I stayed in Clear Sky City for a full year.
Not because I loved the work. Not because I suddenly developed a passion for silks and ledgers. I stayed because the money was stupid good, and I'd sunk too much pride into the Spirit Needle Pavilion to walk away before its roots were deep.
But by the end of that year, I was done.
"I'm rich now. Forever," I said, lounging in the second-floor backroom with Changhu. "Screw this. This is boring. I'm going home."
He blinked at me. "You serious?"
"Dead serious. I'm going to tell Mother to arrange some political marriage or whatever. I'm not cut out for this picking and choosing nonsense. Let the clan deal with it."
He grinned. "Bold of you to think your mom's going to let you off that easy."
"Doesn't matter. I'm out."
Before heading back, I handed the reins over to Hu Ren. The man had earned it. Sales were stable, customer base loyal, and our third floor was finally getting recognition among the nobles. I gave him full operational control—he'd send me my share every season. Easy.
Revenue for the last six months had been solid—71,500 mid-grade spirit stones. The walk-in second floor really made a difference. At 20%, that meant I was walking away with 14,300 stones.
Hu Ren would now receive only a 3% share—no base salary. Clan took 80% of any future Spirit Needle Pavilion branches, I got 20%. That deal was locked.
And then I cashed in.
I spent 90% of my share in a single day.
Because why not? If I was going home, I was going out loud.
Changhu came with me. Of course he did.
We started with my father. I bought him a custom-crafted spear forged by Ironvein Smithworks—Grade 3 low tier, blackened steel with a spirit-lock engraving. 800 stones.
For Changjian, a sword: double-edged, crimson spine, light enough for speed but weighty in the hilt for power. Mid-Grade 2, 500 stones.
Changrui got a folding battle fan laced with spirit-engraved blade edges. Stylish and deadly. 650 stones.
"Matching my vibe," Changhu said approvingly. "Just more murder-y."
Which gave me an idea. I commissioned a custom fan for Changhu too. Elegant dark-lacquered frame with layered silks patterned in stormfire threads—Grade 2 high tier. Made as a matching set with Changrui's, but flashier. 850 stones.
I got Changming a war umbrella. Not just any umbrella—this thing could block spirit arts, deflect elemental spells, and double as a weighted bludgeon. Grade 3 mid-tier. 1,200 stones. Worth it.
Aunt Tianying? Delicate silver hairpin inset with a sun-glow gemstone that passively boosts qi flow to the mind. Elegant but practical. 400 stones.
Mother got the biggest gift. A full alchemy furnace—Grade 3 high-tier, flame-conductive walls made from moltenstone alloy, reinforced with wind-tempered crystal rings to stabilize heat. It cost me 1,300 stones.
"Your mom's going to cry," Changhu said, shaking his head. "She'll cry, and then she'll beat you for spending this much."
I laughed. "She can beat me after she makes me a cauldron of pills."
Third Uncle Tianjian got a full ceremonial robe embroidered with spirit-threaded gold, sealed with a merchant's prosperity charm. 750 stones.
Sixth Uncle Tianxu? A jade abacus embedded with spirit runes that calculate tax and trade rates at triple speed. It literally buzzed with qi. 600 stones.
Some of our core employees got gifts too—Lan from sales got a minor protective charm. Yi, our lead tailor, received a spirit needle set. Even a few old friends from my early Clear Sky days got something.
And then I got something for myself. A black-red flute carved from Nightjade Wood, reinforced with traces of Dragonbone Resin and Voidsteel filings. It was a soul weapon—Grade 3 mid-tier. When played, it could launch soul-piercing notes, weaken spiritual defenses, and disrupt formations. Price: 950 stones, obviously i cant use it as a weapon yet maybe ill learn how to play it soon.
"Stylish, deadly, and flashy. That's dangerously close to my brand," Changhu said, admiring the flute. "You sure you don't want to trade for my fan?"
"Not a chance."
Grandfather's gift took the longest to choose. Eventually, I settled on a seated meditation platform forged from Wyrmglass and etched with celestial runes—enhances qi absorption during cultivation, subtly harmonizes body and mind. Grade 3 low tier. 900 stones.
When we left the market, I had maybe 1,300 stones left. Barely 10% of what I started with.
Changhu stretched and yawned. "You just blew more spirit stones than most outer clan disciples see in a lifetime."
"I know," I said, sliding the flute into my sleeve. "Felt amazing."
And for the first time in months, I wasn't thinking about robes or marriage or strategy. I just wanted to go home, crash in my old bed, eat my mother's cooking, and not plan a single thing for a while.
I was seventeen, rich, and exhausted. Let the world spin. I'd done my part—for now.