LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 176: Sorry to Come Back Empty-Handed
Moon-Watching Sect Hall.
"It's okay, it's okay. As long as everyone is safe and sound."
"Mr. Meng, thank you for your hospitality these past days. We would have fought to our last breath to drive off those scoundrels. As for so-called reinforcements, it doesn't matter whether they are there or not."
"We are all very grateful for the noble acts of True Master Bai. We will definitely protect the Moon-Watching Sect."
A group of monsters, all clever beings, naturally knew what to say next. Bai Qianqian had obviously found some good loot, and now it was time to butter her up!
Indeed, after a few praises, Bai Qianqian made her move.
"Niu Erzhuang!"
With a wave of her hand, a pair of golden rings flew toward a bull monster standing in the far corner. This fellow was honest and hardworking, helping to plow the fields every year as a temporary worker for the Moon-Watching Sect—an old familiar bull of the sect. So, the pair of Second-order Golden Rings, a result of this trade, were given to him.
"Ah?"
The two golden rings, one on the left and one on the right, dangled on the wrists of Niu Erzhuang.
"These are Thick Earth Yin-Yang Rings. 'Thick Earth' indicates a natural affinity with the Earth Element, and 'Yin Yang' represents above and below the ground, a combination of offense and defense. Whether it's earth spikes or thick soil or other techniques, they suit you well. Take them and quickly thank Master Meng."
"Thank you, Master Meng, thank you, Master Meng."
Niu Erzhuang, holding the Thick Earth Yin-Yang Rings, could not hide his excitement as white vapors came out of his nostrils. Though he was a Foundation-building Bull Monster, his weapon was still a mere First Grade Purple Copper Staff, which he treasured dearly.
Now, as soon as he got the rings, he felt like he had met a long-lost comrade, a perfect match for him—especially since the Thick Earth could aid in cultivation. It was truly splendid.
Behind Niu Erzhuang, a dozen other Bull Monsters looked on enviously, their eyes nearly shooting flames.
"Ji Qiaoer."
Bai Qianqian waved her hand again, but... this time, nothing flew out.
"Ah?"
Ji Qiaoer looked pitifully at Bai Qianqian, then suddenly, she understood. This was the right way.
When the master bestows gifts, it's better to thank in advance, rather than after receiving them. Really, the latter is not good.
"Good Aunt Bai, good Master Meng, may you have a harmonious marriage for a hundred years and give birth to septuplets..."
"Shut up."
With a wave of her hand, Bai Qianqian released a rainbow glow that landed in Ji Qiaoer's hand.
Ji Qiaoer, a Rainbow Pheasant, had colorful feathers representing an affinity for different types of Spiritual Energy. Such characteristics meant she could practice various Cultivation Techniques, but also that ordinary weapons would hardly suffice for her. This Rainbow Blade, however, was different. It was a very special weapon forged by an Immortal Sect factory using different metals, suited for swordsmen who favor combination moves. It was the perfect match for Ji Qiaoer, her strength would more than double with this blade in hand!
Holding the blade, Ji Qiaoer was so moved that she was about to cry. She kowtowed thrice to Meng Yu and Bai Qianqian before stepping back.
The third one, a Human Race Loose Cultivator, received a Hurricane Dividing Banner. Likewise, he bowed deeply, then bowed again.
The fourth gift, Bai Qianqian gave to her leading disciple, a Female Cultivator who had reached Foundation Establishment, a Spirit Hoe engraved with runes for Rejuvenation Technique, Minor Cloud and Rain Spell, Gengjin Sword Stab.
The fifth item, the sixth item... After Bai Qianqian distributed eleven Second-order Magical Instruments, basking in all kinds of compliments and feeling as pleased as she could be, she gave Meng Yu a kick.
Alright, Meng Yu knew it was his turn to shine.
"Sister Hua."
Meng Yu bowed to Hua Miaochai, the Flower Demon standing not too far away.
"Ah?"
Hua Miaochai, a rather low-profile Golden Core Monster, usually lived in seclusion near the Moon-Watching Sect, rarely interacting with outsiders. Even the necessities were procured on her behalf by Bai Qianqian.
She was akin to the delicate beauty, Lin Daiyu, even shyer than Bai Qianqian.
"Thank you, Sister Hua, for the fine wine you brought me just before leaving. I offered it to my father, who enjoyed it greatly, so he rewarded me with a Third Grade Magical Treasure, as a token of appreciation. Please accept it as a gift in return and do not disdain it."
A red Five Elements Peach Blossom Umbrella, crafted from the core of a three-thousand-year-old peach tree and refined through various Secret Techniques, flew towards her.
"Ah?"
Upon touching the Five Elements Peach Blossom Umbrella, Hua Miaochai clutched it tightly.
Though she owned a Third Grade Magical Treasure, it was merely a handkerchief—not to mention it had been damaged by lightning during a tribulation, hardly comparable to a true Third Grade Magical Treasure.
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Umbrellas and bells, among other treasures, often serve as the best Magical Treasures for spirits, for these items can conceal, absorb Spiritual Energy, and offer robust defense—just like having an extra life. Moreover, one could even go out in thunderstorms without fearing being caught for concoction.
"Thank you, thank you..."
After uttering these two phrases, the extremely shy Hua Miaochai suddenly disappeared from everyone's sight, using an Earth Escape Technique.
Not far away, the Green Bird Swordsman, Bu Shixian, sported a brighter smile. Since Hua Miaochai had received something nice, what gift would she, the current top warrior, obtain?
Sorry, thank you, you're so kind, I surely will...
All sorts of words of gratitude flashed through her mind as she recalled her first encounter with Bai Qianqian.
The proud Green Bird flew in the sky, having chased a rabbit for several days. At that time, how she longed to eat that rabbit. Then the rabbit hid within a Formation, transformed into a little girl, weeping bitterly and accusing her of being too vicious. Eventually, after a long debate, they concluded that becoming too familiar would prevent them from striking at each other, and so on... Who knew that after so many years, they would become such good friends.
"Sister Bu, I'm so sorry, this is the only Third Grade Magical Treasure we have. I'm really embarrassed. Qian Qian and I bought the dried meat you love to eat—give it a taste? How is it?"
Alright, Bu Shixian was indeed angry, but as she looked at the box of dried meat in front of her, she accepted it. After all, how could one just give away a Third Grade Magical Treasure so easily? The fact that Meng Yu managed to secure one this time was already quite impressive.
There's no rush. There will be other opportunities. Waiting another two or three years isn't a big deal, especially since I've helped Bai Qianqian this time. She's sure to remember the favor.
"I'll go back again tomorrow, get some more Spirit Stones from the storage, and pick out a magic artifact you would like at the marketplace. By the way, Sister Bu, I never asked you whether you prefer swords, umbrellas, banners, flags, hammers, or something else?"
Meng Yu said apologetically, a shy expression on his face.
"Ah, tomorrow?"
Bu Shixian paused for a moment.
The monsters present were stupefied.
The human race cultivators who were eavesdropping stood motionless.
"Yeah, mainly because I didn't bring enough Spirit Stones last time, I couldn't buy a magical treasure for you, Sister Bu. This Five Elements Peach Blossom Umbrella was a gift from my father, something I couldn't have afforded on my own.
So this time, I only bought those Second Order magical treasures. Also, I've planned to bring some local specialty items to give to our brothers and sisters, like the wine for Sister Hua, which I just..."
Suddenly, Hua Miaochai appeared beside Meng Yu, and a large assortment of bottles of different sizes fell to the ground. Then she vanished without a trace.
"These are all for Master Uncle. My gifts are too modest."
Her voice wafted through the air.
"Ah!"
Suddenly, the monsters at the scene went into a frenzy.
Coming back today, and able to go again tomorrow, to buy Second and Third Grade magical treasures with Spirit Stones at a special low price, what did this imply?
Right, I have Spirit Stones, I have local specialties, and I even have my feathers and tail!
Please take them already.
...
Outside the Moon-Watching Sect.
The Sect of the Moon-Watching Sect was shrouded in a light barrier, with the Five Elements magic operating, blocking out the sky. It was very difficult for outsiders to see clearly what was happening inside.
The four Golden Core Masters from the Five Directions Tower were seated on clouds, holding positions in all directions, and had the area tightly sealed off.
The disciples who came and went reported on various activities, and farther away, many teams were on the move.
Those proficient in Formation were exploring the surrounding ley lines, trying to find ways to interrupt them. Friends skilled in breaking Formations began to strategize, choosing angles. With the Five Directions Tower holding the advantage, it was going to be a war of attrition from now on.
However, for some reason, all four Golden Core Masters felt a sense of unease.
They originally scoffed at Bai Qianqian's actions, considering them a clumsy scam. But that day, when Meng Yu sliced Huang Tianxiang in half with his sword, it shocked them deeply.
How could such a True Seed exist in the Western Wastes?
At that moment they felt a hint of regret, but alas, there was no turning back now.
Moreover, they told themselves if there were a Nascent Soul or even higher presence on Meng Yu's side, they should have taken action by now, shouldn't they?
"Master, don't worry. Those monsters might just fight among themselves."
A disciple said so.
...
That night, whether monsters or humans of the Moon-Watching Sect, none slept well.
The Flower Demon, Hua Miaochai, hid well and no one found her, but Niu Erzhuang, Ji Qiaoer and others became the center of everyone's attention. The magical treasures they were rewarded were admired and played with by everyone, earning countless praises.
Those who had received them were overjoyed, while those who hadn't started pondering whether their performance had been poor, or if they had underperformed?
Those eleven Second Order weapons were an extraordinarily generous gesture. Many Foundation Establishment monsters and loose cultivators could accrue such wealth only after a lifetime of struggle and these weapons were clearly finely crafted, truly exquisite weapons, treasures to be passed down for generations.
Even Bu Shixian, the renowned Golden Core sword cultivator, felt a bit envious. Several of the Second Order magical instruments were really nice.
Early the next morning, Bu Shixian went to visit Bai Qianqian again.
We absolutely must not let Meng Yu leave today.
The Master Uncle is kind, but we cannot be so rude to keep returning time after time. Continuously coming back, isn't that like saying to the Master Uncle that we are useless and can't withstand the defense of the Moon-Watching Sect?
Being a sword cultivator doesn't mean one can't be versed in worldly wisdom. What's so embarrassing about addressing a Nascent Soul Master as Master Uncle?
When a big boss's son interns at your company and there's an issue, you go back to seek help. The big boss acknowledges it, and that's the biggest support. Then would the people at your company dare make the big boss's child come back again the next day, to seek help from daddy again?
The big boss has already provided a safety net; it's up to your actions now.
Bu Shixian would bet that if Bai Qianqian's close girl friends knew about the treatment she was receiving here, they would all want to crawl over here, families in tow!
She and several others came to visit Bai Qianqian's cave dwelling and when everyone entered, they were stunned.