Emperor’s Domination

The carriage made it past the wilderness, closer to civilization. However, they met cultivators, not mortals.

Strangely enough, these cultivators were camping, not just passing by this remote region.

“Looks like a ghost market is opening.” Chu Zhu commented after seeing the temporary palaces erected.

“Ghost market?” Li Qiye seemed interested in the crowd.

“It originated from Phantom Dynasty.” Chu Zhu said: “There are major and minor markets. Minor ones normally happen during a full moon within Phantom. They can appear anywhere while a major market is usually presided over by the dynasty.”

She then glanced at the sky and then the camp: “Since this is at the frontier, there will be many vagabonds doing transactions.”

“Feeling sentimental?” He asked.

“During my first journey away from home, I found a treasure at a minor ghost market. Here we are again during my return.” She said.

“It’s fate.” He smiled while gazing at the increasingly-populated area.

“Young Noble, shall we take a look?” She asked, wanting to revisit the past.

“Of course.” He nodded.

She steered the carriage into the area, finding a good spot and awaiting the emergence of a minor ghost market.

During their wait, more and more cultivators arrived. Some put up tents while others didn’t bother, just needing an empty spot. A few summoned massive pavilions and palaces…

Given the bustling excitement, this was not the first minor ghost market conducted here. Everyone looked familiar and prepared to set up shop. Some came for necessary items or to find a good deal.

It didn’t take long before night came. More cultivators appeared - either via teleportation or from flying beasts.

The wilderness turned into an exciting market under the moonlight. This gave off an eerie vibe - akin to a party of ghosts appearing out of nowhere.

Minor markets could occur anywhere in Phantom Dynasty. A major market was different, far grander in size and specifically carried out by the dynasty in a chosen location.

This frontier was the border of Phantom, so it wasn’t surprising to see a minor market taking place here.

As the round moon appeared, shops and tents could be seen. Merchants began peddling their items…

Li Qiye and Chu Zhu walked around the market. The latter couldn’t help feeling sentimental. This minor market might not be the same one she had seen during her dao debut. Nevertheless, the atmosphere was similar so her memories returned.

She left home as an ambitious girl wanting to seek the mysteries of the dao. Today, she stood at the apex of this world - a being revered by all. The merchandise here no longer entered her sight since she had plenty of powerful treasures.

“Flicker flower here, it can illuminate your yin path.” A peddler advertised.

One could see humans, heavenly buddhas, an eight-armed race, a three-eyed race, celests, and many more… Even the elusive immortal bronzekins could be seen.

Some merchants didn’t hide their identity and background, not their cultivation earlier. They wanted to send the message that they weren’t easily bullied. On the other hand, some preferred a more low-profile approach, shrouding their true appearance.

Instead of yelling, a few merely displayed their item on the ground and waited for the right buyers…

“Everyone has a story here.” Chu Zhu told Li Qiye: “This is the frontier for three major dynasties, so we have refugees and reclusive masters. This makes this location more complicated than the others, a lot of potential trickery afoot.”

Chu Zhu wasn’t afraid of being tricked any longer. This wasn’t the case for her past self.

Li Qiye smiled and didn’t respond. He noticed something ahead and she followed his gaze.

“This merchant is still here.” In her astonishment, she grabbed his arm without permission and pulled him to the stall.

The shops and stalls varied in appearance and size. Some kingdoms came, wanting to unload special merchandise. Other stalls only had a single owner and limited items.

Chu Zhu was excited - something rarely experienced by a cultivator of her stature. The stall she cared about was tiny and inconspicuous.

The owner was a grandma in gray, making her blend with the night. She had a shawl covering her head, looking like a villager full of wrinkles. She had so many that one could barely see her eyes.