Chapter 159
Chapter 159
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 159
Chapter Title: The Yu Clan of Qiyun Mountain, Chen Jianghe's Resources
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“Uncle.”
Mrs. Zhou opened the courtyard gate. Seeing it was Chen Jianghe, she quickly offered a respectful bow, her gaze then shifting toward the yard.
“Are there guests?” Chen Jianghe took out a basket of spirit fruits and handed it to Mrs. Zhou. He didn't glance into the yard, merely asking the question calmly.
Mrs. Zhou respectfully accepted the basket, then had Yu Qirui, who was beside her, take it into the courtyard.
“It's people from my late mother-in-law's clan. Father, Eldest Brother, and Fourth Brother are negotiating with them.” Mrs. Zhou didn’t hide anything from Chen Jianghe, revealing that the Yun Clan had sent visitors.
“Oh? Who came?”
Chen Jianghe knew the Yun Clan would eventually send someone, but he hadn't expected them to be so quick. Logically, they should have waited a year or two.
That would have let the Yu Clan know that while the Yun Clan wanted to reconcile, they wouldn't concede too much.
“The Ancestor and Clan Head Yun Xiaotian are here.”
Mrs. Zhou said, then asked, “Uncle, would you like to come in?”
Mrs. Zhou was well aware of Chen Jianghe’s standing within the Yu family. Whether it was Yu Daniu, the late Yun Huizhen, or the newly successful Foundation Establishment cultivator Yun Xiaoniu, they all held him in the highest regard.
Moreover, they would always consult him on any major family matters.
“I won’t come in for now. Have Daniu come find me after they’ve left,” Chen Jianghe said before turning to leave.
Only after Chen Jianghe’s figure disappeared around the corner of the lane did Mrs. Zhou close the courtyard gate.
“Where’s Uncle?”
Just then, Yun Xiaoniu strode up to Mrs. Zhou and asked anxiously.
When Yu Daniu saw Yu Qirui carrying the basket of spirit fruits inside, he had asked where it came from.
Yu Qirui had told him it was from his grand-uncle.
That was when Yun Xiaoniu had hurried over.
“Uncle has already left. He said for Father to go find him after you’re finished here,” Mrs. Zhou replied.
At this moment, the icy aura around Yun Xiaoniu was gone, as was the oppressive fluctuation of his spiritual power.
His aura was restrained, making him seem more like a mortal martial artist.
“How could you let Uncle leave? There’s nothing about our family that needs to be hidden from him.”
Yun Xiaoniu said, but then, thinking of Chen Jianghe’s personality, he added with a sigh, “Very well. After the Ancestor leaves, Father and I will pay Uncle a visit.”
Even after successfully reaching Foundation Establishment and becoming the ancestor of a cultivation clan, Yun Xiaoniu’s character remained unchanged.
His respect for Chen Jianghe was even greater than before.
Without that genuine Foundation Establishment Pill, his attempt to break through would have been far more difficult, and he might have even failed.
By evening.
The Yun Clan Ancestor and Yun Xiaotian finally walked out of Yu Daniu’s courtyard.
Yu Daniu and his family bowed respectfully to see the Yun Clan Ancestor off.
As for Yun Xiaotian, only Yu Daniu cupped his fist in farewell.
It was obvious that both Yun Xiaoniu and Yun Siniu held a great deal of resentment toward Yun Xiaotian.
After the Yun Clan Ancestor and Yun Xiaotian left, Yu Daniu turned around, his eyes fixed sternly on Yun Xiaoniu and Yun Siniu.
“Yun Xiaotian is also an elder. He’s your grandfather’s cousin and, more importantly, my benefactor. You cannot be so rude to him in the future.”
“Otherwise, I’ll return to the Yun Clan, and you can all go to Qiyun Mountain by yourselves.”
Yu Daniu reprimanded them in a low voice, “Yun Yifeng is Yun Yifeng, and Yun Xiaotian is Yun Xiaotian.”
“Father, Second Brother…”
“Fourth Brother, be quiet.”
Yun Siniu tried to say something but was cut off by Yun Xiaoniu, who then looked respectfully at Yu Daniu and said, “We understand your teachings, Father. We won't be disrespectful to Clan Head Yun again.”
“Good. It’s late today. Tomorrow, you will accompany me to visit your uncle. We’ll discuss the matter of heading to Qiyun Mountain after that.”
After speaking, Yu Daniu turned and entered the courtyard. His stern expression softened slightly upon seeing Yu Qirui, and he picked him up before walking into the house.
“Eldest Brother, that Yun Xiaotian insisted on leaving Second Brother in Shixia Town. Isn’t that just trying to use Second Brother as a hostage? He’s clearly bullying our family.”
Yun Siniu said, dissatisfied.
“You can’t put it that way. Second Brother staying at Mirror Moon Lake will also help ease the future relationship between the Yu and Yun clans.”
“Didn’t you see that both the Ancestor and Father were very supportive of Second Brother staying at Mirror Moon Lake?”
“Father is a man of great sentiment and righteousness. He won’t let us come into conflict with the Yun Clan and will do his best to mend our relationship with them.”
Yun Xiaoniu thought of the Yun Clan Ancestor's aged face and the aura of death in his eyes, and a wave of emotion stirred in his heart.
“The Ancestor has shown our family great kindness; he would never harm us.”
“Furthermore, the Ancestor secured significant benefits for us in the clan separation. From now on, neither you nor I are to hold any grudges against the Yun Clan.”
“As for Yun Yifeng? Once Yun Boxu has grown, someone from the Yun Clan will naturally send him to his final rest to atone to our third brother.”
—
The next day.
Yu Daniu brought Yun Xiaoniu and Yun Siniu to Qingping Lane and knocked on the door. A short while later, Chen Jianghe came out.
He saw that Yun Xiaoniu had successfully reached Foundation Establishment, his aura now restrained. He had truly become a Foundation Establishment Senior.
Before Chen Jianghe could speak.
Yun Xiaoniu knelt before him.
“This nephew thanks Uncle for his immense kindness. Without you, Uncle, this nephew would have likely failed to reach Foundation Establishment and might have even lost his life.”
“This nephew will never forget Uncle’s great kindness for the rest of his life.”
Yun Siniu also knelt down at that moment.
Chen Jianghe quickly stepped forward and helped the two younger men to their feet.
Yun Xiaoniu was now a Foundation Establishment Senior. While there was nothing inherently wrong with him performing such a grand gesture, it would be quite conspicuous if an outsider were to see it.
As for Yun Siniu’s kneeling, Chen Jianghe naturally knew it was because of that flawed Foundation Establishment Pill.
After all, Foundation Establishment Pills were hard to come by. Even at auctions, they weren't guaranteed to appear every time.
Qinghe Market City was considered one of the larger cultivation markets south of the Sky-reaching River, but the number of times a Foundation Establishment Pill had appeared at auction could be counted on one hand.
They basically only showed up once every twenty or thirty years.
“Big Brother, we might be leaving Qinghe Market City,” Yu Daniu said, looking at Chen Jianghe.
“Have you settled things with the Yun Clan?”
“Yes. The Ancestor negotiated a lot for our family.”
“Come, let’s go to the Qinghe Restaurant. I’ll see you off.”
Chen Jianghe nodded, then said to Yun Siniu, “Go get Xiaoyue and Qirui and bring them to the Qinghe Restaurant as well.”
“Yes, Uncle.”
A short while later, they arrived at the Qinghe Restaurant. Chen Jianghe spent twenty-two spirit stones on a table full of spirit dishes and two pots of high-grade immortal spirit wine.
He wasn't spending so lavishly because he had spirit stones to spare.
It was mainly because he was overjoyed about Yun Xiaoniu’s successful breakthrough.
Furthermore, this might be their last gathering in Qinghe Market City for a long time.
Once Yu Daniu and his family left, there was no telling when they would meet again. It would be at least until after he reached Foundation Establishment himself.
During the gathering, Yu Daniu told Chen Jianghe the details of the Yu-Yun clan separation.
From the eighteen-hundred-li territory of Mirror Moon Lake, a six-hundred-li area centered on Qiyun Mountain was designated as the domain under the Yu Clan’s control.
In this separation, although the Yu Clan only received a third of the territory, Qiyun Mountain was a blessed mountain with a second-tier, mid-grade spirit vein.
Furthermore, the Yu Clan would receive twenty percent of the annual profits from the Mirror Moon Market City.
In return for these conditions.
The Yu Clan was to never again mention the matter of Yun Yifeng, and the Yu and Yun clans were to remain brother clans. If one faced trouble, the other had to provide unconditional support.
When Chen Jianghe heard that the Yun Clan Ancestor had secured these benefits for the Yu Clan, he felt a deep admiration for the old man's foresight.
In truth, the Yun Clan had no need to give up twenty percent of the market city's profits.
But by doing so, they tightly bound the Yu and Yun clans together.
Blood ties would thin with each passing generation.
But ties of mutual interest were eternal.
As long as the Mirror Moon Market City represented a shared interest for both clans, the Yu Clan would surely help the Yun Clan develop it with all their might.
After three rounds of wine and five courses of dishes.
Chen Jianghe looked at Yu Daniu and asked, “What about the descendants from your wife’s branch of the family?”
“The Clan Head’s intention was to let us choose whether to take them with us.”
“The Ancestor, however, forbade us from taking them, saying they are part of the Yun Clan and shouldn't leave with the Yu Clan.”
Yu Daniu sighed.
He knew the Yun Clan Ancestor was doing this for their own good. Otherwise, with Yu Qirui as the only male heir, the Yu Clan was currently small.
If Yun Huizhen’s branch followed them, the Yu Clan would sooner or later become a part of the Yun Clan again.
Yun Xiaotian had let Yu Daniu choose.
This was undoubtedly a choice that would offend people. No matter what he decided, it would cause dissatisfaction within Yun Huizhen’s lineage.
But the Yun Clan Ancestor’s single decree settled the matter, and he did so from a position of moral high ground, leaving Yun Huizhen’s branch with nothing to say.
“The Yun Clan Ancestor is a reasonable man. He has shown the Yu Clan great kindness,” Chen Jianghe said, glancing at Yun Xiaoniu and Yun Siniu.
This statement also served as a form of closure for Yun Huizhen.
After all, Yun Huizhen had once begged him to restrain Yun Xiaoniu and prevent him from harboring resentment toward the Yun Clan.
“Rest assured, Uncle. This nephew is not one to repay kindness with ingratitude.”
Yun Xiaoniu and Yun Siniu stood up and spoke with solemnity.
“Good.”
Chen Jianghe raised a hand, gesturing for them to sit. He then looked at Yu Daniu again and said, “Have you thought about what the Yu Clan will base its future development on?”
Hearing this.
Yu Daniu, Yun Xiaoniu, and Yun Siniu were all taken aback. They then shook their heads; clearly, they hadn't considered this matter.
“Grand-uncle, I know,” Yu Qirui said at that moment.
“Oh? Little Qirui knows? Then tell your grand-uncle, in what direction do you plan to lead the Yu Clan?”
Chen Jianghe looked with a smile at the ten-year-old Yu Qirui.
“The Qiyun Mountain that the Great Ancestor gave us is six hundred li in area and governs five small cultivation towns. It has a large area of spirit fields. In the early stages, we can base the clan’s foundation on cultivating these spirit fields.”
“Later, when the clan has more people, we can choose one of the Hundred Arts of Cultivation as the clan's cornerstone.”
Yu Qirui spoke like a little adult, laying out his plans for the clan’s future.
“Tell Grand-uncle, who taught you all this?” Chen Jianghe handed Yu Qirui a white egret leg, asking with a gentle smile.
“It was…”
Yu Qirui lowered his head, seeming to hesitate, as if he didn't dare to speak.
“Uncle, it was this niece-in-law who told Qirui,” Mrs. Zhou stood up respectfully, feeling a little intimidated.
“Mm, you’ve taught him well. Sit down.”
Seeing Mrs. Zhou rise timidly, Chen Jianghe spoke in a gentle tone, “You see? The three of you are no match for little Qirui.”
“This… Haha~”
The three men laughed awkwardly.
They understood the other meaning in Chen Jianghe’s words. He wasn’t saying they were inferior to Yu Qirui, but that they were inferior to Mrs. Zhou.
“Which of the Hundred Arts of Cultivation do you plan for the Yu Clan to pursue?” Chen Jianghe asked, looking at Mrs. Zhou.
“This concerns important clan matters, so this niece-in-law dare not speak out of turn. Everything will be decided by Father, Eldest Brother, and Fourth Brother.”
“Xiaoyue, just say what your uncle asks. Don’t be so reserved. Your eldest brother and fourth brother will only serve as the clan’s protectors; they won’t interfere in the clan’s development.”
Yu Daniu glanced at Mrs. Zhou and said with a smile.
“That’s right. Neither Eldest Brother nor I will interfere in the clan’s development matters,” Yun Siniu quickly added.
Yu Daniu wouldn’t manage the Yu Clan’s affairs.
He wasn’t good at it anyway. Even as an elder in the Yun Clan, he only managed superficial matters.
As for Yun Xiaoniu, he was dedicated to his cultivation and wouldn't concern himself with clan affairs either.
Yun Siniu would likely be focused on planning for his own Foundation Establishment and would have even less time for such things.
If he succeeded, he would become a Foundation Establishment Ancestor of the Yu Clan.
If he failed but was fortunate enough to survive thanks to a Foundation Establishment Pill, he would then dedicate his life to the clan.
By stating that they wouldn't interfere in clan affairs at this time, they were making it clear to Mrs. Zhou that they would not marry or have children.
The Yu Clan would henceforth focus on nurturing Yu Qirui, so she should have no reservations.
At the same time, they were telling Mrs. Zhou to develop the Yu Clan with all her heart, because everything would one day belong to her son.
They, as his uncles, would not compete with their nephew for anything.
They would treat their nephew as their own son.
“Yes, Father.”
Mrs. Zhou responded respectfully to Yu Daniu, then turned to Yun Xiaoniu and Yun Siniu and curtsied. “Thank you, Eldest Brother, Fourth Brother.”
“Uncle, my maiden family built its foundation on talisman crafting. I was thinking the Yu Clan could also develop in that direction.”
Chen Jianghe nodded and looked at Yu Daniu and his sons. “What do you three think?”
“That’s fine. Crafting spirit talismans is a relatively stable path.”
Yu Daniu and his sons all nodded in agreement.
“Your maiden family crafts talismans, so you could ask them for their Talisman Dao legacy. This would help the Yu Clan’s early development, but it would entangle the kinship and interests of the Yu and Zhou clans, which would not be conducive for Qirui’s management of the clan in the future.”
Chen Jianghe said, looking at Mrs. Zhou.
The meaning was clear: if Yu Qirui received too much help from the Zhou Clan in the early stages, he would have no choice but to strongly support the Zhou Clan later on.
This would be detrimental to the Yu Clan’s long-term development.
As the Yu Clan grew larger and more established, its expenses would also increase, making it impossible to continue yielding benefits to the Zhou Clan.
But the kindness received in the beginning could not go un-repaid.
And with Mrs. Zhou caught in the middle, it would be even more complicated.
“Uncle is right. This niece-in-law was not thorough in her considerations.” Mrs. Zhou understood the implications and felt her initial idea was indeed shortsighted.
She had only thought about saving spirit stones and developing the Yu Clan quickly, forgetting about the entanglement of kinship and interests.
Chen Jianghe took out two jade slips and handed them to Yu Daniu.
“This is a first-tier Talisman Dao legacy and a first-tier Puppet legacy. Both can serve as a foundation for the Yu Clan’s future development.”
“Big Brother, what is this?”
“Take it. The Yu Clan is just starting out. As your elder brother, there’s not much I can do to help, so I can only offer these two legacies.”
Chen Jianghe patted Yu Daniu’s shoulder and placed the two jade slips in his hand.
He had obtained the first-tier Talisman Dao legacy from Zhou Miaoyun in exchange for three Life Extension Pills.
It was a complete legacy, and he was free to trade it or give it away as he pleased.
As for the first-tier Puppet legacy, he had traded for it with Ruan Tieniu, and it was also a complete legacy.
He could trade it or give it away.
Chen Jianghe had no intention of establishing a clan, and he had already memorized both legacies.
Keeping them was redundant, so he might as well give them to Yu Daniu.
Of course, even after giving them to Yu Daniu, he could still trade them with others without any issue.
However, he had erased the demonic cultivation technique section from the jade slip recording the first-tier Puppet legacy.
It wasn't that he was being stingy.
It was just that the Blood River Escape Art was too recognizable. It could easily be linked to Lan Tianxiang, and there were still people from the Tiannan Sect who had their eyes on him.
If it were exposed, it would cause unnecessary trouble.
Besides, Yu Daniu had done him a great favor by helping him acquire the Myriad Waters True Scripture.
A superior cultivation technique like the Myriad Waters True Scripture couldn't be bought.
Although the first-tier Talisman Dao and Puppet legacies were hard to purchase, they were still obtainable.
The two legacies, plus the Foundation Establishment Pill, barely repaid that earlier favor.
It wasn't that Chen Jianghe wanted to sever ties with Yu Daniu.
He just didn't like being indebted to others.
It was detrimental to his cultivation.
Especially now that he was close to Foundation Establishment, he worried it might affect his breakthrough.
After giving away the first-tier Talisman Dao and Puppet legacies, Chen Jianghe felt a wave of refreshment wash over him, his thoughts becoming clear and unobstructed.
After leaving the Qinghe Restaurant, Chen Jianghe went to the Hundred Treasures Pavilion and found Chen Ping.
“Fellow Daoist, the price of high-grade protective talismans has fallen somewhat. Compared to before, it has dropped by fifty percent. We can now only buy them back at a sixty percent premium over the market price.”
Chen Ping explained to Chen Jianghe, “It’s been nearly three years since the beast tide erupted at the Beast Taming Market City. Spirit talismans and pills from north of the Sky-reaching River have been continuously flowing in. I’m afraid the price of talismans will drop even further soon.”
Chen Jianghe nodded, agreeing with what Chen Ping said.
No matter how scarce resources were at the Beast Taming Market City, after such a long beast tide, supplies would have mostly been replenished.
Prices were bound to return to normal.
He immediately took out the fifty-nine high-grade protective talismans he had crafted and handed them to Chen Ping.
“Because this is the Hundred Treasures Pavilion’s unified buyback price, I can’t influence it. I can only buy them back at the standard premium. Please forgive me, Fellow Daoist,” Chen Ping said with a cupped-fist salute.
“Of course. Everything should be done according to your pavilion’s rules.”
Chen Jianghe said quickly.
“Fifty-nine high-grade protective talismans. The market price is twelve spirit stones each. With a sixty percent premium, the total comes to one thousand one hundred thirty-two spirit stones and eighty spirit sand.”
“Let’s round it up to one thousand one hundred thirty-three spirit stones.”
Chen Ping took the talismans, went to the counter to record the transaction, and brought back one thousand one hundred thirty-three spirit stones for Chen Jianghe.
“Fellow Daoist, do you know the current situation at the Beast Taming Market City?” Chen Jianghe asked as he put the spirit stones into his storage pouch.
“The situation is not looking good.”
Chen Ping frowned and said with a sense of helplessness, “The Zhou Clan has kept the reason for this beast tide a secret and refuses to disclose it to anyone.”
“This has led to the other three top immortal clans refusing to help. Even the Tiannan Sect has only dispatched two Core Formation elders.”
“However, when those two Core Formation elders were passing the western side of the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range, they were intercepted by two third-tier demonic beasts.”
Chen Jianghe’s expression turned to one of shock upon hearing this.
“Does that mean the demonic beasts also have reinforcements in this beast tide at the Beast Taming Market City?”
The beast tide at the Beast Taming Market City was initially started by two Black Flame Fire Crows, and later joined by an Icy Triangle Python.
After the Beast Taming Market City received outside help, another third-tier demonic beast flew out from the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range to support the Black Flame Fire Crows and the Icy Triangle Python.
Now, the two Core Formation elders sent by the Tiannan Sect had been intercepted by third-tier demonic beasts from the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range, preventing them from reinforcing the market city.
What did this mean?
This beast tide was orchestrated by a powerful demon, with a continuous stream of demonic beasts flying out from the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range to support the Black Flame Fire Crows attacking the market city.
Clearly, the reason for the beast tide was not the Black Flame Fire Crow eggs, nor was it a Core Formation spirit item.
There was likely an even bigger secret involved.
The Zhou Clan was willing to risk the destruction of the Beast Taming Market City rather than reveal this secret.
“You could say that. The Wandering Immortal Mountain Range is vast and boundless, home to many powerful demonic beasts.”
“If the Zhou Clan continues to refuse to say what they obtained from the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range, then the Tiannan Sect will eventually just stand by and watch the Beast Taming Market City be destroyed.”
Chen Ping said nonchalantly.
Chen Jianghe took a deep breath. He had a feeling that Wang Kun might not be coming back, and even Ruan Tieniu’s return was uncertain.
The demonic beasts of the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range were clearly toying with the Zhou Clan, tormenting their Core Formation grandmasters mentally.
No matter how much help you called for, it would be blocked by other third-tier demonic beasts.
Of course, it was also possible that the great demon orchestrating all this from within the Wandering Immortal Mountain Range was waiting for the Zhou Clan to return the spirit item they had stolen from its depths.
Chen Jianghe pushed these thoughts aside. He had already profited immensely from the beast tide at the Beast Taming Market City.
He now had three thousand three hundred seventy-one spirit stones and sixty spirit sand.
At least two thousand of those spirit stones were from the price premium.
In other words, the beast tide at the Beast Taming Market City had brought him an extra two thousand spirit stones in profit.
This was great. He would be happy if one happened every five years.
“By the way, Fellow Daoist, will there be any Spirit Nurturing Pills at this auction?” Chen Jianghe asked.
He had ample spirit stones now.
He could completely accelerate his cultivation speed.
If possible, he wanted to attempt his breakthrough to Foundation Establishment within five years and become a lofty Foundation Establishment cultivator.
And to become a sky above the heads of Qi Refining cultivators.
To press down on those Qi Refining cultivators until they could barely breathe.
To be a true senior cultivator, not a Qi Refining ant.
“Spirit Nurturing Pills? There will be, but they’ve been reserved by the Qing Clan. I’m afraid you won’t be able to outbid them, Fellow Daoist. It would be better to wait for next year’s Mid-Autumn Auction.”
“Reserved? If they’re bidding at an auction, why not just go to an immortal sect’s market city to buy it directly? Wouldn’t that save a lot of spirit stones?”
It wasn't unusual for items at an auction to be reserved.
If someone else offered a higher price, all you could do was watch.
“The Qing Clan’s head is nearing the end of his lifespan, within the next two or three years. The third master of the Qing Clan wants to compete for the position of clan head, which means he needs to break through to Foundation Establishment within two years.”
“He reached the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining six years ago, perfected his physical body a few years back, and is now in the late stage of spirit refining. If he wins the Spirit Nurturing Pill ten days from now, he can cultivate to the peak of the late stage of spirit refining. He has already obtained the heaven-and-earth spirit item needed to reach spiritual perfection.”
“Naturally, he won’t waste an extra two months traveling to an immortal sect’s market city. Besides, do you think the Qing Clan cares about a few hundred spirit stones?”
Chen Ping shrugged as he explained to Chen Jianghe, but his words carried a hint of dissatisfaction with the arrogance of large cultivation clans.
But what could he do about his dissatisfaction?
They simply weren't lacking in spirit stones.
The reason Chen Ping was dissatisfied with the Qing Clan was that he also wanted to bid for the Spirit Nurturing Pill. As the second manager of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion in Qinghe Market City, he was not allowed to leave the city during his tenure.
Therefore, if he wanted to obtain a Spirit Nurturing Pill, he also had to go through the auction.
If the Qing Clan hadn't sent someone to the Hundred Treasures Pavilion to reserve it, Chen Ping could have secretly manipulated things to intercept the pill.
He would have paid the spirit stones, but the pill would never have appeared at the auction.
“However, there will be many rare treasures at this auction. You can take a look, Fellow Daoist. Perhaps there will be a spirit item you need.”
“Then will there be any heaven-and-earth spirit items that can help one reach spiritual perfection?” Chen Jianghe asked.
The Spirit Nurturing Pill had been reserved by the Qing Clan.
If he could win a heaven-and-earth spirit item for reaching spiritual perfection, that would be excellent as well.
“Of course there will be. And there will also be heaven-and-earth spirit items for breaking through to physical perfection. Oh, right, there will also be second-tier demonic beast cores acquired from the Beast Taming Market City.”