C10 There Are so Many Psicrystal That There Is Nowhere to Spend Them(2)

"Over there lies Qingfeng Village," Wang Quanxin explained. "Whispering Peak encompasses a hundred miles around Whispering Blossoms. The village boasts fertile land and an abundance of spiritual energy. Besides growing food and vegetables, the farmers cultivate panaceas as per Ms. Lin's directives. These are then purchased by Whispering Blossoms and sold in Azrogas."

Approaching the village, Zhong Wen indeed spotted several Herb Gardens amidst the vast farmlands. The panaceas growing there were robust and vibrantly colored. While they didn't match the top-level herbs in his storage ring, they were nonetheless impressive.

About fifteen minutes later, they arrived at a bustling part of the village.

"Here we are. That's Aunt Liu's house ahead," Wang Quanxin pointed out, "Aunt Liu earns her living by making clothes for everyone in the village. She should have some men's clothing ready to go."

"Wang Quanxin, as you know, I haven't regained my memory, and I'm struggling to remember things. How many Psicrystals would a set of men's clothing cost?" Zhong Wen inquired earnestly, clueless about the value of goods.

"Psicrystals?" Wang Quanxin gave him a look that was a mix of exasperation and amusement. "My dear Zhong Wen, we don't use Psicrystals to trade for simple village attire. A set of clothes only costs one silver coin."

"Really? Are Psicrystals that valuable?" Zhong Wen glanced at the heap of Psicrystals in his ring.

"You truly have forgotten everything," Wang Quanxin said with patience. "Psicrystals are typically used in transactions among cultivators. A single Psicrystal is worth more than a hundred silver coins."

"That valuable? I saw that the lighting in the houses uses Psicrystals, so I assumed..."

"A Psicrystal Lamp, once fitted with a Psicrystal, can provide light for an entire year."

"This is awkward," Zhong Wen frowned. "I only have Psicrystals with me. What do I do if I don't have any silver coins?"

Wang Quanxin had grown reticent, seemingly losing the desire to continue her conversation with Zhong Wen.

Zhong Wen, with a sudden movement, set down his cloth bag and deftly produced a Psicrystal from his pocket, a clever ruse to conceal his use of the storage ring.

"Wang Quanxin, I'm a stranger in these parts. Would you be willing to trade this Psicrystal for some silver coins?" he asked.

"But... I don't have that many silver coins to give you," she replied hesitantly.

"I don't need much, just enough to buy a few sets of clothes," Zhong Wen assured her earnestly. "Besides, the Psicrystal isn't much use to me."

"How... How could I accept that? It feels like I'm taking advantage of you," Wang Quanxin protested, despite the evident longing in her eyes, as she continued to refuse the offer.

Without another word, Zhong Wen took Wang Quanxin's hand and pressed the Psicrystal into her palm. "It's settled then. I'll need your keen eye to help me select a couple of suitable outfits."

Her hands, though seemingly delicate, bore the calluses of hard work, much like those of any farmer.

"Well then... I suppose I'll hold onto it for you," she finally conceded, unable to resist the allure of the Psicrystal.

With Zhong Wen's gift in hand, Wang Quanxin became noticeably more enthusiastic, carefully choosing several outfits for him. She also accompanied him to purchase clay pots, flint, and other necessities.

Having acquired all the equipment needed for salt-making, Zhong Wen followed Wang Quanxin to procure ingredients from the local farmers. As she meticulously inspected and haggled over the produce, Zhong Wen's attention was captured by the sight of a robust old hen strutting energetically around the farmer's courtyard.

"Sir, are you selling that old hen?" Zhong Wen inquired, his mouth watering at the prospect of a savory meal after days of unsalted vegetarian fare.

"Everything has its price," the farmer replied with a hearty chuckle. "You're not from around here, are you? Since you're with Quanxin, I'll give you a fair deal—five silver coins per hen. If you want one, it's yours."

"Zhong Wen, this chicken isn't exactly a bargain," Wang Quanxin said with a hint of reluctance, thinking Zhong Wen expected her to foot the bill.

"Quanxin, I can't let that comment slide. My friend, ask anyone around here; they'll all tell you Lee Dingwen runs the fairest business. You won't find a cheaper or better chicken than mine anywhere," the farmer Lee insisted with urgency.

"Uncle, you strike me as a stand-up guy. These hens look pretty plump. Could you cut me a deal if I buy a few more?" Zhong Wen asked with a reassuring smile.

"My boy, you sure know how to talk. Tell you what, if you take five, I'll only ask for twenty silver coins," Lee offered.

"Deal, Uncle. I'll take twenty-five," Zhong Wen said cheerfully, producing a Psicrystal. "But I'm fresh out of silver coins. Can we trade with this instead?"

"Is that... a Psicrystal?" Lee's eyes bulged with astonishment as he gulped.

"Zhong Wen, you're..." Wang Quanxin gasped, taken aback by Zhong Wen's lavish spending.

"No worries. I've got more Psicrystals than I know what to do with. Might as well use them to spruce up everyone's meals," Zhong Wen said nonchalantly, tossing the Psicrystal to Lee. "Uncle, I'll come by for a chicken daily. If I can't make it, just hand it over to Wang Quanxin."

"You got it!" Lee eagerly pocketed the Psicrystal, fearful Zhong Wen might change his mind, and scurried off to fetch an old hen for him.

Wang Quanxin watched the exchange, torn between laughter and tears. She considered chiding him for his extravagance but, realizing it was his Psicrystal, she held her tongue and sighed with a mix of pity and resignation.

"Chicken in the left hand, veggies in the right!" On the trek back, Zhong Wen chivalrously took the bag from Wang Quanxin, humming contentedly to himself.

Wang Quanxin trailed behind, her gaze fixed on Zhong Wen's retreating figure, her thoughts a mystery.

Squire Jin stood at the lower end of the hall, his head bowed and his body quivering with apprehension. He occasionally stole furtive glances at Tantai Jin, who was seated regally in the armchair above.

Tantai Jin's piercing gaze swept over, sending a shiver down Squire Jin's spine as a cold sweat broke out across his back.

The Tantai family's eldest son, barely in his thirties, already held a position of considerable power. The aura of authority he exuded, even unintentionally, was enough to impose a significant pressure on Squire Jin.

"Is everything in order?" Tantai Jin asked, his voice devoid of warmth.

"Young Master, rest assured. As long as there are no mishaps in Azrogas, Whispering Blossoms won't be able to repay the debt. Lin Zhiyun will have no choice but to relinquish Whispering Peak when the time comes," Squire Jin said, his chubby face breaking into an obsequious grin.

"The Tantai family will take care of Azrogas. There will be no issues," Tantai Jin said with a cold smirk. "A place as rich in spiritual energy as this is not meant for a few women to hold. It's time for Whispering Peak to have a new owner."

"Young Master, should I visit Whispering Blossoms in the next couple of days to exert some pressure on those girls?" Squire Jin inquired.

"There's no need. It won't make much difference if the deadline hasn't arrived. Since we can resolve this legally, I'm willing to wait a few more days," Tantai Jin replied confidently. "In five days, I'll send someone with you to the mountain. If the people from Whispering Blossoms leave peacefully, fine. Otherwise, I won't hesitate to use force."

"Young Master, if those women refuse to cooperate, may your men capture them and leave them to my discretion?" Squire Jin asked, his eyes gleaming with lechery at the thought of the Lady of Whispering Blossoms' exquisite beauty, a droplet of saliva escaping the corner of his mouth.

"Do as you wish," Tantai Jin said, his gaze filled with revulsion as he looked upon Squire Jin's repulsive, pig-like visage.

Once this affair was concluded, the usefulness of this repugnant creature would come to an end...

"Ms. Lin, the Mayor is unwell and cannot receive visitors. Please, you'll have to leave."

Observing the doorman's indifferent demeanor, Lin Zhiyun felt a surge of irritation.

"Excuse me, young man, I truly have an urgent matter to discuss. Could you please announce my presence once more? I assure you, your assistance will be well rewarded," she said, swallowing her frustration and attempting to engage the doorman diplomatically.

"I apologize, but I cannot go against Mr. Mayor's orders. Ms. Lin, I suggest you wait about ten days to half a month until he has recovered, then you may come to pay your respects," the doorman replied with an icy, unwavering voice.

Dealing with underlings can often be more challenging than meeting with their superiors.

A more socially adept person would likely have offered the doorman a bribe before requesting his help. Unfortunately, Lin Zhiyun wasn't skilled in such interpersonal tactics and didn't grasp these basic strategies.

"The matter is pressing; I really cannot afford to wait that long," Lin Zhiyun said, her voice betraying her growing impatience.

"Ms. Lin, as a distinguished cultivator, surely you have extensive connections. Perhaps you could inquire elsewhere instead of troubling a mere servant like myself?" the doorman suggested, his voice laced with a hint of mockery.

"You..." Lin Zhiyun was on the verge of anger, yet she managed to hold back and simply said, "I take my leave."

"What does it matter if you're a cultivator? If the Tantai family targets you, not even Mr. Mayor could ensure your safety. I wonder how much longer you'll be able to hold out," the doorman sneered under his breath as he watched Lin Zhiyun depart. "Though Ms. Lin is quite the beauty. If she were to humble herself and become a concubine to Mr. Mayor, she might well resolve her current predicament. Such a shame..."