Chapter 185: Talisman

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"Four years? Is that a long time?" Ning Rongrong was somewhat surprised.

"Is four years a long time? You should know that many swordsmen spend their entire lives and still can't reach this level. I'm already at a very talented level." Zeng Yi looked at Ning Rongrong and said. Then, he shook his head and said, "Forget it, why am I telling you all this? You wouldn't understand."

Four years! Even someone like him needs four years to reach this level. I've only been practicing with him for a little over two months, and I already want to be like him. I'm too impatient.

Thinking this, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but reveal a bitter smile.

"Hmph! What's with the attitude! I've also practiced swordsmanship." Ning Rongrong huffed, displeased with Zeng Yi's attitude.

"You?"

"Of course!"

Seeing Zeng Yi looking at her with disbelief, Ning Rongrong blushed and stubbornly said.

She wasn't lying. When she was younger, Ning Rongrong found the way Sword Douluo fought with a sword very cool and kept pestering him to teach her swordsmanship. However, after learning, she found it too difficult and couldn't persevere, so she gave up and became a supportive Soul Master instead.

But even so, she had practiced some showy sword techniques. She could perform them well, but they were useless in actual combat.

After walking for a while, the group passed by a shop, and Ning Rongrong couldn't help but glance at the things inside. Her footsteps paused, and she stopped.

"Zeng Yi, let's go in and take a look."

Without waiting for his agreement, Ning Rongrong walked into the shop.

Seeing Ning Rongrong's excited figure, Zeng Yi felt helpless and followed along.

"Welcome, guests. Let me know if you need anything." the shopkeeper greeted warmly when he saw someone enter the shop.

Zeng Yi inspected the surroundings of the shop and understood what kind of shop it was.

In this small town, most of the people were Soul Masters who entered the Star Dou Forest to hunt soul beasts. Therefore, the shops here mostly sold armor, weapons, medicines, and supplies. However, this shop was somewhat different. It specialized in talismans.

But surprisingly, because most Soul Masters here would enter the soul beast forest and face death, no one knew if they would be able to return safely at night. So, many people bought talismans for peace of mind. This shop's business was pretty good.

Ning Rongrong looked at various types of talismans carefully, trying to pick one.

"Beautiful miss, I have just received a new batch that perfectly suits your beauty." the shopkeeper looked at Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing, introducing his products with a smile.

"Oh? Show me."

"Alright, please wait a moment!" Seeing Ning Rongrong's request and her attire, the shopkeeper knew she was a customer with money to spare. He immediately went to the back and brought out the items.

"Come on, as adults, why do you believe in these things? They're all scams, and they're expensive too." Zeng Yi said when the shopkeeper was away.

Ning Rongrong glared at Zeng Yi and said, "Of course, I know, but can't I seek comfort in my heart?"

Zeng Yi wanted to say more, but the shopkeeper came out with an exquisite box.

"Young lady, this is our latest product. Take a look and see which color you like." the shopkeeper opened the box, revealing ten talismans of different colors.

Ning Rongrong curiously looked over, seeing that all the talismans looked alike. They were made of crystal, shaped like teardrops, and about the size of a little finger. Each talisman had a "Good Fortune" character inside the crystal, with a small silver chain passing through it.

Is this talisman a pendant?

Seeing this, Ning Rongrong became even more delighted.

She reached out and picked up a pink crystal pendant, happily playing with it, then asked the shopkeeper, "How much is this? Boss."

The shopkeeper smiled and said, "Ten gold soul coins each."

These small items might look exquisite, but their cost wasn't high. The crystal used was quite ordinary, just processed to make it more refined. The cost wasn't more than one gold soul coin. If anyone with insight saw it, they would realize that this talisman wasn't worth the price.

Of course, Ning Rongrong also knew that. She had the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda, which had the ability to appraise items. She was an appraiser herself, so how could she not see through these things? 

However, that didn't matter.

"Do you all want a talisman?" Ning Rongrong looked at them and asked.

Zeng Yi and Flender quickly shook their heads. They didn't believe in these things and didn't want to waste their money.

Zhu Zhuqing hesitated for a moment and also shook her head.

"Alright then, I'll get one for myself." Seeing their responses, Ning Rongrong had a disappointed expression on her face but smiled inwardly.

"Boss, I want this pink one." Ning Rongrong said to the shopkeeper, then looked at Zeng Yi. "Pay for it!"

This time, Zeng Yi was dumbfounded.

"Why should I pay?"

Ning Rongrong said, "Didn't you just make a fortune? Can't you spare a little money?"

What are you talking about? It's just over twenty gold soul coins, but because of you two, that fortune is almost gone.

Zeng Yi rolled his eyes.

"Also, I didn't bring money. You figure it out!" Ning Rongrong crossed her arms and looked at Zeng Yi, planning to leave the responsibility to him.

Seeing her stubbornness that she wouldn't leave without someone paying, Zeng Yi felt helpless.

"Fine, I'll pay." After all, the money he had from earlier was extorted, thanks to these two girls. Zeng Yi wasn't too bothered.

"Wait, I want one too."

As soon as she heard that Zeng Yi was paying, Zhu Zhuqing instantly became restless and changed her mind. She quickly stepped forward and picked up a light blue crystal talisman.

Didn't you just say you didn't want it? How did you suddenly change your mind? Zhu Zhuqing, where is your initial resolve?

Tears welled up in Zeng Yi's eyes.

"This handsome guy, it's twenty gold soul coins each. A good deal." the shopkeeper approached Zeng Yi, held out his hand, and smiled at him.

Seeing his sly smile, Zeng Yi felt the urge to punch him.

Of course, it's not a bad deal for you, since you're not the one paying!

Cursing inside, Zeng Yi reluctantly took out the money.

"Let's go, let's have dinner quickly. The Dean said he would treat us." Zeng Yi said, walking out of the shop.

Flender was momentarily stunned. Why am I the one treating? Didn't you say you would treat us? Did I mishear?

Looking at Zeng Yi's appearance, Ning Rongrong sneered, glanced at the crystal talisman in her hand, and put it on her jade neck, looking satisfied.

Zhu Zhuqing looked at the light blue crystal in her hand, feeling a bit absent-minded. Then, she tightly gripped it and put it into her soul device instead of wearing it like Ning Rongrong, her mind becoming calm.

After they finished dinner, the four found an inn to rest and prepare mentally for tomorrow's journey.

At night, as Zhu Zhuqing lay on the bed, she tossed and turned, unable to calm her mind.

Lying face up, a glimmer of light flickered in her hand, and the talisman appeared.

Looking at the exquisite crystal talisman pendant in her hand, Zhu Zhuqing's gaze couldn't help but go into a daze. She placed the crystal on her forehead, feeling the cold sensation, and her restless mind began to calm down.

This feeling is so strange!

Gradually, Zhu Zhuqing couldn't even tell herself why, but a faint smile appeared on her lips.