Chapter 10 (1/2)
Chapter 10: Penniless
The name of the mask was not recorded down and, as such, none of the three guardians knew of its true name. Usually, in cases like these, the items would be just recorded as ‘low-grade magic tool’.
The rule of the pavilion stated that once the record was made, it was all set in stone.
The moustached guardian said emotionlessly, “Good, all done now. Congratulations on your new magic tool. Scram now.”
Still acting as if unsure, Fang-Xing asked again, “You’re sure that this is worth it? What if–?”
“Nonsense! You’ve already chosen and it’s been recorded. There are no take-backsies.”
“But… you just said that I could come back and swap it for something else if it’s no good,” pretending to be in shock, Fang-Xing continued to mock the guardians.
“Swap?” Laughed the moustached guardian, “it CAN be done. Just depends on what you’re willing to pay.”
This was a common occurrence between the lower ranked disciples as they were always unsure about their items. Usually, most of the disciples that weren’t willing to pay the Spirit Stones in the start would come back, regretfully, and pay an even higher price for a new magic tool.
Through these schemes, the three guardians had ama.s.sed a large savings of precious gems and rare items. But they knew that they could rip-off Fang-Xing a bit more than the others as Fang-Xing’s mask’s name was not known and could not be traced back by the Sect.
“Okay. What’s done is done!” As if finally convinced, Fang-Xing took the mask into this arms and walked off.
As soon as Fang-Xing left the Pavilion, the three guardians burst into laughter, “that idiot actually chose the mask! He thinks it’s worth something, hahaha!”
“Blame his Zi’Zhi that he was too stupid in offending us.”
“Hah! If — no — WHEN he comes back for an exchange, I’m going to burn a hole in his wallet!”
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Looking worried, Yu ran towards Fang-Xing as he saw Fang-Xing walking out of the pavilion. Asking hastily what Fang-Xing had ended up choosing, “What did you find?”
Yu started to carefully examine the old and tattered mask, and finally, confused, asked, “What is this?”
“What do you mean? This mask is A-MA-ZING!” Fang-Xing offended, replied back, “take me to where I’m sleeping tonight.”
Yu, seeing Fang-Xing’s confidence, quieted down and led Fang-Xing to his new living quarters.
Having worked at the [Zasi] department for years, Yu knew quite a bit of gossip, despite not being very popular, as he usually ran the unwanted errands for every other department. “Take a look at this side, this place is known as [Qing-Yin Valley]1, where all the female disciples live. There’s a large pool of crystal-clear spring water running outside of the valley and the female disciples usually take their baths there. Apparently, to prevent any male disciples from peeping into the pool, the elders placed a smog spell all around it. They claim that it’s impenetrable all year round, BUT there was a s.h.i.+xiong who claimed that he managed to see them bathing. He even bragged about it for months after!”
“Now, I direct your gaze towards this cliff. This is where a legendary Elder named Gu Song holds his cla.s.ses. He is extremely powerful and knowledgeable, yet is one of the few elders that are friendly and easygoing. Even for someone like us — born with bad Zi’Zhi — if you ask him a question, any question, he would greet you with a smile and patiently answer you. There’s also Elder Song Yan, who comes to our sect on every 9th day of the 9th month to speak about the ways of cultivations or give hints and tips for using spells. It’s guaranteed to be packed, popular even amongst the Core Disciples.