Fairy, please have some self-respect. I am not the reincarnation of your deceased husband.

This market town isn't very large, but because it's near Jade Spirit Peak, the surrounding scenery has a rather serene and elegant feel.

In stark contrast to the bustling outer market, this place is sparsely populated, but the goods here are of extremely high quality.

Even the items sold at the street stalls were of a much higher quality than those sold at the outer gate.

Furthermore, all settlements are made using spirit stones, rather than the silver coins commonly used by the outer sect.

"..."

Chen Lianshu slowed her pace, her gaze sweeping over the rows of shops.

There are shops selling spiritual materials, ores for refining weapons, as well as pills, talismans, and magical artifacts... you name it, they have it.

Even a cursory glance reveals that the variety of products far surpasses that of the outer gate.

"?"

His gaze quickly fell on a small shop selling talismans.

He stepped forward. The shop owner was an inner disciple. Although he was a stranger to him, the owner was extremely polite, greeting him with a smile.

"What is it that you are looking for, junior brother?"

"Just browsing."

Little Snow Flame in his arms also peeked out, its tail wagging gently and its eyes scanning around, as if it were considering Chen Lianshu's options.

"Um…"

Chen Lianshu wasn't in a hurry; she simply looked at the shelves displaying talismans.

He didn't pay much attention to the area next to the magical artifacts, clearly not interested in that.

"Senior brother, how much is the Crimson Fire Talisman?"

He picked up a talisman and asked about its price.

"Ten sheets require one inferior spirit stone."

"Inferior spirit stones?"

Chen Lianshu was slightly surprised.

I originally thought that the prices in the inner sect would be vastly different from those in the outer sect, either higher or lower, but I didn't expect that they would be almost the same.

Ten Crimson Fire Talismans for the outer sect cost about the same, but they are sold in single-item increments.

However, those in the inner sect must purchase a single inferior spirit stone, which is not cost-effective unless there is a large demand.

"Of course, you don't have to buy all the Crimson Fire Talismans."

Seeing that he seemed puzzled, the disciple quickly explained:

"You can also choose spirit talismans of similar quality and collect enough to fill one spirit stone."

"I see."

Seeing that Chen Lian was unfamiliar with the customs of this place, the disciple couldn't help but ask:

"My junior brother looks unfamiliar. Are you a newcomer to the inner sect?"

Although there is still some time before the inner sect selection, outer sect disciples who perform exceptionally well may be promoted to inner sect.

This senior brother must have thought of him as one of those types.

"Yes, I made some minor contributions in the outer sect."

Chen Lianshu did not refute, but simply nodded in agreement.

He had no intention of purchasing any talismans and was about to take his leave—

But Xiao Xueyan struggled in my arms, pointing her paws towards the corner.

There lay a small, but badly damaged bell.

The broken bell faintly emanated spiritual energy, clearly indicating that it was a magical artifact.

【The Bell of Calamity】

[Affection Level: MAX (Deeply in Love)]

[Grade: Damaged]

【introduce】

[An extremely damaged object, almost completely out of function, unable to even make a sound.]

"This bell..."

Chen Lianshu initially thought the little thing had taken a fancy to some fun object.

After all, it is lively and has some cat-like habits, so it should pay special attention to things that move and make noise.

However, this bell is so damaged that, apart from being identified as a magical artifact, it seems to have nothing special about it.

嗏

"Senior brother, how much is this bell?"

Chen Lianshu still chose to believe Xueyan without hesitation.

Although the system information showed no abnormalities regarding the bell, only a few words were mentioned.

There must be a reason why this little guy has taken a liking to it.

After all, the little guy's description includes the words "treasure hunting".

Even if it's completely useless, I'll still buy it to play with.

"I really like this little spirit pet. How much would it cost?"

The disciple regarded Xueyan as an ordinary spirit pet and did not recognize that this snow ball was the one under Peak Master Pei's command, so he did not pay any attention to it.

"Well…"

Seeing that the other party didn't seem to like anything else but had taken a liking to the broken bell, the senior brother's expression seemed somewhat complicated, but he still quoted a price:

"Three inferior spirit stones, but I won't hide it from you, junior brother."

"This bell is indeed a magical artifact, but it is severely damaged."

"I consulted the most skilled elders in the sect, and they all said it was beyond repair."

He seemed afraid that Chen Lianshu would feel taken advantage of and settle scores later, so he explained it in advance.

"I've been trying to sell this bell for a month and haven't been able to."

"However, if you purchase talismans worth four inferior spirit stones, I'll give them to you for free, how about that?"

"Then thank you very much, Senior Brother."

Without hesitation, Chen Lianshu picked out a few talismans that she could use at the moment and then accepted the broken bell.

After that, the man and the beast did not rush back to the peak, but continued to stroll leisurely in the market.

The little guy didn't give any further instructions. Occasionally, when he saw a high-level spiritual weapon or a rare material, his eyes would light up, but those items were very expensive, and there was absolutely no chance of finding a bargain.

As they strolled around, Xueyan seemed a little tired and nestled back into his arms.

Soon after, it began to purr softly.

Chen Lianshu looked down at it, but did not wake it. She simply slowed her pace and let it sleep soundly in her arms.

The little one slept soundly, breathing deeply, and remained asleep until the journey home began.

Actually, he wasn't completely unfamiliar with the way.

After going through it once, I've probably remembered it.

Having just entered the inner sect, I was somewhat uncertain, which is why I thought of bringing Xiao Xueyan along to guide me.

But now it seems that it's no longer needed.

When the man and the beast returned to the side hall, it was already late.

Little Snow Flame was still asleep, fast asleep.

Chen Lianshu took out a fluffy soft cushion, laid it out in the corner, and gently placed the little thing on it.

It seemed to sense something, turned over, and found a more comfortable position.

During this time, she opened her eyes and glanced at the unfamiliar surroundings, but showed no intention of leaving, and then fell into a deep sleep again.

"..."

After settling Xueyan, Chen Lianshu sat by the window and took out the broken bell.

The bell was dull and rusty, and made no sound when shaken.

The system introduction remained bland, with no unusual prompts.

He carefully wiped the bell with a handkerchief, but the bell remained completely still.

I tried many methods, but I didn't see any of the legendary "blood oath" or "spiritual infusion" scenes.

It seems we can only wait for Xueyan to wake up before making any further plans.

However, he did not put the broken bell into his storage bag, but simply placed it next to the incense burner.

Since it was bought for that little thing, it will be easy to deliver it once it wakes up.

"?"

When Chen Lianshu's gaze fell back on the incense burner beside the bed, she was slightly taken aback and felt puzzled.

Unexpectedly, wisps of smoke rose from the stove again, creating a calming and soothing atmosphere.

It must have been Master who came.

Without thinking further, he undressed and lay down.

I covered myself again with the quilt, which had a faint lotus scent, and the calming aroma of incense from the burner gradually made me sleepy.

He didn't force himself to stay awake and fell asleep quickly.

I wonder if the progress of the master-disciple relationship will have quietly increased when I wake up tomorrow?

The night is getting darker.

The only sounds in the side hall were the even breathing and the swirling incense smoke from the burner.

Chen Lianshu had fallen into a deep sleep.

What he didn't realize was—

The broken bell beside the incense burner was quietly absorbing the rising incense smoke.

Moreover, beneath the rust marks, a faint, eerie light seemed to flicker.

I don't know how much time passed.

The palace doors were pushed open very gently once again.

A graceful figure in lotus-colored robes quietly entered, her skirt brushing the ground silently as she walked to his bedside.