### Chapter 20 Hidden Props – Ice Heart Grass
As a hidden prop in the starter village, obtaining Ice Heart Grass was no easy task. From his experience as a multi-run player, Yun Zhonghe knew there could be up to five possible locations.
This was a random event.
The game developers were crafty, setting up all sorts of uncertain factors to make players spend more time exploring. If you spent too long, you’d miss the refund period.
Yun Zhonghe could only rely on his memory and luck to search the bazaar for this rare herb.
…
The Cangzhou City bazaar was also located in the eastern part of the city. Unlike the ordinary market in the city which was for common folk, this bazaar was full of cultivators selling their goods to other cultivators. However, it was far more lively than the outside market.
“Take a look! The latest relic treasure unearthed!”
“Herb collected during an Immortal Alliance mission, one spirit stone each! Come take a look!”
“The newest Xuanyin Sword from Xianjian Sect! Come quickly, fast hands win out!”
“Medium-grade cultivation pills, medium-grade body-strengthening pills, ten spirit stones per bottle…”
Walking through the bazaar, Yun Zhonghe felt like he was at a farmers’ market.
Everything was new and exciting, prompting him to curiously scan every corner.
“Young Master, is there something you need? I could help you procure it. No need to find it yourself.”
Tao Jiu’er followed Yun Zhonghe, with her lovely eyes blinking as she looked bewildered at his recent strange behavior.
Though strange, it was all for the better. Especially after Chen’s family realized their son’s new virtuous path, they cried tears of joy. They said Yun Zhonghe finally saw the light, and the Yun family had hope again.
But Tao Jiu’er was happy too; after all, she watched Yun Zhonghe grow up. She felt a sense of joy at seeing her “man” mature into something worthwhile.
Unnoticed, the once mischievous young man grew handsome and suave. His display at the Immortal Alliance yesterday still left her sighing with admiration.
“I just want to take a stroll,” Yun Zhonghe replied with a smile.
“That’s alright; I’ll keep you company. If you need anything else, let me know,” Tao Jiu’er responded, gently tucking her arm into Yun Zhonghe’s.
“Huh, sure thing, Jiu’er. Go ahead,” Yun Zhonghe didn’t think much of it.
They were too familiar for him to dwell on it.
His gaze drifted over the stalls selling spiritual herbs.
Unfortunately, these herbs seemed quite regular. He had no idea how to identify the humble Ice Heart Grass.
Since in-game, when you got close to an Ice Heart Grass, a player would get an exclamation mark prompt. But here, there were no such prompts.
He regretted not checking some reference materials first to learn about the characteristics of the herb before coming here.
Slightly embarrassed, he soon noticed a small stall next to him.
It was a general store with various items — talismans, spiritual herbs, medicinal pills, fragments of magical treasures, etc.
Yun Zhonghe was drawn to a black wooden stick on the stall.
At that moment, the wooden stick made eye contact with him, causing the prophecy book in his mind to tremble slightly.
**Buy**
It gave him another short reminder.
But with past experience, Yun Zhonghe understood this must be what he was looking for.
Who knew the prophecy book was so useful?
But why did the Ice Heart Grass appear as a wooden stick?
He remembered the game depicted Ice Heart Grass as something quite unique.
“Hey, how much do your items cost?” Yun Zhonghe asked the vendor.
The vendor looked Yun Zhonghe over and noticed he was a big client right away, becoming very polite.
“Talismans three spirit stones each. Medicinal pills have prices on them. Herbs are one spirit stone each…”
The vendor saw Yun Zhonghe’s eyes fixed on a pile of miscellaneous items including the black wooden stick, and quickly started to describe them.
“As for these, they’re things I found while questing. You can pick your price, or you could buy something from my stall, and I’ll give you one of these as a gift. How’s that?”
The vendor knew Yun Zhonghe had status, so instead of profiting off him, it was better to gain a good reputation.
Yun Zhonghe nodded, buying five hiding talismans and twenty exploding talismans.
Medicinal pills and herbs were useless for him since he was bound to Huang Aotian’s cultivation level, but these talismans were perfect.
Before reaching the Golden Core stage, cultivators couldn’t use magic spells easily unless they were part of a superpower like the Immortal Alliance. Even then, the cost was high.
Cultivators at the Qi Refinement or Foundation Establishment stages usually used talismans which worked similarly to simple spells. They were disposable and didn’t drain personal spiritual energy.
Even many cultivators in the Golden Core stage still preferred using talismans.
However, talismans were expensive, costing three spirit stones each. It was tough for usual cultivators to afford.
But the Yun family had deep pockets, and talismans were important strategic supplies. Buying more wasn’t wasteful.
So, Tao Jiu’er paid without hesitation.
Twenty-five talismans cost seventy-five spirit stones. The vendor beamed and offered Yun Zhonghe a free gift, urging him to come back again.
“I won’t,” Yun Zhonghe thought to himself. Content with his purchase, he headed home.
Feeling secure with what he bought hidden away in his pocket.
Got the hidden prop!
…
“Snow, this is the bazaar in the eastern part of the city, quite lively, isn’t it?”
Around the same time, two cute figures also arrived at the bazaar.
Lin Zhongyu was visiting the eastern bazaar for the first time. Her curious eyes mirrored Yun Zhonghe’s.
Mu Jixue held Lin Zhongyu’s hand. “Zhongyu, there are many people here. Hold tight onto me, don’t let us get separated.”
“Okay.”
Lin Zhongyu felt warm and smiled sweetly, then continued scanning her surroundings, “There are so many people, all looking for suitable cultivation gear.”
“After all, for us cultivators, relying solely on personal effort is very difficult. Using external items to boost our strength is the most common practice. Basically, everyone in the city comes here regularly, hoping they might discover some treasure,” Mu Jixue explained.
However, Lin Zhongyu didn’t immediately respond. Her mind wandered, wondering if Yun Zhonghe was here too.
Last night, he left suddenly, leaving her with so much unsaid. It felt stifling inside her heart.
Looking around, she saw no familiar golden-haired figure. Lin Zhongyu’s face showed disappointment.
Of course, with the Yun family’s wealth, Yun Zhonghe surely wasn’t lacking resources. Even if he wanted to run, someone else would fill in.
But unknowingly, Mu Jixue saw everything.
She understood that her dear friend was thinking of someone else!
