Eternal Tale

The chubby Taoist had just completed his transaction and clasped his hands together, flashing a flattering smile. “Senior, you are truly blessed with wisdom and fortune. Surely, the path of immortality shines brightly before you!”

“Oh? Then I’ll take your kind words to heart,” Chen Xun replied with a faint smile.

“Well then, Senior, I won’t disturb you any further. I’ll head back to search for more treasures immediately!” The Taoist chuckled, turning to leave with exaggerated haste. His pace quickened when he noticed the Xiao Chi eyeing him from a distance.

Meanwhile, Mo Fuyang had already entered the garbage fields, earnestly persuading scavengers one by one. His tone was heartfelt, his logic compelling. “With a Senior of such standing, do you think he would resort to petty tricks? Take the opportunity to bring your fragments to the recycling plant.”

Sister Crane stood at the edge of the garbage dump, her bright eyes carefully scanning the expressions of the scavengers. Her delicate features bore a contemplative look as she studied their hesitant reactions.

“Everyone, there’s no rush,” Chen Xun’s powerful voice resonated again. “The Garbage Recycling Plant will remain open. Our terms are fair, and we won’t impose restrictions on your freedom.”

Moo~~ Brother Ox bellowed, his dark eyes gleaming with understanding. These scavengers’ wariness was only natural; after all, such favorable terms were rare.

“Big Brother, wait for me!” Xiao Chi yelled, his booming voice trailing as he hurriedly followed Chen Xun and the others back to the recycling plant.

<hr>

As the day wore on, Mo Fuyang continued his efforts. “Trust me, Daoist, this is a golden opportunity. You’ve nothing to lose by checking it out,” he said to a sharp-featured man who radiated an air of righteousness.

The man frowned, skepticism etched on his face. “Your words are persuasive, but such offers… They’re too good to be true. Let me think it over.”

“Take your time,” Mo Fuyang replied, bowing slightly. “But rest assured, you won’t regret giving it a chance.”

Elsewhere, the chubby Taoist sat cross-legged atop a heap of trash, his trusty compass in hand. His round face glistened with sweat as he muttered fervently, “The ancestral compass never lies! This island… this island is the key to my destiny!”

He raised his stubby fingers solemnly. “O ancestors, lend me your blessings! Guide me to treasures untold, and I promise to burn offerings of… er… low-grade spirit stones in your honor!”

<hr>

Back at the base of the recycling plant, a humble yet sturdy building stood proudly amidst the desolation. Bold characters adorned its façade: Garbage Recycling Plant.

Chen Xun lounged in a rocking chair, sipping from a cup of steaming tea. His posture was leisurely, yet his gaze carried an unmistakable determination.

Sister Crane, seated nearby on a child-sized stool, was engrossed in her books. Her black skirt trailed on the ground as her bright eyes darted across the pages. Occasionally, she stole glances at Brother Ox, who stood sentinel nearby. Their shared looks held playful secrets, as though plotting a mischief the moment Chen Xun’s attention wavered.

Xiao Chi and Brother Ox flanked Chen Xun like loyal guards. Their eyes gleamed with anticipation, waiting for the first major customer to arrive.

Hours passed. The tea in Chen Xun’s cup grew cold. “They’re probably still scavenging,” he mused. “Patience, brothers. This will take time.”

Moo~~ Brother Ox nodded in agreement.

“The garbage mounds are vast; news will spread gradually.” Chen Xun chuckled. With a simple wave, his tea reheated. “Focus on your cultivation while we wait.”

<hr>

By mid-afternoon, two figures finally approached from the distance. Amid the barren mounds of spirit grass, a man and a woman trudged forward, their distinctive light blue skin marking them as non-human.

Xiao Chi’s eyes narrowed as he recognized them. “That’s the couple we saw last year,” he muttered, his tone tinged with curiosity.

Sister Crane set down her book and broke into a delighted smile, but before she could rise, a stern voice halted her. “Focus on your studies, Sister Crane. Discipline is key.”

Startled, she lowered her head and resumed reading, though not without a slight pout.

The approaching couple stopped a respectful distance away and bowed deeply. “Greetings, Senior,” the man said. “I am Qing Li, and this is my partner, Qing Wan.”

Chen Xun returned their gesture with a nod. “Are you here to exchange fragments?”

“Yes, Senior. We’ve managed to collect twelve catties of fragments,” Qing Li replied earnestly.

“Very well. Place them inside the factory. Xiao Chi, handle the inspection,” Chen Xun instructed.

“On it, Big Brother!” Xiao Chi roared, bounding forward. His fiery mane flickered as he guided Qing Wan into the plant.

Qing Li remained outside, standing respectfully before Chen Xun. “Senior, I’ve noticed Mo Fuyang tirelessly spreading the word about your recycling plant. If I may… my partner and I would like to join your efforts.”

Chen Xun raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Explain.”

Qing Li’s voice was firm. “We’ve spent over a century on this garbage island. Many of the scavengers here know us. We can help expand your operations and ensure the plant’s success.”

Chen Xun sipped his tea thoughtfully. “If you wish to work for me, understand this: I’m not offering traditional resources or cultivation benefits. This is about hard work, not drama. Do you understand?”

Qing Li’s expression grew solemn. “Completely, Senior. Qing Wan and I seek only to contribute. We will not bring you trouble.”

“Good. I’ll remember your names. Perform well, and you’ll be rewarded accordingly.”

Qing Li’s face lit up with gratitude. “Thank you, Senior! We won’t disappoint you.”

At that moment, Xiao Chi emerged from the factory, nodding approvingly. “Big Brother, the fragments check out. Twelve catties, just as they said.”

Chen Xun waved his hand, and three hundred mid-grade spirit stones materialized before Qing Wan. “Take these. And if you’re serious about helping, start by spreading the word.”

“Understood, Senior!” Qing Li and Qing Wan replied in unison, their voices filled with determination.

As they departed, Brother Ox trotted into the factory, eager to begin refining the newly acquired fragments. Xiao Chi stood nearby, his mane glowing softly as he chuckled. “Big Brother, you’re a genius. This operation’s going to make us rich in no time!”

Sister Crane peeked up from her book, her lips curving into a sly smile. “Big Brother’s plans never fail.”

Chen Xun gave her a pointed look. “Finished your reading already?”

Her smile vanished. “Uh… almost, Big Brother,” she mumbled, hurriedly turning back to her book as the others laughed.

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