Chapter 6: The Fox Exploits the Tiger's Might
Steward Li was somewhat dazed. When had he ever said he would give him money for travel expenses?
However, under the current circumstances, he had no choice but to do so. It was better to lose some wealth than to invite disaster.
How could he have been so careless, to let Han Jing notice the clues, even though he had managed to muddle through?
But from the looks of it, Han Jing clearly didn't believe him.
"Ahem…"
Steward Li cleared his throat to ease the awkwardness.
"Brother Lin…"
"Due to your negligence causing the Sect to suffer losses, expelling you from the Sect is not my wish, do you understand?"
Seeing Steward Li looking so pained, Lin Jing felt like giving him a punch or two.
He was really good at pretending.
However, Lin Jing could only pretend as if he didn't know anything and said with a bow:
"Steward Li, it was my own negligence; I can't blame anyone else. Nor will I hold a grudge against anyone."
Steward Li nodded and said:
"Yes, it's good that you understand."
"Although you have been expelled from the Sect, we still share the bond of being fellow disciples."
"Now, the situation below the mountain is chaotic with Demonic Beasts rampant, only the Nanshan Market at the foot of the mountain can be considered safe."
"I have some Spirit Stones here, take them. With these Spirit Stones, you should have enough to live in the Fang Market for a while after you descend the mountain."
As he spoke, Steward Li took out a small package and handed it to Lin Jing.
"How can I accept this? It really makes me feel embarrassed, Steward Li."
Lin Jing spoke as he received the package.
"He's not even showing a bit of hesitation?"
Seeing Lin Jing's behavior made Steward Li freeze, murmuring to himself:
"Wasn't Lin Jing very honest before? Why did he suddenly change today?"
If Lin Jing knew what Steward Li was thinking, he would definitely laugh out loud.
"The previous Lin Jing was indeed very honest, but what does that have to do with me?"
Moreover.
Steward Li had previously tried to harm his life, why should he still be polite to him?
However, Lin Jing was currently completely attracted by the package of Spirit Stones and didn't notice the expression on Steward Li's face.
Upon opening the package, there were a full ten Spirit Stones. Given that Lin Jing, working as a Spirit Farmer at Qingyuan Sword Sect, could only earn two Spirit Stones as a reward for an entire year.
With Steward Li handing out ten stones, it was equivalent to five years of his income.
But just as Lin Jing was excited, Han Jing, who had been silent this whole time, suddenly spoke.
"Steward Li, how long has it been since you last went down the mountain?"
"You must be unaware that due to the recent upheaval of Demonic Beasts below the mountain, the prices in Nanshan Market have soared. This small amount of Spirit Stones might not be enough."
Han Jing spoke in a calm tone, looking at Steward Li, but his gaze carried a hint of sharpness and a clear threat.
Steward Li's heart skipped a beat: "He's really forcing me into a corner."
"Forget it, in the current situation, Han Jing surely won't let things slide…"
Steward Li gritted his teeth and made up his mind.
"Here."
"Oh? Brother, I indeed haven't been down the mountain for a long time, thank you for the reminder, Senior Han."
After speaking, he took out the Storage Bag and pulled out forty Spirit Stones, handing them to Lin Jing.
"These are some savings I've accumulated, this is all I have, and I think this should be enough for him to live in Nanshan Market for a while."
"Don't you agree, Senior Han?"
The final word 'Senior Han' was pronounced with a markedly raised voice, clearly indicating that this was his last offer.
"Yes, I think it should suffice," Han Jing nodded.
"Thank you, Steward Li, I will remember your kindness in my heart forever."
Lin Jing showed no hint of embarrassment and directly accepted the Spirit Stone,
Steward Li watched in pain, having spent much time accumulating these Spirit Stones, and now they were all given away.
Yet, even so, he still pretended to be nonchalant about it.
"Hmm, after you leave the mountain, you must live well, it's best to learn a skill, and not let down my expectations of you," he said.
"Rest assured, Steward Li, I will certainly live well and will surely meet your expectations," Lin Jing responded.
Jokingly, with the System by his side, how could he not live well?
After speaking, he turned to Yuan Bo, who had been hiding behind Steward Li.
"Brother Yuan, I never expected you to come to see me off as well, I am truly overwhelmed by your gesture," he said.
"I didn't realize that Brother Yuan was so loyal and righteous. I was blind to not appreciate it before, always opposing you. Now that I think about it, I am truly ashamed," Lin Jing continued.
Seeing Han Jing glancing over from the side, Yuan Bo hurriedly spoke:
"Yes... yes..."
"I also came to see you off. What happened in the past doesn't matter, it's all behind us now."
Having said that, he took out five Spirit Stones from his person and handed them to Lin Jing.
"This is all my savings, and now I give them to Brother Lin as travel expenses, hope you don't find it too little," he said.
After speaking, he glanced at Han Jing to see if he would react, and quietly heaved a sigh of relief.
"Brother Yuan shows such friendship, it would be sad to refuse him, so I shall humbly accept," Lin Jing said.
Saying so, he also accepted those five Spirit Stones.
Yuan Bo could only look on helplessly, though reluctant, he dared not make a move.
"Lin Jing, you've advanced to the second level of Qi Refinement; it seems you've been diligent. Once you leave the mountain, you must not slack off, understand?" Steward Li said.
"Steward Li, rest assured, I will continue to cultivate diligently after I leave the mountain," Lin Jing assured.
"Good, that's good to hear."
"I have things to attend to tomorrow, so I won't be able to see you off. Remember, don't cause trouble for Senior Han on the road."
"Yuan Bo, let's go," Steward Li said.
Having said that, he was about to leave with Yuan Bo from the place, not wishing to stay a moment longer.
"Brother Li, please wait," someone called out.
Just as the two were about to step out of the door, Han Jing suddenly spoke up, stopping the two who were about to leave.
"What is it this time?"
At that moment, Steward Li completely lost his patience, having already bled a great deal today, was Han Jing still not planning to let him go?
"Don't be hasty, Brother Li. I heard that you replicated many copies of the family's Alchemy technique and sold them earlier," Han Jing explained.
"Now that Lin Jing is descending the mountain, needing a skill to thrive, why not gift him a copy? That way, he can be entrusted with a means to make a living."
After hearing Han Jing's words, Steward Li calmed down, though still extremely displeased.
Steward Li frowned deeply, pondering for a moment.
"Learning Alchemy is incredibly difficult, and beginners often face huge expenditures that exceed their income; he's not suitable for it."
"Whether he can learn it or not depends on his own abilities, no need for us to worry," Han Jing insisted.
"Right, Brother Li?"
Seeing Han Jing's firm stance, Steward Li didn't hesitate and directly handed over the basic imprint books to Lin Jing.
"This is the general outline of Alchemy, this one teaches Spiritual Herb Identification, and this book introduces various Elixir Medicines," he said.
"This last book is the most important," Steward Li said, picking up a book with a crimson cover.
Lin Jing looked up to see 'Controlling Fire Technique' in black bold letters, starkly catching his eye.
"The first step in Alchemy is mastering fire control, so mastering the Controlling Fire Technique is critical, do you understand?"
"Mm-hmm," Lin Jing nodded vigorously.
Steward Li continued, "Of course, it doesn't include any Pill Recipes, you will have to find those on your own."
"This set usually sells for a hundred Spirit Stones, today you're getting it at a bargain."
"Lin Jing, won't you thank Steward Li?"
"Thank you, Steward Li."