Without a single penny

The Big Rat Demon didn't even know the name of this mask, and he couldn't use Hu Chan's name. Following the usual practice, if he couldn't name it, he would just write "Low-Rank Artifact." After recording it, he placed the jade token on the shelf, considering it settled. His expression turned serious as he said with a forced smile, "Congratulations, young junior brother, for choosing a treasure. You can leave now!"

Fang Xing flipped the mask back and forth, pretending to be clueless. "You're not trying to deceive me, are you?"

The Big Rat Demon's face darkened as he shouted, "Nonsense! You've already chosen an artifact, it's recorded, there's no turning back!"

"But... you just said if I'm not satisfied, I can take it back and exchange it..."

Fang Xing widened his eyes, as if he was surprised by their words.

"Exchange? It's not impossible, it depends on your performance later!"

The Big Rat Demon sneered, his eyes gleaming with cunning.

There had indeed been people who came to exchange before, many disciples who suffered losses in their hands came back afterward, begging and offering all their valuable possessions, voluntarily asking to exchange for another artifact.

Through this method, they had gained a lot of benefits.

They wrote "Low-Rank Artifact" on the jade token, not just because they didn't know the mask's name, but also because they were prepared for when Fang Xing returned to negotiate, planning to squeeze more benefits out of him.

Anyway, it was written as a low-rank artifact, so exchanging for another low-rank artifact later wouldn't be a big deal. But if it had been clearly named and described, it would have been harder to manipulate, as the Dao Sect had its rules.

"Well then, I'll take it!"

Fang Xing seemed determined, tucking the mask into his embrace and leaving.

The Big Rat Demon and his two junior brothers exchanged glances and burst into laughter together.

"He actually chose such a thing, thinking he has something valuable..."

"Heh heh, he's offended us, does this kid really think he's that important? Dream on!"

"Hmph, when he comes back wanting to exchange for another artifact, I'll make sure he regrets it!"

Outside, the plump Taoist hurried to meet Fang Xing, eager to see what artifact he had chosen.

Fang Xing handed him the mask, and the Taoist inspected it skeptically. "What's this thing?"

The mask looked old and damaged, not like anything valuable.

Fang Xing snatched it back. "You don't understand. This is definitely valuable. Let's go, show me where I'll be practicing!"

Seeing Fang Xing's confidence, the Taoist stopped questioning. Leading the way, he introduced the scenery and places within the sect, as he was familiar with them from his duties. Although he wasn't well-liked, he knew a lot due to his interactions.

"Junior brother, that's the Clear Sound Valley where female disciples reside. There's a clear pool outside where they often bathe. To prevent peeping, the elders have set up a mist that's usually sealed. However, if you're patient and wait on the nearby hill, there are times when the mist clears. There was once a senior brother who saw the female disciples bathing there and talked about it for half a month..."

"That's the Qing Cliff where Elder Song gives lectures. He's a legendary figure, profound in magic yet kind to people. When we, outer disciples, greet him, he responds with a smile. Elder Song gives a lecture here every year during the Double Ninth Festival, sometimes about the precautions in cultivation, sometimes about spell principles. Many disciples from all levels come to listen, from the inner circle to the outer disciples, all eager for his teachings..."

"That place is remarkable, dedicated to alchemy disciples. It's called the Qixia Ridge, named for its perennial mist. The disciples there are not easy to deal with, but us common disciples will eventually need their help. However, there are many women among the Qixia Ridge disciples, and since you're not bad-looking, when you're older, I'll introduce you to someone. Having a dao companion like that brings many benefits..."

The road to the outer disciple's valley was long, taking more than two hours. The Taoist talked incessantly, mixing gossip with sect rules, speaking for over two hours without repeating himself. Fang Xing, wanting to understand the sect quickly, patiently listened and occasionally contributed.

The Taoist was glad for the chance to show off, talking joyously.

"Junior brother, that's where inner disciples practice, don't approach casually..."

"That's where disciples who broke the rules are confined..."

"That's the Food Department, outer disciples pay a hundred taels of silver each month for meals..."

"That's the Enlightenment Hall, where the sect's spell secrets are kept, but only inner disciples can enter!"

...

"This is where you'll live in the future. I live nearby, so we can visit often..."

After talking all the way, they finally reached a valley at the foot of the mountain. Among the clouds, hundreds of houses were scattered, spacious enough not to feel crowded. The environment was pleasant, with a clear stream flowing through, surrounded by lush bamboo forests rustling in the wind.

In the outside world, it was deep autumn, but within the sect, it was perpetually spring and summer due to abundant spiritual energy.

According to the Taoist, this was where outer disciples lived, with over a dozen similar valleys in the sect. He lived in a neighboring valley about three miles away.

All outer disciples lived in such valleys until they reached the Spirit Manifestation Fourth Stage, then they could move to caves with richer spiritual energy. When they reached the Seventh Stage, they could become true disciples, owning a valley or peak with abundant spiritual energy, enjoying privileges equal to elders.

With the Taoist, Fang Xing found his assigned house, a simple but decent wooden cabin. Although basic, it was better than his previous accommodations. Bed, table, and chairs were all there, but utensils and bedding were not provided.

Upon inquiry, he learned they also required payment, so he had to ask the Taoist again.

Since he had already paid a hundred taels of silver, he couldn't be stingy with ten more. Reluctantly, the Taoist agreed.