A rune master? Of course, Mu Zi was no such thing.
Her spiritual power had only just awakened, and she still had a long way to go before opening her Nirvana Palace, not to mention becoming a true rune master.
(Nirvana Palace: A Daoist term for the center of spiritual power in the body, associated with the area between the eyebrows.)
At best, her abilities were only at the Earth Yuan level.
Mu Zi was slightly puzzled by the middle-aged man's attitude, and she couldn't help but ask: "Why did you come to that conclusion?"
The manager, pointing at Young Master Zhao sprawled on the floor, replied: "His condition is a clear sign of a spiritual attack. I'm not mistaken, am I?"
Mu Zi remained silent, neither confirming nor denying his words. The man then continued: "This Young Master Zhao, although weak in his cultivation, is still an Earth Yuan master. An attack capable of felling him with one blow can only be from a first-seal rune master."
His conclusion was not unfounded.
Typically, at the Earth Yuan level, cultivators begin to comprehend spiritual power. However, until the Nirvana Palace is opened, this power remains fragile and weak.
Only by opening the Nirvana Palace does spiritual power reach a level comparable to Earth Yuan.
But even at this stage, a cultivator who relies solely on spiritual power is unable to stand against Earth Yuan masters. The power is there, but the control is lacking.
Most at this stage can only use the simplest spiritual strikes, which are almost useless against equally strong opponents. If the opponent is prepared and has a firm will, they can easily minimize the effect of such attacks.
However, Mu Zi's spiritual attack had just crushed an Earth Yuan master in one swoop. This led the manager to believe that she had already formed her Fate Seal and become a first-seal rune master.
(Fate Seal: A symbol of rune mastery, enhancing spiritual power and control.)
By forming a Fate Seal, a rune master not only elevates their spiritual strength to a level comparable to Heavenly Yuan but also significantly improves their control over it thanks to this seal.
This is why a first-seal rune master can fight on equal footing with Heavenly Yuan masters.
But this is only the usual case. And in this world, there were always those who broke the usual molds.
Like Lin Dong. And like Mu Zi.
Their gift was exceptional; their spiritual power surpassed ordinary limits. Upon awakening, it could rival the Earth Yuan level, and after opening the Nirvana Palace, it could stand against even Heavenly Yuan masters.
And after forming a Fate Seal, they could even be compared to second-seal rune masters.
Mu Zi's talent in cultivating spiritual power was almost equal to Lin Dong's.
Moreover, her ability to control spiritual power seemed to significantly surpass his.
Just now, Mu Zi, without any guidance, was able to create an illusory seal from her spiritual power. The might of this attack far surpassed a simple spiritual strike and perhaps reached the level of the simplest spiritual techniques.
Even if she had not yet formed a Fate Seal, her supernatural control over spiritual power already allowed her to challenge equally strong opponents.
"I am not a rune master," Mu Zi said. "It's just that this guy is too weak."
Noticing that the man had misinterpreted her abilities, she tried to clarify.
The manager pondered her words and, to her surprise, nodded: "True, Young Master Zhao's will is too fragile; his resistance to spiritual attacks leaves much to be desired."
"Leaves much to be desired? He's simply pathetic," Mu Zi thought, glancing at the young man who was still writhing on the floor, groaning and moaning.
But then the manager changed his tone and, smiling, addressed her: "Still, since you were able to defeat him, I assume you have already opened your Nirvana Palace?"
His persistent questioning slightly annoyed Mu Zi. She frowned, not understanding what he was getting at.
"What are you trying to say?" she asked directly.
Her frankness slightly startled the manager, but he quickly composed himself and revealed his intentions: "Heh-heh, I would like to make the acquaintance of your teacher."
The Hall of Treasures always sought to cooperate with rune masters. If he could establish a connection with another such master, the manager's position in the Hall would only be strengthened.
"Teacher?" Mu Zi was bewildered, a haze of confusion clouding her thoughts.
The manager nodded and said: "At such a young age, you have already opened your Nirvana Palace, and your control over spiritual power seems to be formidable. This is truly an outstanding talent."
"The one who managed to cultivate such a gifted disciple must undoubtedly be a powerful rune master."
Mu Zi: "..."
Although his words caused her slight confusion, she understood his line of thought.
After all, spiritual power is not the same as Yuan energy. Without a mentor, one cannot even cross the threshold of this art.
The manager probably couldn't even imagine that there are unique individuals in the world whose spiritual power awakens on its own!
Well, in a backwater like this place, one's horizons are unfortunately limited.
Mu Zi was about to refute his words, but suddenly an idea struck her.
"Exactly! Why should I dispel this misconception? On the contrary, it could be my opportunity."
If she maintained this illusion, it would be as if a "mighty rune master" were standing behind her. This would make potential enemies think twice before plotting against her.
And most importantly—it would open the path to wealth!
Rune masters, by creating Qiankun bags and other treasures, amass entire fortunes.
If she could convince those around her that a rune master stands behind Mu Zi, she could secure her place in this profitable trade.
Then acquiring Yang Yuan stones would be as easy as drinking water or eating rice.
With these thoughts, Mu Zi decided not to argue with the manager, silently agreeing with his assumption.
Noticing her reaction, the manager's eyes lit up.
"Would you be so kind as to tell me the name of your esteemed teacher?" he asked with curiosity.
His persistent questions made Mu Zi fall silent.
She had no teacher. How could she answer? Would she have to invent someone?
Moreover, Mu Zi had her own pride. Not everyone was worthy of becoming her teacher.
Otherwise, why would she avoid Master Yan Xuan? If she became his disciple, she could walk through Yancheng with her head held high.
At her cultivation speed, surpassing a fourth-seal rune master would be a matter of a couple of years. Acknowledging such a teacher would simply not be worth it!
"Lady?" the manager called out softly, noticing that Mu Zi had become lost in her thoughts.
After a moment of silence, she snapped back and, acting on a sudden impulse, blurted out: "My teacher is the Symbol Master!"
Symbol Master: "Do not believe rumors, do not spread them!"
The name "Symbol Master" certainly sounded impressive enough, and Mu Zi didn't mind using his fame as a cover.
Besides, in the Great Yan Dynasty, no one was likely to know about the Symbol Master's deeds, so she wasn't afraid of being exposed.
"Symbol Master?" the manager asked in surprise. The name was unfamiliar to him.
And wasn't "Symbol Master" a bit too presumptuous? What kind of power must one possess to call oneself the "Master of the Symbol Way"?
Noticing his astonishment, Mu Zi explained: "My teacher is accustomed to the life of a hermit, like free clouds and wild cranes, so he has not gained fame in the Great Yan Dynasty."
The manager nodded. Indeed, there were such eccentric masters who lived in seclusion, hiding in remote places where few people ever tread.
This Symbol Master was apparently one of them.
Symbol Master: "Exactly, I'm hiding in a rift between worlds."
Seeing that the manager was beginning to accept her words, Mu Zi hurried to secure her success.
"My teacher recently decided to create a certain artifact, but before that, he needs to refine his skills on simple materials."
"I came here to purchase a batch of such materials for him."
Saying this, Mu Zi stared at the manager with her big, expressive eyes.
Hearing about a potential deal, the manager's eyes lit up.
"What materials does your esteemed teacher plan to use for practice?" he asked.
"Qiankun bags," Mu Zi replied.
"Oh?" The smile on the manager's face grew even wider.
If this Symbol Master uses Qiankun bags for practice, he must be at least a second-seal rune master.
Symbol Master: "..."
The semi-finished Qiankun bags cost two Yang Yuan stones each. Mu Zi, without a second thought, waved her hand and ordered fifty of them at once.
After spending this money, she was left with virtually no stones. But she was confident: her treasury would soon be full again.
The deal was concluded to mutual satisfaction. Bidding the manager farewell, Mu Zi left the Hall of Treasures.
Looking at the girl's receding figure, the manager stroked his beard and nodded with satisfaction.
Although the outcome of this conversation was not exactly what he had expected, he still managed to establish a connection with a rune master.
It was worth it!