Chapter 22: Did a Fairy Eat You Out of House and Home?

Chuckling derisively.

She didn't blame them; after all, the desire for beauty is universal, and it was quite normal for those handsome and dapper young masters to actively invite others.

Jiang Feng was no longer very nervous now. Ever since he heard the four words "Peak Master", his anxieties had settled, at least he didn't worry about others wanting to harm him.

Although Liu Tangxi didn't recognize him as a disciple, she was indeed somewhat of a master to him.

"Ladies, return to your rooms."

Clearing her throat, Su Yi simply called out once, her voice not loud, but the girls, who were merrily enjoying themselves with the gentlemen in the hall, were all smiles as they eagerly pulled their company to dash upstairs.

Some were in pairs, some stomped their feet in frustration as their guests were snatched away mid-service by other sisters, then followed them in, and those who played music and danced picked up their instruments and headed towards the backyard.

In just a few short minutes, nearly everyone in the hall had dispersed, leaving only a few older people responsible for cleaning and another old madam at the counter clicking away on an abacus.

It was then that Jiang Feng realized that it was time to clock out, no, that the reception time was over, and the rest of the time naturally was... to spend a wonderful night.

"Young Master, I know you're full of questions right now."

Taking the lead and gesturing for Jiang Feng to follow, she began to check each room for any oversights while also addressing his curiosity.

"A few months ago, Peak Master Liu came to Qingshui County due to a sect mission and disliked the atmosphere of the brothel, so she went out to find accommodations and ended up staying at Young Master Jiang's home.

"If I remember correctly, that not-so-booming hostel is the inheritance left to you by your parents."

He nodded silently.

But the next sentence nearly made Jiang Feng spit out in surprise.

"Did Peak Master eat you out of house and home?"

"Uh!"

She turned back with a teasing smile.

Normally, she wouldn't dare speak so freely in front of Liu Tangxi, but since she was not present and based on her understanding of Liu Tangxi, she believed that if Liu Tangxi was not thinking of taking on a disciple, she certainly wouldn't have stayed at his place for three months.

That is why she treated Jiang Feng as a peer.

"But don't blame Peak Master for being stingy. Usually, cultivators trade with Spirit Stones, so carrying silver is common in those big cities or Central State, where Spirit Stones are the currency. But in our small border county, even if you were given some, it would be of no use."

"And you might even attract mortal peril."

He nodded, fully understanding such unknown risks. Just a marriage contract almost led him to his doom, not to mention what would happen if he got his hands on the legendary Spirit Stones.

Probably would have his ancestral grave dug up for investigation.

"You must be very curious about the relationship between Ethereal Violet Pavilion and Peak Master Liu."

"Simply put, the Ethereal Violet Pavilion is an enterprise for cultivators in the secular world, and of course, it doesn't belong to Peak Master Liu alone, but to the whole sect."

"What, disillusioned with the Cultivation World?"

After checking each room to make sure the list matched with today's patrons, she saw the speechless young man behind her and questioned.

Many people fantasize about the Cultivation World, seeing cultivators as heavenly beings without emotions or wants, aloof from worldly affairs. But reality is quite the opposite, and those lofty beings of the Cultivation World are not much different from the secular folk.

But to her surprise, Jiang Feng shook his head, the confusion in his eyes gradually clearing.

"No, I completely understand."

"Previously, I pondered a question, which is why cultivators can cultivate."

"You know I killed the Xue Family Head and his servant; that carriage driver Wang Qi joined the Xue family because the old master Xue always wanted his son to cultivate, so he was collecting spirit pills everywhere. Wang Qi thought of intercepting the pills on the way and that's why he joined."

"Even for a son to cultivate requires the consumption of so many resources, so much manpower and material power. At that time, I was wondering how those mysterious Immortal Sects earn their resources."

"By having cultivators roam the mountains and fields looking for herbs? Making money themselves? Mining spirit stones themselves? Not quite realistic. They are cultivators, with power and authority in their hands, naturally they wouldn't waste their time on such trivial matters."

"So they definitely need to rely on the continuous supply of resources from the secular industries."

"In return, the immortals provide protection for these industries, give them rights, and elevate their status in the secular world. Maybe they can even step into the Immortal Sects through these connections."

"This creates a virtuous cycle, where both parties benefit..."

I opened my mouth.

Not a word came out.

I have met Peak Master Liu only a few times, but I know one thing.

That is, despite cultivating disciples for over ten years, this Peak Master has not brought a single person up the mountain.

Although Jiang Feng wasn't taken by the Peak Master, based on my understanding of Liu Tangxi, the fact that the Peak Master is willing to live in Jiang Feng's home for a long time says a lot; yet when the young man before me speaks so lightly, I am still astonished.

"…Young Master Jiang is truly insightful."

"Hm? Thank you for the compliment, did I, by any chance, interrupt you just now?"

He was indifferent, contemplating the problem merely from a modern perspective, after all, these basic pieces of knowledge would be touched upon in classrooms more or less.

But in Su Yi's eyes, this teenager seems like a monster.

In fact, Jiang Feng had more to say but was hesitant to voice it.

Like that so-called opportunity in the secular industry to cultivate depends on who performs well, who earns more, who plays a significant role, only then you are given this chance.

And with limited places, the goal is to make everyone compete, incessantly increasing the resources available to the sect, mulling over how much it costs to cultivate a talent, and how much everyone else can earn for me working to their deaths.

A capitalist analogy all too familiar.

Last life, nearly died in an office because of it.

"No, you didn't interrupt. Please continue, Young Master."

Looking at Su Yi's eager eyes, I assumed the Pavilion Master wanted to test me. Usually, Jiang Feng was quite good at hiding his capabilities, but it's rare to have the opportunity to meet someone from the Cultivation World; it's essential to showcase oneself.

"That… The Ethereal Violet Pavilion being built in Qingshui County isn't just for the silver, right?"

"Why do you say that?"

His expression didn't change much, just staring straight at Jiang Feng's young and handsome face.

"You see, your Ethereal Violet Pavilion is so large, and the quality of each lady is so exceptional, not to mention in a small county town, but even going to the State City or capital, they could probably thrive very well."

"Yet they specifically chose such a place, aside from accumulating wealth and resources, they must also be responsible for gathering intelligence."

"Liu Xianzi said when she descended the mountain, she had to exorcise demons and catch people. Without someone providing accurate information, she probably couldn't find anyone even if she searched the mountains for years."

"This is a border between two countries, and I heard they've fought wars in the past."

"Deliberately built here to stay informed about the Kingdom of the Clouded Path's movements at all times, to guard against other cultivators sneaking in..."

At this thought, Jiang Feng's expression turned a bit odd, his heart skipping a beat.

Although I grew up here from a young age, am I truly a local?