Chapter 65: You Seem to Be Afraid of Me? (Please Follow!)

“Hello, I’d like to exchange for five Thunder-Calling Talismans!”

Zhou Qing walked up to a counter and addressed the clerk.

The middle-aged clerk, seeing Zhou Qing and Yan Xiao Hu’s casual attire, immediately recognized them as core disciples of the sect—especially since these two were famous figures in Taiqingmen.

Even if he hadn’t seen them, he’d certainly heard of them, particularly the round-faced, small-eyed one beside him, who was unmistakable.

“Just a moment!”

The clerk flipped through his register, then quickly apologized: “I’m sorry, all the Thunder-Calling Talismans have been exchanged—today’s been too busy, and the inventory hasn’t been updated yet.”

“No way—I really need them! Could you please check the storage again?” Zhou Qing bowed deeply, pleading earnestly.

The clerk shook his head: “I’m truly sorry, there are none left.”

Yan Xiao Hu, however, was delighted: “Forget it, this is fate. Even heaven doesn’t want you to cultivate that thing—it’s expensive and harms your body.”

Zhou Qing, however, turned to the clerk, still reluctant: “May I ask, where do these Thunder-Calling Talismans come from?”

Half the items in the Exchange Hall are produced internally—for example, some elixirs forged at Danhua Peak are sent here for exchange.

The other half are items collected by disciples during missions or training; if they’re unused, they may be surrendered to the sect, evaluated, and exchanged for satisfactory compensation.

The sect then displays these items here at slightly higher prices, profiting from the margin, effectively providing a trading platform.

Otherwise, with thirteen peaks housing so many disciples, who would ever know what you have or what others need?

Plus, prices are hard to negotiate—here, everything is clearly marked.

Just as the clerk behind the counter was about to answer Zhou Qing’s question, he suddenly noticed the person behind them and hurriedly bowed: “Greetings, Peak Master!”

The two turned around and immediately paled.

Especially Zhou Qing, who saw the [Dead Man] annotation above Gao Xuan’s head, instinctively stepped back.

Realizing their mistake, both quickly bowed: “Greetings, Senior Uncle!”

Gao Xuan nodded slightly, then smiled at Zhou Qing: “I heard Elder Taishang granted you the Cangleijianjue . You’re buying Thunder-Calling Talismans to cultivate this technique, correct?”

Zhou Qing could only nod: “Yes, Senior Uncle.”

“It’s a decent idea, but far too dangerous. And cultivating this technique isn’t easy—though of course, it’s your choice; no one can interfere.” Gao Xuan said.

Zhou Qing internally scoffed.

You’ve already marked me as dead—what do you care if it’s dangerous?

If I get struck by lightning and die, wouldn’t that suit you perfectly? Saves you the trouble of acting yourself.

Gao Xuan turned to the scroll on the wall and said slowly: “These Thunder-Calling Talismans originate from my Jinyang Peak. According to sect rules, we must deliver ten to the Exchange Hall every three months for disciples to exchange.”

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qing instinctively glanced at Yan Xiao Hu.

Could it really be this coincidental? They come from Jinyang Peak?

Is it too late for me to learn talisman-making now?

Gao Xuan continued: “Zhou Qing, if you hadn’t recognized Shi Zhen so quickly, Taiqingmen might have suffered unimaginable damage—including my two disciples.”

“And you’re lucky—just a few days ago, Jinyang Peak produced another ten as backup for the next cycle. To thank you for saving my two pupils, come with me to Jinyang Peak later and collect them—free of charge!”

At these words, Zhou Qing and Yan Xiao Hu’s expressions changed drastically.

Is he going to strike now?

“No thank you, Senior Uncle,” Zhou Qing hurriedly said. “Since this is a fixed sect duty, I’m in no rush. I’ll follow the normal procedure and wait for the next exchange.”

Gao Xuan looked at the two and frowned faintly: “You… seem to be afraid of me?”

The two lowered their heads and exchanged glances. Yan Xiao Hu swallowed hard, chuckled, and looked up: “No way, Senior Uncle, you’re mistaken. My younger brother definitely wants them—it’s free, after all, and he’d save five thousand low-grade spirit stones…”

“Wait, five thousand low-grade spirit stones? Old Four, you can save that much?!” Yan Xiao Hu’s eyes bulged. He recalculated, then excitedly slapped Zhou Qing on the shoulder.

Zhou Qing cursed inwardly.

Are you even my senior brother?

You know full well about the fake Gao Xuan—surely even if you’re obsessed with money, you can tell who and when to be reckless?

Now, with Yan Xiao Hu’s slap making his shoulder ache, Zhou Qing could only force a weak smile.

“Yes, yes—”

Gao Xuan smiled.

Yan Xiao Hu, realizing his mistake, coughed lightly: “Ah, so my younger brother just trembled from excitement—he’s not afraid of you, Senior Uncle. Youngsters are shy; they always pretend to refuse at first.”

Gao Xuan’s lips curled in amusement.

Shy?

Among all the young disciples of Taiqingmen, who has thicker skin than you two?

But Gao Xuan spoke: “It was you who trembled just now. When I said you’re afraid of me, I meant you.”

Yan Xiao Hu: “...”

“I, I was just excited! My younger brother suddenly saving such a huge sum, getting ten Thunder-Calling Talismans for free—he’ll definitely celebrate and treat us! I’m greedy, so I’m already planning to visit the Jade Banquet Hall. Thinking of all that delicious food, that’s why I’m trembling!”

Yan Xiao Hu hurriedly explained.

Gao Xuan could no longer hold back and burst into laughter.

“You two are so easily frightened—I was just joking! Time’s getting late, and I’m heading back to my peak. Youngsters, don’t copy the old folks’ empty formalities—come with me!”

Gao Xuan turned and walked out of the Exchange Hall.

Zhou Qing, now frantic, cried: “Third Senior Brother, what are you doing? Are you trying to die?”

Yan Xiao Hu, dejected, whispered: “I thought he was talking about you. Besides, if we resist too hard now, he might suspect something—wouldn’t that tip our hand? Don’t worry, even if he’s bold, he won’t act on his own territory—he wouldn’t bring fire upon himself.”

Zhou Qing said: “I know that—but what if he slips you a poison? Or a slow curse? We’d rot away without knowing who did it. Right now, we should minimize contact with him—avoid giving him any chance.”

“Then what do we do now? We already agreed! You’ve got a sharp nose—can’t you smell poison?” Yan Xiao Hu said nervously.

Zhou Qing stared at him, speechless.

“Smell shit? No—why did you just tremble?”

“I don’t know—I just felt my legs shaking.”

“What are you two whispering about? Come on, follow me!”

“Yes, Senior Uncle! Coming right away!”

Both said in unison.

…………

Jinyang Peak lies in the far eastern region of Taiqingmen, almost the opposite of Xiaoling Peak.

Its peaks tower into the clouds, steep and perilous.

Each morning, as the first ray of sunlight pierces the horizon, Jinyang Peak is always the first to be bathed in light.

The golden radiance spills over the mountain, as if draping it in a brilliant suit of armor.

Hence its name: Jinyang Peak!

When Zhou Qing and Yan Xiao Hu landed with Gao Xuan on his sword, their faces were tense.

It’s Tuesday again. Three rows have survived two rounds—whether we make it to the third round of recommendations depends entirely on today’s follow-reads. Everyone must read to the very last chapter—just show you’re the Xth follower.

Also, all kinds of recommendation votes and monthly votes are urgently needed.

Thank you all so much.

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(End of Chapter)