Chapter 336
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Chapter 336: Teasing
Moon City, situated in the central region, was once a thriving city in the northeast that has declined since the Holy Heavenly Sect’s rise. The sect has drawn away a significant portion of the population, rendering the city less prosperous than before.
“Dad, I heard that Moon City has two major features. One is the abundance of beautiful women, whether they are innocent girls or gentle and mature women. It’s a characteristic of the cultivation world, hehe…”
“Isn’t it two features? There’s another one you’re not mentioning.”
Lin Jiang gazed at Small Shadiao’s unsettling smile, feeling utterly speechless. Small Shadiao seemed beyond redemption, and Lin Jiang was certain he hadn’t learned such attitudes from him.
“As for the features, just enjoying one is enough for me, otherwise I might not be able to handle it.”
“Hey, kid, don’t cause trouble. Moon City is the only place in the cultivation world where people don’t go seeking romantic encounters. Don’t let the Spiritual Moon Sect beat you up.”
Lin Jiang warned. Perhaps the Spiritual Moon Sect was predominantly composed of women. Moon City was the sole location in the cultivation world that strictly prohibited brothels, cracking down hard on such establishments. In other regions, regardless of the sect, brothels existed and were subject to heavy taxation. A popular brothel could generate more tax revenue than a large business.
“Hmph, do I still need to spend money? With my strength, I’m not afraid even if they line up to find me.”
“Kid, you better be more serious in the future. The Spiritual Moon Sect is a sect worthy of respect.”
Lin Jiang spoke seriously to Small Shadiao. The cultivation world was primarily dominated by men, though strong women existed. Most still relied on men. It was admirable that the Spiritual Moon Sect, led by women, had built such a formidable foundation and successfully defended it.
After lingering in Moon City for a few days, Lin Jiang gained some understanding of the city. Since property prices were low due to the city’s decline, Lin Jiang directly purchased a courtyard.
Half a month later, Lin Jiang emerged from a store and returned home. He extracted more than ten robes from his storage bag. This was the second characteristic of Moon City.
The Spiritual Moon Sect’s ancestors were a group of low-level female cultivators who were down on their luck. Unable to excel in other skills, they grew spiritual plants and raised spiritual silkworms to create robes for their livelihood.
This skill had been passed down through generations, flourishing over thousands of years. Even though the Spiritual Moon Sect’s income was no longer solely from robes, Moon City retained its reputation for clothing craftsmanship.
Lin Jiang carefully examined each piece of clothing, then removed his layers of ceremonial robes. Upon seeing the innermost garment, tears welled in his eyes.
“Did dad think of his mom?”
“Yes, this dress was made by my mother.”
“Put it away, Dad, don’t wear it anymore. It’s already worn out.”
“I know.”
Lin Jiang nodded. The clothes Zhuang Rong had crafted years ago used only ordinary silky threads from spiritual silkworms. Despite his meticulous maintenance over centuries, they were nearly ruined.
These robes could no longer protect Lin Jiang, but he couldn’t bear to discard them. He retrieved a jade box and stored the clothes inside, sealing it with a spiritual talisman.
“They should be able to last for another thousand years or more. If they break, my mother will only exist in my memories.”
Lin Jiang reflected that Zhuang Rong was the first person in this world who had selflessly cared for him. She was his first thought, and the one decision in his life he never regretted was leaving the Lin family early and accompanying her until her final moments. Otherwise, that regret would have haunted him eternally.
Composing himself, Lin Jiang dressed in the finest robes available in the market. The most advanced ones required custom tailoring and were prohibitively expensive, which he couldn’t justify.
“Seven-layer robes are the limit. If you stack more, it won’t work anymore. Small Shadiao, when will you go to Wilderness and help me hunt some powerful monsters with high defense? Get me a few clothes to wear.”
“Dad, look at my skinny body. How can I fight? It would be good if I don’t get beaten to death.”
“Ha ha”
“Really, it’s not fun to fight and kill all the time. Isn’t it better to eat and drink?”
“Quickly go away.”
Lin Jiang waved his hand to dismiss Small Shadiao, though it was merely a casual remark. He wouldn’t genuinely want Small Shadiao to engage in fighting and killing.
Especially after the incident with Yang Luo, Small Shadiao had become more precious to Lin Jiang. After all, Small Shadiao had never betrayed him, and Lin Jiang would never betray Small Shadiao either.
“Wow, it’s so lively! They’re getting married, I’ve never been married before.”
After another half month, Lin Jiang took Small Shadiao out to eat. While dining, they heard a bustling commotion outside. They looked up to see a vibrant wedding procession. Small Shadiao became excited, having a wife but never experiencing a wedding ceremony.
“Take a good look, who is marrying who?”
“Huh, a woman marrying a man?”
“That’s right, a woman marrying a man. Just listen to what people are saying. She’s someone’s sixth concubine, a male concubine.”
Lin Jiang observed the spectacle, using his divine sense to listen to surrounding comments. He learned the bride was a prominent Moon City figure with genuine power, and this was her sixth male concubine.
In the cultivation world, strength was the ultimate equalizer. Men could have multiple wives and concubines, and women enjoyed the same privilege, provided they possessed sufficient strength.
“A sixth male concubine, goodness, can she handle it?”
“Only overworked oxen, no damaged fields.”
“How is it possible? One cow can’t plow, let alone six or seven cows!”
“Who knows? It’s none of our business on someone else’s land. Let’s go eat, and after that, we need to discuss matters.”
Lin Jiang said. He had been in the city for some time, spending money without generating profit. That afternoon, he had an appointment with a company steward to discuss business and start earning.
Small Shadiao finished watching the excitement, completed his meal, and accompanied Lin Jiang to Tianyue Trading Company in Moon City. The company was a Spiritual Moon Sect enterprise and the largest in the city.
“Hello, Taoist Friend Huang.”
“Hello, Taoist Friend Xu.”
Lin Jiang and the company steward exchanged bows. Lin Jiang had changed his name to Huang Mou, and Small Shadiao was now Huang Mei.
“I have examined Taoist Friend Huang’s spiritual talisman. It’s of a decent level and seems to incorporate influences from new talisman techniques, correct?”
“Yes, I stayed in Tianxian City for half a year. I was deeply interested in Holy Heavenly Sect’s Yang Luo Taoist Friend’s new talisman techniques and had several discussions with her.”
“Did Taoist Friend Huang develop a new style of talisman?”
“Sorry, for now I have only learned one kind, and it’s a second-level spiritual talisman.”
“Congratulations to Taoist Friend Huang, who is also an exceptionally talented person.”
The steward from Tianyue Trading Company instantly showed great respect. The new talisman technique had been proposed for several years, but few Talisman Makers could master it. Every Talisman Maker who could master the new technique was considered a genius.
Lin Jiang quickly offered humble replies. His ability to master the new talisman technique stemmed mainly from his solid foundation and living next door to Yang Luo, where he could obtain second-hand information.
The steward and Lin Jiang chatted for a while until someone entered from outside. A beautiful woman with an elegant and mature temperament appeared. Upon seeing Small Shadiao, her eyes lit up.
“Taoist Friend Huang, let me introduce you. This is our shopkeeper Xu Yunyue, also known as Martial Uncle Xu.”
“I’ve met Martial Uncle Xu.”
“No need for formalities.”
Xu Yunyue spoke, but her eyes never left Small Shadiao, making him feel uncomfortable.
Lin Jiang grew worried. Wasn’t Xu Yunyue being too obvious? Was she interested in Small Shadiao?
Though Lin Jiang and Small Shadiao had changed their appearances, their fundamental physiques remained unchanged. Lin Jiang appeared refined with careful grooming, while Small Shadiao now resembled a completely muscular figure.
“Mr. Xu, what do you think of our cooperation?”
“Whatever the steward discussed with you will be our terms of cooperation. The Spiritual Moon Sect will not treat you unfairly.”
“Alright, then shall we take our leave?”
“No rush. Taoist Friend Huang, is this your son?”
“Yes.”
“I wonder if a marriage alliance is possible?”
“No, senior. We are here to discuss spiritual talisman cooperation, not this.”
“It’s the same. I’m Soul Changing, and you are Nascent Soul. It wouldn’t be a loss to follow me, but I don’t like your type. I prefer someone like your son, with a full face and bulging muscles.”
Xu Yunyue stepped forward to touch Small Shadiao’s chest muscles, frightening him into continuous retreats.
“Senior, we are not those kind of people. If you continue to make inappropriate remarks, our cooperation is off.”
“Alright, let’s discuss this later. You can inquire about my reputation in Moon City. Anyone who follows me will never regret it.”
“Senior, I have something else to attend to first. I’ll take my leave.”
Lin Jiang fled in panic, moving quickly.
“Dad, that was too terrifying. That woman seemed like she wanted to devour me.”
“It’s quite scary, very open-minded. The Spiritual Moon Sect is more open-minded than I had imagined.”
“Dad, why don’t we run away and move to a different city?”
“No, I haven’t caused any trouble for Yang Luo yet.”
“But, but…”
“But what? Aren’t you always acting like a bad bird? You never lose out.”
“It’s true that I don’t lose out, but I prefer taking the initiative rather than being passive.”
Lin Jiang suddenly fell silent, hesitated for a moment, and then said, “Small Shadiao, trust me. I’m not the type of person who sells their child for wealth. I will never sell you.”
“I trust you, Dad.”
Small Shadiao immediately responded, moved by his words, but deep down he rolled his eyes. He still wanted to find a way to escape.
