Becoming evil makes you ten times stronger, but becoming a demon gives you hundredfold strength-Chapter 196 - 177: Showing Off Makes Me Happy

Bu Shixian had visited Bai Qianqian’s cave dwelling many times and was thoroughly familiar with the simple arrangement inside.

Stone tables, stone benches, a Qi Gathering formation, a spiritual spring, several hanging Luminous Pearls; the only luxury item was a Cold Jade Bed, which sometimes was covered with a bear pelt, mainly because Bai Qianqian enjoyed the fluffy feeling.

Of course, Bu Shixian was unaware that the appearance of Bai Qianqian’s cave was an important reason why the Five Directions Tower ordered an attack. Even one’s own bedroom was so modestly furnished, and yet there was still talk of backing by a Nascent Soul powerhouse?

Meng Yu had been a member of the Moon-Watching Sect for over two years now, and the sect’s financial situation hadn’t changed much. Bai Qianqian’s room was still the same, though the female disciples had gained a robe or two. But the Five Directions Tower, having seen the world, knew how many tricksters operated.

They had visited the Central Plains in their youth, and the luxury of the wealthy families there was the true definition of dignity. Bai Qianqian? Such a scammer was obviously targeting fools.

However, if the Five Directions Tower were to enter Bai Qianqian’s room at this moment, they would feel entirely different.

Meng Yu had directly customized a set of furniture, the low-key luxury of which, while not entirely understood by everyone, was evident upon closer inspection. For instance, these wooden stools by one’s feet were carved from the bodies of Third Grade tree demons after undergoing numerous refinements. One even bore the marks of a lightning strike...could it possibly be millennia-old Thunderstruck Wood?

The floating Luminous Pearls had been taken down, replaced by a scroll depicting ever-changing landscapes, sometimes an ocean full of fish, sometimes vast deserts. Such Immortal Sect ceiling lamps could be voice-controlled to change into hundreds of styles, but apart from looking pretty, what other uses did it have?

Everyone puzzled over this, investigating the premises when several disciples of the Moon-Watching Sect began unpacking a large box. It contained a lustrous, smooth White Jade Plate, with hints of golden light flickering through, a Second-order Magic Artifact, but so sizeable and heavy - Bu Shixian had watched for a long time, feeling that there was something odd about it.

The entire piece of jade, under the craftsmanship of skilled artisans, had been enhanced with assistive talismans. However, there was not the slightest trace of battle essence. It seemed similar to a dish in the mortal world, ’Chrysanthemum Fish’, beautiful beyond compare, but meant just for a whiff.

"This is..."

The Flower Demon’s gaze flickered, inquiring.

She too found it odd, this fine white jade artifact was heavy yet full of artistic appeal, but... why carve so many flowers into it instead of more potent talismans?

"Ah, a bed, especially for sleeping. Others might not sleep well on it since it’s jade and uncomfortable, but it suits my constitution and temperament well, so he bought it for me..."

Bai Qianqian said somewhat embarassedly. She had felt good showing off in front of everyone yesterday, but now, she really wasn’t trying to show off. It’s just that... Meng Yu had said, when you start collecting illegal funds, you must let everyone know you drive a BMW not a Mazda; this makes it easier to convince them.

She might not understand, but she was certainly stunned.

"This isn’t much; in fact, it’s a bit of an under-treatment for Qianqian.

I originally had my eye on a Third Grade Moonlight Disk and a complete set of nice items. Unfortunately, with the Five Directions Tower causing trouble and a major battle looming, resources had to be directed towards war efforts. So Qianqian had to be content with less for now."

Meng Yu stood by, still looking bashful.

The Great Demons looked at each other; they had a clear idea of how many Spirit Stones Bai Qianqian had taken with her when she left last time. After witnessing eleven Second-order Magical Instruments, everyone felt that the goods were really cheap on the other side, very good indeed, but then...

"These were also bought?"

Niu Erzhuang, who was straightforward, asked.

"Yes, all bought together. Unfortunately, there weren’t enough Spirit Stones, so despite yearning for many items, I couldn’t purchase them."

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Everyone’s jaws twitched incessantly, and then they listened as Bai Qianqian described all the wonderful things she had seen on the other side.

"Sister Hua, I actually had my eye on a Moon Dew Disk as well, but it’s too cold to sleep on, and the excess yin energy could dampen the fur. However, it could be quite suitable for you. If buried close to your true form, it would greatly aid your Divine Soul cultivation..."

"Sister Bu, you should really add some everyday luxury items to your cave dwelling. I saw a formation called the Hundred Thunder Sword Pool on that side, really impressive. It uses Five Elements materials, combines a hundred types of thunder, forming something akin to a Spiritual Spring. It would suit someone like you, Sister Bu. To soak in it daily would be so comfortable..."

As she spoke, she even used Spiritual Energy to project illusions to confirm her words.

That day, Meng Yu only allowed Bai Qianqian to look at some mirrored-themed Magical Treasures, but over the following month, she went through them all and memorized every bit of information. Of course, it wasn’t that she wanted Meng Yu to buy them for her; it was just that browsing through those items felt great, much like boys poring over the specifications of high-end hardware.

Upon her return home the previous day, Meng Yu told her that the morale of the Moon-Watching Sect must be raised. It was okay to share a bit about the items with her sisters and friends, but remember... no educational learning can surpass the life perspective offered by a solid gold toilet!

So, to show them what luxury really meant.

Like this White Jade Plate.

Her companions stood agape, stunned by the revelation. The impoverished denizens of the Western Wastes had never dreamt that with advancements in production, some people used pure gold toilets, or rather, such precious materials as home furnishing!

The White Jade Plate could be used to create many talismans, for crafting Magical Artifacts, and...

Bu Shixian, tears of shame streaming down her face, listened quietly without a word; Ji Qiaoer and others trembled with excitement.

Bai Qianqian didn’t mention the price, but this set must be worth at least seven or eight Second-Grade Magical Artifacts, right?

So, should our previous price estimates be halved?

Half price; genuine bargains on the other side!

Right, weren’t we forgetting something?

After the company finished touring the cave and emerged in a daze, Bai Qianqian reminded everyone that it was time to get back to business. Your next read awaits at novelbuddy

Strengthen the Mountain Protection Array.

He opened the Storage Bag and incessantly took out First and Second Order Magical Instruments, which suddenly made everyone feel that it was all too uninteresting.

Even though the Spirit Vein’s energy was cut off, there would still be Spirit Veins existing beneath the vast mountains spanning dozens of miles. With continued reinforcement like this, how could the Five Directions Tower possibly break in, and how would there be a chance for everyone to fight a bloody battle?

"We are really lucky."

A certain imp suddenly said in a low voice.

...

One month later, at the Moon-Watching Sect.

There were visitors.

The visitor was someone Meng Yu knew, Master Lin from the Myriad Gold Shop—the tall and thin Golden Core Master—accompanied by an attendant, came to visit.

After redeeming the Rainbow Pheasant last time, Meng Yu asked Ji Qiaoer if Master Lin had done "that" to her, to which her answer was that Master Lin was a cold-hearted money-making machine, who never did such things.

If he was a machine for earning Spirit Stones, that would be fine.

Of course, the fact that he could come to visit Bai Qianqian indicated that his stance was with the Five Directions Tower; otherwise, even as a person from the Myriad Gold Shop, The Five Directions Tower wouldn’t have let him in.

Master Lin, who had put down his Storage Bag and was deprived of most of his True Qi along with his magical robe and weapons, was then admitted into the Sect. The Mountain Protection Array tightly locked onto him, while Bu Shixian followed his every step closely.

This was fine since it was Master Lin, if it was someone else, Bai Qianqian would have sent them away directly.

"The situation here is much better than I had imagined."

Master Lin’s attitude was rather pleasant, looking quite at ease.

"It’s alright, I think we can hold out for two or three years without any big issues."

Bai Qianqian snorted.

"Hm, it’s going to be tough."

Master Lin sighed, recounting the situation outside for everyone.

In one month’s time, The Five Directions Tower had enough to sweep the surrounding area clean, meanwhile identifying nodes such as those on the Spirit Veins and bringing in a massive amount of siege equipment to start attacking the Array.

But, this time the situation was a bit special.

Everyone knew that the jade rabbit’s Formation skills were not bad, but they were just that—not bad. Initially, the main concern was the three Golden Cores, Bai Qianqian, Hua Miaochai, and Bu Shixian.

According to The Five Directions Tower’s estimates, it was only Bu Shixian who was a bit more formidable, while the other two Golden Cores were just extras. However, they had not anticipated being stumped by the Array without even facing the three of them.

No matter if it was The Five Directions Tower’s own Array experts or the external support they invited, the more they analyzed, the more they discovered, "Eh? This Bai Qianqian seems to be quite formidable?"

Bai Qianqian did not like going out, and for dozens of years had not helped others construct Arrays. Moreover, even when she did help, her colleagues would never praise her too much, as it involved issues of Spirit Stones and livelihood.

Now, everyone took a look, and this job was tougher than expected.

Look at the Great Formation set up by these people, large traps within small traps, mechanisms upon mechanisms, danger lurking at every turn. Moreover, the jade rabbit clan was one of the Nine Great Divine Beasts. What if they had some other deep-seated powers? It’s just you lunatics who aren’t afraid of these ancient inheritors with bloodlines passed down for a million years…

In the end, everyone concluded that to break the Great Formation, it would take at least half a year, which was far beyond expectations.

But could The Five Directions Tower afford to have four Golden Cores stay away from their Sect for so long?

"Master Bai, I just think, we’re all neighbors here; there’s no need for such a massive conflict. Wouldn’t it be better to seek peace?"

Master Lin was amiable in his attitude, but Meng Yu could feel the haughtiness exuding from him.

The Five Directions Tower, after controlling the surroundings, would naturally sweep away everything. Many from the Moon-Watching Sect would not be spared, and it was even possible that some who thought of aiding the Moon-Watching Sect would be killed. This constituted a blood feud.

Now, to dare step forward as a mediator, one would naturally have to be very confident in the power and influence of their backing sect.

"We refuse to negotiate peace; let us continue to drag this out and see who can’t hold on anymore."

Bai Qianqian said fiercely.

"That will not do."

Master Lin smiled slightly, his voice containing a hint of a sigh.