Fangxian Heretical Path

Chapter 15 The Three Types of Living Methods for Applying Yellow Plaster
"This is impossible!"

Fang Shu was terrified.

But considering that his second uncle has not said a word since they met, and that the thief outside was shouting the words "tongue-cutting slave."

It's hard for him not to suspect that the long tongue sword in his hand was the one his second uncle cut off and sent to him!

However, Fang Shu quickly recalled that the long tongue sword in his hand was not originally a magic weapon, but just a demon tongue that could barely be considered a weapon embryo.

But this did not dispel his suspicions; instead, it fueled his unease and resentment.

At this time.

The sounds of fighting and cursing outside the paper house were fading. Before Fang Shu could pry open the paper door, a shout rang out:
"Hey everyone! Look carefully, this contract clearly says 'tongue embryo,' not 'tongue organ'!"
"You can't extort money like this!"

Cheng Guanzi shouted, his voice clear, clearly indicating that he was deliberately addressing the neighbors.

Upon hearing this, Fang Shu stood coldly behind the door. He no longer cared about damaging his second uncle's paper door. He slashed at the lock with his long tongue sword, then pulled the door open and jumped in.

As soon as he emerged from the paper house, he saw a fat, dark-skinned man who was surrounded by several attendants and walked away with an air of importance.

This person is shaped like an earthenware pot, extremely obese, and must be the "Cheng the Pot" mentioned by the milk shop beauty.

Fang Shu, sword in hand, hadn't even moved when a familiar, soft voice suddenly sounded beside him:
"Young man, you wait here until your second uncle returns."

He turned his head and saw that the door of the paper house next door was open inward, and on the paper threshold, a plump woman was half-lying down, looking up at him with a smile.

This person was none other than Xi Shi, the most eye-catching milk shop beauty in the blood-soaked streets during the day.

When the milk shop beauty saw Fang Shu looking over, her smile became even more charming. She placed one hand on her chest and the other on her chin, looking Fang Shu up and down with lustful eyes.

Before the two could speak again, Fang Shu's second uncle returned with a bruised and swollen face, his robe filthy.

Upon seeing Fang Shu burst out of the door, the second uncle was taken aback at first, but immediately understood what was going on.

He cupped his hands in greeting to the milk shop beauty, then pressed Fang Shu's shoulder and pointed inside the door.

Fang Shu's lips moved slightly, but he still lowered his body, obediently picked up his sword, and jumped back into the paper house.

The uncle and nephew stayed inside, using the broken paper door as a makeshift barrier, and had a frank and open conversation.

Fang Shu asked, and his second uncle answered with paper and pen.

Just as Fang Shu had guessed, his long tongue sword was indeed closely related to his second uncle.

On the document that my second uncle had found and clutched tightly before leaving, several lines of text were written:
"I have one thousand Qingfu blood coins, a copy of the 'Secret Sword Technique of Mouth and Abdomen,' and a corresponding magical tongue implant. I am sending these to Fang Shu, the heir of the Fang family in Sanjiang County. He is fifteen years old and has a handsome appearance..."

The document was signed and stamped, and the sender was Fang Shu's second uncle, Yu Le, while the broker was Cheng Guan.

However, the character '胚' in the document appeared particularly white and new compared to the other characters, and it was in the second uncle's hand, which was also holding a small yellow paper.

The "paihuang" is a small piece of paper used to correct mistakes in writing, but it cannot be used on the contract. If it must be used, the signature must be added to the "paihuang".

The old yellow plaque clearly had the character "器" (qi, meaning vessel) written on it, but it had fallen off and was unsigned!

Fang Shu's second uncle covered his face with one hand, his expression helpless, with shame and indignation still lingering on his face.

Clearly, both the uncle and nephew were tricked by that jar.

Fang Shu's second uncle did indeed cut off his own long tongue, which he had refined, and sent it to Fang Shu along with the magic spell and the money for the boat.

The spells and ship fees were clearly stated, so Cheng Guanzi couldn't move them.

However, regarding the Long Tongue Sword, that fellow played a trick. Taking advantage of Fang Shu's second uncle's dazed state after cutting off his tongue and severing his weapon, he altered the character "器" (weapon) to "胚" (embryo) and covered it up with a yellow sticker to deceive others.

In the end, Fang Shu only received a demonic tongue. If he wanted to cultivate the magic to possess someone, he would have to refine a magic weapon himself.

The matter was exposed, and the uncle and nephew had no evidence to argue their case.

When Fang Shu learned the specific reason, his face was filled with worry, guilt, and ashen color.

A murderous intent flickered in his eyes.

The second uncle cut out his tongue and gave him the vessel, which was a great favor to Fang Shu. That Cheng Guanzi dared to steal it, ruining the second uncle's great favor, and is now courting death.

Furthermore, the replacement of the magical artifacts forced Fang Shu to start refining them from scratch, which harmed his health and shortened his lifespan. He was forced to risk killing demons to prolong his life, and that guy deserved to die!

Clang!

Before Fang Shu could make a move, the long tongue sword in his hand, connected by blood and qi, turned bright red, oozing blood light, and trembled slightly.

But at this moment, Second Uncle Yu Le reached out and gently stroked the Long Tongue Sword. He then pinched the blade between two fingers and gave it a light shake, dispersing the surging blood and qi on the Long Tongue Sword.

Second Uncle shook his head, stopping Fang Shu with his gaze, while a smile appeared on his face.

He reached for a pen and wrote a few words:

"Keep your skills hidden until the right time to act."

Upon seeing these words, Fang Shu's gaze changed.

He nodded, exhaled a long breath, and placed the long-tongued sword on the paper-made low table. Facing his second uncle, he bowed deeply in respect.

When he was not yet fifteen, he suffered a great calamity and was mistreated by the elders of the clan. He endured it silently until his second uncle sent him magic and talismans, at which point he gradually regained the initiative.

After successfully cultivating his magic, Fang Shu finally retaliated in kind, severing all ties with the Fang family.

Now that he has just entered the Immortal Market, even his proud second uncle is in such a predicament. He must be more cautious and careful than before, and proceed slowly.

as predicted.

Seeing that Fang Shu had calmed down, his second uncle looked pleased and immediately used his pen as a tongue to write down the details of Cheng Guanzi's story on the paper.

It turns out that despite his dark and fat appearance and unremarkable looks, that guy had not only taken drugs and entered the Dao, but was also a first-stage immortal.

More importantly, this fellow had the backing of the "Black Tiger Dojo" in the market and used the method of "entrusting his wife and children" to befriend powerful figures, which gave him the right to manage and collect rent from the nearby paper mill.

Such people are like petty tyrants and corrupt officials in the mortal world. Not only do you need to be strong to kill them, but you also need to eliminate them without anyone noticing, leaving no hidden dangers.

Otherwise, it is very easy to get into trouble.

After thinking for a moment, Fang Shu said in a deep voice, "I understand, Second Uncle, don't worry."

Seeing that Fang Shu was calm and knew right from wrong, the second uncle breathed a sigh of relief again.

The man rubbed his cheeks, then suddenly grinned and wrote, shaking his head:
"Don't really think that Second Uncle was just acting out of momentary anger and brought shame upon himself."

"Things have come to this point, I have to make trouble for him. And by bothering him about the yellow paper incident, I can get him to pay me at least three months' rent on time!"

I noticed that my second uncle, despite his bruised and swollen face, was also looking smug.

Fang Shu was speechless for a moment.

His spirits lifted, and he began chatting with his second uncle.

Immediately, my second uncle wrote down a bunch of embarrassing stories about that jar.

Once the atmosphere inside the paper house had returned to normal, Fang Shu casually asked:
"Second Uncle, how can we scare that scoundrel into kneeling and begging for mercy, even cutting out his tongue as an apology?" The second uncle understood immediately and wrote down a few words:
"Enter the Taoist temple, learn immortal skills, and join a sect!"

He roused himself, spread his sleeves, raised his right hand, and immediately looked as if he were about to write a long essay.

Upon seeing this, Fang Shu hurriedly offered the long tongue sword in his hand repeatedly, requesting the other party to put the long tongue sword into their mouth and continue.

His second uncle also mastered the secret art of tongue and stomach swordsmanship. All he needed was a tongue sword, which, after being refined, could transform into a long tongue to replace the missing human tongue.

However, my second uncle still firmly declined.

Even though Fang Shu only asked him to refine it for a few days to facilitate communication, the second uncle smiled and shook his head, politely declining again with the reason that "opening the mouth dissipates one's spirit, and moving the tongue breeds trouble; things are fine now."

Helpless, the uncle and nephew could only continue with one speaking and the other answering.

Soon, Fang Shu learned that in this Immortal Clan, those seeking immortality generally lived in three classes.

Those of the lowest class sell their blood as slaves in the marketplace, living like cattle and horses, barely surviving, and only hoping to draw a lucky lot to have a chance to turn their lives around.

Fang Shu had heard the term "fortune slip" repeatedly.

Upon further inquiry, he learned that this thing, as its name suggests, involved spending money to draw lots and obtain opportunities; each draw yielded two coins.

Among the opportunities drawn, in addition to "draw again", "blood vouchers", "talisman coins", "mining tickets" and so on, you can also draw magic weapons, spirit pets, Daoist partners, or even the operating rights of a mine, or even directly join a sect!
It was established by the sect behind the market and had a far-reaching reputation. It was known for its honesty and integrity, and there were lucky winners every year.

As for those seeking immortality at a middling level...

Those people possess a skill, whether it be medicine, talisman, or artifact. They are not young, and even if they have entered the Dao, their path to immortality is cut off. They can only settle down in the market to make a living and place their hopes on the next generation to seek immortality.

And that superior seeker of immortality... suddenly my second uncle pointed to Fang Shu.

The slip of paper he was holding, trembling in his hand, read:

"You are all under the age of thirty-six, full of vitality. You should enter the Taoist temple, learn immortal skills, nourish your physical body, and undergo the immortal tribulation."

So that one day, after undergoing tribulations and refining one's qi, entering a celestial sect to seek immortality and learn the Dao, only then will one truly live the life of an immortal!

Looking at the words "Taoist Temple," "Immortal Skill," and "Qi Refining" on the paper, Fang Shu was instantly excited, recalling his anticipation before entering the market.

That’s right!
He came to this market to seek immortality and enlightenment; how could he forget his ambition just because he witnessed the blood-selling scene in the market?

Not only must one enter the Daoist temple and become an immortal, but one must also join the true immortal sect to refine one's Qi, build one's foundation, and even achieve immortality!

Fang Shu suppressed the turmoil in his heart and bowed to his second uncle:
"I humbly accept your instruction!"

Upon hearing this, the second uncle's face showed an expression of "this child is teachable." Moreover, his complexion immediately became rosy, as if he had received even more nourishment than after eating milk.

However, after the uncle and nephew had talked about it for a while, Fang Shu then talked about why the other party had fallen on hard times and become what he is today.

He subtly inquired whether his second uncle had other enemies.

As a result, my second uncle looked quite disappointed and wistful.

The man shook his head and frankly wrote that he had failed when he tried to break through to the second stage of the Refining Essence Tribulation because of his ordinary talent, impatience, and eagerness for quick success.

Because he had gambled his entire fortune, he also borrowed money from his former dojo members.

As a result, after his failure, the second uncle had to sell all his possessions, and his partner left him, leaving him bankrupt in an instant.

After listening to all of the above.

Although Fang Shu felt sorry for his second uncle, there was still one thing he didn't understand.

After pondering for a moment, he asked:
"May I ask, Second Uncle, since there are three classes of life for those seeking immortality in the market, why do you not choose the middle class, but instead choose the lowest class... to the point of selling your blood to survive?"

At this point, his second uncle, both helpless and reserved, took out paper and pen and scribbled something with him:
"We mortals may possess magical powers, but few practical skills. Starting a business is difficult, and we often perish midway through our lives."

Aside from selling blood, there are only two viable entrepreneurial paths: farming and mining…

Fang Shu looked closely and gradually understood.

It turns out that living a middle-class life in the market is no less difficult than entering a dojo for training. It often requires the efforts of two or three generations to gain a foothold.

The first generation, those who had just come from the mortal world, basically only had two paths to accumulate wealth and improve their cultivation: farming and mining.

Besides these two paths, hunting demons, treasure hunting, and gathering herbs might be considered a third option, but these are dangerous paths where life and death are uncertain and fortune is determined by fate, and cannot be considered solid entrepreneurial endeavors.

But even farming and mining were still arduous and difficult.

First and foremost, farming.

Renting "lower-grade spiritual fields" on the outskirts of the market costs fifty coins per mu per month, and requires a one-time deposit of three months' rent (i.e., one hundred and fifty coins), plus a one-month advance rent (fifty coins).

The total initial cost reached two hundred coins.

After raising the initial cost of 200 coins, you still need to buy grass seeds and medicinal herbs to grow crops, which usually cost 30 coins per bag.

In addition, farming also requires fertilizer, starting at twenty or thirty coins, with varying amounts per acre. However, without essential fertilizer, grasses and herbs cannot ripen in two months or even one month, but instead take half a year or even a year...

Even with favorable weather and no pests or monsters, the net income from farming one acre of land per month is only three hundred coins.

And 300 coins per mu is enough to make a strong man bend over day and night, working tirelessly day and night.

Fang Shu was slightly stunned after reading just this.

Because he still remembered that selling blood in the blood bank could easily earn him four or five hundred coins a month.

Even if one sells blood year after year, because there is spiritual energy in the market that can nourish the body, it is equivalent to earning three hundred coins a month by selling blood, which is a steady income.

He suddenly began to doubt whether he had remembered it wrong, so he asked his second uncle, a professional, about it.

And it turned out to be true; even selling blood to make a living, one could still earn 300 yuan a month!
Compared to selling blood, the only advantage of farming is that you can eat grass roots and grass cakes, saving a bottle of fasting pills that cost a hundred coins every month.

However, the monthly rent of two hundred coins for the paper house cannot be avoided. If one insists on saving money, one must spend the night outside the town, taking full responsibility for one's safety.

After seeing the profits from farming, Fang Shu couldn't help but ask his second uncle, with a hint of resentment, to carefully calculate the profits from mining.

The second path, mining, is indeed unlike farming, where the output is slow and meager. Instead, it yields output every day, and the monthly surplus can generally reach six hundred coins.

However, there is a daily entry fee to enter the mine, and if you don't have a magic tool, renting one will cost you another fee each day. In addition, the amount of ore that can be mined each day is limited.

Compared to farming, its advantages are that in addition to having money and food every day, there is also the occasional chance of digging up rare minerals or even spirit stones.

However, it is even more dangerous than farming.

Landslides and other such incidents are secondary; the mines are more prone to encounters with poisonous gases and monsters, with the probability second only to hunting and treasure hunting in the wild.

If one gets injured, buying a few health-preserving pills could wipe out all the money and food they've earned, leaving them bedridden and without income for a long time.

If things go even worse, such as becoming disabled, then all previous efforts will be wasted, and life will be worse than death.

Having learned all of this, Fang Shu fell silent for a moment.

Compared to the profits and risks of farming and mining, it seems that becoming a blood slave is really better, so that one can slowly make a living by selling blood in the market.

Furthermore, there are chances to win a prize in the market. What if you're lucky enough to win a big prize someday?
(End of this chapter)