Chapter 9, Seeking the Path

Xiao Yao set down the jade slip in her hand and picked up another one to examine, casually asking the old Daoist.

Xiao Yao looked at the jade slip in her hand with a somewhat distrustful gaze, and began to read again. This time, she read faster, and before long, she put the jade slip back and sighed, saying: "Thank you for the recommendation, but I think I will choose for myself."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yao found the old Taoist quite interesting. She merely smiled and nodded to indicate her understanding, then began to slowly examine the jade slips from the location indicated by the old Taoist one by one

Upon seeing him boast like this and not having left yet, the old man turned his eyes and realized there was an opportunity. He quickly expressed with enthusiasm: "Friend, there are actually quite a few like you who come to my stall seeking insights and notes. Every time they visit, they leave satisfied. I can confidently assure you that among so many books, there will surely be one that suits you. Would you like me to introduce some to you?"

After glancing at the towering stack of jade slips, Xiao Yao felt that searching through them one by one was not a practical approach. Thus, she nodded and said, "Alright, I would appreciate it if you could introduce me to some of the more renowned insights and essays from powerful beings here"

Just as she was about to leave in disappointment after rummaging through all the items at the book stalls, her eyes caught sight of a book that seemed to have been used by the vendor as a footrest beneath the stall. She gently pulled it out and saw five powerful, ancient characters inscribed on the cover: "The Fool's Book of Nonsense"

What is most unbearable is that they all shout about going against the heavens and rebelling against the rules of the world, clearly having brought these troubles upon themselves. How can they blame the heavenly way for it? Xiao Yao found it truly exhausting and hurriedly stopped the old Daoist from continuing to stuff jade slips into her hands.

Under the intense gaze of Lao Dao, Xiao Yao felt compelled to look as well. She reluctantly selected a few jade slips and read several passages, but ultimately shook her head.

I understand! Seeing that Xiao Yao was not interested in any of this, the old man suddenly shouted, appearing enlightened, and laughed so hard that he could hardly close his mouth: "Look at my memory; it is only natural that a female cultivator like you would not be particularly interested in these. While there are indeed female cultivators who enjoy reading these essays and biographies, they are few in number. However, I assure you that these will definitely be to your liking."

The old man shook his head, displaying an expression of disbelief: "How can this not be a reflection of insights? Isn't this all derived from the experiences and understandings that Master Wanshou gained in the realm of cultivation and then wrote down? As for the great power, indeed, he is well-known in our Yongzhou district and even in the realm of cultivation; who doesn't recognize him? This book, 'The Legend of Wanren Ni's Cultivation,' is the latest release and has been sold out multiple times. If you don't believe me, come back in the afternoon; this jade slip will definitely be sold out by then."

Seeing that Xiao Yao showed no interest in the jade slips he recommended, the old Daoist's enthusiasm was considerably diminished. He even felt that this person was there to embarrass him, after all, the books he recommended were among the most popular at the moment

At this moment, the old man’s eyes sparkled with brilliance as he hurriedly rummaged through the pile of jade slips. After a moment, he took one out and handed it to Xiao Yao, saying, "This one has been selling very well recently. Although it is not complete yet, the first part has already been published. It is authored by one of the most renowned cultivators in the current cultivation world, Master Wanshou."

The Immortal Longevity Daoist? Xiao Yao was momentarily taken aback. The Xianyu Sect, to which she belonged, was considered the foremost sect in the Taigu Continent for cultivating immortality. The sect's information was certainly not obscure, so why had she never heard of such a renowned immortal master? Moreover, she had never encountered insights or experiences divided into two parts; wasn't it merely an experience of understanding the Dao? She felt somewhat puzzled and brought the jade slip closer to her forehead to read.

Xiao Yao was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, and helplessly replied: "Friend, this doesn't seem to be the insights of a great power; it looks more like something from a novel."

"How about this?" The old master grabbed one jade slip after another and stuffed them into Xiao Yao's hands. "If you don't like something so light, you can choose a plot that is a bit heavier. For example, this work 'Against the Heavens' by the Thousand-Faced Daoist, and this one 'Demon Realm'..."

This time, what was presented was not any form of enlightenment, and naturally, there were no male cultivators who seemed to be possessed by the heavens. Instead, there were only ordinary female cultivators. However, what puzzled her the most was why so many powerful figures in the book could notice or pay attention to such an ordinary and low-aptitude female cultivator amidst the vast crowd of cultivators. Furthermore, they resolutely and willingly devoted themselves to loving this female cultivator, even at the cost of their own cultivation.

Xiao Yao was speechless and choked up, hurriedly waving her hand and saying: "Fellow Daoist, you may have misunderstood my meaning; what I want is not this kind of insight"

Having said that, he picked up several jade slips and handed them to Xiao Yao, saying, "Friend, please take your time to choose"

The books on www.hetushucom.com do not convey insights on cultivating immortality or life itself. Instead, they depict cultivators who seem like celestial beings, commanding the elements in the realm of cultivation. The best techniques, the finest treasures, and vast wealth all belong solely to them, while others will never succeed in harming them. They can easily scheme against others, and the men in these books always wear a single expression—one of no expression at all. They possess mediocre talents yet are proficient in everything; among ten characters, nine can refine pills, and one can directly absorb spiritual herbs, as if alchemy were as simple as making pancakes. Similarly, talismans and formations are all within their grasp. All the wealth belongs solely to them, and others will never succeed in harming them. They can easily scheme against others, and the men in these books always wear a single expression—one of no expression at all. They possess mediocre talents yet are proficient in everything; among ten characters, nine can refine pills, and one can directly absorb spiritual herbs, as if alchemy were as simple as making pancakes. Similarly, talismans and formations are all within their grasp. All the female cultivators initially look down on them, but eventually, upon realizing their omnipotent abilities, they express regret with a mix of resentment and longing, secretly pledging their hearts without hesitation.

Without the constant nagging of Lao Dao in her ear, Xiao Yao felt much more at peace. She first skimmed through all the jade slips roughly and did not find anything useful, then she turned to the paper books and animal skins.

With such thoughts, he became somewhat indifferent towards Xiao Yao. Just then, another cultivator arrived at his stall, and he went to attend to this customer.

Xiao Yao casually picked up a jade slip from the stall and pressed it against her forehead to examine it with her spiritual sense. Any jade slip used for trading and selling would have certain restrictions imposed by the stall owner, allowing only a portion of the content to be viewed. Only after paying with spirit stones to purchase it would the seller lift the restrictions, and the jade slip would truly belong to you. After all, cultivators generally have an excellent memory; if everything were to be seen by others, there would be no point in conducting business.

I just heard a fellow practitioner mention that there are writings on cultivation experiences and personal essays for sale here. May I ask which ones are available here

After a while, Xiao Yao put down the jade slip and looked at the old Daoist with a strange expression. Seeing Xiao Yao looking at him, the old Daoist smiled mysteriously and said: "So, how is it? Are you feeling quite moved, wishing to buy it immediately to study it thoroughly? Ideally, you would want the next volume to be released right away as well"

Upon seeing business at his stall, the old vendor did not forget to boast about his goods, his face blooming with a smile, even his red, bulbous nose shining brightly. Pointing to the far left corner of the stall, he replied, "Hey, my friend, you truly have an eye for quality. In the entire market, there are hardly any who sell these items. Of course, those large commercial establishments might have them, but they are expensive, and perhaps not as good as what I offer here. Come, come, my friend, take a look; everything over here is available."