Traveling through time and space: Medical skills travel the world

Chapter 182 The Mysterious Merchant

"Miss, would you like a bouquet of flowers? The peonies here are more beautiful than the most famous ones in the city," the stall owner was a middle-aged woman with wrinkles on her face but full of energy. When she saw Chen Fang, she immediately put down her work and greeted her warmly.

"It's really beautiful! But I haven't planned to buy it yet. I want to take a look at it." Chen Fang responded with a smile, but was thinking about her own things.

"Flowers always grow to bring happiness. Why don't you pick a bouquet to cheer you up?" the woman advised kindly, with a kind smile on her face.

"You're right, but I'm here to look for something special. Mr. Zhang, who lives near my home, said there's a new vendor in the market who sells rare items." Chen Fang explained softly, feeling a little regretful, as if flowers were not the purpose of her trip.

"Oh, then you have to pay more attention, there are always some strange things in this market." The woman pointed to the distance, where many customers gathered, and the noise was surging like a tide.

Chen Fang's heart was immediately attracted to it, and she turned and walked in that direction. In the crowd, several young men were displaying various antiques, calligraphy and paintings, and they looked relaxed, attracting many buyers.

"Everyone, look here, there are a lot of treasures here, I guarantee you have never seen them before!" A tall man with a deep voice shouted loudly, scanning the crowd with his eyes as sharp as an eagle.

"This emerald jade crown is a relic from the palace, and it's the only one in the world!" He held in his hand an emerald jade crown with fine carvings, which was shining with dazzling light.

"Is it true? I want to see it too!" There were bursts of discussion in the crowd, and several curious women rushed to open their eyes wide.

"I've heard of this thing, too. I remember someone mentioned it a few days ago. It's a rare treasure." A burly man interrupted, his face full of pride.

"Well, everyone, please be quiet for a moment, and I'll tell you a story." The seller smiled and raised the jade crown in his hand, as if he had seen the arrival of business. His voice penetrated the crowd, stirring up a low murmur.

Chen Fang was attracted by the beautiful jade crown and squeezed into the crowd, staring at it intently, as if the jade contained an ancient secret that attracted her attention.

"I'm willing to buy this with fifty taels of silver!" Just as she was immersed in her obsession, a crisp voice interrupted her thoughts. She turned around suddenly and found a girl in a light blue dress, staring at the jade crown with longing eyes.

"Girl, are you kidding?" the seller asked with certainty, a hint of teasing in his eyes. He obviously didn't expect someone to offer such a high price.

"Every word I said is true. If you don't believe me, you can ask the people around you." The girl remained calm and her expression was as firm as iron.

Chen Fang's heart moved, and she suddenly felt that this girl seemed to be no simple matter. She wanted to find out some information, so she quickly asked, "Miss, do you know anything special about this treasure?"

The girl smiled slightly, her eyes fell on the jade crown, and she seemed to be lost in memory: "This item is related to my family's history. It is said that it was a relic of my ancestor."

"Uh, are you really...?" Chen Fang was a little surprised, her eyes moving around her face, finding it hard to imagine that she had such a background.

"Yes, I do want to buy it back, but I hope you won't argue with me. We can discuss it together." The girl nodded, and her gentle expression made people feel very kind.

She turned her head involuntarily, her eyes falling on a merchant in a black robe. Compared with the plain clothes of the surrounding vendors, the merchant's clothes looked extremely gorgeous, with silver cloud patterns embroidered on his robe and wide sleeves, which fluttered like floating clouds when he walked, giving people a mysterious and majestic feeling.

"My friend, what rare items are you selling?" a customer nearby asked curiously, with a hint of respect in his voice.

"My goods are spiritual objects from heaven and earth that can help people achieve their wishes." The merchant smiled slightly, his voice low like the wind ready to blow, "Just one word will open the door to a new world for you."

Chen Fang's heart moved and she couldn't help but move forward. She was always curious about phenomena that could not be explained by common sense, and the businessman's words just happened to arouse her interest.

"Can you really fulfill people's wishes?" she mustered up the courage to ask, breaking the silence of the crowd.

The merchant turned his head to look at her, his eyes sparkling, as if he could see through her thoughts at a glance. "Girl, what is your wish or dream in this world?"

"I just want to find something that can make people feel excited, and maybe... it can open their minds." Chen Fang smiled slightly, with a bit more determination in her eyes.

"Well, a heart full of worries cannot accomplish great exploration." The merchant nodded slightly, then pulled out a small brocade bag from his pocket, as bright as the stars in the night sky, "This is the ancient spiritual stone, which can guide thoughts and give inspiration."

"Can this thing be as you say?" After hearing this, the curiosity of the people around became even stronger.

"If you don't believe it, you can give it a try." The businessman gently shook the brocade bag in his hand, and several spirit stones scattered into the air like meteors. The flickering spots of light seemed like thousands of falling stars, making people dizzy.

"But I don't have any money..." Chen Fang hesitated. Although he didn't want to believe it, he couldn't help but want to collect the mysterious spirit stone.

"No problem," the businessman smiled, as if it didn't matter, "I can trade your wishes."

"My wish?" She was confused, and couldn't help but think about the cost behind it.

"Yes, you need to let me know what kind of future you desire most." The businessman responded calmly.

"I want to see a wider world, explore more unknown things, and learn about those mysterious legends." A trace of yearning flashed in Chen Fang's eyes, and her cheeks were slightly flushed by the passion aroused.

"Then I will give you a chance." The businessman raised his hand and was about to hand the spirit stone to her when loud applause interrupted their conversation.

"Humph, you're using this trick to deceive a little girl here, how ridiculous." The wealthy young man in front sneered, his expression full of contempt.

"If you are ignorant, don't offend me lightly." The businessman's tone was still calm and his expression was normal, as if this young man was insignificant.

"What right do you have to preach here? What real ability do you have?" the young master asked angrily with disdain on his face.

Chen Fang gently pulled the businessman's sleeve and whispered, "Otherwise, I don't want this spirit stone anymore. It seems that this deal is not appropriate..."

"Don't be afraid. Where your heart leads you, there will be a way." The businessman smiled slightly, with a gentle attitude and some kind of mysterious power, which really made her feel at ease.

"This spiritual stone is not just for fulfilling wishes. In fact, it guides your true inner thoughts." The businessman explained more to her.

Listening to the merchant's words, Chen Fang calmed down and thought about what she really wanted. She realized that this was not just a spirit stone, but that she had to seriously face her inner yearning and desire.