are only low-grade spirit stones, each one is definitely worth more than fifty thousand. The big one that the chubby guy gave him might be worth a hundred thousand—far too valuable. Brothers are brothers, but this spirit stone was definitely bought for Sam by his old man at great expense; he couldn’t accept it.

Sam Bolton didn’t take his hand back. “I only said half of what I meant earlier. We share hardships together. I’m lazy by nature and love causing trouble, so sooner or later I’ll drag you down. Your strength is tied to our lives as brothers. Besides, you still owe me ten coins, so what’s a little more debt?”

The chubby guy forcibly stuffed it into Mark Carter’s hand. “I heard that even the masters at the Sanctum need to build relationships. This thing can be used for your own cultivation, or traded for some techniques you want. If you keep nagging, it’s no fun.”

Mark Carter knew the chubby guy’s temperament—when he put on a stern face, that was when he was most serious.

He figured these things had been prepared long ago, but at that time, after he’d been eliminated, the chubby guy was afraid of upsetting him and didn’t mention it.

“Damn it, more debt doesn’t weigh a man down. I already owe you ten coins, so what’s another hundred thousand!” Mark Carter accepted it cheerfully.

The chubby guy grinned. “Haha, let’s go! I’ve saved all the money my old man gave me. Haven’t chased girls for a month! Let’s go pick out a good sword and a messenger!”

Messengers and ordinary weapons aren’t too expensive, so the two of them didn’t even bother eating, rushing straight to the Thunderlight Cultivators’ Market.

The cultivators’ market exists in every city, a place dedicated to buying and selling cultivators’ tools and items, with high, medium, and low-end goods all available. It’s the most famous spot in Thunderlight City. Mark Carter’s narcissistic heart-protecting mirror was picked up there when his Fate Mark appeared—of course, it was a street stall item.

The spirit stones were already stored in a convenient storage pouch—these things are treasures. If left out, the leaking spiritual energy would attract too much envy. For people at their low level, they could last for several months.

Since the Sanctum was about to recruit disciples, the market was at its liveliest, packed with people, and cultivators of all levels could be seen.

“Come take a look! All kinds of messengers—cute, fierce, imposing, maid-type, you name it! Buy two, get one free!”

“Can you believe it? Can you believe it? Thirty percent off, thirty percent off! Dual cultivation for couples, two items for forty percent off, forty percent off! Better to kill by mistake than to miss out!” The shopkeeper waved his fists frantically, as if he believed it himself.

“Don’t miss out as you pass by! Martial Appraisal Hall’s big sale—twenty percent off, twenty percent off! Sanctum disciples get an extra ten percent off, discounts on top of discounts! Once in a lifetime, selling at a loss and spitting blood!”

The merchants were going all out—half a month of good business could equal half a year’s income.

Chapter 5: Experts Are All Like This

“Artifact Pavilion, premium flash sale! In this world, what’s most important? Face, of course! Artifacts, status, face—the symbol of strength! Geniuses, what are you waiting for? Handsome guy, come take a look!”

Artifacts are the crystallization of cultivators’ wisdom. Simply put, weapons are actually a type of artifact, but artifacts are more complex and powerful, and require spirit stones to match. Of course, the price is far beyond what ordinary people can afford—including Sam Bolton, who couldn’t buy one either. So the two of them very coolly ignored the clerk’s enticement and swaggered past, though in their hearts they were full of longing—one day, when they made it big, they’d buy one and smash one, damn it.

Those with more strength, of course, would go in and look carefully for something suitable. A good artifact is absolutely eye-catching, the luxury item of the cultivation world.

At least, that’s what Mark Carter thought. He knew artifacts were good, but didn’t think cultivation absolutely required one.

People—ultimately, you have to rely on yourself… especially when you’re broke!

“Boss, my Bow of Love was bought from this shop. They have all kinds of beautiful swords inside—absolutely gorgeous. Let’s go in and pick one out?”

The chubby guy was even more excited than Mark Carter.

To be honest, the chubby guy’s bow was indeed beautiful—the lines, the feel, all quite nice. Shops like this usually have skilled craftsmen behind them. Of course, the quality of a cultivator’s weapon isn’t just about looks, but people are vain, and cultivators are no exception. The shopkeeper was also very enthusiastic, looking at the two of them as if they were walking moneybags.

Mark Carter felt like he’d entered a grand garden, touching this and looking at that, really reluctant to put things down.

“This was made by a master weaponsmith, perfect for talented young men like you.”

When he saw Mark Carter playing with a longsword suitable for entry-level cultivators from Fate Mark level one to five, the shopkeeper immediately came over to flatter him for free.

Sure enough, the chubby guy was already getting excited—after all, they were both young geniuses of Thunderlight Sanctum!

Mark Carter swung it a couple of times and found it quite handy.

“Young men, looks like you’re both new disciples at the Sanctum this year. Little brother, what’s your name?”