Chapter 22: The Sect's Ironclad Rules, Article 48
Chapter 22: The Sect's Ironclad Rules, Article 48
"I understand, Master."
Seeing that Xiao Ling'er had listened attentively, Liang Danxia couldn't help but reveal a faint smile.
"Fifth Elder, I wonder how many tribulations has Senior Hongwu gone through as a Loose Immortal?"
"I don't know either," Duan Qingyao shook her head. "It's too distant from us."
"Teacher?" Xiao Ling'er turned to Liang Danxia.
Liang Danxia also expressed her uncertainty: "Before the incident, I did come to this place, but at that time, the City Lord was not him. As for after the incident, my information wasn't as well-informed."
"Oh~~~"
Xiao Ling'er was still curious, but she wasn't going to take any unnecessary risks.
Soon, they lined up to enter the city.
A Fourth Heavenly Abyss Realm Sixth Layer practitioner was undoubtedly a top-notch expert in the outer regions of the Million Great Mountains where the Moonseizing Sect was located. They were considered the 'trending powerhouses' among the locals.
However, in this place, they were just ordinary.
Therefore, Duan Qingyao was also very cautious.
She didn't want to have excessive contact with anyone, and after paying the entrance fee, she led Xiao Ling'er straight to the inn.
Xiao Ling'er was also very careful, ensuring her exceptional beauty remained unseen by others.
After all, the Sect's Ironclad Rules clearly stated:
Article 48: All female disciples with exceptional beauty, if they lack absolute self-protection abilities, must avoid showing their faces when going out to prevent attracting unwanted attention.
The intention behind this rule was crystal clear:
Beauty often brings trouble.
When beauty is combined with any other advantage, it becomes an unbeatable hand. Only when played alone does it become a 'deadly trap'!
If one were to follow the protagonist template, they wouldn't need to worry too much about their female companion's exposure, as the most common trope for protagonists is to play the pig to eat the tiger.
In every new map, the easiest enemies to provoke are often the spoiled young masters or the second generation of immortals whose brains are in their pants. They tend to set their sights on the protagonist's stunning female companion, either to show off and get humiliated or to kidnap the beauty, only to be thwarted before they can act by the protagonist template.
These scenarios are typically designed to provide experience for the protagonist.
But I'm not the protagonist!
Even female disciples within the sect might not follow the protagonist template.
Moreover, there's the Sect to consider. Even if one were the protagonist template, encountering such situations, the protagonist template's existence would likely ensure their safety. This is a common law, but there's no law stating that the Sect can be 'invincible'!
So, until one has absolute strength, it's better to be cautious.
Better safe than sorry, as they say.
With their faces covered, it's easier to maintain a low profile.
Bound by the Sect's rules, both Duan Qingyao and Xiao Ling'er kept a low profile, and thus, nothing eventful happened during their journey.
Outside the city, Duan Qingyao was cautious, and ordinary people didn't dare to cause trouble.
So, as long as they remained low-key, there wouldn't be much trouble.
With that, they temporarily settled down in Hongwu Immortal City.
They spent their days cultivating in the inn or casually strolling around, and everything was peaceful.
However, it was evident that Hongwu Immortal City was becoming livelier, with more people gathering around.
"A mixed bag of people."
"Including some desperate fugitives."
As the grand assembly approached, Duan Qingyao solemnly advised, "In the coming days, we must be even more low-key and careful. Although ordinary people dare not cause trouble within the Immortal City, there will always be exceptions."
"Some fugitives don't care about such rules."
"Yes, Fifth Elder, I understand."
Seeing Xiao Ling'er's tense expression, Duan Qingyao smiled.
"As long as we maintain a low profile, there shouldn't be any major issues. I heard there's a night market nearby tonight, and many people will be attending."
"If you wish, you can go and join the fun."
"Although I ask you to be low-key, it doesn't mean you should lock yourself indoors. At these night markets, you might find some good stuff. As for whether you can grab a bargain, that's up to luck."
"I was thinking the same." Xiao Ling'er smiled.
Liang Danxia agreed.
Grabbing a bargain, huh?
While it's common to hear about such opportunities, it's also uncommon in a way. After all, most people never come across such chances in their lifetime, and even those who witness it are few.
(End of Chapter)However, I am different.
With the help of a teacher, I should have some gains.
Being low-key is indeed necessary, but it shouldn't be to the extent of avoiding opportunities or even being afraid to take a look.
...
Night fell.
A group of two and a half people, keeping a low profile, but not to the point of missing out on opportunities...
The night market was bustling, attracting people from all over. They displayed their collected items, a wide variety of things.
There were all sorts of things—dan medicine, equipment, talismans, cultivation techniques, secret arts, and strange objects... Everything was available, even including some fragments that Xiao Ling'er couldn't understand, dazzling her eyes.
"The night market, also known as the black market."
As they walked around, Duan Qingyao quietly explained, "Many things in the night market are not meant to be seen in the light of day."
"So, having a keen eye is essential."
She didn't hide anything and taught Xiao Ling'er everything.
Although Xiao Ling'er had Liang Danxia with her, even if Duan Qingyao didn't teach her, Liang Danxia would. However, this behavior made Xiao Ling'er feel even more grateful, further experiencing the sincerity of the sect.
"Some things can be bought, but some things, although they are good and the price is low, can't be purchased."
"Why is that?" Xiao Ling'er asked, puzzled.
"Because of their dubious origins."
"Look at that flying sword over there, a superior spirit artifact, worth a significant amount. Its market price is at least around ten thousand yuan stones, but the stall owner is only asking for five thousand, a huge discount."
"But even so, there aren't many onlookers or interested buyers, and most of them are young cultivators who want it but can't afford it. Why is that?"
Xiao Ling'er suddenly understood, "Black market goods?"
"Yes, most likely obtained through murder and theft. The original owner of the sword has a powerful backing, and although the sword is valuable, buying it would be like holding a hot potato. Most likely, the original owner's backers will find you, and as for the outcome..."
Duan Qingyao shook her head slightly, not elaborating further.
It was obvious what would happen; it wouldn't end well.
"Disciple understands."
"Ling'er, you're still young. Your talent and temperament are excellent. As long as you can grow, your future will be limitless. But the prerequisite is growth. So, you must be cautious and careful not to flop.
Duan Qingyao warned seriously.
"I've seen too many geniuses who perished prematurely."
Liang Danxia said, "I've seen even more, which is why I say that your sect's rules are excellent."
Xiao Ling'er's face tightened as she listened.
...
They wandered for a long time.
Liang Danxia exclaimed softly, "Those verdigris fragments over there..."
"What kind of valuable thing is that?" Xiao Ling'er approached, maintaining her composure.
"It should be fragments of a heritage site."
"If you can gather them all, you can obtain a heritage."
Xiao Ling'er's eyes sparkled. She went to the stall and carefully selected a fragment of average value. After some haggling, she pretended to hesitate, and finally, acting as if she were greedy for a small bargain, she casually picked up the target fragment from the pile.
"That will be eighty yuan stones, but you have to give me that fragment."
The stall owner snatched the fragment and examined it but couldn't make much sense of it. "Deal!"
After obtaining the item, Xiao Ling'er maintained her composure and left without a word.
As they walked away, Duan Qingyao smiled, "A good method, though not as experienced, it's still quite rare for someone your age."
"Fifth Elder, you saw through it?"
"That fragment must be extraordinary, right?"
"You need to gather them all."
"There's no rush. Since we didn't spend any money, we can slowly collect them. Even if we don't succeed, we won't lose anything."
Seeing that Duan Qingyao had no intention of buying, Xiao Ling'er's smile behind her veil became even brighter.
...
Three days later.
The grand assembly officially began.
(Chapter End)
Chapter end
Report
