Chapter 1674: Enlightenment Market
Enlightenment God Palace.
After returning to the Mortal Realm, Fang Chen did not go back to his Dao Domain, nor did he return to the Dongsheng Empire. Instead, he once again came to the Hall of Merits.
The moment Elder Qin saw him, he showed a faint look of sorrow and said, "Core Disciple Fang... my condolences."
When Chen Enxue's life lamp extinguished, news had spread throughout the Enlightenment God Palace. Everyone was extremely solemn. Others might not know the full truth, but Elder Qin vaguely suspected this matter was related to Immortal Dizang, whom Fang Chen had asked about.
Fang Chen smiled. "Condolences? Why do you say that?"
Elder Qin was stunned. He then glanced around the Hall of Merits. Every external cultivator present wore a solemn expression, not a trace of a smile to be seen. His tone turned uncertain. "Didn't Core Disciple Chen...?"
"Third Senior Sister only lost her physical body. Her Ghost Immortal Path remains. She is currently stationed at the Nether Guards Division in the Enlightenment Underworld Realm," shared Fang Chen, smiling. "Strictly speaking, she is now truly undying. She'll likely outlive both you and me."
"I see..."
Elder Qin felt a wave of relief wash over him. Although he still wondered why Chen Enxue's physical body had perished, he was smart enough not to probe further. Instead, he asked about Fang Chen's purpose in coming.
"In some years—though I'm not certain exactly when—the Expedition Team may head out again. I wanted to check whether you would have any issues on your end," Fang Chen said.
"No issues at all. I can leave at any time," Elder Qin replied immediately, then couldn't help but smile. "Thanks to your help last time, I've accumulated enough merit to exchange for a fourth-transformation immortal herb. Before long, I'll be able to become an Immortal Sovereign."
Fang Chen clasped his hands with a smile. "Then let me congratulate you in advance, Elder Qin."
After exchanging a few polite remarks, Fang Chen stated the true reason for his visit. "Elder Qin, has the Hall of Merits acquired any new top-grade spirit stones recently?"
"Top-grade spirit stones?" Elder Qin murmured, his expression turning odd. Lowering his voice, he said, "As before. If you want them, I can have someone retrieve them."
Fang Chen turned disappointed. "It's the same batch as before?"
Elder Qin thought for a moment and then asked, "Have you ever visited the Enlightenment Market, Core Disciple Fang?"
Fang Chen's brows lifted. "The Enlightenment Market? There's such a place here?"
Elder Qin gave a wry smile. "Well, you advanced very quickly after joining the Palace. It makes sense you never got the chance to go there. If you're looking for top-grade spirit stones, you might want to check there. The external cultivators frequent it in their spare time. After all, not everyone is willing to exchange merit points for such items."
After obtaining the location of the Enlightenment Market from Elder Qin, Fang Chen flew toward it. On the way, he happened to pass by Mi Yu's cave dwelling. Glancing downward, he saw a sugar glider holding a watering can, tending to the flowers and plants outside her cave.
She would occasionally pull a worm from her person and toss it into her mouth.
Sensing Fang Chen's aura, she looked up and smiled. "Core Disciple Fang, are you here to see me?"
Fang Chen descended slowly and clasped his hands with a smile. "I'm heading to the Enlightenment Market and happened to pass by. How have you been these past few years, Mi Yu?"
He faintly sensed that her aura seemed stronger than before.
"I've been great!" answered Mi Yi. "I accumulated a lot of merits from our mission last time in Great Thunder Sound. I was able to exchange for a sixth-transformation herb. I also got this. Here, take a look."
Mi Yu reached into her belongings and produced a miniature Black Dragon Boat.
"This is—oh! Congratulations, Mi Yu. You've become a core disciple!"
Fang Chen sighed inwardly. It seemed she had gained more from Great Thunder Sound than others realized. She had advanced to the sixth transformation, growing stronger. She had also become a core disciple. With both her status and cultivation combined, she was among the stronger members of the Enlightenment God Palace.
Mi Yu grinned. "I've lived at the Enlightenment God Palace for many years. I used to think I'd become a core disciple at the second transformation, then the third, then the fourth... Who would've thought it would take this long?
"Now thinking back, your record is truly admirable, Core Disciple Fang."
"Hard work pays off." Fang Chen smiled. "But Mi Yu, now that you've become a core disciple, why not move to a Dao Domain?"
"The Dao Domains are too far from Bug Valley. I don't like it there. I'm used to living here. Besides, I don't plan to form an Expedition Team. If I move to a Dao Domain, I won't even have anyone to talk to."
Fang Chen was surprised. "You don't plan to form an Expedition Team?"
Mi Yu smiled. "Of course not. Forming one is exhausting. It's much more comfortable joining someone else's. In the future, if you head out on an expedition, just bring me along."
So she truly has no ambition. Perhaps that's why she lives so comfortably, mused Fang Chen.
He said, "We may head out again in a couple of years. I'll come find you when the time comes. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."
He turned to continue on his way.
Mi Yu put away her watering can and leapt onto Fang Chen's shoulder. "I was also planning to visit the Enlightenment Market to check whether my order has arrived. Core Disciple Fang, give me a ride."
"... Alright."
***
Half a month later, Fang Chen and Mi Yu arrived at the Enlightenment Market. Its scale was larger than any market Fang Chen had ever seen. The lowest cultivation level among those present was the Dao Union Realm. Immortals were everywhere.
"Mi Yu, have you come here often before?" Fang Chen asked casually.
"...."
He glanced downward and realized she had somehow fallen asleep. Even in her sleep, she would occasionally grab a worm from her body, stuff it into her mouth, and chew noisily before swallowing.
"Mi Yu, we're here," Fang Chen called out again.
When she didn't respond, he lifted her and gave her a little shake.
She slowly opened her eyes, looking dazed. "We're here?"
"Yes. Are you familiar with this market?"
She drowsily nodded. "Very. I often come here to order insects."
"If I want to buy top-grade spirit stones, where should I go?" asked Fang Chen.
She pointed in a direction. "You'll find items like that in that area. You can find them in other places too, but they're usually there."
"Alright. You go buy your insects. I'll go look for spirit stones. Let's part ways here."
Fang Chen clasped his hands and flew toward the direction she indicated.
The sugar glider pulled out another worm and flew off in another direction while munching.
One after another, external cultivators—immortals who would be major figures elsewhere—called out their merchandise like mortal street vendors, their eyes shining with enthusiasm.
"Tree roots dug from an ancient forbidden zone! Anyone interested?"
"Recently obtained a divine technique, may temper the primordial spirit! Only thirty immortal crystals!"
"A damaged spiritual treasure! Make an offer, and it's yours!"
Fang Chen surveyed the surroundings and stopped at a stall selling miscellaneous items. Several top-grade spirit stones were laid out. Unfortunately, Fang Tianzun had already absorbed them.
"Brother, do you have any more top-grade spirit stones?" Fang Chen asked casually.
