Viewing Maelivar from above offered a distinctly different perspective compared to being within its streets. The city's bustling atmosphere transported Nathan back to memories of Earth.

  Flying vehicles swarmed around him like ants. Their designs varied wildly, from simple squares like the one Nathan and George rode, to bizarre spoon-shaped contraptions, to elaborate rose-like forms that seemed more for show than function. The diversity of transportation clearly reflected the city's cosmopolitan population—these weren't the vehicles of natives.

  The cacophony grew louder as they approached the Northeast. Nathan could hear piercing whistles ahead where several paths had become completely gridlocked. City guards were shouting themselves hoarse trying to direct traffic.

  Nathan observed his destination: the Common Market District. This was where he planned to go after finding lodging. It was an area the Duke of Maelivar had designated for Cultivators to trade freely. Of course, everyone still had to pay certain fees, either as a percentage or a fixed amount. Even from a distance, one could see the platforms stacked orderly from bottom to top. Yet each stall on every level had its own distinct appearance. Some were meticulously arranged, while others simply dumped their wares out with apparent indifference. Those who knew how to shop understood that a merchant's professionalism mattered far less than having the right goods.

  Customers could use the elevators or transport devices like Nathan's current ride. Alternatively, they could rent flying boots like George's to browse and shop. Some Tier 3 cultivators and above could fly independently without needing such boots.

  "Flying is prohibited in Maelivar, right?" Nathan asked George casually.

  "Yes, young master," George replied. "Except for the Common Market District, flying is forbidden throughout the city unless necessary or properly permitted. You see, not all cultivators maintain their composure. Allowing them to fly freely would likely lead to collisions with city residents and unnecessary consequences."

  Nathan nodded in acknowledgment. Though in his mind, he suspected economics played an equal role. Looking at the teeming crowds, he wondered how much daily revenue the city generated from flying boot rentals alone.

  He gestured for George to slow down and circle the area.

  "How long have you lived here, George?"

  "My parents lived in Maelivar, so you could say all my life."

  "Never been outside?" Nathan asked curiously.

  "Never had the chance," George answered honestly.

  Nathan looked the guard up and down. Given his youthful appearance, Nathan guessed he was even younger than himself. To be working as a city guard, his potential was likely rated as 'Average' or 'Below Average.' Otherwise, he would have belonged to an organization like the Verdant Spire Sect. He had probably studied at a lower-tier institution and graduated from there.

  "Then you must know the city well?" Nathan inquired.

  "Well enough," George smiled, his voice carrying a note of confidence. "Feel free to ask anything."

  Nathan could find information on PsiLink, but like the Internet of his previous world, it was filled with questionable content, much of it useless. Various factions and companies could pay to post or delete articles to improve their image. Getting an objective assessment would require considerable time to filter through everything. Asking locals, especially someone from the guard force who kept constant watch over the city, would generally prove more reliable.

  He also doubted George would dare deceive him. Given Nathan's status, he could make life unbearable for a city guard without lifting a finger—just words would suffice.

  Darkan's earlier rebuke had made him acutely aware of his social position. Having such backing was truly advantageous.

  "So tell me," Nathan said, "if I wanted to auction some items, who should I seek out?"

  George stroked his chin thoughtfully before answering.

  "One good option would be approaching one of the four major trading houses in Maelivar. House Merinor might be particularly suitable, given their history."

  "Why do you say that?" Nathan narrowed his eyes.

  "I know their Resort recently displeased you. However, House Merinor is known for maintaining relatively neutral standings. Thus, they would likely handle your items fairly without allowing serious issues to arise."

  "You mean other houses might manipulate prices or scheme behind the scenes to acquire my items?"

  "I wouldn't say that," George said cautiously.

  Nathan nodded, understanding that he needed to interpret the information himself rather than expecting George to spell everything out.

  "From what you're saying, this isn't the only option?" Nathan continued.

  "Correct," George confirmed. "There are third-party organizations that can conduct auctions for you. The downside is they charge higher fees since they don't receive tax benefits from the city."

  "And the advantages?"

  "They follow stricter policies and regulations since their business extends beyond Maelivar or the Kingdom of Caelindor."

  "Any recommendations?"

  "The Amber Path Coalition would be a solid choice in my opinion. They have a branch here. Their reputation is quite reliable."

  Nathan immediately filtered through the jumbled results about trading houses on PsiLink. As George had said, The Amber Path Coalition received predominantly positive reviews. While there were negative posts, they seemed dismissible.

  "If you plan to trade items beyond just here, throughout the empire," George continued, "you should visit The Amber Path. Their membership benefits are quite advantageous, enough to offset the higher fees when consigning items for auction."

  "Do you know the requirements for becoming a member?" Nathan asked, as this information wasn't disclosed on PsiLink.

  George's eyes brightened, sensing his chance to prove himself worthy of that Standard Mana Stone.

  "There are many rumors about The Amber Path's membership process," George said with some excitement. "However, I once heard it from my captain. He's trustworthy, so this is likely accurate. The Amber Path doesn't care if you bring them one big auction with a huge sum. They care about long-term business relationships that generate steady revenue streams."

  "So," Nathan said. "To become a member, you need to become a partner as well."

  "Exactly," George nodded. "I've heard members get discounts at all Amber Path stores once they have a membership card."

  Nathan was genuinely intrigued. He had found his target location for conducting business and implementing his plans.

  "How would you rate the city's appetite for entertainment and gossip?" Nathan switched topics.

  George hesitated, looking at the inner disciple with skeptical eyes, unsure why such a random question had emerged.

  "I don't quite follow," George said.

  "Let's say there's a rather special event that offers both entertainment and cultivation benefits. How likely are the wealthy to be curious?"

  "Probably not very."

  It was Nathan's turn to be taken aback, not expecting such an answer.

  "Why?" he asked.

  "Because the chances of the event being special enough are quite low, I think. In a city this size, you can find everything."

  "Even activities that are somewhat... 'dark'?"

  He received only a professional smile in response. Seeing the expectant look still in Nathan's eyes, George added:

  "Since I don't know the scale and benefits of the event you're referring to, I can't really assess it. I just notice one common thread among places the elite frequent: exclusivity."

  Nathan nodded, understanding supply and demand well enough. Initially, he had hoped to profit more, but now it seemed that approach might backfire.

  "Alright," Nathan tapped the railing. "I don't have many more questions. Just point me to a decent hotel and share one piece of information you think I should know, and this is yours."

  Nathan revealed a hexagonal Standard Mana Stone as large as his palm.

  George's steady breathing hitched for a moment as he silently marveled at the wealth of disciples from organizations outside government control. A city guard's yearly salary was good, but still insufficient to afford a Standard Mana Stone.

  After lengthy consideration, George chose his words carefully, his tone becoming heavy.

  "You should be careful with the houses in Maelivar. The Four Great Houses currently have undercurrents stirring. What kind of undercurrents, I apologize, but I don't know. However, the tension is definitely present. So when interacting with their members or descendants, you should be cautious. Especially with House Aetharis."

  Nathan flicked the mana stone to the guard. That information was worth the reward.

  Receiving the mana stone, George told himself he had been right to maintain a respectful attitude toward everyone. If he had shown even a hint of impropriety toward Nathan, today's outcome would never have happened.

  George used his position to guide the transport device into the Common Market District through his colleagues. Before leaving, he paid the rental fee and instructed Nathan on using the flying boots.

  What a dedicated employee, Nathan thought. Then again, he realized anyone receiving such a substantial tip would have to be quite surly to act otherwise.

  It took him a while to get used to the flying boots. The challenge lay in maintaining balance when the propulsion force acted on both legs. Thanks to [Martial Art Mastery], he was fortunate enough not to make a fool of himself in front of everyone.

  Once he could move freely, a wide grin spread across his face. His desire to play with water jet propulsion devices was finally fulfilled. He tilted his head back, pressed down gently with his feet, and soared upward.

  The wind caressed his cheeks as his hair streamed behind him. He weaved through the bustling crowd, earning strings of curses. He paid them no mind, alternating between flying and hovering. He ducked his head down, trying to shoot forward like a bullet. The whooshing in his ears drowned out all other sounds. Just before he would have crashed into the ground, he used his physical strength to flip everything around.

  His action created a wave of air pressure on the ground, knocking several pedestrians off balance. Some stall owners had to lunge forward to keep their wares from flying away.

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  Bowing his head in apology to those around him, Nathan slowly flew up, no longer playing around. He made a mental note to buy a pair of these before leaving. Though not particularly fast or maneuverable, they were enough for him. The real question was whether he dared spend mana stones to power them.

  He flew while browsing through the displayed merchandise. The endless variety of items from all categories made his eyes swim. Shining Tier 2 swords and armor dazzled onlookers. Talismans of all shapes appeared in paper form or as jade, some as small as pearls, others as large as fingers. Metals and ores were the most abundant, understandable given that Maelivar was an Artificer's paradise.

  Nathan would occasionally pause when someone haggled with merchants, gathering information about pricing and negotiation tactics. PsiLink was a useful tool, but using it in front of merchants seemed to make them irritable and less friendly. It was like checking online prices while talking to a salesperson in a store.

  Initially, Nathan had only planned to browse around to satisfy his curiosity, but at one store, herbs displayed on wooden shelves caught his attention.

  Before him, floating inside a transparent sphere filled with swirling blue smoke, was a long, slender root. Its body was wrinkled with protruding fibers. Instead of being earth-colored, it emitted various lights. Standing long enough to observe, one would see all colors of the spectrum manifested.

  "Universal Root," Nathan muttered in amazement.

  The merchant, a gaunt man with a slightly hunched back, saw him and cheerfully smiled.

  "Young man, you have quite the discerning eye," he said warmly. "This is indeed a Universal Root, two hundred years old. Fifty years to sow the seed, fifty years to nurture it, using a hundred years to grow roots."

  Nathan let the man continue his introduction. While what he said about the root being two hundred years old was true, there was still an issue that Nathan didn't immediately challenge.

  While listening, he browsed PsiLink, confirming that his knowledge from [Cooking] was unique. He suppressed a smile when he saw how jumbled the information about Universal Root was. This herb had been 'improved' by later generations. Or rather, in his understanding, degraded.

  "How many of these roots do you have?" Nathan asked, cutting off the other's rambling.

  "Three," the stall owner quickly replied. His mouth smacked as if dry.

  "What's the price?" Nathan used his most disinterested tone, showing he didn't really need to buy, just asking.

  "Thirty Standard Mana Stones," the other held up three fingers.

  "Mother of merchants..." his voice trailed off as he covered his mouth.

  Triggered [Bad Mouth]. One credit given.

  "What did you say?" the stall owner narrowed his eyes, asking.

  "Nothing!" Nathan waved his hands. Even if beaten to death, he wouldn't believe the old man hadn't heard him. A Tier 2's ears couldn't be that poor. He was just greedy.

  "Three roots for 60 stones, how about that?" Nathan bargained.

  "Mother of cunning tricksters," the stall owner's face changed without hesitation, unlike Nathan who had shown restraint.

  "What did you say?" Nathan narrowed his eyes, asking.

  "Nothing!"

  They looked at each other with smiles. For the stall owner, he was somewhat irritated but dared not offend the young man before him. The red uniform and badge on his chest were enough to make him wary. Trading here could sometimes be frustrating in various situations. However, he couldn't just casually speak rudely to anyone. Experience in observation told him Nathan was a customer best approached informally. While appearing outwardly indifferent, he had been paying attention to this youth since he entered the Common Market District.

  The only thing he had misjudged was assuming Nathan was clueless about herbs.

  When the awkward silence passed, Nathan continued, showing no compromise.

  "60 Standard Mana Stones."

  "You think that's reasonable?" the stall owner rolled up his sleeves. "Fifty years to sow the seed, fifty years to nurture..."

  "Stop, stop!" Nathan raised his hand. "That song and dance routine was enough the first time."

  "You must understand that after two hundred years of growing, this price is more than fair. Don't think I didn't notice you using PsiLink. I'm being generous by not taking offense. But I've been doing business here for years, and you've just questioned my credibility."

  Nathan's lip twitched, feeling as if he'd been scolded. He hadn't actually looked up Universal Root's price. But since he was already misunderstood, he might as well go with it. As he expected, the price did fluctuate around thirty Standard Mana Stones. However, the lowest quality only sold for about twenty stones.

  "Are you certain about what you're saying?" Nathan lowered his voice, tilting his head slightly, sharp eyes fixed on the man before him.

  Instinctively, the stall owner swallowed. Trying to stop his eye from twitching to avoid revealing anything, he said:

  "Absolutely!"

  "All three roots are two hundred years old, right?"

  "Exactly!"

  "Yet you didn't notice anything?"

  "Notice what?" the stall owner suddenly became wary.

  "That it's only two hundred years old?"

  The gaunt man's forehead wrinkled, feeling like he was being played. Still, he tried to hold back. The problem was these three roots hadn't sold for several months now. Though rare, their practical application was too low. The problem lay right in the name—Universal also meant nearly useless. True, it was miraculous in neutralizing natural attributes like fire, ice, earth, and air, but it was easily disrupted when combined with other medicinal ingredients.

  "85 mana stones," the stall owner conceded.

  "I'm not changing my mind, still 60 mana stones," Nathan insisted.

  "Young man," the man's voice became gentle, warm, "one should know when to yield, not push too hard."

  "Ridiculous," Nathan used a slightly superior tone. "A two-hundred-year Universal Root means it lost a hundred years of maturation. Fifty years for sprouting, fifty years for flowering. Even if the flowers are useless, that's when the root should be harvested to ensure medicinal potency isn't lost."

  The stall owner's eyes widened, blinking at the young man before him. This information wasn't unknown to him, just widely overlooked or ignored. The breeding process had indeed accelerated Universal Root's development rate. Consequently, effectiveness remained at 80% to 90% when harvested. Previously, without three hundred years, potency would drop to 60%. Now, the market had standardized current prices, leading to trading at much higher than cost.

  Indeed, Universal Root's value was only 20 mana stones. Trading such an unpopular item was only profitable due to the high profit margin.

  Nathan saw the stall owner's jaw clench from grinding teeth. Inwardly delighted at having cornered his opponent, he outwardly lifted his chin in a challenging gesture, daring the other to refute him.

  "Who can verify this?" the stall owner still wouldn't give up.

  "I can!" Nathan pointed to his chest.

  "You? Are you joking?"

  "Not convinced? Fine. The root body lacks sufficient wrinkles, the colors aren't deep enough, and it's rather weak at the tail end. If I'm not mistaken, the root flesh is still soft instead of being firm like when fully matured."

  The merchant's lips moved. With [Improved Pattern Recognition], Nathan could read: "Completely correct!"

  "Met a ghost," the stall owner mumbled.

  "Watch your words," Nathan warned. "Well? Have I said enough, or should we invite an apothecary to inspect? Though if an apothecary comes, the consequences won't stop at just a reprimand."

  The merchant's hands went limp on the table. Having an apothecary inspect would destroy his reputation. His eyes turned hostile toward Nathan, but he still wouldn't surrender. A merchant's spirit wouldn't allow him to lose like this.

  "70 Standard Mana Stones."

  "Deal," Nathan accepted immediately.

  The stall owner's jaw dropped, realizing he'd been played. This damned kid had set the price at sixty just to make reaching his real target easier.

  As for Nathan, he just thought business should yield profit. The Universal Root indeed wasn't of the quality he'd hoped for. However, it was still above average. He was actually being 'reasonable' as requested.

  The stall owner exhaled deeply. At least he was still making a profit, so he waved his hand. The sphere containing the Universal Root on display was retrieved. Two more emerged from his storage ring. Placing all three inside a wooden box with properties that effectively preserved medicinal ingredients, he handed them to the young man.

  Nathan took out seventy Standard Mana Stones from the small pouch Darkan had given him. He looked at the pile of stones gleaming with blue light in his hand, feeling somewhat regretful. He hadn't even had time to get used to having money. Closing his eyes, he tilted the pouch until exactly seventy stones had fallen out.

  With a heavy sigh, his hands trembling slightly, he collected the three boxes of Universal Root into his bag. Bowing his head in thanks, he left.

  "Spatial pouch?" the stall owner muttered questioningly.

  Nathan's status should have warranted a spatial ring. The stall owner blinked, using Spirit to probe for the first time. The young man showed no reaction.

  "Holy shit, he's Tier 1!" the stall owner nearly exploded. He'd been played like a fiddle by a Tier 1. Had Nathan been Tier 2, he would have sensed the owner's scrutiny immediately.

  In a corner, a young man had absently noticed Nathan's peculiar exchange. He wore a silk outfit with a smooth, comfortable surface. The hem was decorated with purple patterns that sparkled like tinsel. Around his neck hung a hawk-shaped pendant. His face was handsome, with somewhat soft features. What marred his appearance were the bags under his eyes. It seemed he hadn't slept for quite some time.

  "Young master," a female steward's voice rose beside his ear, "is something wrong?"

  "Just a disciple from some sect," he turned and said.

  "Should I investigate?"

  "No need," he waved his hand.

  Before him, his attendants were all hunched over, carrying purchased items in their arms. Passersby all stopped to either admire or envy. The total value of these items was more than they could earn in a lifetime.

  The female steward glanced around once, and everyone either lowered their heads and left or hurried past.

  No one dared offend one of The Four Great Houses.

  Laurent Nyralith stared intently at a rough black stone before him. Inside it, red light occasionally flickered, igniting the flame of passion in those seemingly exhausted eyes.

  Nathan kept his head down as he flew away, no longer daring to look east or west. He'd already spent nearly all hundred Standard Mana Stones Darkan had given him. He clutched the spatial pouch tightly in his hand, afraid someone might snatch it away.

  Darkan had wanted to give him a storage ring. However, the obstacle was that he couldn't project mana outward to command the ring. Keira could possibly do it because she was at Tier 1, Phase 9, somewhat capable of such simple tasks. As a result, Nathan was forced to use a spatial pouch. This type was naturally inferior, with less space, only about the size of a wardrobe. What's worse, security was extremely poor. If someone stole the pouch, they could easily take everything out since it lacked the defensive mechanisms of a spatial ring. The only advantage was that it could be used without mana. These items were mainly circulated among wealthy families, given by parents or elders to children.

  Nathan finally reached his destination, the Amber Path Coalition branch.

  This store occupied a considerable space in the air, with a flickering banner circling around it. Even high up, there was a row of projected images so anyone could locate it. Adapting to the city's style, the store was set in a cubic structure with glass exterior walls allowing everyone to see the luxury within.

  The floor was laid with golden tiles. Antique lamps hung from the ceiling. Each partition wall separated different types of goods displayed for customers. Everywhere, staff members moved about in marble-colored attire, their manners graceful and fresh. Just standing at the entrance, one could feel the cool breeze and catch the gentle fragrance of flowers wafting from the store.

  Nathan looked like a country bumpkin, his head and eyes constantly scanning around as he entered, moving from one display shelf to another. There were far more Tier 2 items here, especially weapons and armor. In one corner, placed higher than everything around it, was a Tier 3 item. He felt drawn to it, standing there in awe.

  "Tier 3 Nine Star Saber"

  "Effect: Can store different types of mana aspects in each star, releasing them during combat."

  "Price: 4000 Standard Mana Stones."

  The saber's exterior gleamed with silver light. Its curve was elegant and beautiful, marked by star symbols that flickered under the light. The handle was intricately carved, with a purple gem set in the middle containing sparkling points like stars.

  "Are you interested in the Nine Star Saber?" a youthful voice, somewhat gentle with a barely perceptible trace of weariness, rose beside Nathan's ear.

  He startled out of his fascination with the saber, raising his hand to scratch his head as he spoke.

  "Ah, no. I'm here for something else."

  "Then what can I help you with, sir?"

  "I want to consign items for auction with The Amber Path Coalition."

  "Please wait here a moment, I need to consult with the manager."

  The girl left, approaching a manager who was checking inventory.

  "Sir," she called timidly.

  A weary sigh answered her before the male manager turned around with a frown.

  "Celene, you can't come to me for everything."

  "Sir, there's a guest who wants to consign items for auction," Celene ignored the rebuke, just trying to complete her task.

  The manager tilted his head to look at Nathan. Seeing his naive appearance, his face wrinkled in disgust. He should have been responsible for this task, but usually people who came here only brought low-level items. If they had high-level items, they were already renowned. As a precaution, he searched PsiLink for information about the young man in red uniform.

  When he found the image of being expelled from Verdant Spire Sect, he showed even more disdain. Even if he was an inner disciple of a major sect, there was no need for too much respect. In terms of status, the Amber Path Coalition was only bigger, not smaller than any organization in this city.

  "You handle it," the manager ordered.

  "But..." Celene wanted to object but was silenced by his glare.

  The manager turned back to his work. Or rather, to doing nothing.

  Celene took a deep breath, only daring to exhale after turning away to avoid the manager hearing.

  She forced a smile and walked gracefully toward the young man who still couldn't tear his eyes away from the Tier 3 saber.

  Nathan was only pretending—he had seen the entire exchange between the employee and manager. Still, watching people like that was quite impolite.

  "Please follow me," Celene bent slightly, gesturing toward the stairs behind them.

  Celene led him upstairs, where everything became much quieter. To Nathan, the impression was no different from a laboratory. Six rooms were evenly divided on both sides of the corridor, with a large door standing separate from everything else at the end.

  The room he was led into was right next to the stairs. The interior contrasted completely with outside, being luxuriously and fully equipped. Comfortable sofas with soft cushions were placed on both sides. The table in the middle was filled with food, drinks, and wine. From his [Cooking] knowledge, Nathan could more or less guess these were all high-end wines. The glass walls offered a view of the city, allowing one to observe the bustle while discussing business.

  Celene pulled over a small table, placing a very professional cushion on it.

  "Please sit," she said.

  Nathan complied.

  "Please place the items you wish to auction here," she pointed to the violet cushion.

  Nathan didn't hesitate, taking out the item he wanted to auction.

  Celene froze when she saw a monster core that seemed to contain an entire night sky placed on the table by the young man.

  Her sales instincts told her this was not a guest who came to freeload and drink wine that everyone despised.

  Her eyes brightened as she looked at Nathan. Her breathing became somewhat rapid at the future prospects. Yet Nathan wasn't finished.

  He took out the Lunar Shadow's tail, making Celene's already difficult breathing now catch in her throat.

  "Where should I put this?" he asked.