[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming":3,"chapter-the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-chapter-123":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Unorthodox Sword of Ming",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2337328,4570,"Chapter 123: The Best Salesperson","the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-chapter-123",123,"\u003Cp>Tao Yanbai: “Is the banner your junior uncle mentioned the one you made in Daya Village?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun nodded: “Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao He and Miao Zhen had both seen the banner, but never seen Pan Yun carrying it out to perform divination or heal people; now they felt drawn and wanted to go too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun directly invited them: “Let’s all four go together—I’ll do divination for people, you and Miao He will heal them; no matter what kind of client we meet, we can satisfy their needs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao He and Miao Zhen eagerly agreed, then turned to look at Tao Yanbai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What could Tao Yanbai do? He could only agree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All four cheered, then turned to look at the Daoist carrying the banner who was doing divination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They planned to observe him, learn some experience, and so on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daoist was chatting nonsense while holding a young woman’s hand; he sensed Pan Yun’s gaze, glanced up briefly, then went back to his nonsense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun strained to listen for a while, then used the Qi-Viewing Technique to examine the young woman; it wasn’t entirely wrong—he’d touched on something, but got very little right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun was torn—was this man actually skilled at divination, or not?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the person seemed to fully believe him, paid the money, and left happily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun rubbed his chin, then shook his head and said to Miao Zhen: “Though we must consider the client’s feelings, I still think we must speak the truth. As Daoists, how can we deceive people or cheat heaven?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao Zhen nodded deeply in agreement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daoist had no more clients; he calmly picked up his banner and wandered slowly into the crowd, soon swallowed by people—only the banner remained visible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun and the others couldn’t follow him indefinitely; they watched him go with regret. “Why did he stop? This spot looks perfect—lots of people, wide open space, ideal for divination and healing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This spot’s good. Let’s claim it tomorrow?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good, good!” They agreed. Tao Yanbai added: “I’ll head down the mountain early tomorrow and secure the spot first—you can come later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun and the other two thought this plan excellent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three chatted enthusiastically here, unaware that the Daoist hidden in the crowd slowly exhaled, wiped sweat from his brow with his sleeve, and sighed in relief—those few young Daoists were clearly disciples of the Sanqing Temple on Mount Sanqing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced at the characters on his banner, hesitated—wanted to change them, yet didn’t want to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, a young man grabbed his arm: “Ah! So there you are, you fraud! I’ve been looking all over for you. Come with me to meet the real master.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daoist froze, startled for a moment, then quickly calmed and smiled faintly: “There must be some misunderstanding. I’ve never met you, never divined for you—why are you accusing me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man ignored him, dragged him off by the arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daoist struggled twice, found he couldn’t break free, and grew anxious: “Brother, brother, let’s talk calmly—why the violence? Just tell me what you want!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man didn’t care—he was certain this man was a fraud, and worse, one impersonating their Sanqing Temple. He’d drag him back no matter what.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was heading straight for Wang Cong when, after only a few dozen steps, he spotted Pan Yun and the others sitting on a wall, munching buns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun and the three sat on the wall, bamboo-covered slopes behind them, legs dangling, swinging gently; from above, they saw Wang Heng, Wang Xiaojing’s second uncle, dragging the Daoist over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao He greeted first: “Uncle Wang, you want divination too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Heng stopped, looked up at them: “Divination? Don’t you see he’s impersonating your temple’s people?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao He: “Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun looked at the banner’s characters and said: “Uncle Wang, you misunderstand—all Daoist disciples may call themselves disciples of Sanqing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daoist shuddered, regained his confidence, and declared firmly: “Exactly! All Daoists trace back to Sanqing. Why do you say I’m an impostor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Heng loosened his grip slightly, feeling uneasy: “Is… is that true?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun nodded, glanced at the now smug Daoist, and added: “But Uncle Wang isn’t entirely wrong—he may not be impersonating Sanqing Temple, but he’s clearly a fake Daoist.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who—who said that?” The Daoist’s pupils shrank, stammering: “I’m no fake! I became a Daoist from childhood!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun asked: “Do you have a clerical certificate? Or have you received the talismanic ordination?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daoist flushed red and retorted: “How many Daoists today have clerical certificates? How many have received ordination? Out of a thousand Daoists, maybe one gets ordination, ten get certificates—does that mean the rest aren’t Daoists?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun’s gaze settled on his face, speaking earnestly: “Brother Daoist, we’re in this line of work—we need at least some professional knowledge. You have neither certificate nor ordination. At least master the Qi-Viewing Technique before you do divination?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daoist fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Heng didn’t understand much; he looked between them, then released the Daoist’s arm: “If you’re not impersonating Sanqing Temple, then forget it—go on your way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked up at Pan Yun and the others, focusing on Tao Yanbai: “Why are you all here? Your senior brother’s swamped over there—why aren’t you helping?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tao Yanbai couldn’t sit still anymore; he jumped off the wall: “Junior Uncle, I’ll go help Senior Brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun immediately jumped down too: “I’m going too!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao Zhen and Miao He echoed him and jumped down after.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Heng volunteered to lead them; the Daoist silently followed beside them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Heng turned back: “Why are you still following us? I already told you to go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daoist glanced at him, said nothing, and looked at Pan Yun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun: “Why are you looking at me? I have no intention of arresting you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daoist said: “Brother Daoist, let’s become friends?” Pan Yun blinked, watching him silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then they reached Wang Cong’s stall—he was explaining toothbrushes and how to use them to a customer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daoist saw his Daoist robe, heard Tao Yanbai call him “Senior Brother,” and understood. He stood and listened for a while, then grasped how the toothbrush worked—similar to a willow twig, but finer, softer, denser bristles meant slightly different usage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped forward, grabbed a handful of toothbrushes: “Let me help you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tao Yanbai’s eyes widened, reached out to grab him—but Pan Yun held him back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Junior Uncle?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun said: “Let him go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao Zhen said: “I feel he has some connection with our Sanqing Temple.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tao Yanbai shuddered, lips trembling: “You don’t mean… he might become my junior brother?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun glanced at him: “What are you thinking? There are countless connections in this world—why leap straight to the closest one?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She added: “Even if we have affinity, it won’t run this deep.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!. Read\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao He asked curiously: “Then what kind of affinity?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun spoke mysteriously: “We’ll know when the time comes. Just follow your heart—affinity will naturally form.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao Zhen translated: “It’s just that we’re still shallow in knowledge and haven’t mastered our skills—we can’t see it yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun: “Miao Zhen, we can say this among ourselves—but when outsiders are around, don’t speak the truth, or you’ll end up beaten like Third Brother and Fourth Sister.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao Zhen: “Oh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tao Yanbai and Miao He calmed down—it was just that they couldn’t see it. No problem then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone leaned back to watch the young Daoist selling toothbrushes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one knew how he did it, but less than fifteen minutes later, he returned with all toothbrushes sold, handing Wang Cong a large handful of coins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Cong, who’d been carefully explaining the difference between toothbrushes and willow twigs and the toothbrush’s advantages, paused a moment before taking the money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was about to ask the Daoist something, when another villager pulled him aside: “How often should we replace the toothbrush?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Cong replied: “Keep using it until the bristles fall out. Ten cash each—they’re not cheap. I’d guess two or three years’ use. Brush gently—don’t scrub hard, or you’ll damage your gums.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Villager: “Two or three years~~” He grew even more eager.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Cong urged: “Exactly! One toothbrush lasts two or three years—far better than picking willow twigs every month. Willows are free, but you must replace them often, it’s troublesome, and they don’t clean well—they easily injure teeth and gums.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The villager, convinced, reluctantly counted out thirty cash: “Then give me three. The toothbrush is good, but too expensive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Cong: “Once you use it, you won’t think it expensive. If you care for it properly, three years’ use means only three and a half cash per year—isn’t that a bargain?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The villager thought it over—yes, it was. His regret faded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Daoist grabbed another handful of toothbrushes and left; less than fifteen minutes later, he returned empty-handed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he grabbed another handful and left again, Wang Cong finally had a moment to rest, took the bun Pan Yun handed him, bit into it, and watched him approach people one by one, selling one toothbrush here, another there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Cong himself was numb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to Pan Yun: “Junior Uncle, where did you find this man?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun: “From the crowd. We didn’t find him—he came to us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Heng, squatting nearby selling his own handmade wooden stools and winnowing baskets, felt uneasy; he opened his mouth several times but couldn’t interject.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Cong: “Unprovoked kindness? Either a thief or a schemer. Be careful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun and the others nodded together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Cong: “I’m not worried about Junior Uncle or Sister Miao Zhen—I’m worried about Third Brother and Fifth Sister.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tao Yanbai: “Senior Brother, I’m older than them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Cong: “But you’re also denser than them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao He chuckled, watching Tao Yanbai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Cong turned to her: “What are you laughing at? You’re just like him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Miao He: …\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun and Miao Zhen burst out laughing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone sat behind the stall watching the young Daoist hustle—soon he’d sold thirty or forty toothbrushes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He alone accomplished in one go what all five Sanqing Temple disciples had done in an hour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun was deeply impressed; Wang Cong was too: “I thought I was already good at business—but clearly I’m far behind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yun: “Indeed, a smooth-talking Daoist is the best salesperson. This man’s divination skills are poor, but everything else is excellent. If he learned Qi-Viewing and could do divination, wouldn’t he be invincible?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today’s lucky number: any number ending in 0. Screenshot as proof.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1756,"2026-06-20T22:03:57.478Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","52c5a82052eb35ac1a4fe72e3d1003cebce45629100ffecb1dda9f0e10a07c1a","the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-chapter-124","the-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-chapter-122",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-unorthodox-sword-of-ming-cover.jpg"]