Battle Songs Composed, a New Way to Make Money!

Dealing with the Profound Heaven Sect is no different from fighting a war, and the worst thing about fighting a war is not knowing where the enemy is or how strong they are.

Now Chen Shijie and Zhao Xing are discussing the preliminary preparations.

He was initially very confident about the plan, but after talking with Zhao Xing, he realized that he was not well prepared.

As Chen Shijie chatted with Zhao Xing and gradually added details, he found that he had twice as much preparation work to do by nightfall, but the plan was actually simpler.

The plan doesn't actually need to be complicated. As long as you prepare enough, it will be very simple to actually execute the plan.

"Alright, that's enough for today." Chen Shijie rubbed his eyes. "Be careful lately, and try not to leave the city. If you absolutely must leave, notify me or Xue Wenzhong."

"Understood." Zhao Xing nodded.

He had never intended to get involved in the Profound Heaven Sect incident before, but now that he was involved, he needed to be fully prepared.

Although Chen Shijie was the tallest among them, he, being short, couldn't rely solely on others.

Ultimately, you need to be strong enough to be fearless!

The next morning, Zhao Xing brought the Mountain Cat to Locust Willow Courtyard to cultivate.

"Now that I'm at the Ninth Grade Upper Rank, my cultivation level is limited, but there's still room for improvement in my spells." Zhao Xing looked at the panel.

The intermediate-level Four Seasonal Arts — Yin Wind, Guiding Thunder, and Lightning Induction—have already Nine Turns, but are not yet complete.

Icy Rain is perfect, but there's still room for improvement.

If one can continue to comprehend, one can break through the limits, allowing the spell to transcend the Nine Turns and further enhance its power.

" Of the Four Seasonal Arts, the intermediate-level Cloud Method is still missing."

"The only magic of the Earthly Advantage Faction School is the Earth Veins Synthesis. If we could obtain the Cao Family's Earth Splitting Art, that would be great."

"My self-created intermediate-level lightning technique also has room for improvement."

"There's also the Straw Man Art; we should try the intermediate level Straw Man Art as well."

It is extremely difficult to make a breakthrough in magic in a short period of time.

Currently, those who have reached the intermediate-level perfection stage in normal cultivation are no longer progressing; they have reached a bottleneck and need an opportunity to break through.

Even if you haven't completed the Nine Turns, you might not gain 1 point even after practicing for a whole day.

"If I want to break through in a short time, the only way is to spend money!" Zhao Xing thought to himself.

"Meow?" The Mountain Cat blinked in confusion. What is "pay-to-win"? Can you eat it?

"You can't eat it, and for a while you can only eat Heaven Yuan Pear, I have to save money." Zhao Xing stuffed the Mountain Cat into the Wen Bamboo Box and got up to leave.

He led the Mountain Cat to knock on the door of the Zong Residence.

The gatekeeper didn't recognize Zhao Xing. He sized him up and asked, "Who is the young master looking for?"

"If you are looking for Zong Shichang, please tell him that Zhao Xing is visiting."

"Oh? Zhao Sijia, please come in quickly. The young master said that there is no need to announce your arrival." The gatekeeper immediately and warmly invited Zhao Xing in.

Thank you.

After entering the gate, the gatekeeper immediately summoned a servant to announce their arrival, while another steward led Zhao Xing forward along the covered walkway.

The Zong Family's residence occupied most of East Right Street.

The corridors, pavilions, waterside terraces, orchid pavilions, rockeries, and gardens inside are so beautiful they almost dazzle the eyes.

It took me seven or eight minutes to walk along the veranda to see Zong Shichang!

When they arrived, Zong Shichang was fishing on his own waterside pavilion, and a table of food had been prepared next to him.

"Zhao Sijia, welcome, welcome." Zong Shichang put away his fishing rod, called over a towel to wipe his hands, and said, "Please sit down."

"Young Master Zong, is your life really this simple, unpretentious, and boring?" Zhao Xing glanced at the abundant food.

For two people, there were twenty or thirty dishes, and he even prepared food for the Mountain Cat!

Zong Shichang shook his head and said, "You are a distinguished guest, and this is your first time visiting. In principle, you should eat something more luxurious. However, since you didn't inform us in advance, we'll have to make do with what we have for now."

"Since you're here, you must have dinner before you leave! No! Let me stay the night!"

Zhao Xing was somewhat surprised; he felt that Zong Shichang was being a little too enthusiastic.

This is my first time visiting his place. We've only ever exchanged nods before. Isn't this too much of Guest Qi?

However, he didn't say much, as he still needed Zong Shichang's help.

Besides, the Mountain Cat can also freeload here, so why not take advantage of it?

"Can I touch it?" Zong Shichang looked at the Mountain Cat and liked it very much. He wanted to touch it because it was cute.

"Let it finish eating before you pet it," Zhao Xing said with a smile. "It'll feel better after it finishes eating, then it'll be easier to pet it."

"That's true." Zong Shichang poured wine for Zhao Xing. "Come on, shall we have a drink?"

"If you're going to drink, get a large glass; otherwise, how can you enjoy it?"

Zong Shichang was taken aback, then burst into laughter. "Good, you are indeed straightforward. Someone, bring out my Shuiyue Glass Lamp."

With large cups brought out, Zhao Xing Guest Qi. Regardless of whether they were Shuiyue Glass Lamp or not, he simply picked up a pot, filled it up, and began eating and drinking with Young Master Zong.

After taking the Giant Whale Pill, his physique became much stronger, and he could easily take on ten people like Young Master Zong.

Before long, Young Master Zong was already half-drunk, while Zhao Xing was only slightly tipsy.

Seeing that he was in a good mood, Zhao Xing began to talk about business.

"Young Master Zong, I have something to tell you. Do you think you can help me with it?"

"Yes, it must be done!" Zong Shichang said boldly. "Just tell me, and I'll do everything I can to get it done for you!"

He was just waiting for Zhao Xing to speak up; he wasn't worried about whether Zhao Xing had any needs, he was just afraid that Zhao Xing wouldn't ask for anything.

Otherwise, what about what I promised Lu Qian?

"I want to buy the Preaching Painting,' but I'm too lazy to go to Nanyang County. In Gucheng, I suppose only your family has connections," Zhao Xing said.

"Preaching Painting?" Zong Shichang waved his hand and said, "What level do you want? I have some level three ones at my residence in Gucheng. I've collected a few of all kinds. I'll give you a few scrolls!"

"Third-order won't do, we need fourth-order."

Upon hearing that it was a fourth-order Preaching Painting, Zong Shichang sobered up a bit. "Fourth-order, huh? This is a bit difficult."

He was rich, but even with money, he couldn't just casually give away a fourth-order Preaching Painting.

That thing isn't cheap.

Zhao Xing smiled and said, "Brother, do you think I'm taking advantage of you? Of course, I'm paying for it. As long as Brother Zong can find the way, that will be a great help."

That's the truth. In terms of business, Chen Shijie is not as good as the Zong Family. He is not a local and his roots are not in Nanyang County.

Zong Shichang nodded and said, "It's not that I'm stingy, but fourth-tier Preaching Painting are rarely circulated on the market. They are usually collected by major families and sold at a higher price. They only circulate within a small internal circle."

"Of course, I can guarantee that I, Zong Shichang, will give you the same price I paid for it."

Zhao Xing asked, "What would be the price of a fourth-tier Preaching Painting?"

Zong Shichang scratched his head, then called out to the back, "Uncle Tang, call Uncle Tang over here!"

A short while later, a middle-aged man in a long robe arrived at the waterside pavilion.

"Young Master."

"Uncle Tang, what's the typical price for a fourth-tier Preaching Painting?"

Steward Tang pondered for a moment and said, "Young Master, it depends on the quality and type."

"Usually, paintings depicting martial arts techniques are cheaper, while Preaching Painting are more expensive."

"Among them, those skilled in Ritual Cultivator and music, Mechanism Master, and medicine are the most expensive."

Zong Shichang asked, "And what about the Agricultural Official?"

Manager Tang said, "That depends on what the requirements are."

Zong Shichang turned his head and asked, "Zhao Xing, what are your demands?"

Zhao Xing said, "If it is related to the Four Seasonal Arts, I would most like the Preaching Painting the Cloud Method, and secondly the Rain Art."

"If it is Earthly Advantage Spells, Earth Splitting Art, Earth Treasury Art, Earth Palace Art, or Mystic Earth Art. Use none of the others."

"Furthermore, artworks that aid in defense and trapping enemies should be prioritized, while those depicting killing and destruction should be secondary."

Zong Shichang looked at Steward Tang: "Have you remembered everything?"

Manager Tang nodded. "I've noted it all down. I'll go and inquire right away."

Zong Shichang asked, "Is it possible to find out?"

Steward Tang pondered, "For Earthly Advantage Faction magic, we should definitely find something by looking for it at the Cao Family. As for paintings of Time Faction magic, the master has prepared some for you, but they are in the county. Just send someone to inquire."

Zong Shichang was overjoyed. "Good, good, this is of utmost importance, Uncle Tang, you must take it seriously."

Steward Tang didn't leave; he added, "Young Master Zhao, do you have any requirements regarding the price?"

This is asking about Zhao Xing's ability to pay.

I can find the items, but can you afford the money?

Zong Shichang said unhappily, "Just go and search, look for the fourth-grade high-quality ones, and ask for the price first."

"Indeed, young master is right. I'll take care of it right away." Steward Tang cupped his hands in farewell and took his leave.

Having settled the business, Zhao Xing saw that the Mountain Cat had almost finished eating, so he decided to leave.

"Why are you leaving so soon? Didn't we agree to go to Moon Gazing Tower in the East City to admire the moon tonight?"

"Really?" Zhao Xing was a little confused. He didn't remember promising it. Zong Shichang must be drunk.

"I've made all the arrangements," Zong Shichang said. "We'll enjoy the moon Moon Worship Festival, then go on a day trip for the Harvest Festival in a couple of days..."

Zhao Xing was exasperated. "Brother, are you only thinking about having fun? Don't you do anything productive? We still need to go down to the district to check on the harvest for the Harvest Festival!"

Unable to refuse such hospitality, and needing a favor in return, Zhao Xing Attaining Dao, "Alright. I forgot to mention earlier that I brought some things with me this time, all good stuff I found in the mountains."

"I can't estimate the price. You can see how much you can sell it for."

Zhao Xing brought silver notes with him when he bought the fourth-order Preaching Painting.

Fearing they wouldn't have enough money, they brought along all the treasures they had stolen last time: the Bamboo Horse, the Tiger Soul Blade, the soft armor, the Peacock Feather Magic Garment, as well as the Tier 3 Earthly Fiend Pill and the Five Viscera Evil Purging Pill from the Great Dream Academy.

This includes the fourth-order Ice Pearl retrieved from East Lake.

However, he didn't really want to sell the bead, because after obtaining the [Icy Rain] spell, the bead came in handy, enhancing the Icy Rain's power.

"Of course, of course, let me see." Seeing Zhao Xing sit down, Zong Shichang naturally agreed to everything.

"A low-grade, third-tier Bamboo Horse." Zhao Xing took out the Bamboo Horse.

When not in use, the Bamboo Horse is only the size of a low stool, while the Wen Bamboo Box is half a person's height, more than enough to hold it all.

"Bamboo Horse Mechanical Beast, it's a pity its spirituality is already very weak." Zong Shichang observed it for a while and said, "It once nurtured a battle spirit inside, so it's a rare item. If used for a long time, it's still easier for a battle spirit to be born than an ordinary Bamboo Horse. If you ask me for an estimate, it's probably worth three or four hundred taels. Let's take the middle ground, three hundred and fifty taels."

Zhao Xing nodded. The value of a third-tier treasure fluctuates between one hundred and five hundred taels of silver. Some are very expensive, while others are relatively cheap. It mainly depends on the profession and characteristics.

Martial arts items are usually relatively cheap, but the Bamboo Horse is one of the more expensive Tier 3 treasures.

"Tiger Soul Blade, a low-grade third-tier weapon, mass-produced. Yours all have minor chips, which ruins their appearance. The buyback price is probably eighty taels each," Zong Shichang said.

Zhao Xing nodded; the price was reasonable.

"Bright Tower Soft Armor, third-tier mid-grade, produced by Huo Family Armory. The quality is acceptable and there are no defects, but it is a bit old. It can probably sell for 160 taels a piece."

Armor is more expensive than a knife, so this price is normal.

Four swords, three sets of armor, plus the Bamboo Horse, add up to 1,150 taels.

Zhao Xing then took out the Peacock Feather Magic Garment.

Upon seeing the robes, Zong Shichang was momentarily stunned. The jade pendant around his neck flashed, which helped him resist the influence of the eyes on the robes.

"Peacock Feather Magic Garment made of Peng Peacock feathers? And it even has a fourth-tier feather—a rare find." Zong Shichang's eyes lit up with amusement. "These are the only twelve my family sold in Nanyang County."

Zhao Xing didn't notice Zong Shichang's gaze, and simply asked the price, "How much is it worth?"

Zong Shichang smiled and said, "It was sold for two thousand eight hundred taels at the time."

Zhao Xing was overjoyed. "So expensive? It's comparable to the price of a fourth-tier item!"

Zong Shichang said slowly, "The price is of course far beyond the value of the treasure itself, but it's common to make a profit of ten or even dozens of times on a woman's item."

Zhao Xing was delighted. "How much can I sell this secondhand item for?"

Zong Shichang shook his head and said, "Secondhand items of this kind of luxury item can't fetch a high price because they are personal items. Of course, you can tell others that they are new, but without the hype and auction facilities of my family, you can probably only sell them for about 40% of the price."

"I'll sell it to you," Zhao Xing said. "I only want 70% of it."

Zong Shichang shook his head with a smile, "Brother, take my advice, don't sell. Even if you do, I wouldn't dare buy it."

Zhao Xing asked, "You mean there will be trouble?"

Zong Shichang blinked. "It's not exactly troublesome, but if I accepted it, she would beat me half to death."

Zhao Xing realized what was happening. "You know the owner of this treasure?"

Zong Shichang nodded. "Yes, her name is Lu Qian, the daughter of the Nanyang Lu Family. We've known each other since childhood. This Peacock Feather Magic Garment was bought by her for more than two thousand back then, and she will also be coming to Moon Gazing Tower tonight."

Zhao Xing tentatively asked, "Brother Zong, you've been so hospitable today, could it be that you're trying to help her get her robes back?"

Zong Shichang laughed and said, "Why would I play such a villain?"

What does that mean?

"She wants to find an opportunity to see you. Knowing her as I do, she doesn't mean to interrogate you."

Zong Shichang suddenly winked and whispered, "You're a handsome and talented man. If you could... what if you returned this robe? Do you understand what I mean?"

Zhao Xing understood.

The Peacock Feather Magic Garment is an intimate item, and since it's currently in my possession, there are only two possibilities.

First, Lu Qian was robbed by him, and her robe was taken away; second, Lu Qian was saved by him, and he gave her the robe.

Because of the existence of the Forget Sorrow Stele, no one remembers what happened.

It seems that Miss Lu Family mistakenly believed the latter situation.

Zong Shichang's role in making this connection was actually an implication that he was willing to live off a woman!

He had received too much good fortune on the mountain, but his luck had reached its peak and was about to decline. He was bound to experience a few unlucky moments in the future.

Could it be that this is where it was destined to happen? Peach Blossom Tribulation?

Zhao Xing said indifferently, "I have no interest in this matter, so I won't be going to Moon Gazing Tower."

He planned to avoid it to avoid unnecessary trouble.

Regardless of Lu Qian's purpose, keeping her out of the picture is one way to deal with the situation.

Zong Shichang said urgently, "No, Brother Zhao, you absolutely must go! How will I see Miss Liu next time if you don't go?"

Zhao Xing then realized that Zong Shichang still had someone he liked and had made a deal with Lu Qian.

The two were both Military Advisor to each other and also involved in the matter.

After Zong Shichang revealed everything, Zhao Xing suddenly changed his mind.

Because he found that Lu Qian was quite determined, and this wasn't the first time she had approached Zong Shichang about this matter.

I feel like even if I don't agree this time, I'll find some excuse to see you next time.

Since we can't avoid it, let's deal with it.

In short, being inside the city, one's luck can't get much worse; there's no danger to one's life or any major risks.

It just so happens that I haven't seen the musicians and Dancer Master in a long time. I heard that these two can still perform the dance "Six Songs", so I might as well go and see them.

"Going isn't out of the question, Brother Zong. Since you admire that Miss Liu, why don't I lend you a hand?" Zhao Xing suddenly thought of something.

Zong Shichang countered, "How are you going to help me?"

Zhao Xing said, "I'll sell you a poem. You can use it to express your feelings. You can give it to Miss Liu at the Moon Gazing Tower banquet tonight."

Zong Shichang had little interest in Zhao Xing; he didn't think Zhao Xing could produce any good poems.

Unexpectedly, after Zhao Xing whispered something in his ear, Zong Shichang's eyes lit up. "Hey? This poem is actually quite something..."

Zhao Xing smiled and said, "When a musician sets new poems to music, it can greatly enhance her cultivation. The wider the song is sung, the better the effect will be. Since the Miss Liu you mentioned is a musician, she will surely like it."

"If you don't believe me, you can try it tonight. If it doesn't work, I won't charge you. If you think it's good, how about this poem is worth a fourth-level Preaching Painting?"

Zong Shichang didn't know the intricacies of the matter, but he trusted Zhao Xing wouldn't lie. He figured he might not understand, but plenty of others did. So he nodded, "Okay, I'll buy it!"