I Can Recognize Everything, But the Information is Wrong-Chapter 203 - 167: Conch Shell Summons the Five Elements Jiao

Tian Lin did not return to the city at nightfall; instead, he rowed out to the near shore to exchange with the Water Official for Spirit Stones.

The Water Official had grown numb to Tian Lin's tactics, and after counting out eighty-six Spirit Stones for Tian Lin, he suddenly made a sly suggestion:

"In this lonely night, would senior like to go to the tavern for some entertainment?"

Early-stage Foundation Establishment Tian Lin had already grown used to the Qi Refiners' fawning.

He glanced at the brothel nearby, ablaze with red lanterns and bustling with noise, and asked the Water Official:

"Although the brothel also hangs red lanterns, tonight's seem somewhat different from usual."

The Water Official immediately leaned in, explaining to Tian Lin:

"Senior might not be aware, but this kind of brothel only hangs such phoenix-embroidered lanterns when there is a new girl who is about to tidy up her appearance.

Firstly, it is akin to a wedding; a woman's chastity is precious after all, and even though they are brothel women, they should not be treated carelessly.

Secondly, it is to inform the cultivated patrons at home that there is fresh merchandise today, urging them all to come and have a taste."

Tian Lin understood the Water Official's meaning; he wanted to take him to the brothel for a 'fresh experience'.

"Forget it, this matter—"

Tian Lin was interrupted mid-sentence when he saw Zhang Xiaoke walking over with several fishermen.

Turning his head towards Zhang Xiaoke, he heard the Water Official glare at Zhang Xiaoke and bellow:

"Zhang Xiaoke, you've come to my waters bearing swords, what are you trying to do?"

Zhang Xiaoke was at the twelfth-tier Qi Refining level, and those following him were also Cultivators of at least the eighth-tier Qi Refining level.

In terms of momentum alone, Zhang Xiaoke and his men completely overshadowed the Water Official, who was also at twelfth-tier Qi Refining.

But the Water Official was not afraid at the moment, for Tian Lin was standing beside him.

He had never considered that Tian Lin would not help him, after all, Tian Lin was a Tribute of the Tong Family.

"Senior Tian, I mean no offense to you with my presence here."

Zhang Xiaoke gave a respectful bow to Tian Lin and said, and then turned his gaze to the Water Official: "Water Official, please release Miss Zhong from the Zhong Family."

The Water Official couldn't help but laugh at his words: "You couldn't pay the Mountain and Marsh Tax, so I took Miss Zhong as collateral. As the old saying goes, debts must be paid—it's only right and proper. I'm not scared of you suing me anywhere."

Zhang Xiaoke angrily said, "There is still a month left before the Mountain and Marsh Tax is due, how can you be sure that we won't have the Spirit Stones by then?"

"Joke, I'm here every day, how could I not know how many fish you've caught? Let alone a month, even if I gave you two more months, you won't catch any fish demons."

As the two parties seemed on the verge of another dispute, Tian Lin asked the Water Official: "Was it the Tong Family's Tribute at the river estates who told you to take their fishermen's daughters as debt collateral?"

The Water Official wanted to lie, but meeting Tian Lin's serious gaze, he faltered instantly.

"Because their daughter is a Qi Refiner, she would be able to earn a few more Spirit Stones here in the brothel, compensating for our Tong Family's losses?"

The Water Official stammered: "Their daughter is just a mortal and can't be exchanged for Spirit Stones."

Hearing this, Tian Lin snorted coldly: "So you colluded with the brothel's madam just for some silver?"

Without waiting for the Water Official to reply, Tian Lin sighed, "Shao, I've known you for a few days now and thought you were clever. How is it that you act without using your brain?"

The Water Official looked at Tian Lin with confusion, and Tian Lin pulled him aside and said:

"The sea has been shrouded in heavy fog these days, and I've learned that the Tong Family's ancestor might come to investigate the seas.

For just a few taels of silver, you tarnish the Tong Family's reputation at this time. If the ancestor learns of this, not only will you face punishment, but even the Tribute above you won't escape trouble."

Tian Lin's words were true; he had personally seen the Tong Family's ancestor appear.

However, he did not know whether Tong Yao cared about the reputation of the Tong Family, nor whether she would punish the subordinates for the sake of reputation.

Tian Lin didn't know, and neither did the Water Official.

He couldn't help looking up and asking Tian Lin, "Is the Tong Family's ancestor really coming to these seas?"

Tian Lin snorted coldly, "Don't inquire about such matters, and don't spread the word. In any case, my advice to you is to work honestly at the river estate during this time, and don't go stirring up trouble."

At that moment, the Water Official suddenly realized why Tian Lin, a Foundation Establishment powerhouse, had come to Immortal Sinking Pond to learn fishing.

"You're right, Tribute Tian, but I've already promised the madam of the brothel—"

"You, a twelfth-tier Qi Refiner, are so short on silver? Whatever amount you promised her, just pay her back double, and that's it."

After saying this, Tian Lin no longer bothered with these matters and went to the seaside to consume Buddha Demon Pills and cultivate.

He couldn't tell how much time passed, but he eventually heard footsteps behind him, then saw Zhang Xiaoke and several fishermen, as well as a young girl dressed in bright red, approach.

The young girl's eyes were clearly red and swollen from long-time crying.

Just as Zhang Xiaoke was about to lead the girl to kowtow to Tian Lin, Tian Lin raised his hand to stop them.

"Think about what to do if you can't pay the Mountain and Marsh Tax in a month."

He just happened to be here today, but he couldn't afford to spare the Spirit Stones needed to rescue these people, and even if he did have enough, it wouldn't have been something he would do.

"A month later—"

Zhang Xiaoke looked back at his companions, his expression sorrowful:

"What happens in a month will be addressed in a month. If it weren't for senior stepping in today, I wouldn't know how to face this girl's parents."

Tian Lin shook his head, closed his eyes to continue his meditation, and no longer engaged with the group.

This gesture was tantamount to showing the guests out, but although Zhang Xiaoke sent away those who accompanied him, he himself still stayed where he was.

Tian Lin knew that Zhang Xiaoke was not someone who failed to appreciate the gravity of situations and looked at him with eyes wide with puzzlement, only to hear Zhang Xiaoke say:

"Senior, would you like to try your hand at capturing a Five Elements Jiao?"

With those words out, how could Tian Lin still have the mind to practice the Buddha and Demon Freedom Skill?

He looked into Zhang Xiaoke's eyes and asked, "Do you have a way to lure out the Five Elements Jiao?"

Zhang Xiaoke nodded and retrieved a small whistle from his bosom.

Tian Lin took the whistle and found it to be made from a conch shell. Not only was the shell remarkably tough, but it also shone like jade, bright and translucent.

"This conch shell is something a Beast Tamer left to my ancestors. Though it's not a Magic Artifact, it's even more precious than one to fishermen," Zhang Xiaoke explained.

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"If Senior wishes to hunt the Five Elements Jiao, you can blow into this conch to draw it near," continued Zhang Xiaoke.

Tian Lin believed that Zhang Xiaoke wouldn't dare to lie but still asked doubtfully, "If you're capable of such a feat, why do you still fear being unable to hunt for a living?"

A bitter smile appeared on Zhang Xiaoke's face:

"Whilst fish demons like the Two-headed Fish are tough to hunt, it's not like there's no chance of victory. However, with the Five Elements Jiao, even a skilled Foundation Establishment Cultivator might struggle to capture it."

"The conch ended up being pretty pointless in the hands of my ancestors. By my generation, it's never been used successfully to catch a Five Elements Jiao—

One must understand, the scales of the Five Elements Jiao are incredibly hard, and it moves exceedingly fast. A failed strike makes it nearly impossible to catch up to; and even with a successful hit, without Foundation Establishment, it's very difficult to injure it."

Tian Lin remained silent, simply holding the conch in hand.

Now that the conch had fallen into his hands, it was almost impossible for Zhang Xiaoke to ask for it back.

In Tian Lin's mind, he couldn't help thinking of Zhang Lao Da—

If Zhang Lao Da were here, he would likely have killed Zhang Xiaoke on the spot.

One, it would have prevented Zhang Xiaoke from making any excessive demands. Two, with Zhang Xiaoke dead, others wouldn't know that he possessed such a treasure.

"The junior is offering this item to you sincerely, hoping that Senior can pay ten Mid-grade Spirit Stones for the Sanhe Gang a month from now to settle the unpaid Mountain and Marsh Tax," said Zhang Xiaoke, bowing without looking at Tian Lin's expression.

Tian Lin thought for a moment and then responded, "Fine, next month I'll help you pay the Mountain and Marsh Tax to relieve you of your pressing concern.

However, I don't want your conch shell either. When you've gathered enough ten Mid-grade Spirit Stones to repay me, then I'll give the conch back to you.

In the meantime, consider it a loan to you."

Zhang Xiaoke looked up, disbelief in his eyes.

Tian Lin scoffed and said, "If you can't trust my character, why give me the conch shell? Besides, when you gave me the conch shell, you had already given up on the possibility of getting it back, hadn't you?

How come when I say I will return it to you in the future, do you start doubting me?"

Zhang Xiaoke gave the conch shell to Tian Lin out of desperation, not out of a deep trust in Tian Lin's character.

At this point, having received Tian Lin's promise, his heart no longer sank in despair.

"Many thanks, Senior!"

Zhang Xiaoke bowed in thanks, while Tian Lin waved his hand and said, "That's settled then. I hope you don't mention today's matter to anyone else."

The Zhang Family's heirloom had been passed down for generations, yet up until now, no one knew Zhang Xiaoke had such a treasure in his possession.

This showed how much the Zhang Family cherished it.

Even though it was now with Tian Lin, he had no intention of keeping it for himself—

If he revealed the existence of this treasure, others wouldn't be able to harm Tian Lin, but what about when the time came to return it to Zhang Xiaoke? Couldn't others harm him then?

Perhaps by then, Zhang Xiaoke would have to consider whether he should kill Tian Lin to silence him.

With mixed feelings, Zhang Xiaoke left, while Tian Lin examined the conch in his hand.

Ten Mid-grade Spirit Stones were no small sum, equivalent to a thousand Low Grade Spirit Stones.

However, a mature Five Elements Jiao was worth ten thousand Low Grade Spirit Stones.

Tian Lin reckoned his own strength and doubted he could hunt a mature Five Elements Jiao.

But if he could capture a juvenile Five Elements Jiao, that would easily earn ten Mid-grade Spirit Stones.

"If I can really lure out a Five Elements Jiao, there's no worry for Spirit Stones. But even if I manage to pay the Mountain and Marsh Tax for Zhang Xiaoke, does he have the ability to accumulate ten Mid-grade Spirit Stones to exchange for the conch shell in my hand?"

One year, two years?

Perhaps within a year or two, Zhang Xiaoke could accumulate enough Spirit Stones to redeem his family's heirloom.

But by the time one or two years passed, Tian Lin may very well have ventured into the North Wilderness.

By then, the conch shell would frankly be of no use.

Even if he returned it to Zhang Xiaoke, Tian Lin wouldn't feel the slightest regret.

That entire night, Tian Lin sat in meditation by the seaside, practicing the Buddha and Demon Freedom Skill.

Only when the dawn's early light tinged the sky did he take a small boat from his Storage Bag.

Holding the conch in his hand, his heart faintly filled with anticipation.

And Zhang Xiaoke, the one who had given Tian Lin the conch shell, also watched with hopeful eyes.