Chapter 128: Absolute Refusal

Xiao Zhangqing put away the third‑tier Soul Dao attack Magic Treasure Nine Autumn Flute.

He now has a fairly wealthy fortune, with ready Spirit Stones exceeding ninety thousand, but he can't resist spending! He ponders.

Today he only bought two pieces of equipment, one of which was only a second‑tier artifact, and it cost him nearly twenty‑three thousand low‑grade Spirit Stones.

A quarter of it was spent!

Now the system no longer has equipment restriction conditions; the more the better, and if he later sees suitable high‑tier equipment he'll definitely buy it.

If a few more third‑tier Magic Treasures appear, his Spirit Stones won't be enough, and he'll have to use Pill and Magic Treasure as payment! So he should save and spend wisely.

He can bargain and will never be a sucker.

Anyway, aside from him, it's hard to find a suitable buyer for the Nine Autumn Flute, so he also helped the shopkeeper clear inventory.

So he slightly deceived the shopkeeper, and Xiao Zhangqing felt no embarrassment at all.

But he didn't expect the shopkeeper seemed rather apologetic toward him, feeling indebted and wanting to compensate.

The shopkeeper thought seriously for a moment, then seemed to make a decision and asked, "Dao Companion, in three months Character: Liyang Zhenren City will hold a once‑every‑ten‑years auction. I wonder if you're interested and whether you have a ticket?"

Xiao Zhangqing is at this moment trying hard to suppress his inner exhilaration, trying not to show it.

The shopkeeper's words completely surprised him; after a pause he shook his head and said, "No. I've only been in Character: Liyang Zhenren City for a month and haven't heard of this auction…"

A once‑every‑ten‑years auction in a city as large as Character: Liyang Zhenren City must be extraordinary, with many treasures.

The shopkeeper nodded and explained, "The auction is co‑hosted by the City Lord's Residence and the 'Jiǔ Lián Business Association'. Dao Companions should have heard of the Jiǔ Lián Business Association; not only is it the number‑one business association in the Da Yu Cultivation World, its influence also covers several neighboring cultivation realms…"

"Therefore the auction's standards are high, and the treasures on offer are abundant; rare gems that are seldom seen may appear at the auction."

"But the auction tickets, when they first went on sale a year ago, were snapped up by all factions."

"Now they are probably only in the hands of the City Lord's Residence, the Ten Great Families, and a few extra tickets. If a Dao Companion hasn't joined any faction yet, they may not be able to get a ticket."

Xiao Zhangqing hurriedly said, "I am precisely one who hasn't joined any faction."

The shopkeeper smiled and said, "I saw that."

I don't know how he saw that.

He took a special token from his storage bag and said, "This ticket, even when it first went on sale a year ago, required three hundred low‑grade Spirit Stones. I happen to have an extra one here, so I give it to you as a token of thanks for supporting Duobao Pavilion's business, hoping you'll come again."

Xiao Zhangqing was not modest and accepted immediately, "Thank you, shopkeeper. I will definitely frequent Duobao Pavilion!"

Today browsing Duobao Pavilion gave him a plentiful harvest.

However, among the large‑scale shops in Character: Liyang Zhenren City with the most second‑tier artifacts, he only found two very worthwhile treasures.

This shows the system's equipment requirements are very high, and also indicates Xiao Zhangqing's current level is relatively high.

Although he is only at mid‑Foundation Establishment stage, his strength has already reached above the Core Formation realm.

Ordinary second‑tier artifacts are of little use to him.

Only beloved items like the "Heaven Azure Talisman Pen", which have been used by those possessing third‑tier techniques, can be of greater help to him.

Though Character: Liyang Zhenren City is prosperous and full of treasures, it's not easy for Xiao Zhangqing to find suitable ones; he needs luck.

Especially after he has 'shop‑crawled' all large stores like Duobao Pavilion in the city, finding another suitable treasure becomes even harder.

For example.

The equipment he most urgently wants, which would raise his spirit‑root aptitude to the Heavenly Spirit Root, was nowhere to be found after a round of searching Duobao Pavilion.

Perhaps this once‑every‑ten‑years auction is a good opportunity.

In a large city like Character: Liyang Zhenren City, such auctions occur only every ten years, and the items that make it to the auction are certainly extraordinary.

……

……

Returned from Duobao Pavilion to his newly rented cave residence.

Xiao Zhangqing was about to study the two pieces of equipment he had just acquired today, when he ran into his neighbor, second‑tier formation master Zhu Xiaochuan.

Xiao Zhangqing initially tried to pretend he hadn't seen her and hurried home, but Zhu Xiaochuan didn't read his mood at all and immediately stopped him, her face brimming with excitement, saying, "Dao Companion, you're back just in time; I was actually looking for you."

Xiao Zhangqing said helplessly, "Dao Companion Zhu, is there something you need?"

Zhu Xiaochuan nodded, "I have something! Something great! Come on, let's go to your place and I'll tell you slowly. The spirit wine from your home that I tried last time was really good, quite tasty. If you have a larger stock, how about selling me a bit?"

After moving in from a former dwelling of Xiao Zhangqing, (he) visited Zhu Xiaochuan.

Because Xiao Zhangqing was extremely "polite" and went along with Zhu Xiaochuan's pretentiousness, Zhu Xiaochuan formed a very good impression of him, looking as if he had decided that this friend was approved.

Later, Xiao Zhangqing never visited him again, but he himself came to see Xiao Zhangqing twice.

Each time he claimed he had something to discuss with Xiao Zhangqing, but in fact it was only trivial, petty matters, nothing urgent.

"Dao Companion Zhu, I still have a few things today. If it's not urgent, how about we talk another day?" Xiao Zhangqing declined politely.

"Urgent! Especially urgent! Just trust me." Unfortunately Zhu Xiaochuan couldn't understand, and dragged Xiao Zhangqing into the cave.

Xiao Zhangqing couldn't force him out, so he had to listen to what the other had today.

They took seats in the reception hall.

Lin Ziyu brought snacks and spirit wine for the two.

Zhu Xiaochuan took a satisfied sip, then smiled and said, "Dao Companion, you probably haven't joined any of the ten great families yet, have you?"

"Not yet." Xiao Zhangqing glanced at him and asked, "Dao Companion Zhu, you came today—could it be as a lobbyist for one of the ten great families?"

"Of course not!" Zhu Xiaochuan shook his head, took two more sips, then, no longer teasing, laughed, "I'm here to bring you a great opportunity! I told you before that joining the City Lord's Residence was hard, but now the chance has arrived! The City Lord's Residence is preparing to recruit a batch of guest ministers, with conditions much looser than before. I checked, and with your qualifications, plus a few flattering words from me, you could join with almost no problem!"

Xiao Zhangqing: …

He thought it was something urgent. It turned out to be this?

This new neighbor has lived in Character: Liyang Zhenren City for decades, claims to have excellent ties with the City Lord's Residence, yet his information is so outdated? He must have received the invitation long ago!

"So, are you tempted?" Zhu Xiaochuan, still not understanding, strongly recommended, "This is a once‑in‑a‑thousand‑years chance. In the hundred‑plus years Character: Liyang Zhenren City has existed, except for the first ten or so years, the City Lord's Residence's recruitment conditions were looser; in the past hundred years, there hasn't been such an opportunity."

"Um… thank you for your kindness, Dao Companion Zhu. However, I already have other plans, so I won't join the City Lord's Residence."

Xiao Zhangqing is not someone who completely disregards others' face.

No matter how you look at it, this new neighbor Dao Companion Zhu is quite warm‑hearted, genuinely came to "remind" me.

He probably thinks this is indeed a good chance, and I should seize it.

"What? Not joining the Lord's Residence?" Zhu Xiaochuan widened his eyes in disbelief and said, "Does Bai Dao Companion have a better option than the Lord's Residence?"

Xiao Zhangqing shook his head, smiling, "No. It's just that I'm used to being idle and not accustomed to serving as a guest official. Being a guest official at the Lord's Residence requires at least a thirty‑year contract, and I, who drift about, might want to leave Character: Liyang Zhenren City in a decade or so. If I become a guest official, I can't leave."

"Thirty years may seem long, but for us Foundation Establishment cultivators, whose lifespan approaches two hundred years, it's not that long. Character: Liyang Zhenren City is so vast that reaching the Golden Core is no problem… Of course, it depends on talent." Zhu Xiaochuan grew impatient and said, "In short, Bai Dao Companion, listen to my advice—this is a great opportunity! If it were an ordinary person, I wouldn't even bother helping them!"

"Dao Companion Zhu, no need for more words; my mind is made up." Xiao Zhangqing gave no further explanation.

He could discuss pros and cons with the Lin sisters, but he couldn't be so clear with Zhu Xiaochuan.

He couldn't say that the Lord's Residence was in trouble, and that even True Immortal Character: Liyang found it difficult to resolve.

Regardless of whether Zhu Xiaochuan believes it, even if he does, given this fellow's big‑mouth nature, his words would spread…

"Alas, you… fine then." Zhu Xiaochuan sighed and shook his head.

He had originally wanted to help Xiao Zhangqing get a chance to enter the Lord's Residence. As neighbors who got along well, mutual assistance was natural.

But who could have known Xiao Zhangqing would be so unambitious, lacking drive! He had once held Xiao Zhangqing in high regard, but now it seems he's just from a small place, unsuited to a big city like Character: Liyang Zhenren City.

He thought that, being a Foundation Establishment cultivator and a Second-rank Talisman Master, he could thrive without joining any faction.

Yes.

Foundation Establishment cultivators in Character: Liyang Zhenren City aren't at the bottom; they can live relatively decently.

But to obtain more resources, not joining a faction is impossible.

Why would a Foundation Establishment cultivator from a small place come to a bustling city like Character: Liyang Zhenren City? It's for resources, to advance their cultivation, right?

Feeling dejected, Zhu Xiaochuan had nothing more to say and prepared to leave.

Although he was fairly confident that he could recommend Xiao Zhangqing for the Lord's Residence, that required Xiao Zhangqing's active cooperation, even offering some Spirit Stones to smooth relations.

If Xiao Zhangqing didn't cooperate, there was nothing he could do.

Just as Zhu Xiaochuan stood up, another person knocked on the door.

It wasn't a stranger; it was Yue Feng, one of the disciples who had previously invited Xiao Zhangqing and True Immortal Character: Liyang. Last time Xiao Zhangqing hadn't outright refused Yue Feng, just said he needed to consider, and would visit the Lord's Residence if he decided.

Unexpectedly, Xiao Zhangqing hadn't gone to the Lord's Residence, so the other party came knocking themselves.

"Dao Companion Yue, why are you here?" Zhu Xiaochuan saw the newcomer and was completely taken aback.

Yue Feng greeted cheerfully, "Symbol Master Zhu is also here. Do you know Dao Companion Bai?"

"I live next door, I'm a neighbor of Dao Companion Bai…" Zhu Xiaochuan glanced at Yue Feng, then at Xiao Zhangqing, feeling a bad premonition, as if he recalled something.

Sure enough.

The next moment, Yue Feng said, "I invited Dao Companion Bai a month ago to join the Lord's Residence. At that time, Dao Companion Bai didn't answer immediately, saying he needed to think it over. I'm here today to ask how his consideration is going…"

After speaking, Yue Feng's gaze fell on Xiao Zhangqing.

Xiao Zhangqing, helpless, had nothing to hide, so he repeated the excuse he had just given Zhu Xiaochuan.

Yue Feng, who had been smiling both times, frowned upon hearing Xiao Zhangqing's refusal and asked, "Bai Dao Companion, are you sure you want to give up this chance? Want to think it over again?"

Zhu Xiaochuan felt a little embarrassed; he was still thinking of introducing a path for Xiao Zhangqing, recommending him.

But he hadn't expected the Lord's Residence had already invited Xiao Zhangqing.

Nevertheless, he said enthusiastically, "Yes, Bai Dao Companion, think it over again! Miss this village and the shop's gone!"

Xiao Zhangqing naturally wouldn't change his mind, replying, "I have let Dao Companion Yue down. I'm just an idle person, so I won't add trouble to the Lord's Residence."

Listening to Xiao Zhangqing's gentle yet resolute words.

Yue Feng gave him a deep look, his face showing no strong emotion, and said lightly, "Then I wish Bai Dao Companion a celestial path, Xiao Zhangqing, hoping we may cross paths again in the future."

With that, he turned and left.

Zhu Xiaochuan patted Xiao Zhangqing's shoulder, sighed, and said regretfully, "Bai Dao Companion, you're a mouse‑tail juice."

He then chased after Yue Feng and left quickly.

Faintly, I could still hear him speaking kindly for Xiao Zhangqing: "Yue Dao Companion, don't be angry. Bai Dao Companion has only just arrived at Character: Liyang Zhenren City, hasn't been there long, his perception may not have shifted yet, he doesn't know what joining the City Lord's residence means, nor how many benefits there are. I believe that after some time passes, he will regret the decision he made today…"

Zhu Xiaochuan patted Xiao Zhangqing's shoulder, sighed, and said regretfully, "Bai Dao Companion, you're a mouse‑tail juice."

He then chased after Yue Feng and left quickly.

Faintly, he heard Yue Feng speaking well of Xiao Zhangqing: "Dao Companion Yue, don't be angry. Bai Dao Companion has only just arrived in Character: Liyang Zhenren City, his understanding hasn't fully shifted yet, he doesn't know what joining the Lord's Residence entails or how many benefits there are. I believe that after more time, he'll regret today's decision…"

Watching the two figures depart, Xiao Zhangqing smiled, shook his head, and muttered, "Whether I say it or not, this neighbor truly is warm‑hearted, not bad."

However, he certainly wouldn't regret.

As for whether there will be future dealings with the Lord's Residence, he didn't know yet.

But he believed that even if such opportunities arose, he wouldn't be the one seeking the Lord's Residence or Yue Feng.

On the contrary, there's a high chance that Yue Feng, or even the Lord's Residence, might come to him!

【110】 "Item Box!"

【111】 As soon as Xiao Zhangqing's mind shifted, the system interface instantly appeared, opening the two newly purchased equipment screens, and he began studying the new skills.

【112】 This is the source of Xiao Zhangqing's confidence! (End of chapter)