Will You Leave Me Once You Join the Dao Sect?

A metal-aspected superior Mystic Method?

Yun Mo's mouth went dry, and even her breathing trembled.

Cultivation arts were the foundation on which cultivators stood; sword arts and spell arts were merely external techniques.

Among superior Mystic Methods, a cultivation art was generally worth more than five times as much as a spell art.

If she closed a deal worth over a hundred Spirit Stones, she could take a commission of roughly five percent—enough to equal a year's earnings.

"These Spirit Sprouts come from Jade Shoots of the first-rank, mid-grade variety. They're supplied exclusively to the Treasure Pavilion. Drinking them regularly is greatly beneficial to cultivation."

Yun Mo's eyes curved in a smile. She bent her knees into a half-kneel, her elegant pale-purple palace gown cinched tight at the waist, tracing the supple curves of her figure.

Her voice was soft and gentle as she personally poured tea for Luo Fanchen and Ling Moxue.

From Luo Fanchen's angle, he could see the deep, pale cleavage beneath the openwork lace at her neckline.

It was kneeling service in the most literal sense. Even Luo Fanchen felt a little overwhelmed by the attention.

"You're buying the superior Mystic Method for Miss Mo Xue?"

Mist veiled Yun Mo's lovely eyes as she gazed softly up at Luo Fanchen. She idly tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, exposing her creamy neck and rounded earlobe.

Luo Fanchen paused, but the hand gripping his palm soon drew his attention back.

He glanced sideways. Mo Xue had turned her face away, lips pursed, while watching him sidelong.

Luo Fanchen smiled. Mo Xue looked like a kitten whose owner had been stolen, aggrieved and a little forlorn.

"Yes, it's for her. Do you have a suitable art?"

"Sister Mo Xue is truly fortunate."

Envy filled Yun Mo's eyes. The art she cultivated was only a lesser, mid-grade Mystic Method.

She pressed her lips together in thought, then said gently, "Superior Mystic Methods are precious. Flying Cloud Market has only one water-aspected cultivation art that meets your requirements. As for a metal-aspected one, I heard Heavenly Star Market recently acquired a Mystic Method."

"It is superior-grade. If you confirm that you want it, I can have it transferred here at once, though it will take some time."

"May I look over a general description of the art?"

Luo Fanchen paused. He was delighted, but painfully aware of how little he had to spend.

"Of course. Heavenly Star Market lies deep within Yi Wood Sect territory, as you know, so the standoff between the two sects makes transport somewhat troublesome..."

"If you want it, we can have it brought to this pavilion in about two months."

Luo Fanchen pressed his lips together. He felt his empty Storage Bag, then looked at Mo Xue's miserable little face and patted her head in comfort.

The girl seemed even more distressed about the cost than he was.

Before long, Yun Mo presented a scroll of gold paper with both hands. Luo Fanchen took it and read. The art was called the Heavenly Heart Art, a superior metal-aspected Mystic Method. The True Essence it cultivated was unstoppable in its sharpness, favoring explosive killing power at the expense of endurance.

It was not as good as the Lesser Yang Wood-Transforming Art, but it was still an unusually suitable art for the girl.

"It will do. How much?"

"After waiving the transfer costs, one hundred and fifty Spirit Stones. We also accept items of equivalent value."

Yun Mo's eyes shone like spring water, her gaze almost glued to Luo Fanchen. Had Mo Xue not been beside him, she might have sat straight on his lap.

"We require a ten-percent deposit. If you want it, I can have someone reserve it for you at once."

"One hundred and fifty? That's far above market price. Among superior Mystic Methods, this art is only middling at best, isn't it?"

Luo Fanchen sipped his tea. The price nearly made him choke and spit it out.

"Naturally, it cannot compare to the art you cultivate, sir. But every superior Mystic Method is a closely guarded secret of a great clan. Without a stroke of fortune, obtaining even one is difficult."

Luo Fanchen had no intention of yielding. He used every bargaining trick he knew and finally sounded out Yun Mo's bottom line.

"One hundred and thirty-five Spirit Stones."

Bitterness filled Luo Fanchen's heart. He looked at Mo Xue again. Her brows were knotted, and her little face was so tightly scrunched she looked ready to cry.

"Master Luo... let's go home, all right?"

Her little face pleaded with him, her lips moving soundlessly. With Master Luo's savings, he probably could not even cover a fraction of the price.

She did not want Master Luo to risk his life over this. How could he possibly come up with a hundred Spirit Stones?

"I'll take it. Have it brought over as soon as possible."

Luo Fanchen sighed. He was rather glad he cultivated the Lesser Yang Wood-Transforming Art. Without Yi Wood True Essence to let him borrow a great clan disciple's might like a fox parading in a tiger's shadow, he might never have found a way to buy a superior Mystic Method.

Mo Xue was already eighteen, and her meridians were nearly closed. There was no time to delay.

She could join the Dao Sect and become a favored genius. Foundation Establishment, then Core Formation, would be within her reach. He could not hold her back.

Slowly, he took ten Spirit Stones from his Storage Bag, along with twenty Spirit Dust and three Meridian-Opening Pills—just enough to make the deposit.

He had emptied his entire fortune. All he had left was two Spirit Dust.

"May I ask your surname, honored guest?"

Yun Mo's eyes sparkled, her delight plain to see. Afraid Luo Fanchen might change his mind, she immediately accepted the payment.

This deal alone would let her cultivate without worry for the rest of this year and the next.

"What, does doing business with you mean I have to disclose my background?"

Luo Fanchen gave a soft snort. Yun Mo immediately half-knelt and said sincerely, "I was presumptuous. This is a Treasure Pavilion VIP token."

"If you need anything in the future, sir, you can contact me through it. I... will offer you an additional discount."

Yun Mo lowered her head in complete deference. She was deeply relieved she had not slighted Luo Fanchen.

This was probably the Treasure Pavilion's biggest deal of the year.

"You had better keep your word. Otherwise, I, Ling, will not let you off lightly!"

Luo Fanchen snorted and deliberately stirred the Yi Wood True Essence within him. Tender shoots broke through the jade floor beneath his feet.

Yun Mo had never in her life seen True Essence so pure and balanced. She bowed at once and said earnestly, "How would this humble woman dare oppose you, sir?"

"Honesty is the foundation of the Treasure Pavilion. We would never do anything so underhanded."

Tender grass twined around Yun Mo's ankles. She felt the power of his Yi Wood True Essence firsthand, yet she neither grew angry nor ordered her attendants to subdue Luo Fanchen.

Instead, she dropped to both knees and bowed her head to the floor.

She had seen something of the world and had once had the good fortune to receive an inner disciple of the Clear River Sect.

That young genius cultivated the Clear River Sect's superior Mystic Method, the Cloudwater Heavenly Essence Art, an art renowned as exceptional. Yet the depth of his True Essence was nowhere near this young man's.

"I hope so."

Seeing that his display had worked, Luo Fanchen stopped while he was ahead.

He drained his cup of spirit tea. Warmth spread through his organs, and he let out a comfortable breath.

Then Luo Fanchen gently pinched Mo Xue's stiff little face and gestured for her to finish her tea. He accepted the Jade Token, rose, and took his leave.

"Safe travels, sir."

Yun Mo bowed with poise as she saw him off, her eyes full of questions.

She had seen enough of the world to know this was unusual. After a moment's hesitation, she boldly sent a message through her Jade Token to the pavilion master, describing what had happened and the properties of the True Essence Luo Fanchen had displayed, including the shoots springing from bare ground.

In less than the time it took to drink a cup of tea, the Jade Token glimmered with a hazy light. Only a few words appeared on it.

[Art unknown. If your perception is correct, he is very likely a Profound School Prodigy. Do not slight him. I will return at once.]

"Th-the Profound Sects?"

Yun Mo's delicate hand shook like a sieve. She could barely hold the Jade Token.

Her gaze went unfocused, her understanding of the world thrown into disarray. The Clear River Sect was already a colossus, and the Luo Shen Pavilion had dominated the Azure Source Domain for ten thousand years. A Nascent Soul True Lord presided over it, countless prodigies filled its ranks, and its Arcane Canon was known throughout the land.

Yet even Dao Sects that powerful could only bow their heads before the Profound Sects.

"The Profound Sects... a prodigy? How could tiny Flying Cloud Market have someone from an Orthodox Profound School?"

Yun Mo's lips parted with quick, shallow breaths. She could barely breathe.

She looked at the Jade Token again. The pavilion master, who had traveled far into Yi Wood Sect territory, had said he would return in person. He warned her not to slight the guest. The superior Mystic Method was of little consequence; they should treat it as a gift to forge a favorable connection. Once he returned, he would confirm the matter himself. Until then, she was not to act rashly.

"A superior Mystic Method worth over a hundred Spirit Stones, given away just like that?"

Yun Mo murmured, a bitter smile touching her lips. She feared she would never be able to afford an art so expensive in her lifetime.

She stared at the words that continued to appear on the Jade Token, her mind reeling.

The pavilion master stressed again and again that she must not harbor wicked intentions merely because the man's cultivation was low.

The inherited arts of the Profound Schools were exceedingly difficult to comprehend. Even within the Profound Sects, successful practitioners were few. Those who succeeded were all future pillars of their sects. Set apart from other disciples, they were called members of the Orthodox Profound School, or Profound School Prodigies.

Each followed a path of their own. They could not be judged by common standards: they valued tempering the heart and cleansing the nature, letting the Dao follow nature, and often did not make meditative cultivation their chief pursuit.

The man might be past thirty and only at the Fourth Level of Qi Refining, but once enlightenment struck, he would soar like a great roc.

Resources were the last thing the Profound Sects lacked. Even if someone who had comprehended an inherited art possessed poor Spirit Roots, a mountain of resources and life-extending treasures could pile up high enough to carry even a tethered dog to a golden core.

Moreover, every disciple of a Profound Sect had a Life-Soul Token. If they died or activated it themselves, a powerful figure from the sect would surely arrive in person.

Legend had it that when a member of an Orthodox Profound School was killed, a mighty cultivator shattered the void to reach the scene and wiped out more than a dozen subordinate sects, each no weaker than the Clear River Sect.

"Could this be my opportunity?"

Wild joy surged through Yun Mo. She walked dazedly out of the hall and found two slaves being brought before her by a steward.

"Reporting to you, my lady. These two wretched slaves spied on your transaction with the honored guest. How should they be punished?"

"What nerve. Dispose of them cleanly, and give their owners a few Spirit Stones in compensation."

Yun Mo narrowed her eyes, her pretty face cold. Xiao Cui and A Niu had just been envying Mo Xue for leaving the pavilion with a sword art. Twenty-five Spirit Stones were more than twice their combined wealth.

They had never imagined that a glance from afar would cost them their lives.

"Weren't we... supposed to get thirty strokes?"

"Remember to disperse their souls too. This matter comes under the pavilion master's direct orders. Not a word of it may leak."

Yun Mo waved a hand casually, without a trace of pity in her eyes.

Xiao Cui's face turned deathly pale. In desperation, an idea came to her. "We... know that honored guest. That's why we were curious."

"You know him?"

Yun Mo paused and signaled the steward to hold off. Xiao Cui promptly spilled everything she knew.

"The honored guest is named Ling Wudao. He recently moved to the Shantytown District on the outskirts. He's a recognized Talisman Master, and he's very friendly."

"The Shantytown District?"

Yun Mo pressed her lips together. She was not too surprised. This man could condescend to stay in Flying Cloud Market; living among the poor to experience the hardships of mortal life was hardly out of the question.

A member of the Orthodox Profound School could afford to act as he pleased. He must have absolute confidence in himself and his sect, or he would never have displayed his True Essence so freely.

"Spare them. Have them sign Blood Contracts. Not a word of today's events may get out."

After a moment's hesitation, Yun Mo decided not to take their lives.

It was not softness of heart. She simply feared that acting rashly would displease the Profound School Prodigy.

"No wonder someone at the Fourth Level of Qi Refining could bring out so many Demonic Treasures. The Demonic Cultivators nearby are in for a rough time."

Yun Mo sighed, somewhat troubled. She intended to find a good opportunity to visit the prodigy.

But she also feared an uninvited visit would offend him.

"Yi Wood True Essence really is useful..."

Elsewhere, Luo Fanchen clicked his tongue in wonder.

The Lesser Yang Wood-Transforming Art ranked among the very best Mystic Methods and came from another remote region. Even a Core Formation True Person would likely fail to recognize its origins, let alone verify them. It was perfect for borrowing a tiger's might while wearing a fox's skin.

He deliberately led Mo Xue around the inner ring several times. Sure enough, no Treasure Pavilion cultivators or spies followed them. He felt a little relieved.

"Master Luo... one hundred and thirty-five Spirit Stones... waaah."

As they walked, Mo Xue clutched the Jade Slip tightly. She tucked her lower lip beneath her upper one, looking so aggrieved she was about to cry.

Whether she thought of the Spirit Stones or Master Luo, her heart ached.

She even doubted she could earn the remaining one hundred and twenty-two Spirit Stones in her lifetime. How could Master Luo ever pay the rest?

"Master Luo, I don't really need a superior Mystic Method. Let's return it, all right? Please..."

"If we return it, we won't get the deposit back."

Luo Fanchen gently pinched her cheek, worry in his own eyes.

He doubted he could save the remaining one hundred and twenty-two Spirit Stones in twenty years. But... he really could pay it.

By trading an item for it.

"Waaah, Master Luo, how can you joke about this? You're going to make me furious."

"Silly girl. You've gotten a bargain, and you're still complaining."

Luo Fanchen gently pinched her soft cheek, unable to hide his exhaustion. Mo Xue met his gaze for a moment. Her emotions overwhelmed her; she pouted and huffed, then suddenly began to sob.

People came and went along the street. The girl was embarrassed, but she could not stop the tears.

"Why are you crying? Shouldn't I be the one crying?"

Warmth filled Luo Fanchen's eyes. He brushed away Mo Xue's tears with his fingertip, slipped an arm beneath her knees, and wrapped the other around her waist, lifting her into a bridal carry.

Mo Xue froze. Her lashes fluttered as a soft peach-pink flush spread from her cheeks down her neck, turning her earlobes a translucent red.

She struggled instinctively out of shyness, yet she liked being close to Master Luo. After giving his shoulders a few token pushes, she buried her face in his chest and asked timidly,

"Master Luo, you're not going to sell Qiu Yun to pay those hundred-odd Spirit Stones, are you?"

"Clever. I hadn't thought of that until you mentioned it."

Luo Fanchen smiled. The girl clenched her little fist and lightly thumped his shoulder, on the verge of tears. "Master Luo, you're awful..."

She sniffed gently, breathing in the Pine Sandalwood Fragrance on Master Luo's clothes. Only then did she calm a little. Her red lips moved as she said weakly,

"Master Luo, let's return it. We can repay fifteen Spirit Stones together, but you can't bear a debt of more than a hundred..."

"I can."

"How? Even if you bundled up and sold ten of me, we still couldn't pay it back."

Mo Xue fell speechless. Luo Fanchen let out a long sigh, still weighing his choices.

He could not possibly sell the Soul Banner. The only valuable thing he had left was the bequest that unfortunate fellow Daoist had entrusted to him.

"I have my ways. Do you think decades of hard cultivation left me with nothing tucked away at the bottom of a chest?"

Mo Xue's lips parted and closed helplessly. Her eyes reddened, and her fingers gripped Luo Fanchen's shoulder hard enough to hurt.

She roughly understood what Master Luo meant. After decades of hard cultivation, he might have encountered some rare opportunities and saved up considerable resources.

Perhaps Master Luo really could produce that many Spirit Stones. But those resources must be the foundation of his hopes for Foundation Establishment—everything he had.

"But..."

"No buts. Just listen to me."

Luo Fanchen shrugged, pretending it was nothing. Inside, heaven and man were still locked in battle.

He was suspicious by nature, and his misgivings were no fewer than Mo Xue's. As far as he knew, Water Dragonwood was his only chance at Foundation Establishment.

Mo Xue really could join the Dao Sect. With her innate Sword Bone, she could stand out there too. Once she reached Foundation Establishment and formed her core, she would surely be able to help him in return.

Besides, once her admiration reached three, each of her breakthroughs would indirectly raise his cultivation as well.

If he followed the usual path to the ninth level of Qi Refining, who knew how many decades it would take? The Water Dragonwood would not sprout more of itself just sitting there. He might as well go all in.

Things had come to this, and he wanted to try trusting Mo Xue, just as she trusted him.

"Why the long face? Once you join the Dao Sect, you won't kick me to the curb, will you?"

"Never! Unless Master Luo doesn't want me—no, even if you don't want me, I'll tie you up and bring you back!"

A mist shimmered in Ling Moxue's bright eyes. She rested her chin on Luo Fanchen's shoulder, wrapped in a sense of safety.

Yet the ache in her chest nearly left her speechless. More than a hundred Spirit Stones—how much hardship had Master Luo endured to get them?

"There you go. Once you've joined the Dao Sect, you can come back and help me."

"I'll definitely help Master Luo reach Foundation Establishment."

"Exactly. You reach Foundation Establishment first, then come back and bring me along. We'll both reach it and enjoy the good life."

Luo Fanchen laughed at his own words, and his heart no longer felt quite so heavy.

He believed Mo Xue would make it into the Dao Sect.

When they returned to the residence, Luo Fanchen told Mo Xue to spend an extra hour each day deciphering the formation diagram.

He had worked out the timing. Two months should be enough to undo the formation restriction on the Water Dragonwood. Once she had the matching cultivation method, one of his worries would be settled.

Over the next three days, Mo Xue came to him repeatedly and asked to sign a new Blood Contract.

She insisted on extending the Blood Contract indefinitely. Even after she joined the Dao Sect, she wanted it to remain in force.

Luo Fanchen talked himself hoarse before he finally persuaded her to drop it, fearing it would affect her state of mind. But she kept finding chances to bring it up again. Only after he asked Qiu Yun to speak with her several times did Mo Xue set the idea aside for now.

Of course, Mo Xue had no intention of giving up.

She made a secret plan: once she could beat Master Luo, she would force him to sign a new Blood Contract, even if she had to tie him up to do it.

Please keep reading! (Pause for a dozen seconds or so on the latest chapter—roughly as long as it would take to finish reading it normally~) Monthly votes are welcome too~

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