C12 – Wealth Comes from Danger
In Black City, basic cultivation resources are quite affordable. Yet, the advanced ones come with a hefty price tag. This isn’t because the proprietors of Black City are greedy; it’s simply because these high-grade resources are unattainable elsewhere.
Outside the city, nearly all the advanced cultivation resources are hoarded by noble families and sects, leaving ordinary folks with money but no means to purchase them. Given this near-monopoly, the advanced resources that do circulate within Black City are considered incredibly valuable, justifying their steep cost. Those eager to acquire these resources, lacking any other access, have no choice but to reluctantly comply with the market rates.
So when Caitlin mentioned taking a 20% cut, Lu Lixing winced at the thought but resignedly consented.
“Fine,” Lu Lixing said, eyeing the cloth bag before addressing Caitlin, “Just don’t cheat me.”
“Relax, you’re a regular now. Why would I cheat you?” Caitlin laughed lightly, grabbing the bag without concern for its dirtiness and deftly tipping the spirit powder onto the counter. The pale green powder was portioned into dozens of transparent, neatly packaged servings, each weighing 100 grams—just enough for one session of cultivation for the average person.
Caitlin surveyed the spirit powder spread across the counter and cheerfully informed Lu Lixing, “The exchange rate from low to high-level spirit powder is 100 to 1. You’ve brought 2,000 grams of the low-level variety, which equates to 200 grams of the advanced. After my commission, you’ll net 160 grams of the high-level powder. Are you sure you want to proceed with the exchange?”
The realization that his two kilograms of low-level spirit powder would only yield 160 grams of the advanced variety made Lu Lixing’s heart sink. But, determined to enhance his cultivation, he steeled himself to accept the terms.
Lu Lixing inhaled deeply and declared, “Convert it all to advanced spirit powder!”
“I admire your decisiveness,” Caitlin said with an approving glance at Lu Lixing. She swept her hand, gathering the low-level powder from the counter. Then, turning to the storage cabinet behind her, she retrieved two packets of the deep green advanced spirit powder and tossed them casually in front of Lu Lixing, stating simply, “Here’s your share.”
Lu Lixing eyed the two bags of advanced spirit powder before him with a hint of surprise. “You haven’t taken your cut yet.”
“I’m feeling generous today,” Caitlin drawled, stretching languidly. “I’m not particularly interested in that bit of advanced spirit powder.”
After a brief pause, Lu Lixing finally reached out and took the two bags of spirit powder. He looked at Caitlin earnestly and said, “I’ll find a way to repay you.”
For Lu Lixing, advanced cultivation resources like these were incredibly valuable. Caitlin’s casual gift of 40 grams of advanced spirit powder was a significant boon. Having benefited from her generosity, he felt a natural obligation to return the favor someday.
Caitlin, however, didn’t seem to take Lu Lixing’s vow of repayment seriously. She yawned and told him, “Alright, if that’s everything, you’re free to go.”
His mission to exchange for cultivation resources accomplished, Lu Lixing saw no reason to linger. But as he was about to leave, two notices posted on the wall caught his eye.
Drawn to them, Lu Lixing stepped closer to examine the intricate and mysterious runes. A jolt of excitement ran through him—they were part of a highly advanced array!
Caitlin, observing from behind the counter, noticed Lu Lixing’s diverted attention. She arched an eyebrow and warned, “Be careful with that array; it might make your head spin.”
Ignoring Caitlin’s caution, Lu Lixing continued to scrutinize the array. After a while, he turned to her, his voice tinged with excitement. “Mistress, is the announcement for real? If I can identify this array, you’ll pay me 100,000 yuan?”
“It’s genuine,” Caitlin replied, sitting up with a keen look in her eyes. “Do you recognize the array?”
“I don’t,” Lu Lixing started, almost ready to concede, but then he remembered Wen Shi’s warning. Changing tack, he said, “But I know a Runemaster who surely could.”
Caitlin gave Lu Lixing a look of sheer astonishment and said, “You’re related to a senior runemaster, and yet you’re the one who has to buy resources for cultivation?”
Lu Lixing scratched his head in embarrassment upon hearing this and quickly concocted an excuse, “It’s a form of training from my elders. They’re encouraging me to cultivate a sense of independence.”
“That’s beside the point,” Caitlin interjected, her excitement palpable. She rose swiftly and strode over to Lu Lixing, pointing at the two notices on the wall. “Are you absolutely certain your elder can identify the arrays on these notices? Let me be clear, these are at least level four arrays!”
Level four arrays fell within the intermediate category, and only a runemaster of level three or higher could discern them. Each level three runemaster was a highly esteemed guest of major powers, necessitating Caitlin’s utmost caution.
“I’m positive,” Lu Lixing replied confidently. For him, deciphering arrays was no challenge. Despite the risks, success would net him two hundred thousand—a veritable fortune for him at the moment.
Lu Lixing’s self-assured demeanor made Caitlin wary. If he wasn’t bluffing, then a runemaster of at least level three was backing him. A mere word from him could banish her from Black City. She dared not cross them.
“How do you plan to proceed?”
Caitlin inquired tentatively. If Lu Lixing intended to inform his runemaster about the situation, she would unhesitatingly intervene. A respected level three runemaster wouldn’t miss two hundred thousand, and if they thought she was behind it, she’d be in jeopardy.
Lu Lixing had his response ready. “Every day, my grandfather has me practice identifying arrays. I’ll just need to memorize these two and consult him as part of my daily lessons. He’s sure to help me out. I’ll say I saw them on someone else’s magical instrument—I won’t mention finding them here. Naturally, it’s best if you don’t spread the word.”
Grandfather?
Caitlin peered intently at Lu Lixing and assured him, “Rest easy, your secret’s safe with me.”