"Huh?"
The shop owner, who was in his forties and was already balding, was stunned. Two thoughts flashed through his mind. Was this teacher really broke? Or was he trying to bargain by taking a step back?
But judging from his age, he should only be around 20 years old. He probably hadn't learned the bargaining techniques that only an old dog like him could, right?
The shop owner's gaze involuntarily landed on Sun Mo's feet. If he was trying to bargain, Sun Mo's pace would definitely slow down a little and wait for him to lower the price.
However, he didn't!
"Damn, he's really poor!"
The shop owner felt depressed, but he still hurriedly chased after Sun Mo. He wasn't an antique seller who hoped to survive for a year just by selling one item.
Tools like spirit runes were basically sold with small profits but quick turnover. It was hard-earned money.
"Teacher, why don't you take a look at the other items? I dare say that there are no more than three shops on this street that have better tools than my shop."
The shop owner smiled.
"I thought you would say that you're number one!"
Sun Mo teased.
"You're also a teacher and would definitely go to other shops to take a look. If I were to brag, wouldn't I be exposed?"
A balding shop owner wouldn't stoop so low as to belittle others and elevate himself. Moreover, the person in front of him was a teacher.
Since he was a teacher, he would naturally have students. If a teacher were to use the tools in his shop, that would be a living advertisement.
"Since you're a teacher, I can give you a 20% discount. If it exceeds 1,000 taels of silver, I'll give you a 30% discount!"
The shop owner smiled. He was very business-minded.
"I want some cheap goods!"
Sun Mo didn't feel embarrassed. In any case, it was fine as long as he completed 1,000 spirit gathering runes. He didn't have any requirements for the ink and rune paper he used!
Only a fool would spend a lot of money to buy top-notch items!
"You want to practice, right? These few types of spirit rune brushes are fine. They aren't expensive and will only cost 100 taels of silver at most. "
The shop owner passed five brushes to Sun Mo.
Almost all of them were made of bamboo.
With the judgment of an old dog that had been tempered in society for a long time, the shop owner could tell that Sun Mo liked spirit rune brushes of this type and material.
Sun Mo received them and tried to feel them.
The shop owner took a spirit rune and placed it on the table. He then opened a bottle of used ink and called out to Sun Mo, "Teacher, try drawing a spirit rune!"
Sun Mo didn't stand on ceremony either. He stood at the side of the table, picked up a spirit rune brush, dipped it in ink, channeled spirit qi into the brush, and drew the first stroke on the spirit rune paper.
The grandmaster-grade Spirit Gathering Rune Depiction Technique caused the complicated drawing of the spirit gathering rune to be branded in Sun Mo's mind. It had already become an instinct.
Sun Mo basically didn't need to think at all. He could draw it with his hand, and it was the most perfect arc.
"Beautiful!"
As the owner of a spirit rune shop, this balding 40-year-old man had seen many spirit runes before. When he saw Sun Mo's hands, he couldn't help but praise.
The moment an expert made a move, one would know whether he was an expert or not!
Sun Mo's posture was elegant, carefree, and pleasing to the eye. It was clear that he had practiced it many times!
Actually, Sun Mo hadn't practiced it before. But what was the grandmaster-grade?
A grandmaster was someone who had been immersed in a certain domain for several tens of years and had deep attainments. With their own comprehension and gains, they could open a dojo and accept disciples.
Being able to be addressed as a grandmaster meant that this person was almost standing at the pinnacle of this domain. If one went further up, they would be an ancestor master, an even rarer existence.
Actually, Sun Mo only wanted to test out the brush. But once he started drawing, he felt so good that he couldn't stop.
Sun Mo's current state was like someone who was doing questions to his heart's content. He would be able to solve any difficult questions in one go, and there was no lag at all. Therefore, he couldn't stop at all.
One stroke after another!
Like moving clouds and flowing water!
To his heart's content!
Over 15 minutes later, a spirit gathering rune was completed.
When the last stroke was completed, as Sun Mo lifted the brush, a loud boom rang out, and the spirit gathering rune suddenly lit up with golden light.
The spirit qi in the surroundings immediately gushed over, and a spirit tornado that was over ten centimeters tall could be seen with the naked eye.
"This... this..."
The balding shop owner was so stunned that he almost bit off his tongue.
This spirit gathering rune was most probably at the fifth level, right?
It was just like how the same type of fruit would be sold at different prices due to its different quality. Things like spirit runes naturally had different levels of value.
Spirit runes were divided into nine levels according to their quality. The first level was the lowest, and the ninth level was the highest.
Spirit runes from the first level to the third level were low-tier goods that could be sold in various spirit rune shops by the roadside. Their prices weren't too expensive either. Ordinary people wouldn't be able to afford spirit runes from the fourth level to the sixth level. At the very least, they had to be from a well-off family.
As for spirit runes that were at the seventh level and above, they weren't commonly seen in the market. Even if there were, they would be the signature items of some large-scale spirit rune shops, and their prices would naturally be relatively high.
If one's family didn't have a mine, it was best not to think about buying such spirit runes.
The spirit gathering rune was the most commonly seen type of basic spirit rune. Its effect was to gather the spirit qi in the surroundings, forming a space with a radius of a few meters that had a higher concentration of spirit qi. This would allow cultivators to achieve twice the results with half the effort when cultivating.
This spirit gathering rune that Sun Mo drew actually caused a spirit qi tornado when it was completed. This meant that the spirit gathering speed was very fast, and the amount of spirit qi gathered was also very large.
Gulp!
The shop owner gulped down a mouthful of saliva and couldn't help but assess Sun Mo in detail.
The phenomenon of a spirit qi tornado was a unique phenomenon that would only appear when a spirit rune that was at the fifth level and above took shape. And this spirit gathering rune was sold for 500 taels of silver.
Ding!
Favorable impression points from the shop owner + 15. Prestige connection unlocked. Neutral, is it okay? "
Sun Mo admired his first work and actually felt a little happy in his heart.
Even the shop owner who knew about spirit runes contributed favorable impression points. This meant that his spirit gathering rune was really not bad.
"Yes! Very good! "
The shop owner hurriedly praised. This wasn't just flattery but praise.
"I want this brush. Give me any kind of ink and this kind of spirit rune paper."
Sun Mo chose the tools.
"Ah?"
The bald shop owner was shocked and wanted to say something but hesitated.
"What's wrong?" Sun Mo frowned. "Are you out of stock?"
"N... no..." The shop owner pointed at the ink and then at the spirit rune paper. "You're going to use this?"
"I've already said that I'm a poor guy!"
Sun Mo mentally mused that even if he wanted to change to something of a higher grade, he had to be able to afford it first!
"Teacher, may I ask for your name?"
The attitude of the shop owner became a lot more respectful.
"Sun Mo!"
There was no need to hide this.
"Teacher Sun, to speak the truth, these papers aren't worthy of your spirit rune drawing technique. No, they're simply a waste!"
The paper that the bald shop owner took out wasn't the cheapest kind, but it wasn't that expensive either. It was because Sun Mo had no money.
This was also because Sun Mo was a teacher. The bald shop owner wanted a repeat customer. Otherwise, he would have taken out the worst spirit rune paper for Sun Mo to use.
Even if it was the worst, one shouldn't look down on it. Because when students came to buy it, the paper they used to use was just ordinary white paper.
There was no solution to it. The cheapest spirit rune paper would cost 20 to 30 taels.
This amount of money was enough to buy two trays of buns. The temporary workers at the docks would only earn this much after working so hard for a day.
"I have no money!"
Sun Mo shrugged.
"Sigh, the spirit gathering rune you drew has already reached this level, yet you still say that you have no money? This is really... "
The bald shop owner didn't know how he should evaluate Sun Mo. This was especially so when his gaze landed on the spirit gathering rune paper on the table. He felt so regretful that he wanted to slap himself.
(If I was more generous earlier and took out a bottle of good ink and a top-grade spirit rune paper, wouldn't this be a sixth-level spirit rune?)
(A spirit rune of this level could easily be sold for 1,000 silver taels!)
Other than the standard of the spirit rune master, the grade of a spirit rune was also related to the materials used. After all, if the materials were too inferior, the effects wouldn't be able to be unleashed.
But then again, who would have thought that this young teacher would be able to draw such a high-grade spirit gathering rune?
(Wait a minute!)
(Did he just draw it casually?)
At the thought of this, there was an additional hint of astonishment in the shop owner's gaze when he looked at Sun Mo.
Because he was in the field of spirit runes, the bald shop owner's son had been influenced by it since young. He also liked the study of spirit runes. This spirit gathering rune was the first spirit rune his son had learned. It had been ten years since he started drawing it, and he could be considered to have some minor achievements.
But now, he would need close to an hour to draw one.
This Sun laoshi only used a little more than a quarter of an hour. He was three times faster than his son. Furthermore, his grade was so high ….
"I thought that rascal would have great talent in the study of spirit runes!"
The bald shop owner was dealt a blow. He decided to give his son a good beating to vent his anger when he returned at night.
"You want to buy my spirit gathering runes?"
Sun Mo understood the shop owner's meaning.
"Are you selling them? I can provide you with the best spirit rune tools. Then, I'll give you 200 taels for each spirit rune of this level! "
The shop owner directly quoted a price.
"200 taels?"
Sun Mo was a little surprised. He didn't expect spirit runes to be so profitable.
He had painstakingly written [Journey to the West] for a few days. Even if it sold well, he would only earn 10,000 silver taels in royalties. But drawing 200 spirit gathering runes would earn him 20,000 silver taels.
Of course, he would need to spend a few days to do so. However, this was money earned through his own skills!
"Sun Mo, you've neglected a problem. Your spirit gathering rune drawing technique is at the grandmaster-grade. Ordinary spirit rune masters would need at least 20 years to reach this level. By the time they reach the grandmaster-grade, they would have long become famous. Would they still need to rely on drawing spirit gathering runes to earn money?"
The system spoke in disdain, "Can't you have some ambition? The system didn't give you spirit rune drawing techniques to earn money. "
"That's true!"
Sun Mo agreed with this point of view. If a grandmaster-grade spirit rune master were to casually accept some students, just the tuition fees alone would probably make them feel weak.
"Teacher Sun, the grade of your spirit gathering runes is very good and can be sold for a high price. However, the market isn't big. After all, there aren't many students who can afford such an expensive spirit gathering rune!"
The shop owner spoke the truth.
"Too little!"
Sun Mo spoke bluntly.
"250 taels!"
The shop owner increased the price.
"Do you take me for a fool?"
Sun Mo frowned.
"I don't dare! I don't dare! "
The shop owner hurriedly apologized. He then gritted his teeth and reported a price. "300 taels!"
Sun Mo fell silent.
"Teacher Sun, if I increase the price, I won't even be able to earn much from my hard work. After all, I'm the one who provides the materials and is also in charge of sales. I can't possibly not even get a sip of the soup."
The shop owner complained tearfully. This price was actually not bad.
"I'll go to other spirit rune shops to ask!"
Sun Mo wanted to leave.
Actually, after hearing the system's words, Sun Mo had already thought things through. He was someone who wanted to become a great teacher and had students all over the world. He didn't want to earn a lot of money.
Thinking about it, nurturing a spear saint who could leave behind a strong mark in history was more impressive than earning a lot of money. Moreover, there was a sense of accomplishment.
However, for something like money, who would feel that it was too little?
At the very least, if he could earn a few hundred taels more, the papaya girl's meals could be upgraded to a higher level.
"330 taels!"
This time around, the shop owner was truly sincere in his offer.
Compared to earning money, he decided to build a good relationship with Sun Mo first. If his son could secretly learn a few of his spirit rune drawing techniques, it would be more important than earning money.
"Sure!"
Sun Mo was satisfied.
"Teacher Sun, I'll say this first. I'll only purchase spirit runes of this grade."
The shop owner hurriedly added, "The number of defective products and the accidental loss of materials must be controlled to below 10%."
"That's for sure."
Sun Mo didn't plan on fooling the shop owner.
Seeing that Sun Mo didn't find any excuses and agreed right away, the shop owner heaved a sigh of relief. This teacher was very easy to get along with. However, he then rubbed his hands together.
"This..."
The shop owner wanted to say something but hesitated.
"Speak!"
Sun Mo calmly instructed.
"Can you draw another one?"
As the shop owner spoke, he immediately took out the spirit rune brush that Sun Mo liked and the best ink and spirit rune paper, respectfully placing them on the table.
Sun Mo didn't mind. He picked up the brush and dipped it in ink. After channeling spirit qi into the brush, he started to draw the spirit rune rune.
"Eh!"
The shop owner's heart trembled fiercely. (Don't you need some time to prepare?) The materials this time around were very expensive. If he drew it wrongly, he'd have to waste over 100 taels of silver.
However, as Sun Mo drew, the shop owner discovered that he was thinking too much.
Just like before, Sun Mo only used slightly over 15 minutes to complete the spirit rune. Moreover, throughout the entire process, Sun Mo's posture was carefree and relaxed. He didn't pause or think at all.
It was as if drawing spirit runes had become something as instinctive as eating and drinking.
As the materials used were better, a spirit qi tornado that was even bigger than before was formed. Even the spirit qi density was too high, producing some flashing light spots that were like the stars in the night sky.
"Beautiful!"
"How beautiful!"
Other than this sentence, the shop owner couldn't find any other praise.
Ding!
Favorable impression points from the shop owner + 20. Neutral. Sun Mo put down the brush.
The shop owner looked at the spirit rune on the table and subconsciously stretched out his hand, wanting to take it and admire it. However, he then stopped.
He was worried that he would dirty this spirit rune.
"Level 6, this is definitely a level 6 spirit rune. It can be sold for at least 1,000 taels of silver!"
The shop owner was extremely agitated.
"Are you done? Pack up the spirit rune tools first. I still have something to do later, so it's time for me to leave. "
Sun Mo didn't wish to waste any more time.
The shop owner didn't dare to delay. He immediately packed up the best ink and spirit rune papers in the shop and placed them in front of Sun Mo.
"I don't have the money to pay a deposit!"
Sun Mo reminded.
"Why would you need to pay a deposit?"
The shop owner was very magnanimous.
He actually wanted it, but what if he offended Sun Mo? He wouldn't be able to encounter such an amazing spirit rune master even once in a few years. Even if he encountered one, Sun Mo wouldn't cooperate with him.
Therefore, the shop owner had to provide for Sun Mo.
Moreover, Sun Mo was a teacher from the Central Province Academy. He could find out if he asked around. In any case, the monk could run, but the temple couldn't.
Sun Mo took the things and left.
After the shop owner sent him off, he impatiently returned to the shop and carefully admired this spirit rune. This was simply a work of art!
A student walked in. When he saw the spirit qi tornado on the table that hadn't completely dissipated, his eyes brightened and he immediately rushed over.
"I want this spirit rune!"
Look, this was what rich people were like. They didn't ask for the price and directly bought it!
The shop owner sighed ruefully.
If he encountered such customers in normal times, he would have long since served them with a smile. However, he couldn't do so today.
"Sorry, it's not for sale!"
The shop owner rejected.
"Why?"
Fang Yan didn't understand. He stretched out his hand to touch this spirit gathering rune.
Earlier, Fang Yan had already ascertained that this was a pretty good spirit gathering rune when he saw the size of the spirit qi tornado. Now that he got closer to take a look, he realized how shallow his evaluation was.
The direction, arrangement, and thickness of each spirit rune were simply pleasing to the eye and filled with beauty. If Fang Yan obtained it, he would definitely not bear to use it. He would frame it and hang it on the wall to admire it.
"I want to leave it for my son to use!"
The shop owner spoke bluntly. The reason he earned money was to support his family and nurture his son. Now that he had encountered such a good spirit gathering rune, he would definitely leave it for his son.
"You... you... you are really wasting heavenly treasures!"
Fang Yan was almost angered to death.
(You actually want to use such a beautiful spirit rune? Do you know that you will incur the wrath of heaven?)
When the shop owner saw the angry Fang Yan, he retreated a few steps in shock.
There was no solution to it. This fellow was over two meters tall and had bulging muscles. He was so strong that he was like a huge metal tower. Once he was angry, he would feel like he was going to tear his enemies apart and swallow them whole.
"Name a price!"
Fang Yan urged.
"I already said that I'm not selling!"
The shop owner rolled up the spirit rune paper with his fastest speed and hid it behind his back. He was worried that Fang Yan would snatch it from him, hence, he warned him.
"Looking at your school uniform, you must be from the Central Province Academy, right? If you dare to act recklessly, I'll go and complain to Headmaster An!"
"Hehe!"
Fang Yan was angered to the point of laughing. However, when he saw the shop owner's expression, he knew that he most probably wouldn't be able to buy this spirit gathering rune.
(Sigh, I really can't accept this!)
"In the future, my shop will have spirit gathering runes that are of a similar grade to this. If you want it, I can keep it for you."
The shop owner was very crafty. He didn't say that he was selling it but that he wanted to keep it. This way, it would appear that his goods were selling very well.
"At my level, why would I need a spirit gathering rune?"
Fang Yan shook his head and laughed.
Spirit gathering runes were spirit runes that cultivators at the body-refinement realm and the initial stage of the spirit-refinement realm could use. No matter how high one's cultivation base was, the spirit qi gathered by the spirit gathering rune would be like a cup of water on a burning cart of firewood. It would be used up in a few breaths.
The reason why Fang Yan wanted this spirit gathering rune was purely because he liked the art of spirit runes. He had his eyes on this spirit gathering rune and was planning to keep it as a collection.
Use it?
He couldn't bear to!
"Use it as a collection!"
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