Page 14

As Qin Shu was lost in her thoughts, she suddenly heard the familiar voice of He Xin asking curiously, "Senior Sisters, who is this Demon Lord Xie Shiyuan? Did he get lost?"

Looking up, Qin Shu saw He Xin already chatting enthusiastically with the two disciples, seemingly immersed in their conversation.

Qin Shu stayed silent. Was this what they called a social butterfly? No wonder He Xin always knew all the gossip—her ability to strike up a conversation with anyone was truly impressive.

It wasn't long before He Xin returned with the latest news she had gathered.

"Sister, I've got the scoop! That Xie Shiyuan is a bad guy. A few days ago, he was seriously injured during his tribulation, and now the Eight Great Sects want to take this chance to eliminate him..." He Xin spoke animatedly, her excitement evident. The gossip of the cultivation world was far juicier than the mundane stories of Brahma City.

Listening to He Xin, Qin Shu noticed slight discrepancies from what she remembered reading in the original story, but it was understandable.

After all, now that she was on righteous ground, how could these so-called gentlemen admit to taking advantage of someone's misfortune?

"What's that jade slip they're using?" Compared to the gossip, Qin Shu was far more interested in the "device" they were using.

As expected, He Xin didn't disappoint. "That's a transmission jade slip. If you exchange spiritual imprints with someone, you can contact them directly. It's also used to share updates and news across the cultivation world, visible to everyone."

Qin Shu understood. So, it was essentially a cultivation-world version of a smartphone.

With this realization, Qin Shu became even more intrigued. To better integrate into the cultivation world, she definitely needed to get one for herself!

Ahem, if she were being honest, it was mainly because the internet-addicted girl in her wanted a little "cultivation smartphone."

"There's a shop in Chijin City that sells them. Let's check it out later."

Many disciples were heading to Chijin City for the market, so it didn't take long for them to gather a group of ten.

The elder in charge of the teleportation array warned the first-timers to close their eyes once on the array, as the journey could be dizzying, and to prepare themselves mentally.

The teleportation only took about half a quarter of an hour. Qin Shu followed the elder's advice, closing her eyes. The sensation was akin to motion sickness, but having taken buses daily to school in her past life, she adapted quickly.

He Xin, on the other hand, didn't fare so well. She looked pale as they stepped off the array.

One of the senior sisters who had just gossiped with her took out a small porcelain bottle and handed it to He Xin. "Here, try taking a strong whiff of this nasal snuff."

He Xin, her face as white as a sheet, removed the bottle's stopper and inhaled deeply. A refreshing peppermint scent surged straight to her head.

She squinted, her features scrunching up in discomfort, but she recovered quickly.

Returning the nasal snuff, He Xin was surprised when the senior sister waved her off. "Keep it. I don't need it anymore."

Only after they had walked away did He Xin realize she hadn't even asked which sect the senior sister belonged to.

Seeing her regretful expression, Qin Shu suggested, "Why not buy a transmission jade slip later? Next time, you can exchange imprints and keep in touch with her."

He Xin nodded earnestly. "Yes, a transmission jade slip would be really handy for staying in touch."

Or for staying on top of the gossip, Qin Shu thought to herself but refrained from saying aloud.

Before them stretched a bustling street, ancient in design. Most disciples wore robes provided by their sects, and apparently, some shops even offered an 8% discount for disciples of Xuantian Sect.

He Xin, eager to get her hands on a transmission jade slip, dragged Qin Shu along as they inquired about its whereabouts, heading straight for a shop selling them.

These jade slips were essential in the cultivation world, considered basic gear, and were quite affordable.

Arriving at the shop, He Xin pulled Qin Shu inside and asked directly, "Shopkeeper, do you have transmission jade slips?"

A clerk emerged from behind the counter, his face lighting up when he saw their attire and age. "You must be new disciples of Xuantian Sect?"

Qin Shu nodded. "Yes. Why? Do you offer discounts too?"

The clerk's smile widened. "Of course, we do. Are you here for transmission jade slips? What kind do you need?"

Qin Shu blinked in surprise. Were there different types of jade slips?

He Xin quickly chimed in, "Show us everything you've got. We'll pick one."

The clerk complied, fetching a wooden box from a corner behind the counter. He opened it to reveal a variety of jade slips and said, "These are all the transmission jade slips we have. The white ones are the most common and affordable, while the pink and black ones are more expensive."

He Xin's eyes immediately fell on a pink jade slip. She picked it up and asked, "How much for this pink one?"

Seeing her clear interest, the clerk's eyes gleamed. "Originally, it's 12 low-grade spirit stones, but since you're from Xuantian Sect, it's only 10."

He Xin beamed. She had worried her spirit stones wouldn't be enough, but it turned out she could afford it.

However, before she could agree, Qin Shu interjected, "Lower the price."

He Xin froze, watching as Qin Shu pointed at the jade slips with a stern expression. "These are outdated models, and no one else wants them. If you miss this chance to sell to us, your next opportunity won't come for another decade with the next batch of new disciples. They're just taking up space."

The clerk's smile stiffened. These young disciples were getting harder to fool.

"Miss, you're making it difficult for me. I'm just a clerk working for the boss. I don't have the authority to make such decisions."

Qin Shu replied calmly, "Then call your boss. I'll discuss it with them."

"The boss isn't in Chijin City."

"You have a transmission jade slip, don't you? Just ask them."

...

He Xin was utterly dumbfounded. She had initially wanted to offer her private stash of spirit stones but couldn't interrupt Qin Shu's impressive bargaining.

Finally, the clerk gave in. "How much are you willing to pay?"

Noticing his hesitation, Qin Shu knew the price could go lower. "Two low-grade spirit stones."

The clerk: "..."

He Xin: "???"

He Xin looked up nervously at the clerk, worried he might throw them out.

But Qin Shu remained composed. "If you sell to us, we'll spread the word back at our sect and tell others to buy from you."

"Deal."

This time, Qin Shu was the one left speechless. Turning to He Xin, she tugged her sleeve and said, "Pay the spirit stones."

He Xin stared at Qin Shu in awe. She had initially thought of this younger girl as shy and reserved. Who would have guessed her words were razor-sharp, saving her eight spirit stones with just a few sentences? Amazing!

She quickly paid the spirit stones, picked up the pink jade slip, and felt immensely pleased with herself.

But just as she finished, Qin Shu turned to leave. He Xin looked at her in surprise. "Aren't you getting one?"

After all that bargaining, she wasn't buying one herself? She had seemed so interested earlier!

Qin Shu pressed her lips together and nodded slightly. "No, I'm saving my spirit stones for Fasting Pills."

He Xin: "..."

Roll her to death.