"Let's go."
Manager Zhao glanced at the female cultivator.
The other person pursed their lips. Although they wanted to resist, the other person had their own restrictions. If they didn't obey, they would probably suffer a fate worse than death and wouldn't even have the right to commit suicide.
Then Manager Zhao continued collecting rent with the female cultivator.
Seeing this, Lu Xueqi tightened her grip on Li Daoxuan's hand, feeling somewhat uneasy.
Such heinous acts were quite a shock to her. If female cultivators could act this way, what about herself, a mere mortal...?
"Don't overthink it, go inside and stay there."
Sensing Lu Xueqi's unease, Li Daoxuan gently patted her hand and gave her some instructions.
"Um..."
Lu Xueqi obediently went inside.
She felt much more at ease, at least her husband wouldn't treat her like that.
[Ding! The host's comfort has put Lu Xueqi at ease; Affection points +50!]
Li Daoxuan silently observed Manager Zhao. Most cultivators could afford the rent, but a small number seemed unable to afford the spirit stones due to some unforeseen circumstances.
Some people made a clean decision and moved it away directly, thinking they could always move it back once they had enough spirit stones.
Some people pawned their personal belongings to obtain spirit stones.
Gradually, it became his turn.
When he was face-to-face and close to Li Daoxuan, he could sense a faint pressure, which was the suppression of a higher realm.
This Manager Zhao definitely has Foundation Establishment cultivation, but as for Golden Core... that's unlikely.
Li Daoxuan pondered for a moment, then took out twelve spirit stones and handed them over. People like this who do rent collection work must be doing it to make extra money.
He had witnessed everything that had just happened, and he didn't need to cause trouble for a few spirit stones.
"Um."
Manager Zhao gave a satisfied hum and left to enter the next establishment.
Li Daoxuan wanted to go inside and comfort Lu Xueqi some more, but seeing that the other cultivators who had already paid their rent hadn't left, he chose to continue waiting.
The inner layer is divided into four areas, and he is located in the fourth area.
Each area was managed by a steward who collected rent, and Steward Zhao was one of them.
There are approximately five hundred cultivators residing in the fourth district.
In other words, Manager Zhao can make a profit of seven or eight hundred yuan a month from this job.
I can't compare to the two hundred spirit stones I earn in a month. It's really good to have a powerful background.
However, after thinking about it, I realized that I wasn't suited for this job, and that developing steadily was the best approach.
An hour passed quickly.
Manager Zhao then finished collecting the rent.
"I have an announcement to make: starting next month, rent will increase by 20%."
Manager Zhao spoke up.
Everyone frowned; they couldn't accept a rent increase for no reason.
When someone asked why, Manager Zhao directly rebuked them: "If you can afford it, stay; if you can't, move out. Why ask so many questions?"
After saying that, he left with the female cultivator.
The crowd was indignant, but they dared not offend Manager Zhao. His cultivation level was one reason, but his family was backed by the Green Wolf Gang, a powerful force. It was said that the gang leader was a Golden Core expert, and not just a beginner.
......
Li Daoxuan frowned slightly; the rent had been raised in the second month since he arrived.
"Let's see how things go. I have a feeling this gang is up to something..."
Li Daoxuan thought that he could accept the increase of two spirit stones, but the main problem was that he didn't know where to go after leaving the Green Bamboo Forest.
I hope everything will be alright.
Putting his worries aside, Li Daoxuan entered the house.
bedroom.
As soon as I entered, I saw Lu Xueqi staring blankly into space.
Only when Li Daoxuan sat down next to her did she come back to her senses.
"My husband..."
Feeling lost?
Li Daoxuan spoke first.
Lu Xueqi shook her head, but seeing the female cultivator's plight reminded her of her own mortal identity.
In the past month, she had gone out with Li Daoxuan many times and witnessed the tragic experiences of other mortal women. Today's incident was just a fuse that directly ignited the unease that had been building up in her heart.
"My lord, how would you like me to serve you tonight?"
Lu Xueqi began to undress uneasily.
She had been alone in the house for a while and thought a lot. Now, the only thing she could do was to deepen her relationship with her husband so that he would not treat her that way out of consideration for their years of marriage.
In summary – I tried my best to please my husband.
Li Daoxuan frowned, pressed her hand down, and said solemnly, "Xueqi, is that the kind of person you see me as?"
Lu Xueqi's hand froze, and she felt even more uneasy looking at the somewhat angry Li Daoxuan.
"No! I...I...Husband, I was wrong. Please don't abandon Xueqi. You can punish me however you want!"
Li Daoxuan felt a pang of sympathy; was Lu Xueqi's mental defense really that fragile...?
It seems I was negligent.
He gently pulled her into his arms and said in a tender tone, "How could your husband be angry with you? I'm too busy spoiling you."
"Sweetheart, don't overthink it. It's me who's been neglecting your feelings these past few days."
Holding her like that, Lu Xueqi, who was initially a little emotionally unstable, gradually calmed down.
The difference in their social status made her feel somewhat inferior. Even though she hid it well in her daily life, she would subconsciously try to please Li Daoxuan when dealing with things.
However, Li Daoxuan did not realize it and thought it was a way to harmonize the relationship between the couple. Lu Xueqi, the person involved, was even more unaware of it.
Just like the people-pleasing personality in modern society, due to various reasons in childhood leading to low self-esteem, they will subconsciously try to please others in their interactions with others and bear all the troubles themselves.
"Don't worry, I will guide you onto the path of cultivation."
Li Daoxuan gently stroked her hair.
After this incident, he finally understood Lu Xueqi's inferiority complex.
A large part of it stems from childhood experiences, as the other person's parents died early, and they survived only thanks to the help of their neighbors in the village.
A small portion of it was brought by myself.
"Um..."
Lu Xueqi gave a soft "hmm," not taking those words to heart; she had already resigned herself to her fate.
"Wave!"
Lu Xueqi took the initiative to kiss Li Daoxuan.
Li Daoxuan was a little dumbfounded. He had just tried to comfort her for nothing. But then again, this extreme lack of security couldn't be restored with just a few words.
What Lu Xueqi is doing now is something she believes will give her a sense of security.
Fine, let her be tonight. I'll try to comfort her myself in the days to come.
Lu Xueqi was unusually proactive that night...
...
...
The next day.
Li Daoxuan slowly opened his eyes.
[Host: Li Daoxuan]
Cultivation Level: Qi Refining Level 10 (\/)
Age: 27
[Spiritual Roots: Metal (Yellow), Wood (Yellow), Water (Yellow), Fire (Yellow), Earth (Yellow)]
[Cultivation Technique: Wood Spirit Technique, Yellow Rank, Mid-Grade (0/100)]
[Spells: Fireball Technique (800/800), Wood Spirit Technique (800/800)]
[Talisman: First Tier Perfection (800/800)] Click for details
[Alchemy: First-Tier Perfection (800/800)] Click for details
[Weapon Refining Skill: First Tier Perfection (800/800)] Click for details
[Daoist Partner: Lu Xueqi]
[Emotional Level: Level 4 (540/800)]
[Attribute Points: 0]
[Spirit Stones: Low Grade * 198]
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