PCJ – Chapter 474 Wanting to Make Money

In the practice of cultivation, there has long been a saying about the “Four Pillars”: method, companions, wealth, and location. All four are fundamental, and none can be neglected. This highlights that financial resources are a vital foundation for any cultivator.

Zhang Jiaohua had created the Jade Elixir, which effectively addressed the financial aspect of cultivation. However, he wanted to experience the ups and downs of human life through an immersive, worldly journey, hoping to uncover the true path to enlightenment. Therefore, he resolved to integrate into society as an ordinary person and avoid relying on the funds in the bank card he carried. Instead, he sought to earn money the same way ordinary people do.

Zeng Lei, despite knowing he couldn’t match Zhang Jiaohua in skill, was curious after meeting such a martial expert. “Can I ask you something? You look young. How did you train to this level?”

“I started training at seven years old in authentic Meishan martial arts. Naturally, it’s different from the superficial techniques you’ve learned,” Zhang Jiaohua replied without a trace of modesty.

Zeng Lei was infuriated but couldn’t refute it. The special forces indeed taught rudimentary techniques. “Even if it’s superficial, we can still win battles and kill enemies on the battlefield,” he retorted.

“Only because you haven’t encountered true experts. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here talking to me,” Zhang Jiaohua said, unfazed by Zeng Lei’s irritation.

Realizing he couldn’t argue further or fight Zhang Jiaohua, Zeng Lei decided to leave.

Wu Yuan, on the other hand, was near tears. He had gone through so much effort to bring Zeng Lei in, only for him to be no match for Zhang Jiaohua. Not only did his plan fail, but he was also left to deal with Zhang Jiaohua himself.

“Brother Zeng, how about I stay at your place for a while?” Wu Yuan asked pitifully.

“Get lost! Your place is spacious enough; why crowd into mine? You should focus on finding something productive to do,” Zeng Lei replied. He glanced at Zhang Jiaohua once more and walked toward the door.

At the door, Zeng Lei hesitated and asked, “You martial arts masters—don’t any of you join the army to serve the country?”

“Never heard of that,” Zhang Jiaohua said, scratching his head. Indeed, he had never encountered such a situation. Then again, would cultivators even consider joining the military?

“Alright.” Zeng Lei finally left.

Wu Yuan wanted to leave too, but Zhang Jiaohua called out, “Fatty! You think you can just walk away?”

“You’re a cultivation master; I’m just a nobody. Let me go, and we’ll be even,” Wu Yuan said with a forced smile.

“Stupid Fatty, I don’t have time to joke with you. Get over here,” Zhang Jiaohua demanded.

“What do you want? I’m telling you, even if Brother Zeng couldn’t handle you, don’t think you can push me around!” Wu Yuan said, summoning all his courage.

“I’m not interested in that. But if you like, I could throw you into the toilet,” Zhang Jiaohua said, walking over and giving Wu Yuan a light kick.

“No thanks! I don’t have that kind of hobby,” Wu Yuan said, genuinely afraid Zhang Jiaohua might actually throw him into the toilet.

“Do you know any quick ways to make money?” Zhang Jiaohua asked.

“Robbing a bank. With your skills, nothing’s faster than that,” Wu Yuan suggested, then added, “Not that I’m encouraging it.”

Zhang Jiaohua raised his fist. “With my abilities, do you think I need to rob a bank?”

“Then why ask me? If I knew how to make money, would I still be sitting on the roadside with those thugs, pulling petty scams?” Wu Yuan said helplessly.

Zhang Jiaohua nodded. “You’re not even cut out for that kind of work.”

“Exactly. If I had any real skills, I’d be out collecting protection fees by now,” Wu Yuan said with a bitter sigh.

“Let’s go for a walk outside. We’re bound to find a way to make money,” Zhang Jiaohua said after some thought.

Wu Yuan didn’t want to go but didn’t dare refuse. Reluctantly, he followed Zhang Jiaohua out of the alley.

As they left, Wu Yuan suddenly thought of a place.

“If you want quick money, besides banks, there’s one other option.”

“What’s that? And nothing illegal,” Zhang Jiaohua warned.

“Panjiayuan—the antique market in the capital. If you have a good eye and pick up a real antique from a street stall, you could strike it rich instantly,” Wu Yuan suggested. He had once dreamed of making a fortune there, but his ambitions had led to losses, including the money his parents had saved for his marriage. If not for Zeng Lei’s return, he might have lost the family home as well.

“Really? Let’s take a look,” Zhang Jiaohua said.

The old Daoist had never taught him how to appraise antiques, so Zhang Jiaohua wasn’t likely to make money that way. If he dove into it like Wu Yuan, he’d probably end up losing everything.

Still, Zhang Jiaohua, as a cultivator, was far less susceptible to worldly temptations. Wu Yuan, on the other hand, was the opposite. As soon as they entered Panjiayuan, Wu Yuan seemed rooted to the spot, unable to move forward.

“You’ve lost quite a bit here, haven’t you?” Zhang Jiaohua suddenly asked.

“Yeah, I’ve lost a lot. Wait, how do you know that?” Wu Yuan snapped back to his senses.

“Isn’t it obvious? You know nothing but are still so obsessed. Of course, you’d lose everything,” Zhang Jiaohua chuckled.

Wu Yuan scratched his head. “That was tuition. Now I’m an expert. If I had the capital, I’d definitely make a fortune.”

“Don’t look at me. I’m not lending you money for antiques. That’s like throwing it into the river.” Zhang Jiaohua suddenly paused as his eyes landed on an old medicine box.

The box reminded him of the one he had seen in a dream. When the old Daoist fell ill, Chengdao had fetched a doctor who carried a similar box.

“This is an antique. It’s the kind of medicine box traditional Chinese doctors used to carry. These boxes are very intricate, with lots of mechanisms inside. Don’t touch it recklessly; you won’t be able to afford it if you damage it,” the vendor warned.

Zhang Jiaohua wasn’t particularly interested in the box itself. However, seeing it sparked an idea for how he could earn money. While he had never formally studied Chinese medicine, the Meishan Water Method was a complete system of healing in its own right. As a true inheritor of this tradition, his abilities would far surpass those of ordinary doctors.

“How much for the medicine box?” Zhang Jiaohua asked.

“This is an antique. Why would a kid like you need something like this?” the vendor said, eyeing Zhang Jiaohua and Wu Yuan suspiciously, assuming they were just there to gawk.

“Why don’t you just say the price? It won’t kill you,” Wu Yuan snapped, annoyed at the vendor’s attitude.

“You! Fine, but you can’t afford it anyway. This is a genuine old piece with excellent craftsmanship. It’s worth at least eight or ten thousand yuan. You two can’t afford it,” the vendor scoffed.

“Don’t try to provoke me. Just name your price. If it’s reasonable, I’ll buy it,” Zhang Jiaohua said, his expression turning stern.

“This…” The vendor hesitated. For some reason, Zhang Jiaohua’s gaze made him feel inexplicably uneasy.