The Fool

"Thank you for escorting me all the way, Senior Jin. This is a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it. With your cultivation, you won't need it, but my juniors at home might."

At the entrance of his residence on Sincere Tea Street, Wu Tao handed a Small Spirit Shield Robe to Jin Ke.

Jin Ke looked at Wu Tao and felt that this Artifact Master Li was different from other artifact refiners. He was worldly and understood social graces. Although he was sent to assist Shopkeeper Yu and was occasionally asked to protect others, protection was a favor, and not protecting was his duty. Many people couldn't grasp this distinction.

The artifact refiner named Li Mo before him understood it clearly, which made Jin Ke feel very comfortable and willing to escort Li Mo. He took the robe and said with a smile, "It was just a small matter. I'll be going now. Artifact Master Li, take care. Next time you deliver goods to the Spirit Material Shop, I'll escort you again."

"Safe travels, Senior Jin."

After watching Jin Ke leave, Wu Tao turned and went back into his house. He activated the Soundproof Anti-Peeping Formation, poured himself a cup of tea, and sat on the Grandmaster Chair he had crafted. While sipping his tea, he recalled what had just happened.

Actually, when he had politely declined the Mutual Aid Loose Cultivator Artifact Refiner Association, he had anticipated that they might cause trouble, so he had been very cautious during this period.

He hadn't expected them to actually try to intercept and kill him today.

The aura fluctuations of those two loose cultivators were clearly from the Fifth Level of Qi Refining.

If not for Jin Ke's escort, he might have had to flee.

He figured he could fight one cultivator at the Fifth Level of Qi Refining, but two would be too risky. It would be best to use a Godly Travel Talisman to escape.

Maintaining a cautious mindset would allow him to live longer.

Recalling Fang Ming's attitude at the Delightful Immortal Restaurant, he knew that these so-called artifact refiner associations were not good people. Indeed, what kind of organization could be benevolent? If they were benevolent, they wouldn't be able to establish themselves in this environment.

"Since they dared to make a move in the outer city, they must be taking advantage of the current chaotic situation."

"Also, that Wu Zhongxing..."

Wu Tao had interacted with Wu Zhongxing, who shared the same surname, for a month. He had a general understanding of Wu Zhongxing's character; he was quite naive. However, he was also a decent person. When Wu Zhongxing tried to persuade him to join, he did so by appealing to reason and emotion, without being overly aggressive.

Furthermore, through their month of conversations, Wu Zhongxing had told him about the association's original intention: to allow loose cultivator artifact refiners to advance and retreat together, supporting each other, and living more easily in this world.

"Advance and retreat together, supporting each other. If an organization could maintain such an initial intention, I would believe it. But any initial intention, once a hierarchy of president, vice-president, and members is established, can no longer be about advancing and retreating together."

Wu Tao had seen through this long ago.

It wasn't that he thought it was wrong. Hierarchy was inherent in groups, regardless of any sentient species or race. It was unavoidable and indestructible. However, joining the association was indeed not in his best interest.

"During this past month, Wu Zhongxing has indeed been a good person. Him coming to inform me that Fang Ming intended to make a move against me seems like something he would do."

Thinking of Wu Zhongxing, Wu Tao couldn't help but feel a little worried. Of course, he wasn't worried about Wu Zhongxing, but rather: "If Xie Tao and Fang Ming are not dealt with, they will indeed be a threat to me."

"During this period, apart from delivering goods, I will cultivate and improve my strength. After I complete the Flesh Refining stage, we will settle this score."

Although Wu Tao intended to act discreetly, since people were trying to kill him, he couldn't just stand by.

Burying this matter deep in his heart, Wu Tao began to cultivate.

The next day, after noon.

Just as Wu Tao was preparing to practice the Dragon Spear Technique, the Soundproof Anti-Peeping Formation chimed. He quickly went over, thinking, "Could it be the Demon Slaying Hall and the Patrol Squad coming to inspect again?"

He habitually glanced at the peephole and saw Wu Zhongxing.

Wu Zhongxing had known his address for a long time, but he had never come to disturb him at home. Even when he persuaded him to join the association, he only appeared to persuade him when Wu Tao was out setting up his stall.

This showed that he was a person with strong principles.

This visit must be about yesterday's matter.

Wu Tao, with a clear mind, opened the door and cupped his fists, saying, "Fellow Daoist Wu!"

"Fellow Daoist Li, I've come about yesterday's matter..." Wu Zhongxing said this with a rather embarrassed expression, feeling guilty in his heart.

"Fellow Daoist Wu, please come in and talk!"

"Thank you!"

After inviting Wu Zhongxing in, Wu Tao poured him a cup of tea. Of course, it wasn't Spirit Tea, but ordinary tea leaves: "Fellow Daoist Wu, please have some tea!"

Then, he waited for Wu Zhongxing to explain yesterday's events.

Wu Zhongxing did not drink the tea. Instead, he took out two books and pushed them towards Wu Tao across the table, saying, "Fellow Daoist Li, these are the two most precious artifact refining manuals in our association. Please accept them."

Wu Tao looked at the titles on the books, <First-Rank Level Five Spirit Wandering Boots Crafting Manual> and <First-Rank Level Six Magic Tool Light-Splitting Sword Crafting Manual>. He was slightly surprised. These two artifact refining books were extremely precious to loose cultivators.

Wu Tao naturally knew the reason for Wu Zhongxing's actions, but was he not afraid of punishment from Xie Tao and Fang Ming for giving such important items from the association to an outsider?

"Fellow Daoist Wu, I know what you mean, but this is too valuable. Aren't you afraid of being punished by President Xie and Vice President Fang?"

Wu Zhongxing sighed upon hearing this and said, "President Xie and Vice President Fang died at the hands of a devilish cultivator who intruded into the association."

Wu Tao was stunned. These two major enemies were dead? He had been planning for a "thirty years east, thirty years west" scenario. However, he felt something was not right about this matter, but... he still believed Wu Zhongxing's words.

"Please accept my condolences..." Hahaha.

Wu Zhongxing did not reply. Instead, he stood up, bowed at a right angle, and said sincerely, "Fellow Daoist Li, I, Wu, apologize to you here. If I hadn't recommended you to the association, you wouldn't have suffered this calamity for no reason."

"These two artifact refining manuals are my apology for this. Please accept them, otherwise, I will not be at peace."

Wu Tao looked at Wu Zhongxing and, after a moment of thought, said, "Alright, Fellow Daoist Wu, I accept them. Fellow Daoist Wu, can you tell me the details of Fang Ming ambushing me?"

Wu Zhongxing slowly recounted that Xie Tao had developed a killing intent when Wu Tao refused at the Delightful Immortal Restaurant. He also told him about what happened afterward. However, he said that when he arrived, Xie Tao and Fang Ming were still alive, but after he returned, they were both dead.

After listening to Wu Zhongxing's account, Wu Tao said expressionlessly, "If I can't have it, I'll destroy it. And then spread rumors that I want to join the Nine Bright Loose Cultivator Artifact Refiner Association? Fabricating things... Is this the philosophy Xie Tao created the association with?"

"Advance and retreat together, watch each other's backs... Heh heh..."

Wu Zhongxing's face was dejected. Clearly, this matter had hit him hard. He had always believed his actions were right, never expecting to be backstabbed by someone he trusted the most.

He said, "I've already disbanded the association."

After speaking, seeing Wu Tao no longer offering an opinion, he couldn't help but ask, "Fellow Daoist Li, tell me, our lives as Loose Cultivators are already so difficult. With Major Cultivation Sects like Five Spring Mountain squeezing our living space, why should we Loose Cultivators persecute each other?"

"I've always believed that we Loose Cultivators should unite and jointly resist the pressure from the Major Cultivation Sects, but it seems I was wrong... Fellow Daoist Li, do you think someone like me is very foolish?"

Wu Tao looked at Wu Zhongxing, his heart stirred. He thought for a moment before saying earnestly, "Not foolish. Actually, there are many people like you, Fellow Daoist Wu, you just haven't discovered them."

"Really?"

Wu Zhongxing's eyes lit up.

Then, he stood up and solemnly cupped his hands towards Wu Tao, saying, "Fellow Daoist Li, I won't disturb you further. Take care. I wonder if we'll have another chance to meet."

Wu Tao returned the gesture, "Fellow Daoist Wu, you're leaving?"

Wu Zhongxing replied, "After this incident, I've also come to understand. Five Spring Mountain is too powerful. Loose Cultivators have no chance. I'm going to other Cultivation Cities, ones that aren't as powerful. Perhaps we Loose Cultivators will still have a chance to resist."

"Fellow Daoist Li, I'm going to find fools, fools like me!"

"Fellow Daoist Li, goodbye!"

Wu Tao watched as Wu Zhongxing's face was no longer dejected, but instead filled with excitement. He walked out the door. The snow outside was melting, and sunlight shone upon the Great Earth, falling on Wu Zhongxing. Whether it was an illusion or not, Wu Tao felt that Wu Zhongxing was somewhat dazzling at this moment.

"Fellow Daoist Wu, I wish you success!"

Wu Tao cupped his hands in a distant salute to the light-footed Wu Zhongxing, offering his blessings.