I Became a Rare Species in the Immortal Cultivation World

Chapter 118

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Chapter 118: Settling Accounts

After noticing You You’s meaningful glance, Ling Qi immediately began scribbling calculations. He finally lifted his ledger and recited with bureaucratic precision, "Celestial Lord, your unauthorized entry into our Spirit Gathering Pool resulted in the destruction of five spiritual trees, thirty-six trampled Spiritual Plants, five frightened guardian beasts, two soiled spirit rugs, one broken Spirit Sword, one unconscious disciple, and one hundred six traumatized Disciples. Factoring in formation wear from Master Yuan’s pool, maintenance costs, diagnostic fees, the sect master’s interrupted duties, plus compensation for Cultivation delays and emotional distress… Your total debt stands at fifty-three thousand six hundred twelve premium spirit stones."

Nie Zheng gaped. "…All… all this needs compensation?"

"Naturally." Ling Qi’s expression remained deadpan. "Did you imagine our sect’s funds sprouted from spiritual trees? Raising Disciples isn’t free!"

"That’s not what I—" The immortal’s protest died. Never in centuries of Cultivation had he faced such brazen billing. Worse yet—he lacked mortal currency.

"Ling Qi," You You interjected with mock diplomacy, "we should show courtesy to our celestial guest. Let’s round the total." She beamed at Nie Zheng. "How about fifty-three thousand six hundred ten?"

Nie Zheng choked. Two stones less? This was their idea of rounding?!

"Noted." Ling Qi slashed a digit from his ledger. "Should you require extended convalescence here, additional fees for medical care and lodging will apply. Given the sect master’s personal involvement, treatment costs remain… negotiable."

"More?!" Panic crept into Nie Zheng’s voice. "But I’ve no spirit stones!" As an Immortal, he carried celestial stones, not mortal currency. His mission to hunt traitors hardly required funds.

"Labor redeems debt." Ling Qi produced a contract. "Alchemy Masters refine pills. Weaponry Masters forge arms. Talisman Masters draft charms. Beast Masters wrangle guardian creatures. Formation experts—" His gaze swept Nie Zheng’s bandaged form. "—well, perhaps not. Alternatively, instruct Disciples at five stones monthly."

"Five?!" Nie Zheng’s eye twitched. At this rate, repayment would take millennia! "Can’t I pay with celestial stones? Magical tools? Pills?"

Ling Qi’s eyes gleamed. "We accept alternative currencies."

Relieved, Nie Zheng patted his waist—and froze. "Ah. Earlier, I gifted my storage space to the disciple I… accidentally incapacitated. As apology."

Silence gripped the hall.

New disciple Ning Rui burst in clutching a grimy pouch. "Sect Master! That intruder knocked me out and left this reeking thing!" He thrust forward the malodorous bundle.

You You, Ling Qi, and Yuan Qi stared at the alleged "storage bag" exuding sock-like stench.

Nie Zheng’s ears reddened. "Immortal storage manifests… differently."

Ning Rui gingerly held the pouch at arm’s length. "This reeks like a goblin’s laundry!"

"Apologies!" Nie Zheng bowed stiffly. "Few celestial stones remain inside, but please accept it as compensation."

The ledger snapped shut. "Since your assets now belong to Ning Rui," Ling Qi declared, "we’ll draft an IOU for fifty-three thousand six hundred twelve stones plus threefold interest. Medical fees pending."

As discussions turned to the traitor Jing Chen, Nie Zheng shared scant details—a divine artifact theft prompting his lower realm mission. You You’s frown deepened at the vague warnings.

"Enough for today." Ling Qi gestured dismissal. "Ning Rui, escort our guest back."

"At once, Elder Ling—" The disciple froze. "Wait. His name’s Nie Zheng?"

The immortal nodded. "Nie of the double ear radical, Zheng meaning—"

THWACK!

The malodorous pouch smacked Nie Zheng’s face.

Ning Rui trembled, recognition dawning. "The celestial warrant! You’re the one who—"

The hall held its breath as the pouch slid down Nie Zheng’s stunned face, leaving a faint sock-shaped imprint.