Hu Tao Is Monetizing My Existence. [58]

What kind of thought process led this guy to literally cling to Hu Tao’s leg in an attempt to learn talismans from her?

“Clinging to someone’s leg” was just a metaphor for seeking favor—who would actually try to turn it into a literal action?!

“Uh…” Hu Tao was speechless.

She had simply taken out a talisman—how did that suddenly make her an expert in talismanic arts?

No wonder he had been fooled so easily, believing in that so-called True Lord of Thunderous Lightning without question. This guy had a real talent for filling in the gaps with his imagination!

“I don’t know how to draw talismans. That was something I bought. If you want to learn, you’re better off chasing after that old man—his talismanic arts are extraordinary, and he carries plenty of them.” Hu Tao pointed in the direction where the elder had just disappeared, showing him the “right path.”

A “great teacher” deserved a “worthy disciple”—they should just leave everyone else out of their nonsense.

“WHAT?!” A-Ling paled in shock.

Without hesitation, he turned and dashed after the old man, shouting,

“Master, wait for me! Master, don’t leave me behind!”

Watching him run off, Jiang Bai rubbed his temples. “Is… is there something wrong with his head?”

Hu Tao sighed. “Who knows? As long as he’s not bothering us, it’s fine…”

People like him didn’t care about reality—they only believed what they wanted to see. If he latched onto them, shaking him off would be a nightmare.

“By the way, where’s Wu Cong?” Jiang Bai glanced around, realizing he was missing.

He had wanted to ask him more about adepti and their legends, but now the guy was nowhere to be found.

“He probably went back.”

The two headed toward the thatched hut, soon spotting Wu Cong standing at the doorway.

He carried a small bundle on his back, evidently waiting for them.

“You’re leaving?”

“Yeah. Now that I know it was all a scam, there’s no point in staying.”

“But aren’t you pursuing the path of immortality?”

“Not anymore. That was my ancestors’ dream. My dream is to master martial arts! I plan to join the Guhua Clan. If fate allows, we’ll meet again.”

“I was hoping to go explore that ‘Heaven and Earth’ trial with you…” Jiang Bai sighed in disappointment.

He had been genuinely curious about that trial, and having someone like Wu Cong—a native of these mountains—as a guide would’ve made the search much easier.

But now, it seemed that plan was no longer feasible.

Seeing Jiang Bai’s interest, Wu Cong pulled an old notebook from his bundle and handed it over. “This is a journal passed down from my ancestors. Borrow it for now. If you can find the trial of ‘Earth,’ consider it fulfilling their wish.”

Jiang Bai took the notebook, surprised.

“You’re just giving me something this important?”

“If I ever need it, I’ll just drop by Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to get it back.”

Wu Cong chuckled. His once simple and honest face no longer seemed naive—clearly, his intelligence had fully returned.

Or perhaps… he had never actually believed Hu Tao’s story about “having a friend at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor” in the first place.

“The Director of Wangsheng wouldn’t be so petty as to steal my notebook, right?” He smirked at Hu Tao, his tone carrying a hint of teasing.

Many in Liyue knew that the Director of Wangsheng was a young girl who enjoyed promoting funeral services. A little deduction made her identity obvious.

“Since you’ve figured it out, I might as well admit it.” Straightening her back, Hu Tao cleared her throat and declared, “That’s right! I, Hu Tao, am the 77th generation Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!”

“Don’t worry. If you ever need it, just come to Wangsheng to retrieve it.” She patted her chest in assurance.

“Then I’ll count on you, Director Hu.” Wu Cong clasped his fists in a respectful farewell.

As they watched his figure disappear down the mountain path, Jiang Bai tucked the journal away carefully, planning to read it in detail during their next rest.

“Director, what’s the Guhua Clan?”

Hu Tao sighed nostalgically. “A once-glorious but long-declined sect. But they’re fortunate—one of Liyue’s most renowned martial arts has found a worthy successor, so it won’t be lost entirely.”

“Liyue’s most renowned martial arts? That impressive?”

“The Guhua Clan once had three ultimate techniques: the spear art Ciming, the sword art Caiyu, and the dual-weapon art Shengkè. In Liyue’s martial traditions, these were considered top-tier.”

“But over time, while their techniques became increasingly refined, their effectiveness waned. The Guhua Clan’s influence dwindled, disciples left, and they eventually became an obscure sect.”

Hu Tao sighed as she spoke.

Wangsheng Funeral Parlor had also existed for millennia, yet it had only grown stronger. Meanwhile, the once-renowned Guhua Clan had faded into obscurity.

Different paths led to different destinies.

“You sure know a lot about them.” Jiang Bai found it surprising—knowledge of a sect’s internal martial techniques usually wasn’t so easy for outsiders to obtain.

But considering Hu Tao’s identity, it wasn’t too shocking.

Hu Tao shrugged. “Well, the person who inherited Guhua’s legacy happens to be my friend. I’ll introduce you sometime—you two will definitely get along.”

Xingqiu’s personality was hard to describe, but when it came to poetry, Hu Tao did appreciate his talent.

“Sounds good.”

…

After resting for a while, the two resumed their journey.

To reach Huaguang Stone Forest, they first had to pass through Jueyun Karst.

Jueyun Karst was a treacherous landscape—towering peaks that pierced the clouds, deep pools that seemed bottomless. Waterfalls thundered through the valleys, crashing against rocks with a roar like an enraged beast, deafening all who stood near.

A wooden suspension bridge swayed in the wind, connecting two cliffs. Below it, the river surged through a deep gorge.

Jiang Bai stared at the bridge, which had likely been built ages ago. Some planks were already broken, while others were entirely missing. The ropes, covered in moss, looked ancient and fragile.

If someone stepped wrong and fell through… well, better start planning the funeral.

Tugging on the rope for reassurance, he asked, “Director, has no one ever thought of repairing or rebuilding this thing?”

“Besides herbalists and a few hunters, hardly anyone ventures into these mountains anymore. With so few travelers, no one bothers maintaining the bridge. Over time, it’s just fallen into disrepair.”

Hu Tao spread her hands helplessly.

Back when people still fervently sought the adepti, many would travel to Jueyun Karst, hoping to glimpse an immortal and obtain their guidance toward eternal life.

But as the adepti became increasingly elusive, and the pursuit of immortality grew ever more difficult, the tales of seeking the adepti faded into legend.

Nowadays, aside from Treasure Hoarders, few set foot in these lands.

If not for Wu Cong, even Hu Tao wouldn’t have known about the so-called Trial of Heaven and Earth.

And even though she frequently roamed the mountains, her usual destinations were places like Wuwang Hill—she had rarely ever ventured here.

—

This is a fan translation of 胡桃拿我冲业绩 by 余溯. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!