Is It Reasonable for Me to Start a Sect at 12?

After Lin Xiao had nearly completed his task of documenting all the goods and market prices in Yuanling City, several days had passed.

During this time, as the city tightened its security and no further strange incidents occurred following the Wu family's downfall, the dark cloud hanging over the hearts of the city's inhabitants began to lift. The atmosphere in the city became livelier with each passing day.

On this day, Yuanling City was graced with a long-awaited heavy rain. Although cultivators didn't fear getting wet, the number of people on the streets significantly decreased.

Lin Xiao and Jiang Youfu sat across from each other by the window in their room at the inn, with a Go board placed on the table between them. Each held a set of pieces—one black, one white—engaged in a game of Gomoku.

Meanwhile, Liu Chun sat on a chair by a round table on the other side of the room, carefully examining the Yuè family jade token that Lin Xiao had lent him. Across from him, Liao Pantou lounged back in his chair, sipping tea leisurely as he enjoyed the rain.

When Lin Xiao had taken out the Go board and suggested a game of Gomoku with the chubby Jiang Youfu, Liao Pantou had been a bit surprised. He hadn't expected Lin Xiao, who usually seemed so frivolous, to have such a refined hobby. But as he listened to Lin Xiao explain the rules to Jiang Youfu, Liao Pantou soon realized something was off. After watching them play for a while, he lost interest in their game and returned his attention to the rain outside.

As Jiang Youfu placed his piece on the board, Lin Xiao glanced out the window and remarked, "I wonder how Yuan Qing's family elder is doing."

Hearing this, Liao Pantou gave him a sidelong glance and reminded him, "I've already said I'm not selling that Icefield Spirit, so just give it to Yigao."

As Jiang Youfu placed his piece, Lin Xiao responded with a wry smile, "Don't worry, I won't sell it."

In the days since Yuanling City began to recover from the recent turmoil, rumors and gossip that had once filled the streets gradually returned. Among them, the most talked-about topic was the failing health of the Yuan family's elder. The rumors were so widespread that even Yuan Qing couldn't ignore them.

Along with this news, stories of how the Yuan family head, Yuan Bi, had been tirelessly searching for a cure, running from place to place without success, spread like wildfire. Yuan Bi was essentially Yuan Qing's foster father. If not for him and the main wife taking Yuan Qing in, Yuan Qing couldn't imagine what his life would be like now. Upon hearing the news, Yuan Qing couldn't sit still. After getting Lin Xiao's permission, he left for the Yuan family residence.

Liu Chun had been admiring the jade token for a long time before finally setting it aside, still reluctant to part with it. Hearing them mention the Yuan family, he seemed to think of something and turned to Lin Xiao, asking, "By the way, Sect Master, didn't you mention that you were looking to make connections with some Foundation Establishment cultivators?"

Lin Xiao nodded while helping to clean up the game pieces after winning another round against Jiang Youfu, "Yes, do you have any reliable friends you could introduce me to?"

Liu Chun smiled, "I do. I'm not sure if you remember, but I mentioned before that after leaving the Wu family, I stayed temporarily with a friend?"

Seeing Lin Xiao nod, he continued, "This friend of mine is also a Foundation Establishment cultivator. He's lived in Yuanling City all his life, but he's not from a major family. His family runs a small general store here in the city. Since their family is small, he mainly supports them by going out to hunt. He's been a close friend of mine for many years. He's quite reserved, but he's incredibly loyal."

Hearing this, Lin Xiao's interest was piqued, "He runs a general store?"

Seeing Lin Xiao's interest, Liu Chun nodded, "Yes, although the store isn't large, it has a good reputation, and business is decent. However, because their income depends entirely on what he brings back from his trips, their earnings are just enough to get by."

Lin Xiao readily agreed, "That sounds great! I'd love to meet him if he's willing to make my acquaintance."

Liu Chun smiled, "No need to be so polite, Sect Master. It's a small matter. I'll visit him tomorrow and let him know. I'm sure he'd be delighted to meet you."

From the side, Liao Pantou sighed as he turned to Liu Chun, "Ah, Xiao Liu..."

But Lin Xiao, quick to anticipate that Liao Pantou was about to say something unflattering, immediately interrupted, "By the way, Senior Liao, do you know how the functions of that bookstore were set up?"

Cut off, Liao Pantou gave him a sharp look and huffed before turning away, "You don't actually think all those functions were achieved purely through formations and restrictions, do you?"

"Isn't that how it works?" Lin Xiao asked, puzzled.

Even Jiang Youfu, who had been engrossed in their game, perked up his ears to listen.

Liao Pantou explained, "Of course not. Those functions were created by combining large-scale formations with smaller ones, all integrated with that giant turtle shell. Without the shell, it would be impossible to create something that could control and isolate the spiritual energy of every entrant. Unless your formation skills are strong enough to overpower every single person who enters."

Otherwise, anyone could simply rob the self-service store blind.

Hearing this, Lin Xiao asked, "Do you know where I can get a shell like that?"

"Nope!" Liao Pantou answered with righteous confidence.

After a moment, he turned back to Lin Xiao and added, "And just so you know, that Yin Xuanzi didn't get that shell on his own—it was a gift from someone!"

So, it wasn't because Yin Xuanzi was more capable!

"Alright, then."

Without any leads on where to find a similar shell, Lin Xiao felt a bit disappointed. It seemed his dream of opening a self-service store would have to be put on hold for now.

That evening, Yuan Qing didn't return to the inn. Lin Xiao and the others carried on with their usual routine, eating, resting, and showing little concern. After all, the Yuan family was a dominant force in Yuanling City. Instead of worrying about Yuan Qing's safety, they were more concerned about themselves, making sure not to offend anyone while walking through the streets.

The next morning, Liu Chun went out to visit his friend. These days, he hadn't heard anything from Elder Zhang, so he couldn't sit still and would sometimes go out for a brief stroll in disguise.

Liu Chun had actually visited his old friend a few times before, but since he hadn't had the opportunity to consult Lin Xiao, he hadn't mentioned much to his friend, only saying that he had found another suitable place to stay and that his friend didn't need to worry about him.

Liu Chun's friend was named Su Yaoguang, seventy-two years old and in the mid-stage of Foundation Establishment. Although this age would be considered very old in the mortal world, in the cultivation world, he looked no older than a man in his fifties.

When Liu Chun arrived at Su's General Store, he saw his old friend busy at work in the shop and walked in to greet him.