Chapter 051
Chapter 51: Clan Chief Ye, These Words Sound Like an Insult
Chu Zhi Rou clenched her fists tightly, her nails digging painfully into the soft flesh of her palms. Her gaze, dark and gloomy, was fixed intently on Shi Zi Chu.
Shi Zi Chu might not possess a ninth rank soul transformation pill herself, but her master certainly did!
Perhaps after repeatedly suffering losses at Shi Zi Chu’s hands, Chu Zhi Rou finally showed a rare moment of cleverness.
She quickly realized the truth but restrained herself, choosing not to openly question Shi Zi Chu.
Yet, as she stared at the spirit pill inside that glazed vial, bitterness swelled within Chu Zhi Rou’s heart.
That was a ninth rank soul transformation pill!
How could Master give it away to Shi Zi Chu so casually?!
[What makes her so special?!]
“Clan Chief Chu,” Clan Chief Nan Rong quietly reminded, “Young Friend Shi is a disciple of Venerable Xing Lan.” He then turned to City Lord Yan, stating firmly, “The Nan Rong Clan withdraws from bidding.”
The Nan Rong Clan had experienced firsthand the destructive force of Xing Lan. He saw no reason to provoke a mad dog over a mere spirit stone mine!
“The Jiang Clan withdraws from bidding.”
Jun Yue Hua’s cool, indifferent voice sounded next, “The Jun Clan also withdraws.”
Since Shi Zi Chu could produce a ninth rank soul transformation pill for the bid, it was clear Venerable Xing Lan was aware and supportive.
Given Venerable Xing Lan’s blazing prestige, it wasn’t wise to offend him over a mere spirit stone mine.
“The Wan Yan Clan withdraws.”
Clan Chief Yu Wen stared reluctantly at the glazed vial, his eyes clouded with frustration, but finally conceded, “The Yu Wen Clan withdraws as well.”
“The Chu Clan withdraws,” Chu Zhi Sheng forced these words through gritted teeth.
In a blink, six powerful families had pulled out of the bidding, one after another.
City Lord Yan’s gaze landed on Ye He Qi, “Clan Chief Ye, what do you say?”
“The Ye Clan withdraws,” Ye He Qi answered, lifting his cup toward Shi Zi Chu in congratulations, “Congratulations in advance, Daoist Shi, on securing the spirit stone mine.”
Shi Zi Chu smiled lightly, then turned her attention to City Lord Yan.
City Lord Yan lifted the glazed vial and said, “Before Young Friend Shi signs the land deed, I have a few conditions to declare.”
Shi Zi Chu listened respectfully.
“This spirit stone mine must not be jointly developed with the three sects and five schools,” City Lord Yan explained with a smile. “Young Friend Shi may choose to mine it independently or collaborate with the noble clans. If you prefer independent mining, perhaps seek guidance from Venerable Xing Lan.”
What wealthy master and disciple they were!
Each owning a spirit stone mine!
Shi Zi Chu nodded gently, her voice warm and polite, “I’ll carefully consider partnering with one of the noble clans.”
Seeing the eyes of the clan chiefs brighten instantly, City Lord Yan quickly outlined a few more details about taxation.
After he finished, the maid returned Shi Zi Chu’s remaining belongings along with the land deed.
Shi Zi Chu carefully stored the cultivation manuals and remaining spirit pills, then reached out and picked up the land deed soul contract.
“Congratulations, Young Friend Shi, for winning the spirit stone mine,” Clan Chief Nan Rong was the first to lift his cup.
Immediately, the banquet table filled with joyful congratulations.
Shi Zi Chu raised her cup in response, her expression calm and graceful, “Joy shared among friends.”
Because Shi Zi Chu had hinted at partnering with a noble clan to mine the spirit stone mine, the various clan chiefs’ attitudes toward her became incredibly enthusiastic.
Shi Zi Chu navigated their attempts at probing with effortless grace, leaving everyone completely unsure which family she intended to choose.
Watching Shi Zi Chu bask in unmatched prestige, Chu Zhi Rou pressed her bloodless lips tightly together, silent.
[Just let Shi Zi Chu enjoy this moment!]
Yao Ruo Ruo now understood why Shi Zi Chu had decided to delay their journey into Evernight Forest until the day after tomorrow.
After winning the spirit stone mine, tomorrow she would undoubtedly visit the mine and also shop for essentials at the Hundred Treasures Pavilion.
One day might barely be enough.
…
It was deep into the night when the banquet ended, and the guests gradually departed.
Yan Yan suddenly appeared from nowhere, smiling cheerfully as she asked Shi Zi Chu, “Want to celebrate at the tavern with a cup of wine?”
Looking gently at Yan Yan, Shi Zi Chu shook her head and then, with a reluctant expression, said to her, “Big sister, I guess we’ll only meet again at Master’s banquet.”
“Then I’ll see you there, and I’ll prepare some fine wine for you,” Yan Yan playfully winked.
Shi Zi Chu’s eyes curved brightly in a happy smile.
After Yan Yan left, Shi Zi Chu handed invitation cards to Wan Yan Qian and Yao Ruo Ruo.
Wan Yan Qian accepted the invitation, feeling deeply honored.
She knew she had placed her trust in the right person!
Yan Zhou Bai watched as his junior sister flaunted her invitation openly, his gaze shifting subtly toward Shi Zi Chu.
“You are the Limitless Sect’s Young Sect Master; naturally, you’ll attend with your Sect Master,” Shi Zi Chu explained, smiling sweetly in an attempt to divert attention.
Yan Zhou Bai lowered his eyes slightly and murmured so quietly it could barely be heard, “Favoritism.”
With the sharp hearing of a cultivator, it was impossible Shi Zi Chu didn’t hear it, yet her reaction seemed as if she’d heard nothing at all.
Perceptive Jiang Wan Sheng swiftly stepped forward, deliberately wrapping an arm around Shi Zi Chu’s waist to attract attention. Once he saw her eyes settle on him, he playfully pouted, “Then what about mine?”
“Aren’t you attending with Clan Chief Jiang?” Shi Zi Chu responded lightly.
Jiang Wan Sheng let out a little huff.
[She’s clearly brushing me off, yet still finds so many excuses.]
[Wicked Qing Qing.]
Ignoring the clingy man behind her, Shi Zi Chu said warmly to Yao Ruo Ruo and Wan Yan Qian, “We’ll meet the day after tomorrow.”
If she stayed any longer, those clan chiefs might surround her again!
Yao Ruo Ruo smiled sweetly, “See you soon!”
After leaving City Lord Yan’s mansion, Shi Zi Chu quickly calculated the distance and decided to take a carriage home.
The following day.
Faced with Ye He Qi visiting early in the morning with breakfast in hand, Shi Zi Chu truly had no reason to refuse.
Noticing her breathing was still a little unsteady, Ye He Qi asked gently, “Just finished your morning practice?”
“Clan Chief Ye, your timing is very precise,” Shi Zi Chu replied with a faint smile.
She had just finished body tempering exercises when he knocked on her door.
Ye He Qi certainly chose his timing well!
In the flower hall.
Shi Zi Chu had barely taken her seat when Jiang Wan Sheng appeared. He walked straight to Shi Zi Chu and lazily sat down next to her, greeting casually, “Good morning, Clan Chief Ye.”
“Good morning, Young Master Jiang,” Ye He Qi responded with a refined and courteous tone.
Seeing Ye He Qi rolling up his sleeves to unpack breakfast from the food box, Jiang Wan Sheng felt awkward sitting idle and got up to help.
Shi Zi Chu leaned on her hand, watching them leisurely, showing no intention of assisting.
If one needed help, one should at least show the attitude of needing help, right?
Once the shrimp porridge was placed in front of her, Shi Zi Chu picked up the spoon and began eating.
After two mouthfuls, she finally looked up at Ye He Qi and said, “Clan Chief Ye, you never mentioned anything to me beforehand. Weren’t you worried I might miss the chance at the spirit stone mine?”
“Daoist Shi is clever and insightful,” Ye He Qi praised with a gentle smile.
With Shi Zi Chu’s sharp and cunning mind, how could she miss it?
Besides, given her ambition, how could she not desire a spirit stone mine?
However, since he needed her cooperation now, Ye He Qi simply said whatever she wanted to hear.
Shi Zi Chu arched an eyebrow slightly, “Clan Chief Ye, these words sound like an insult.”
From anyone else, it might be genuine praise, but from Ye He Qi, it felt strangely mocking.
[Hmm, something’s definitely off about him.]
“How could that be?” Ye He Qi replied with a sincere smile as warm as spring.
Jiang Wan Sheng quietly lowered his eyes and took a bite of warm porridge, utterly disinterested in this polite exchange.
Watching the two, he suddenly realized Shi Zi Chu had likely chosen her partner clan for mining.
Yet, when had Qing Qing reached such an understanding with Ye He Qi?
If he didn’t already know their characters well, he’d almost suspect their relationship wasn’t as simple as it seemed.
Without further clarity, Jiang Wan Sheng silently took another sip of porridge.