Though unusable raw, they were indispensable to alchemists. Through secret refining methods, their狂暴 energy could be neutralized with special herbs, transforming them into coveted strength-enhancing elixirs that commanded astronomical prices.
Additionally, cores could be embedded into weapons, boosting their destructive power and granting Dou Qi amplification—a feature that made them wildly popular among cultivators.
They also enhanced armor and other equipment, providing formidable defenses that could mean the difference between life and death.
These myriad applications made magic cores the most sought-after materials on the continent. Even prestigious alchemists would scour the world for high-grade cores to craft superior pills.
This demand kept cores perpetually scarce. High-grade specimens appearing at auctions were instantly snapped up at exorbitant prices.
The lucrative trade spawned countless mercenary groups specializing in beast hunting—a perilous profession.
First, magical beasts weren't only powerful but cunning. Their ferocious nature and unique combat styles often made them deadlier than human cultivators of equivalent rank. Attempting to solo a same-level beast usually ended in disaster.
Second, not all beasts possessed cores—their formation seemed random. Entire teams might suffer heavy casualties only to find their quarry coreless—a common frustration.
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Thus, magic cores maintained their sky-high value and scarcity.
Guiding Xun'er through bustling streets, Xiao Yan entered a mid-sized marketplace in the city's southern district—one of several in Wutan City controlled by the three great families.
"Control" mainly meant maintaining order and security. In return, stall owners paid commissions—a long-established practice rarely challenged.
Two Xiao family guards at the entrance bowed respectfully upon recognizing them.
Inside, the human tide made Xiao Yan whistle lowly. No wonder the family guards these so fiercely—the profits must be staggering.
"Third Young Master, Miss Xun'er, what brings you here?"
A deep voice came from behind. Turning, Xiao Yan saw eight uniformed clansmen led by a 30-ish man with a six-star Dou Practitioner badge—Pei En, appointed personally by his father as market security chief.
Though unfamiliar, Xiao Yan smiled warmly at this loyal subordinate. "Just bored at home. We'll call if needed, Uncle Pei."
The respectful "uncle" visibly pleased the man. "Feel free to browse. Our people are everywhere—just shout for help."
As they melted into the crowd, Pei En ordered two men to discreetly follow—and warn any pickpockets targeting them.
Trailing lazily behind Xiao Yan, Xun'er suddenly murmured, "That Pei En seems decent."
Xiao Yan hummed in agreement while scanning stalls. His enhanced soul perception had detected their three shadows immediately.
Slowing to walk beside her, he inhaled her lotus-like fragrance and teased, "Noticing three stealth experts at nine Dou Qi segments? Quite remarkable, Xun'er..."
She responded with her signature tactic—a silent, mysterious smile.
Grinning, Xiao Yan ruffled her hair and whispered, "Whatever your background, remember—you're my sister. I'll shield you from any storm."
Xun'er froze mid-step, watching his retreating back. After a long pause, her lips curved into an enchanting smile.
"Sister? This greedy girl wants more..."
Deeper in the market where pricier goods were sold, Xun'er idly examined a simple but elegant green bracelet with cooling ice-silver accents—perfect for summer.
Remembering she'd lent all her money to Xiao Yan, she sighed apologetically at the vendor and moved on.
Just then, an oily voice rang out:
"Miss Xun'er! What fortune to meet you here!"
A gaudily dressed young noble approached with his entourage—his feverish gaze locked onto her.
(To be continued...)
Key Terms:
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Magic Core (魔核): Condensed beast energy essential for alchemy and equipment enhancement.
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Dou King (斗王): A powerhouse capable of Dou Qi externalization and short-distance flight.
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Ice-Silver (冰银): A cooling metal alloy used in summer accessories.
Cultural Nuance:
Xun'er's silent smile reflects the "mysterious beauty" archetype in xianxia, where female leads often communicate more through actions than words. The hair ruffling—a brotherly gesture in East Asian culture—carries subtle romantic ambiguity in their context.
Style Note:
The narrative balances worldbuilding (core economics) with character moments (Xun'er's bracelet scene). Xiao Yan's protective vow adapts the original's emotional cadence while avoiding melodrama. The cliffhanger noble's introduction maintains the original's social tension.