The Programmer Cultivator

’How could he not be satisfied? This was a truly custom-made set, not the kind cobbled together by searching through one’s known Skills to find something that fit the target.’

Zhang Deming smiled faintly. With a wave of his hand, an Isolation Array appeared in the room.

Before the bewildered Tong Hou could ask, Zhang Deming waved his hand again, and a row of Spirit Nurturing Beads appeared on the table.

Tong Hou was stunned for a moment, then said in pleasant surprise, ”Senior, you’ve already made them!”

Zhang Deming nodded and said, ”Take a look.”

Tong Hou had done detailed research on the Spirit Nurturing market before coming to trade, so after a brief inspection of the Spirit Nurturing Beads, he asked in astonishment, ”Are all the beads at the Mastery Level? The fifteen Tier Three beads are all Mastery Level as well?”

Zhang Deming nodded. ”So, do you still think the count is off?”

Tong Hou quickly shook his head. ”No, no, it’s perfect. It completely exceeds my expectations.”

The so-called Mastery Bead Sets on the market weren’t like this, with every single bead at the Mastery Level.

This was because Mastery Level Spirit Nurturing Beads were a matter of probability.

Therefore, a so-called Mastery Bead Set would be mixed with beads of ’Proficient’ and ’Adept’ quality. A set of ten might have at most three Mastery beads, with the other seven being of lesser quality. Such a combination could be called a Mastery Bead Set—that was the market standard.

However, for a set to qualify, it still had to guarantee three Mastery beads for each Skill type included.

This arrangement was also logical. One would use the Ordinary Spirit Nurturing Beads to get a feel for things, adjusting their comprehension of the Technique to align as closely as possible with that of the Spirit Nurturing Master who created them, and then use a Mastery Level bead to succeed in one go.

Therefore, the market reception wasn’t a major issue, nor could it be. After all, this was still cutting-edge technology.

”So, shall we consider our transaction complete?” Zhang Deming asked.

Tong Hou’s expression flickered. He took a few small steps back and said, ”Yes, it’s complete.”

The instant he finished speaking, a Rune appeared on both his and Zhang Deming’s palms, then transformed into Spiritual Light and dissipated into the air.

”Senior, the mountains are high and the waters are long... may there be a time for regret.” With that, Tong Hou turned and left immediately.

Zhang Deming, however, froze on the spot, not moving for a long time.

This was because the instant he and Tong Hou completed the transaction, Zhang Deming’s Qi Fortune had skyrocketed—a truly explosive increase.

It was even more dramatic than with Li Shifan. In just a moment, Zhang Deming’s Qi Fortune, which had dwindled to five or six strands, shot up to sixteen or seventeen.

After everything stabilized, Zhang Deming counted. It had increased by a full twelve.

Of all the people Zhang Deming knew, none had ever produced such a dramatic result. Even Li Shifan couldn’t compare at all.

’Hm... no, that’s not right!’

’This guy only increases Qi Fortune, not Merit. Not even a single shred. In that sense, I still prefer Li Shifan. After all, my one and only Golden-Haired Sheep provides not just Qi Fortune, but Merit as well.’

’So, this guy is someone with immense Qi Fortune?’

’Does that mean people with great Qi Fortune don’t necessarily possess Merit?’

’Then why was there no effect when I saved him those two times before?’

’No, that’s not right either. The first time, there was a small effect, but not much. At the time, I assumed it was because he was a Martial Artist.’

’But the second time, there was no increase whatsoever.’

’But this time, just by completing the transaction, it increased by so much. Once he completes his Enlightenment Dao and achieves Foundation Establishment, won’t that mean...’

’Looks like I’ve discovered a white-haired sheep with plenty of wool. Why couldn’t it be a golden one? A golden one would be even better,’ Zhang Deming thought, his greed getting the better of him.

After a long while, Zhang Deming finally came back to his senses, realizing that Tong Hou was long gone, leaving him to space out alone in the private room. He shook his head. ’That guy usually seems like such a joker, but he’s so timid. He was terrified I had some designs on him, as if I were going to swallow him whole.’

’It’s not like I’m one of those Martial Artists, trying to get my hands on his body!’

...