Unwelcome Guest

"Pah. Nothing but damn tea dregs."

In the reception hall, a gaunt old man with two wisps of goatee spat and clicked his tongue.

He sat with one leg crossed high over the other, hair disheveled and appearance unkempt. Beside him stood a girl of twelve or thirteen in ragged clothes, with obvious bruises on her bare forearms.

"Hey, is this how your master treats an honored guest? Bring me premium Spirit Sprouts!"

The old man cursed at Ling Moxue. The girl's face remained blank, her chin raised.

She ignored him, briskly refilled the fragrant tea of a kindly-looking old woman, then returned to stand beside the seat of honor.

"Wretched girl! How dare you slight me!"

The old man flew into a rage and roared. The frail girl beside him trembled in fright.

Ling Moxue narrowed her almond-shaped eyes and instinctively gripped her sword hilt. Afraid of causing trouble for Master Luo, she let her hand fall.

She pressed her lips together and lowered her head, forcing herself to apologize. But Luo Fanchen had already strode over. He took her hand and drew her behind him.

"I am Ling Wudao. I recently moved here and had intended to visit you both, but other matters kept me occupied. I'm sorry to have made you come in person."

Luo Fanchen cupped his hands in greeting, inventing a name. He gave Mo Xue's palm a reassuring squeeze and introduced her.

"This is my personal disciple, Mo Xue. I hope you'll look out for her."

The old woman rose first. Beside her stood a broad-shouldered young man, built like an iron tower. He seemed to follow the path of Body Refining.

"This old woman is Zhang Chengfang, and this is my good-for-nothing apprentice. A Niu, hurry and greet Fellow Daoist Ling."

A Niu cupped his hands awkwardly. Though nearly two meters tall, he had a maiden's shyness.

"My surname's Wang. This is my wretched apprentice, Xiao Cui. She has a Four-Element Spirit Root. If she catches your eye, Fellow Daoist Ling, she's yours for three Spirit Stones."

Old Wang studied Luo Fanchen for a while, then grinned, revealing a mouthful of yellow teeth.

He casually pinched the girl's arm. She stood there woodenly, without a spark of life in her eyes.

Luo Fanchen's brow furrowed. It wasn't pity for the girl. Old Wang kept glancing at Mo Xue, putting him on guard.

"I appreciate the offer, but I already have a personal disciple."

Luo Fanchen took the seat of honor. Mo Xue followed close behind, clutching his sleeve, and poured him fragrant tea.

"Mo Xue, I have matters to discuss with our guests. Take Xiao Cui and A Niu around the courtyard."

"All right. I'll listen to you, Master Luo—Master Ling."

Luo Fanchen disliked the old man's prying gaze, so he found an excuse to send Mo Xue away.

The girl nodded obediently and led A Niu toward the hall's exit. Xiao Cui's tangled hair covered the right side of her face. She remained where she was, numb, until Mo Xue took her hand and pulled her along.

As soon as the three had gone, Old Wang stroked his goatee and chuckled.

"You're quite a character, Fellow Daoist Ling. Is that your disciple? A fine seedling, though a little old."

Old Wang clicked his tongue. Reeking of wine, he gave a leering grin. "I happen to need a maid to warm my feet. My Xiao Cui's a dull little gourd. Hit her and she won't talk back; curse her and she won't raise a hand. Not to my taste."

"Why don't we trade disciples? I'll throw in five Spirit Stones. Everyone wins."

"Mo Xue is the daughter of a fellow Daoist who entrusted her to me on his deathbed. I regard her as my own."

"What fellow Daoist could be worth five Spirit Stones?"

Old Wang sneered. Among hard-up Rogue Cultivators like them, close friends had turned on each other over a single Spirit Stone often enough.

He had a sharp eye. Mo Xue was probably a Three-Element Spirit Root cultivator. Though she was older and her prospects limited, she would still make a fine cultivation vessel or ingredient for pill refining. Naturally, he had taken an interest.

"Think it over. I got Xiao Cui for one Spirit Stone back then. I'm offering five times that—two years of your hard work."

"Do not raise this again."

Luo Fanchen nearly laughed in anger. One Spirit Stone? That damned old man had just tried to sell her to him for three.

He ran a finger along his cup. As the Yi Wood True Essence circulated within him, web-like cracks spread across the cup, yet not a drop of tea leaked out.

"Fellow Daoist, if you don't drink your tea, it'll go cold."

Old Wang's expression shifted. He immediately saw that Fellow Daoist Ling was no ordinary man. At last, he wiped the smile from his face and sat properly.

Such precise control of True Essence demanded exceptional quality and an exacting circulation method. This man was probably born into a great clan.

Someone like that had likely moved into Shantytown to escape trouble. Old Wang could afford to offend him, but there was no need to make an enemy over a Three-Element Spirit Root girl.

"Impressive technique, Fellow Daoist. I meant no harm. I hope we can talk more in the future and benefit each other."

Old Wang drained the tea dregs from his cup and forced a smile. His earlier arrogance had vanished.

Luo Fanchen's expression softened a little, but inwardly he added several entries to the damned old man's account.

After buying the residence, he had taken time to learn about his two neighbors.

Zhang Chengfang, known as Granny Zhang, looked fierce but was kind. She was at the Sixth Level of Qi Refining, though her declining vitality made her poor at fighting.

She currently worked as an assistant at the Pill Cauldron Pavilion. She knew how to grow medicinal herbs and was rumored to be able to refine a few First-Rank Low-Grade pills.

Old Wang's real name was unknown. He was cunning, loved drink more than life itself, and lived off swindles and other shady dealings.

He had ties to the Clear River Sect. Before his son died, the young man had been an outer disciple there. Over the years, Old Wang had handled many children, supplying most of them to sect and great-clan disciples as slaves or cultivation vessels. He had some backing.

A truly vicious neighbor. Fortunately, he was only at the third level of Qi Refining, his body hollowed out by wine and women. He bullied the weak and feared the strong.

"Fellow Daoists, was there something you wished to discuss with me?"

"You jest, Fellow Daoist. We haven't had a newcomer in Shantytown's southern quarter for ages. Naturally, I wanted to come behold your immortal countenance."

"This old woman also brought a modest gift to welcome you. If you need to buy spirit herbs or pills in the future, I can offer a discount."

Granny Zhang's face was deeply lined and rather fierce, but her smile was remarkably gentle.

They had only just met, so none of them would entrust the others with important matters. After exchanging pleasantries, each presented a brocade box and spoke of their skills, hoping they could band together and help one another in the future.

"I know a little about Talismans."

"You can make graded Talismans?"

Luo Fanchen nodded slightly. Granny Zhang's old eyes lit up at once, her wrinkles bunching across her broad face. "Might I take a look?"

Alchemists, array masters, talisman makers, and spirit planters were the four lucrative, sought-after professions among cultivators.

Talisman makers were the most popular with low-level cultivators. Low-end Talismans required only spirit paper and True Essence, so they were cheap to make. They usually sold for just a third of the price of pills while offering similar effects. Even Rogue Cultivators could afford them.

"Of course. I hope they're worthy of your attention."

Luo Fanchen had no intention of passing up a chance to find buyers. He immediately took out the Rejuvenation Talismans and Bloodburst Talismans he had made earlier for the two to inspect.

"Excellent, excellent! Graded Spirit Talismans indeed. Young Fellow Daoist Ling, you've accomplished much for your age. Shantytown has gained another talent!"

Granny Zhang was generous with her praise. She could see that the Talismans' spiritual resonance was complete and their inscriptions fresh. They had been made recently.

Old Wang also bared his yellow teeth and showered Luo Fanchen with flattery, looking at him as though he were a prize worth snatching.

"I'd like to take all these Bloodburst and Rejuvenation Talismans. How does two Spirit Dust sound?"

Granny Zhang did not haggle. Old Wang had been about to offer one Spirit Dust, but the words stuck in his throat.

Luo Fanchen gladly agreed, saving himself half a day's work. Granny Zhang was all smiles too, hoping they could work together long-term.

She took out another Spirit Dust and handed him three in total.

"Consider the extra Spirit Dust a gesture of goodwill. If you have more Spirit Talismans to sell, come find me."

"No matter how many, I'll take them all and pay you in Spirit Dust on the spot."

"Well..."

Luo Fanchen paused, too wary to agree immediately. He did not believe pies simply fell from the sky.

Granny Zhang made no attempt to hide the reason. She cupped her hands. "Recently, the Pill Cauldron Pavilion and the Clear River Sect have been buying large quantities of Spirit Talismans and precious pills."

"You've only just arrived at Flying Cloud Market and have no connections, so they're bound to drive down your price. Let me buy them from you at market rate and earn a little for running the errand. If you need to plant Spirit Seeds in the future, I'll do my best to help."

"In that case, I'll be troubling you from now on, Granny."

Luo Fanchen cupped his hands and agreed. He would only make more Talismans as time went on. A steady buyer was a good thing.

The Pill Cauldron Pavilion was also one of the Luo Shen Pavilion's subordinate forces, a behemoth like the Clear River Sect.

For the next few years, he needed to devote himself to cultivation and raising Mo Xue. He had to avoid getting entangled with those two great powers as much as possible.

"Think nothing of it."

Granny Zhang waved a hand. She had gained from the deal. With Luo Fanchen's skill, she could pocket a Spirit Dust each month. How could she not be pleased?

Old Wang, meanwhile, wore a face as sour as if someone had died and said nothing.

They chatted a little longer. Granny Zhang warmly exchanged cultivation insights with Luo Fanchen, and he learned quite a bit.

Old Wang had neglected cultivation for years and had little interest. He stood and took his leave.

Only after he was gone did Granny Zhang lower her voice. "Young Immortal Master Ling, keep an eye on that man."

"He ruined the couple who lived next door, and they still haven't returned. He has ties to the Clear River Sect. Don't underestimate him, but don't provoke him lightly either."

"I'll be careful. Thank you for looking out for me, Granny."

They had grown more familiar in how they addressed each other. Luo Fanchen nodded and casually changed the subject.

They had met only once. A brief warning was enough.

Granny Zhang nodded slightly. She had only offered the unsolicited advice because she valued him as a talisman maker, which served her own interests.

Well informed, she told him many bits of Flying Cloud Market gossip and other local matters. She did not rise to leave until night drew near.

Luo Fanchen had formed a favorable impression of Granny Zhang during their conversation. Before she left, he asked tentatively.

"Granny, you have connections at the Pill Cauldron Pavilion and know a great deal. Have you heard of any clues to a high-grade, metal-attribute Mystic Method?"

"A high-grade Mystic Method?"

Granny Zhang paused. High-grade Mystic Methods were precious. Usually, only a fallen great clan, driven to desperation, would sell one, and the price would be astronomical.

She doubted that Ling Wudao, who lived in Shantytown, could afford it.

"Yes. An elder of my Household needs one. If you find a lead, I'll certainly thank you."

"Of course. They're rare and seldom appear in Flying Cloud Market. At present, the Treasure Pavilion has only a high-grade water-attribute Mystic Method sitting unsold."

"I'll keep an eye out for you, though it may take some time."

Granny Zhang understood. She could tell Ling Wudao was no ordinary cultivator.

The method he cultivated was at least mid-grade, and he could make graded Talismans, apparently with a good success rate.

Only a great clan could have the resources to nurture such talent.

The two enjoyed their conversation. Luo Fanchen personally escorted Granny Zhang to the gate, then called out once she was gone.

"Qiu Yun, I need your help."

"Uncle Luo, I'm here."

Yin wind gathered on Luo Fanchen's shoulder. In a few breaths, it formed a palm-sized figure: a miniature Qiu Yun.

"Watch over Mo Xue closely for now. Keep a careful eye on Old Wang..."

"Don't worry, Uncle Luo. I won't let anyone hurt my sister!"

Luo Fanchen narrowed his eyes, his voice turning cold as he continued.

"Good. If he has no such intentions, leave him be. But if he means Mo Xue harm, let the Soul Banner's poison work slowly. Don't let him drop dead on the spot."

"All right. I'll do as you say, Uncle Luo!"

With that, Qiu Yun's Soul Body dispersed. A few strands of yin wind stirred and silently carried away the tea set.

Meanwhile, in the quiet courtyard, Ling Moxue led A Niu and Xiao Cui around. A Niu was a typical closed gourd, silent, awkward, and shy.

Xiao Cui surprised her. As soon as they left Old Wang, she brightened and chattered without pause, as though making up for lost time.

"When my mother was still alive, our home was this big too. How wonderful."

"Sister Mo Xue, can we be friends? Other than A Niu, I don't have a single friend. I'll be good!"

"Sister Mo Xue, you're so pretty. Your master treats you so well."

The girl's voice was cheerful. She fluttered around Mo Xue like a butterfly, but a deep humility ran through her words. She tried her best to make them laugh.

At first, Ling Moxue did not want to engage with Xiao Cui. But the bruises and red marks covering her wrists and calves struck close to home. She occasionally managed a reply, her heart heavy.

If I hadn't met Master Luo, wouldn't I be worse off than Xiao Cui?

"He isn't my master."

Ling Moxue shook her head gently. Xiao Cui paused, puzzled. "If he isn't your master, why do you call him that?"

"It's a respectful title. I call him that because I like him."

"Like him?"

Xiao Cui froze, confused. "You haven't signed a Master-Servant Blood Contract?"

Come to think of it, she had not seen a Blood Contract Ghost Mark on Sister Mo Xue.

Most low-level cultivators in Shantytown had poor aptitude and needed to spend vast amounts of time cultivating in addition to earning a living.

Almost every one of them bought a servant to handle tedious chores. Sometimes, they used them to vent the frustrations cultivation brought.

Xiao Cui and A Niu were called apprentice and disciple, but in truth they were servants. Granny Zhang was simply far more humane than Old Wang.

"Sister, be careful too. These cultivators look respectable, but they're worse than pigs and dogs. They'll sell servants like us for two Spirit Stones."

"We can be used for refining medicine, made into concubines or cultivation vessels, even turned into toys for others' amusement. You can still resist, Sister. Find a chance and go far away."

Xiao Cui's eyes dimmed. Old Wang had clearly abused her often. Pity entered Ling Moxue's eyes, but she shook her head gently.

"Master Ling and I have only each other. We've survived several brushes with death together. Why would we need a Blood Contract?"

"Sister Mo Xue, you're free?"

Xiao Cui stared at her, her small face full of envy and disbelief.

She was about to ask more when Old Wang came over cursing. Her face fell at once, her expression turning numb.

"Wretched slave! You made me search everywhere. Get back and pour my wine! Spoil my pleasure and I'll skin you!"

Spittle flew from Old Wang's mouth, along with the stink of wine.

He slapped Xiao Cui hard across the forehead, leaving her dizzy, then savagely pinched her arm several times. Burning red marks rose on her skin. He seemed to be venting the anger he had swallowed at Luo Fanchen's residence.

Ling Moxue's almond-shaped eyes narrowed. Inside her sleeve, she clenched her fist, then let it fall helplessly.

She herself needed Master Luo's protection. What right did she have to save a stranger? Her cultivation was not strong enough for her to act on a whim.

"Thank you for showing us around, young friend. Perhaps your Master Ling and I will be calling each other brothers one day."

Old Wang's tone softened. Beside him, Xiao Cui hung her head, trembling with pain. Seeing him speak to Mo Xue so amicably, almost as an equal, she finally believed Mo Xue was free. Her heart filled with envy.

"What are you standing there for? Move!"

Old Wang slapped Xiao Cui's forehead again. Her ragged fringe flew aside, exposing the hideous, blood-red ghost mark on the right side of her face.

Xiao Cui had borne his blows without protest, but the moment her Blood Contract Ghost Mark was exposed, she covered her right cheek. She looked at Ling Moxue and A Niu in terror, her eyes full of shame and fear. Then Old Wang seized her ear and dragged her away.

Bastard.

Ling Moxue watched the girl go, fury knotting in her chest as killing intent surged. From the corner of her eye, she saw that A Niu's face was flushed too, his fists clenched until his knuckles turned white.

Clearly, A Niu, who had not said a word from beginning to end, cared deeply about Xiao Cui.

But as a servant, what could he do?

"Work hard at your cultivation."

Mo Xue started to speak, then stopped. In the end, she shook her head with a soft sigh, tightened her grip on her sword hilt, and went into the courtyard to practice.

Fortunately, the person she had met was Master Luo.

Please keep reading! It's very important for a new book. Reader retention dropped over the past two days T.T (sad). Also, if you have any monthly votes, please support me with them on Monday. I'm begging you~

(End of chapter)