Tian Qingning’s Request

“…So, the only reason you came to the Main Peak to find me was to talk about money?”

Tian Qingning stared at Xu Jinghuai, who was standing not far away, feeling quite speechless.

He had initially thought Xu Jinghuai came to the Main Peak to seek guidance on how to mentor a disciple. Who would have guessed that the very first sentence out of this kid’s mouth would be: “Sect Master, remember how you vowed to give me double the stipend? Well, you see…”

At that moment, Tian Qingning truly wanted to lift his foot and kick Xu Jinghuai, shouting “Get out!”

But seeing Xia Jin following behind Xu Jinghuai, he ultimately suppressed the urge to kick him.

Before the sect’s disciples, he had to maintain the dignity of the Sect Master.

Furthermore, since he had already spoken the words, he naturally wouldn’t go back on them. However, when he formally acknowledged the vow, he still made sure to avoid doing so directly in front of Xia Jin.

Just when Tian Qingning thought the ordeal was over, Xu Jinghuai began rubbing his hands together in a cringeworthy, sycophantic manner.

“Sect Master, well, you see… I’ve already taken a disciple according to your wishes. You previously mentioned that my stipend and my disciple’s would be calculated separately, so now, could you perhaps… help me with a reimbursement?”

If this image of a money-grubbing “iron rooster” were seen by those outsiders who idolized Youyun Immortal Venerable, their jaws would surely hit the floor.

After all, in the rumors, Youyun Immortal Venerable was a cold, aloof, and handsome man who was indifferent to fame and fortune!

The persona had completely collapsed!

Only those who had associated with Xu Jinghuai for a long time and were very familiar with him in daily life knew that this was the other side he only revealed privately to close acquaintances.

This was precisely why Tian Qingning nagged him every day for never acting like a proper immortal.

Thus, we have Tian Qingning’s earlier complaint.

Xu Jinghuai, however, wasn’t embarrassed at all. He replied with a beaming smile, “How could that be, Sect Master?”

“I’m just taking my newly accepted disciple for a stroll around the Wuling Immortal Sect so she can familiarize herself with our sect.”

“Coming to see you, Sect Master, was just a coincidence—I happened to be passing by and suddenly remembered this matter.”

‘Familiarizing her with the sect? Just passing by?’

If he didn’t know Xu Jinghuai so well, Tian Qingning might actually have believed that nonsense!

Although this kid appeared improper on the surface, in reality, as long as it was something Xu Jinghuai wanted to do, his cautious nature meant he had certainly plotted it all out in secret long ago. By the time it played out, everything was arranged with crystalline clarity.

By now, essentially, as soon as Xu Jinghuai twitched his tail, Tian Qingning knew exactly what kind of mischief he was up to.

Tian Qingning waved his hand dismissively. “Fine, fine, I don’t have the time to bicker with you. I don’t care what you do while leading that disciple of yours around.”

“I currently have only one requirement: as long as you get her to the Golden Core stage within sixty years, I will consider agreeing to settle any expenses or conditions during that period.”

“This requirement shouldn’t be difficult for our Youyun Immortal Venerable, right? So, if she hasn’t reached the Golden Core stage by the time the next disciple recruitment ceremony begins in sixty years…”

Tian Qingning paused, then revealed an exceptionally “kind” smile. “I will directly cut off your stipend, kid, until the moment she reaches Golden Core.”

Looking at that smiling face, Xu Jinghuai couldn’t help but shudder.

Damn, this is a blatant threat!

And Tian Qingning wasn’t finished. Maintaining that smile, he used the most casual tone to state something terrifying to Xu Jinghuai.

“Additionally, I will inform Peak Master Shan in advance. It would be best if I don’t find out that her cultivation was forced up by someone borrowing pills from Medicine Spirit Peak.”

“Otherwise…”

Tian Qingning didn’t say anything further. Xu Jinghuai shook his head repeatedly, thumping his chest and pointing his fingers to the heavens to swear an oath. He spoke with righteous indignation.

“Rest assured, Sect Master!”

“As for using pills to take shortcuts and such, I, Xu Jinghuai, despise those kinds of people the most!”

“The disciple I lead, Xia Jin, will definitely develop normally under my guidance! I will absolutely not lead her astray!”

Only then did Tian Qingning nod in satisfaction. With a wave of his hand, he said, “I hope you won’t forget the words you spoke today. Speak—how much do you want reimbursed?”

Xu Jinghuai breathed a sigh of relief. He then thought about the number of Forging Peak disciples and estimated a figure in his head.

“Ten High-grade Immortal Spirit Crystals, fifty Second-grade Spirit-Gathering Immortal Pills, and five thousand Sect Contribution Points.”

Tian Qingning frowned upon hearing this.

He wasn’t surprised that Xu Jinghuai wanted High-grade Immortal Spirit Crystals; although ten was a bit much, considering the expenses that might arise from Xu Jinghuai’s future arrangements, it wasn’t unacceptable.

But he couldn’t understand why he wanted so many Second-grade Immortal Pills and contribution points. He had seen the little girl Xu Jinghuai accepted; she was still just a mortal. A mortal body simply couldn’t withstand the medicinal power of a Second-grade Immortal Pill, so it clearly wasn’t for her.

As for contribution points, Xia Jin basically couldn’t use them before reaching the Golden Core stage. Xu Jinghuai himself was a Peak Master; he didn’t need contribution points in the sect’s exchange market. If he wanted something, he just had to notify the people there and take it. To him, there was no difference whether he had contribution points or not.

With this in mind, Tian Qingning asked, “What do you want so many Second-grade Immortal Pills and contribution points for, kid?”

Xu Jinghuai leisurely explained to him. “Oh, those things are for the people I found to build a house for Xia Jin.”

Tian Qingning: ?

‘Building a house costs that many pills and contribution points?’

‘And you want High-grade Immortal Spirit Crystals too?’

‘Is the house you’re building made of gold? Or are the bricks you’re laying made of gold? Are you mugging me?!’

Seeing the odd look on Tian Qingning’s face and fearing the Sect Master wouldn’t reimburse him, Xu Jinghuai hurried to explain. “I asked Old He to bring people over to help. I can’t exactly make them work hard for nothing, right?”

“Sect Master, you know Old He loves his wine. To ask for his help, I took out my prized ‘Immortal’s Drunk’ as a reward.”

“You know how many High-grade Immortal Spirit Crystals a jar of ‘Immortal’s Drunk’ is worth…”

Sure enough, after Xu Jinghuai mentioned the “Immortal’s Drunk,” Tian Qingning fell silent.

After a long while, he finally reached up to rub his temples. “Fine, I understand. I’ll notify the people at the exchange market later. The Forging Peak disciples who went to help can go directly to collect their rewards afterward.”

Having said that, Tian Qingning reached toward a ring on his finger. With a silver flash, ten brilliant, transparent crystals appeared, floating separately in the air above his palm.

“Ten High-grade Immortal Spirit Crystals. Take them.”

“Got it!”

Xu Jinghuai happily accepted the ten crystals. Since the business with Tian Qingning was settled and there was nothing else to do, Xu Jinghuai prepared to slip away.

But Tian Qingning called him back.

“Is there anything else, Sect Master?” Xu Jinghuai asked, turning around.

Tian Qingning seemed to have been brooding for a long time. After a brief struggle, he put on a stern old face. “When are you going to drink that ‘Immortal’s Drunk’? Remember to call me when you do.”

Xu Jinghuai was stunned. “Huh?”

Tian Qingning crossed his arms over his chest and raised an eyebrow. “Hmph! ‘Huh’ what? Don’t think I don’t know you quoted a high price, kid! No matter how precious ‘Immortal’s Drunk’ is, it wouldn’t cost that many spirit crystals!”

“With how many crystals you’re taking, isn’t it enough for me to have a cup?”

Xu Jinghuai didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. It was obvious that the Sect Master’s craving had been hooked by the mention of the wine, and he wanted to come over for a share!

Xu Jinghuai didn’t refuse.

After all, when it came to drinking, the more the merrier.