Chapter 12: Paper and Ink II

Huang Longtian stepped off the teleportation platform, finding himself in the heart of Central City. 

He also noticed some people coming and going from the platform. Those entering paid the guards before stepping in.

Excitement and activity buzzed throughout the city. The streets were filled with bustling cultivators and merchants, and the air with the hum of mundane conversations.

The sky above was a clear azure, with the sun casting a warm and golden glow over the city. Tall buildings, each a architectural marvel, rose high and their designs intricate.

The roads were wide and paved with smooth stones, lined with stalls and shops selling multiple items.

Having reached his destination, Huang Longtian wandered through the city. Without the sect's official robes, he didn't attract too much attention despite his striking features.

However, he couldn't help but overhear the conversations around him.

"Did you hear? The Four Great Clans are all sending representatives to tomorrow's auction."

"Yes, I also heard that. It seems the Hu Clan has their eye on a certain item and has already declared their serious intent to obtain it."

"It will be interesting. The Four Great Clans aren't on very good terms, but it seems that the Tian and Duan clans are trying to form an alliance through marriage."

"Alliance marriage? If so it will be between Tian Zunzhe of the Tian clan and Duan Lihua of the Duan Clan."

"Do you think the Fu and Hu Clans will just sit back and let this happen?"

"Who knows? It doesn't really concern us."

"Hahaha, you're right, but it's really interesting. Everyone knows that Fu Weimin of the Fu Clan likes Duan Lihua, right?" 

"Yeah, I wonder how he's going to react to this juicy news. Hehehe, the things could get messy."

"Speaking of juicy news, there's some interesting news you might want to hear. Interested?"

"What? Don't let us hanging"

"Hehehe, I've heard that Pavilion Master Chu Yuechan finally accepted a disciple!"

"Really?"

"Yes, and guess what? He is a legendary Spell Master. Can you believe it? A Spell Master!"

"What a Spell Master?! Like those in the legends?"

"Exactly!"

"But I've heard that Tian Zunzhe begged to be her disciple, only to be rejected multiple times."

"He's really unlucky."

"Yeah even the holy son of the Tian Clan was rejected. She sure have high standards."

News sure travels fast. How do they already know? It must be because of the teleportation formation between the sect and the city. But that blonde sh*t is actually from the Tian Clan? I'll have to be extra careful, thought Huang Longtian as he walked.

As he explored the city, Huang Longtian marveled at the bustling scene. The various stalls and shops caught his eye, each selling different items—plants, herbs, cultivation techniques, weapons, and more.

Eventually, Huang Longtian spotted a store that piqued his interest. The sign above the entrance read "Paper and Ink Shop," and through the windows, he could see an impressive line of writing materials—neatly arranged rolls of parchment, elegant inkwells, and brushes of various sizes. 

"Ah, finally," he murmured, feeling relieved to able to repay his master's favor. With that, he stepped into the shop.

Inside, the shop the scent of fresh parchment and ink filled the air, creating a soothing atmosphere for the client.

An elderly shopkeeper with a gentle smile and kind eyes stood behind the counter, meticulously arranging various writing materials. His eyes practically shining when seeing Huang Longtian enter.

"Welcome, young master," the old shopkeeper greeted warmly. "How may I assist you today?"

"I need some high-quality paper and ink," he said, looking around the shop. 

The old shopkeeper nodded and began to gather the items. "Of course, young master. We have the best paper and ink in all of Central City."

The best paper and ink in the entire city?Huang Longtian wondered if the shopkeeper was bragging, but it didn't really matter.

Soon, the old shopkeeper laid out the fine paper and ink. Huang Longtian examined them carefully.

His fingers brushed against the smooth texture of the paper—but cold sweat broke out on Huang Longtian's brow as panic surged through him.

He fumbled through his pockets, heart pounding in his chest. 

A wave of frustration and shame washed over him. How could he have been so careless? His mind raced for a solution as he fought to regain his composure.

The shopkeeper's eyes narrowed suspiciously as he watched Huang Longtian. 

His hand twitched toward the counter, ready to call for the guards. "Young man, if you don't have any money," he added, his voice dripping with disdain, "why are you wasting people's time?"

Huang Longtian's heart nearly leaped out of his chest when he heard the old shopkeeper. 

It was really embarrassing to realize he had forgotten to bring any money when he intended to buy something.

Just as despair began to creep in, he remembered the red ring from his master. Taking a deep breath, he focused his Spiritual Sense, on it, hoping for a miracle.

And to his amazement, he discovered it was filled with numerous small, translucent, and lustrous blue gemstones, with a slight, shimmering glow. 

These gemstones were about the size of a thumb, with a smooth, polished surface that reflected light with a soft and ethereal sheen. 

'Spirit Stones!'

Unlike mortal money, which is often limited in its use and value. Spirit Stones were usually the primary currency between cultivators. 

The former were naturally imbued with Spiritual Qi of Heaven and Earth that makes them highly valuable for various transactions and cultivation alike.

Spirit Stones are valued based on their purity and the amount of Spiritual Qi they contain, ranging from Low to Top grade.

One hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones are equivalent to a single Mid-Grade Spirit Stone. 

Similarly, one hundred Mid-Grade Spirit Stones can be exchanged for one High-Grade Spirit Stone, and one hundred High-Grade Spirit Stones are worth one Top-Grade Spirit Stone.

Huang Longtian was taken aback as a comforting warmth coursed through him. Despite her seemingly cold and aloof attitude, it was clear that his master truly cared about him.

He let out a deep sigh of relief, feeling the tension drain from his body as his heartbeat gradually slowed to a normal rhythm.

Then, Huang Longtian took out a Low-Grade Spirit Stone, feeling its Spiritual Qi running gently through his hand. 

Even though he had never encountered one before, he knew it was valuable because he had read about them in the Primordial Origin Library.

He handed the Spirit Stone to the old shopkeeper, who looked at it in astonishment. 

"Young master, this is... more than enough," the old shopkeeper stammered, clearly overwhelmed. "This single spirit stone is worth this humble one's yearly earnings."

Humble one? Old man don't give me that sh*t, if I didn't really had any money you would probably call the guards on me. Huang Longtian nodded, smiling. "Keep the change. Thank you for your assistance."

The shopkeeper bowed deeply, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, young master. Please come again if you need anything else."

After thanking the shopkeeper, Huang Longtian stepped back into the bustling streets, the weight of the paper and ink comforting in his little heart.

As the sun began to dip, he realized he needed to find a place to stay. Spotting a well-kept inn managed by the Hu Clan, he made his way inside.

They had a good reputation among the other Four Great Clans, so it was a rather sensible choice.

He approached the receptionist, a young woman with delicate features and a professional demeanor. "I'd like to book a room," he said.

The receptionist glanced at him, her eyes assessing. "Our rooms cost 50 spirit stones per night. Will that be acceptable?"

Huang Longtian handed over the amount, noting the subtle change in the receptionist's expression when she saw the Spirit Stones. "That will be fine."

She quickly completed the transaction and handed him a key. "Your room is on the third floor, second door on the right. Please, enjoy your stay young master."

Huang Longtian thanked her and made his way to his room. The inn was clean and well-maintained, with a quiet, welcoming atmosphere. 

Once inside his room, he set down his things and took a moment to relax.

However, he knew he had work to do. He needed to write some techniques to repay his master's favor. 

First, he decided to draw a Illusion Spell and a Qi Concealing Spell to his room, ensuring that no one would know or inspect what he was doing.

He carefully drew the word "Illusion", watching as it glowed faintly before fading into the walls. 

The room looked the same as before but he could notice a lingering fog dancing around the room. To others, it would just look like he was sleeping.

Satisfied, he moved on to the words "Qi" and "Concealing". 

The words shimmered and then disappeared, leaving the room feeling completely ordinary.

Once the protections were in place, Huang Longtian sat down at the small desk in the room. 

He spread out the high-quality paper and opened the ink bottle, dipping the brush in with ease. 

He closed his eyes for a moment, focusing his mind on the task at hand.