Picking up bargains at gatherings is probably a standard trope in novels, and Dao Chengyi also wanted to do just that, though not through some kind of miraculous encounter—he didn't want to get involved in that kind of thing.

He was just thinking about whether he could find some books to broaden his knowledge. After all, in ancient times, no one could guarantee that if they missed a book, it would be gone forever.

When the group arrived at Sanniu Town, there were already people at the market early in the morning, and the breakfast stalls were already occupied by a few people.

As was customary, once the group arrived, they dispersed as usual. After explaining the departure time, Niu Shou went to process the game and furs from the mountain hunt.

The villagers don't actually have much to sell, given the limited resources available. Most of their goods are scraps of grain, wild vegetables, or handicrafts. The most valuable items are those made by the village blacksmith who sharpens knives and scissors.

He didn't bother with those who had achieved enlightenment, focusing instead on selling his straw sandals while carefully activating the Sound-Listening Gu to hone his intelligence-gathering abilities.

The honest and unassuming new faces stood out among the familiar faces who frequented the market. Take the old man next door who weaves straw sandals, for example; he took the initiative to chat with Daocheng.

According to past practice, Dao Chengyi would definitely answer passively, but some things had to be changed, so he also used the memories of those ruffians to answer.

After being affectionately called "Grandpa" and given two pairs of straw sandals for free, the old man became even happier and began to tell stories about the village, such as which family's son was doing well, which family was having relationship troubles, and ghost stories.

“Old Master Niu, you’ve lived a long life and seen a lot. I’m not so knowledgeable. A martial arts master came to the village in the previous town to investigate a murder case. He used some kind of energy to circulate around his body and knew whether someone was the murderer or not. What kind of skill is that?”

Although there were more people, not many came to buy straw sandals. Those who did come were mostly elderly people like the old men. Dao Chengyi was not annoyed by this and continued chatting.

"Then you're quite lucky, kid. It's a blessing to be able to probe a martial arts master's inner energy. If you're talented, it'll be even easier to go to that martial arts master's restaurant and get some meat."

It seems that Village Chief Niu Fen is still not at ease with him. Dao Chengyi originally thought that everyone would have to go through the internal energy exploration, but good heavens, he only got to play the role of him, and he even has to be grateful!

"Is that martial artist very strong? How strong? Have you ever seen one, sir?"

"Of course I've seen them. I'm sixty-six years old this year, and I've seen a lot. Let me tell you, martial artists are so tough that even strong men can't get close to them. They can't be killed with swords, spears, or clubs. A stone mill that you can hug can fly up and injure people. A tree as thick as a thigh can be pushed down with one push."

Martial arts masters are even more extraordinary; they can kill with just their voices, shatter a skull with a single blow to a white-browed tiger, and leap up to catch a swallow in spring. A single person can move back and forth within a hundred-man army formation…

This conversation was fruitful. While there may have been some exaggeration and hierarchical distinctions, the general idea was pretty accurate. Dao Chengyi compared his own strength and realized that without absorbing the remaining human-powered Gu, he probably wouldn't last long and would have to resort to underhanded methods.

Dao Chengyi then got busy. Seeing that there were more and more people, he took out the stones and stools he had prepared.

After struggling for a while, he was ultimately alone and without family or friends, with no one to care for him or to burden him. He could not become the benevolent immortal who starved to death by buying straw sandals.

"Straw sandals for sale! Straw sandals for sale! Large, durable straw sandals! They're great for walking and beating! One slip-on, they stick to your feet and won't fall off easily; they can withstand seven or eight slips. Two pats and the marks on your body disappear quickly. If a child cries out, one pat and they'll teach them a lesson! Mud and stones, road to success, life's journey—my straw sandals are all good! All good!..."

A loud shout, a cry of "Sell your wares!", and the hundred-meter-long street fell silent. Instantly, everyone was drawn to this unprecedented and unparalleled cry.

"Passersby all looked over, wondering which straw sandal vendor was selling them. They looked east and west, then came looking at the sound. Everyone looked over here, saying, 'That's where my straw sandals are for sale!'"

With his face contorted in a desperate act, as if he were returning home, Dao Chengyi's fluency in shouting also improved. Seeing that more and more people were coming to watch the spectacle, he immediately became even more energetic, banging and striking, smashing straw sandals everywhere, hitting the ground, hitting his hands, hitting stones, and so on, all in a manner resembling a theatrical performance.

Naturally, this was a novelty to others. Where there are novelties, there are more people, and where there are more people, there are bound to be buyers. After shouting a few times, some people started asking questions.

"Little kid, you talk a good game, but are your straw sandals really that good?"

A hunter-like man from another village asked, and Dao Cheng smiled slightly.

"Sir, feel free to try this on any pair of straw sandals you like. Whether you smash them, cut them with a knife, or slap them on me, if it doesn't have the effect I described, it's on me! Just take it as a joke!"

Dao Chengyi, who said all this, naturally had a basis for his confidence. Some of the discarded Gu were also useful. One of them had a secretion that could generate a fluid that made the removed grass and trees more resilient. It needed to be diluted, and if a person touched it, it would cause fibrosis. It could also be considered a poison.

Dao Chengyi then planned to improve it and sell it as a magic oil, which would sell much better than straw sandals!

The hunter became interested and picked up a pair of straw sandals at random. He used all his strength to work on them, no matter how he kneaded, tore, scraped, or even cut them with a knife. It took some effort to achieve the desired effect.

He was clearly satisfied at the moment, and after picking up another pair, he paid for both pairs. It wasn't much, just three coins, which was about two or three dollars in purchasing power.

This price is a bit higher than the one next door, but Daochengyi is worth the price. It's also to take care of our competitors so that they don't lose money if it's cheaper.

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