Hearing Uncle Nine and Ling Xiao's words, Master Liu couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
Master Ren's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't expected even someone as wealthy and influential as Master Liu to show such deep respect toward a Mount Mao master—how could he have ever dared to doubt them?
"Uncle Nine, my daughter was rude earlier. Please forgive her! Tingting, quickly apologize."
Master Ren hurriedly bowed respectfully to Uncle Nine and urged Ren Tingting to do the same.
"Master Ren, no need to be so formal. Kids just like to joke around."
Uncle Nine smiled graciously.
After all, it was Wen Cai who had been foolish. It was perfectly reasonable for others to have doubts.
"Right—Benefactor, last night you left in a rush, and I didn't get a chance to thank you properly. Today, I came specifically to deliver a gift of gratitude!
You lot, bring the gift forward!"
Master Liu finally remembered the main reason he had come and turned to instruct the servants.
At that moment, everyone realized that several servants were actually carrying a large chest.
BANG!!!!
The chest was placed on the table with a heavy thud. The wooden surface creaked loudly, nearly collapsing under the weight.
When the lid was opened, the surrounding people couldn't help but gasp.
The entire chest was filled with silver.
A rough estimate suggested it held at least 2,000 taels.
In current terms, that equaled roughly 2,000 Silver Dollar.
In this era, Silver Dollar were still made of silver, but each coin only weighed half a tael—yet its purchasing power was equivalent to a full tael. This pricing model had been introduced by warlords to exploit the people.
Essentially, 1,000 taels of silver now had the purchasing power of 2,000 taels, and the extra profit went straight into the warlords' pockets.
"Wow! So much silver, Master!"
Wen Cai was completely stunned. He had never seen so much money in his entire life.
Even Master Ren was shaken. As expected of one of the wealthiest men in the region—this chest alone probably accounted for a fifth of his total assets.
"Master Liu, this won't do. My master has always taught us to slay demons and exorcise spirits. That's the duty of a Mount Mao Taoist. We only accept what we're owed.
2,000 taels is far too much.
Please take it back. If there's a next time, just referring a few clients our way would already be the greatest thanks you could give us."
But Ling Xiao politely refused the silver.
He did need money, but there were plenty of ways to earn it. He wasn't about to tarnish his or Uncle Nine's reputation. If word got out, it wouldn't sound good.
"Come on, Senior Brother, if you're not taking all of it, at least take half!"
Wen Cai blurted out anxiously.
"What, do you want me to give some to you!?"
Uncle Nine shot him a glare.
Still, he was very pleased with Ling Xiao's response. Seeing his disciple resist the temptation of wealth and stay true to his principles brought him great satisfaction.
Ling Xiao and Uncle Nine's stance left both Master Liu and Master Ren in awe.
So this was what a true master looked like—only accepting what they were owed. How could such a person be a charlatan or a fraud?
"I was too reckless earlier. But still, I did some digging—Uncle Nine, I heard your standard rate for exorcism is 50 Silver Dollar per job. Last night, if Taoist Priest Ling Xiao hadn't stepped in, Lotus Village would've lost at least seven or eight lives!
Surely that counts as five or six interventions. Please, at least accept 500 taels. Otherwise, my daughter and I would feel uneasy."
Master Liu insisted, and immediately ordered his servants to take out part of the silver.
When Ling Xiao saw the 500 taels, he looked toward Uncle Nine, who gave a slight nod of approval.
"In that case, I'll gladly accept it."
Ling Xiao smiled and accepted the money. Master Liu and Liu Yingying beamed with joy.
Ling Xiao understood well—500 taels was nothing for a rich man like Master Liu.
He handed the silver over to Wen Cai to hold.
"We're rich! We're rich!!"
Wen Cai was overjoyed.
Even though it wasn't his money, just hugging the sack of silver was enough to make him grin from ear to ear.
"Hahaha! What a wonderful day this is. Why don't I host lunch today? I hope Master Liu and Uncle Nine will do me the honor."
At that moment, Master Ren smiled, seizing the opportunity. As a businessman, he knew this was a rare chance to build a connection with Master Liu.
"Master Ren, you're too kind."
Uncle Nine nodded in agreement.
"Then my daughter and I shall gladly impose upon Uncle Nine's good fortune."
Master Liu also smiled, not refusing. He had heard of Master Ren, and this might even be a chance to do business together.
Upon hearing she'd get to dine with Ling Xiao, Liu Yingying's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Ren Tingting, sitting nearby, also found herself increasingly curious about this Little Taoist Master.
Soon, the group arrived at Juxian Manor for their meal.
Since both girls had been to the Provincial Capital, Liu Yingying and Ren Tingting quickly struck up a conversation.
But although they chatted, both of their hearts were focused on Ling Xiao, who quietly ate at the side.
As for Wen Cai, he stuffed his face while hugging the silver like he was guarding a treasure.
"Master Ren, in that case, let's schedule Old Master Ren's exhumation and reburial for three days from now."
After the meal, Uncle Nine discussed the matter with Master Ren.
"Uncle Nine, whatever you say—I'll cooperate fully!"
Master Ren agreed without hesitation. His tone was entirely different from earlier.
"Father, can I stay in Renjia Town tonight?"
Just then, Liu Yingying walked over to her father, speaking sweetly and pleadingly.
"Stay the night? Would that trouble Master Ren?"
Master Liu was briefly surprised, but didn't overthink it.
"What are you saying, Master Liu? Having Miss Liu stay at The Ren Family is a great honor!"
Master Ren quickly replied.
"Then I'll trouble you, Master Ren!"
Master Liu smiled.
"Great!"
Liu Yingying's eyes lit up with delight. Then, blushing, she turned to Ling Xiao.
"Um… Brother Ling Xiao, we're going to buy some rouge and powders. Would you come with us? We're just two girls, and we're scared there might be bad people on the road…"
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