Chapter 435: Chapter 398: This Disciple is Willing to Accept the Challenge

"What a coincidence. Since you two have already met, I won’t bother with introductions."

Zhou Hongfang chuckled and pointed to the stone stool opposite him, saying to Zhao Lin, "Don’t be so formal. Sit, have some tea."

"Yes, sir."

Zhao Lin sat down primly, adopting an attitude of one ready to listen respectfully.

"Here, try some of my prized Spirit Tea."

Zhou Hongfang picked up the teapot, poured Zhao Lin a cup, and then watched him with a smile.

"This is truly fine tea!"

Zhao Lin accepted the cup with both hands, took a perfunctory sip, and praised it loudly without even tasting the flavor.

"This is the first spring harvest from Songyu Peak this year. The yield is scarce; only two jars were collected in total."

A look of pride on his face, Dean Zhou produced a white porcelain tea jar as if by magic. "I’m keeping one jar for myself, but you can take this one home with you."

"This... this is too precious! I can’t possibly accept it."

His face was filled with gratitude, and he looked like he wanted to accept but was too embarrassed to do so.

He was thinking, ’It seems all leaders in the world have two prized jars of tea—one for themselves, and one to give to their most capable subordinate. And somehow, they never run out.’

"You are the most outstanding disciple of our Spirit Dao Institute. It’s just a jar of Spirit Tea. You must accept it."

Zhou Hongfang said, deliberately putting on a stern face.

"In that case, it would be disrespectful to refuse."

Only then did Zhao Lin reach out and accept it.

"Zhao Lin, what are your plans after graduation?"

Dean Zhou took two sips of tea and asked, seemingly at random.

"I haven’t decided yet."

Zhao Lin answered honestly, thinking, ’The Dean is asking me personally. Could it be he wants me to stay at the Spirit Dao Institute?’

’Then what’s Gu Dezhao doing here as an escort?’

"It is indeed something that requires careful consideration."

Zhou Hongfang nodded, then suddenly asked, "Have you ever thought about running a shop?"

Zhao Lin paused for a moment. "No, I haven’t."

Zhou Hongfang had asked about *running* a shop, not just working in one. That definitely didn’t mean a miscellaneous position like a clerk or an errand boy; it had to be a role like a Second Shopkeeper at the very least.

The people who could become a shopkeeper were typically cultivators who had practiced for many years, were worldly-wise, and had a certain network of connections.

A newly graduated disciple would never get such an opportunity.

Dean Zhou took a letter from his sleeve and handed it to Zhao Lin. "Take a look at this first."

Zhao Lin curiously took the letter. When he opened it, he was stunned to find it was a personal letter from Lu Yuanxiu.

The gist of the letter was that the regional government had established a market city in Dongfu County. Many shops were waiting to open, and he was being appointed as the Chief Shopkeeper of one of them.

Run a shop, as the Chief Shopkeeper!

Zhao Lin was so surprised he was speechless for a long moment. This was completely unexpected.

A market city was different from a common marketplace. Massive amounts of cultivation resources were gathered there, and the customers included not only cultivators from their own sect but also many from other sects.

As long as it was managed well, the merit points and Spirit Stones one could earn were extremely plentiful.

Moreover, market cities were always built on a Spirit Vein, so one didn’t need to worry about a place to cultivate.

There was no need to risk your life on dangerous missions or toil as an apprentice to gain seniority. It was a dream job!

The problem was, those who could serve as Chief Shopkeeper in a market city shop were all senior Qi Refining Realm cultivators, or even Foundation Establishment cultivators.

’I’m just a rookie, so how did I earn such high regard from Lu Yuanxiu?’

’Could it be that latching onto that powerhouse two years ago is finally paying off?’

Soon, another question popped into his mind.

’If Lu Yuanxiu wanted me to run the shop, why didn’t he write to me directly? Why go through Dean Zhou first?’

Zhao Lin glanced at Gu Dezhao, who sat with his head bowed in silence, and suddenly understood.

The most important thing for opening a shop was a stable supply of goods—a stable and reliable supply of goods!

Because of the Spirit Dao Institute’s presence, Han Chi County did not have a Prefect; the Dean was, in effect, the Prefect.

As long as he had Zhou Hongfang’s support, he wouldn’t have to worry about his supply chain.

And Zhou Hongfang, naturally, also wanted to use this opportunity to promote the county’s cultivation items and local specialties.

Each party gets what they need. It’s a win-win!

’Elder Lu is so thorough in his considerations. He truly lives up to his reputation as an elder from the regional government.’

Zhao Lin was secretly filled with admiration.

"So, are you willing to accept this position?"

Zhou Hongfang looked at Zhao Lin expectantly.

"Although it will be a great challenge, I am willing to accept it."

Zhao Lin stood and clasped his fist.

’Lu Yuanxiu gave me this opportunity, and the Dean has pushed so hard for it. Only a fool wouldn’t know what to do.’

After a moment’s thought, Zhao Lin added, "I am new to this business, so I hope to have the Dean’s support."

Seeing that Zhao Lin understood with just a hint, Zhou Hongfang was delighted. "You are a disciple of my Spirit Dao Institute. Of course I will give you my full support."

"As you probably know, our county’s magical robes, Spirit Tea, and coldwater fish are all top-quality goods."

"The medicinal pills from Yuding Peak are no worse than those from other regions; they just lack a famous reputation."

At this point, Zhou Hongfang glanced at Gu Dezhao. "However, you’ve never managed a market city shop before, so there will inevitably be many things you’re unfamiliar with. Dezhao has been in this business for many years. How about we have him be your Second Shopkeeper?"

Zhao Lin didn’t hesitate for a second. "That would be wonderful! I was just worrying that my lack of experience would prevent me from managing the shop well."

Market city shops usually had two shopkeepers, a chief and a deputy. The reason was simple: cultivators were not like mortals. They often needed to meditate and cultivate, which could take one or two hours at the very least. When breaking through to a new level, they might be unable to participate in business for ten days or even half a month.

Therefore, to ensure the shop ran smoothly, a Second Shopkeeper was necessary. When both were present, the Second Shopkeeper acted as the deputy. When the Chief Shopkeeper was away, the Second Shopkeeper would take over management.

At this, Gu Dezhao, who had been silent the whole time, stood up and said solemnly to Zhao Lin, "I am getting on in years. I am only taking this position to do what little I can to assist you, little friend, in running the shop."

"Once the shop is running smoothly, I will retire."

His words were very tactful, and he positioned himself correctly, meaning that Zhao Lin didn’t have to worry about his authority being threatened.

Of course, with an elder from the regional government as his backer, only a lunatic would think of trying to replace him.

Zhao Lin understood Gu Dezhao’s meaning and quickly replied, "Elder Gu, you worry too much. This junior will be relying on your guidance."

Zhou Hongfang laughed heartily, stroking his beard. "Excellent. I hope the two of you will work together closely and establish yourselves as soon as possible."

A question suddenly occurred to Zhao Lin, and he asked, "Dean, I’m a little unclear. Since Elder Lu has asked me to run the shop, can I arrange all the positions myself?"

Dean Zhou nodded slightly. "Elder Lu’s intentions are very clear. You are to be fully in charge of the shop."

"In other words, the regional government will only send over an accountant. All other shop personnel will be appointed by you."

Zhao Lin said, "That puts my mind at ease."

"Alright, since everything has been discussed, you two may go back and begin your preparations."

With that, Zhou Hongfang waved his hand, dismissing them.

Leaving the Spirit Dao Institute, Zhao Lin felt as if he were in a dream. He never thought that the matter that had been troubling him for so long would finally be resolved—and with such a good outcome.

It was just as the old saying goes: things always find a way to work out, and just when you think all is lost, a new path reveals itself.

On his way home, he passed by Li Sancai’s residence, and a thought suddenly struck him.

’The shop is new. It would be best to have a few capable assistants. Although Gu Dezhao is amicable, he is a senior figure, and I might not be able to order him around easily.’

’Besides, if I don’t arrange my own staff, Gu Dezhao will definitely bring his old team with him. If that happens, even if he doesn’t mean to, I, the Chief Shopkeeper, will be turned into a figurehead.’

’Li Sancai is honest and loyal, and he knows how to be grateful. He’s actually a pretty good candidate.’

Thinking of this, Zhao Lin walked over and knocked on the door.

"Senior Brother Zhao."

Li Sancai opened the door, welcomed Zhao Lin into the main hall, and immediately turned to pour him some water.

"Don’t trouble yourself."

Zhao Lin quickly stopped him and beckoned him over to sit down. "Junior Brother Li, what are your plans after graduation?"

"No real plans."

Li Sancai gave a modest smile. "I heard the Talisman Hall is recruiting apprentices. I was thinking of working there for a few years first, then see what happens after I’ve learned a thing or two."

Zhao Lin nodded. Li Sancai’s Daoist art was talisman crafting, so it wasn’t surprising that he had such an idea.

"I know of a market city shop that’s opening and needs a Manager. I was wondering if Junior Brother Li might be interested?"

Zhao Lin didn’t mention that he was the shopkeeper. Others were still scrambling to find their place, and revealing this too early would only attract jealousy.

"A Manager? Is that like a clerk?"

Li Sancai asked, looking a bit stunned.

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