Zanxing

Chapter 72 - Fairy Staff (2)

Zanxing weighed the staff and confirmed it was indeed much lighter than the previous iron rod. "This is a mid-level magic tool. If Junior Sister doesn't like this one, all the other rods left in the building are low-level magic tools." Jin Feicui asked, "So...?"

"Let's go with this one." Zanxing picked up the rod; unless it was a high-level magic tool that could be concealed within the body and summoned when needed, mid- and low-level magic tools had to be carried around. This staff was slender and, comparatively, wouldn't look too much like a cattle prod when worn at her waist. She turned to Gu Baiying and said, "Martial Uncle..." They had already mentioned that the spirit stones for this trip would be reimbursed by the sect, so she didn't intend to spend her own money.

Gu Baiying lazily straightened up and asked the shopkeeper, "How much for it?"

"Not expensive," Jin Feicui said while stroking the jade bracelet on her wrist, smiling kindly. "Since it's brought by little brother Bai, I'll give you a discount. To round it off, it's five thousand spirit stones."

"Thanks." Gu Baiying tossed the Qiankun bag onto the table. "You take it."

Zanxing felt somewhat dissatisfied. Both were disciples of the sect, yet Gu Baiying could casually pull out five thousand spirit stones, while she could barely save up dozens a month. It seemed that merely cutting expenses wouldn't be enough for saving.

Noticing Zanxing staring at him, Gu Baiying raised an eyebrow. "What are you looking at? Are you not satisfied with something?"

"Nothing," Zanxing smiled and replied. "I just think that Martial Uncle's display of wealth is particularly charming."

Gu Baiying snorted lightly, neither denying nor acknowledging her flattery, and stood up. "Take your staff and let's go."

...

When Zanxing returned to the Taiyan Sect, Xuanling looked over the Panhua staff they had picked at the Huajin Pavilion. Though it wasn't particularly surprising, he was at least somewhat satisfied.

Afterward, he instructed them on matters regarding the secret realm in Li'er Country. All three of his personal disciples were in the hall, bowing their heads to listen to their master's teachings. Xuanling said earnestly, "Children, this is your first time leaving Taiyan Sect alone to venture into a secret realm. The Li'er Country secret realm has existed for nearly a hundred years. Every decade, the major sects send newly selected talents there, calling it an experience, but in reality, it's to flaunt their power."

Tian Fangfang spoke bluntly, "Flaunting?" However, with their small group going, it would indeed be somewhat difficult to say "flaunting."

"That's pretty much the idea." Xuanling sighed. "Our Taiyan Sect, although it has a history of three hundred years, has been severely damaged since the battle between humans and demons, and is not as strong as before. In recent years, new sects like Yinfeng Sect and Chi Hua Sect, which have had past conflicts with us, and Xiang Ling Sect, which has also been eyeing us covetously... all look at our sect with hostility."

Zanxing remarked, "It sounds like our sect doesn't have good relationships with others."

Xuanling choked for a moment. "Before the founder Yu Shan ascended, he was indeed somewhat young and arrogant... but our sect is much better now!" He continued, "What I mean is, I'm not particularly worried about the trials in the Li'er Country secret realm. I'm more concerned about how you'll deal with the harassment from disciples of other sects."

"If there are any troublesome ones, we'll confront them directly," Mu Chengxiao said. "In this world, strength is paramount."

Xuanling smiled with satisfaction. "If you have this confidence and courage, I can rest easy. Alright, I won't say too much more. Go back and rest well tonight. Tomorrow morning, the teleportation array on Gufeng Mountain will send you to Li'er Country. Remember, you represent the face of Miaokong Hall and bear the glory of the entire Taiyan Sect. When you're out, you must be cautious in every action; we don't initiate trouble, but we're not afraid of it either. If there's really an insurmountable problem, go find your Seventh Martial Uncle and Senior Sister Meng; they both have considerable cultivation and experience and know how to handle such matters."