After the initial brief chaos, the scene gradually became orderly. Though the buzz of conversation from the outer edges grew louder and the crowd swelled, at least the area directly in front of Lin Feng's stall maintained decent decorum. The cultivators coming to retrieve their artifacts didn't jostle; they formed a queue, stepping forward one by one. The process was swift: they presented their spirit stones and immediately received their repaired treasures. In just over ten minutes, every entrusting customer who had shown up had reclaimed their artifact.
Seeing no one else step forward, Lin Feng scanned the spatial ring dedicated to holding entrusted artifacts. He noticed two Supreme-Grade Magical Instruments remained unclaimed. Perhaps their owners were temporarily detained by other matters. Or, more likely, they had pocketed the 'deposit' Lin Feng had given them and simply run off with the small gain. The latter scenario seemed far more probable.
Even if they never returned, Lin Feng wouldn't be at a loss; he could simply sell the two artifacts. He didn't dwell on it, storing the spatial ring away.
"Alright," Lin Feng announced loudly, addressing the surrounding crowd. "All fellow Daoists present who entrusted artifacts yesterday have now received them back, fully restored. The results, I trust, speak for themselves. Therefore, starting now... those wishing to commission repairs may step forward. However... I must announce a change in policy: from today onward, I will no longer provide a 'deposit' for accepted commissions. If any fellow Daoist still finds me untrustworthy... then I must respectfully decline your business."
This change had been planned. Yesterday's deposits were solely to alleviate initial suspicion. With his credibility demonstrated once, it was sufficient. If some remained wary, their business wasn't essential.
Hearing Lin Feng announce the opening for new commissions brought visible delight to many faces. Yet, the news about the deposit caused a ripple of hesitation among others. However, considering Lin Feng's mysterious background, the implied backing of both the Long family and Wanbao Lodge, and the tangible proof they had just witnessed, the majority were now convinced he was no fraud.
Lin Feng noted the lingering uncertainty and added firmly, "For your information, I am currently staying at the Laiyue Inn on Shuangyuan Street in the Southern District. I will remain there for the next several days and have no plans to leave Biquan City anytime soon. I imagine many of you reside nearby. Those with concerns are welcome to... monitor my movements."
"..."
His words caused another subtle shift in the crowd's demeanor. After a few seconds of silence, a tall, slender female cultivator stepped forward decisively.
"I trust you, Young Master Lin," she stated clearly. "Given your standing, my mere Low-Grade Spirit Treasure hardly seems worth the effort of... deceiving me for."
She produced a slender artifact, less than a foot long, resembling an 'Emei Piercer' from Earth's martial arts tales. The weapon looked worn, bearing several fine cracks along its surface.
"Thank you for your trust," Lin Feng acknowledged with a slight nod towards this 'pioneer'. "As a token of appreciation, your repair fee will be halved." He took the artifact, his mind instantly assessing it.
"Equipment Damage Level: 60%" "Repair Materials Required: 100g Grade Three Metal-Essence Ore, 20g Grade Three Golden-Winged Bee Stinger Bone, 10g Grade Two Cold Silver Sand."
After his brief internal assessment, he addressed the woman. "The fee will be 200 Low-Grade Spirit Stones. You may retrieve it tomorrow." He gestured to Zhang Fangzhou beside him, signaling him to prepare a receipt. While he could rely on memory yesterday for thirty-odd items, the expected volume today necessitated written records for simplicity and security.
Zhang Fangzhou, briefed earlier, acted promptly. He pulled out prepared paper and brush, swiftly noting the client's description and a basic identifier for the artifact. He created two copies, handing one to the woman and retaining the other. Proof for collection tomorrow – simple and efficient.
"Only two hundred?" The woman's eyes widened with surprise and delight. She had inquired before; repairing her artifact at an artifact shop would cost at least five hundred stones, a price she couldn't justify. Hearing Lin Feng's quote was a relief. She accepted the receipt from Zhang Fangzhou, her expression hopeful, and retreated into the crowd.
With the ice broken, action followed swiftly. Soon, Lin Feng's stall was thronged with eager customers.
Yao Wangtian and Qin Xiao focused on crowd control, gently urging people into lines and preventing shoving. Zhang Fangzhou was a blur of motion, rapidly filling out receipt after receipt. Lin Feng stood at the center, receiving artifact after artifact, each one vanishing into his spatial ring almost as soon as it touched his hand. Once the flow started, it didn't cease.
The sheer scale of the demand even exceeded Lin Feng's optimistic expectations...
...
The entire morning passed in a whirlwind. By the time Lin Feng finally paused, he had accepted well over one hundred new commissions. The crowd had grown so dense it choked the entire street. Curious onlookers, drawn by the commotion, swelled the numbers further. Tales of Lin Feng's 'exploits' – yesterday's confrontation and today's proven repairs – spread like wildfire through the bazaar.
This sudden 'Artifact Repair' stall had, in the span of just half a day, become the talk of the entire Southern District Free Bazaar.
As noon approached, Lin Feng announced he was closing for commissions. The sheer volume – far exceeding yesterday's – made him cautious about promising all repairs for tomorrow. He declared that the first half of those who had commissioned today could retrieve their artifacts tomorrow; the second half would have theirs ready no later than the day after.
As the crowd of spectators slowly dispersed, Lin Feng prepared to leave. He had Zhang Fangzhou tally the orders. The final count was staggering: one hundred and fifty-three commissions.
The breakdown was equally impressive:
Fifty Supreme-Grade Magical Instruments.Fifty-five Low-Grade Spirit Treasures.Twenty Mid-Grade Spirit Treasures.Twenty-five High-Grade Spirit Treasures.And remarkably, three Supreme-Grade Spirit Treasures.
The cumulative agreed repair fees for this mountain of artifacts? A jaw-dropping one hundred and twenty thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones!!
Zhang Fangzhou, responsible for the tally, felt his jaw literally go slack. He could scarcely believe the astronomical sum generated from a single morning's work. And the most staggering thought: the value of the hundred-plus artifacts now crammed into Lin Feng's spatial rings undoubtedly far exceeded that sum! If Lin Feng chose to vanish with this haul right now...
Of course, the thought was fleeting. Zhang Fangzhou knew Lin Feng wouldn't do such a thing. Besides, attempting it would be suicidal. The owners of those three Supreme-Grade Spirit Treasures alone were cultivators at the Ninth Level of Foundation Establishment, possibly even the Great Perfection stage. Countless others from the massive crowd were likely keeping a discreet eye on Lin Feng's movements. Discovery during an attempted flight would provoke a furious mob. Even with his flying sword, Lin Feng wouldn't stand a chance against such concentrated wrath.
Lin Feng himself was satisfied. This was only the second day. He was confident that as his reputation solidified over the coming days, business would surge further. Higher-grade artifacts would become more common. Focusing on repairing High-Grade and Supreme-Grade Spirit Treasures promised significantly greater returns.
...
"Alright, it's getting late," Lin Feng said, beckoning to Zhang Fangzhou and the others. "Let's get lunch. Long Chengkong might already be waiting."
Similar to yesterday, they had arranged to meet Long Chengkong for a midday meal and an afternoon excursion – plans thwarted the previous day, hence the repeat attempt.
"Lin Feng."
A familiar voice called out just then. Lin Feng looked up to see Long Chengkong himself standing nearby. He was momentarily surprised. "Brother Long? When did you get here?"
Long Chengkong chuckled, stepping closer. "You mentioned yesterday you'd be at the Free Bazaar this morning, so I thought I'd drop by. I must say... Lin Feng, this 'business' venture of yours is... truly unique."
He had indeed been observing for quite some time, refraining from interrupting the bustling trade. He'd listened to the surrounding chatter, piecing together the story of Lin Feng's 'Artifact Repair' stall. The revelation had filled him with considerable astonishment.
"Heh, merely a way to earn some spirit stones," Lin Feng replied modestly. "I hope it didn't provide too much amusement, Brother Long."
With a final gesture to his companions, Lin Feng walked over to join Long Chengkong. The group of five then turned and made their way out of the still-buzzing bazaar, heading towards their lunch appointment.