Chapter 18: Array Delights

Soul coins are the official currency issued by a powerful organization on the continent known as "Lingyu." Each soul coin bears a unique Lingyu insignia, ensuring that counterfeit coins are nearly impossible to produce.

The coins are round in shape, with the front featuring the crossed image of a sword and a saber beneath an open book, symbolizing both martial and scholarly prowess. The reverse side showcases a lotus flower background, with inscriptions of "Copper," "Silver," "Gold," and "Jade" to denote the different values.

Mu Feng took the coins from Jiang Ruoyun without hesitation, estimating that he had been given about 700 to 800 copper soul coins—more than enough to buy a bow.

Although archery wasn't popular, that didn't mean bows were expensive. In fact, bows were often cheaper than common swords or sabers, typically costing around 100 copper coins.

“Use the remaining money to buy yourself some new clothes,” Jiang Ruoyun added, eyeing Mu Feng’s worn-out outfit. “And be sure to return that set to me, cleaned. It belonged to my father, and it’s the only suitable men’s clothing I could find.”

Mu Feng chuckled, understanding the meaning behind her words as he glanced at the old-fashioned outfit he was wearing.

When they arrived at the teahouse, the “Sister Qiao” that Jiang Ruoyun had mentioned was already seated, waiting for them.

The woman looked slightly older and more mature than Jiang Ruoyun. She wore a light gauze dress and sat quietly, exuding grace and elegance. Her exposed skin was flawless and smooth, her figure was slender and curvaceous, and her silky hair flowed gently over her shoulders. The ends of her hair curled slightly, and her delicate brows arched subtly over her soft, affectionate eyes. Her nose was perfectly shaped, and her pink lips added to the aura of refined beauty she radiated.

“Sister Qiao, sorry to keep you waiting,” Jiang Ruoyun greeted her with a smile, her tone warm and affectionate.

“And this is?” Qiao Xue’er’s gaze shifted toward Mu Feng, curiosity flashing in her eyes.

“This is Mu Feng, someone I saved by chance,” Jiang Ruoyun explained quietly. Seeing the suspicion in Qiao Xue’er’s eyes, she quickly reassured her. “Don’t worry, Sister Qiao, I’ve bound him with a contract formation.”

Qiao Xue’er’s expression softened, and she smiled gently, her earlier concern fading. Turning to Mu Feng, she said earnestly, “Ruoyun is my closest friend. I don’t want to see her hurt, so I hope you’ll protect her.”

Her tone was sincere, without any hint of superiority despite Mu Feng’s status as a bound servant. This sincere request earned her Mu Feng’s respect.

“I assure you, I will protect her,” Mu Feng responded with a smile. “Not only do I owe her my life, but with the contract formation in place, her safety directly affects mine. I would defend her with my life.”

“Just call me Ruoyun. No need for formalities like ‘Miss,’” Jiang Ruoyun gently corrected with a smile.

Qiao Xue’er understood Jiang Ruoyun’s current situation all too well. While Jiang Ruoyun was still technically a young lady of the Jiang family, she had long since lost the respect and status that title once carried.

“Enough of that,” Jiang Ruoyun said, a trace of frustration in her voice. “Let’s talk about where I’m going to live after I get kicked out. Let’s order some breakfast.”

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She waved to the server, placing an order for tea and light snacks.

“It’s your second uncle again, isn’t it? He’s so old, yet he still goes out of his way to make things difficult for you!” Qiao Xue’er said, a hint of anger in her voice.

Jiang Ruoyun’s second uncle was Jiang Aotian, the second head of the Jiang family. He constantly competed with Jiang Batian, the family’s first head and Ruoyun’s grandfather. Over time, this rivalry extended to Jiang Ruoyun, and it was Jiang Aotian’s support that allowed Jiang Caiyun and the others to act against her with such confidence.

“It’s a world where strength determines everything. I’ve grown weaker, and this is the result,” Jiang Ruoyun said with a sigh. Although she resented the situation, she had no power to change it. Moving out might actually be the best option.

“I’ve found a few places for you,” Qiao Xue’er said, hesitating. “But the rent is quite expensive. I could cover it for a while, but that’s not a long-term solution.”

As a young lady of the Jiang family, Jiang Ruoyun received a monthly allowance. However, as her strength dwindled, the family began cutting her funds, and now she barely received 1,000 copper soul coins per month. Even with her savings, she had less than 10,000 copper soul coins at her disposal, as much of her money had been spent on daily expenses over the years.

“How much is the rent?” Jiang Ruoyun asked awkwardly.

“The cheapest option I found is around 2,000 or 3,000 copper soul coins per month,” Qiao Xue’er replied sympathetically.

The Qiao family made their living renting out properties, so if this was the price she was offering, it was clear that this was the lowest rate available in Qinglong Town.

Jiang Ruoyun mentally calculated her funds and realized she could afford a few months if she was frugal. But after that? She had no idea.

“Isn’t there anything cheaper?” Jiang Ruoyun asked, her voice tinged with desperation.

“There is one place,” Qiao Xue’er said hesitantly. “The rent is only 1,500 copper soul coins a month, but…”

“But what?” Jiang Ruoyun asked eagerly.

“There was a death there. The previous owner’s son drowned in the well, and the owner is renting it out because he finds the place unlucky,” Qiao Xue’er explained, clearly hoping Jiang Ruoyun would reconsider.

“I’ll take it,” Jiang Ruoyun declared without hesitation.

“But I have the money! We can rent a better place…” Qiao Xue’er tried to persuade her.

“No need, Sister Qiao. I’ll save a lot this way. What’s so scary about a house where someone died?” Jiang Ruoyun said cheerfully.

Mu Feng listened quietly, realizing how dire Jiang Ruoyun’s financial situation had become. Despite her hardships, she had still given him nearly 700 copper soul coins without a second thought. His heart filled with gratitude. He had a few soul coins in his Qilin Ring, but not enough to make a difference. He regretted giving all his funds to Bai Lao in exchange for formation materials, leaving himself with little to help her.

Qiao Xue’er reluctantly agreed. “Since you’ve made up your mind, I’ll arrange it and let you know when you can move in.”

Jiang Ruoyun pulled out 60 silver soul coins—6,000 copper coins in total—and handed them to Qiao Xue’er. “Please pay for the first four months’ rent. I’ll figure out the rest later.”

Qiao Xue’er accepted the coins, knowing Jiang Ruoyun well enough to understand that she wouldn’t accept charity. Even if Qiao Xue’er wanted to help, she had to be discreet about it.

After breakfast, Mu Feng excused himself, leaving the two women to chat.

Mu Feng’s first stop was a weapons shop. He didn’t need to buy a bow since he had the Netherworld Bow stored in his Qilin Ring, but he did need arrows. The shop’s supply of arrows was limited, with only about a hundred in stock.

After some bargaining, Mu Feng bought them for two copper coins each, spending over 200 copper coins in total.

As Mu Feng left the shop, the owner smiled widely. “Who would’ve thought I’d sell this many arrows during the off-season for hunting?”

Mu Feng chuckled to himself. The arrows may not have been highly sought after, but they were well-crafted, with excellent balance between the arrowhead, shaft, and fletching—perfect for his needs.

With a decent supply of arrows stored in his Qilin Ring, Mu Feng felt prepared. If funds allowed in the future, he could commission special arrows for different purposes.

While at the shop, Mu Feng also gathered some information about Qinglong Town and learned about a dragon statue in the town square that piqued his curiosity.

After leaving the shop, he made his way to the central square. The circular plaza was surrounded by vendors, with a gray dragon statue standing in the middle. However, despite its lifelike appearance, Mu Feng couldn’t sense any spiritual energy or dragon aura from it.

After a brief inspection, he concluded that it was just an ordinary statue and left the square, somewhat disappointed. He then purchased some new clothes, and with the remaining 400 to 500 copper soul coins, he set out to buy formation materials.

He headed to a shop called "Array Delights," where he was immediately greeted by an overly enthusiastic attendant. Mu Feng could tell they had mistaken him for a wealthy customer, given his tidy but old-fashioned outfit.

“I must show you our second floor. The materials upstairs are much more valuable and will surely be to your liking,” the attendant gushed, trying to lead Mu Feng upstairs.

Mu Feng waved him off and surveyed the store. The shop was well-organized, with the first floor divided into nine sections, each displaying materials in different price ranges. The materials on the first floor were priced under 1,000 copper soul coins, while the second floor likely housed items beyond his budget.

Ignoring the attendant’s insistence, Mu Feng browsed the section labeled “100 copper coins and below,” which contained cheaper materials like basic stones, jade, and even a few low-grade beast cores.

As Mu Feng lingered in the lower-priced section, he overheard the attendants whispering to each other.

“He looked so well-off at first, but I guess it was all for show.”

“Yeah, doesn’t seem like a big spender after all…”

Mu Feng smiled to himself, indifferent to their comments.