Chapter 48

Although the newly opened disciple mall is cheaper than the junior mall, its efficacy is not satisfactory.

For example, there is an item called Juqi San, which is slightly different from Juqi Dan, but it only provides twice the intake effect for six hours.

"Many of these items seem subpar," Jun Changxiao mused, continuing to browse the goods.

He soon found a weapon called Chupin Mujian and thought to himself, "Mujian? This is too shabby!"

However, recalling the strength of the initial Han Fengjian, he judged that although the sword was wooden, its power should be comparable to the low-grade intermediate weapons of the Starfall Continent.

Jun Changxiao continued to examine several products and found that most were of limited use. Eventually, he bought the Juqi San and the initial wooden sword.

When the items appeared in his space ring, Su Xiaomo's contribution value was instantly cleared.

"Why is there no prompt?" Jun Changxiao wondered.

The system explained, "The disciple's purchase prompt is blocked by default, but the host can activate it if they prefer hearing the 'ding ding' sound."

"Keep it blocked by default," Jun Changxiao decided, not wanting to be annoyed by frequent notifications.

"By the way, can my purchase notifications be blocked too?"

"Host notifications cannot be blocked at this time," the system replied.

"Temporarily?" Jun Changxiao asked. "What does that mean?"

The system explained, "As the host's realm and martial construction level improve, the system will gradually unlock more functions."

"So, as I become stronger, you'll become stronger too?" Jun Changxiao asked.

"You can understand it that way," the system replied.

Jun Changxiao pondered, "Am I raising you? Will you turn on me someday?"

The system reassured him, "If the host dies, the system dies."

"That's comforting," Jun Changxiao said, feeling reassured. "How much time is left on the Galloping Rune's effect?"

"45 minutes," the system replied.

Jun Changxiao stroked his chin, "I can use the remaining time to go to Qingyang City and check out the 1,000 gold reward."

"Tian Qi."

"Yes, Head!"

"Lead the others to practice while I'm out."

"Yes, Head!"

With little time left on the Galloping Rune, Jun Changxiao didn't waste any more time. He stepped out of the Ironbone Sect gate, and in a flash, his figure disappeared.

In an instant, he had traveled from the mountain to the base.

"This rune is a must-have for monks. Too bad it's not sold in the mall, or I'd buy a few more for backup," he mused as he disappeared, speeding towards Qingyang City.

...

In the wilderness near a mountain.

A woman leaned against a tree, her face shy. "Brother Li, don't mess around. What if someone sees us?"

The young man called Brother Li leaned closer, touching her face. "Mei Mei, there's no one here. No one will find us. I've missed you so much I haven't been able to eat."

"Me too," the woman said softly, lowering her head.

As they embraced and kissed, the woman suddenly noticed a young man squatting in the tree, grinning at her.

"Ah!" she screamed.

"What's wrong?" Brother Li asked hurriedly.

She pointed at the tree, "There's someone in the tree!"

Brother Li looked up and saw the boy.

"Uh…" Jun Changxiao scratched his head, "Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt."

Brother Li, angry and scared, shouted, "Who are you and how long have you been there—"

Before he could finish, the figure in the tree gradually disappeared. He fell to the ground in terror. "A ghost! Run!"

He grabbed Mei Mei's hand and ran towards the village in a panic.

Jun Changxiao reappeared outside the mountain. Seeing the man's frightened state, he thought, "They must really love each other."

"Hey," he sighed, thinking about his own solitude. "I'll be eighteen in another month. When will I find love?"

Coming to this new world and developing a martial art was a boring process. Experiencing love might make it more interesting.

Love? Forget it. He remembered Lu, a woman with a mysterious past, and decided it was best to avoid complications.

...

Qingyang City.

Jun Changxiao arrived at the city gate.

It had only taken him 5 minutes from Ironbone Sect. He could have been even faster if he hadn't enjoyed the scenery on the way.

"Huh? Who's this?"

"Isn't that the leader of the Ironbone Sect? What's he doing here?"

The warriors entering and exiting the gate recognized him instantly.

"Leader Jun."

A warrior approached him. "I have martial arts questions and am willing to pay two hundred coins if you could—"

"No time," Jun Changxiao replied, stepping into the city.

Since the Ironbone Sect's recruitment drive, he had become quite famous in Qingyang City. His presence immediately drew attention.

Jun Changxiao ignored the stares and focused on the notice board at the crossroads. His eyes lit up.

The board was written in classical Chinese. It stated that the city lord was grateful to the righteous person who destroyed Heifengzhai and offered a 1,000 gold reward to be claimed at the city's mansion.

"Wow," Jun Changxiao exclaimed. "Didn't expect this place to offer such a reward for destroying Heifengzhai."

The streets went silent.

Jun Changxiao noticed the unusual stillness and saw vendors, passersby, and warriors staring at him in disbelief.

A warrior was the first to speak, "Leader Jun, did you destroy Heifengzhai?"

"Yes," Jun Changxiao replied truthfully.

The crowd was stunned.

After the Lingquan Sect was severely defeated at the performance martial arts field, the warriors in the city believed that the leader of the Ironbone Sect relied on high-quality weapons.

Destroying Heifengzhai? They thought it was impossible!

"Hey," Jun Changxiao said, "where's the city's main office?"

The warrior weakly replied, "Leader Jun, are you going to collect the reward?"

Jun Changxiao pointed at the sign, "Doesn't it say whoever destroys Heifengzhai can claim the reward?"

The warrior whispered, "Leader Jun, if you pretend to be a righteous person to get the reward, you'll be thrown in jail and eventually lose your head."

"Who's pretending?" Jun Changxiao snapped. "Heifengzhai was destroyed by me!"

The warrior shook his head, "Another one blinded by money."

Passersby and others also shook their heads, thinking Jun Changxiao was delusional for money and taking a risk.

Jun Changxiao sighed.

Despite killing the people's enemies, they wouldn't believe it without witnessing it themselves.

"I'm still too weak," he thought. "If it were the Cangshan Sect, everyone would believe them without question."

"Leader Jun?"

A voice came from his left. He saw Li Qingyang's father, the Li Family Master, approaching with a smile. "Why are you in Qingyang City?"

Jun Changxiao hadn't seen him in a month, but his aura had changed, indicating significant improvement under Jun Changxiao's guidance.

"I'm here to collect a reward," Jun Changxiao said.

Li Qingyang's father looked puzzled, "Why do you need to go to the city's mansion?"

"To collect money," Jun Changxiao replied.

Li Qingyang's father's smile froze.

After a moment, he stuttered, "Leader Jun, are you saying Heifengzhai…"

"Yes!" Jun Changxiao said impatiently. "Heifengzhai was destroyed by me. Whether you believe it or not, just take me to the city's mansion!"