Chapter 306: Generous Gifts

After leaving a note for Ma Chun detailing the situation regarding the failure of Fenglin Restaurant and the news from the guild, Lin Dong returned to Shuangxi City through the storage room.
The carriage continued on its way toward Qingfeng City, where the sixth branch was located.
Seven days later, the carriage arrived in Qingfeng City. After entering the inn, Lin Dong immediately rushed back to Qiufeng City via the storage room.
Once Ma Chun was called back to the backyard by Jiang Zhen, Lin Dong heard many good news at once: Ling Zhengyang had left, and the news that Linji Inn had bought Fenglin Restaurant at a low price had spread among various inns. One large inn closed down that very day. Over the following days, two more large inns closed down under the combined pressure of the guild’s news, the Spirit Stone Fans, and Fenglin Restaurant’s failure.
Of the seven large inns that had originally defected from the Linji Inn alliance, only three were still struggling to hold on. If the guild’s news remained secret, they might last another half month, but even then, those three were bound to collapse.
Besides these two excellent pieces of news, there were also several less impressive but still good developments. The secular treasures obtained by Lin Dong from Ningjizong and Xinglizong’s treasure vaults had been valued. If sold gradually, their total worth would exceed three million taels of silver, higher than Lin Dong’s initial estimate.
Additionally, the small items crafted by Aunt Wang had been counted—there were a total of 23 types, of which 15 could be mass-produced at a cost suitable for widespread distribution. The only downside was that among these 15, only nail clippers were essential for every household, and their low cost made them unsuitable as gifts for inns.
Of course, if inns were not taken into account, the value of these 15 items was still considerable. Things like adhesive tape with strong stickiness after being coated with a special plant liquid, small hangers made by hanging wood under wire, and paperclips twisted from scrap wire—although inexpensive, their demand would be high once mass-produced. If produced in large quantities, they could not only benefit the public but also serve as a source of income.
More importantly, upon reviewing the list, Lin Dong became even more determined to establish a research team. He also had many other ideas for useful but not overly complicated items in mind.
Matches, mechanical watches, bicycles, cement, thermometers, roller skates, pencils…

These things actually don’t require too much high technology. Lin Dong had thought about developing them before. For matches, he only knew they needed phosphorus or something similar; mechanical watches seemed to consist of gears and springs; bicycles required chains and two wheels… He had a general idea of these things, and though he didn’t consider himself particularly talented at invention, he was confident he could develop one within a year or two if he tried.

But he didn’t have that much time to waste. The great idea of getting rich while also benefiting the people had to be abandoned.

Now that his wealth had increased significantly and he had a group of blacksmiths at his disposal, if he could form a research team to work on these ideas, he wouldn’t have to worry about wasting his time. Building a research team required patience—finding members with both talent and loyalty was a challenge—but it didn’t stop him from setting up a factory first. With Aunt Wang’s small inventions alone, it would be enough to ensure the factory’s profitability.

On the spot, Lin Dong approved 100,000 taels of silver for Ma Chun to prepare for building the factory.

After finishing matters at the inn and conveying everything that needed to be said, Lin Dong didn’t head back to Qingfeng City but went straight to the lodging building. Up on the second floor, he knocked on the door of a room shaped like the character “Jia”.

“Who is it?” came a clear voice from inside.

“It’s me, Miss You,” replied Lin Dong.

“Brother Lin?”

Even from outside the door, Lin Dong could hear the surprise in You Qinxang’s voice.

He thought the door would open soon, but after waiting for over half a quarter of an hour, it finally creaked open. Standing there was You Qinxang, dressed in a blue silk dress, her face slightly flushed.

Seeing her shy expression and not knowing what to say, Lin Dong smiled and said, “Miss You, Ma Chun said you’ve been waiting for me for days?”

You Qinxang’s face turned even redder as she said anxiously, “Brother Lin, please come in.”

Lin Dong nodded and stepped into the room after she stepped aside. It was dry and tidy, with neatly arranged bedding and a faint fragrance in the air.

As soon as he sat down at the table, You Qinxang carefully placed a spirit sword with an orange scabbard on the table and explained, “I forged my own spirit sword. It’s just a third-tier spirit weapon, but I hope Brother Lin won’t disapprove.”

“Did you give this to me?” Lin Dong was surprised.

You Qinxang lowered her head, bit her lower lip, and nodded. “Brother Lin, you forgot. I promised to give you a spirit weapon last time.”

“Oh, right…”

Seeing her attitude, Lin Dong didn’t dare say he forgot.

“Then, Brother Lin, take a look and see if you like it.” You Qinxang smiled happily and said excitedly, “Both the scabbard and the blade are orange, giving it a bold and grand appearance, just like Brother Lin. The tassel is purple, adding a sense of stability and elegance.”
Lin Dong picked up the spiritual sword on the table, glanced at the tassel beneath the hilt, slightly grinned, grabbed the hilt, and slowly drew the sword out.
A sharp sword energy emerged as the blade was pulled out.
Looking up at You Qinxang’s expectant gaze, Lin Dong lowered his head again, examined the sword from all sides, and then praised, “What a fine sword!”
“Do you like it, Brother Lin?” You Qinxang quickly asked to confirm.
“I like it. Thank you, Miss You, for your generous gift.”
Lin Dong nodded with a smile. To be honest, with the Ruyi Stool in his hands, he no longer found any spiritual weapons attractive. Even if Yun Lan had mentioned bringing a high-grade spiritual sword when sending a message to the Tianjian Sect last time, he might not be interested if it were actually given to him.
But since it was crafted by her own hands, it would be rude to say he didn’t like it.
“I’m glad you like it, Brother Lin.” You Qinxang breathed a sigh of relief and said seriously, “Don’t worry, Brother Lin. I will definitely work hard to improve my skills in crafting, and then I can give you a high-grade spiritual sword.”
Lin Dong’s smile froze. Although he didn’t trust his own charm much, her words, along with her enthusiasm at the Xingli Sect, made him wonder if she might have a crush on him.
You Qinxang didn’t dare to look at Lin Dong’s face, so she didn’t notice his reaction. With her head lowered and eyes fixed on her toes, unable to bear the suffocating silence, she asked, “Brother Lin, do you like wearing armor?”
“Armor?” Lin Dong was completely confused.
“Our Xingli Sect has some top-quality Flame Feathers that can be used to craft fifth-tier Flame Armor. If you like it…” You Qinxang’s voice grew softer, “I can take your measurements.”
“Fifth-tier armor? That’s a bit too valuable. It’s considered a precious item even in the Xingli Sect. I think we should pass on it.” Lin Dong shook his head repeatedly. Although the Xingli Sect was a crafting sect, fifth-tier spiritual weapons were extremely rare. If You Beide gave it as a gift, he would accept it, but…
You Qinxang… Lin Dong already had a high opinion of her and had already stolen secular treasures from the Xingli Sect’s treasure vault. Accepting another generous gift would feel awkward.
Thinking Lin Dong was worried about dissatisfaction among the people of the Xingli Sect, You Qinxang quickly explained, “Don’t worry, Brother Lin. These Flame Feathers are a reward from my father and the elders for my achievements this time. It has nothing to do with the Xingli Sect.”

“This…” Lin Dong was indeed intrigued by this flame armor. The snake skin from seven inches along the golden-scaled snake could be refined into high-grade leather armor. He believed that once the leather armor was ready, Yun Lan would surely give it to him. If he had a fifth-tier armor piece of his own, he would have a reason to give the leather armor to Yun Lan.

But after hearing You Qinxiang’s words, he felt even more embarrassed about accepting it. It was a treasure of the Hei Xing Li Sect. Lin Dong felt it was only right to refuse. They didn’t have a close relationship, and You Beide seemed somewhat opportunistic, neither fully loyal to the black nor the white faction. But You Qinxiang was completely different. With her enthusiasm from their time in the Xing Li Sect, plus the third-tier spiritual sword she had crafted herself, Lin Dong was already thinking about how to return the favor—how could he accept such a generous gift again?

“Brother Lin, I… I…” You Qinxiang grew anxious, not knowing how to persuade Lin Dong.

Seeing her face turn red with urgency and tension, Lin Dong couldn’t bear it. Gritting his teeth, he thought, Well, I can give her some Qing Lan fruits and Wan Hong fruits as a return gift later.

After thinking this through, Lin Dong said, “Miss You, I thank you for your kindness.”

“Brother Lin is willing to accept it?” You Qinxiang was overjoyed.

Lin Dong nodded with a smile.

You Qinxiang clenched her fists tightly. If not for some self-control, she might have excitedly started waving them.

“Brother Lin, don’t worry. I guarantee I can refine the flame armor in just one year.”

“One year?” Lin Dong was stunned. Although Yun Lan wasn’t an alchemist, it wouldn’t be difficult for the Tian Jian Sect to find a high-tier alchemist. With a year, it would take almost as long to make a round trip—better not miss the deadline.

You Qinxiang murmured, “I’m only a third-tier alchemist right now.”

Lin Dong was both amused and puzzled. He wanted to ask why she didn’t ask You Beide to help with the refinement, but seeing her expression, he swallowed his words and instead asked, “To become a fifth-tier alchemist, not only does one need to greatly improve their alchemy skills, but their strength must also reach at least the sixth level of the Mind Spirit stage. Are you confident you can rise two levels in just one year?”

You Qinxiang nodded firmly and explained, “Our Xing Li Sect has a precious place called Tian Di Dong. This cave is entirely made of the rare mineral Jing Hong Shi. As long as one can endure its pulling force and practice inside, it’s equivalent to using high-grade spiritual materials, allowing rapid progress in the early stages. I’ve calculated that I’ll have enough time—over half a year—to rise from the fourth level of the Mind Spirit stage to the sixth. In less than half a year, I’ll definitely be able to become a fifth-tier alchemist.”

Lin Dong was speechless. Now, he was 70% sure that You Qinxiang truly liked him.

Since the Jinghong Cave has such effects, it must be considered a treasure trove even among the major sects. In the Xingli Sect, it is surely a secret known only to those at the level of sect elders or above. If the intention was merely to repay the favor of connecting them with the Guhuan Sect to save the Xingli Sect, there would be no need to trust them to this extent. Although You Qinxang has extremely high talent, it would take at least six to seven years to progress from the fourth stage of the Mind Realm to the sixth stage. In the Jinghong Cave, it only takes half a year, which means the cultivation speed increases by more than ten times. The value of the Jinghong Cave is evident enough to make 99% of people covet it. Just Lin Dong alone already has such thoughts. With You Qinxang’s connection, though he might not resort to killing or stealing treasures, he has already decided to sneak into the Jinghong Cave whenever he gets the chance. Moreover, from You Qinxang’s words, Lin Dong could tell that the Jinghong Cave is not easy to enter. The so-called pulling force is likely unbearable for most people, let alone staying there for half a year. Otherwise, You Qinxang’s strength would not be just at the fourth stage of the Mind Realm, and the Xingli Sect would not have been on the verge of destruction. With the Jinghong Cave, the Xingli Sect could easily be developed into a major sect. If they really wanted to repay the favor by giving a fifth-tier armor, why use something ready-made when they could go through the extreme trouble of crafting it themselves? Seeing Lin Dong’s distracted expression, You Qinxang couldn’t find anything to talk about. Anxiety overwhelmed her again, making her restless. When she could no longer bear it, she softly said, “Brother Lin, if there’s nothing else, should I go back to the Xingli Sect?” “Huh?” Lin Dong scratched his head, smiled apologetically, and stood up. “Miss You actually doesn’t need to go to the Jinghong Cave to cultivate. Wait a moment; I’ll bring some things over.” Confused, You Qinxang was about to ask when Lin Dong had already turned around. Returning to the back courtyard, he asked Jiang Zhen to call Ma Chun back. After getting some freshly picked Wanhong Fruits and Qinglan Fruits from him, Lin Dong returned to the dormitory building. He placed five pairs of Qinglan Fruits on the table and then set the wooden box containing two Wanhong Fruits beside them. Pointing at the Qinglan Fruits, Lin Dong explained, “These are Qinglan Fruits, fifth-tier spiritual materials. If consumed together in both colors, their medicinal effects are comparable to those of ninth-tier spiritual materials. Five pairs is almost the limit of their efficacy, enough to help you advance two minor realms. Inside the box are Wanhong Fruits, seventh-tier spiritual materials. I doubt I need to explain their effects, right?” “Wanhong Fruits? Advance two realms?” You Qinxang stared at the Qinglan Fruits and the wooden box on the table in disbelief.

The Wanhong Fruit and You Qinxang had read about in ancient texts—it could expand the dantian and was considered a spiritual material for aiding cultivation. Although it was of the seventh rank, its value as a material aiding cultivation was on par with that of eighth-rank spiritual materials.
The Qinglan Fruit—she had never heard of it. If it could truly raise one’s cultivation level by two ranks, it was indeed comparable to ninth-rank spiritual materials. But how was that possible?
Ninth-rank spiritual materials were rare even among major sects, let alone those that aided cultivation. Their value was enough to drive major sects crazy. Even the Wanhong Fruit was something no innkeeper could possibly afford.
“The Qinglan Fruit can only be preserved for about seven days after harvesting, so it needs to be consumed as soon as possible,” Lin Dong continued, ignoring You Qinxang’s astonishment. “Fortunately, it’s okay to consume them together. Within three to five days, you just need to find time to take them all at once. The Wanhong Fruit is better—stored in a wooden box made from Wanhong trees, it can last for years or even decades. You can take it when you’re about to make a breakthrough.”
“Brother Lin…” You Qinxang said in disbelief, “Can these spiritual fruits really raise one’s cultivation level by two ranks?”
“You’ll believe it after eating them,” Lin Dong smiled. “Miss You, you’re not doubting I have some ulterior motive, are you?”
You Qinxang was startled and quickly explained, “How could I not believe Brother Lin? It’s just that seeing such precious spiritual materials has startled me a bit. I’ll eat them now.”
As if to prove her complete trust, You Qinxang quickly picked up a green Qinglan Fruit and stuffed it into her mouth.
“You need to consume both types at the same time to achieve the best effect—there’s also the blue Qinglan Fruit,” Lin Dong couldn’t help but remind her.
“Mm!”
You Qinxang quickly picked up the blue Qinglan Fruit and stuffed it into her mouth without hesitation. Finally, remembering that her eating manner must have looked rather awkward, she turned away with a flushed face.
After You Qinxang finished eating the Qinglan Fruit and composed herself, Lin Dong said with a smile, “Miss You, try cultivating for a few weeks.”
You Qinxang nodded. It seemed she remembered something, and her previously fair face turned red again.
Lin Dong was taken aback and smiled awkwardly, “Let me know once you’ve finished cultivating, Miss You.”
Before You Qinxang could nod, Lin Dong turned and quickly left the room, closing the door behind him.
After waiting outside for half an hour, wondering what about him You Qinxang might have liked, the door creaked open. You Qinxang stepped out, looking apologetic. “Brother Lin, I got carried away and forgot you were waiting.”
“It’s okay!” Lin Dong shook his head. “I didn’t misstate the effects of the Qinglan Fruit, did I?”

You Qinxang couldn’t help but glance at the cyan-blue fruits and wooden box on the table, left speechless. She had thought that a third-tier spirit sword was already a pretty good gift for ordinary martial artists, and a fifth-tier armor would surely delight Lin Dong greatly. But who would have expected him to bring out cyan-blue fruits that could elevate one’s realm by two levels, along with seventh-tier Wanhong fruits? The value of just two Wanhong fruits alone made the fifth-tier armor worthless, not to mention the cyan-blue fruits, which were comparable to ninth-tier spiritual materials—and he had five pairs of them. To be honest, You Qinxang would have preferred if Lin Dong hadn’t brought these things. Advancing two realms would undoubtedly be the greatest surprise of her life. Yet, at the same time, seeing her carefully prepared gifts as worthless in Lin Dong’s eyes filled her with the deepest disappointment and discouragement. With a smile, Lin Dong said, “Miss You, Yun Lan is still waiting for me to go shopping together. If there’s nothing else, I should head back now.” You Qinxang’s expression darkened. Shopping? With that incomparably dazzling Miss Yun? “Miss You? Are you alright? Yun Lan must be getting impatient too…” Seeing You Qinxang’s pale face, though reluctant, Lin Dong still spoke those words. There was no choice—Yun Lan was very jealous. You Qinxang was a kind person and beautiful too. If only he could marry her… Lin Dong admitted he truly liked Yun Lan, but he couldn’t guarantee he would refuse outright. Having three or four wives was the dream of over 99% of men, and he was no exception. But only if Yun Lan agreed—Lin Dong was 100% sure that, given her jealousy, even if they were already married, trying to take on more wives would surely lead to her divorcing him. In short, unless Yun Lan changed, this dream was basically unfeasible. Since it was unfeasible, he had to put an end to You Qinxang’s hopes—there was no need to hurt a girl he liked. “Since Brother Lin wants to accompany Miss Yun, then… go ahead…” You Qinxang said absentmindedly. “Okay, I’m leaving first. If Miss You needs anything, you can ask Ma Chun.” Lin Dong called out, pretending not to notice her sad expression, then turned and walked away.