The Lay Flat Life: My Wife's Cultivation Makes Me Stronger - Chapter 14

“Alright, Daoist friend, please follow me,” said the shop assistant with a smile, leading Han Feng upstairs.

On the second floor, there was a vast area where various formation diagrams were neatly categorized and displayed. Only the diagrams were shown here; the actual engraved formations were not displayed. After selecting one, the shop would retrieve the corresponding formation for the customer.

There were Spirit Gathering formations, Defensive formations, Teleportation formations, Offensive formations, and Training formations—an overwhelming variety to choose from.

“Daoist friend, this area contains the defensive formations. Feel free to browse and select one that suits your needs.”

Han Feng scanned the rows of formation diagrams. He didn’t even bother looking at the top shelf—those were formations only Core Formation cultivators could set up, with prices ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of spirit stones, far beyond his reach.

He continued browsing downward, skipping over the ones in the five-to-ten-thousand spirit stone range.

Not interested.

Skipping again past the three-to-five-thousand range.

Still not interested.

His focus was solely on those priced under three thousand spirit stones.

“Are you looking for a formation that offers maximum defense, or something that combines both offense and defense? There are formations that can strike back while defending against enemy attacks, or ones that come with additional functions like Spirit Gathering or Teleportation.”

“They can have other functions?”

“Of course. For example, take a look at this Five Tiger Counterattack Formation. It harnesses the roaring power of tiger spirits and uses the five elements to form an indestructible barrier. Not only does it defend, but it also absorbs part of the enemy’s attack and strikes back.

Then there’s this Blood Armor Teleportation Formation, which draws upon the blood of Foundation Establishment spirit beasts. While its defense isn’t as strong as the Five Tiger one, it comes with a teleportation function. If the formation is broken, it will immediately activate and teleport you away. However, it’s a one-time use, and the teleport destination is random.”

Han Feng glanced at the two options. The first one offered both defense and counterattack but left him vulnerable after being broken. The second allowed for escape via teleportation but had an unpredictable outcome.

For most people, these additional features were life-saving. But for Han Feng, they were drawbacks.

If he were ever attacked, he planned to play the weak victim in front of the Enforcement Hall. If he remained unharmed while his enemies were battered and bruised, it’d be easy for him to get them captured.

As for teleportation… who knew where he’d end up? The world of cultivation was dangerous. What if he got teleported into a demonic cultivator’s lair or a beast’s den? That’d be like serving himself up on a platter.

At that moment, the little fox piped up from his pouch.

“What are you afraid of? Fortune favors the bold! Go for the teleportation one. Worst case, we run and live as rogue cultivators.”

Han Feng sighed, feeling exasperated.

“Is that really what you’re thinking?”

“It’s cheap—only 1,500 spirit stones! The first one costs 2,500. I’m just trying to save some stones for myself to eat.” The little fox chuckled.

So that was it. The fox just wanted more leftover spirit stones for itself.

“What kind of enemies can these formations defend against?” Han Feng asked, getting to the heart of the matter.

“For enemies below the Foundation Establishment level, it depends on how long the formation lasts before breaking. For Foundation Establishment-level opponents, the first one can withstand at least three full-power strikes, while the second can endure two.”

“And once it’s set up, can it be moved to another location?”

“Of course. The formation flags and materials are portable. You can just pull them up when needed. And don’t worry—enemies won’t be able to pull them out.”

Han Feng stroked his chin and asked, “The teleportation one is 1,500?”

“That’s correct.”

“And the sword downstairs is priced at 1,800?”

“Yes, together they total 3,300 spirit stones.”

“How about cutting me a deal? I’ll buy both for 2,500 spirit stones.”

Han Feng gritted his teeth, ready to haggle hard.

The shopkeeper blinked in surprise. This was the first time someone had bargained so aggressively.

Their listed prices were already discounted. According to their boss, they could offer a 10% discount depending on the situation. In reality, the price tags were slightly inflated to begin with—just a way to squeeze a little extra out of wealthy customers.

But Han Feng’s attempt to slash it down by 25%? That was too bold.

“Daoist friend, the prices I quoted already include a discount. The Windborne Sword is priced at 1,800 after the discount because it’s difficult to sell. But the Blood Armor Teleportation Formation can’t be discounted. However, since you’re buying both items, I can knock off another 100 spirit stones, bringing it down to 3,200. How does that sound?”

“You’ve already admitted that the sword is hard to sell. Lucky for you, I happen to like it and want it. If you don’t sell it now, it’ll just sit there gathering dust and won’t turn into spirit stones. Selling it to me gets you money for what’s essentially dead stock.

And the formation—it’s a one-time use item. Once it’s broken, I’ll need to return here to buy another one. If you give me a good deal now, I’ll be a repeat customer, and you’ll keep earning commissions. Doesn’t that make sense?”

“3,100 spirit stones. That’s my final offer.”

“2,800 spirit stones. That’s my limit—I don’t have any more than that.”

“3,100.”

“2,800.”

“I’m not the boss. I can’t give you that big of a discount.”

“Then go ask your boss.”

“Fine. Wait here.”

The attendant sighed heavily and walked away.

He had never encountered such a tough and stingy customer before.

While waiting, Han Feng continued browsing through the other formations.

Before long, the attendant returned and said,

“Daoist friend, our boss agreed to make an exception. To build a relationship with you, we’ll offer both items for 3,000 spirit stones—no less. This price is comparable to what you’d pay directly at Artifact and Formation Peak.

If you don’t believe me, feel free to check their prices.”

Their business mainly catered to rogue cultivators and families outside the sect, as well as foreign items not available at Artifact and Formation Peak. Ordinary disciples of the Yin-Yang Sect didn’t often need to shop here.

Artifact and Formation Peak only sold their products to sect disciples and elders, not outsiders. However, some craftsmen secretly sold items off-record to places like this—a type of black-market trade.

Han Feng tried one last time, “How about 2,900?”

“We hope to see you again next time.”

“Fine! 3,000 it is.”

The 3,150 spirit stones Han Feng had just earned were quickly reduced again.