Chapter 35: Monthly Subscription
Chapter 35: Monthly Subscription
Chu Ning walked for a while and soon arrived at Zhuang Yunde's residence.
"Is it Brother Chu Ning? Are you here to submit your talismans?"
Zhuang Yunde warmly welcomed Chu Ning into his courtyard.
Instead of immediately asking about Mu Ling, Chu Ning first took out the talismans he had brought to submit to the sect.
Zhuang Yunde took the bundle of talismans from Chu Ning, examined them carefully, counted them, and then nodded with a smile. "These talismans are of excellent quality, and the quantity is just right—3,500 in total. Good, Brother Chu has submitted his quota for this season."
But Zhuang Yunde's next sentence left Chu Ning somewhat bewildered.
"Did you happen to meet Sister Mu Ling on your way here, Brother Chu?"
"Brother Zhuang, you know about that?"
Zhuang Yunde smiled. "Let me tell you about this Sister Mu Ling. She is a junior of Elder Mu, and Elder Mu is one of the few Golden Core elders in our sect."
"Golden Core elder?"
Chu Ning took a breath. Just from this sentence, he understood the status of Elder Mu.
A Golden Core elder was different from the Elder Chen who had brought them into the sect. Elder Chen was only at the Foundation Establishment stage and was merely an elder of the Transmission Hall.
But a Golden Core elder was an elder of the sect, the strongest force of Qingxi Sect.
In fact, he had heard Zhuang Yunde casually mention before that there were only four Golden Core elders in the sect that he knew of.
"Then why is she in the Hall of Hundred Arts?" Chu Ning asked, slightly puzzled.
As a junior of a Golden Core elder, her status in the sect was naturally not something ordinary people could compare to, and entering the inner sect would be a breeze.
"Actually, she started in the inner sect as well," Zhuang Yunde replied.
"But Mu Ling's talent is indeed not that remarkable. After a few years of cultivation, her progress slowed, and she lost interest in the path of cultivation.
Instead, she became fascinated with other arts and then took up talisman-making."
Zhuang Yunde shook his head as he said this. "However, her talent in talisman-making is also quite average, with a low success rate.
Yet, she insists on making talismans constantly, wasting a large number of talismans, not to mention the poor quality of her work.
When Elder Mu found out, he requested the hall to limit the number of talismans provided to Mu Ling to encourage her to focus on her cultivation."
As Chu Ning listened, his expression turned slightly strange.
He found it hard to imagine just how low Mu Ling's success rate was and how many talismans she had practiced that even the Hall of Hundred Arts had to limit her supply.
Zhuang Yunde continued, "Later, she turned to buying talismans from the market.
But recently, Elder Mu is away, and Mu Ling was forbidden from going out by Elder Mu due to some trouble she caused. So, she couldn't buy talismans from outside."
Hearing this, Chu Ning finally understood what had happened that day and said to Zhuang Yunde, "So, Brother Zhuang informed her about my talisman-making?"
Zhuang Yunde's small eyes smiled as he looked at Chu Ning.
"I think it's a win-win situation. You know, when you submit talismans to the sect, you need 55 talismans to exchange for one spirit stone, and the price is even lower in the market.
I'm sure Sister Mu Ling didn't offer you that price."
"She offered 50 talismans for one low-grade spirit stone," Chu Ning said as he took out 11 spirit stones from his bosom and handed them to Zhuang Yunde.
Zhuang Yunde took them casually, his eyes narrowing even more due to his smile.
"You see, it's just a few words, but I earned an extra spirit stone, and Brother Chu also earned several more. Why not? If Brother Chu has more talismans, you can sell them to her too."
Chu Ning sighed and shook his head. "I brought all the talismans I made today, and she also bought the thousand or so talismans I made for myself.
Upon hearing this, Chu Ning immediately understood and respectfully cupped his hands towards Zhuang Yunde.
"Thank you, Senior Brother Zhuang. If I do improve, I won't forget your support."
Zhuang Yunde's smile widened at Chu Ning's words.
The two chatted for a while longer before Chu Ning took his leave and began walking back.
"Brother Chu!"
After only a few steps, Chu Ning was once again greeted by Mu Ling.
"Sister Mu!" Chu Ning was even more polite this time.
Mu Ling quickened her steps and soon stood before Chu Ning.
"Brother Chu probably already knows my identity, and I'd like to ask you for a favor."
Chu Ning felt increasingly perplexed. To be honest, upon learning of Mu Ling's influential background, his first instinct was to keep his distance respectfully.
After all, Sister Mu seemed like the type to attract trouble, and with such a powerful backer, she was definitely someone he couldn't afford to offend.
So, he replied with careful politeness:
"I'm just an errand disciple, and I'm afraid I won't be of much help, Sister Mu."
"You can help me with this," Mu Ling said, seemingly oblivious to the hint of refusal in Chu Ning's words as she quickly continued.
"Just help me buy a thousand talismans every month. I'll provide the spirit stones, and I'll give you a remuneration fee. I'll even give you this storage bag."
Chu Ning looked at her with suspicion upon hearing this proposal.
"That's it?"
"That's it!" Mu Ling nodded firmly.
"Although it might be a bit tedious to buy a thousand talismans from the market town each month.
You might have to visit several shops, and sometimes you might not be able to buy them all at once and will need to make multiple trips."
Speaking up to this point, Mu Ling seemed afraid that Chu Ning would refuse, and she quickly waved the storage bag in her hand.
"But don't worry, I'll give you a full one-tenth of the spirit stones as payment each time."
Chu Ning's heart stirred at this offer. This was like a windfall for him!
There was nothing difficult about buying a thousand talismans in a month, and he still had several thousand in his own collection.
However, Chu Ning still found it hard to believe that such good fortune had landed in his lap.
Thus, he voiced his doubt:
"Why choose me?"
Mu Ling quickly explained, "Brother Chu, you know how to make talismans, so you'll definitely be able to judge their quality.
While other fellow disciples in the Hall of Hundred Arts can do the same, they all have their own tasks, and they might not be able to visit the market town every month.
As for disciples from outside our hall, they aren't allowed to enter freely. You're truly the most suitable candidate."
After hearing this explanation and recalling what Zhuang Yunde had said about Mu Ling's personality, Chu Ning was almost convinced.
So, he replied with a slightly hesitant expression:
"Since Sister Mu thinks so highly of me, I'll gladly run this errand for you."
Mu Ling was delighted to hear this and immediately handed over the storage bag.
"Then this storage bag is yours. There are 22 spirit stones inside. Use 20 for buying the talismans, and the remaining 2 are your fee.
Bring the talismans to me by this day next month."
Without waiting for Chu Ning to say more, she quickly turned and left.
"Oh, I need to go practice making talismans now!"
Chu Ning was left standing in the wind, feeling a bit flustered.
It seemed like he had just landed a monthly subscription deal.
(End of Chapter)
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