6: Chapter 6 The Theory of Guest Mentors in the Marketplace

Shangguan Feng argued loudly, "If cultivation arts were that easy to obtain, they'd be all over the streets. I only got this Spirit Wine Legacy after serving my Master for three whole years."

Under the barrage of words, Xu Changsheng finally managed to interject, "It was just an Opportunity; I have plenty of those."

Zhao Wujiu immediately sneered at him:

"You're just a dirt-digger, where would you get opportunities? If you have any, it's probably some Legacy for manure. 'Plenty of those,' you talk like you're farting!"

Xu Changsheng knew he could only eat this much of today's meal and stood up.

"Yes, I'm boasting. This Xu is full; I won't be accompanying you all any longer."

He dropped five Spirit Stones and turned to leave.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, wait! I still need to give you some Spirit Wine."

Shangguan Feng made a show of trying to keep him.

Xu Changsheng's footsteps didn't pause for a moment as his figure disappeared outside the door.

"This guy, really, can't even take a few words."

Shangguan Feng chuckled.

"Come, let's continue."

Clink!

The sound of clinking wine cups echoed in the private room.

"To tell you the truth, I successfully brewed First-rank Low Grade Spirit Wine two days ago. In thirty days, I plan to sell some at the Hundred Treasures Pavilion."

"I'll be opening the wine on the spot at the Hundred Treasures Pavilion then; you two remember to come and support me."

Shangguan Feng raised his chin proudly.

"Really? Brother Shangguan." Wu Qingqing's beautiful eyes seemed to sparkle.

"Then this Zhao will respectfully comply. That Xu Changsheng truly doesn't know what's good for him, daring to refuse a free First-rank Low Grade spiritual item. He deserves to be poor and miserable for a lifetime."

Zhao Wujiu raised his wine cup high.

Clap clap!

A pot-bellied figure appeared at the door, clapping in satisfaction.

"You all did well."

It was indeed Huang Laifu.

The three of them stood up and cupped their hands to him.

"This Xu Changsheng, I don't know how he has so many Spirit Stones to stay at the Nangui Inn. Wu Qingqing, did Wu Laoxie lend him money again?"

Hearing the interrogation.

Wu Qingqing's face turned pale, and she hurriedly denied it.

"No such thing. I talked to my father; not only did he not lend anything new, but Xu Changsheng also repaid all the Spirit Stones he owed."

"How is that possible?"

Doubt rose on Huang Laifu's broad face. "It shouldn't be. Where did this kid get Spirit Stones? Could Fellow Daoist Chen have been mistaken, and he still has hidden savings?"

He turned his head to look at Zhao Wujiu.

"Fellow Daoist Zhao, I'll trouble you to continue monitoring him. Once he steps out of the market, tell me immediately with a Sound Transmission Talisman!"

"Alright!"

Huang Laifu nodded and left the private room. Only then did the others feel relieved, though the food in their bowls no longer tasted as good.

...

In the days that followed.

After Xu Changsheng purchased a First-rank Medium Grade Talisman Brush from the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, he practiced drawing Talismans day and night in the inn.

It took him half a month to successfully draw a First-rank Medium Grade Talisman.

As usual, he sold them to the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, claiming, of course, that he had long been a First-rank Medium Grade Talisman Master.

One day.

Xu Changsheng held the Medium Grade Talisman Brush, sketching with ink on Medium Grade Talisman Paper.

As the pattern lit up, he let out a long sigh of relief.

"After finishing this last one, I'll go to the Hundred Treasures Pavilion to buy some more paper and ink."

With that said.

He walked out of his room.

He happened to run into Wu Laoxie downstairs.

"Brother Wu, what brings you here?"

A hint of joy appeared on Wu Laoxie's aged face:

"Qingqing asked this old man to go with her to the Hundred Treasures Pavilion for Fellow Daoist Shangguan's wine-opening ceremony. I thought I'd bring you along so you could get a jar too."

Hearing this.

Xu Changsheng shook his head in refusal. "I appreciate Brother Wu's kindness, but I really can't get away right now."

"What's the matter? You can't even walk a few steps? Do you know, a jar of First-rank Low Grade Spirit Wine is worth at least twenty Spirit Stones. Does Brother Xu not even want free Spirit Stones?"

Xu Changsheng shook his head in refusal, his face showing apology. "I really have things to do."

Wu Laoxie couldn't persuade him and had to go by himself. "Brother Xu, if you finish your work, come over before noon; it might still be in time."

Xu Changsheng gave an affirmative response and then closed his room door.

Of course he wouldn't go. Shangguan Feng and the others had targeted him with a common hatred at the gathering; they were already strangers to each other.

Just then.

Thump!

The door was knocked on again.

"Why is Wu Laoxie back again?"

He opened the door in confusion, only to see a middle-aged face.

"Shopkeeper Wang, what brings you here? Quick, please come in."

He made a gesture to invite Wang Ye into the room. One must know that Wang Ye was not only the shopkeeper of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, but his cultivation had also reached the ninth level of Qi Refining.

"I'll pass on the tea. I came specifically to ask how you've considered that matter?"

"Joining the Hundred Treasures Pavilion?"

"Yes."

Xu Changsheng's face showed an embarrassed expression. "Senior Wang, you know that I'm used to being idle and can't stand being restrained."

Hearing the expected answer, Wang Ye sighed slightly and said, "Alright. Since Fellow Daoist Xu doesn't agree, why not listen to another option?"

"What option?"

"I need you to meet a distinguished guest. She happens to be in the Hundred Treasures Pavilion today. If Fellow Daoist Xu is free now, you can come with me."

Seeing Wang Ye's mysterious manner, Xu Changsheng nodded.

He then followed Wang Ye out of the Nangui Inn.

He saw Wang Ye pat his Storage Pouch, and with a flash of light, he summoned a luxurious carriage.

The horse's hooves glowed with light, four wings grew from its back, and the horses pulling the carriage were all First-rank Late Stage Spirit Beasts.

"Fellow Daoist Wang has such grand style."

At Wang Ye's gesture, Xu Changsheng stepped inside.

...

The carriage sped along like the wind, and the two soon arrived.

Wang Ye added an imprint to Xu Changsheng's honored guest token. "From now on, Fellow Daoist can use this token to freely enter and exit the second floor, ignoring the Restrictions."

After taking the token and thanking him, he followed Wang Ye up to the second floor.

As they walked, Wang Ye introduced, "The second floor doesn't sell spiritual items; it's actually the trading venue for the Liuyun Market. The Xie Family regularly holds trade fairs here."

They soon reached the top, and the view suddenly opened up.

This was a spacious hall with over ten armchair-style seats lined up on each side, paired with tea tables and tea sets.

At the end was a pearwood recessed-leg table. Behind the table, a female cultivator was buried in reading.

Wang Ye stepped forward and respectfully cupped his hands. "Second Miss, I've brought the person."

"Mhm."

The female cultivator slowly raised her head, and Xu Changsheng looked closely.

It was indeed the manager of Liuyun Market, Xie Wantang.

He also hurried forward to pay his respects. "This Xu greets the Second Miss."

Xie Wantang lightly tucked her hair behind her ear and recognized Xu Changsheng. "It's you?"

Hearing this, Wang Ye's face showed a strange expression. "So you two have already met?"

"Yes, I have had the honor of meeting the Second Miss once."

Xie Wantang smiled calmly. "Is it only meeting once? I remember that day Fellow Daoist Xu was secretly learning from this humble one, watching for a full hour."

"This? Thank you for the kindness of your instruction, Second Miss."

Xu Changsheng's face turned red, and he gave a deep bow.

"So there's even this layer of relationship. Then this Wang won't introduce further and will take my leave first."

Wang Ye quickly went downstairs.

Seeing this.

Xie Wantang smiled slightly. "This humble one won't beat around the bush. May I ask if Fellow Daoist Xu is willing to become a Guest Elder of my Xie Family?"