Ji Estate

On the way to the Ji Estate, Chu Danqing opened the Excellent-grade treasure chest dropped by Three Corpses – Tripped.

[You have opened: Treasure Chest (Excellent Grade), obtained: Skill Book (Spirit Hunger of Hundred Grains), Paradise Points ×2000]

[Skill Book: Spirit Hunger of Hundred Grains]

[Type: Active Skill]

[Quality: Excellent]

[Effect: Use to gain the skill Spirit Hunger of Hundred Grains, dealing damage to targets within range and additional damage to targets with more than 70% health, and inflicting 1 stack of Hunger on yourself]

After reading the skill book's description, Chu Danqing stuffed it into his Storage Space.

It wasn't that the more skills he learned, the better; he didn't have that much time and Paradise Points to level them up.

On the way to the Ji Estate, Chu Danqing also encountered Tie Yan and Han Ying, along with a group of other Dimension Apostles who had joined the Way of Peace.

Apart from Tie Yan, the rest were all low-level followers, distributing talisman water to the common people on the streets.

Tie Yan was likely doing his final contribution mission, while the others were still on their identity missions.

As for that buzz-cut young man, Chu Danqing didn't see him, so he had probably gone to the government camp.

The Way of Peace had the lowest barrier to entry and the easiest path to advancement, but it was also very limited.

The government camp had a higher barrier to entry than the Way of Peace but lower than the Lu Clan, but promotion was the most difficult.

It was the kind of place where even if you had the ability, you might not be able to get ahead.

The Lu Clan also had its problems; it was just a case of the pot calling the kettle black.

Chu Danqing didn't have any conflicts with the other Apostles. Everyone was busy, and few would be so unwise as to start something without a conflict of interest.

The Han Ying from the Dragon-Tiger Alliance was a bit resentful, but he didn't dare to act.

Da Bao's strength could easily tear him to pieces.

The Ji Estate was soon reached, and Chu Danqing asked the gatekeeper to announce his arrival.

The gatekeeper saw that Chu Danqing was riding in a Lu Clan carriage, so he was very respectful and reported the matter upwards.

Ji Yun rushed out to greet him at once, inviting Chu Danqing into the estate with a smile.

Chu Danqing also knew something about Ji Yun's identity: he was middle-aged but not the head of the Ji Family; that was his father, Ji Zhen.

"I never imagined that the Hero would become a guest and retainer of the Lu Clan; truly remarkable," Ji Yun couldn't help but exclaim.

The Lu Clan had only six retainers before, and he had visited them all, so he knew them.

"Just a coincidence," Chu Danqing naturally said modestly.

"The Hero is mistaken. Every one of the Lu Clan's guests and retainers has real ability."

"It's a pity I missed out that day; otherwise, I would have invited the Hero into the estate first." Ji Yun was full of regret. If such a talent were recruited into their Ji Estate, it would definitely be a great help.

But now it was too late. Ji Yun knew how good the Lu Clan's retainer benefits were, and he couldn't afford the cost of poaching.

"I'm here today because I want to buy grain from the Ji Family," Chu Danqing said bluntly.

Ji Yun wasn't surprised to hear Chu Danqing say this.

"How much does the Hero want?" Ji Yun didn't agree or refuse, but asked about the quantity first.

"Well, I'm buying on behalf of the Lu Clan," Chu Danqing didn't hide it. "So how much can the Ji Family sell?"

"If it weren't the Hero coming to the door, I wouldn't sell a single grain to anyone else from the Lu Clan."

"The buyer of this grain is the government, for disaster relief."

"If it's leaked, the Hero can imagine the consequences." Ji Yun was only willing to sell because of the debt of gratitude.

"I can't give the Lu Clan too much; a thousand shi of grain, at five hundred coins per shi."

Ji Yun gave his price, which was a total of five hundred thousand coins.

Chu Danqing had calculated the price when he came. Before the disaster, the price of one shi of grain fluctuated around fifty coins.

Now Ji Yun had only increased it tenfold, which was considered conscientious, basically equivalent to a deep discount.

He had estimated that one shi would cost over a thousand coins.

"Then thank you very much." Chu Danqing was overjoyed. As long as this thousand shi of grain was secured, the contribution points needed to exchange for the White Crane Taoist's manual would definitely be enough.

Chu Danqing had estimated that one shi was about a hundred jin, so a thousand shi was fifty tons of grain.

From this, it could be seen that the Ji Estate had probably transported grain into Yangxian County many times; otherwise, they wouldn't have any to spare.

And they were probably still continuing to do so.

As for the price of five hundred thousand coins? That wasn't something Chu Danqing needed to worry about.

There was no need to worry that the Lu Clan would complain about the high price. In this day and age, even if you had money, you couldn't buy such a large quantity of grain.

The Ji Family was ostensibly running errands for the government, earning a bit of transportation fee, and didn't dare to make too much.

"You're too kind. Since the Hero has come to discuss it in person, I can't refuse," Ji Yun said calmly.

He said that, but Chu Danqing estimated that the Ji Family had probably taken advantage of this opportunity to hoard a lot of grain as well.

He was just waiting for the right opportunity to release them onto the market.

He put on a pleasant face for Chu Danqing because Chu Danqing had saved his life.

If any other Dimension Apostle had come, they probably wouldn't even have gotten to see him.

"In that case, I'll return first and have the Lu Clan prepare the money for the transaction." Now that Chu Danqing's objective was achieved, he was naturally ready to head back.

A thousand shi of grain was only a drop in the bucket considering the current disaster, but it was enough for the Lu Clan.

"It's rare for a righteous man to visit, I must entertain him properly," Ji Yun insisted on him staying.

Chu Danqing refused repeatedly, and only then did Ji Yun say with regret, "When the righteous man has some free time, I will be sure to welcome you with open arms."

After this grain transaction, Chu Danqing wouldn't be coming again.

He had used the favor; how could he have the face to ask for help again?

He had even less time for casual chats and leisurely strolls.

Ji Yun rose to see him off, and they had just reached the garden corridor when they encountered Ji Yun's father, Ji Zhen.

The man was dressed in extravagant and exaggerated clothing, with so many ornaments and accessories that they were dazzling.

He was so weighed down by these things that he needed someone to support him in order to walk.

"I heard that the righteous man who saved my son was visiting the estate, so I dressed up slightly to meet him."

"I was a step slow, please forgive me," Ji Zhen said with gratitude in his tone.

Chu Danqing's expression couldn't help but become serious upon seeing this scene.

"I wouldn't dare," Chu Danqing cupped his fist in salute. "I have a question, but I don't know if I should ask it."

"Please, righteous man," Ji Zhen said, puzzled, but naturally giving his guest due respect.

"May I ask, when did Master Ji develop a fondness for such fancy clothes?" Chu Danqing asked bluntly.

"It's been some time," Ji Yun answered in place of his father. "Righteous man, is there something wrong?"

"Was it around this time?" Chu Danqing gave the time after Lu San's death.

"There's a slight difference, but this old man indeed only began to appreciate the beauty of fancy clothes around that time." Ji Zhen stroked his clothes, a look of infatuation and intoxication appearing on his face.

Ji Zhen's little hobby was nothing to the Ji Family.

Chu Danqing's heart sank; things were becoming troublesome.

"Have you two ever heard of the Three Corpses?"