Cultivating Immortality in a World of Chaos

Chapter 106: Borrowing Money

“A tier-2 spiritual vein? Quite extravagant!”

Fang Xi’s smile remained, but it held a hint of coldness.

Inwardly, he grumbled to himself, ‘Is this Spirit Hollow Island Market trying to challenge the Zhong Family’s Treasure Ship Market head-on?’

‘Damn, hasn’t it been peaceful for just a few years?’

The Zhong Family had amassed vast wealth in spirit stones and cultivation resources through their control over the Treasure Ship Market, inevitably stirring envy among the Thirty Six Islands alliance.

However, without some significant backing, they wouldn’t dare to openly challenge the Zhong Family’s territory now - something must have emboldened them!

Beside him, Widow Wang continued incessantly, “I heard that on the opening day, all medicinal pills and magical artifacts in the market will be discounted… Many folks from Peach Blossom Island plan to go together!”

While markets could offer benefits, they also posed inherent dangers, with potential threats like Calamity cultivators lurking nearby.

Cultivators lacking sufficient power should ideally travel in groups to enhance their safety.

Privately, Fang Xi prayed for no major upheaval, especially one that might affect Peach Blossom Island.

Noticing Lu Guo’s eager expression, Fang Xi promptly found a secluded spot and began teaching him the first level of the ‘Everlasting Spring Art’. After ensuring that Lu Guo had memorized it, he casually instructed Widow Wang to guide the boy further.

Fang Xi indeed showed little interest in this child.

“Oh right, since you’ve been on the island for some time now, what do you think of everyone here?” Fang Xi asked Widow Wang at the end of their conversation.

“Steward Feng has impeccable manners, and Island Lord Ruan is like a celestial fairy…” Widow Wang’s eyes shifted thoughtfully. “As for the mother-daughter pair on West Twin Peak, I haven’t even met them. Could it be that Master wishes to know about the widow named Hua? In that case, I could certainly…”

“Cough, let’s talk more about the Mu Clan!” Fang Xi interrupted with a cough.

“The Mu Clan, ah…” Widow Wang pondered; she had recently befriended someone from the Mu family: “I heard their Patriarch Mu wants to establish a presence at the Spirit Hollow Market, and he’s actively seeking spirit stones for funding!”

“At the Spirit Hollow Market?”

Peach Blossom Island was also part of the Thirty Six Islands Alliance. Although not particularly influential, as a gesture, the Spirit Hollow Island market managers offered them a deed to a shop.

Ruan Xingling was considering opening an artificing workshop and searching for a suitable shopkeeper.

Undoubtedly, this would be a highly sought-after position! Not only would it allow cultivation atop tier-2 spiritual veins, but it also provided opportunities to interact with numerous cultivators while enjoying all the conveniences of the market!

In addition to various shops selling medicinal pills, paper talismans, and magical artifacts, a typical market invariably included auctions, restaurants, and even establishments like the ‘Melodic Sounds Pavilion’, filled with female cultivators…

“Such a lucrative opportunity will naturally attract fierce competition. It’s no surprise that Mu Wen is borrowing spirit stones to influence her chances,” Fang Xi understood well enough.

“Exactly… But the Mu Clan must be truly desperate, asking me for spirit stones! If I could manage to scrounge up even one, they’d consider themselves lucky!” Widow Wang appeared quite disgruntled.

---

Several days later.

Lu Guo continued his daily routine, tending to farm work and squeezing out time for diligent cultivation.

One day, Feng Manlou paid another visit.

In the courtyard, peach blossoms were in full bloom.

Feng Manlou and Fang Xi sat beneath a peach tree, sipping spirit tea.

“Fellow Daoist Fang, have you grown restless amidst this tranquility? Would you like to join me at the Spirit Hollow Market?” Feng Manlou extended an invitation.

“The Spirit Hollow Market? I think I’ll pass…” Fang Xi cradled the teacup with both hands, occasionally taking small sips.

In truth, simply escaping from Jade Cliff was quite a feat for him.

Moreover, there was no guarantee that the Spirit Hollow Market would open smoothly.

He couldn’t imagine the Zhong Family of Dragonfish remaining indifferent; their behavior mirrored that of the Situ Clan, which he had come to understand well. Even without direct threats to their interests, these powerful aristocratic families were arrogant and domineering. Once their core interests were challenged, they wouldn’t hesitate to shed pretenses, revealing their ruthless nature.

“Ah… Fang Xiong, your caution is commendable, but unfortunately, I must attend.” Feng Manlou’s face showed a hint of bitterness. “The Island Lord intends for me to serve as the shopkeeper there, leaving me with little choice…”

This revelation did not surprise Fang Xi. Strictly speaking, his relationship with the Mu Clan, Wei Family, and Ruan Xingling was more akin to an alliance rather than a subordinate status.

Feng Manlou was truly one of Ruan Xingling’s trusted subordinates. When it came to appointing a shopkeeper, relying on someone from within their alliance was crucial.

“How about you? Not optimistic either? It’s a tier-2 spiritual vein after all!” Fang Xi’s expression held a teasing tone.

“Ah… everyone knows that fish is notorious for devouring people!” Feng Manlou, now treating Fang Xi as a confidant, spoke more freely. “The alliance must have some leverage to dare challenge the Zhong Family of Dragonfish… but I sincerely hope it doesn’t escalate into conflict. After all, even a single snowflake from such powerful forces can spell disaster for us minor cultivators!”

“I couldn’t agree more…” Fang Xi sighed, and both fell silent.

In the cultivation world, the opinions of lower-tier cultivators hardly mattered. Just like in the Zhong Family of Dragonfish, decisions of war or peace rested solely upon the word of their Foundation Establishment patriarch…

It was no different at Peach Blossom Island. Even if Feng Manlou didn’t want to go, a single command from Ruan Xingling would compel him!

As they continued their conversation, Widow Wang approached them. “Sir… The Patriarch of the Mu Clan is here, requesting an audience!”

“Mu Wen?”

Fang Xi pondered for a moment before looking at Feng Manlou.

“Sigh… He believes I’m his main rival for the shopkeeper position this time. It’s best if I avoid him!” Feng Manlou sighed and said to Fang Xi with a wry smile.

Naturally, Fang Xi nodded and instructed Widow Wang to help Feng Manlou find a place to hide.

Shortly after, Mu Wen entered the courtyard, dressed elegantly and appearing more mature than before. Upon seeing Fang Xi, he bowed respectfully, “Your humble nephew greets Uncle!”

“My dear nephew, please rise swiftly; such formalities aren’t necessary,” Fang Xi responded with a smile as he hurriedly helped Mu Wen up. “You wouldn’t visit without a reason. There must be something important today!”

Mu Wen blushed slightly but continued, “When our patriarch was alive, he always spoke highly of you as his close confidant, urging us younger generations to learn from you… This time, facing trouble, I’ve come specifically seeking Uncle Fang’s assistance.”

“Oh? What seems to be the issue?” Fang Xi asked, despite already knowing the answer.

“Uncle, are you aware that Spirit Hollow Island plans to open a new market? Our Mu Clan has cultivated the eastern peak of Gemini Peak, but unfortunately, its limited spiritual energy allows for only twenty acres of spirit fields at most. With the clan’s population growing rapidly, resources have become increasingly scarce…”

Mu Wen began to lament his troubles incessantly.

Although the eastern peak of Gemini Peak had better spiritual energy and spirit fields compared to Jade Cliff, the Mu Clan’s population, including numerous cultivators, was rapidly growing. With more people, resources became scarce, leading to frequent squabbles among clan factions over trivial matters.

When Mu Xiu was in charge, his authority kept everything under control. However, with Mu Wen at the helm, he found it increasingly difficult to manage.

Thus, he sought to establish a new source of income for the clan - the Spirit Hollow Market!

As a shopkeeper, while not outright embezzling, he could discreetly supply some goods from the clan for sale at the market without raising suspicion.

”…However, securing connections at all levels requires funds, and our clan treasury is running low on spirit stones. Uncle, I humbly request a loan of one hundred spirit stones. Your nephew will undoubtedly repay you, with interest!” Mu Wen concluded by offering another sincere bow.

“Ah, Mu Wen…” Fang Xi leisurely blew aside the tea leaves before speaking. “The Spirit Hollow Market is akin to a den of dragons and tigers, far from a safe place. Wouldn’t it be better to peacefully continue as spirit farmers? Look at your uncle here, living quite comfortably and carefree.”

Out of respect for Old Daoist Xiu Mu, Fang Xi felt compelled to offer some guidance.

“The essence of being a cultivator lies in competition! Without striving and contending, how can one secure resources for cultivation or break through barriers?”

Mu Wen suddenly raised his head, fists clenched tightly. “Uncle, you may have given up on your own Dao path, but I still aspire to achieve Foundation Establishment someday and bring honor to our family!”

Fang Xi remained silent for a moment before shaking his head. “Even though I’ve been farming these fields for years, my earnings haven’t been substantial. This time, I’m afraid I cannot help you.”

“Uncle Fang, when the patriarch heard about needing spirit stones, he agreed without hesitation…” Mu Wen’s eyes welled with tears.

“Sigh, it’s not that I am unwilling; indeed, I simply cannot afford it. Please leave now…” Fang Xi lifted his teacup, signaling dismissal.

Mu Wen seemed inclined to argue further, but realizing they had no real bond, he reluctantly stood up, filled with resentment.

After departing Jade Cliff, his dissatisfaction grew. “Well, well, Fang Xi… You think I don’t know? Your granaries must be overflowing with spirit rice, yet you refuse to lend a mere hundred spirit stones. The patriarch truly misjudged you back then!” He took a few steps, then as if struck by a thought, activated a concealment talisman and hid himself near the roadside.

---

“Ah… Fang Xiong, your goodwill was truly misplaced; I never expected him to be such a…” Feng Manlou emerged from his room after Mu Wen’s departure, shaking his head with a sigh.

“You know, it’s quite interesting how some people avoid the Spirit Hollow Market at all costs, while others flock there eagerly…”

Fang Xi chuckled heartily and casually tossed a handful of spirit rice into the pond.

The large blue fish swam swiftly, its tail flicking as it devoured the spirit rice.

In truth… Fang Xi didn’t have much money on hand.

His granary held very little spirit rice, most having been consumed by Tai Sui, that voracious eater.

Of course, he could still easily spare one hundred spirit stones if needed.

But who did Mu Wen think he was?

“Precisely so…” Feng Manlou stroked his chin before suddenly asking, “Seems like you and Daoist Xiu Mu share a good relationship, Fang Xiong?”

“I suppose we do. Unfortunately, the younger generation lacks competence. The downfall of the Mu Clan will likely come under Mu Wen’s watch…” Fang Xi then grinned again, adding, “But what does it matter to me?”

“Many thanks!” Feng Manlou’s eyes lit up, and he swiftly took his leave.

He had been grappling with this issue, only for an ideal scapegoat to conveniently present itself.

With these words, Fang Xi effectively abandoned Mu Wen entirely.

Now, Feng Manlou felt unreserved about employing some subtle tactics against him.

Given Feng Manlou’s worldly experience and social acumen honed within aristocratic circles, Mu Wen stood no chance. In fact, Mu Wen might unwittingly aid his adversary even after being manipulated!

For instance, approaching Mu Wen under the guise of wanting to withdraw from the competition, Feng Manlou could demand a sum of spirit stones - and Mu Wen just might comply!

The Little Cloudrain Array dissipated as Feng Manlou emerged on his feather-shaped magical artifact, swiftly disappearing from sight.

Watching this scene unfold from the roadside, Mu Wen clenched his teeth angrily. “Fang Xi… you deceitful scoundrel! Not only did you refuse to lend me spirit stones, but now you’re colluding with those from aristocratic families!”

“Patriarch, you’ve misjudged someone; it’s this man who is the traitor among our three great clans!” With determination in his eyes, Mu Wen gritted his teeth. “I won’t back down. I’ll show you how the Mu Clan will flourish under my leadership!”