Chapter 12 - Chapter 12: The Market and the First Transaction

The small cones of incense dried in a few days, hardening in a gray-green color and exhaling a slight herbal and resinous aroma. Gù Ti?nháo took one of them and, using the flint he had acquired discreetly, lit the tip. A thin, white smoke rose, releasing a soft, surprisingly pleasant aroma - a mixture of freshly cut grass, pine and something deeper, almost earthy. He sat down to meditate for a few minutes, inhaling the smoke. Although it was not a true cultivation incense that could directly increase the absorption of Qi, he noticed a subtle effect. His mind seemed to clear faster, distractions dissipated, and he managed to reach a deeper state of concentration than usual. It worked. It was simple, but effective, and most importantly, it was unique. With an initial batch of about thirty cones carefully wrapped in dried leaves and hidden in a small bag, Ti?nháo ventured again into the City of Maplewood. This time, he avoided the busiest herbal stalls and pawn shops. His product was unknown; he needed a place where curiosity could overcome skepticism, or where merchants were willing to risk unusual items. He wandered the secondary streets of the shopping district, observing the smaller shops. There were tea shops that also sold small artifacts, antique shops with dusty shelves, and shops that seemed to sell a hodgepodge of everything a little bit. He needed to find the right buyer. He stopped in front of a store called Diverse Treasures of Old Zhao. The facade was modest, printed between a tailor shop and a bread shop. Inside, the shelves were filled with an eclectic variety of items: chipped pots, rusty agricultural tools, some dubious-looking scrolls, small wooden figurines and even some low-level beast skins. An elderly man with a small white goatee and glasses on his nose tip was napping behind the counter. It seemed like the kind of place I could buy something unusual if the price was low enough. Ti?nháo entered, the little bell above the door clinking softly. Old Zhao opened an eye, evaluating Ti?nháo with a look that was both sleepy and cunning. Good morning, Young Master," said Old Zhao, his voice a little hoarse. Looking for some rarity? Or perhaps selling?" Ti?nháo approached the counter, maintaining his calm and polite expression. Good morning, Master Zhao. I have something new. A type of incense that helps with meditation and concentration. He carefully unwrapped one of the cones and offered it to Old Zhao. The merchant took the cone, smelled it with suspicion and examined it under the dim light of the store. Incense? He raised an eyebrow. It looks like grass and pine sap. We have many better incenses in town, Young Master. Sandalwood Incense, Spiritual Jade Incense... why would anyone buy this? Because this one is different, Master Zhao. It is not to perfume the environment, but to calm the mind. Try it. He took another cone and, with the old man's permission, lit it with his flint, placing it in a small ashes on the counter. The soft smoke rose, filling the small shop with its unique aroma. Old Zhao watched the smoke, then closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. He remained silent for a moment, his wrinkled face relaxing slightly. Hmm," he murmured, opening his eyes. There was a genuine glow of interest there now. It's not bad. In fact, it calms the mind. Where did you do that, young master? I have never seen anything like it, "It is a family recipe," Ti?nháo lied softly. Limited production. I call it Smoke Calming. I believe that students, or even cultivators in early training, could benefit from improving focus during their studies or meditation. Old Zhao tapped his fingers on the counter, calculating. Family revenue, huh? How much do you want for this?"The negotiation began. The Old Zhao, despite looking sleepy, was an experienced negotiator, trying to minimize the value of the unknown product. Ti?nháo, using his calm and logic, highlighted the uniqueness and practical benefit, refusing to give in too much to the price. He knew he needed to establish a value, however small, for his work. As they negotiated, the door of the store opened again. A middle-aged man, dressed as a scholar, came in, looking a little agitated. He looked around, his gaze landing on the burning incense cone. Master Zhao, what aroma is this? It is quite... reassuring," said the scholar, approaching. Old Zhao smiled cunningly at Ti?nháo before turning to the new customer. Oh, Master Li Wei! It is a new incense that this Young Master brought. Smoke Calm, he calls. He says it helps with concentration. The scholar, Li Wei, seemed intrigued. Concentration? The gods know that I need this with my students exams approaching! Can I try it?" Ti?nháo offered a cone to the scholar. Li Wei lit it and inhaled the smoke for a moment. His eyes widened slightly. Notable! It really seems to clear the mind. Seeing the genuine interest of the scholar, Tiannáo's negotiating position has strengthened. After a few more exchanges, he managed to sell ten cones to the scholar Li Wei for a decent price and another ten to the Old Zhao for a slightly lower price (since the old man would buy to resell). Ti?nháo left the store "Miscellaneous Treasures" with a bag of coins significantly heavier than when he entered. It was not a fortune, but it was a real profit, earned through his own initiative and knowledge. A satisfied smile touched his lips. He decided to use some of the money to explore the city a little more. He bought some hot loaves from a street tent - the tastiest food he had eaten since he had arrived in this world - and watched the flow of people. He saw militia guards patrolling, merchants bargaining noisily, children running and playing, and cultivators of different levels exhibiting varying degrees of arrogance or indifference. It was a complex ecosystem, very different from the stagnant and oppressive atmosphere of the Gu Mansion. While watching near a teahouse, he saw L? H? coming out, his face still determined, but with visible dark circles. It seemed that postponing the exam had not slowed down his training pace. Brother Li! Ti?nháo called softly. L? H? turned around, surprised to see Ti?nháo. Young Master Gu! What a coincidence! How are the preparations going? I heard that the exam was postponed. What news, huh? More time to train!" "In fact, agreed Ti?nháo. Although the reason is worrying. Did you hear anything else about the demonic attacks?"L?H? shook his head, the expression getting serious. Just rumors. It is said that the sect is sending experts to investigate. I hope you solve that soon. Four months pass quickly. He looked at Ti?nháo with curiosity. What about you, Young Master Gu? What have you done? Still with the Cold Dew Grass? Ti?nháo smiled slightly. I'm exploring a few different applications. The path of cultivation requires creativity, don't you think? He decided not to reveal his incense yet. But tell me, Brother Li, do you know the surroundings well? I'm thinking of doing some training outside the city. L? H? seemed interested. Outside the city? Where? The nearby hills are safe, but do not offer much challenge. The Black Mist Forest... well, that's another story. Dangerous, but full of opportunities, they say, "Black Mist Forest," Ti?nháo repeated, testing the name. That's exactly what he wanted to know more about. The brief meeting reinforced Ti?nháo's sense that L? H? could be a useful contact, someone with practical knowledge of the world outside the isolated nobility. He said goodbye to L? H?, promising to meet him again, and returned to the Gu Mansion before his absence was noticed. He had succeeded. He had transformed knowledge into capital. He had taken another step towards independence. Now, with funds in hand, the search for the Meridian Opening Pill and the training in the Black Mist Forest seemed much closer to reality.