Chapter 5: Exchanging for a Dharma Artifact!

“Four hundred and twenty catties of spirit rice should be worth two hundred and ten contribution points.”

“But I said I would give you a twenty percent bonus, which comes to two hundred and fifty-two contribution points.”

“However, seeing how hard you worked to irrigate the fields, I’ll compensate you another eight contribution points out of my own pocket. Two hundred and sixty contribution points in total, all yours!”

Zhang Luanfeng’s voice was like a warm spring breeze on the face, making one feel exceptionally at ease.

Lü Qingyang’s heart warmed.

Though the Chaotian Sect’s rules were strict, there were no brainless cultivators courting death within the sect.

On the contrary, under safe sect rules, everyone was fairly close.

This feeling was rather comfortable.

“Thank you, Senior Brother!”

Lü Qingyang bowed in thanks, not daring to put on airs.

Zhang Luanfeng waved his hand, speaking with a smile. “No need for such courtesy. We’re all one family from now on.”

With that, he reached out and called over Lü Qingyang’s identity jade token.

At the same time, he took out the Spirit Field Bureau’s jade token and stamped it.

The two jade tokens hummed as they merged into one.

Layers of radiance swirled and dispersed, and in an instant they separated once more.

Zhang Luanfeng put the jade token away.

“I’ve already recorded the contribution points into your jade token. You can exchange for items at any of the sect’s bureaus.”

“You can also take it to the market at the foot of the mountain to exchange for spirit stones.”

“But I wouldn’t recommend it. After all, spirit stones are easy to get, but contribution points are hard to come by.”

Zhang Luanfeng advised.

“Understood, Senior Brother.”

Lü Qingyang nodded.

“Alright, I’m heading back to the Spirit Field Bureau. The rest of the weighing can be left to Steward Li.”

“Oh, right. If you need anything in the future, you can come find me at the Spirit Field Bureau. My name is Zhang Luanfeng.”

Having said that, Zhang Luanfeng cast a Lightness Skill and drifted off toward the Spirit Field Bureau.

“Take care, Senior Brother!”

The surrounding menial disciples all saluted, respectfully sending off this young Spirit Field Bureau steward.

Lü Qingyang did the same.

Only after Steward Zhang had left did Lü Qingyang put away his jade token and prepare to look around the sect.

Now that the spirit field had been harvested, he had a few days of leisure.

And with today’s generous haul, it was about time to spend a little.

But before he could take a step, Li Fu led a crowd of menial disciples and surrounded him.

“Steward Li… what’s this about…”

Lü Qingyang looked at Li Fu, a puzzled expression on his face.

“Junior Brother Lü, why be so distant? From now on, we can just address each other as senior and junior brothers.”

Li Fu grinned.

Then he beckoned to the menial disciples beside him.

“What are you all standing around for? Hurry up and congratulate your Senior Brother Lü in advance on his imminent promotion to the Outer Gate and his post at the Spirit Field Bureau!”

“Senior Brother Lü, congratulations! If you need anything in the future, just give the word!”

“That’s right, Senior Brother Lü, you’re the pride of our Sixth Menial Court!”

“...”

The surrounding menial disciples offered their congratulations one after another.

Seeing this, Lü Qingyang was somewhat surprised, but he understood.

His cultivation had broken through; he was already at the third level of Qi Refining.

Within the entire menial court, he was in the first tier.

Not to mention he had caught the eye of an Outer Gate steward. His future promotion to the Outer Gate was practically smooth sailing.

It was understandable that these menial disciples would flatter him like this.

So Lü Qingyang smiled and thanked the surrounding menial disciples, showing no arrogance.

Soon, the group of menial disciples escorted Lü Qingyang away from the area.

“Senior Brother Lü, let’s chat again when we get the chance.”

“Senior Brother Lü, remember to look for me if you need anything.”

“Senior Brother Lü…”

The crowd bid him farewell enthusiastically, each wanting to leave a good impression in Lü Qingyang’s heart.

Lü Qingyang nodded in acknowledgment as he quickly walked away.

“Phew…”

After walking several hundred meters, he let out a long breath, a trace of satisfaction rising in his heart.

Though he had been doing rough work all this time, the days had accumulated, and Lü Qingyang’s strength had grown considerably.

Unknowingly, he had already surpassed cultivators of the same period.

If I just keep living slowly like this, sooner or later I’ll be able to go up and see the sights of this world.

Even the position of Chaotian Sect Master — it’s not like I have no chance to sit in it!

Lü Qingyang’s gaze burned, as if he could see a beautiful vision of the future.

…

The Spirit Artifact Bureau.

Like the other nine bureaus of the Chaotian Sect, it stood four stories tall on the sect’s mountainside.

The entire Spirit Artifact Bureau occupied an extremely vast area.

It covered roughly several hundred mu, and the spiritual qi within was dense.

The towering halls and the streams of light entering and exiting all proclaimed its bustle.

“I currently have techniques, cultivation methods, and pills — everything I need. Though the variety is limited, it’s just enough.”

“The only thing I lack is a Dharma Artifact to protect myself.”

“If I could find a handy Dharma Artifact for defense, that would be perfect.”

Lü Qingyang thought as he quickly headed toward the main hall of the Spirit Artifact Bureau.

Though his former self had spent several years in the Chaotian Sect, he had only been an ordinary menial disciple.

He had never been to the Spirit Artifact Bureau.

After all, ordinary disciples struggled to even afford pills after painstakingly saving contribution points.

Let alone having the spare wealth to buy a Dharma Artifact for protection.

Thus, when Lü Qingyang stepped into the main hall, his gray cloth robe immediately drew the gazes of many disciples.

“Huh?”

“A menial disciple?”

“What’s he doing at the Spirit Artifact Bureau?”

“Did he get lost?”

The crowd murmured among themselves, though none meant any ill will.

They simply found it strange to see a menial here.

Lü Qingyang paid them no mind, walking straight through the cold, empty hall.

He came to the side of a Spirit Artifact Bureau disciple on duty.

“Greetings, Senior Brother.”

“I’m a disciple of the Sixth Menial Court. I’d like to exchange for a Dharma Artifact for protection.”

Lü Qingyang cupped his hands.

The white-robed disciple looked him up and down.

He said nothing more, only pointing to the upper floors of the Spirit Artifact Bureau. “Outer Gate and menial disciples may enter the first floor.”

“The second floor and above are off-limits.”

“If you want to exchange for a Dharma Artifact, just go to the first floor and pick one.”

“Mm, thank you, Senior Brother.”

Lü Qingyang cupped his fists in thanks, then turned and headed for the first floor above the main hall.

“Thud thud thud!”

“Dong dong dong!”

…

Lü Qingyang walked on and on, stopping only when he reached the first floor.

Looking up, wooden counters floated one after another, each holding a Dharma Artifact gleaming with flowing light.

Beneath each counter was engraved detailed information about the artifact.

For example, a flying sword’s price, quality, attack effects, and so on…

The first floor held a great number of Dharma Artifacts, each emitting extraordinary fluctuations and pressure.

The variety was also immense. Lü Qingyang glanced around.

He found not only flying swords and flying knives, but also umbrellas, drums, cauldrons, banners, and more.

In short, any first-rank Dharma Artifact imaginable was available.

From top-grade first-rank to low-grade first-rank, everything was covered.

There was even a fair number of Dharma Armor and Dharma Robes — truly rare!

Dharma Armor… that’s actually a good option.

Lü Qingyang’s gaze swept over a soft inner armor of bright silver, and he rather liked it.

But when he looked down at the contribution points required on the wooden counter, he could not help but frown.

A single inner armor actually cost three hundred contribution points.

It seems defensive Dharma Artifacts are much more expensive than offensive ones…

Lü Qingyang mused, and without even reading the artifact information on that counter, he walked toward a wooden counter on the other side.

Within the counter, a black shuttle-shaped Dharma Artifact lay quietly.

The shuttle was pitch-black as ink.

It flickered with a deep, mysterious black light, and faint threads of patterns could be seen floating on its surface, making it look inscrutable.

“Nightshade Shuttle, low-grade first-rank Dharma Artifact, forged from Dark Origin Ore.”

“Possesses the power of concealment, ambush, and attack.”

“If used at night, it can greatly evade a cultivator’s divine sense detection, making it hard to notice.”

“Two hundred contribution points!”

Lü Qingyang stared at the Nightshade Shuttle, his eyes burning with desire.

This shuttle was too perfect for him — stealthy, safe, and offensive.

With this at his side, his safety factor would definitely rise considerably.

Thinking of this, Lü Qingyang took out his identity jade token without a shred of hesitation and called out to the disciple on duty downstairs.

“Senior Brother, I want this one!”