"Hello, I would like to exchange for five Thunder-Invoking Talismans!"
Zhou Qing approached a position at the counter and spoke to the steward.
The middle-aged steward glanced at Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu’s casual attire and immediately recognized them as core disciples of the sect. Besides, these two were quite famous in the Taiqing Sect.
Even if he hadn’t seen them in person, he’d heard of them, especially the short, round-faced one. He was quite distinctive.
The steward flipped through a manual for a moment before apologetically saying, "Unfortunately, all the Thunder-Invoking Talismans have been exchanged. It’s been really busy today, and the inventory information hasn’t been updated yet."
"No way! I really need them. Could you please check the stock again?" Zhou Qing implored, bowing sincerely.
The steward shook his head, "Sorry, there really are none left."
Yan Xiaohu chuckled, "Let it go. This is fate. Even the heavens don’t want you practicing that technique—it’s expensive and harmful to your body."
Still not giving up, Zhou Qing asked the steward, "May I ask where these Thunder-Invoking Talismans are sourced from?"
Half of the items in the exchange hall came from within the sect, for example, some of the pills refined at Danhua Peak. They were sent here for disciples to exchange.
The other half were items the disciples procured during missions or training exercises. If they didn’t need them, they could turn them over to the sect and receive a reward after an appraisal.
The sect then displayed these items at a slightly higher price, making a small profit while providing a trading platform.
Otherwise, with so many people in the Thirteen Peaks, how would anyone know who had what or who needed what?
Besides, negotiating prices individually was not as straightforward as the clearly marked prices here.
"Greetings, Peak Master!" The steward behind the counter was about to respond to Zhou Qing’s question when he suddenly saw someone behind Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu. He quickly saluted.
The two turned around and both their expressions changed slightly.
Especially Zhou Qing, who, seeing the ’dead man’ note on Gao Xuan’s head, instinctively took a step back.
"Greetings, Uncle Master!" The two quickly saluted.
Gao Xuan nodded slightly and then said to Zhou Qing with a smile, "I heard the Supreme Elder bestowed the ’Thunder Sword Skills’ upon you. Buying Thunder-Invoking Talismans must be for practicing this technique, correct?"
Zhou Qing had no choice but to nod, "Yes, Uncle Master!"
"It’s a good idea, but also quite dangerous. Moreover, it’s not easy to cultivate this technique. Of course, it’s your choice; no one can interfere," Gao Xuan said.
Zhou Qing inwardly sneered.
You already think of me as a dead man. What does danger matter to you?
If I get struck by lightning and die, wouldn’t that save you the trouble and exposure?
Gao Xuan then looked at the painting on the wall and said, "The Thunder-Invoking Talismans come from Golden Sun Peak. According to sect regulations, we need to send ten Talismans to the exchange hall every three months for the disciples to exchange."
Hearing this, Zhou Qing instinctively exchanged glances with Yan Xiaohu.
No way, they’re from Golden Sun Peak?
Is it too late for me to learn Talisman Making now?
Gao Xuan continued, "Zhou Qing, if it wasn’t for your sharp eyes identifying Shi Zhen early, our Taiqing Sect would have suffered unimaginable losses, including my two disciples."
"And you’re in luck. Golden Sun Peak recently rushed out ten more Talismans for the next round. To thank you for saving my two disciples, you may come with me to Golden Sun Peak to retrieve them for free!"
Hearing this, Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu’s faces changed dramatically.
Is he making a move already?
"No, Uncle Master, since it’s a sect task, there’s no rush. We’ll wait for the next regular exchange," Zhou Qing hurriedly said.
Gao Xuan looked at the two and frowned slightly, "Are you afraid of me?"
The two quickly exchanged glances, and Yan Xiaohu swallowed nervously. He laughed, "No way, Uncle Master, you misunderstood. My junior brother definitely wants them, especially since it’s free. He can save five thousand spirit stones..."
"Damn, five thousand spirit stones! Brother, you can save that much!", Yan Xiaohu’s eyes widened as he enthusiastically slapped Zhou Qing on the shoulder.
Zhou Qing cursed internally.
Aren’t you supposed to be my senior brother?
You know about the fake Gao Xuan, yet you still act . Can’t you recognize when and where to be frugal?
Zhou Qing’s shoulder hurt from Yan Xiaohu’s slap, so he forced a smile.
Realizing his mistake, Yan Xiaohu coughed lightly and said, "So my junior brother was just excited, not scared. Young people get bashful and pretend to decline."
Gao Xuan smiled knowingly. Bashful?
Who in the younger generation of Taiqing Sect has thicker skin than you two?
However, Gao Xuan said, "But it was you trembling just now. I meant you were afraid, not Zhou Qing."
"I was excited, too. It’s amazing how much money he can save, plus getting ten free Thunder Talismans. We’ll celebrate at the Jade Dining Hall. Thinking about all the delicious food makes me tremble with joy!"
Yan Xiaohu hurriedly explained.
Gao Xuan couldn’t hold back his laughter.
"You two are scared over nothing. I’m just teasing. It’s getting late, I need to head back to my peak. Don’t follow old customs, come with me!"
With that, Gao Xuan turned and left the exchange hall.
Zhou Qing urgently said, "Senior Brother, what are you doing? Are you crazy?"
Yan Xiaohu looked dejected and whispered, "I thought he meant you. If we resist too much, he might get suspicious. He wouldn’t dare attack us on his own territory, right?"
Zhou Qing said, "I know, but what if he poisons us or curses us? We should minimize contact to avoid giving him a chance."
"What do we do now? You have a good nose, right? You’d notice the poison, right?" Yan Xiaohu nervously asked.
Zhou Qing felt helpless.
"Notice my ass. Why were you trembling?"
"I don’t know, my legs just gave out."
"What are you two muttering about? Hurry and follow me!"
"Right away, Uncle Master!"
They responded in unison.
Golden Sun Peak is located in the easternmost part of Taiqing Sect, a stark contrast to Little Spirit Peak.
The peaks here tower into the clouds, with steep mountain terrains.
Every morning, as the first rays of sunlight break the horizon, Golden Sun Peak is the first to bathe in the sunlight.
The golden light cascades over the peaks, as if draping a layer of radiant armor over the entire mountain.
Thus, it is named Golden Sun Peak!
As Zhou Qing and Yan Xiaohu followed Gao Xuan down from their sword flight, their faces were full of unease.