Chapter 18: Investment

"Having received double endorsement and favor from Shopkeeper Hong and Symbol Master Lu Qiu, isn't that a rare talent?" Mu Chunfeng's eyes brightened; she, who had been listless, instantly became spirited.

Lu Qiu becoming a Second-rank Talisman Master caused a stir throughout Nanshan Fang; the major foundation‑building families, knowing that poaching talent is no game, all rushed to present congratulatory gifts.

They thought that even if they could win his friendship, Lu Qiu could sell a few Second-rank Treasure Talismans.

Some foundation‑building families, however, looked even farther ahead.

Lu Qiu's emergence suddenly awakened them; if they can't catch Lu Qiu, how can they catch a second "Lu Qiu"?

For example, if they placed a heavy bet before Lu Qiu even advanced to Second-rank Talisman Master, or even before he became famous.

Once Lu Qiu becomes a Second-rank Talisman Master, would he not remember to repay the favor?

Thus, the family gave Mu Chunfeng a second task: to find a way to investigate whether Lingfu Pavilion has any other genius Symbol Masters.

Who is the next most promising candidate to advance to Second-rank Talisman Master.

After uncovering the information, the Mu family will devise ways to befriend them.

Moreover, if they could become in‑laws with the Mu family, that would be even better.

"Quickly, tell me, who is it?" Mu Chunfeng widened her eyes and urged.

Jiang Jiyue pursed her lips, looked toward the two people not far away, and said, "It's the Xiao Zhangqing they mentioned."

Mu Chunfeng was startled, then her gaze turned strange, questioning, "It's the former Dao Partner of that female cultivator? How could that be?"

From the earlier conversation, it should be the female cultivator named Zhou Yun'e, who left Xiao Zhangqing and then followed this male cultivator.

It seems she lived too poorly, unable to afford good food or clothing.

Such a situation is also very common in Nanshan Fang.

A poor Dao Partner endures sorrow in everything.

Because they cannot endure the impoverished days, many scattered cultivator Dao Partners have gone their separate ways.

But the problem is that Zhou Yun'e's new Dao Partner doesn't look impressive either; he's probably just a local small‑wealthy second‑generation in Nanshan Fang, whose family has two storefronts, and even a meal at Lai Feng Lou makes him nervous.

Such a person doesn't even have the right to speak in front of Mu Chunfeng!

Yet Zhou Yun'e abandoned a Dao Partner with Second-rank Talisman Master potential, and it was for economic reasons.

This… is it possible?

Jiang Jiyue shrugged, a ridiculous expression on her face, "Who knows? Maybe Xiao Zhangqing was so devastated after being abandoned that he finally had a great awakening and opened his insight. However, although Xiao Zhangqing is favored by my uncle and senior brother Lu, his current situation is indeed average. Just a month ago, his Symbol Master Talent was discovered, and he became a Formal Member of Lingfu Pavilion. He can now only draw six kinds of Basic Symbol Talismans as an Unranked Symbol Master, and his cultivation is even poorer, only at the third layer of Qi refinement."

Mu Chunfeng was not disappointed; instead, she was delighted.

Whether his cultivation is low or not is not an important condition for a Symbol Master.

Even with inferior spirit roots, as long as one is wealthy enough and has ample resources, one can still stack up to the later stages of Qi cultivation.

His current skill in talisman techniques isn't deep yet… that's even better!

As long as there is potential, an Unranked Symbol Master is the best to invest in now! The current investment could return hundreds or thousands of times later.

If one is already a First-rank Talisman Master, investing becomes much more difficult.

Because a First-rank Talisman Master in Nanshan Fang is already a well‑known figure, a dedicated mage of Lingfu Pavilion, and can live a comfortable life.

For a foundation‑building family to make them grateful or forge a deep friendship, a considerable price must be paid.

"Jiyue, tell me in detail about this Xiao Zhangqing—how did Shopkeeper Hong value him…" Mu Chunfeng was eager.

Then Jiang Jiyue explained that over the past half month she had rapidly progressed, mastering three of the more difficult Basic Symbol Talismans within half a month with high proficiency and a decent success rate.

She also compared it with her initial rate of progress.

She admitted that Xiao Zhangqing's comprehension of several Basic Symbol Talismans was higher than hers.

But she was not sure how long it would take Xiao Zhangqing to go from Basic Symbol Talismans to Advanced Symbol Talismans, and whether his subsequent progress would remain this fast.

"That's enough. I trust Shopkeeper Hong and Symbol Master Lu's judgment." Mu Chunfeng made up her mind, believing Xiao Zhangqing to be a highly investable potential stock.

As for whether Xiao Zhangqing, after becoming a First-rank Talisman Master, can continue his impressive growth rate, no one can guarantee that. After all, in investment, who can see the outcome in advance? One can only say that based on Xiao Zhangqing's current performance, it does resemble Lu Qiu's past trend.

Few people now know that before Lu Qiu became a prodigy of Lingfu Pavilion, he also endured severe hardships, nearly losing his life.

If it weren't for the selfless help of shopkeeper Hong Jiantao, Lu Qiu would not have today.

"Jiyue, does Xiao Zhangqing have any recent needs?" Mu Chunfeng asked.

Since they decided to invest, they should consider what method to use.

The best is, of course, to cater to his preferences and offer timely aid.

As the Miss of the Mu family, although she appears somewhat childish and cute, not very smart.

In reality, whether in cultivation talent or strategy, she is a standout among the younger generation of the Mu family.

Jiang Jiyue thought, "It seems he's preparing to move. Previously he lived in the outermost area of Nanshan Fang, not even a cave dwelling. Now he has Spirit Stones, and is preparing to move to a better place, which will benefit his cultivation."

Mu Chunfeng nodded, "That's easy to arrange."

As a foundation‑building family, the Mu family holds a large stock of 'properties' in Nanshan Fang, of all grades.

However, gifting a cave dwelling is trivial; any cultivator with status in Nanshan Fang and enough Spirit Stones can rent an excellent cave dwelling.

How can the significance of gifting a cave dwelling surpass the dwelling itself? Mu Chunfeng's peripheral glance fell again on Zhou Yun'e and Hu Youquan, and her eyes lit up, a plan forming in her mind.

"If you want to help Xiao Zhangqing find a new residence, you must act quickly. He should be moving within the next two days…" Jiang Jiyue reminded.

She heard that.

Mu Chunfeng stopped eating; she left the whole table of valuable Spirit Food without a second thought.

"I've paid for the meal; this one's on me. I'll leave now…"

Mu Chunfeng rushed straight home.

She didn't need to ask Xiao Zhangqing for more detailed information.

Having his name, his job at Lingfu Pavilion, his residence in Peng Hu Qu, and his imminent move, the Mu family's influence in Nanshan Fang could easily locate Xiao Zhangqing.

…

…

"Dao Companion, are you renting a cave dwelling? I don't know what level of cave dwelling you want to rent, what's your budget?"

An old cultivator in standard Daoist robes, smiling with narrowed eyes, looked at Xiao Zhangqing.

Nanshan Fang has many outsider scattered cultivators renting cave dwellings, so naturally there will be an institution similar to a 'real estate agent'.

However, Nanshan Fang's intermediary is controlled by the 'official' side, and there is only one such place.

That is, it is operated behind the scenes by several major Foundation Establishment families.

"A Ding-level cave dwelling, preferably a bit better. The monthly rent is about ten low-grade spirit stones, or a little higher is fine. Please, Dao Companion, help recommend and introduce one."

Xiao Zhangqing conveyed his request to the other party.

Ten low-grade spirit stones, after Lingfu Pavilion's subsidy reimbursement, become five.

Even if, due to practicing the Cleanse Talisman for proficiency, his monthly wage could only be the base amount, he could still easily afford it.

"He's quite well-off." The old cultivator saw that Xiao Zhangqing's cultivation was not high, seeming to still be at the early Qi Refining stage, yet he could afford a cave dwelling costing more than ten spirit stones.

Just as the old cultivator was about to introduce a cave dwelling that matched the conditions.

A round-faced young female cultivator in purple robes hurried over, saying, "But Xiao Zhangqing, Xiao Dao Companion?"

Xiao Zhangqing stared, searched his memory, realized he probably didn't know this woman, and asked, "Who are you?"

"I'm Mu Chunfeng. I heard that Xiao Dao Companion wanted to rent a cave dwelling, and I've been waiting here for a long time." The beautiful female cultivator in purple clothes smiled brightly.

(End of chapter)