# Chapter 248: Immortal Transactions, We'll Meet Again
(Note: Yesterday's chapter was 7,000 characters, and now the second chapter today is 11,000 characters. The leave request from yesterday has been made up.)
The seven hundred miles before arriving at Jianshui Manor felt somewhat oppressive because Chen Ping'an was preoccupied with many worries, making the three travel rather gloomily. This journey to the border's immortal ferry crossing was like heaven and earth apart. And because many words had been spoken openly, and each had shaken out many secrets from their bodies, the three's relationship grew increasingly solid. Even for that tragic case where all his friends had died, during one overnight stay on a mountaintop, Xu Yuanxia while drinking wine spoke of some of it. Zhang Shanfeng also uncharacteristically mentioned his family background and his master's sect. Taking the wine gourd Chen Ping'an handed him, for the first time he drank heavily in large gulps. Especially when he spoke of his master, the Fire Dragon True Person, he cursed him endlessly with harsh words. But despite the harsh words from his mouth, the young Daoist's face was full of nostalgia. Across his knees lay that peachwood sword. When he was moved, he could only use drinking to hide the tears in his eyes.
During this time, the young Daoist sneezed several times in a row. The big-bearded man joked, "What, your master, separated by a whole continent, can still hear your complaints? Could he be an outer sect Celestial Master from Dragon Tiger Mountain?" Zhang Shanfeng said grumpily, "What Celestial Master? The old man has never even been to the Central Continent in his entire life. He talks every day about going to the ancestral temple at Dragon Tiger Mountain to pay respects to the patriarch, but it's either his back aches today or his legs hurt tomorrow, or else he's fast asleep. Each time he sleeps for ten days to half a month. The longest time, there was a continuous two-month snowfall at the sect's mountain, and the old fellow just slept through the entire two months standing in the wind and snow on the cliff edge. He didn't wake up until the wind and snow had completely melted. Before that, the sect's disciples had long prepared to follow their master on a long journey to Dragon Tiger Mountain, but that scheduled trip was also ruined. In short, the old man has absolutely no sincerity. The senior and junior brothers complain endlessly, dropping hints again and again, and the old fellow treats it all like wind passing his ears. You can say whatever you want, it's like clear wind brushing a great ridge."
Chen Ping'an also took the initiative to talk about Master Qi, since Master Qi had appeared that night at the ancient temple in Shushui Kingdom and had met both Xu Yuanxia and Zhang Shanfeng.
But he only mentioned that Lishui Cave Heaven back in his hometown, saying he was a native there, and that Master Qi had taught in a school there for many years.
Chen Ping'an wasn't unwilling to say more. If he truly opened up, fueled by the wine, he could talk about Master Qi with his two friends all night long.
But he didn't dare say more.
During the brief journey home with the young Cui Chan, that shameless disciple-student, annoyed that Chen Ping'an was silent and always showing off and chattering himself, had said many things about affairs at the mountaintops. For example, the "interesting" schemes of the hundred schools of philosophers and sages across the various continents. Even though young Cui Chan only spoke in fragments and bits, deliberately not explaining thoroughly, making the true inside information appear and disappear like a flood dragon in the clouds, Chen Ping'an already understood the weight and severity of things.
Chen Ping'an also spoke about his waterfall striking process and his realm advancement.
Xu Yuanxia was a martial artist and was astonished. Even though he had anticipated it, he still gave Chen Ping'an a thumbs up, saying his future prospects were bright, and that he definitely wouldn't miss becoming a grandmaster at the Spirit Refining Realm.
Seeing Zhang Shanfeng's blank expression, Xu Yuanxia gave an example, saying that Chen Ping'an's current realm, if placed in the mountains, meant he was about to break through the bottleneck of the lower five realms, and could step into the sixth realm, the Cave Dwelling Realm, at any moment. Zhang Shanfeng finally understood, and then the young Daoist wailed, saying, "Has all my diligent cultivation every day been eaten by dogs?"
Chen Ping'an laughed heartily and joined the big-bearded man in teasing Zhang Shanfeng.
Because Zhang Shanfeng didn't need others' consolation. This guy's tough temperament actually wasn't inferior to Chen Ping'an's. He had never been afraid of anything, only one thing: having no money in his pocket and not being able to eat his fill.
If there had to be one more thing, it was that during his young Daoist's southern journey, he had done a poor job several times when expelling demons and subduing monsters, and his conscience had always been uneasy.
After that, the journey was calm and peaceful. Having experienced the turbulent storms of Yanfang Commandery and seen the lively Jianghu of Jianshui Manor, the three actually felt a bit lonely. Fortunately, they soon arrived at that border pass. All three had proper travel permits. Although the inspection was strict, they still smoothly passed through the city gate and headed toward the Grand Governor's Mansion.
In the package Song Yushao had given them, besides nearly two thousand Small Snow Coins, there was also a letter personally written by the old man. As long as Chen Ping'an handed it over to the Shushui Kingdom Grand Governor's Mansion at the border, he could obtain court permission to enter the forbidden area.
Chen Ping'an arrived at the heavily guarded mansion gate and went up to speak. Unexpectedly, these border soldiers couldn't understand the common language of Baoping Continent, and Chen Ping'an didn't know the official language of Shushui Kingdom either. For a time, it was like a chicken talking to a duck, very awkward. Fortunately, the soldiers at the gate gestured for Chen Ping'an to wait and sent someone in to report. Soon, an old man in a Confucian robe with a scholarly air came out. He was fluent in the continent's common language. Chen Ping'an handed him the letter, "For the Grand Governor's Personal Reading," signed by Song Yushao of Jianshui Manor.
The mansion's old advisor took the envelope with both hands, no longer daring to be negligent. He directly led the three to sit in a side hall. After serving tea, he quickly ran toward the official hall where the Grand Governor handled military affairs. After a while, a short, dark-skinned old man walked in. He wore neither armor nor military official robes. With a wooden expression, he clutched three bronze seal talismans in his hand and directly handed them to Chen Ping'an. Then, without saying a word, he turned and left.
As the three left the Grand Governor's Mansion, Chen Ping'an and Zhang Shanfeng were both dumbfounded. That unremarkable Grand Governor of Shushui Kingdom was far too decisive and swift.
The big-bearded man, who wore a long and short saber at his waist, explained, "True battlefield generals who climb from the bottom to high positions are never boastful characters."
Then he smiled, "Put in official circles, this is called 'a noble person's words are slow.'"
Zhang Shanfeng said sarcastically, "He didn't say a single word at all. Slow what slow."
The two had heard Chen Ping'an recount the turmoil at Jianshui Manor and knew the court's attitude toward the manor. Xu Yuanxia couldn't help but sigh emotionally, "To be willing to receive the three of us at this moment and even take out three pass seal talismans, this Grand Governor is quite righteous. His friendship with Old Sword Saint Song must be extremely good."
Chen Ping'an nodded, "Someone who can be friends with Old Senior Song definitely can't be bad."
Xu Yuanxia and Zhang Shanfeng exchanged a smile. The latter clicked his tongue, "Chen Ping'an, that sentence of yours was quite scholarly. You even know how to praise yourself indirectly!"
Chen Ping'an added, "Being friends with someone who can be friends with Old Senior Song probably isn't bad either."
Xu Yuanxia gave a thumbs up, "That's well said, with substance!"
Zhang Shanfeng put his arm around Chen Ping'an's shoulder and praised, "Smooth transitions, flawless!"
The three laughed loudly as they left the pass through the south gate and continued southward, each with a seal talisman hanging from their waist.
After more than a hundred li, they would enter the forbidden area under the jurisdiction of the immortal ferry crossing.
At a small mountain halfway, they stopped. Chen Ping'an lit a fire to cook. During this time, someone watched them from afar in the shadows. Upon seeing the seal talismans at their waists, they apparently lost interest and quietly left.
The three ate without drinking wine. They were about to enter that ferry crossing where mountain Qi Refiners gathered, so it was better to be cautious.
Xu Yuanxia was primarily here to see Chen Ping'an and Zhang Shanfeng off this time. However, if there was a ferry boat heading to Qingluan Kingdom in the southeastern part of Baoping Continent, that would be even better. As for shops at the ferry selling treasures and heavy artifacts, Xu Yuanxia, a pure martial artist who now also had a divine weapon, had completely lost interest.
Zhang Shanfeng, besides wanting to buy an offensive dharma sword, also needed to replenish some rare talismans like Speedwalk Talismans, as well as find someone to appraise the price of that pair of Shenxiao Bamboo chopsticks from Qingshen Mountain, that white bowl that condensed spiritual energy into sweet dew, and the Guyu Kingdom armor pill that Chen Ping'an had sold to him at half price. The young Daoist absolutely would not sell those two treasures. He wouldn't even take them out, lest he invite greed and cause unnecessary trouble.
Chen Ping'an definitely wouldn't touch anything he brought from Luopo Mountain.
He would keep that top-grade snake gallbladder stone that He Xiaoliang of Shengong Sect had returned to him on the Kun boat. After Lishui Cave Heaven had fallen, not a single snake gallbladder stone could be seen in Dragon Beard River or Iron Talisman River anymore; they had all become ordinary stones. It was said that snake gallbladder stones were a specialty of Lishui Cave Heaven. This meant that every time one was used, one fewer existed in the world. Chen Ping'an now understood this was called "hoarding for a higher price." The later he sold them, the more he would profit.
The golden body and literary courage given by Yanfang Commandery's City God Shen Wen had to be well hidden. The golden fragments and silver fragments obtained twice before could also not be shown to others.
That Celestial Master Seal inscribed with "Seal of the City God Xianyou Bo of Yanfang Commandery of Caoyi Kingdom," which Shen Wen valued most, even saying "only the virtuous may hold a divine artifact." It was said that this seal required coordination with the Five Thunder True Method to unleash its majestic power. Chen Ping'an's first thought was of Zhang Shanfeng, the outer sect Daoist of Dragon Tiger Mountain, and of Lin Shouyi, who was now studying at the Cliff Academy but practicing the "Cloud Top Luminous Book." However, after careful consideration, Chen Ping'an felt it wasn't that he was unwilling to give it to one of them, but rather that it seemed inappropriate. He felt that even if he were to give it away, it should be later. First, until he understood what "virtuous" meant, and second, by that time, either Zhang Shanfeng or Lin Shouyi, whoever could truly be called by those three words.
If it were before, Chen Ping'an would have given it away without a second word.
Now, he wouldn't.
As for that lightning-struck ebony wood that still had lingering vitality, that large white bowl painted with the True Form Diagrams of the Five Sacred Mountains, and that talisman concealing the withered bones and seductive ghost, Chen Ping'an would take them out to ask for prices, and how many Small Snow Coins each could sell for. Whether to pawn or sell, he would decide then. He believed the shops at the ferry wouldn't force a sale.
The nearly two thousand Snow Coins from Jianshui Manor, plus the Snow Coins and Minor Heat Coins from the blue-clad child, together added up to roughly four thousand Small Snow Coins.
Chen Ping'an was quite happy thinking about this.
But then he thought of something else and couldn't be happy anymore.
Wei Po and the old man surnamed Cui had once said something similar: that Chen Ping'an, before entering Inverted Suspension Mountain, must first break through to the fourth realm of martial arts. Only then could he stand firm on that great wall, using the most abundant invisible sword intent of the Hao Ran world to temper his physical body and solidify his spirit soul. For any pure martial artist in the third realm of Qi refining, it would be greatly beneficial. According to the old man, if he didn't even have the fourth realm, he might as well not go up on the city wall and embarrass himself. Even if he could go up, he might not be able to climb down. He could only stay beneath the Sword Qi Great Wall, deliver the sword to that girl, and then just stare blankly, obediently rolling back to Luopo Mountain to be the mountain king.
Chen Ping'an wanted to stay there a bit longer.
Soon, a group of people passed by on the road below the mountain. Seven or eight people, old and young, in various outfits, none seeming like ordinary folk. The three on the hillside only glanced at them briefly and didn't look again.
When traveling outside, be wary of Daoists and monks. When entering mountains and crossing waters, avoid children and women.
This was an unwritten rule of the mountain. If you encounter fellow travelers of unknown depth, don't stare for no reason. Who knows if you'll run into someone with a bad temper?
Those people also swept their gazes over the three and then stopped examining them.
Although they hadn't reached the ferry yet, it was only a few dozen li—how long could that take? Parting was imminent. Originally, they had agreed not to drink, but just because Chen Ping'an habitually took a sip of wine, Zhang Shanfeng said he wanted some too. Chen Ping'an handed him the wine gourd. Then Xu Yuanxia also took a swig. And so they went in turns. The three sat on the mountaintop of that small hill, one sip each, drinking silently without stopping.
Finally, the big-bearded man murmured, "I was once in the military, in a fierce border army. But I just couldn't stand seeing people die around me every day, so I started wandering the Jianghu. Never thought I'd end up seeing people die anyway. You might not believe it, but I, Xu Yuanxia, come from a scholarly family. I threw aside my brush and joined the army back then. Of course, my family wasn't some grand clan of bells and cauldrons, but we were considered a local prominent family. How many years has it been since I last went back? A hometown where both parents are still healthy has now become a place of nostalgia."
The big-bearded man had wine all over his beard. He sat cross-legged, eyes drunk and blurred. "In those years as a border soldier, I had read some books earlier, so I could talk a little about loyalty to family and country. Most of my comrades in the army didn't talk about these things. Earn military merits, make money, avenge the brothers who went ahead. Killing enemies on the battlefield was just killing enemies—it was satisfying. But when you got cut by an enemy's blade or hit by an arrow on the battlefield, when they stitched up the wound or pulled out the arrow, there was only pain, no satisfaction. A bunch of big men lying in a tent full of bloody air, howling in pain, no one laughing at anyone else..."
The young Daoist leaned back and lay down. He really couldn't drink anymore. Chen Ping'an couldn't very well carry two people on his back, could he? He looked at the blue sky. "My master always says I have comprehension and bone structure, that not taking the imperial examinations and instead cultivating on the mountain was definitely not a loss in this life. But where would I find my comprehension and bone structure? If they were also taken away by dogs, I really want to beg those dogs, 'Give them back to me, please. You don't need them anyway, but I, Zhang Shanfeng, need them to go down the mountain to expel demons and subdue monsters. With Dao power, I won't have to feel guilty anymore. I won't cause those commoners who hire me to lose their families or be displaced anymore.'"
One good thing about Chen Ping'an's drinking was that even when he drank too much, he talked less.
So he just silently listened to his two friends pour out their hearts. Sitting on the ground, holding the wine gourd with both hands, he gazed into the distance, looking north once, then turning his head to look south. At this moment, Chen Ping'an didn't have too much sorrow.
Finally, as they descended the mountain toward the ferry, the young Daoist, who had resolved not to get drunk, was now being carried on the back of the big-bearded man.
Xu Yuanxia's steps were still steady, but he didn't stop his drunken ramblings. He recited several frontier poems loudly, finally reaching "With fine wine, a thousand cups are too few..."
He burped and then had nothing more to say.
Chen Ping'an smiled and picked up, "With a beautiful lady, even two is too many."
Xu Yuanxia rolled his eyes, "A complete waste for a sword immortal!"
Chen Ping'an immediately corrected, "A great sword immortal!"
The young Daoist muttered in his sleep, "And a great celestial master..."
---
This immortal ferry crossing at the border between Shushui Kingdom and Songxi Kingdom turned out to be a bustling little town without city walls. It gave Chen Ping'an the illusion of returning to his hometown of Longquan. The streets were crowded with pedestrians. Actually, there weren't that many Qi refiners; more were ordinary people who had been rooted here for generations, along with all kinds of merchants. Shops lined the streets everywhere. When they arrived at the town, Zhang Shanfeng had already sobered up, though he still had a bit of a headache and dizziness. Chen Ping'an and Xu Yuanxia had long since dispersed the alcohol from their bodies.
Xu Yuanxia quietly reminded, "Don't think about comparing prices at three shops. Let's just find the one with the best location and the biggest store."
This was valuable Jianghu experience.
Then they found a large shop with a plaque reading "Qingfu Workshop." The building was five stories high, with a striking presence that stood out like a crane among chickens. It also occupied a vast area, and behind the building there seemed to be a large courtyard with towering ancient trees and the sound of flowing water, though its specific use was unknown for now.
The couplet on either side of the shop entrance read: "No cheating customers, our prices are fair; put yourself in others' shoes, dear customers, come again."
This was the wealthy Qingfu Workshop!
On the street at the shop entrance, there were no attendants soliciting business. But as the three entered the cool main hall, soon a young woman in gorgeous attire came gracefully. On each of her shoulders perched a blue flying insect, carved like jade. She directly asked in the common language of Baoping Continent, "Are the three guests here to appraise treasures or to purchase items from the shop's collection?"
As the woman spoke, the two blue insects fluttered their wings and flew around the four, emitting faint chirping sounds.
It turned out to be for blocking the conversation so that others in the shop couldn't hear.
Xu Yuanxia smiled, "First appraise some treasures, then take a look at the quality of your collection. If there's something suitable and the price is indeed fair, we'll buy."
The woman pointed to one direction and smiled, "Heavy artifact appraisal is on the first floor, spirit artifacts on the second, and dharma treasures on the third. The stairway is over there. The three guests can choose freely, and I will follow along."
Xu Yuanxia nodded and strode toward the stairway. They would definitely stop at the second floor. Spirit artifacts were good, but the price still had a ceiling. If they were carrying celestial artifacts? Even if Chen Ping'an and Zhang Shanfeng wanted to sell them, the big-bearded man wouldn't recommend trading at this ferry.
The woman followed behind the three, smiling slightly.
Since they were heading straight to the second floor, her luck today wasn't bad. There would be some profit.
The other women on the first floor, with similar looks and airs, had somewhat envious gazes. But Qingfu Workshop had a set order for welcoming guests each day. The size of the fortune depended on their individual luck. However, over a year, the differences roughly evened out. Even if someone suddenly struck it rich, according to the ancestral rules established over five hundred years, the others wouldn't know—unless that person let it slip themselves.
Arriving at the second floor, the woman began leading the way again. The corridor was covered with a whole embroidered brocade floor rug produced from Caoyi Kingdom. The embroidery work was by no means inferior to that in Jianshui Manor's main hall. She led the three to a door, gently knocked with her finger, and after receiving an old voice's permission, she pushed the door open and stood at the entrance until all three big-bearded men had crossed the threshold, then gently closed the door.
Inside the room was a large table, behind which sat a vigorous-looking old man. There was a small incense burner with curling smoke, and a potted ancient cypress. The ancient cypress was gnarled and stretched horizontally very long. On its branches sat a row of little green figures. They had been whispering, but upon seeing the guests arrive, they all stood up together on the cypress branches, bowing and saying in childish voices, "Welcome, distinguished guests, to our shop and this room! Wishing you prosperity!"
Truly a celestial masterstroke.
It stunned Chen Ping'an into blinking.
Xu Yuanxia was an old Jianghu hand and knew to hide his emotions. Zhang Shanfeng was originally a mountain person, and although he was now very poor, during his cultivation at the sect, his experience wasn't shallow.
So the one who showed his rustic colors was actually only Chen Ping'an.
With just this small detail, the young woman shifted more of her attention to Xu Yuanxia and Zhang Shanfeng. She felt that the straw-sandal boy carrying a sword was probably a wild mountain cultivator who had stumbled upon some small fortune to start cultivating, not worth her spending too much thought.
The old man asked with a smile, "Appraising treasures? What spirit artifacts? I'm best at appraising bronze ware, calligraphy and paintings, and fine wood and good timber. I've also dabbled in many other miscellaneous items. I dare not claim expertise in everything, but in the forty-plus years I've sat in this room at Qingfu Workshop, the times I've misjudged can be counted on one hand. Guests may feel free to take out your treasured items."
Zhang Shanfeng then took out that pair of bamboo chopsticks from his sleeve and handed them to the old man.
The old man, who had been sitting upright in his chair, suddenly had a gleam in his eyes. Without hiding his surprise, he stood up, took the pair of green bamboo chopsticks with both hands, sat down, carefully placed the chopsticks on the table in front of him, took a special silk cloth from a drawer, and meticulously wiped his palms and fingers clean. Only then did he pick up the chopstick engraved with "Shenxiao Bamboo" and examine it patiently, remaining silent for a long time.
Putting down "Shenxiao Bamboo," he picked up "Qingshen Mountain." The old man sighed, raised his head, and looked at the young Daoist, his face full of regret. "This item has excellent material. It definitely comes from a Bamboo Sea Cave Heaven. Nine times out of ten, it's made from the Shenxiao Bamboo of that Qingshen Mountain. After Qingshen Mountain sealed its gates for a hundred years, items made from Qingshen Mountain's unique Shenxiao Bamboo have seen their prices rise steadily. It's not an exaggeration to say they've skyrocketed. What a pity that it wasn't made into a pair of small, delicate ghost-beating whips, but instead into a pair of... chopsticks! Too extravagant! Too... excessive!"
At the end, the old man was gnashing his teeth, almost about to stamp his feet and pound his chest, cursing the previous owner for wasting a precious resource.
The old man rubbed the words "Qingshen Mountain" on the bamboo chopstick and had to comfort himself quietly, "But if these had been made into Shenxiao Bamboo Ghost-Beating Whips, the guest could have gone directly to the third floor. Where would I have had the chance to see this item? Qingshen Mountain in the Bamboo Sea Cave Heaven—in that whole vast cave heaven, there is only one mountain god, the Bamboo Woman of Qingshen Mountain. You know, our workshop's founder once recorded and described this legendary mountain goddess thus: 'Beautiful countenance, delights in bare feet, hair and temples exceptionally black.' With just a few words, he sketched the grace of an unparalleled goddess..."
The old man was completely immersed in his own reverie.
Although the leading woman from Qingfu Workshop was a bit embarrassed, her heart was jumping with joy. She was going to earn a big commission today! And thankfully, those cheap women on the third floor, who were best at putting on airs, hadn't gotten the profit. Those women upstairs—each one looked more like a fairy than the last, cold in appearance, but full of schemes. Whoever had money was the handsomest man in the world, regardless of age. They were all fox spirits who liked to seduce men. After a deal was done, they'd shamelessly throw themselves at the guests, leading them to private residences in the back courtyard for a wild time—shameless! Brazen!
Sigh, she didn't know when she'd be able to work on the third floor. Her skills in serving people in bed were no worse. Even with female guests, she had unique methods and was confident she could serve them comfortably.
Zhang Shanfeng had to interrupt the old man's thoughts. "Old Master, Old Master, this poor Daoist only wants to know how much this pair of chopsticks is worth."
The old man quickly came back to his senses. He smiled and looked at the woman. "Cuiying, do I still have one share left this year at Qingfu Workshop?"
The young woman was a bit surprised, then quickly smiled brightly. "Master Hong, you do still have one opportunity to acquire a treasure for yourself. But according to the old rules, it must first be appraised by the Second Workshop Master in the top floor before it can be kept privately by you."
The old man laughed heartily. "Of course!"
Then the old man said seriously to the young Daoist, "This pair of chopsticks—if we're talking about aiding cultivation, it doesn't do much. But placed among the secular dynasties down below, they would definitely be treasures fought over by generals, ministers, and high officials. Because every time you use them to pick up food, you absorb a trace of spiritual energy, thus strengthening the body and prolonging life. As long as you don't encounter serious illness or disaster, it's not difficult for an ordinary person to gain an extra three to five years of life. Moreover, the names Qingshen Mountain and Shenxiao Bamboo can also greatly increase the price. Especially for someone who has a taste for such things, it's truly 'a thousand gold pieces can't buy what the heart desires.'"
The old man glanced at the green bamboo chopsticks on the table, his face full of joy. "I, Qingfu Workshop—or rather, I, Hong Yangbo personally—am willing to offer four hundred and fifty Snow Coins. The guest can rest assured. I guarantee that neither upstairs nor downstairs in Qingfu Workshop, nor in the other sixteen shops large and small in this ferry town, will offer a higher price. The general market price would at most reach between three hundred and four hundred Snow Coins. It's truly because I am fond of this item myself, and I have one more opportunity this year to acquire an appraised item for myself, that I'm willing to offer this high price. Fellow Daoist, how about it? Are you willing to sell the bamboo chopsticks?"
The old man's eyes were pleading as he looked pitifully at the young Daoist. "Four hundred and fifty Small Snow Coins—I really can't go higher. If you're afraid I'm taking advantage, that you don't trust Qingfu Workshop's golden sign, that you're afraid I'm cheating you, no problem. We can go see the Second Workshop Master together, or you can take a turn around the shops on the street..."
Zhang Shanfeng glanced at Xu Yuanxia. The big-bearded man nodded slightly.
Zhang Shanfeng grinned and stretched out one hand. "Final price: five hundred Snow Coins, and I'll sell!"
The young woman turned her head and covered her smile.
Got it. With Master Hong's stubborn nature, when he decides to collect something, he only looks at the connection, not the value. Once he sets his heart on something, he'll definitely cut his own flesh even if it hurts.
"Let you have the heart's desire! Let you spend a thousand gold pieces on what the heart desires!"
The old man slapped himself once, then stood up. His joy still outweighed his pain. He said boldly, "It's settled! Cuiying, take good care of these chopsticks, send them to the top floor for the Second Workshop Master to appraise, so I won't be suspected of favoritism. After confirming the price is fair, I'll pay out of my own pocket to give the guest the money. And of course, your share won't be missing!"
The woman carefully put away the bamboo chopsticks and left gracefully with a swaying gait.
The big-bearded man knew that in this deal, Zhang Shanfeng had come out ahead, and by quite a bit.
Only Chen Ping'an was still standing by the table, quietly bending down, staring wide-eyed at the little green children. He found these little creatures interesting—simple and honest, cute-looking. He thought about whether he should collect some later to give to the pink-skirted little girl on Luopo Mountain. She would probably like them, and it would save her from getting bored in the bamboo building. And those little creatures thought it was interesting that this rustic bumpkin didn't even recognize them.
Truly, they looked at each other without getting tired. Both sides were quite happy.
The old man sat behind the table, humming a little tune, even happier.
The young woman soon returned, smiling as she handed over the Qingshen Mountain bamboo chopsticks. "The Second Workshop Master said to congratulate you on having one less regret. But he also said that when you invite him for a drink next time, you're not allowed to take out these chopsticks to show off to him."
The old man spat, "How can I not show off?"
Then he quickly put away the bamboo chopsticks, opened a drawer, and took out five Minor Heat Coins, handing them to the young Daoist who carried the peachwood sword. "Although generally speaking, in large shops, one Minor Heat Coin equals one hundred Snow Coins, everyone knows that in private transactions, each Minor Heat Coin is worth an extra four or five Snow Coins."
Zhang Shanfeng nodded with a smile, took the five Minor Heat Coins, then saw Chen Ping'an still foolishly making faces at the little green children. He gave Chen Ping'an an elbow and said with a laugh, "Stop playing dumb with me. Here, take them. Interest paid first, principal still owed. If you feel bad about it, just deduct those five Minor Heat Coins from the principal. For the rest, I'll just have to owe you for now, to be settled later."
Clearly, knowing the true price of that Guyu Kingdom military armor pill, Zhang Shanfeng had never thought he could just rely on the word "friend" to pretend nothing had happened and settle it for only five hundred Snow Coins.
Chen Ping'an accepted the five Minor Heat Coins without hesitation, put them into his sleeve, and said, "Then we're even! Otherwise, I'll pay you back, and you give me the item back?"
Zhang Shanfeng remained silent.
Xu Yuanxia smiled and patted Zhang Shanfeng's shoulder. "Let's leave it at that. Otherwise, you're being too self-conscious."
Zhang Shanfeng finally grunted in acknowledgment.
Chen Ping'an put his arm around Zhang Shanfeng's shoulder and said with a laugh, "If you really feel bad, just sell the peachwood sword too."
Zhang Shanfeng elbowed him again and cursed with a laugh, "Go cool off somewhere!"
Chen Ping'an jumped back. "A gentleman uses words, not fists."
Xu Yuanxia shook his head. They were like a couple of kids.
The woman from Qingfu Workshop was a bit surprised. She gazed at the profile of the sword-carrying youth. Could this be the real rich man?
Zhang Shanfeng smiled at the old man. "This poor Daoist has nothing else to sell."
The old man looked greatly disappointed.
But Chen Ping'an followed up immediately. "I have something for Master to appraise."
The old man immediately sat up straight and extended a hand with a smile. "It seems I will have the pleasure of seeing another treasure."
Chen Ping'an took out that white bowl painted with the True Form Diagrams of the Five Sacred Mountains from his sleeve and placed it on the table.
The old man's gaze was calm. He held the bowl with both hands, slowly rotated it, then set it down. "The painting on the bowl should be the True Form Diagrams of the Five Sacred Mountains of Guyu Kingdom. Qingfu Workshop is willing to offer one hundred and fifty Snow Coins. If it were the True Form Diagrams of a major dynasty's Five Sacred Mountains, the price would increase several times over. But as for Guyu Kingdom's Five Sacred Mountains, the spiritual energy they contain is limited. Painted on this spirit artifact white bowl, the effect is greatly diminished."
Speaking up to here, the old man became emotional and related a storm in mountain trading. "Speaking of this, back in the day, the shop that profited most from these bowls was a certain pack-rat peddler who, decades ago, secretly hoarded a large quantity of Great Li Five Sacred Mountains bowls. That family made a huge profit a few years ago. Countless small shops followed suit and bought them. Who would have thought that the Great Li emperor would lose his mind and directly change all the Five Sacred Mountains? Haha, how many merchants lost everything because of that! Fortunately, our workshop master had unique insight. He overruled all objections and didn't acquire a single Great Li Five Sacred Mountains Bowl at a high price. That's how Qingfu Workshop avoided that disaster."
Chen Ping'an patiently listened to the old man's story and then asked softly, "Old Master, what is the function of this bowl?"
"Ah, my apologies, my apologies. Once I start talking about Qingfu Workshop's prowess, I can't control my mouth. Let me explain the real matter for you, young master."
The old man apologized, then pointed at the white bowl and said with a smile, "The five-colored social-order soil is something every country and dynasty must have. Where does the five-colored soil come from? Besides self-generated sacred lands from the mountains and rivers, it can also be artificially created—through this type of bowl. If you put soil taken from the five sacred mountains inside the bowl, after a period of time, depending on the quality and grade of the Five Sacred Mountains Bowl, anywhere from a few days to ten days, it will produce a small handful of five-colored soil. Of course, the five-colored soil can also be sold. With the quality of this young master's Five Sacred Mountains Bowl, and if you have enough soil from the five sacred mountains of Guyu Kingdom, the annual output could roughly sell for... this number!"
The old man spread open one hand.
The young woman started covering her smile again.
Chen Ping'an asked tentatively, "Fifty Snow Coins?"
The old man couldn't help laughing. "Five."
Then the old man explained again, "Many such spirit artifacts that can continuously generate wealth are priced based on a sixty-year cycle. Five coins a year, after sixty years, that's three hundred Snow Coins. Haha, young master, don't be anxious thinking that Qingfu Workshop is cheating you and only willing to offer half price for this bowl. This is because the Five Sacred Mountains Bowl is somewhat special. In some countries with unstable and turbulent societies, their Five Sacred Mountains True Form Bowls might be worth nothing at all. If the country is gone, where are the Five Sacred Mountains? Where does the five-colored soil come from? If not for the fact that Guyu Kingdom's situation is still relatively stable, Qingfu Workshop wouldn't have much interest in acquiring Five Sacred Mountains Bowls. Being willing to offer half price is still worthy of the word 'fair.'"
Chen Ping'an thought for a moment. "Can this bowl not be sold?"
The old man smiled. "Of course. To tell you the truth, if I bought this bowl for Qingfu Workshop today, and Guyu Kingdom's mountains and rivers changed overnight, I would have to take risks and lose pay."
Chen Ping'an chuckled and put away the white bowl.
Although it wasn't an annual income of fifty coins, thinking about five coins a year, that was still five thousand taels of silver. Did he know how much the earliest house in Peach Leaf Alley in Longquan Town cost? Not even a thousand taels of silver! Of course, now that Lishui Cave Heaven had shattered and fallen, bordering the Great Li Dynasty's territory, house prices in the town had changed dramatically. But in the city of Longquan Commandery, five thousand taels could still buy several houses.
The urgent matter now was to write to Wei Po and the old man surnamed Cui, asking them to try to collect the sacred mountain soil from Guyu Kingdom... And when he returned from Inverted Suspension Mountain, he would also have to personally visit the five sacred mountains of Guyu Kingdom to collect as many pounds as he could. He hoped that by then, his dimension object, the Flying Sword Fifteen, would still have enough empty space to store it.
Xu Yuanxia suddenly said softly, "This bowl can be sold."
The old man, though he had lost his composure due to the pair of Qingshen Mountain bamboo chopsticks, was usually very shrewd in business. "Are you, brother, thinking that the Great Li iron cavalry will definitely march south? So Guyu Kingdom might not be able to keep its territory? I think not. With Guanhu Academy stationed in the central part of Baoping Continent, I believe the Great Li Song clan won't yet drive all the way south. Even if that day comes, with so many dynasties and vassal states in between, one by one they would have to fight through. Even if the Great Li army never stopped marching south, how many years would it take?"
Since the old man had said it outright, Xu Yuanxia no longer hid his thoughts. He smiled, "Even if Guanhu Academy blocks the way, I still don't think it will take too long for Great Li to march south."
The old man smiled but said nothing, unwilling to argue with anyone on this matter. Qingfu Workshop was just in business—harmony brings wealth.
Xu Yuanxia said to Chen Ping'an with a smile, "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush!"
Chen Ping'an looked at the big-bearded man, who had a firm gaze. Chen Ping'an nodded, took out the white bowl without hesitation, and placed it on the table. "Old Master, still buying?"
The old man laughed heartily. "No cheating customers, I'll buy it regardless! If this deal loses money for Qingfu Workshop, consider it my poor judgment. Deduct my pay if they deduct!"
One hand exchanged the money, the other the goods.
Chen Ping'an had one hundred and fifty Small Snow Coins in hand. As Xu Yuanxia said, a bird in the hand.
Chen Ping'an then took out the ebony wood and the talisman with the haunting ghost all at once. The old man appraised them one after another. He praised the ebony wood endlessly and promised to offer three hundred Small Snow Coins, saying that farmer and medical practitioner Qi Refiners would be interested. But for that talisman, which had decent material, he would only offer fifty.
Chen Ping'an thought it over and only sold the ebony wood, taking back the talisman.
Chen Ping'an and Zhang Shanfeng had nothing left to sell, so it was time to spend money like water.
The old man personally and smilingly saw them to the door, not forgetting to say to Xu Yuanxia, "If you have the chance to come again, let's see how the situation in Guyu Kingdom develops. Whoever loses treats the other to drinks, how about it?"
Xu Yuanxia smiled, "Sure. Actually, win or lose, being able to have a drink with Old Mr. Hong wouldn't be a loss."
The old man laughed heartily. "With that attitude, next time, I'll treat you to a drink first!"
Xu Yuanxia cupped his hands in farewell.
Hearing that Zhang Shanfeng wanted to buy a Daoist talisman dharma sword for slaying demons, the young woman led them directly to the fourth floor. They chose a large room with a wooden plaque reading "Cold Light." There was a dedicated Qingfu Workshop guard at the door. After the woman greeted him, she gently pushed the door open. Rows of sword racks stood side by side. The room was filled with a dense sword aura. Various swords were arrayed in a dazzling display.
As Zhang Shanfeng stepped across the threshold, for no clear reason, he said he didn't want to look.
The young woman's heart sank with disappointment.
But Chen Ping'an said, "Don't mind him. Let's look at swords."
Zhang Shanfeng absolutely refused to enter the room, so the big-bearded man dragged him inside.
The young woman introduced over a dozen dharma swords of varying prices one by one. Finally, though Zhang Shanfeng was dejected, his eyes couldn't help glancing at one of them—an ancient bronze sword. Its scabbard was long lost, and on it were carved blurry characters reading "True Martial." Because the blade had many scars, despite the excellent sword-making material, Qingfu Workshop only asked for four hundred Snow Coins. Without a second word, Chen Ping'an took out the money and bought it. As he paid, Chen Ping'an hesitated a bit. The young woman smiled slightly and understandingly left the room on her own. By the time she returned to the "Cold Light" room, Chen Ping'an had already stacked the four hundred Snow Coins on a sword rack. After she counted and confirmed, she placed the ancient "True Martial" sword into a sheath she had prepared in advance and handed it to Chen Ping'an.
Together they walked out of the Cold Light Sword Chamber. The young woman didn't lead them out through Qingfu Workshop's main entrance but guided them through a second-floor sky bridge to the back building, from where they exited through a rear courtyard side door to leave Qingfu Workshop. After telling the three the walking route to the ferry, some rules, and prices, she waved farewell to them. As she turned around, the Qingfu Workshop guards had already closed the side door. With her back to the door, she stealthily clenched her fist tightly, her face full of joy. But she quickly regained a calm expression and walked quickly back toward Qingfu Workshop's main building, where her face was already full of worry, sighing long and short, complaining to her colleagues about the guests' frugality.
Qingfu Workshop was less than two li from the ferry. There was a ferry boat heading precisely to Yunsong Kingdom. Although it was still a long way from Qingluan Kingdom, it was naturally infinitely faster than Xu Yuanxia traveling on foot. Moreover, after disembarking at Yunsong Kingdom, they could immediately board another ferry to Qingluan Kingdom. So Xu Yuanxia would take this boat to leave Shushui Kingdom. As for the ferry Chen Ping'an needed, it belonged to an ancient route that had existed for a thousand years, with deep origins and history. Although it wouldn't go directly to Old Dragon City at the southernmost tip of Baoping Continent, it would still greatly shorten a journey of hundreds of thousands of miles.
As they neared the ferry, Chen Ping'an, holding the "True Martial" dharma sword, and the young Daoist almost stopped in their tracks at the same time.
The young Daoist lowered his head and didn't dare speak.
Xu Yuanxia sighed and said to Chen Ping'an with a smile, "Back then at Yanfang Commandery, the Chongmiao Daoist unintentionally mentioned that in the southeastern part of Baoping Continent, near the Qingluan Kingdom I'm heading to, there will be a grand Water and Land Assembly in half a year. Countless Daoist immortals will gather, and several famous Daoist masters from Baoping Continent will hold public sermons there. Zhang Shanfeng naturally wants to go see it. But he doesn't know how to bring it up with you. He always feels that changing the itinerary at the last minute is dishonorable and would let you down. Now that you've bought this dharma sword for him, he feels even more ashamed to say goodbye. After all, it was agreed at the start that he would accompany you all the way to Old Dragon City. I reckon this guy is dying to die of shame right now. Perfect timing, Chen Ping'an. Use this True Martial sword to dig a hole in the ground and bury him. One and done."
Chen Ping'an jumped up and slapped Zhang Shanfeng on the head. "Look at you, being all silly! Like a woman! Who do you think we are to each other? Are you a fool or what? The sword, take it. The money, you owe. You, get lost!"
The young Daoist didn't lift his head. His shoulders trembled slightly.
Chen Ping'an said no more. He tossed the True Martial sword to Xu Yuanxia and quickly walked away on his own.
The young Daoist, his eyes reddened, lifted his head. That straw-sandal boy from Longquan, Great Li, had already walked far away. As if sensing Zhang Shanfeng's gaze, the straw-sandal boy raised one arm high above his head, clenched his fist, and shook it vigorously.