CHAPTER 116: CHAPTER 116 BENEFITS FEE

Looking at the storage bag in the stall owner’s arms, numerous gazes converged on his hands.

Envy, greed, murderous intent, jealousy... all kinds of emotions, the various aspects of life.

"Good! The sum is correct!"

The stall owner took the storage bag, checking it diligently, and only after the time of burning an incense stick, did he put away the storage bag, picked up the "Celestial Thunder Stone" on the stall and tossed it to Li Yunjing.

"It’s a good item!"

The crackling of the electric arc darted around in Li Yunjing’s palm, the tingling sensation particularly unique.

Li Yunjing felt a familiar sensation, very comfortable.

He nodded his head, confirming that it was indeed a good item, and only then with a flip of his wrist, did he store it into the "Hundred Treasures Pouch" at his waist.

The stall owner was dumbfounded, this person handled the "Celestial Thunder Stone" directly without wrapping it in mana?

Beneath his straw hat, the man’s eyes bulged in surprise!

Is he even human?

He remembered when he, at the Great Perfection of the Qi Cultivation Realm, obtained this "Celestial Thunder Stone"; even with mana wrapping, he was nearly electrocuted to death!

The others watching the scene, who had never owned a "Celestial Thunder Stone", did not realize how astonishing Li Yunjing’s actions were.

Their focus shifted to the pouch at Li Yunjing’s waist.

Everyone saw that Li Yunjing used the "Hundred Treasures Pouch".

This is genuinely a good item!

To be precise, the "Hundred Treasures Pouch" could be classified as a spiritual artifact.

Such a valuable item immediately made the surrounding people envious.

Everyone started guessing how much wealth Li Yunjing’s "Hundred Treasures Pouch" contained.

Meanwhile, as everyone’s gaze was directed at Li Yunjing, the stall owner swiftly packed up his stall, and like a nimble snake, squeezed through the crowd.

Seeing the stall owner fleeing, immediately, several onlookers chased after him...

"Haha! Clever man."

Watching the man depart, Li Yunjing chuckled.

As for himself?

There was no need to conceal his tracks!

He was a disciple of the Shenxiao Dao Sect, with powerful means.

In Li Yunjing’s view, even if besieged by three or four Loose Cultivators at the Great Perfection of the Qi Cultivation Realm, he could easily escape.

With such combat power, what was there to fear?

Moreover, even if defeated, a single Communication Talisman from Li Yunjing would bring Lv Ruoxi to his rescue.

She was a True Disciple, and at the Great Perfection of the Qi Cultivation Realm.

Lv Ruoxi’s Dao practice might not be as formidable as Xu Xun, capable of slaying Foundation Establishment experts.

But dealing with some tribulation cultivators at the Qi Cultivation level posed no difficulty.

Additionally, being on the Myriad Swords Sect’s territory, with their protection, Li Yunjing remained quite safe.

He feared nothing.

Having secured his first gain, Li Yunjing’s interest was piqued, and he began to scour various stalls for bargains.

Half an hour later, Li Yunjing was satisfied.

In this free trade zone, Li Yunjing not only acquired some rare materials but also traded away some of his unused items.

Bartering saved Li Yunjing numerous spirit stones.

Following closely, Deng Yanshi’s eyes reddened with envy; estimating the transactions, Li Yunjing surely had over ten thousand spirit stones!

Once Li Yunjing was satisfied, Deng Yanshi invited him to a restaurant for lunch.

Li Yunjing glanced at the sky, finding it appropriate, and gladly accepted Deng Yanshi’s invitation.

This restaurant, located on a street in the market, was one of Myriad Swords Sect’s enterprises.

Deng Yanshi, entertaining the Shenxiao Dao Sect disciples on official business, naturally had a free pass.

At this hour, nearing noon, the restaurant was already bustling.

Since it was owned by Myriad Swords Sect, it catered solely to cultivators, excluding commoners.

The market transactions used spirit stones, unlike the street outside where gold and silver prevailed.

Places like taverns and tea houses have always been lively, filled with people from all walks of life, discussing a myriad of topics.

Li Yunjing followed Deng Yanshi to the second floor, finding a private room by the window, and truly enjoyed himself.

Deng Yanshi, having the sect cover the expenses, ordered generously; eight signature dishes adorned their table.

As they toasted each other, they soon grew familiar, becoming closer.

Li Yunjing conversed warmly, whether to people or spirits, earning Deng Yanshi’s goodwill.

While chatting, Li Yunjing subtly touched on the matter of accounts.

In response, Deng Yanshi discreetly hinted that Myriad Swords Sect had a gift for Li Yunjing.

"Haha! Isn’t this a bit too much?"

Li Yunjing felt amused but displayed a hesitant expression.

"Hehe! Brother Li, everyone gets one, don’t decline!"

With a smile squeezing onto his face, Deng Yanshi cursed inwardly: "Acting sanctimonious, aren’t you here to plunder Myriad Swords Sect’s wealth?"

But faced with such a colossal force, Myriad Swords Sect could only swallow its anger.

"Brother Li, please accept!"

Deng Yanshi pushed a storage bag towards Li Yunjing.

"Hmm!"

Li Yunjing picked up the storage bag, inspected it with his divine sense, and nodded slightly, it contained 100 low-grade spirit stones.

These were Myriad Swords Sect’s benefits for him.

This time, nearly twenty people from the sect came, including three stewards, each with their own portion.

For an Outer Sect Disciple like Li Yunjing, it was 100 spirit stones. What about the Inner Sect Disciples? The True Disciples?

And those three Foundation Establishment stewards?

Li Yunjing estimated that to entertain their group, Myriad Swords Sect would shell out nearly ten thousand spirit stones!

Such a price was not low!

Ten thousand per year, paying tribute annually.

The auditors from the Shenxiao Dao Sect truly profited immensely!

Along with the sect mission rewards, Li Yunjing easily earned over two hundred spirit stones!

He had basically met his expectations.

"Brother Deng, I can’t assure other matters, but the grain issue should be fine."

Li Yunjing stored the bag away, speaking casually.

Seeing Li Yunjing take the favor and give his assurance, Deng Yanshi rejoiced, the major task was accomplished!

He then expressed heartfelt thanks: "Thank you, Brother Li, for your care!"

"It’s nothing! We’re all friends!"

Li Yunjing waved his hand nonchalantly.

The Myriad Swords Sect disciples were compliant, and as part of Shenxiao Dao Sect’s influence, were considered decent.

According to Lv Ruoxi, the Myriad Swords Sect members also participated in border conflicts.

Moreover, they were brave and combative, highly commendable.

Such a spirit of sacrifice had been appreciated by the Shenxiao Dao Sect’s front-line leaders.

Of course, Shenxiao Dao Sect didn’t just talk; to establish the Myriad Swords Sect as an example, they awarded a large amount of resources.

Rumor had it that they even allocated a plot of land for Myriad Swords Sect at the front lines.

As long as Shenxiao Dao Sect achieved final victory, Myriad Swords Sect would rise accordingly.

Believing in the sect’s invincibility, Li Yunjing and Lv Ruoxi agreed that victory was inevitable.

Victory was just a matter of time.

This wasn’t blind confidence; having been with Shenxiao Dao Sect for over half a year, Li Yunjing witnessed its power firsthand.

And this was just what he could see; there were many things within Shenxiao Dao Sect he had no right to know!

How could such a sect not earn its disciples’ trust?

With such confidence, Myriad Swords Sect would surely thrive under Shenxiao Dao Sect’s support.

If Li Yunjing developed some "friends" within Myriad Swords Sect, it could bring him future conveniences.

For now, Li Yunjing’s connections were mostly within Shenxiao Dao Sect.

He held no bias towards Shenxiao Dao Sect, simply wanting to establish contingencies outside.

But could he find willing friends within Myriad Swords Sect?

On this matter, Li Yunjing had no concerns.

He was a highly esteemed inspector!

A mere small sect like Myriad Swords Sect had countless people eager to forge ties with Shenxiao Dao Sect, basking in its glory outside.

"Thank you, Brother Li, for considering a humble man like me! If you need anything in Myriad Swords City, just command, I will ensure it’s done beautifully!"

Now, with one word "friend" from Li Yunjing, Deng Yanshi was elated, downing a cup of wine, beating his chest, pledging allegiance to Li Yunjing.

Such was the prestige of Shenxiao Dao Sect disciples outside.

"Great! I love making friends, especially sincere ones like you, Deng Yanshi!"

Li Yunjing laughed heartily.

"Thank you, Brother Li, for your favor!"

Deng Yanshi rejoiced, forming a friendship with Shenxiao Dao Sect’s member meant significant aid.

Not only could it stabilize his position within Myriad Swords Sect, but also provide support for better navigating the Great Ming Cultivation Realm.

During the meal, Li Yunjing continued chatting with Deng Yanshi, while observing his surroundings.

Through these patrons, he gained considerable information.

At least he now had a comprehensive understanding of Myriad Swords Sect and Myriad Swords City.

Especially noting a few names of Myriad Swords Sect’s promising youths.

This task was Li Yunjing’s most relaxed moment.

Holding his wine cup, watching the bustling street, he reminisced about his carefree years wandering the Great Ming Empire.

Recently, Li Yunjing had immersed himself in cultivation for months.

Even his spiritual power felt fatigued.

Now, quietly resting by the window, watching the worldly scene, his spirit seemed to unwind.

As Li Yunjing’s gaze shifted outside watching the diverse crowd, Deng Yanshi noticed his distraction.

Though impolite, Deng Yanshi took no offense against Li Yunjing’s high status.

He quietly waited for Li Yunjing to return to himself.

A quarter-hour later, Li Yunjing returned to the conversation, apologizing with a smile: "Brother Deng, apologies! These days I’ve been practicing diligently without a moment’s peace; today’s view of earthly life stirs my emotions, causing me to lose decorum. Please forgive me."

"Ha ha ha! Brother Li, you’re too modest!"

Deng Yanshi waved, indicating no offense, inwardly admiring: "Shenxiao Dao Sect disciples are indeed dedicated! Such diligence is truly admirable!"

"Let’s go! Having eaten our fill, let’s conclude the audit today, letting me relax tomorrow."

Li Yunjing considered and spoke.

"Great! Great! Great! We shall proceed! Brother Li, please!"

Deng Yanshi rejoiced, knowing the Shenxiao Dao Sect’s Outer Sect disciple intended to go easy.

It was fantastic news!

Finishing today’s work meant receiving rewards from the Elder tomorrow.

In Deng Yanshi’s estimation, he’d be the first to settle the Shenxiao Dao Sect auditor!

Such merit assuredly left impressions on the Sect Leader and Elders!

Benefiting his future progress greatly.

Reflecting strong work capability!

No need for the bill, Deng Yanshi informed the restaurant’s shopkeeper, and then descended with Li Yunjing.