Chapter 94
“Senior Sister Yuan is…”
“Jindan. She was nurtured to Jindan by the sect leader on the Nine Mountains, and after overcoming the transformation thunder tribulation, she came down the mountain to be taught by me.”
Zheng Fa nodded.
As he looked at Senior Sister Yuan’s small round face on the first floor, he couldn’t help but recall that previous round, plump bird head.
To be honest, if we’re just talking about face shape, there is indeed a bit of resemblance.
Senior Sister Yuan looked a bit anxious as she glanced at the two of them.
“Junior Sister Yuan, from now on, Zheng Fa will be in charge of the market affairs.”
Senior Sister Yuan’s expression dimmed.
But she nodded without a word, clearly very obedient to Senior Sister Zhang.
“However, Junior Brother Zheng hopes you can work a bit longer.” Senior Sister Zhang changed the subject, and a hint of joy couldn’t help but appear on Senior Sister Yuan’s face: “In half a year, this market will be entirely under Junior Brother Zheng’s management.”
If this had been said earlier, Senior Sister Yuan probably wouldn’t have felt happy.
But now, this statement felt like an unexpected delight, making her grin from ear to ear.
“During this half year, you must teach Junior Brother Zheng well.”
Senior Sister Zhang gave a reminder.
Senior Sister Yuan grabbed Zheng Fa’s arm and said, “I will definitely teach him well!”
…
At Han Qi’s stall, the Xuanpin talismans drawn by Zheng Fa quickly sold out.
The two people beside him were all smiles.
“Senior Brother, our talismans are selling faster and faster!”
“One Xuanpin talisman paired with three Huangpin talismans is indeed more cost-effective than before! It’s easier to sell! Senior Brother is really clever!”
The tall, thin one even complimented Han Qi.
“I see other talisman vendors will soon follow suit.”
Han Qi shook his head, but his expression wasn’t as cheerful as the other two; instead, he frowned, looking worried.
“That’s true; those people aren’t fools.” The tall, thin one nodded, noticing Han Qi’s worried face, and comforted him, “Senior Brother, you don’t need to worry too much. We still have Junior Brother Zheng’s reputation. Our business will always be better than others.”
“I’m not worried about that.”
Han Qi sighed.
“Then why the long face, Senior Brother?”
“Do you both remember Senior Sister Yuan from this morning?”
“Of course we remember!”
“I’m afraid we’ve offended Senior Sister Yuan.” Han Qi said anxiously.
“Ah?” The tall, thin one was taken aback, his face turning pale. “How did we offend her?”
“Do you not know how we acted around Senior Sister Yuan?” Han Qi said, “And now, under Junior Brother Zheng, we’re putting in so much effort. The change is so drastic. Senior Sister Yuan must have noticed; how could she not have thoughts about it?”
“That’s true. They say it’s hard to raise women and petty people… Do you think she’ll make things difficult for us?”
Han Qi fell silent for a moment. “Senior Sister Yuan is in charge of the market and has profound cultivation. Even if she doesn’t make things difficult for us, offending her isn’t a good thing.”
“But we still have Junior Brother Zheng, right?”
The tall, thin one said uneasily.
“Junior Brother Zheng…” Han Qi’s expression grew even more conflicted. “I’m just afraid that the three of us will drag Junior Brother Zheng down and make Senior Sister Yuan vent her anger on him.”
“…”
“After all, he’s still just a Qi Refining disciple. Besides, Senior Sister Yuan is also a confidante of Senior Sister Zhang.”
Hearing him say this, the smiles on the faces of the other two gradually faded, replaced by worry.
“So, Senior Brother, what should we do?”
“If it comes to it, we should go to Junior Brother Zheng’s place to apologize, let him be prepared, and then go to Senior Sister Zhang to plead our case.” Han Qi gritted his teeth and said, “If Junior Brother Zheng faces any punishment, we’ll accept it!”
“Senior Brother… it seems we don’t need to go to Junior Brother Zheng’s place anymore.”
“?”
“That’s Junior Brother Zheng over there!” The tall, thin one pointed in that direction. “Are you saying that Senior Sister Yuan is venting her anger on him, referring to that?”
Han Qi looked up.
Zheng Fa was wandering around the market.
Beside him was a familiar yet unfamiliar figure, pointing at the surrounding shops, her face beaming with enthusiasm, chatting away.
The three of them couldn’t hear what Senior Sister Yuan was saying, but it didn’t seem like she was scolding anyone.
“Is that… Senior Sister Yuan?”
Han Qi said, stunned.
“She looks like her from the face, but her expression doesn’t quite match.” The tall, thin one hesitated.
“…”
“So, Senior Brother, should we still go to Junior Brother Zheng’s place to apologize?”
“Apologize my foot!” Han Qi slapped the silly follower beside him.
“How does she act in front of us, and how does she act in front of Junior Brother Zheng?”
“Would she dare to blame us?”
(End of this chapter)
---
**Chapter 108: Frost Blade**
Zheng Fa followed Senior Sister Yuan as they explored the market, mainly to familiarize himself with the responsibilities of managing the market.
As they walked, Senior Sister Yuan explained:
“What we call the market actually consists of three parts—the plaza where the large shops are located, the market with the small shops, and the market made up of those small stalls.”
“Our main task is to maintain order in these three areas. First, we need to ensure that there are no cases of bullying or monopolizing. Second, we must also prevent some ruffians or high-level cultivators from bullying the shopkeepers.”
Senior Sister Yuan spoke about these matters with great familiarity.
“Those large shops don’t need our attention; they are all opened by the major sects of the Bai Xian Alliance, and almost no one dares to cause trouble.” Senior Sister Yuan said, “Well, no matter how expensive their goods are, we can’t interfere.”
Zheng Fa remained silent.
These large shops not only have backing but also rare spiritual materials.
For the Nine Mountains Sect, they contribute the most in rent.
A cash cow the size of a fist is not something anyone wants to provoke.
“But for the market and the stalls, we need to put in some effort.”
“The shops in the market are generally quite honest; most of them are opened by celestial clans, and only they have the capital. These people may not be kind, but they certainly fear Senior Sister Zhang causing trouble.”
“But those stalls are another story; they are a mixed bag, and it’s the hardest to manage, with the most disputes.”
“Most of my disciples patrol this market.” Senior Sister Yuan said, “By the way, when will you meet them?”
Zheng Fa thought for a moment and replied, “Maybe in a few more days.”
It’s only right to meet the disciples on duty in the market, but he could also sense that this matter wouldn’t be so simple.
Not only was his cultivation low, but his experience was also shallow; he had only joined the sect for two months.
Even with Senior Sister Zhang backing him, managing such a large market wouldn’t be smooth sailing.
Not to mention others, just look at Senior Sister Zhang.
Isn’t her talent good?
She was the fastest to establish a foundation in the Bai Xian Alliance, and Zheng Fa was previously recognized as the number one in talisman arts.
Isn’t her background strong?
Her master is a Nascent Soul True Person.
But from Senior Sister Zhang’s account, Zheng Fa could also understand that she had faced her fair share of disputes and doubts along the way.
Background and talent do not solve everything in the immortal sect.
“Alright! Let’s set it for half a month later!” Senior Sister Yuan seemed to sense something and patted his arm. “Don’t worry, Senior Sister will help you!”
Zheng Fa cupped his hands in thanks to Senior Sister Yuan.
After introducing Zheng Fa, Senior Sister Yuan took his arm and dashed through the market filled with stalls.
“Come, come, come!”
“Senior Sister?”
“Don’t be fooled by the number of these shops; there are really only a few that have good stuff!”
Zheng Fa couldn’t help but feel a bit excited. Having been in the Nine Mountains Sect for so long, he had hardly spent any money here—afraid of being misled and stepping into a pit.
Senior Sister Yuan clearly knew her way around, and perhaps she could really introduce some reliable shops to him, making it easier for him to buy any magical treasures or spiritual materials in the future.
“This stall’s meat pie is a family recipe!” Senior Sister Yuan pointed to a stall and said, “The seasoning is secret, and there’s plenty of meat and oil!”
“... Is this what you call good stuff, Senior Sister?”
“Of course! Walk a hundred steps forward, then turn right at the third stall; it’s an excellent pastry stall… I’ll let you in on a secret, Senior Sister Zhang’s favorite is their osmanthus cake!”
“…”
“By the way, there’s a stall selling meat skewers at the market entrance; they’ve been around for about ten years and have a great reputation!” Senior Sister Yuan said proudly as she looked at Zheng Fa. “I’ve shared all the treasure shops I’ve discovered over the years!”
“... Thank you, Senior Sister.” Zheng Fa said with difficulty.
“It’s nothing; I promised Senior Sister Zhang to teach you well!” Senior Sister Yuan patted her chest, then quietly leaned closer to Zheng Fa’s ear and whispered, “There’s a grain shop in the market that sells particularly delicious spiritual grains! No one else knows about this; only I buy it!”
She had a look that said she wouldn’t tell anyone else.
“Senior Sister… is it possible that others don’t buy it because their tastes differ from yours?”
Recalling Senior Sister Yuan’s true form, Zheng Fa fell silent for a moment before asking.
…
Thirteen days later.
In Zheng Fa’s small courtyard.
He sat cross-legged on a mat, holding a blue jade bottle in his right hand.
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