Chapter Forty-Seven: Seize the Moment to Make Money

Su Jian’s gaze grew a shade more intent. “Though that man is ugly, he is no fool. He understands the art of retreating to advance.”

Zhao Qianxue immediately grasped his meaning, realization dawning on her face. “He’s afraid we’ll also compete for the positions at the Tribunal of Retribution, and steal his spot?”

Su Jian smiled faintly. “That’s almost certainly it. Otherwise, why would he try to dissuade us?”

Plainly, they were being regarded as rivals.

Excitement flashed in Zhao Qianxue’s eyes. “Since that’s the case, let’s do the opposite of what he wants. We’ll take his spot, then resign from the Tribunal of Retribution.”

She could already imagine the look on the man’s face when that happened.

Su Jian simply waved his hand. “Then you go do that.”

He had no taste for such petty amusements. It was far more efficient to simply eliminate the problem at its source.

Besides—

Did she think one could simply leave the Tribunal of Retribution at will?

If they tried, they’d only court unnecessary trouble and end up suffering for it.

Courting disaster was the one thing utterly forbidden by his principle of prudence.

Zhao Qianxue folded her arms, huffing, “Little Jian, you have no sense of pity for a beauty. No wonder you’ll never win any woman’s affection!”

Su Jian raised an eyebrow. “Why would I need any other woman’s affection?”

At this, Zhao Qianxue’s smile bloomed like a flower. Though he was as wooden as ever, his words always pleased her.

The corner of Su Jian's mouth twitched—she really was easily satisfied.

It wasn’t that he was incapable of saying sweet nothings; he simply couldn’t be bothered.

He had always despised unnecessary trouble, keeping things as simple as possible.

As they walked, Su Jian was lost in thought.

This call for talent from Great Qi seemed unusually urgent, almost desperate.

He knew a fair bit about the Tribunal of Retribution—after all, it was a power to be reckoned with in this world.

Ordinarily, the Tribunal accepted only those with clean backgrounds. Wandering cultivators of uncertain origins were never considered.

But this time, the Tribunal seemed to welcome all comers.

Su Jian didn’t ponder it further. In the end, none of this concerned him.

He simply kept half an eye on such oddities, resolving to be on his guard lest he be drawn into some unwanted intrigue.

Why invite trouble for nothing?

For now, he would keep a low profile and live incognito for a while.

The Alliance of the Righteous wouldn’t find them easily.

Earning money was the real priority.

---

Before anything else, he needed to buy a house and settle down.

He intended to stay here long-term; living in a busy inn with prying eyes was out of the question.

After some inquiries, he soon found the property exchange.

The prices, however, were steep—a small courtyard cost a full three hundred spirit stones.

No wonder this was the capital of Great Jin; even the houses here were worth their weight in gold.

He felt no urge to inspect the property in person.

First, it was too much hassle—such trifles weren’t worth wasting time over.

Second, the broker’s description had been thorough. If there was any deceit, he would scatter the man’s ashes without hesitation.

Besides the courtyard, Su Jian also bought a small shop—just to avoid another trip in the near future.

That was another five hundred spirit stones gone.

He’d already run short of spirit stones when purchasing the courtyard.

Su Jian considered settling the remainder with cultivation resources from Su Henli’s storage ring.

No matter where you were, cultivation resources were the ultimate currency.

Zhao Qianxue spoke softly, “I have a little spirit stones left—you can use them.”

Without a moment’s hesitation, she handed over the five hundred-odd spirit stones he lacked.

Su Jian was taken aback, but said nothing in thanks—it would have seemed too formal.

It appeared her little treasury was quite substantial.

The transactions went smoothly. Their contact handed over two deeds with utmost respect.

Su Jian then led Zhao Qianxue to their new courtyard, guided by the deed.

He couldn’t help but sigh, “From now on, this is our home.”

A trace of yearning flickered in Zhao Qianxue’s eyes.

Now that she thought about it, a quiet, untroubled life like this wasn’t so bad.

She had always been lax in her cultivation—not that she disliked it, but enduring the tedium was difficult.

Su Jian unlocked the door. The courtyard contained three rooms; though simple, they were rather elegant.

All in all, the property matched the seller’s description—there was little to complain about.

“Qianxue,” Su Jian instructed, “I need you to find a few people to tidy up. I have something to attend to and will return later.”

Zhao Qianxue made no objection; she couldn’t help with his cultivation, but such tasks were no trouble.

Still, she asked with some concern, “Are you going to check on the shop?”

After so many perils on their journey, the sudden peace made it hard for Zhao Qianxue to adjust.

Su Jian simply grunted in assent, offering no further explanation.

---

Following the deed’s directions, he soon reached the shop, located in the heart of Yingdu where foot traffic was heavy.

No wonder it had fetched five hundred spirit stones.

Su Jian planned to unlock some low-grade cultivation resources to sell.

Though cheap, they required little energy to produce.

As for things like the Five Poisons Powder, Heavenly Star Thunder, protective talismans, and Great Transference Talismans—he had no plans to sell those yet.

Selling a few once in a while was fine, but to do so regularly would invite immense trouble.

Sooner or later, someone would question the origin of his wares. If any malicious soul set their sights on him, the consequences would be dire.

To be prudent, he would proceed step by step.

He still lacked the strength to protect himself—a showy display was the last thing he needed.

Take the Alliance of the Righteous, for instance. They had already lost several Nascent Soul cultivators and were no doubt furious.

If his whereabouts were exposed, he would soon face Spirit Severing stage opponents.

Without delay, Su Jian selected the “Summon Player” mode in his mind.

[You have summoned three players this time, all from the same world. You can choose one to summon.]

[...]

[Ouyang Feng]

[Yang Guo]

[Li Mochou]

Su Jian: “…”

Fifty thousand energy points—for this?

Three weaklings again. He felt a twinge of dismay.

It wasn’t unbearable, but his feelings were complicated.

Yang Guo was immediately ruled out.

Li Mochou had some uses, but not for him.

What he needed now was someone who could really fight.

That left only Ouyang Feng—one of the Five Greats of his world, he should have some combat power.

At least better than a mere Qi Refining cultivator, right?

With no other choice, Su Jian silently recited, “Summon Ouyang Feng.”

At least this family would all be together—hopefully, this Ouyang Feng would not follow in Ouyang Ke’s footsteps.

Though, he did wonder which point in Ouyang Feng’s timeline this would be. He certainly didn’t want the mad version.