Chapter 092

Chapter 92: Choosing Treasures

The shop attendant watched Yun Xi scrunch her small face tightly, his mouth twitching slightly before he finally said, “Then perhaps this Crimson Cloud Cauldron?”

“How many spirit stones?”

“Two thousand five hundred mid-grade spirit stones.”

Yun Xi’s expression remained agonized as she pointed to another cauldron she’d set her heart upon, the Purple-Gold Coiling Dragon Cauldron, and asked, “And this one?”

“This one is two thousand mid-grade spirit stones, but among these three, it’s the lowest quality—only a low-grade spiritual treasure.”

The attendant hoped Yun Xi would choose the more expensive cauldron, but seeing how firm she was, he patiently waited for her decision.

Yun Xi inspected the three cauldrons carefully again before gritting her teeth and saying, “I don’t have enough spirit stones. Can you give me a little discount on this cheapest cauldron?”

“That’s…”

“Why don’t you ask your shopkeeper? I even bought your store’s unsold stock. Surely that deserves a small discount? Otherwise, I’ll have to give one of them up. I’ve just broken through to Foundation Establishment, and my storage pouch is completely empty,” Yun Xi explained helplessly, spreading her hands.

“Then please wait a moment, fellow daoist. This humble one will ask the shopkeeper,” the attendant replied respectfully.

“Good, I’ll wait,” Yun Xi said brightly, sensing a ray of hope.

After a short while, the attendant returned to the room and said, “Young fellow daoist, the shopkeeper says that since you’re a disciple of Grand Righteous Sect and it’s your first purchase here, if you take both the Purple-Gold Coiling Dragon Cauldron and the Seven-Star Fatal Staff, he’ll give them to you for two thousand eight hundred mid-grade spirit stones. This is his absolute lowest price.”

“The shopkeeper is generous. It’s a deal!” Yun Xi immediately agreed, knowing that shops needed to earn spirit stones too. This was already within her acceptable range.

She swiftly paid and stashed the two treasures into her storage pouch, then walked leisurely downstairs.

By the time she reached the first floor, only Du Yu Ling was there; their other companions were still finishing their trades.

“Senior Sister Du.”

“Junior Sister Wei, you’re done already?” Du Yu Ling asked gently.

“Yes! Little sister entered Treasure Blossom Range for only a short time and didn’t gain much, so naturally, it was quick,” Yun Xi answered gracefully.

Du Yu Ling smiled warmly and continued, “I noticed junior sister is very young, yet already reached Foundation Establishment. Your talent must be outstanding.”

Yun Xi quickly waved her hand, saying, “Senior Sister Du praises me too highly. Little sister has triple-spiritual roots and only succeeded in Foundation Establishment by sheer luck. If I hadn’t come to Treasure Blossom Range looking for my friend, it would’ve taken me at least another five years.”

She then recounted her fortuitous fall into the bird’s nest, not caring if Du Yu Ling believed her or not.

Du Yu Ling laughed softly after hearing Yun Xi’s explanation and said, “Junior Sister Wei, luck is also a part of strength. You needn’t undervalue yourself. At your age, I was still struggling in the late stages of Qi Refining.”

Yun Xi only giggled shyly and didn’t pursue the topic further.

Du Yu Ling changed the subject gently, asking, “Junior Sister Wei, are you acquainted with Senior Brother Sheng?”

“When little sister was still practicing in the Outer Sect, I’d long heard of Senior Brother Sheng’s fame, but this is our first time meeting. Senior Brother Sheng is truly a role model for our generation. Little sister survived this journey thanks entirely to Senior Brother Sheng and all senior sisters; otherwise, I would have become the Three-Headed Serpent’s meal.” Yun Xi quickly distanced herself from Sheng Yu Hong, also flattering Du Yu Ling a bit.

Du Yu Ling’s smile grew even warmer after hearing this, clearly relieved that Yun Xi held only admiration and no other feelings for Senior Brother Sheng.

Yun Xi swiftly changed topics again, asking, “Senior Sister Du, did you find out anything yet? What’s the phenomenon deep in Treasure Blossom Mountain? A heavenly treasure maturing, or perhaps a great demon awakening?”

“It seems to be a newly emerged secret realm,” Du Yu Ling replied uncertainly.

“A secret realm? Will we have a chance to enter?” Yun Xi asked curiously.

“It’s hard to say. First-time secret realms are incredibly dangerous, and nobody knows what’s inside. There are usually cultivation level restrictions. Given that this one appeared deep in Treasure Blossom Range, it probably requires Nascent Soul cultivation or higher. I doubt we’ll have a chance,” Du Yu Ling said frankly.

“I see. This was my first time witnessing a secret realm appear. At least this trip wasn’t completely fruitless,” Yun Xi consoled herself, knowing that Foundation Establishment disciples like them had little chance.

Just then, the rest of their Grand Righteous Sect fellow disciples gradually appeared in the hall, evidently done with their transactions.

Seeing everyone gathered, Sheng Yu Hong said, “Let’s head to the teahouse.”

Everyone agreed, knowing they intended to gather information, and followed him out.

The attendant warmly escorted the five disciples outside the shop, secretly celebrating since their purchases had completed his daily sales target.

Yun Xi glanced at the ordinary-looking three-story teahouse, immediately losing interest, and followed the others inside. Once seated on the second floor, she casually ordered a spirit tea, holding her cup gently and playing the role of an obedient junior disciple.

Sheng Yu Hong had already begun quietly conversing with the waiter to gather information, while Mu Ning Zhu whispered to Yun Xi, “Junior Sister Wei, you’ve completed your mission in Treasure Blossom Mountain. What are your plans next?”

“I’m planning to return to the sect. Coming outside made me realize my deficiencies. I’m still weak, needing my fellow disciples’ help constantly, so I’d rather avoid embarrassment. Since I accidentally succeeded in Foundation Establishment this time, I’ll immediately enter seclusion to stabilize my cultivation, only emerging again for the sect competition,” Yun Xi said earnestly.

“That’s wise. But now that you’ve reached Foundation Establishment, why not visit your parents? I recall Emerald Jade City isn’t far from Treasure Blossom Range,” Mu Ning Zhu casually suggested.

Yun Xi shook her head, replying, “Not this time. I broke through away from the sect, and my identity jade hasn’t been updated yet, so it would be improper to return directly from here. Besides, my clan brothers and sisters might worry. I’ll wait until they’ve also broken through and return with them.”

“As long as you’ve thought it through,” Mu Ning Zhu nodded approvingly. She had a good impression of the Wei clan, aside from Wei Yun Qing. At least the Wei clan members had principles.

While they talked, another group arrived upstairs. Two men and two women dressed extravagantly, all Foundation Establishment stage, each strikingly beautiful.

Yun Xi glanced at the four newcomers briefly, then turned to Mu Ning Zhu with an inquisitive look.

Mu Ning Zhu transmitted her voice privately, “These four are disciples from Hundred Flowers Pavilion. Their sect has both righteous and demonic cultivators, claiming inclusivity, but truthfully, they only accept disciples based on appearance.”

“Oh, I see. They recruit based on looks,” Yun Xi immediately understood.

Mu Ning Zhu continued, “Everyone loves beauty, and they’re always popular wherever they go. But Hundred Flowers Pavilion disciples act arrogantly and do as they please. They’re quite troublesome, so avoid them if possible.”

Yun Xi gently touched her now slimmed-down, oval face and said with exaggerated confidence, “Hehe, Senior Sister, don’t worry. I’m well aware of my exceptional beauty and will protect myself carefully.”

Mu Ning Zhu’s mouth twitched involuntarily at Yun Xi’s confident declaration, silently amused by the little girl’s bravado.

Beside them, Du Yu Ling couldn’t help chuckling softly. Objectively, Yun Xi and the word “beauty” didn’t exactly match at the moment.

Suddenly, a melodious voice called out teasingly, “Oh? Such a confident little girl, why not join our Hundred Flowers Pavilion?”