Chapter 020
Chapter 20: Cloud Riding Auction House
Shi Zi Chu swept her gaze around before speaking softly, “I need a balm with a simple, light fragrance.”
Rich and intoxicating aromas had their charm, but she still preferred scents gentle and pure.
“Guest, please come this way; these balms all have simpler floral and woody scents,” the maid guided Shi Zi Chu toward a counter. “Our balm not only retains its fragrance for a long time but also boosts spiritual power. Long-term use even brightens the skin—but your skin is already very fair, guest.”
Though Shi Zi Chu wore a Mu Li veil that covered her face and neck, her delicate hands hanging gracefully by her side revealed fair, healthy skin tinted lightly pink.
A soft, melodious laugh rang out.
Even though the maid couldn’t see Shi Zi Chu’s face, she already pictured a stunning beauty in her mind.
After carefully examining each balm, Shi Zi Chu eventually chose one scented with jasmine. The fragrance was fresh and sweet, neither too strong nor too faint, pleasant and comforting.
Just as Shi Zi Chu approached the counter to pay, a tall, imposing figure strode in swiftly.
“Shopkeeper, where is the Four Seasons Clear Balm? I’ll take three boxes.”
Standing near the counter, Pei Qing You first caught a faint whiff of jasmine. Turning slightly, he noticed a slender, graceful figure that seemed familiar the more he looked.
“Shi Zi Chu?”
Pei Qing You abruptly reached out and lifted her white Mu Li veil.
Shi Zi Chu slightly narrowed her eyes, glancing sideways. Her snow-white skin, striking red lips, and delicately refined yet noble features carried an air of elegance. Her slightly narrowed, peach-blossom-shaped eyes revealed clear displeasure. She radiated pride and arrogance—beauty dazzling, wickedness openly displayed.
Even Pei Qing You, accustomed as he was to beautiful faces, was momentarily dazed, surprise flashing unknowingly through his eyes.
Before, Shi Zi Chu had crudely imitated Chu Zhi Rou, like a clumsy painter whose tiger ended up resembling a dog instead.
But now, Shi Zi Chu bloomed vividly, a lush red peony radiant in its glory.
Seeing Pei Qing You’s fleeting look of astonishment, Shi Zi Chu calmly retrieved her veil, her gentle voice politely distant, “Young Sect Master Pei.”
Recovering his composure, Pei Qing You inwardly scolded himself for being enchanted, even briefly, by this wicked woman.
The shopkeeper handed Shi Zi Chu her change in spirit stones before addressing Pei Qing You apologetically, “Guest, Four Seasons Clear Balm has just sold out. The next batch arrives in half a month.”
Shi Zi Chu accepted her spirit stones and turned to leave, but Pei Qing You blocked her way, demanding suspiciously, “Did you buy it?”
If Four Seasons Clear Balm had just sold out, Shi Zi Chu likely bought it all.
Rou Rou exclusively favored Four Seasons Clear. He had intended to buy some as a surprise!
Shi Zi Chu slightly raised the veil, glancing at Pei Qing You. “I only bought Jasmine Mist Rain.”
The empty compartment labeled Four Seasons Clear showed a shocking price of thirty-eight thousand spirit stones.
Nearly forty thousand spirit stones for one small balm! She had plenty of spirit stones, but she was certainly no fool.
Shi Zi Chu gently laughed, kindly reminding him, “It seems Young Sect Master Pei intends to buy this balm for your little junior sister. Unfortunately, given her severe injuries, she probably needs spirit pills more right now.”
Pei Qing You’s expression sharpened instantly.
He knew well how severe Jade Void Sect’s punishments were. Seeing no deceit in Shi Zi Chu’s expression, urgency seized him, “Which spirit pill does Rou Rou need?”
“The Sixth Rank Rejuvenation Pill.” Shi Zi Chu lowered her veil, generously deciding to finish the good deed she started. “Right now, your little junior sister is at the Ye Clan.”
Xu Zhou Ye disliked Pei Qing You greatly, and the feeling was mutual. Normally, this kind of tense confrontation was nothing for Chu Zhi Rou—but she was gravely injured now~
Although Pei Qing You’s expression toward Shi Zi Chu remained unfriendly, he awkwardly offered his thanks, considering she’d shared important information.
Shi Zi Chu smiled faintly before turning and leaving.
Pei Qing You placed an advance reservation with the shopkeeper for three boxes of Four Seasons Clear, paid the deposit quickly, then left hurriedly.
Shi Zi Chu leisurely strolled around before returning to the Ye Clan. Before she could witness any drama unfold, a guard invited her directly to the study.
She took a seat and slowly removed her Mu Li veil, carefully placing it into her storage ring. Raising her eyes, she calmly regarded the man seated in the grand chair.
The air, previously filled only with a subtle sandalwood scent, was now sweetened faintly by jasmine fragrance.
Ye He Qi paused his work, slightly startled when he looked up. “You have a Rejuvenation Pill,” he said gently, with confidence.
Shi Zi Chu nodded honestly. “I did have one, but I’ve already given it to the little junior sister.”
Ye He Qi gazed warmly at Shi Zi Chu.
Venerable Xing Lan always kept Rejuvenation Pills in abundance. Given how highly he valued Shi Zi Chu, it was unsurprising she possessed such a pill.
“The next auction at Cloud Riding Auction House is in three days. Would you like to join me?” Ye He Qi invited her courteously.
Shi Zi Chu paused thoughtfully, “In what manner?”
If she had to go with Chu Zhi Rou, she would decline immediately. After all, going out should be relaxing, and she didn’t want to stay constantly alert to avoid being accused again.
Understanding the hidden meaning behind her words, Ye He Qi clarified gently, “It will only be the two of us.”
Ye Ce would handle the Drifting Flower matter. Liu Cui Yu, with her suspicious nature, would certainly attend the auction to see the Drifting Flower sold with her own eyes. Chu Zhi Rou would naturally accompany her mother.
Ye He Qi had no interest in their mother-daughter drama, but this auction would have the presence of a Gu master he needed to meet.
Inviting Shi Zi Chu was merely curiosity—he wanted to see what mischief she might stir.
Shi Zi Chu pretended to ponder briefly, then agreed easily.
She had planned to attend anyway, but the Cloud Riding Auction House’s entry was outrageously expensive. Even the cheapest invitation cost four thousand eight hundred spirit stones!
Such a high price merely for entrance!
Ye He Qi’s offer saved her a great expense!
…
Three days later.
Shi Zi Chu appeared wearing a vivid red gown embroidered with golden peonies, its sleeves broad, the hem brushing gracefully against the floor. Atop her head was a matching red Mu Li veil.
Looking at Shi Zi Chu, who resembled an elegant red lantern, Ye He Qi’s refined smile faltered slightly.
Had something provoked her?
Shi Zi Chu gently adjusted the crimson veil, revealing her exquisitely made-up face, stunningly beautiful and confident. Her shimmering eyes fixed brightly upon Ye He Qi. “Aren’t we going?”
Red could easily overwhelm with gaudiness, but it enhanced Shi Zi Chu’s dazzling allure magnificently. Today’s carefully applied makeup amplified her beauty perfectly.
Ye He Qi smiled graciously, regaining his composure, and walked ahead.
By the time the two arrived at Cloud Riding Auction House by carriage, only fifteen minutes remained before the auction began.
A maid guided them swiftly into an elegant private chamber on the top floor.
Shi Zi Chu sat at the table, curiously looking around the luxurious space.
The private room had designated areas for resting and conversation, divided by delicate layers of sheer silk and beaded curtains.
Currently, Shi Zi Chu and Ye He Qi sat in the auction viewing area. A square table with comfortable chairs stood before them, covered with fine snacks and fresh spirit fruits.
Noticing Shi Zi Chu’s curious and intrigued gaze, Ye He Qi briefly explained the auction’s procedures to her.
“Welcome, honored guests, to our Cloud Riding Auction House…”
The cultivator on the auction stage wore a neatly tailored azure gown, her lovely face bearing a perfect smile. Her sweet voice, carried clearly by the sound transmission stones, echoed gently in every cultivator’s ears.
There would be quite a bit happening at this auction, a day rich with exciting developments and intrigue.