Chapter 17: Trading with an Acquaintance
This novel is translated and hosted on BCatranslation
Ye Cong Xin’s playful charm quickly softened Fang Cheng Lang’s heart, dispelling most of his frustration.
Lan Zi Yu and Su Ming, standing nearby, felt a wave of relief and grew even more grateful for Ye Cong Xin’s presence.
At that moment, Ye Cong Xin suddenly inquired, “I’ve heard Fifth Senior Brother is returning soon. I wonder when Fourth Senior Brother will finish his seclusion? They’ll be so surprised to see I’ve become the youngest disciple of Lone Moon Peak!”
Ye Cong Xin’s successful apprenticeship wasn’t merely because of her close relationship with the members of Lone Moon Peak. More crucially, it stemmed from Yu Zhao injuring her publicly during a confrontation. To suppress the ensuing scandal, Master Qing Yan reluctantly accepted her into the sect. As a result, her initiation ceremony, while lively, was rather rushed.
Cui Jue, the fourth-ranking disciple, was refining pills in seclusion, and Quan Ye, the fifth, was away training, causing both to miss her ceremony.
Hearing Ye Cong Xin mention Quan Ye, Fang Cheng Lang’s brow furrowed momentarily before quickly smoothing out. He thought to himself, “Better not tell Junior Sister about Quan Ye’s situation. I don’t want her to worry.” His determination strengthened. “I’ll make sure she never suffers the same fate as Sixth Senior Sister!”
Su Ming stroked his chin thoughtfully and grinned at Ye Cong Xin. “Don’t worry, Junior Sister. Cui Jue might even have a surprise waiting for you.”
Ye Cong Xin’s eyes sparkled with delight, her heart filling with anticipation.
Word had it that Cui Jue was working on a special pill during this seclusion. If true, it might be for her. Her investment of time and effort in winning Cui Jue’s favor now seemed well worth it. Among her five senior brothers, she valued Cui Jue the most, as he was recognized as one of the most talented alchemists in the cultivation world. Even the arrogant alchemists of Greenwood Sect envied him and wished to recruit him into their ranks.
Ye Cong Xin, having asked casually, now felt her excitement rising.
Noticing the favorable atmosphere, Su Ming enthusiastically presented a jade box to Ye Cong Xin. “Junior Sister, this is my gift to you for joining Lone Moon Peak. Open it and see if you like it.”
“Really?” Ye Cong Xin nodded eagerly, opening the jade box under Su Ming’s expectant gaze. Inside lay a thumb-sized, radiant Fire Spirit Pearl.
Picking it up gently, Ye Cong Xin felt a warm current flow through her fingers and into her meridians. “Oh!” she exclaimed softly, her face lighting up with joy.
Su Ming puffed out his chest in pride. “This pearl comes from the Fire Cloud Sea. It repels cold and nourishes the body, making it perfect for you.”
Given Ye Cong Xin’s cold constitution, the Fire Spirit Pearl seemed tailor-made for her. It was a thoughtful and valuable gift.
“Thank you, Third Senior Brother. I love it!” Ye Cong Xin said with genuine gratitude.
Su Ming laughed heartily, clearly pleased with her reaction.
However, Fang Cheng Lang, standing nearby, looked visibly displeased. The pearl’s significant value suggested it was likely purchased with Little Six’s spirit stones. Yet, in front of Ye Cong Xin, he suppressed his displeasure, determined not to ruin her happiness.
…
At the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, Manager Liu was baffled to see Yu Zhao return so soon. He hurried over, speaking with polite enthusiasm, “Young Fairy, Su Ming is no longer here. I believe he’s gone elsewhere.”
Recalling the morning’s events, Manager Liu dared not underestimate this seemingly frail young woman.
Yu Zhao smiled faintly. “Manager Liu, I’m not here for Su Ming. I’ve come to see you.”
“Me?”
“I’d like to propose a trade.”
Manager Liu’s expression grew serious. “Please, follow me.”
He led Yu Zhao to a private room on the second floor. After serving her tea with utmost care, he asked, “What kind of trade does the young fairy have in mind?”
Yu Zhao retrieved a black-gold octagonal stone from her belongings, placing it on the table and pushing it toward him. “Manager Liu, could you assess this stone’s value?”
Despite her mistrust of the Five Elements Dao Sect, Yu Zhao preferred dealing with acquaintances. Manager Liu, as a businessman, would avoid actions as foolish as betrayal, especially knowing her background.
Manager Liu’s curiosity deepened when he recognized the stone. He had seen Su Ming flaunting it before—a mere Black Crystal Stone, commonly used for crafting low-tier artifacts. Its unique shape made it suitable for display, but it wasn’t particularly rare or valuable.
After a moment of contemplation, Manager Liu declared, “This is a Black Crystal Stone, worth about one mid-grade spirit stone.”
Yu Zhao’s gaze flickered. She knew a Black Crystal Stone wasn’t worth one mid-grade spirit stone, especially not one of this small size. Clearly, Manager Liu was eager to curry favor by quoting a generous price. However, her expectations for the trade were far higher.
She pulled out a sheet of paper covered in meticulously listed items and slid it to Manager Liu. “I want to exchange it for these.”
Manager Liu scanned the list. His eyes widened in shock. “Young Fairy, are you joking?”
The list included Heart-Protecting Pills, Spirit-Nurturing Grass, Rootless Liquid, and more—over a dozen items, each worth far more than one mid-grade spirit stone, and in considerable quantities.
Manager Liu’s demeanor grew wary, his hand discreetly moving to a talisman tucked into his sleeve.
Oblivious to his reaction, Yu Zhao maintained her serene smile. “Manager Liu, I never joke. This isn’t a Black Crystal Stone.”
Disciples of the Five Elements Dao Sect were forbidden to exploit the sect’s name for personal gain under penalty of expulsion. Yu Zhao, however, had no intention of using her sect’s reputation as leverage.
She gently pressed a finger to the stone’s surface. Droplets of water formed, spreading across it until the stone was coated in a thin, glistening layer. Gradually, its black hue faded, revealing a transparent liquid.
Manager Liu’s skepticism gave way to astonishment. Rising to his feet, he pointed at the liquid, exclaiming, “Black Crystal Essence!”
Yu Zhao withdrew her hand. “Manager Liu, your discerning eye does you credit.”
It took Manager Liu a moment to recover. He chuckled self-deprecatingly. “Young Fairy, you flatter me. I almost mistook a treasure for an ordinary stone. How embarrassing.”
Yu Zhao smiled faintly. “So, what do you think of the trade?”
“Absolutely feasible! Please wait here while I prepare everything!” Manager Liu’s excitement was palpable.
The difference between Black Crystal Stone and Black Crystal Essence was like night and day. The value of the latter could easily surpass that of the entire Hundred Treasures Pavilion!