Chapter 19: Grasp

Mu Chunfeng recognized Xiao Zhangqing at once.

Before she arrived at the cave dwelling rental office, she had already obtained Xiao Zhangqing's appearance.

Given her status, she shouldn't have to personally receive Xiao Zhangqing; assigning a subordinate would suffice.

As the illustrious Miss Mu of the Mu family, she possesses extraordinary talent, and her father is the Mu family's sole Foundation Establishment cultivator, highly valued and beloved; the family is grooming her as the future successor and a seed for Foundation Establishment.

In Nanshan Fang, Mu Chunfeng holds a high position; many Late Stage of Lian Qi youths from the major Foundation Establishment families are enamored with her and wish to form marital ties with the Mu family.

Someone like Hu Yuan, the wealthy second‑generation prodigy in Lin Ziyu's eyes, can't even get a number among Mu Chunfeng's suitors! Therefore, with Xiao Zhangqing's current three‑layer Lian Qi cultivation and his Unranked symbol technique, he has absolutely no right to be personally courted by Mu Chunfeng.

Nevertheless, Mu Chunfeng came in person.

Since she intends to win him over, the more sincere the gesture, the better.

"Foundation Establishment families, the Mu family, you know them, right? This is the Miss of the Mu family!"

The senior cultivator quickly introduced Mu Chunfeng's identity.

His gaze turned to Xiao Zhangqing, full of puzzlement and curiosity: what background does this kid have? Did Miss Mu deign to come to the cave dwelling rental office today just to wait for him? Even a novice Lian Qi youngster, even if from a Foundation Establishment family, shouldn't receive such treatment, right?

Moreover.

From his perspective, Xiao Zhangqing doesn't seem like a cultivator with a background.

Planning to rent a Ding-level Cave Dwelling might be acceptable among Scattered Cultivators from other regions, but among local cultivators, it's already on the lower end.

What merit or ability could make Miss Mu look at him differently?

"Miss Mu of the Mu family?"

Xiao Zhangqing's expression hardened slightly.

The several major Foundation Establishment families in Nanshan Fang have been intermingling for over a decade, so they are all well known.

He had indeed heard of Miss Mu; she isn't a small fry like Hu Youquan or Hu Yuan, but truly belongs to that tiny upper echelon of Nanshan Fang.

Although Xiao Zhangqing possesses a golden finger, he is very confident about his future.

But now, he is merely an Unranked Symbol Master.

Even Shopkeeper Hong, when handing him the Lingfu Pavilion Token, specifically said that ordinary cultivators below the Foundation Establishment Realm in Nanshan Fang would extend a few courtesies to the Lingfu Pavilion.

In other words, if they offended the major Foundation Establishment families and killed official members of the Lingfu Pavilion, they would generally face no trouble.

"I've met Miss Mu."

Xiao Zhangqing clasped his hands in a bow, observing proper etiquette.

What does this Foundation Establishment family's Miss want from him?

They've never intersected before.

"Dao Companion Xiao, no need to be formal."

Mu Chunfeng's eyes showed satisfaction; she was pleased with the senior cultivator and also with Xiao Zhangqing.

The senior cultivator named her identity, so she didn't need to introduce herself.

Her sincerity was strong; she genuinely wanted to win over Xiao Zhangqing.

But the gap between their statuses is huge; evoking some awe in Xiao Zhangqing is a good thing.

If she were to overly lower herself, the other might think her 'cheap'.

Xiao Zhangqing appears sensible, not as aloof and stubborn as Lu the Symbol Master, seeming easier to court and to handle.

"Dao Companion Xiao, if you don't mind, shall we talk inside for a while? I've already prepared information on various cave dwellings; after we finish, I'll have someone show you the dwellings."

Mu Chunfeng seems to be asking Xiao Zhangqing, but her tone leaves no room for refusal. Or rather, she doesn't think Xiao Zhangqing would refuse.

"We indeed had no prior encounters; it shouldn't be to cause me trouble..."

In fact, Xiao Zhangqing truly dared not refuse, merely speculating about her intentions.

…

…

Spirit fruit, snacks, spirit tea…

Seeing the items before him, all meant to entertain him, Xiao Zhangqing's uneasy heart finally settled.

It indeed seems not to be troublemaking.

"I heard Dao Companion Xiao just now say you wish to rent a Ding-level Cave Dwelling. Actually, there's no need for such hassle; my Mu family has a vacant Bing-level Cave Dwelling that can be given to you free of charge, for as long as you wish…"

Mu Chunfeng was also very direct, expressing her goodwill from the start.

Moreover, her small face, when she doesn't put on airs, gives her a few quirky, sprightly vibes, easily bridging the gap without seeming aloof.

"This… how could I afford it?"

Xiao Zhangqing appeared somewhat nervous, yet internally he roughly guessed her intention.

It seems.

Not only Shopkeeper Hong and Lu the Symbol Master see promise in him; even beyond the Lingfu Pavilion, some think his potential is good. "With Dao Companion Xiao's symbol technique talent, he might become the next Lu Symbol Master, so what's unaffordable?"

Mu Chunfeng no longer beat around the bush or hide her purpose; her bright, piercing eyes fixed on Xiao Zhangqing as she said earnestly, "To be frank, I, and the Mu family, have great confidence in Dao Companion Xiao's potential on the Talisman Script path, so we wish to befriend you. A mere Bing-level Cave Dwelling residence is just a meeting gift."

"Dao Companion Xiao need not have any worries or obligations; upon accepting the dwelling, I will make no demands and will not ask you to make any commitments. I simply wish to forge a friendship with you."

Xiao Zhangqing was slightly stunned.

He guessed her intention correctly, but did not expect her to hold him in such high regard.

Even a Bing-level Cave Dwelling, at the lowest, costs twenty low-grade Spirit Stones per month; better ones are even pricier.

Over time, the rent is not a trivial amount.

Miss Mu is offering it merely as a meeting gift, with no conditions.

Even a wealthy Foundation Establishment family would be unusually generous, wouldn't they?

Having done no service, Xiao Zhangqing is not really eager to accept this gift.

With his current cultivation, a Ding-level Cave Dwelling is fully sufficient for practice, and he can afford it.

Wait until cultivation improves; the middle-late stage of Qi Refining is insufficient, then just change to a new cave dwelling.

But the other party lowered their posture so much, made no coercive demands, merely wanting to form a friendship.

If I still refuse, would that be too disrespectful? Mu Chunfeng also didn't urge, just silently drank tea, giving Xiao Zhangqing time to consider.

I have received your favor. Originally I should not accept rewards without merit, but Miss Mu thinks so highly of me that if I don't accept, it would seem I'm being overly pretentious. However, my talent in the Talisman Path is probably far from what Miss Mu imagines; let alone becoming the second Lu Symbol Master—I dare not even think of it... I'm afraid I'll disappoint Miss Mu in the future.

Mu Chunfeng clapped his hands, beaming, said: "Having you, Dao Companion Xiao, say that is enough! Then this matter is settled—regardless of whether I can become the second Lu Symbol Master, you may freely reside in the cave dwelling! However, I have confidence in my judgment..."

They quickly reached an agreement, then chatted for a while longer.

Mu Chunfeng didn't delay, soon taking Xiao Zhangqing to see the cave dwelling.

(End of chapter)