Reborn Tyrant: Immortal Cultivation and Vengeanc

Chapter 13: The Market Square of the Li Tribe

　　At the break of dawn, Whisper departed from the tribe, stepping into the bustling market square nestled in the southern valley.The market square hugged the cliffside, with rows of simple wooden huts and thatched-roof stalls lining the broad central area, each adorned with distinctive signs advertising their respective businesses.A tide of people flowed through the square, including hunters, merchants, and cultivators. The stalls displayed a diverse array of goods ranging from everyday necessities like herbs and minerals to the scarce and precious spiritual plants and beast materials."Freshly harvested bear bile, boosting both blood and qi, high-quality at a bargain price!""Pure wild tiger bone ointment, specifically formulated to treat bruises and injuries, with proven efficacy!""A sword forged from Red Iron Essence, peerlessly sharp, slicing through metal like paper! Only one available, hurry to purchase!"The overlapping cries of vendors, haggling voices, and mingled aromas of medicinal herbs and earthly life combined to create the unique cacophony of the market square.In this vast valley, there were three similar medium-sized market squares, each governed by one of the three major tribes. The one before Whisper's eyes belonged to the Li Tribe.While the market square was nominally under tribal management, the tribe's primary role was to maintain order and security. Any merchants or cultivators conducting business within the square were required to pay a transaction tax to the tribe."Delight, how are you feeling?" Whisper asked as he navigated through the throngs of people, eventually finding Delight selling common herbs with sparse business."Whisper!" Delight's face lit up with joy upon seeing him.She wore lightweight, comfortable clothes that were cool yet dignified, with a bandage of pristine white wrapped around her injured leg. Remarkably, she was able to stand without difficulty, indicating that her injury wasn't severe."I've taken the detoxification pill, and the poison has been completely eradicated. It no longer affects my walking at all." Delight chirped cheerfully.Her external injury yesterday was not severe; rather, it was the potent venom that posed a threat. After the effects of the detoxification pill, the wound was reduced to a mild flesh wound. Thus, despite resting for only a day, she insisted on returning to the market square to continue operating her humble stall.　　"Whisper, do you need to buy anything today? I can help you pick out some items!" Delight brightly suggested, not waiting for Whisper's response before swiftly arranging with the auntie at the neighboring stall to temporarily oversee her own booth, leaving Whisper little choice but to oblige.With her enthusiasm running high, Delight, familiar with the market square, eagerly guided Whisper through various shops, offering insights and commentary along the way."We are now in the outskirts of the market square, where mostly foundational materials are sold, catering primarily to common folk and novice cultivators. As we delve deeper into the market, the grade and value of the materials increase accordingly."Whisper followed Delight's steps, indeed noticing that the quality of goods improved as they moved further inward. While few met his current needs, he did notice some aged herbs that caught his attention, possibly suitable for refining beginner-level spiritual medicines.He carefully touched each herb, simultaneously activating his spiritual energy to sense and attempt to awaken the memories of herbal recipes from his past life.Delight, growing somewhat bored accompanying Whisper, was drawn to a small trinket stall nearby.She stopped to browse and picked up a pale purple bracelet. Despite its ordinary material, it was adorned with naturally occurring crystals that reflected sunlight, giving it a distinct appeal.She tried the bracelet on her wrist, and under the sun's rays, it sparkled brightly, capturing her heart even more."Do you like it, miss? This bracelet is crafted from premium natural materials. For just 20 Spirit Stone Shards, it can be yours," offered the vendor, an amiable elderly man, at the right moment."Erm, no, thank you," Delight stammered as she heard the price, quickly removing the bracelet from her wrist."20 Spirit Stone Shards... That's equivalent to two days' worth of household expenses. Buying such a decorative bracelet would indeed be a luxury," she thought to herself.Just then, a hearty laugh echoed from ahead."Miss Delight, fancy meeting you here again. Seems we're truly destined to cross paths," came a cheerful voice.　　Delight's brows knit slightly as she turned towards the source of the voice, seeing a group approaching, among which a young man dressed lavishly stood out distinctly.He appeared to be around twenty years old, strikingly handsome, with bright eyes that burned with ardent focus, openly gazing at Delight from a distance, revealing deep admiration.The youthful man exuded spring-like charm, loudly calling out Delight's name. However, instead of responding, Delight frowned subtly and turned to leave."Miss Delight!" The young man hurried after her, ultimately blocking her path, standing tall and broad like a wall before her.Stopped by the young man, Delight halted like a startled fawn, lifting her clear, bright eyes to look directly at him without speaking a word."Miss Delight..." The young man, facing Delight's enchanting eyes that were like pools of autumn water, found his breath quickening, his cheeks flushing with a rosy hue; his well-prepared introduction vanished due to nervousness."Master Yang Justbear, if there's nothing urgent, please let me pass. I have matters to attend to..." Delight spoke softly and sweetly, yet with a tinge of timidity.Upon hearing this, Yang Justbear's Adam's apple bobbed, and Delight's dulcet tones made his heart race."Miss Delight, why aren't you running your stall today? Seeing you leisurely browsing here, are you looking to purchase something? I happen to have free time; shall we stroll together?" Yang Justbear took a deep breath, striving to compose himself and flashed a warm, sunny smile, attempting to mask his inner unease.Aware that his good looks coupled with his status as a cultivator from the Yang tribe had won over several women before, he hoped this charm would work once again."I'm truly sorry, but I really do have business to attend to. Could you please step aside?" Delight gently bit her lower lip and courageously declined his offer.Meeting with such a public rejection, Yang Justbear's mouth twitched involuntarily. His smile lingered though, appearing rigid and forced.Carefully, he retrieved a bracelet from his bosom. The bracelet seemed woven from ethereal moonlight and shimmering lavender gems set onto delicate silver threads, weightless against the skin, elegant yet understated. Upon its reveal, it was bound to make a lasting impression.　　This intricately crafted bracelet was clearly of considerable value."Since Miss Delight is busy, insisting on keeping you here would indeed be inappropriate," said Yang Justbear, clutching the bracelet in his hand while maintaining a courteous smile. "This is a bracelet I just selected with care from the market square. Though it's not a rare treasure, it does bear inscribed runes that nourish spiritual energy, making it a perfect accessory for someone with a delicate constitution like you.""Please accept this as a token of my sincerity, Miss Delight. Refusal would mean embarrassing me in front of these subordinates," he chuckled self-deprecatingly, prompting chuckles from his followers.Delight's eyebrows knitted again, genuinely at a loss with this persistent young man.Long ago, she had already firmly rejected Yang Justbear. However, being a direct descendant of the Yang tribe and a formidable cultivator, ordinary folks dared not provoke him easily.Delight's gaze landed on the radiant bracelet in Yang Justbear's hand, recognizing instantly its substantial worth. She couldn't help but recall Whisper's tight finances when they were shopping for materials recently.She secretly deliberated and finally decided to accept the gift, intending to sell it to repay Whisper's kindness. The innocent girl calculated in her heart.Perceiving Delight's subtle change in attitude, Yang Justbear grew elated and promptly extended the bracelet towards her: "Miss Delight, please don't stand on ceremony. Only this bracelet can complement your unparalleled beauty."But just as Delight was about to accept the bracelet, a faint "snap" interrupted the scene.A slender hand reached out before hers, clasping her wrist and halting her action.Delight raised her eyes in surprise, instinctively wanting to break free. Yet, she heard Whisper's calm voice: "You can refuse him."Looking around, she noticed Whisper standing beside her, having arrived at some point unnoticed. The hand firmly holding her wrist was his, timely preventing her from accepting the bracelet.Upon confirming it was Whisper, a gentle smile bloomed on Delight's face. She ceased resisting, relaxing compliantly as Whisper's hand securely encircled her wrist. Deep in her heart, she felt a peculiar sense of reassurance and reliance on this act.　　"Mr. Yang Justbear, may I speak candidly? She does not require your generous gift," Whisper interjected, his tone firm and unyielding."What?!" Yang Justbear's eyes widened in disbelief, stunned by the sudden turn of events.Surveying the suddenly tense atmosphere, a flash of anger crossed Yang Justbear's eyes. Delight had nearly accepted his bracelet, only to be interrupted by the unexpected appearance of Whisper.This young man appeared to share a close relationship with Delight, adopting an air of familiarity."Who are you, sir? I merely saw that Miss Delight lacks adornments and sought to extend a sincere gesture. What business is this of yours?" Yang Justbear struggled to suppress his mounting rage, maintaining his aristocratic composure, his voice level but laced with warning.However, Whisper did not respond to Yang Justbear's inquiry. Instead, he decisively took Delight's hand and began to walk away decisively."Let's go. Remember, you mentioned wanting to show me some special materials," Whisper said softly.Delight paused for a moment, then realized that Whisper's actions were meant to alleviate her embarrassment. She blushed slightly, nodding demurely, and hastened to follow Whisper's steps.Watching this unfold, Yang Justbear's face darkened ominously, almost as if water could be wrung from it.As he observed Delight, who had always been icy-cold towards him, displaying an uncommonly shy demeanor in front of Whisper, jealousy seethed within him like wildfire."Friend, what you're doing here isn't very polite. Didn't your parents teach you basic manners?" Yang Justbear stepped forward, his face flushed with resentment, the threat in his words intensifying.At that moment, a faint glow enveloped Yang Justbear, emanating a fierce aura that hinted he might strike at Whisper at any moment.His four attendants also understood his intentions and stealthily surrounded Whisper and Delight, blocking their escape route.Delight keenly detected the chilling spiritual energy, causing her slender body to tremble involuntarily. Instinctively, she leaned towards Whisper, her bright eyes flashing with fear – the primal dread one experiences in the presence of a cultivator's powerful aura.