studiobondurri Chapter 285: Recruit
Chapter 285: Recruit
Chapter 285: Recruit
On such a bustling day in Xiaohu City, Xuanhua Spiritual Incense Shop naturally opened early and hung a welcoming sign outside the door, offering not only discounts but also doubling the limited supply of spiritual incense. Yet, even so, by noon, the limited-stock spiritual incense had all sold out. Still, customers drawn by the shop's reputation continued to stream in. Hu Tu and Muyang were busy all morning until the crowd thinned out at the beginning of the afternoon, finally giving them a chance to catch their breath and tally the accounts.
After seeing off a customer, Hu Tu turned to find the shop less crowded and not in immediate need of his attention, so he leaned against the doorway to rest for a moment. He watched the lively scene on the street and the passing customers with a hint of envy in his eyes. "What's this? You want to go out and enjoy yourself too?" Suddenly, Yuan Ming's voice startled Hu Tu. "How could I neglect the shop at its busiest?" Hu Tu quickly waved his hands in dismissal.Thê source of this content n/o/v/(el)bi((n))
"Heh, you and Muyang have been working hard day in and day out. With the city's grand event underway, it's only right to give you some time off. For the next two days, you two can take turns managing the shop in the afternoon, leaving just one person on duty. I'll also give you your monthly wages in advance. Go and buy whatever you wish," Yuan Ming said. Hu Tu's face lit up with joy, and he bowed in thanks, but then his expression turned to worry as he whispered, "Boss, I've heard from customers that Changchun Temple has sent a Core Formation elder to hunt down Pu Zhengqing."
Having dealt with cultivators in the shop over the years, Hu Tu had heard about Yuan Ming's feud with Changchun Temple. Now, with a Core Formation cultivator from Changchun Temple in Xiaohu City, he couldn't help but worry for Yuan Ming. "You needn't worry about this matter. No one in the city knows I'm the hidden owner of Xuanhua Spiritual Incense Shop, and Changchun Temple won't trace anything back to you," Yuan Ming reassured him. "Boss, you misunderstand. I'm concerned for your safety," Hu Tu quickly professed his loyalty. His current status and even his first steps on the path of immortality were all thanks to Yuan Ming's support. Only if Yuan Ming was well would he be well. "I have it under control. Just keep the shop running smoothly; that's a great help to me," Yuan Ming nodded. After giving Hu Tu a few more instructions, he left the shop.
The Tianxiang Auction, held once every three years, attracted a large number of cultivators. However, not everyone could acquire their desired items at the auction. This situation allowed other shops in the city to seize the opportunity to offer discounts, and those who couldn't find what they wanted at the auction would inevitably make a purchase or two. Over time, even cultivators without an invitation to the Tianxiang Auction would come to the city during the event to take advantage of these rare discounts.
Yuan Ming approached curiously, only to discover that the stand belonged to Shengye Sect, with many of its disciples milling about, including Luo Xing'er. She was not dressed in the sect's disciple attire but in a carefully tailored light green gown, the skirt billowing like lotus leaves in a pond, a sheer ribbon tied around her slender waist, and a piece of green jade hanging from the end of a white silk ribbon, peeking out from the folds of her skirt like a boat in a lotus pond. Hearing someone approach, Luo Xing'er looked up, and upon seeing Yuan Ming, her face lit up with joy, and she hurried over to him.
Luo Xing'er recognized these people too, and her whole body stiffened, her grip on Yuan Ming's arm tightening nervously. Yuan Ming smiled, patted the back of her hand, and withdrew his arm, giving her a reassuring look before bowing to the old man. "I am indeed Ha Gong. May I ask who the senior is?" The old man, a Core Formation cultivator, replied with a smile, "I am Zuo Qinghui, an elder of Changchun Temple. I am here to eradicate the evil soul cultivator Pu Zhengqing. Our disciples here have already mentioned your name to me. I had intended to contact you through Shengye Sect, but I didn't expect to meet you here." "Senior Zuo is too kind. May I inquire as to why you are seeking me?" Yuan Ming asked. "Nothing serious, just wanted to ask about the details of your encounter with Pu Zhengqing. But now that I see you, you're even younger than I imagined. With such talent, it's a waste to remain a scattered cultivator. Would you consider joining Changchun Temple to help us eliminate Pu Zhengqing?" Zuo Qinghui proposed.
"Senior's offer honors me greatly, but I am accustomed to my freedom and do not wish to join a sect at this time. Please forgive me," Yuan Ming replied. At his words, Zuo Qinghui remained silent, but someone behind him showed anger. "Ha Gong, think it over carefully. Many people wish to join our Changchun Temple but have no way in. If you refuse today, don't regret it later." Yuan Ming was unmoved, not even glancing at the man, his gaze still on Zuo Qinghui. Unlike his disciples, Zuo Qinghui was not angered but maintained his smile.
"Perhaps you fear that as a scattered cultivator, joining a sect would lead to exclusion. You need not worry about that. My invitation is not just to recruit talent but also because I see potential in you and wish to find a personal disciple. If you agree, from then on, you will be my disciple, Zuo Qinghui, and no one in the sect will dare trouble you."
Hearing Zuo Qinghui's words, his disciples were astonished, and the nearby Shengye Sect disciples were filled with envy. However, Yuan Ming's stance remained firm: "I already have a master and cannot change allegiance. Please forgive me." Now, even Zuo Qinghui's smile faded slightly, and his Changchun Temple disciples were visibly angry. "The recent censorship is severe, giving us more motivation to update faster. Please take a moment to exit reading mode. Thank you."
Some people die, but they are not completely dead...