Chapter 54: A Profitable Profession
On the Way to Wanbao Pavilion
Mu Feng and Mu Zhong walked through the streets of An Nan City toward Wanbao Pavilion.
"Young Master, when did you become a rune craftsman?" Mu Zhong asked, his tone a mix of surprise and curiosity.
The Mu family's main branch had a guest elder who was a second-tier rune craftsman, but hiring him came at a steep price.
Mu Feng chuckled. "That's a secret, Uncle Zhong. By the way, I noticed your weapon is still a mid-tier Yuan tool. Once I can engrave third-tier patterns, I'll make you a high-tier Yuan tool. Unfortunately, I'm only skilled enough for first-tier patterns right now."
"Haha, I'll look forward to it! If you become a third-tier rune craftsman, even Nan Hao would think twice before crossing the Mu family," Mu Zhong laughed.
Rune craftsmen were extraordinarily valuable, as their skills encompassed weapon crafting, array formation, and even alchemy. Moreover, rune craftsmen were organized under the Rune Hall, a powerful and influential organization whose authority often surpassed even royal families. The Rune Hall's influence stemmed from its monopoly on essential resources—runes, weapons, and alchemical inscriptions.
However, smaller cities like An Nan lacked Rune Hall branches; they could only be found in capitals and major cities.
At Wanbao Pavilion
Arriving at Wanbao Pavilion, Mu Feng and Mu Zhong were greeted warmly by a smiling attendant. Recognizing Mu Feng as a high-value customer from his last visit, the attendant hurried over.
"Greetings, young master! Are you here to sell or purchase today?" the attendant asked sweetly.
"I'm here to sell. Do you accept these?" Mu Feng said, producing a stack of talisman papers.
The attendant's expression shifted to one of seriousness. "Are these finished talismans?" she asked.
"That's right," Mu Feng confirmed.
The attendant's demeanor became even more respectful. "Young master… are you a rune craftsman?" she asked, her voice tinged with awe.
"No, these were made by my master. I'm just here to sell them," Mu Feng replied, choosing to downplay his abilities for now.
"I'll need to summon our manager. Please wait here while I arrange a private room," the attendant said. After signaling another attendant to escort Mu Feng and Mu Zhong to a guest lounge, she hurried upstairs.
The Manager's Room
Upstairs, the manager, Li, was in conversation with an elderly man in a black embroidered robe. The elder's sleeves bore the insignia of two red clouds, marking him as a second-tier rune craftsman.
"Manager Li, sorry to interrupt, but that young master has returned—and he's brought these," the attendant said, presenting the talismans.
"These are inscribed talismans!" Li and the elder exclaimed simultaneously.
"Elder Qian, could you evaluate them?" Li asked, passing the talismans to the craftsman.
Examining them closely, Elder Qian's eyes sparkled with interest. "These are top-quality first-tier talismans. The craftsmanship is exceptional. I've never seen this particular pattern before—it's intricate and profound. Whoever inscribed these is at least a second-tier, possibly even a third-tier rune craftsman."
Pausing, Elder Qian examined the talismans further and frowned slightly. "Odd. Some of these appear to be from a different hand. The quality varies slightly."
"Let's meet this young master at once," Li said, rising to his feet.
Meeting in the Guest Lounge
Moments later, Manager Li and Elder Qian entered the lounge, their demeanor respectful.
"Young Master Mu, it's good to see you again," Manager Li greeted with a polite bow.
Mu Feng frowned slightly. "Manager Li, it seems you've been investigating me. How else would you know my family name?"
Li smiled awkwardly. "Apologies, young master. It was just due diligence. Let's discuss your talismans instead, shall we?"
Mu Feng decided to let it slide. "Evaluate them and make me an offer."
"May I ask, were these inscribed by you?" Manager Li asked cautiously, with Elder Qian looking equally curious.
"Manager Li, that's a bit intrusive. If you're not interested, I can sell them elsewhere," Mu Feng replied sharply, feigning irritation.
"Please, don't be angry! We'll buy them. Wanbao Pavilion is always eager to deal in quality goods," Li said quickly. "We can offer 200 gold coins per talisman. Does that sound fair?"
Mu Feng hid his delight. The offer exceeded his expectations, as the talismans' production cost was only a fraction of that amount. Maintaining a calm facade, he nodded. "That works. I'll also need five more bundles of talisman paper."
"Of course. Twelve talismans total—2,400 gold coins. The paper costs 1,000 gold coins. We'll deduct that and transfer the remaining balance to your gold card," Li said, producing a golden card for the transaction.
After completing the exchange, Manager Li added, "Young master, as a token of appreciation, we'll include an extra bundle of talisman paper free of charge. Please consider bringing more of your goods to Wanbao Pavilion in the future."
Mu Feng gave a faint smile. "Manager Li, you're a shrewd businessman. I'll think about it. Farewell."
After Mu Feng Left
"Elder Qian, do you think he's a rune craftsman?" Manager Li asked.
Elder Qian shook his head. "His fingers lack the calluses of someone who regularly uses a rune penknife. But he clearly has connections to a skilled craftsman. We must cultivate a good relationship with him and find out who's behind these talismans. Let's visit the Mu family soon."
Li nodded solemnly. "It's dangerous to offend anyone connected to a rune craftsman."
Back at the Mu Family
The Yuan weapons Mu Feng had crafted were quickly stocked in the Mu family's shops. Customers eagerly claimed their orders, and the remaining weapon blanks were delivered to Mu Feng for further engraving. Within days, all outstanding orders were fulfilled, pulling the Mu family out of financial crisis.
At the Huang Family Estate
"What? The Mu family managed to deliver all their orders?" Huang Tai exclaimed in shock after hearing the report.
"Yes, sir. I saw it with my own eyes. Customers left with their weapons," the informant confirmed.
"Father, what do we do now?" Huang Yi asked, his face dark with frustration.
Huang Tai's expression turned cold, his eyes narrowing. "Don't worry. I have another plan. This time, I'll ensure the Mu family's destruction is absolute!"