novelapdf Chapter 94 What kind of immortal cultivation can you do without money!
Chapter 94 What kind of immortal cultivation can you do without money!
Chapter 94 What's the point of cultivating immortality if you don't have money! (6,000 words! 10th update)
The demonic energy within the demonic trough surged wildly towards the sword like a floodgate being opened.
Jiang Mu's eyelids twitched as she watched, and her heart bled.
That's all the "food" he painstakingly collected by slaying demons! Ah Qing, Ah Qing, the master has really gone to great lengths for you.
If you don't repay double in the future, I'll spank you until your backside is a bloody mess.
As demonic energy continued to pour in, the sword began to undergo dramatic changes.
Strands of dazzling white light coiled around it like serpents, growing brighter and brighter until they finally burst forth with a blinding white light.
Jiang Mu subconsciously raised her hand to cover her eyes.
When the light faded, he looked down and was completely dumbfounded.
Two swords had appeared on the table!
Good heavens! The sword is having babies?!
The two swords are quite similar in shape to the previous Wangchuan sword, but upon closer inspection, they are different.
One of the swords has a slightly wider blade with strong lines, and the two powerful characters "Wangchuan" appear on the spine of the sword.
It exudes a uniquely masculine and dashing charm.
The other sword is more slender and elongated, its blade resembling a pool of autumn water, graceful and agile, with the two delicate characters "彼岸" (the other shore) engraved on its hilt.
"The River of Oblivion—The Other Shore—"
Jiang Mu reached out and grasped the two swords, and a surge of information flooded into his mind.
It turns out that after the Wangchuan Sword Sutra was "modified" and evolved by demonic energy, it actually split into Yin and Yang swords.
There is an extremely special connection between the two swords.
If the cultivator wielding the Other Shore Sword is a person with a clear sword mind, their cultivation achievements, sword intent comprehension, and even insights gained during combat will be fed back to the male cultivator wielding the Forgotten River Sword in real time.
Furthermore, the higher one's cultivation level, the stronger this synchronization effect becomes.
Even if the two are separated by the ends of the earth, as long as the Other Shore Sword is fighting, the Forgotten River Sword can receive the same blessing, and its power will be multiplied.
Simply put—
The women trained relentlessly, while the men just lay around doing nothing.
"Great stuff, this is definitely great stuff!"
Jiang Mu's eyes shone brightly with excitement.
This is practically a "soft rice sword" tailor-made for him!
Now Ah Qing is living off him.
He can live off Ah Qing from now on, no problem.
but----
This name sounds a bit like "Couple's Swords"?
Jiang Mu frowned slightly and looked at the two swords in his hand.
"The River of Oblivion belongs to me, the other shore is for little A-Qing — this seems a bit off."
Forget it, let's just treat it as a sword between a master and his maid.
The maid works hard, and the master enjoys the fruits of her labor—that's only right.
Following the information in his mind, Jiang Mu made a thought.
The Wangchuan Sword in his hand transformed into a stream of light, wrapping around his wrist and finally condensing into a faint white sword pattern before disappearing.
"Perfect concealment, truly top-notch!"
However, the Other Shore Sword does not have this hidden function; it can only be held in hand.
Jiang Mu didn't seem to care about this.
How can a future sword fairy be called a sword fairy if she doesn't carry a sword around all day?
Jiang Mu happily picked up the Other Shore Sword and went to the sandy area in the courtyard.
At this moment, Yuan Aqing was practicing her stance training while sweating profusely.
Jiang Mu walked up to her and handed her the Other Shore Sword: "Ah Qing, here's a gift for you. Master went to great lengths to get this, so you must remember his kindness. Whether Master can lie down or not from now on depends entirely on you."
Yuan Aqing was startled, stopped what she was doing, and looked somewhat at a loss: "Master, what is this—"
"Take it."
Without a word, Jiang Mu shoved the longsword into the girl's hand. "This is a good sword. I'll find you a superior sword manual later."
Yuan Aqing was stunned as she gazed at the gleaming, clearly extraordinary longsword in her hand.
Although she didn't understand swords, she knew this thing must be priceless.
"Sir, this is too precious, I can't accept it—"
Just as she was about to refuse, Jiang Mu suddenly placed his hands on her thin shoulders, leaned down slightly, and gazed intently into the girl's clear, spring-like eyes: "Ah Qing, Master is asking you, you will never betray Master in the future, right?"
Yuan Aqing was startled by his serious gaze, then shook her head vigorously, her eyes resolute: "Master is my only family in this world, and he is Aqing's benefactor. Aqing will always listen to Master and will never betray him!"
"very good."
Jiang Mu patted her shoulder with satisfaction, "Cultivate diligently and strive to become a renowned little sword immortal as soon as possible."
Yuan Aqing's eyes immediately reddened, and tears streamed down her face.
She gripped the sword tightly, choking back tears, and said, "Ah Qing will definitely work hard and never let Master down!"
Jiang Mu looked at the sword in the girl's arms.
Currently, she lacks star power and cannot unleash her sword intent. We'll see how much potential this girl truly has once she has achieved greater success in her cultivation.
Under the eaves not far away, Bai Xiang quietly watched this scene.
With her discerning eye, she could naturally tell that this sword was no ordinary item, and could even be described as a rare divine weapon.
To be honest, she was genuinely a little jealous this time.
On what grounds?
She was the one who managed everything in the house, inside and out, and she even took care of that guy's three meals a day, his clothing, food, and housing.
When it came time to give gifts, they actually gave such a nice thing to a little girl?
Bai Xiang pursed her lips, a strange sense of grievance welling up in her heart.
Hmph! Favoritism!
The following afternoon, Jiang Mu was practicing with the future "Little Sword Immortal" when Zhang Xiao Kui rushed over.
"Master!"
"Why the rush? Is there a case?" Jiang Mu raised an eyebrow.
Zhang Xiaokui said, "It's Miss Chu. She went to the government office to find you, saying she wanted to report a case and insisted that I invite you over."
Chu Lingzhu?
Is that girl out of her mind?
Why do you go to the government office to handle official business instead of coming to my house directly?
-
Jiang Mu was somewhat speechless and asked, "Did she say what case it was?"
Zhang Xiaokui shook his head: "He didn't say."
"Alright."
Jiang Mu reluctantly got up, turned around and told Bai Xiang and Yuan Aqing what he had done, then changed into his official clothes and followed Zhang Xiao Kui to the government office.
We arrived at the signing room.
Chu Lingzhu was standing in front of the table, her hands behind her back, standing on tiptoe and looking at the map of Huzhou hanging on the wall.
A long, emerald-green dress swayed gently in the breeze, exuding a youthful and vibrant aura.
Behind her stood a timid little beauty.
It was Lan Rou'er, who had been "physically awakened" by Jiang Mu in a dream before.
She still looked so delicate and frail, as if she would collapse at the slightest breeze, making one want to punch her again.
When Lan Rou'er saw Jiang Mu enter, she instinctively shrank behind Chu Lingzhu, her face turning pale.
Clearly, that punch left her with considerable psychological trauma, and she was still somewhat traumatized.
"Why can't you just come to my house and say what's on your mind? Why do you have to come all the way here and make such a fuss?"
Jiang Mu asked irritably.
Chu Lingzhu turned around and snorted, "I hate seeing that woman."
Jiang Mu: "*——"
It seems I really need to find an opportunity to glue you two together, so you won't be constantly looking at each other with dislike.
He sat down in the chair, casually picked up the official documents Zhang Daxiao had organized on the table, and asked while flipping through them, "So, what case do you want to report?"
"I'll treat you to dinner," Chu Lingzhu said matter-of-factly.
Jiang Mu's face darkened, and she slammed the official document on the table: "You called me all this way just for this piece of trash? Believe me or not, I'll slap you! Didn't I tell you before, it's not worth it. What's the point of treating someone to a meal? You might as well save that money for your dowry."
Chu Lingzhu blushed and spat, "Who wants to save up for a dowry! Don't flatter yourself, it's Rou'er who wants to invite you to dinner."
Jiang Mu looked at Lan Rou'er.
The girl peeked out from behind Chu Lingzhu, her face flushed red, her fingers twisted together, and whispered, "It's...it's me—I want to invite Lord Jiang to a meal to thank him for saving my life last time."
Jiang Mu's expression was strange.
To be honest, although this girl is timid, she did provide crucial clues in the dream last time.
If it weren't for her memories, those imprisoned children would probably have been killed long ago.
In a sense, she was also the savior of those surviving children.
Moreover, without that incident, Jiang Mu would not have obtained such a life-saving artifact as the substitute doll.
"Have you been having nightmares lately?"
Jiang Mu's tone softened somewhat.
Lan Rou'er shook her head vigorously: "No. Lingzhu prescribed some calming medicine for me, and I'm sleeping soundly now."
She hesitated for a moment, then mustered her courage and said, "I would like to invite you and your subordinates to dinner. Actually—actually, there are some things I would like to ask you for help with."
"About slaying demons?" Jiang Mu asked.
"Uh-huh."
Lan Rou'er nodded like a chick pecking at rice.
Jiang Mu was speechless: "Then just say it directly. Slaying demons and eliminating evil is our duty. Why make it so complicated?"
Lan Rou lowered her head, her fingers twisting even tighter, unable to utter a single word for a long time.
Chu Lingzhu, unable to bear watching any longer, said with exasperation, "Oh, Rou'er, it's just a meal, it won't kill you. He's not some monster, what are you afraid of? Besides, you invited him to dinner, not because you're interested in him, why are you blushing like that!"
Jiang Mu glanced at the little doctor.
Yesterday, when I mentioned giving you a betrothal gift, you blushed like a monkey's bottom.
And yet you criticize others.
Hearing her best friend's words, Lan Rou'er's face turned even redder, almost like a bright red tomato, and she almost buried her head in her chest.
Jiang Mu noticed it.
This girl probably needs something from someone, but feels the matter is rather tricky and is too embarrassed to ask directly, so she wants to use a dinner party as a prelude.
After all, one is bound to be obligated to those who offer food or gifts.
Jiang Mu thought for a moment, then tossed the official document in his hand aside: "Alright, I'm hungry too, so I'll accept."
Upon hearing this, Lan Rou'er visibly breathed a sigh of relief, a faint smile of relief appearing on her face.
Jiang Mu also invited the Zhang brothers, Da Xiao and Zhang Da Xiao, to join them.
Upon hearing that someone was inviting them to dinner, the two rough men naturally wouldn't refuse and eagerly followed along.
However, Chu Lingzhu did not come along.
"Aren't you going?"
Jiang Mu looked at her with a puzzled expression.
Chu Lingzhu waved her small hand and said in a crisp voice, "I'm just a middleman, responsible for connecting people. Besides, I still have to go back and sort and store the two cartloads of medicinal herbs you sent. I don't have time to have dinner with you."
By the way, Rou'er is timid, so don't bully her. If you scare her to tears, I won't let you off the hook!
After saying that, he turned and left without waiting for Jiang Mu's response.
They left so decisively and cleanly.
Jiang Mu glanced at Lan Rou'er behind him, who was bowing her head and blushing, and inexplicably had the feeling that she had been forcibly tied together by the matchmaker.
Jiang Mu didn't think much of it, and the group headed to the restaurant in a grand procession.
They had assumed that this seemingly delicate rich young lady would take them to the best restaurant in the city, but after many twists and turns, they ended up in an inconspicuous little restaurant.
Lan Rou'er blushed and explained softly, "This shop may not look big, but the food is delicious. The owner's 'Drunken Flower Duck' is exceptional, and their homemade 'Peach Blossom Wine' is also... well, it's really good—"
"Alright, as long as it's edible, I'm not picky."
Jiang Mu didn't have any objections.
Some small restaurants hidden in alleys do indeed have more authentic flavors than those in big restaurants.
Upon entering the private room, Jiang Mu ordered two jugs of peach blossom wine.
I took a bite, and it was smooth and creamy with a refreshing aftertaste. It was really good.
After ordering, Jiang Mu put down her wine glass and asked, "So, what exactly do you need our help with?"
"Let's wait until all the dishes are served—let's drink first—"
Lan Rou'er was so nervous that her hands were trembling as she got up to pour wine for the three of them.
As a result, his hand trembled and he spilled wine all over the table.
Zhang Daxiao couldn't bear to watch any longer and took the wine pot: "Miss Lan, let me do it."
"Thank you, thank you————"
Lan Rou'er sat back down, so nervous that she didn't know where to put her little hands. She kept fidgeting with the hem of her clothes and touching her cup.
This girl is incredibly socially awkward.
It's even more serious than A-Qing's.
Jiang Mu rubbed her temples helplessly. To ease the awkward atmosphere, she took the initiative to start a conversation: "By the way, why hasn't your cousin Han Yushu been following Lingzhu around lately? What's wrong? Does he think the goddess is too aloof and is planning to give up?"
"Lingzhu thought he was too annoying—so she gave him some medicine, and he's had diarrhea at home for the past few days."
Lan Rou'er said softly.
Jiang Mu: "...
Look!
I always said you shouldn't marry a doctor's wife!
If we ever argue in the future, who knows what kind of stuff they might put in your food.
Lan Rou'er continued, "Actually, my aunt mentioned you a few days ago, saying that she originally planned to bring gifts to express her gratitude, but—it seems that something came up and she was delayed."
aunt?
Mrs. Han?
The image of that still-attractive yet alluring woman instantly flashed into Jiang Mu's mind, giving him a sudden headache.
How incompetent must this woman's husband be to not even be able to keep his wife in check?
Moreover, Jiang Mu suddenly realized that all the young women he had recently encountered seemed to be in heat.
A thought struck him, and he casually asked, "Does your aunt go out often?"
Lan Rou'er gently shook her head: "No, Auntie is a quiet person. She mostly stays at home and rarely goes out."
"Do you often have guests at your home?"
"I haven't seen any particularly special guests."
Ok?
This is strange.
Logically speaking, Madam Han's behavior was quite similar to that of Madam Shen before her.
Since you're both restless souls, there's no reason why you should only be flirting with me.
Could it be that...?
Has it become Xiao Jiang's exclusive form?
"Then, when your uncle wasn't home, did you—I mean, at night—eavesdrop on any noises coming from your aunt's room?"
Jiang Mu persisted, asking again.
The Zhang brothers, standing to the side, exchanged strange glances.
What's wrong with our headmaster?
Why are you so concerned about other people's wives?
Why ask such a private question?
However, considering this hall master's infamous romantic escapades that were known throughout the city—
The two silently lowered their heads and drank, pretending they hadn't heard anything.
Lan Rou'er also looked bewildered, blushing as she shook her head: "No, I live far from my aunt's courtyard, and I've never heard any noise."
She thought for a moment and then suddenly said, "However—a few months ago, before the Mist Demon invasion, my aunt and uncle often quarreled."
Later, my uncle left home in a fit of anger and stayed away for several days.
My aunt was home alone during that time.
One night, I got up to use the bathroom and passed by my aunt's yard. I noticed the light was still on in her room. Judging from the shadow on the window paper, it looked like my aunt was—building a wall?
"Build a wall?" Jiang Mu frowned.
"yes."
Lan Rou'er nodded. "The movements looked a lot like she was carrying bricks and building a wall. The next day, I asked my aunt out of curiosity, and she said she was organizing the wardrobe and hanging clothes to dry."
Later, my uncle came back, and they inexplicably made up and never argued again.
Building a wall? Hanging clothes to dry?
Jiang Mu seemed to be deep in thought.
To be honest, he was always wary of that Mrs. Han.
It's not just because of that uncomfortable physical harassment.
Furthermore, there was an inexplicable sense of incongruity about that woman.
Although Madam Shen was also promiscuous before, that promiscuity was based on the exchange of benefits and the release of desires, which was very real.
But Madam Han's flirtatiousness seemed like a painted-on skin, revealing a hint of falseness and deliberateness.
After a while, the dishes were served one after another.
Jiang Mu suppressed her doubts and did not delve any further.
The group ate and chatted, and after a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere became a little more lively.
Lan Rou'er then mustered her courage and slowly said, "Lord Jiang, I want to—I want to hire you to slay the demon, is that alright?"
"You're paying us to hire you?"
Jiang Mu was taken aback. "Didn't I say that slaying demons and monsters is our duty? As long as it's within our jurisdiction, we'll do it without hesitation. There's no need to spend any money."
Lan Rou'er said weakly, "But—that place is quite far away, and it's not within the jurisdiction of Huzhou City."
At this moment, Zhang Da Xiao coughed lightly and leaned closer to whisper, "Sir, this is called smuggling. Some monsters in remote areas or outside our jurisdiction cause trouble, and if a victim is willing to pay a high price, we brothers will take them on privately."
So that's how you earn extra money.
Jiang Mu suddenly realized.
He had heard Xu Fu mention it once before.
Although the Demon Slayer is paid by the emperor, cultivation is a bottomless pit.
The poor study literature, the rich study martial arts, and cultivating immortality is even more expensive.
Needless to say, during the Body Tempering stage, once you've reached the Star Rank, pills, talismans, cultivation techniques, and weapons—aren't they all incredibly expensive?
No money?
What kind of immortality can you cultivate if you don't have money!
With that meager salary, let alone making a breakthrough, even daily cultivation would be a struggle.
Therefore, many demon slayers take on private jobs.
I heard that Yan Fenghuo once took on a huge order worth 100,000 taels of silver to help a wealthy merchant kill a powerful demon that was causing trouble at his ancestral grave in another region.
For someone like Jiang Mu, a hall master, the appearance fee starts at least at ten thousand taels.
He's been in the spotlight especially lately.
This is probably why Lan Rou'er asked Chu Lingzhu to come and find him.
Seeing that Jiang Mu didn't speak, Lan Rou'er quickly added, "My hometown was once attacked by a monster, and my family members were all killed."
The monster seemed to be a powerful fourth-tier demon, hiding in a place called the "Soul-Falling Swamp".
The terrain there is treacherous; it's said to be a demon's lair, inhabited not only by that great demon but also by many other monsters, so no one has ever dared to go there.
Lost Soul Swamp?
Jiang Mu frowned slightly.
Yes, Yan Fenghuo mentioned before that there was a swamp with an eighth-tier demon inside.
So that place was a demon's lair.
The problem is that it's too far away, and it's also a demon's lair, so the risks are considerable.
If it were just something I did on a whim, that would be fine, but to make a special trip like this...
"How much are you planning to offer?"
Jiang Mu asked.
Lan Rou'er carefully extended two fingers and made an "eight" gesture.
"Eighty thousand?"
Jiang Mu was startled.
Wow, I never would have guessed! This seemingly delicate little girl is actually a hidden millionaire.
This gesture was so extravagant that even he, a rich second-generation, was taken aback.
The Zhang brothers gasped in surprise, their eyes shining like light bulbs.
Eighty thousand taels!
If this succeeds, it can buy a lot of resources.
Jiang Mu pondered for a moment and said, "Eighty thousand taels—it's not something I can't consider. However, this matter involves cross-regional operations, so I'll have to go back to the department and do some preliminary work."
"No, no, no————"
Lan Rou'er, realizing they had misunderstood, turned pale with anxiety and hurriedly waved her hands, "It's not eighty thousand, no—no ten thousand."
Jiang Mu was taken aback: "Eight? Not ten thousand? Then it's—two?"
"Eight taels?"
Lan Rou'er blushed and whispered, "No, it's not eight taels at a time—it's eight taels per demon. There are probably—seven demons."
"Seven heads? Seven times eight equals fifty-six — wow, that's quite a lot."
Jiang Mu smiled.
Lan Rou'er nodded her little head and forced a smile.
Jiang Mu pointed to her mouth: "Come on, girl, watch my lip movements."
"what?"
Lan Rou'er was stunned, staring blankly at his lips, "Wh-what?"
"roll!!"
A loud shout made the plates on the table jump.
Lan Rou'er trembled with fright, and tears instantly welled up in her eyes.
Jiang Mu cursed, "Are you crazy?!"
Hiring a silly demon slayer to unclog a widow's sewers would cost at least ten taels of silver!
You expect us, a dignified hall master, to lead a team thousands of miles to kill a fourth-tier demon and raid its lair, and you only give us eight taels?!
Is this enough for our food on the road?! Eight taels still needed—"
Lingzhu clearly said she had said enough.
Lan Rou'er was so aggrieved that tears streamed down her face. She was so scolded that she couldn't lift her head. She simply covered her face and ran out crying.
Zhang Daxiao frowned: "Master, she—"
"Great Demon, don't be so lenient with the beautiful lady."
Jiang Mu said irritably, "It's for her own good to wake up someone who's not thinking straight. Come on, eat your food!"
Anyway, that girl's treating, so why not take advantage of it?
Zhang Daxiao hesitated, then said, "Master—"
Jiang Mu glared at him: "What? You think eight ounces is enough? Don't let yourself be unable to resist women. This thing can be deadly. Just because someone cries a little, we'll risk our lives. Why should we?"
If you say that again, don't ever come to my eighth class again. I can't stand spineless sycophants like that.
Zhang Daxiao immediately shut up and buried his head in his rice.
After a while, Zhang Xiaokui suddenly raised his head and couldn't help but weakly say, "Master—my brother actually wanted to say—it seems that Miss Lan didn't pay the bill when she ran away."
Jiang Mu's hand, which was holding a plate of food, froze in mid-air.
"?"
'
#!
Shrimp-headed girl!
[Author's Note: Although it's ten updates, the total word count is close to 48,000 words, almost 50,000 words!]
Based on the usual 2000-word update per chapter for most authors, I've already released 24 chapters, which is really exhausting! I got up before 5 a.m. and have only eaten two packets of compressed oatmeal tablets so far. I feel dizzy and lightheaded.
There's also an extra chapter for the Alliance Leader, it won't be less than 10,000 words. I'll write during the day, if I really can't, I'll probably finish it around 11 PM tonight. No, it's the 1st now, so I'll finish around 11 PM tonight.
I don't know if what I wrote will satisfy everyone, but I really tried my best. I wrote about everything I could think of that I thought was good, including things that were pretentious, everyday life, borderline, fruitful, funny, and meme-based.
Also, if you're going to read it, try to do so on the Qidian app, as subsequent side stories will only be unlocked there, which is a bit inconvenient.
Also, please vote with monthly tickets! Thank you all for your support!
>