Rule Setting
Now an Ascension Realm Seventh Layer cultivator after ten days of leveraging life and death qis to cultivate, Mu Yu used Dustfallen Mental Cultivation to visualise Celestial Swords Nine Catalysts nine techniques, honing in on just one this time, Primordial Yin Yang revolving around him. From then on, it was going to be a grind to ascend again as the stolen spiritual energy was no longer as conducive for someone of his level.
Lu Deyi had ascended to Body Synthesis Realm Sixth Layer thanks to the stolen spiritual energy multiplying the fruits of his labour. Gu Jiangyou often made trips out of Formation Sect to kill remnants of Ghost Gate and Celestial Star Sect for their corpses.
Xiaoshuai, who often played with Primordial Yin Yang while Mu Yu trained and inspired profound thoughts with occasional remarks, chuckled on Mu Yu’s shoulder. “You’re not going to reach Apotheosis Realm in fifteen days. You need to think of an alternative route.”
“Not going to argue that,” responded Mu Yu.
“Let’s pay Dabai and Dahei a visit. Let’s make use of the knowledge Ximen Buxing and Wanwan passed on to harness the full power of Primordial Yin Yangs.”
“Good idea. We can see how Pill Cauldron Sect is coming along while we’re at it.”
Mu Yu did not want to drag Tian Ran along so that she could concentrate on her training, something she had been incredibly proactive about since settling down at Formation Sect in hopes of rescuing her father.
“Mu Yu, you’ve changed!” Xiaoshuai fumed.
“How have I changed?”
“You used to go eat with me whenever I wanted, but you refuse to now. My heart is in pieces.” Xiaoshuai tugged on Mu Yu’s ear.
“You asked Grandpa Village Chief to make you two big roast geese before we left.”
“That was an hour ago! I digested it already!” Xiaoshuai rubbed his belly.
“Put up with it!”
“You’re going to heartlessly starve me?”
“Why not?”
“My heart…”
Mu Yu insisted on rushing until they came by a city that Mu Yu gave in and descended.
“Hey, he’s selling candied haws!” effused Xiaoshuai, running over to an elder.
The ordinary elder was delighted to see the energetic human boy. “You want some candied haws?”
“Yes, yes!” answered Xiaoshuai, almost drooling.
“How many skewers do you want?”
“How many?” Xiaoshuai tilted his head to think then extended a finger.
“That’ll be three coins for one skewer.” The elder handed Xiaoshuai a skewer.
“No, I meant I want your entire tree.”
“The entire tree?”
“I want every skewer on that you have, in other words.”
The elder realised it was not a prank when he noticed Mu Yu coming over. “Th-that equals… Let me count how many I made today. Give me a moment.”
Upon seeing Mu Yu present a hundred spirit stones, the elder stuttered, “S-Sir, you do not need to give me that much. One spirit stone is enough for all the skewers I have. Moreover, I would need to provide you with more change than I have…”
The elder only had some broken silver taels and coppers since he was an ordinary human.
“Keep them. You can exchange what’s left over and find a safe place to hide.”
“R-really?”
Mu Yu nodded.
The elder enthusiastically stored the spirit stones in his pouch and effused, “After spending half on paying taxes, I will still have plenty.”
“Taxes? Half of that is for taxes? Who are you paying?” Mu Yu inquired.
The elder looked around to ensure nobody was watching them prior to explaining, “As ordinary folks, we have to exchange spirit stones at the bank for our currency. In the past, when the banks and exchangers were entities the city lord appointed, one spirit stone was worth a hundred taels. Ever since the five great sects have established an alliance called Five Mountains Alliance, we have had to pay half of the spirit stones we earn – provided I am this lucky – to them as per their new rules for the cultivation world instead of the ordinary folk the city lord appointed. Anyone who defies them is executed.”
“Are they trying to rule over the cultivation world with an iron fist?” Mu Yu asked.
“We would not possibly know. All we can do is abide by the demands if we wish them to protect us from elemental demons. I need to exchange the one hundred spirit stones you gave me at Ultimate Immortal Hall.”
“Is Third Heaven Palace planning to cut to the chase and muscle their way to power now? What are they planning this time, a kingdom built from Five Mountains Alliance?” Xiaoshuai questioned with both hands and his mouth full.
“It’s going to be one hell of an unstable kingdom if that’s the case,” opined Mu Yu.
Upon passing by Ultimate Immortals Hall, the duo saw a cocky Golden Core Realm youth in yellow stopping the elder from before at the entrance. The cultivator gave the elder a measly five coppers despite what the elder’s original sum was worth.
“What’s the matter, Elder?” Mu Yu approached the elder.
“The immortal master told me that the new exchange rate is five coppers for one hundred spirit stones.” The elder heaved a breath of despair.
Mu Yu suddenly had a bone to pick.
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