Chapter 17: Making a Deal with an Old Acquaintance
This novel is translated and hosted on BCatranslation
Fang Cheng Lang couldn’t stay angry for long. Ye Cong Xin’s playful comments quickly thawed his mood, replacing his frustration with a warm smile. The tension that had been building inside him seemed to evaporate.
Nearby, Lan Zi Yu and Su Ming also breathed a sigh of relief, their appreciation for Ye Cong Xin’s timely intervention deepening.
Out of nowhere, Ye Cong Xin chimed in, “I heard Fifth Brother is returning soon. I’m curious about when Fourth Brother will emerge from his seclusion. They’ll be so surprised to find out I’ve become the junior sister of Lone Moon Peak!”
Ye Cong Xin’s new status as an official disciple at Lone Moon Peak wasn’t solely due to her connections there. It was primarily because Yu Zhao had injured her severely in a public incident. To manage the fallout, Master Qing Yan had reluctantly accepted her as a disciple, making her initiation a rushed but vibrant affair.
Unfortunately, both Cui Jue, who was deeply involved in his alchemy, and Quan Ye, who was out exploring in a secret realm of the sect, had missed the ceremony.
When Ye Cong Xin mentioned Quan Ye, Fang Cheng Lang’s expression momentarily tensed, but he quickly masked it.
“She’s better off not knowing about Quan Ye’s behaviors; it’ll only worry her,” Fang Cheng Lang thought to himself. He was determined to shield her from any harm, unlike what had happened with Yu Zhao.
“Old Fourth should be out soon,” Su Ming commented, scratching his chin playfully. “Don’t worry, Junior Sister. He might even surprise you when he returns.”
Ye Cong Xin’s eyes lit up, filled with anticipation.
Rumors had been circulating that Cui Jue had been crafting a special pill during his seclusion, possibly for her, considering the effort she had invested in their relationship.
Cui Jue, recognized as a prodigious alchemist, was even sought after by the prestigious alchemists of the Divine Wood Sect, highlighting his exceptional skills.
Initially, Ye Cong Xin’s inquiry about Cui Jue was casual, but now, she was genuinely excited about his return.
Seizing the perfect moment, Su Ming slid a jade box towards Ye Cong Xin with a proud smile.
“What’s this, Third Brother?” Ye Cong Xin asked, tilting her head curiously.
With a mischievous grin, Su Ming replied, “Hehe, this is a welcoming gift from me. Open it and see if you like it.”
Eagerly, Ye Cong Xin nodded and lifted the lid of the jade box under Su Ming’s expectant gaze.
Inside, a small pearl glowed softly, radiating a gentle warmth.
When Ye Cong Xin touched the pearl, a warm sensation spread from her fingertips through her body.
She gasped softly, her eyes meeting Su Ming’s with pure joy.
“This is a Fire Spirit Pearl from the Fire Cloud Sea. It repels cold and warms the body—perfect for your cold constitution,” Su Ming explained with evident pride.
“Thank you, Third Brother. I absolutely love it,” Ye Cong Xin beamed, her gratitude genuine.
Su Ming’s grin widened, pleased with her reaction.
Meanwhile, Fang Cheng Lang’s expression darkened slightly. He knew the Fire Spirit Pearl was incredibly valuable, likely purchased with Yu Zhao’s resources. Despite his concerns, he chose not to voice them, unwilling to dampen Ye Cong Xin’s joy.
…
In the bustling atmosphere of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, Manager Liu watched as Yu Zhao approached, his brow furrowing with curiosity.
He hastened forward, greeting her with evident warmth. “Young Miss, Sir Su Ming isn’t here today. He might have stepped out.”
He was cautious around Yu Zhao, remembering her formidable presence that morning.
Yu Zhao offered a slight smile. “Manager Liu, I’m not looking for Su Ming. I need to speak with you.”
“To me?” he echoed, somewhat taken aback.
“Yes, I’d like to propose a business deal.”
Manager Liu’s demeanor shifted to one of serious attention. “Please, come with me.”
They ascended to the second floor and settled into a quiet, private room.
Once seated, Manager Liu personally served Yu Zhao tea before inquiring, “What kind of deal are you considering?”
Unaware of the earlier discussion between Su Ming and Yu Zhao, but noting Su Ming’s sour expression upon departure, Manager Liu sensed that Yu Zhao had held her own.
Yu Zhao then produced a mysterious black-gold, octagonal ore and slid it across the table. “Could you appraise this for me?”
Choosing to deal with a familiar face like Manager Liu was strategic. Given her lack of trust in the Five Elements Sect and her limited connections, she felt safer conducting business at the Hundred Treasures Pavilion—a place where her background was known, reducing the risk of deceit.
Manager Liu studied the ore, recognizing it as part of Su Ming’s collection, which he’d flaunted occasionally. Though just a piece of black crystal, common in low-grade artifacts and unusual only in shape, he masked his immediate thoughts to assess it professionally.
“This piece,” he finally stated, “is worth one middle-grade spirit stone.”
Yu Zhao’s eyes narrowed slightly. She knew the true value of black crystal, and it was certainly not equivalent to a middle-grade spirit stone, particularly not one of this size. Manager Liu was obviously attempting to impress, quoting a higher price.
She then presented a paper filled with a list of items and pushed it towards him. “I’d like to exchange the ore for these items.”
As Manager Liu scanned the list, his expression morphed into one of disbelief. “Miss, this must be a prank, right?”
The list was extravagant: Heart Protection Pills, Spirit Nourishing Grass, Rootless Liquid—each item vastly more valuable than a middle-grade spirit stone, and he needed them in substantial amounts.
Manager Liu’s face grew stern as he subtly readied a defensive talisman.
Continuing her serene demeanor, Yu Zhao assured, “I never joke about business. This isn’t an ordinary black crystal.”
Leveraging the sect’s name for deceit was forbidden in the Five Elements Sect, with severe penalties. Yu Zhao didn’t need to misuse the sect’s influence; her reputation and power sufficed.
She tapped the crystal lightly, and it responded. Water droplets emerged, spreading across its surface and forming a shimmering film. As the black faded, the true nature of the crystal revealed itself.
This novel is translated and hosted on BCatranslation
Manager Liu, now utterly astounded, stood abruptly, pointing at the now-clear essence on the table. “Black Crystal Essence!”
Yu Zhao withdrew her hand, her smile faint but knowing. “You have quite the discerning eye, Manager Liu.”
He took a moment to compose himself, then chuckled sheepishly. “Miss, you flatter me. I’m embarrassed I couldn’t distinguish the true from the false.”
“So, can we proceed with the trade?” Yu Zhao inquired, her tone even.
“Absolutely! Please, give me a moment to gather everything for you,” Manager Liu responded, his enthusiasm barely contained.
The value difference between mere black crystal and black crystal essence was astronomical. Indeed, this single piece alone could purchase the entirety of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion!