In the core area of the market, there are four intersecting streets, bustling with various trades.
A large circle surrounds the core area, known as the inner layer.
This area is filled with residential buildings where many mid-to-upper level cultivators and their families reside.
It's very close to the core area, with a higher concentration of spiritual qi.
As he walked in, Chen Sheng felt the spiritual power within him becoming more active.
Correspondingly, the security here is much stricter, with patrols of seven members, all skilled in mid-stage Qi Cultivation.
Several teams alternate in patrolling, very diligently; Chen Sheng had to show his Spirit Farmer Identity Marker twice along the way.
Finally, he arrived at a two-courtyard residence at the east end and knocked on the brass ring on the door.
An old servant-looking person opened the door:
"Who are you looking for?"
"My father Tang Hai, I'm here to visit Uncle Qin."
Chen Sheng introduced himself, visiting Qin Dajiang for the first time, who was his father's sworn brother and a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator, now a steward in the market.
During Chen Sheng's childhood, the Tang and Qin families were very close, with the two elder men spending their days together.
Later, Father Tang went out to hunt demons and never returned, leaving behind a widow and orphan. Qin Dajiang also wasn't doing well, only occasionally sending Eldest Sister-in-law Qin to help.
Afterwards, when Mother Tang passed away, Qin Dajiang found Chen Sheng, leaving him his address in case of need.
Growing up under strict parental guidance, Chen Sheng was young and shy, always fearing to trouble others, so he never sought them out.
It was Qin Dajiang who would visit every harvest season without fail, bringing gifts.
Looking back, it was clear he came to support Chen Sheng, fearing he might be bullied at a young age, all out of care.
Chen Sheng couldn't help but sigh in his heart:
"Still so young, not knowing how to maintain such relationships."
Unspectacularly, he was quickly invited in politely.
...
In the hall.
A robust middle-aged man sat at the head, with a long scar on his left cheek, it was indeed Qin Dajiang.
Beside him was a youth with a scholarly air, whose eyebrows and eyes somewhat resembled Qin Dajiang's, only with softer features.
Both smiled warmly at Chen Sheng, and Qin Dajiang laughed heartily as he spoke:
"Xiaoyun, you've come at the right time. Let me introduce you, this is my son Qin Shuang. He's been cultivating at Qinghua Sect for years and it's rare for him to return."
"I was planning to visit you in a few days, but it seems you came first."
He pointed to the young man beside him and said to Chen Sheng:
"Your father and I agreed long ago, if we had children, we'd name them 'Shuang, Yun, Feng, Yu.' Whether as in-laws or sworn siblings, you and he may lack spousal fate, so just call him Brother!"
He laughed after speaking, and Qin Shuang smiled as he looked at Chen Sheng.
Chen Sheng hadn't expected this connection, and hearing Qinghua Sect, he felt stirred, knowing it to be the main family line of his past life.
Chen Sheng quickly and respectfully called out:
"Brother."
Qin Shuang also nodded gently and replied:
"Brother Yun, no need for formality, Uncle Tang Er once saved my life, our families are as close as one."
"For a first meeting, I don't have much to offer, so I'll give you a small token I made myself."
With that, Qin Shuang pulled out a talisman from his storage pouch that shimmered with cyan light.
"This is called a Cyan Light Talisman, which can form a Cyan Light Shield to withstand several mid-stage Qi Cultivation spells."
Hearing this, Chen Sheng knew it was a Middle Grade Talisman, valuable indeed, and his Brother Qin Shuang, though young, was already a Middle Grade Talisman Master.
Qin Dajiang laughed heartily:
"Shuang'Er gave it to you, just take it, no need to be polite!"
"Thank you, Brother."
Chen Sheng obediently accepted it.
Only then did Qin Dajiang bring up the main topic:
"Xiaoyun, this is your first visit to me. You have the same stubborn temper as your father, have you encountered any trouble this time?"
He looked at Chen Sheng with concern.
Chen Sheng candidly explained his purpose:
"Nephew has been farming for two years, saved up 37 Spirit Stones..."
He had just started when Qin Dajiang exclaimed in surprise:
"Thirty-seven?"
As a steward, Qin Dajiang knew well that with Chen Sheng's ten acres of Spirit Field, the annual income was barely over twenty stones at most.
This meant that this lad had barely spent anything in the last two years!
"No wonder your cultivation hasn't moved; you're being overly frugal."
Qin Dajiang shook his head, then showed approval.
"But it seems you have plans, saving to learn a skill?"
Chen Sheng nodded in acknowledgment:
"Uncle has sharp insight, young nephew doesn't want to farm my whole life, planning to learn a craft."
Qin Dajiang nodded, and without further words, he took out a pouch from his storage pouch and thrust it into Chen Sheng's hands.
"Here are a hundred and twenty Spirit Stones. This year, I know the cost to apprentice is at least sixty to seventy."
"If you're willing to learn, pick a good trade, these Spirit Stones don't need repayment, consider it your uncle's support."
Qin Dajiang's tone was firm.
Hearing this, Chen Sheng was genuinely moved. In his past life, even if related by blood, one would only get some reward for having children.
Here, without asking or doing anything, he was handed money, not expected to repay.
Chen Sheng, deeply moved, quickly knelt to express his gratitude:
"Young nephew truly has nothing to repay this."
Qin Dajiang quickly helped him up:
"Why are you crying, child."
"With my bond with your father, I've always seen you as my own child."
Chen Sheng wiped his tears and said:
"Thank you, Uncle. I intended to save for another two years, but the recent unrest in the secret realm left people anxious, seeing Spirit Farmers in their fifties or sixties still struggling."
"Young nephew really doesn't want to waste years, so I had the cheek to come borrowing. Rest assured, Uncle, I will repay this money with interest in the future."
Qin Dajiang feigned anger:
"Repay what! I said no need, and I mean it. Talk of repayment, and I'll be truly displeased!"
Chen Sheng tried to decline a few more times, but seeing his uncle's firm stance, he couldn't refuse and agreed:
"Yes, young nephew will listen to you.
Qin Shuang watched them exchanging refusals, smiling, and putting aside Uncle Tang Er's life-saving grace, he had a good impression of this met "Brother Yun."
——He's spirited, sensible, courteous, doesn't spend lavishly, has plans, and is grateful.
Qin Shuang thought for a moment and decided to help further, addressing his father:
"Dad, regarding apprenticing, you should lend a hand, you're well-connected in the market, know reliable trades and sincerely teaching masters."
"Brother Yun is young, he isn't as savvy as you in these matters."
Qin Dajiang waved a hand, as if to say "no need to tell me":
"I know, no worries!"
He turned to tap Chen Sheng's shoulder:
"In a few days, as it's harvest time, I'll visit to drink with you and gather all the info."
Chen Sheng once again clasped his hands in gratitude:
"Thank you, Uncle."
Qin Dajiang chuckled:
"No need for thanks, we're family, don't be shy, visit your uncle often, don't always make me visit you."
Chen Sheng felt ashamed:
"Nephew will come visit often from now on."
"That's the spirit!"