Chapter 1001: Selling Junk Huang Fugui

In the East Wasteland, within the Myriad Insect Mountain Range.

A massive valley, surrounded on three sides by mountains, contained a towering city over a hundred zhang tall. Buildings lined the city streets, and numerous cultivators could be seen.

Inside a magnificent golden palace, a pale-faced scholar in white robes sat on the main seat. Wang Qingshan and over a dozen Core Formation cultivators stood respectfully beside him.

The white-robed scholar was Jun Qianshang, a newly promoted Nascent Soul cultivator from Chongyang Academy and a key talent nurtured by the academy.

In this major war, the Seven Great Immortal Sects had dispatched their elite disciples to resist the demon race.

As a newly ascended Nascent Soul cultivator, Jun Qianshang was tasked with overseeing this stronghold in the Myriad Insect Mountain Range and safeguarding supplies.

Supplies from the rear were continuously sent here before being transferred to the front lines, making this a crucial hub.

Jun Qianshang's gaze swept over Wang Qingshan and the others. He said in a deep voice, "You have all fought valiantly against the demon race and earned significant merits. This place is safe; rest and recuperate here. Guarding these supplies well will be your greatest contribution."

Wang Qingshan and his companions were among the first group of Core Formation cultivators to engage in battle with the demon race, accumulating considerable merits. Injured, they had been transferred to the rear for recuperation, with the expectation of returning to the front lines later.

The human leadership had implemented a rotation system. During this demon invasion, the Seven Great Immortal Sects deployed their elite forces to fight the demon race. The Myriad Flower Palace sent Liu Meier, the Yin Corpse Sect dispatched Fang Mu, and the Myriad Ghost Valley was particularly unlucky: their Senior Disciple Brother was killed by Bai Linger, and the demons hung his head on the city wall to humiliate human cultivators.

Fang Mu had ventured deep into demon territory and slain a Nascent Soul-stage eagle demon. The human leadership seized this opportunity for propaganda, regaining some lost morale. Now, both races were locked in a stalemate, with a constant flow of wounded being transported to the rear.

Some of the wounded were critically injured and had to be moved to the rear for recovery, while others were of high status and were similarly transferred. Wang Qingshan and his group belonged to the latter category; their substantial merits justified their withdrawal to the rear for recuperation. These elites were considered the future of their sects and needed to be preserved.

"Yes, Senior Jun," Wang Qingshan and the others assented in unison, then turned to leave.

"Brother Qingshan, there's a restaurant ahead. Their spirit tea and pastries are quite good. Shall we go sit there for a bit?"

Liu Meier caught up with Wang Qingshan, a sweet smile gracing her lips, her voice melodic and pleasing to the ear.

Liu Meier was dressed in a white ruqun, with light makeup, and wore an innocent expression that evoked a strong desire to protect in men.

Having noticed Wang Qingshan's dislike for bold and fiery women, she had adopted the persona of a pure and charming girl-next-door. The 'Ever-Changing Fairy' was not a title she held without reason.

Wang Qingshan frowned, his face cold. "Can you stop pestering me? You're really annoying, do you know that?"

The Carefree Sword Venerable had warned Wang Qingshan not to provoke Liu Meier, and Wang Qingshan himself felt a certain aversion towards her. He suspected she had ulterior motives, as he didn't believe himself to be a handsome youth who would warrant such treatment from her.

With that, Wang Qingshan strode forward.

"Fairy Liu, don't mind him. Sword cultivators are mostly dull. Let me accompany you instead! I'm quite familiar with this area."

A handsome scholar in green robes said with a fawning smile, his tone clearly trying to curry favor.

Liu Meier shot the green-robed scholar a glare and snapped, "None of your business! I'll do as I please."

"Brother Qingshan, wait for me, slow down."

Liu Meier quickly followed Wang Qingshan. No matter how much he showed his displeasure, she remained by his side.

Seeing that he couldn't shake her off, Wang Qingshan eventually gave up and chose to ignore her.

About a quarter of an hour later, they arrived at a five-story pavilion, where many cultivators gathered, making it a good place to gather information.

Wang Qingshan had wanted a private room, but they were all occupied, so he had to sit in the main area.

Liu Meier, without hesitation, sat down right next to Wang Qingshan.

"Oh, Huang Fugui, it's that fatty!"

Liu Meier let out a soft exclamation and looked in a certain direction.

Huang Fugui was on the same floor as Wang Qingshan, but unlike Wang Qingshan, who was silently drinking tea, Huang Fugui was talking animatedly, his spittle flying everywhere.

"You wouldn't believe it! Some unscrupulous merchants in the rear have inflated the prices of strategic supplies. A Tier 2 medicinal pill that originally cost five hundred spirit stones, they dare to sell for a thousand, doubling the price!"

"What? Those people are so ruthless? Doubling the price outright?"

"These people are truly heartless! They don't care about the lives of us low-level cultivators. Senior Huang, as a requisitioning envoy, you can't indulge them. You must report this to Senior Jun and severely punish these greedy merchants."

"Exactly! These scoundrels are utterly ruthless and must be severely punished. We're risking our lives on the front lines, and they're enjoying themselves in the rear while inflating prices. They're despicable!"

Huang Fugui adopted a righteous expression, patting his chest as he declared, "Of course! I, too, started as a Foundation Establishment cultivator. How could I stand by and let them act like this? Every extra medicinal pill sent to the front line might save another cultivator. Low-level cultivators are people too! I am currently gathering evidence, and once complete, I will present it to Senior Jun for action. It's not easy for you all fighting the demons on the front lines! My abilities are limited; I'm only good at escaping quickly, so I can't be of much help. I truly feel ashamed!"

"Senior Huang, is it true that you personally spent one hundred thousand spirit stones to purchase healing pills?"

"Senior Huang, we heard you even fought with those greedy merchants to lower the procurement price of strategic supplies."

Huang Fugui showed a surprised expression and frowned. "Didn't I tell him not to spread rumors? Honestly, am I the kind of person who seeks fame? As long as it can save one more cultivator, let alone one hundred thousand spirit stones, I would give my entire fortune. What does it matter? The demon race's desire to destroy humanity persists. Though I, Huang Fugui, am merely a first-tier rogue cultivator, I am willing to shed my head and blood for the human race!"

By the end, Huang Fugui stood tall, a look of righteous indignation on his face.

Many low-level cultivators were seeing Huang Fugui for the first time. A few had heard of his deeds, and finding his character different from the rumors, most showed expressions of admiration towards him.

In this war, Core Formation cultivators were the primary fighting force, but Foundation Establishment cultivators also contributed significantly. They were responsible for building cities, setting up formations, and patrolling. When demons attacked, Foundation Establishment cultivators suffered the most casualties. Huang Fugui's words deeply resonated with them.

"Excellent! Senior Huang is a role model for us all. Let's raise our tea cups as if they were wine and toast Senior Huang."

"To Senior Huang!"

The low-level cultivators raised their teacups and drank the tea in one gulp.

Huang Fugui also drank a cup of tea, then took off the storage bead hanging around his neck and poured out a large pile of items: damaged magic tools, broken formation disks, and so on.

Of course, these items were still usable, though their power was significantly reduced, and most were second-hand.

"When I passed by a few general stores, I acquired some items at rock-bottom prices. I'm not sure if you'll find them useful, but if you like anything, just take it! As long as it can help you, I'll be content."

"Uh... Senior Huang, those three flying daggers have nicks in their blades. Can they still be used?"

"Senior Huang, that red flying sword has no hilt left."

"And that Four Symbols Formation plate is missing a corner."

Huang Fugui's face became serious. "If they weren't flawed, I wouldn't have been able to buy so many. If you like them, just take them! Don't be polite with me. If it helps you, what does it matter if I spend my entire fortune? If you like something, take it; don't stand on ceremony."

"Senior Huang, your generosity is immense, but how can we accept them for free? We'll buy them from you with spirit stones."

"Yes, we'll buy them with spirit stones."

The items Huang Fugui produced were somewhat damaged, but they were still usable, and most could be repaired. Severely damaged items were rare. They weren't foolish; if the items Huang Fugui brought out were severely damaged, they wouldn't buy them either.

Wang Qingshan chuckled softly. He had long heard of this peculiar character, Huang Fugui, and seeing him today, he proved to be as impressive as the rumors suggested.

Liu Meier smiled sweetly and asked, "Brother Qingshan, do you know Huang Mazi?"

"I've heard of him, but we're not close."