Chapter 164: Ji Qing Appears, Causing A Sensation—the Shock Of Black Robe Nine Stripes!
“Heavenly Human Artistic Conception…”
Ji Qing felt the Heavenly Human Artistic Conception.
This was not the first time he had experienced the Heavenly Human Artistic Conception.
Once, a sword contained Heavenly Human Artistic Conception.
Ji Qing also used the Heavenly Human Artistic Conception to temper his Saber Intent.
However, this was the first time he had experienced a complete Heavenly Human Artistic Conception.
Furthermore, it was released by a true Heavenly Human Realm expert.
In Ji Qing’s perception, he was already within the Heavenly Human Artistic Conception, but it remained a power on the spiritual level, capable of obscuring senses and exerting all-around suppression within it.
However, that was all.
Ji Qing had a faint feeling.
As long as he unleashed his Saber Domain, he could easily break through the Heavenly Human Artistic Conception.
And the Saber Domain actually corresponded to the power of the Heavenly Human level.
However, among Heavenly Humans, those who could comprehend the Saber Domain were likely extremely rare.
“Hmm? You actually have some courage. No wonder you could achieve Rank Assessment Nine Stripes…”
Elder Qi was somewhat surprised.
He had unleashed Heavenly Human Artistic Conception.
Few below the Heavenly Human realm could resist it.
But Ji Qing actually withstood it?
He wasn’t suppressed by my Heavenly Human Artistic Conception.
This was very unusual.
Ji Qing looked up at Elder Qi and said calmly, “Reporting to Master, this disciple is merely a rogue cultivator. I may have some strength, but I have no connections to enter the Wind Thunder Sect. Fortunately, I was accepted as your disciple, thus allowing me to join the Wind Thunder Sect. As for the Five Elements Divine Light Great Law, this disciple is even more fortunate now. I never expected the Wind Thunder Sect to possess such a divine skill?”
Ji Qing’s words were very clear.
He had not come specifically for the Five Elements Divine Light Great Law.
However, Ji Qing was also happy about being able to cultivate the Five Elements Divine Light Great Law.
As for Elder Qi releasing the Heavenly Human Artistic Conception earlier, it was merely for deterrence.
Since Ji Qing did not fall for it, Elder Qi naturally withdrew his Heavenly Human Artistic Conception.
After all, Black Robe Nine Stripes was only one step away from the Heavenly Human realm.
If Ji Qing could be promoted to Heavenly Human, his strength would undoubtedly be astonishing.
Why would Elder Qi offend such a disciple with boundless potential for no reason?
Moreover, Ji Qing was still his disciple on the surface.
Elder Qi narrowed his eyes slightly and said with a smile, “Indeed, it is your fortune and destiny to be able to cultivate the Five Elements Divine Light Great Law. Alright, we’ve spoken enough, what business do you have with me?”
Elder Qi did not put on the airs of a “Master.”
After all, Elder Qi was well aware of the situation between him and Ji Qing.
He wouldn’t become conceited just because Ji Qing called him “Master.”
“Master, this disciple plans to open a Pill Shop. It will open in three days, and I wish to invite Master to grace us with your presence.”
Ji Qing stated truthfully.
Elder Qi immediately understood.
This was asking him, a “Heavenly Human Elder,” to lend his prestige.
“Ten thousand Spirit Stones!”
Elder Qi gave a price.
A dignified Heavenly Human Realm Elder could not be invited for just anything.
“This disciple will definitely offer the Spirit Stones!”
“In three days, I will naturally be there.”
“Thank you, Master.”
Ji Qing then took his leave and departed Elder Qi’s courtyard.
Watching Ji Qing’s disappearing figure, Qing He couldn’t help but ask, “Elder, this Ji Qing, with his Black Robe Nine Stripes strength, seeking to become a disciple, I fear…”
Elder Qi looked at Qing He with cold eyes.
Qing He panicked inwardly and immediately lowered her head.
Elder Qi said softly, “Everyone has secrets, even you, don’t you? You only need to know that Ji Qing’s momentum is already established, and no one can stop him. He will definitely achieve the Heavenly Human realm, and this may not take too long.”
“I am merely showing him some respect, nothing more. Perhaps this favor might help me in the future…”
Qing He’s heart trembled.
He would definitely achieve the Heavenly Human realm?
And it might not take too long?
Qing He could hardly believe it.
That was the Heavenly Human realm!
In the Wind Thunder Sect’s Martial Dao lineage, to achieve the Heavenly Human realm, one would be one in a hundred, or even one in a thousand.
Every individual who achieved the Heavenly Human realm possessed fortune, background, and talent all at once.
Who could say with one hundred percent certainty that they would achieve the Heavenly Human realm?
But for Elder Qi to so confidently judge that Ji Qing would definitely achieve the Heavenly Human realm, it must not be based on guesswork; there must be a reason.
Elder Qi would not speak without cause.
This meant that Ji Qing had already half-stepped into the Heavenly Human realm.
Thus, Qing He began to ponder how to befriend Ji Qing.
…
In Heavenly Desolation City, a new shop opened today.
If it were an ordinary shop, it would be a small matter, and not many people would care.
But this shop was different.
This was a Pill Shop.
And Pill Shops were not simple.
Anyone who could open a Pill Shop in Heavenly Desolation City was either well-connected or had great cultivators behind them.
Early in the morning, many “neighbors” were gathered to watch the excitement.
They saw three female cultivators arranging the opening matters.
Having lived in Heavenly Desolation City for many years, these ordinary “neighbors” had developed a pair of “fiery golden eyes” and were good at judging people.
“These three female cultivators should be the proprietors of the Pill Shop. That Black Robe Five Stripes Foundation Establishment female cultivator should be the Alchemist.”
“One is Black Robe Five Stripes, one is Black Robe Six Stripes; both are Foundation Establishment cultivators. There’s also one with Black Robe Four Stripes, who is merely a Dao Foundation Martial Artist? Judging by their attire, they are Inner Sect Disciples of the Wind Thunder Sect.”
“These three alone can open a Pill Shop in Heavenly Desolation City? There must be someone backing them.”
“Yes, with just these three female cultivators, it’s impossible for them to open a Pill Shop or sustain it. I just don’t know who is behind them?”
The neighbors were all extremely curious.
As time passed, more people arrived to congratulate them on the opening.
They were basically friends of Zhao Xiaozhu, Mu Yunxia, and Ling Shuang Ren.
There weren’t many significant figures.
Suddenly, several figures flew towards the shop.
Upon seeing one of the figures, Zhao Xiaozhu’s expression changed slightly.
“Huo Yunbo? I don’t recall inviting you…”
Zhao Xiaozhu said coldly.
She didn’t want to offend Huo Yunbo, but he seemed to cling to her like a stubborn stain.
Huo Yunbo was dressed in a black robe, with seven golden stripes on his cuffs, presenting an air of elegant demeanor.
His appearance immediately made him the focus of attention.
He was also the person with the highest identity, status, and cultivation among the many cultivators present.
Huo Yunbo did not get angry and said with a smile, “Junior Sister Zhao, I’m merely here to take a look. What, am I not welcome?”
Zhao Xiaozhu’s brow furrowed tightly.
She really couldn’t do anything about Huo Yunbo.
Today was the opening day of the Pill Shop; she couldn’t possibly drive Huo Yunbo away.
Huo Yunbo walked into the Pill Shop on his own accord.
After a careful inspection, he finally approached Zhao Xiaozhu and glanced at the three female cultivators, a hint of a peculiar glint in his eyes.
“Junior Sister Zhao, you three actually opened this Pill Shop? Then I must give you a piece of advice: with just the three of you, this shop probably won’t last long…”
“However, if I were to join this shop now, things would be different. It’s not too late.”
Ling Shuang Ren couldn’t help but retort with a cold laugh, “What won’t last long? We have Brother Ji, you don’t need to trouble yourself, Fellow Daoist Huo!”
“Ji?”
Huo Yunbo seemed to have grasped the key point.
He thought, how could these mere three female cultivators dare to open a Pill Shop?
Now it seemed there was indeed a fourth person.
However, he had no impression of a cultivator surnamed Ji in the Wind Thunder Sect.
“May I ask where this Fellow Daoist Ji is? Perhaps he could come out and meet us.”
“Fellow Daoist Ji will arrive shortly.”
Zhao Xiaozhu also spoke.
At this point, there was nothing to hide.
After all, Ji Qing would definitely appear soon.
Huo Yunbo’s expression stiffened slightly.
He really wanted to see who this “Fellow Daoist Ji” was?
Someone who made Zhao Xiaozhu and the others so devoted, and even looked down on him?
He had to remember, he was a Black Robe Seven Stripes disciple of the Wind Thunder Sect!
And he had the Huo family behind him.
With such strength and background, Zhao Xiaozhu still looked down on him?
He truly didn’t believe it.
“Fellow Daoist Zhao, Fellow Daoist Mu, I, Ji, have arrived late.”
At this moment, an unfamiliar voice came from the void.
Huo Yunbo immediately turned around and looked closely.
The person clearly exuded an aura of Dao Foundation.
Not Foundation Establishment, but a Dao Foundation Martial Artist.
He was also wearing the black robe of the Wind Thunder Sect.
However, when Huo Yunbo saw the nine golden stripes on the person’s cuffs and collar, his pupils contracted, and his heart trembled.
“Black Robe Nine Stripes?!”
“Zhao Xiaozhu actually managed to recruit a Black Robe Nine Stripes cultivator?”
“No wonder she looked down on me…”
Huo Yunbo’s face turned grim.
Although he felt a surge of suppressed frustration.
Facing a Black Robe Nine Stripes cultivator, no matter how dissatisfied he was, he had to suppress it.
Even if he was a disciple of the Huo family, so what?
He still relied on his family’s influence.
But a Black Robe Nine Stripes cultivator was power in themselves!
Black Robe Nine Stripes, barring Golden Core and Heavenly Human realms, was essentially the strongest.
Who would dare to act rashly?
With such a powerful expert present, who would dare to cause trouble?
“Brother Ji, you are not late, you’ve arrived at the perfect time!”
Ling Shuang Ren spoke.
Her gaze even swept towards Huo Yunbo.
Ji Qing’s gaze also followed hers towards Huo Yunbo.
Black Robe Seven Stripes?
Ji Qing had never met Huo Yunbo, but he had heard Zhao Xiaozhu and the others mention him.
“Huo family…”
The Huo family was indeed very powerful.
However, a mere Huo Yunbo could not represent the entire Huo family.
“Are you here to cause trouble?”
Ji Qing asked directly.
His gaze was like a sharp blade, fixed on Huo Yunbo.
Huo Yunbo, who moments ago appeared elegant and in control of the situation, now felt a terrifying pressure descend upon him.
No matter how he struggled, he seemed unable to break free from this restraint.
This struck Huo Yunbo with great fear.
Was this the strength of a Black Robe Nine Stripes cultivator?
Yet, he had only felt such an aura from the Golden Core Old Ancestor of his own family.
How could a Black Robe Nine Stripes have a terrifying aura comparable to the Golden Core Realm?
But Huo Yunbo quickly reacted and immediately said, “Fellow Daoist Ji, this is a misunderstanding. I’m here to deliver a gift for Fellow Daoist Zhao’s shop opening.”
“Where is the gift?”
Huo Yunbo gritted his teeth and directly took out a set of formation flags.
“These are Super Spirit Gathering Formation Flags personally refined by my Huo family’s Old Ancestor. If arranged around the shop, they can make the Spiritual Energy inside the Pill Shop more concentrated, creating an excellent Spiritual Energy environment…”
Huo Yunbo knew he had to bleed heavily now.
Zhao Xiaozhu’s eyes lit up, and without any hesitation, she immediately took the Super Spirit Gathering Formation Flags.
She even smiled and said, “Fellow Daoist Huo is too kind.”
These were Super Spirit Gathering Formation Flags personally refined by a Golden Core True Person.
At market price, they would be worth over a thousand Spirit Stones!
Huo Yunbo’s “will to survive” was still quite strong; under Ji Qing’s pressure, he managed to produce such a treasure.
“I have other matters to attend to, so I won’t be coming in. Goodbye…”
Huo Yunbo didn’t linger any longer and immediately turned into a stream of light, disappearing without a trace.
“Hahaha…”
Ling Shuang Ren, Mu Yunxia, and Zhao Xiaozhu couldn’t help but laugh.
Ji Qing also smiled.
They got a set of formation flags for free, so why wouldn’t they laugh?
Zhao Xiaozhu immediately waved her hand and arranged the formation flags around the shop.
Indeed, the Spiritual Energy inside the shop became more concentrated at a speed visible to the naked eye.
Ji Qing had arrived, but he wasn’t outside greeting people.
He would only welcome extremely important individuals.
However, not many people were important enough for Ji Qing to personally greet.
Upon seeing Ji Qing, the surrounding “neighbors” also had their eyes light up.
Especially after Huo Yunbo left dejectedly, the “neighbors” seemed to have guessed the reason.
“I didn’t expect this Pill Shop to have a Black Robe Nine Stripes cultivator behind it. That’s almost the Peak of the Wind Thunder Sect’s Inner Sect disciples. That Black Robe Seven Stripes earlier wanted to suppress those three female cultivators, but they didn’t expect the three female cultivators to have a Black Robe Nine Stripes cultivator behind them.”
“Hahaha, I know that Black Robe Seven Stripes cultivator; he’s a member of the Huo family. But so what if he’s from the Huo family? In front of a Black Robe Nine Stripes cultivator, he still had to leave dejectedly.”
“With a Black Robe Nine Stripes cultivator guarding it, this Pill Shop should be considered stable. I wonder about the quality of their pills. If they were a bit cheaper, I could buy some for my son…”
With a Black Robe Nine Stripes cultivator holding the fort, the attitudes of these “neighbors” also changed.
As it neared noon, several streams of light descended from the sky.
Several figures appeared.
Qing He, Luo Xiong, and an old man in a white robe.
“That is…”
Many people widened their eyes.
White Robe!
That was a White Robe!
And it was a White Robe Eight Stripes!
Everyone knew what this represented.
Heavenly Human!
The other party was a Heavenly Human Realm cultivator!
Ji Qing immediately went to greet them.
“Disciple greets Master!”
Zhao Xiaozhu, Mu Yunxia, and Ling Shuang Ren were also shaken and immediately bowed respectfully, saying, “Greetings, Elder Qi!”
This was the renowned Elder Qi of the Wind Thunder Sect!
The Wind Thunder Sect actually had quite a few Heavenly Human Realm cultivators.
They also had many Golden Core Realm cultivators.
But why was Elder Qi almost universally known?
The reason was simple: Elder Qi was not an ordinary Heavenly Human Realm Elder.
He was a Heavenly Human Realm Perfection, an elder who had even attempted to reach Martial Saint.
So many Heavenly Human Realm cultivators.
So many Golden Core Realm cultivators.
Who among them had attempted to reach Martial Saint or Nascent Soul Realm?
Although Elder Qi failed in his attempt to reach Martial Saint and even damaged his Foundation, his influence was undeniable.
He himself had reached the Peak of the Heavenly Human Realm.
As for the issue of a damaged Foundation, Elder Qi could completely mend it.
It would just take Time.
Crucially, Elder Qi possessed the strength of a White Robe Eight Stripes. While not as powerful as a White Robe Nine Stripes, his strength was still terrifying.
With Eight Stripes strength, if he had successfully advanced to Martial Saint, he would be considered an outstanding figure among Martial Saints, with a promising future!
Such a powerful figure had personally visited a newly opened Pill Shop?
What this meant was self-evident.
“No need for formalities. I’m just here to take a look.”
Elder Qi then made a symbolic tour of the shop.
Ji Qing also transmitted a message to Zhao Xiaozhu: “Fellow Daoist Zhao, since Elder Qi is here, we had an agreement for ten thousand Spirit Stones.”
This meant that the Spirit Stones had to be paid by Zhao Xiaozhu.
Ji Qing had no Spirit Stones to give at the moment.
Zhao Xiaozhu didn’t feel any heartache.
It was Elder Qi, after all; it was already good that they could invite him for ten thousand Spirit Stones.
Moreover, with Elder Qi merely making an appearance and touring the shop, her Pill Shop would immediately become famous.
It would even create some “misunderstandings.”
Others might mistakenly believe Elder Qi was the mastermind behind the Pill Shop.
That would make the Pill Shop even more secure in the future.
Therefore, Zhao Xiaozhu immediately, without showing any changes, gave the Spirit Stones to Qing He.
Qing He was also satisfied.
However, there was more envy.
Yes, envy.
Although Qing He was a Concubine, she knew that with such a Pill Shop, Zhao Xiaozhu, Mu Yunxia, and even Ling Shuang Ren could look forward to the Great Dao, relying on this Pill Shop.
As for herself, she still had to carefully serve Elder Qi.
While her outward appearance was glamorous, the hardships she endured were beyond what outsiders could comprehend.
With the Spirit Stones in hand, Elder Qi no longer wished to stay.
After a brief tour, he said, “I’m feeling a bit tired, so I’ll be heading back now.”
“We respectfully escort Master!”
“We respectfully escort Elder Qi!”
Elder Qi, along with Qing He and Luo Xiong, quickly turned into a stream of light and disappeared into the sky.
After Elder Qi left, the “neighbors” were completely abuzz.
“That was… a White Robe Eight Stripes, the Peak of the Heavenly Human Realm!”
“Is this Elder only at the Peak of the Heavenly Human Realm? He is Elder Qi, who in the Martial Dao Lineage of the Wind Thunder Sect attempted to reach Martial Saint. Although he failed and damaged some of his Foundation, he can still mend his Foundation and might attempt to reach Martial Saint again in the future!”
“The mastermind behind this Pill Shop is actually Elder Qi?”
“Let’s go, quickly inquire about the pills. It’s their opening day, so there must be discounts…”
Thus, the “neighbors” rushed into the Pill Shop in a swarm.
And the business of the Pill Shop immediately became booming.
Zhao Xiaozhu and the others were naturally beaming with joy.
However, Ji Qing also felt a sense of emotion.
Even though he was a Black Robe Nine Stripes, his influence was far inferior to that of a Heavenly Human Realm cultivator.
He had been here for half a day and hadn’t made a single sale.
But with Elder Qi merely showing his face and taking a tour, the Pill Shop’s business exploded.
This truly demonstrated the influence of the Heavenly Human Realm.
In fact, Elder Qi’s tour had a deeper and further-reaching influence than Ji Qing perceived.
His ten thousand Spirit Stones were absolutely worth it!
When they tallied the accounts that evening, Zhao Xiaozhu and the others were incredibly surprised.
“After deducting the cost of the pills, we made a net profit of thirty-eight thousand Spirit Stones today!”
Zhao Xiaozhu’s voice was trembling.
“How much?”
Ji Qing’s eyes also widened.
“Thirty-eight thousand Spirit Stones…”
Zhao Xiaozhu repeated.
“Hahaha, the Great Dao is within reach…”
Mu Yunxia couldn’t help but laugh.
Ling Shuang Ren did the same.
Although they were busy as ever today, looking back now, all the hard work was worth it!
Of course, this was because it was their opening day, and Elder Qi had made an appearance, which caused the business to boom.
It would surely slow down later.
But even if it slowed down to ten thousand Spirit Stones a day, that would be three hundred thousand Spirit Stones a month!
This was simply a huge profit!
No wonder a mere Pill Shop had attracted Huo Yunbo’s covetous gaze, and even faced unseen resistance.
There was only one reason.
Pills were truly a lucrative business!
Even Zhao Xiaozhu, a wealthy young woman, was flushed with excitement.
Although she could refine pills before, she couldn’t sell them on a large scale.
She could only supply pills to some merchant guilds.
But how could those prices compare to selling them herself?
Ji Qing also offered his suggestions.
“The Pill Shop’s business is booming, and if there are no issues in the next few days, it will be on the right track. Then, the number of Alchemists must increase. It won’t be enough with just Fellow Daoist Zhao alone. Are you planning to refine pills every day and neglect your own cultivation?”
Zhao Xiaozhu nodded.
Indeed, no matter when, cultivation was the foundation.
Therefore, cultivation must be the top priority!
“Also, regarding the Spirit Stone dividends, I suggest distributing them once a month, setting aside twenty percent of the profits for unforeseen needs, and distributing the rest!”
Everyone also agreed with this point.
Opening a Pill Shop was for the purpose of obtaining Spirit Stones to aid in cultivation.
If the interval between dividends was too long, it would be meaningless.
“Finally, on matters concerning the Pill Shop, Fellow Daoist Zhao will make the decisions, and others shall not interfere without reason. For major issues, we can discuss them together.”
This last point was also very crucial.
As the saying goes, profit moves people’s hearts.
If too much Spirit Stone was earned, and rifts formed between the few of them, it would be troublesome.
Furthermore, with more people, if everyone interfered, it would be chaos.
Zhao Xiaozhu’s position must be established.
After all, Zhao Xiaozhu was the main force in refining pills.
The three of them also nodded, naturally understanding this principle.
In the following days, the Pill Shop did proceed smoothly, and no major incidents occurred.
However, the revenue decreased.
It wasn’t ten thousand Spirit Stones a day, but only five thousand.
The reason was simple: not enough manpower.
Especially a shortage of Alchemists.
Zhao Xiaozhu also had to cultivate and couldn’t refine pills all the time.
This limited the Pill Shop’s revenue.
However, there was no immediate solution for this, and they could only keep posting recruitment notices.
Perhaps the situation would improve once they recruited Alchemists comparable to Zhao Xiaozhu.
But even with a daily revenue of five thousand, that was still one hundred and fifty thousand Spirit Stones a month.
Even after setting aside twenty percent for unforeseen needs, Ji Qing would still get over thirty thousand Spirit Stones.
That would be four hundred thousand Spirit Stones a year…
The thought alone was terrifying.
Just thinking about it is terrifying.
“Right, what’s the price of Netherworld Water?”
Ji Qing asked Zhao Xiaozhu.
After all, Zhao Xiaozhu was also buying Netherworld Water.
Zhao Xiaozhu replied, “According to the price at Myriad Treasures Pavilion, one jin of Netherworld Water is worth a hundred spirit stones.”
“Wait, how much did you say? A hundred spirit stones for one jin of Netherworld Water?”
“Yes, this price is actually quite fair…”
Ji Qing fell silent.
He didn’t know how much Netherworld Water he would need to refine.
But it would definitely be more than a few hundred jin.
At least a thousand jin.
Perhaps even more.
The exact amount of Netherworld Water would depend on the limit of his physical body’s capacity.
If it were a thousand jin, that would be manageable. A hundred thousand spirit stones, Ji Qing could afford it with some time by relying on the profit-sharing from the Pill Shop.
But if it were several thousand jin, or even tens of thousands of jin…
Then Ji Qing would have to seriously consider whether he needed to switch from Netherworld Water.
No wonder Zhao Xiaozhu had mentioned the drawbacks of Netherworld Water back then.
There was only one word for it: expensive!
“Brother Ji, actually, you don’t necessarily have to buy Netherworld Water.”
Suddenly, Ling Shuang Ren spoke.
“What do you mean?”
Ji Qing was very confused.
If not by buying, then by picking it up?
Netherworld Water didn’t fall from the sky.
“Brother Ji, you probably haven’t been to the Mission Hall recently, right? I often go to the Mission Hall to see if there are any good missions, so I don’t miss out.”
“Just a few days ago, I saw an outer-assigned mission, to be a town guardian! This mission is to go to Quan City as a guardian. Quan City is quite important. It not only has spirit stone mines and black iron ore veins, but there’s also a Netherworld Spring.”
“If Brother Ji goes to Quan City to be a guardian, not only will you gain a lot of merit points, but cultivating with Netherworld Water will also be no problem. After all, Netherworld Water gushes out from the Netherworld Spring every day, and a lot is consumed daily. Over time, it will be enough for Brother Ji to cultivate.”
“The only trouble might be the duration. An outer-assigned guardian duty is at least one year. But since Fellow Daoist Ji cultivates the Five Elements Divine Light Great Law, as long as you have spirit stones, you can buy Five Elements items anywhere to cultivate, so a year’s time shouldn’t have much impact.”
Ji Qing was somewhat moved by this.
An outer-assigned guardian duty?
Perhaps it wasn’t a bad idea.
“Wouldn’t a mission like that be very popular? Would it be my turn?”
Ji Qing asked.
Several days had already passed.
Would such a mission remain unclaimed?
Ling Shuang Ren smiled and said, “This mission has a deadline, ten days for registration. Anyone who wants to be an outer-assigned guardian can sign up first, and then the best candidates will be chosen.”
“Brother Ji is now a Black Robe Nine Stripes. Among the inner disciples, besides those few who are also Black Robe Nine Stripes, who can compete with Brother Ji? And those other Black Robe Nine Stripes have their own matters and haven’t taken on missions for a long time. Most of them are trying to achieve Enlightenment of Heavenly Human Artistic Conception.”
Ji Qing nodded.
He did have an advantage.
The number of Black Robe Nine Stripes in the inner sect was very small.
If he wanted to be an outer-assigned guardian, who could compete with him?
After all, a guardian represented the image of the Wind Thunder Sect, so it was naturally better to have a stronger cultivator.
Only with strength could one suppress the surroundings and prevent the Wind Thunder Sect’s interests from being harmed.
Of course, being an outer-assigned guardian also involved a certain degree of danger.
Quan City involved such significant interests, spirit veins, ore veins, Netherworld Water – each one was a major interest.
Were there any corrupt officials?
Was anyone embezzling funds?
Would other forces covet it?
These were all questions.
Just relying on the name of the Wind Thunder Sect wouldn’t be enough to awe everyone.
A guardian sometimes had to act decisively, which would inevitably lead to disputes and killings.
But after much consideration, Ji Qing felt that becoming a guardian in Quan City was indeed very good.
Firstly, Netherworld Water was indeed too expensive. Relying solely on spirit stones to purchase it would consume all the profit-sharing from the Pill Shop, and it would still take several months to accumulate enough spirit stones. Going to Quan City would allow him to obtain Netherworld Water “for free,” which was an implicit “benefit” for Quan City guardians.
Secondly, being an outer-assigned guardian would also earn merit points, and quite a lot of them. In the Wind Thunder Sect, merit points were extremely important and could be exchanged for many precious items.
In fact, there was another point: the saved spirit stones could be used to purchase other cultivation necessities next time.
For example, Five Elements Wood, Five Elements Earth, Five Elements Fire, and so on.
In short, being an outer-assigned guardian for a year had many benefits.
After all, a guardian had considerable “perks.”
Of course, while this guardian position had various benefits, not just anyone could become a guardian.
One had to have at least the strength of a Black Robe Seven Stripes.
Ji Qing, with his Black Robe Nine Stripes, fully met the requirements.
“Alright, I’ll go and register tomorrow then.”
It was late now, and the Mission Hall was closed.
The group closed the Pill Shop and returned to the Wind Thunder Sect.
The next day, Ji Qing went to the Mission Hall early.
He searched among the various missions.
He actually found the “Quan City Guardian” mission.
This mission would be posted in the Mission Hall for ten days. There were still two or three days left before the registration deadline.
There was still plenty of time.
Ji Qing went to consult an elder.
“Elder, I wish to register for the ‘Quan City Guardian’ mission.”
Ji Qing presented his Identity Token.
The elder, a White Robe Three-Pattern, looked up at Ji Qing.
Especially noticing Ji Qing’s Black Robe Nine Stripes, the elder’s eyes immediately lit up.
“Martial Dao Lineage inner disciple Ji Qing, Black Robe Nine Stripes, meets the registration requirements. Have you clearly understood this mission? You will be a guardian in Quan City for at least one year and cannot leave without valid reason during that time.”
“Disciple understands.”
“Good, then I will register you. The deadline is three days from now, so come back to the Mission Hall in three days.”
Ji Qing nodded.
As for who the elders would choose after three days, Ji Qing was unsure.
But it would most likely be decided by strength.
The possibility of him being chosen was very high.
Time flew by, and three days passed.
Ji Qing came to the Mission Hall again and found the elder in charge of the Mission Hall.
“Ji Qing, you’ve arrived. Follow me, old man.”
Ji Qing followed the elder and soon entered the Great Hall.
Inside the Great Hall stood over thirty Black Robe disciples.
Without exception, all of them were Black Robe Seven Stripes or above.
After all, the qualification for the guardian mission was at least Black Robe Seven Stripes.
Ji Qing was somewhat surprised. It seemed this mission was indeed very popular.
So many people had come to compete for this mission.
None of these inner disciples were willing to yield to each other; they all wanted to showcase their skills and compete fiercely.
But when Ji Qing appeared, gazes fell upon him.
“Black Robe Nine Stripes?”
“He looks unfamiliar… A Black Robe Nine Stripes from the Martial Dao Lineage. I’ve seen them all, but this person looks very unfamiliar. Could this be the Ji Qing that the rumors say has recently emerged from the Martial Dao Lineage?”
“The only Black Robe Nine Stripes disciple recently born in the Wind Thunder Sect’s Martial Dao Lineage is Ji Qing. Rumor has it that Ji Qing entered the inner sect through Elder Qi’s connections. I thought he would be another good-for-nothing, but he turned out to be a formidable dragon, reaching the Nine Stripes rank in less than two months.”
“If it’s him competing for the guardian mission, I’m afraid we don’t stand a chance…”
Ji Qing didn’t say a word.
But the moment he appeared, he became the focus of everyone’s attention.
Because he was the only Black Robe Nine Stripes disciple present!
Even those who had confidently declared their intention to compete for this mission now could only shake their heads and give up.
The elder didn’t waste words and stated directly, “According to the old rules, the strongest will receive this mission. Therefore, we have decided to assign this mission to Ji Qing, who is a Black Robe Nine Stripes.”
“However, the guardian mission is very special and requires immense strength. If anyone believes their strength surpasses Ji Qing’s Black Robe Nine Stripes, they can raise an objection. At that time, we will arrange a spar between you and Ji Qing.”
Upon hearing this, some Black Robe Eight Stripes disciples’ eyes gleamed.
However, they looked at the nine golden stripes on Ji Qing’s robe, and their eyes dimmed.
Black Robe Nine Stripes was a reflection of strength.
They were able to reach Black Robe Eight Stripes because they were all people who had previously attempted the Nine Stripes rank assessment.
They had been “tormented” repeatedly by that terrifying female cultivator at the Nine Stripes bottleneck.
They knew for sure they couldn’t defeat that Nine Stripes female cultivator.
But Ji Qing had defeated that terrifying female cultivator.
The difference in strength was evident.
Challenging Ji Qing now would only be humiliating themselves.
It held no significant meaning.
“I want to try.”
Just then, a figure walked out from the crowd.
It was a Black Robe Eight Stripes Dao Foundation disciple.
Also a Saber User.
And also a Saber User.
Seeing this Saber User, the crowd didn’t seem surprised.
“As expected, it’s him, the ‘Martial Maniac’ Xing Wushe.”
“Xing Wushe has been trying to comprehend Heaven and Man Unity, but unfortunately, he hasn’t succeeded. Furthermore, he has attempted the Nine Stripes rank assessment thirteen times, all ending in failure.”
“I guessed Xing Wushe would challenge Ji Qing. For Xing Wushe, having a chance to spar with a Black Robe Nine Stripes expert is a rare opportunity. He would never miss it, and it seems that’s indeed the case now.”
Although these people were speaking in low voices, Martial Artists have keen senses, and Ji Qing heard most of these discussions.
“Xing Wushe? That’s acceptable.”
The elder nodded.
“Let’s do it here. It’s just a normal spar; stop when you reach a certain point.”
“Yes, Elder.”
As the elder infused his magic power, he activated a formation that enveloped Ji Qing.
Xing Wushe’s expression turned solemn, and he cupped his fists towards Ji Qing. “Fellow Daoist Ji, I have failed the Nine Stripes rank assessment multiple times, yet you were able to pass the Nine Stripes bottleneck. I wish to test how you defeated that female cultivator in the Nine Stripes bottleneck?”
Xing Wushe’s expression was sincere.
He truly had no solution against the female cultivator at the Nine Stripes bottleneck.
He even doubted if anyone could pass the Nine Stripes bottleneck.
And now, Ji Qing had passed it.
Xing Wushe was genuinely curious.
Ji Qing nodded. “Actually, passing the Nine Stripes bottleneck is very simple, just like this…”
Ji Qing did not Draw Sword.
Instead, he channeled his internal True Qi.
“Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.”
Saber Qi surged out.
The terrifying Saber Qi, mixed with Ji Qing’s Saber Intent, swept towards Xing Wushe like a storm.
“What?”
Xing Wushe was stunned.
How could he block this sky-filling Saber Qi?
They were both Dao Foundation Martial Artists, how could there be such a huge difference in True Qi?
“Clang.”
Xing Wushe drew his saber.
He also went all out. With this Saber Slash, he immediately shattered five streams of Ji Qing’s Saber Qi.
But that was all.
Five streams of Saber Qi was Xing Wushe’s limit.
And Ji Qing had unleashed dozens of streams of Saber Qi!
“I lost…”
Xing Wushe’s expression was somewhat complex.
With a thought, Ji Qing’s mind moved, and the overwhelming Saber Qi quickly dispersed, as if it had never appeared.
To deal with Xing Wushe, Ji Qing didn’t even need to Draw Sword.
Seeing Ji Qing easily defeat Xing Wushe,
without even drawing his sword, surprised many Black Robe disciples watching.
“Xing Wushe is defeated already?”
“Xing Wushe’s Strength is top-tier among Black Robe Eight Stripes, and he was defeated just like that, with Ji Qing not even drawing his sword…”
“Is this the Strength of a Black Robe Nine Stripes? Truly terrifying…”
“No wonder he could defeat that female cultivator in the Nine Stripes stage. With this overwhelming Saber Qi, if he had drawn his sword… it’s simply unimaginable. Xing Wushe’s defeat was not unjust; any one of us would have met the same outcome.”
These Inner Sect disciples were convinced.
Contending with Ji Qing for the Town Guardian Task was simply impossible.
Thus, one by one, they took their leave.
“Ji Qing, this Task is yours!”
“You must arrive at Quan City within ten days after receiving the Task, remember.”
“After a year, when you return to the Mission Hall, we can discuss whether to continue as Town Guardian or give up the Task.”
Ji Qing nodded.
“Is this trip to Quan City solely for guarding?”
The Elder’s heart stirred.
Ji Qing was already Black Robe Nine Stripes at such a young age.
His chance of Promotion to Heavenly Human in the future was very high.
With this thought, the Elders were willing to befriend Ji Qing and thus advised him, “The main Task is guarding, but during the guarding period, if you can root out some corrupt officials and rectify the local powers in Quan City, the evaluation of the Task will be very high.”
“The rewards for this Task range from one thousand Merit Points to ten thousand Merit Points. Why is the reward span so large? It’s precisely based on the evaluation of the guarding task.”
Ji Qing was deep in thought.
He vaguely understood.
The so-called guarding task was not just about guarding.
It also included the task of “rectification.”
After all, with the various entanglements of interests in the region, if the Wind Thunder Sect didn’t send a Town Guardian to rectify things, it was likely that local powers would collude and plunder all the Resources. In that case, the Wind Thunder Sect would naturally suffer losses.
“Thank you, Elder. This disciple understands.”
Ji Qing clasped his hands in thanks.
“Alright, go prepare for the Task. Being a Town Guardian is a lucrative position; as long as your Task evaluation is high, the Sect won’t mind minor matters.”
This was practically an “open hint.”
As long as the Task was completed well, the Town Guardian could “profit” a bit on the side, and the Sect would not pursue it.
After all, too much purity leaves no fish.
If one nitpicked everything, who would diligently do their work in the future?
Returning to his Courtyard, Ji Qing checked his current Merit Points.
In two months, Ji Qing had accumulated 100 Merit Points.
The first month, he was Rank Assessment Five Stripes, which was 50 Merit Points.
In the second month, Ji Qing, being Black Robe Five Stripes, also earned 50 Merit Points, totaling 100 Merit Points.
Now that Ji Qing was Black Robe Nine Stripes.
His treatment naturally increased.
He would receive 90 Merit Points each month.
However, this would only start from the next month.
“If I go for a year, with 90 Merit Points per month, that’s 1080 Merit Points. If I also get a good Task evaluation, it’s possible to gain two or even three thousand Merit Points at once.”
Ji Qing did a rough calculation.
After a year, if all went smoothly, he would accumulate quite a lot of Merit Points.
By then, combined with the Spirit Stones accumulated over a year, the other three of his Five Elements would likely not be an issue.
At worst, he could exchange for them with Merit Points.
“Quan City is indeed a lucrative post, with plenty of benefits. But obtaining these benefits is not simple…”
Ji Qing had fought his way out of the Jianghu to reach today.
He naturally understood that local powers were intertwined, with various interests colluding. To rectify them meant cutting off their source of wealth.
However, so what?
At worst, it would mean killing.
If rivers of blood flowed, the problem would naturally be solved.
After all, he was a Martial Artist, not a magistrate.
He didn’t need to try cases; he only needed to kill!
Thus, the next day, Ji Qing bid farewell to Zhao Xiaozhu, Ling Shuang Ren, and others, and then headed straight for Quan City.
…
Quan City, City Lord’s Mansion.
Quan City had a City Lord.
The City Lord was a subordinate of the Wind Thunder Sect, equivalent to a force under the Wind Thunder Sect.
However, at this moment, various powers in Quan City had gathered in the City Lord’s Mansion.
Some even hid their faces, seemingly unwilling to reveal their identities.
“Everyone, the Wind Thunder Sect will soon dispatch a new Town Guardian to Quan City. What is this new Town Guardian’s temperament like? What is their Strength? What kind of Task do they bring? We know nothing.”
“Once the new Town Guardian tries to rectify Quan City, we will be in trouble.”
The City Lord said coldly.
“Heh heh, what’s so difficult about that? We’ll follow the old rules: courtesy before force. Give him some benefits to send him away. If he’s insatiably greedy, or truly wants to investigate, then give him a taste of hardship. If he still doesn’t listen, then kill him and blame it on those savages.”
“However, we shouldn’t kill unless absolutely necessary. If the Town Guardian dies, the Wind Thunder Sect will definitely send someone to investigate. If a Heavenly Human or Golden Core True Person is sent down, then we’ll be in real trouble.”
“By the way, doesn’t the City Lord have someone in the Wind Thunder Sect? Is there any news about who this new Town Guardian is?”
The City Lord shook his head and said, “The Wind Thunder Sect has intentionally concealed the news this time. There’s no information about who the new Town Guardian is. This trend is significant, indicating that the Wind Thunder Sect is likely already dissatisfied with our Quan City.”
“However, according to past rules, it’s probably a Black Robe Eight Stripes disciple. You all should behave yourselves during this period to avoid making things difficult for me…”
Everyone laughed.
“What if he’s Black Robe Eight Stripes? As long as a Golden Core or Heavenly Human doesn’t come down, our Quan City is impregnable! Didn’t the previous Black Robe Eight Stripes Town Guardian also obediently go back to report? After all, those Inner Sect disciples are only here to earn Merit Points; why risk their lives?”
“Exactly. Those Inner Sect disciples have the potential to become Heavenly Humans or Golden Cores. Risking their lives in our Quan City is not worth it.”
The City Lord was slightly relieved.
He had acted with considerable discretion in this matter.
What should have been given to the Wind Thunder Sect was not withheld.
Of course, over the years, it hadn’t been exceeded.
The Town Guardians sent down were also given ample benefits.
If even this couldn’t satisfy them, then he couldn’t be blamed.
Even for a Black Robe Eight Stripes Town Guardian, he was confident he could make them leave in disgrace, ultimately returning to Quan City dejected.
“Report.”
“City Lord, a mysterious Dao Foundation Martial Artist just entered Quan City, and they presented a Wind Thunder Sect Token. They should be the new Town Guardian.”
“This new Town Guardian didn’t stop at all and is heading directly for the City Lord’s Mansion.”
The City Lord’s face turned cold. “Heading directly for the City Lord’s Mansion? What does he want?”
“By the way, how many Golden Stripes are on his Black Robe?”
The Martial Artist who came to report took a deep breath and then replied, “Reporting to the City Lord, the new Town Guardian’s Black Robe has nine Golden Stripes…”
“What, Black Robe Nine Stripes?”
Immediately, the City Lord’s expression changed drastically.
Black Robe Nine Stripes!
How could it be Black Robe Nine Stripes?
He was monitoring almost all of the Wind Thunder Sect’s Black Robe Nine Stripes disciples; it was impossible for them to come to Quan City as Town Guardians.
Where did a Black Robe Nine Stripes Town Guardian suddenly appear from?
“Everyone, quickly get out of the way…”
As soon as the City Lord finished speaking, an unfamiliar figure landed outside the Living Room.
Dressed in a black robe, with a Long Saber at his waist, and nine Golden Stripes on his cuffs and collar.
This attire clearly revealed the person’s identity.
Black Robe Nine Stripes!
Holding a Wind Thunder Sect Token.
Clearly, this person was the new Town Guardian of Quan City!
“Oh? The City Lord’s Mansion is so lively. It seems Ji Mou has arrived at just the right time…”
