Chapter 190
Chapter 190: Warm Jade Pavilion
When Shi Zi Chu’s expression revealed confusion, Zhou Ji Ming spoke gently: “The top-tier families are domineering and arrogant, looking down upon us scattered cultivators. Qian Jin Jin came this time hoping that Yan Yan could lend a hand.”
“Don’t ask me,” Yan Yan said, nudging Shi Zi Chu with her chin. “Ask her, she’s more useful than I am.”
Shi Zi Chu, seeing through Yan Yan’s thoughts, gave her a flirtatious glance.
Yan Yan responded with an alluring wink of her own.
The more friends one had, the more paths were available. She was more than happy to introduce Shi Zi Chu to a few old friends, and likewise, she was eager to introduce these old friends to Shi Zi Chu.
“Ah?” Qian Jin Jin looked up at the soft, delicate Shi Zi Chu, her confused mind still not fully processing the situation. “What can a young lady like her possibly do to help?”
Lu Yun Zhen gave her a look of disbelief. “I think you’ve had too much to drink.”
With Shi Zi Chu’s connection to Venerable Xing Lan, those six simple words carried immense weight. Even Clan Chief Jun would give her some respect!
Not wanting Shi Zi Chu to force herself, Zhou Ji Ming spoke again, “She plans to take the alchemist association’s senior alchemist exam, which will be in over twenty days. The next one will be in three months.”
“We’ve already got other plans in a month and won’t have time,” Lu Yun Zhen added. “She didn’t want to delay any longer, that’s why she’s so anxious.”
In short, both of them made it clear: it wasn’t a life-or-death matter, so there was no need to force herself.
“I’ve already prepared all the remaining spiritual herbs for the pill formula, just missing the sixth-rank Green Flame Stone,” Qian Jin Jin said, then muttered a curse under her breath.
When her gaze fell on Shi Zi Chu’s exquisite, fair face, the anger that had risen in her simmered down a little.
Once she calmed her emotions, she sighed and continued, “The Green Flame Stone at the Hundred Treasures Pavilion is sold out. There have been no appearances in the past half month’s auctions, and the black market prices are ridiculously high with low purity.”
Her only hope now was the Green Flame Stone in the Blue Rain Marsh.
But that had already caught the attention of Jun Clan, and it was almost certain that it would fall into their hands.
The Cloud Riding Auction House had already arranged its auctions, and there was no Green Flame Stone in sight for a month.
“I’ll go try,” Shi Zi Chu said, putting down her wine cup. “Big sister Jin Jin, let’s exchange contact information so we can keep in touch later.”
Qian Jin Jin hurriedly handed over a communication token, exchanging it with Shi Zi Chu. “I’ll be counting on you, little sister Zi Chu!”
Shi Zi Chu smiled gently with her peach blossom eyes. “We’re friends, no need for such formalities. Who knows, I might need to ask for your help someday.”
“Let’s exchange contacts too!” Qiu Yue Bai said, pulling out a communication token.
After exchanging contacts with the others, Shi Zi Chu finished her drink and stood up to take her leave.
She had come to Supreme Virtue City by invitation, and now it was time to go.
As they stepped out of the tavern, a luxurious carriage waited nearby.
When the guard placed the stool, Shi Zi Chu stepped up onto it.
Inside the carriage, she saw Wan Yan Qian reclining against the soft cushions.
Wan Yan Qian sat up and spoke directly, “It’s the perfect time for us to go now.”
Shi Zi Chu adjusted her dress and sat on the opposite side. “You’ve been so mysterious in your messages. Can you finally tell me what we’re doing?”
“You’ve helped me greatly in the Ten Thousand Visions Realm, and I haven’t properly thanked you,” Wan Yan Qian said seriously. “Moreover, my big brother wants to meet you.”
Shi Zi Chu tilted her head.
The young lord of Wan Yan Clan wanted to meet her?
“It’s still related to the Ten Thousand Visions Realm,” Wan Yan Qian continued. “The cultivation method you gave him helped secure his position as young lord. He wants to take this opportunity to thank you.”
At this point, Shi Zi Chu couldn’t refuse.
About the time it takes to burn a stick of incense later, the carriage stopped.
Shi Zi Chu and Wan Yan Qian disembarked one after the other.
The six-story building before them gleamed with gold and opulence, the gilded plaque reading “Warm Jade Pavilion” in flowing script.
The attendant at the entrance was momentarily stunned upon seeing Shi Zi Chu, but quickly composed himself.
After receiving the invitation card from Wan Yan Qian’s maid and confirming its authenticity, the attendant raised a graceful smile. “Honored guests, please come inside. Young Lord Wan Yan is already waiting in the private room.”
Wan Yan Qian led Shi Zi Chu inside.
As they entered the Warm Jade Pavilion, the delicate, sweet fragrance filled the air. The surroundings were elegantly arranged, though the layers of gauze gave the place a more seductive air.
Shi Zi Chu couldn’t help but glance at Wan Yan Qian.
No wonder it was called the Warm Jade Pavilion—this was clearly a place for indulgence.
“This place isn’t just for indulgence. There’s an auction tonight at the hour of the dog,” Wan Yan Qian said with a grin. “I know you like to keep yourself pure, so just think of it as coming to listen to music and watch a play. I promise, the courtesans here won’t disappoint you.”
Shi Zi Chu could only look at her with helplessness.
Since she was here, what else could she do?
They followed the attendant up to the top floor, and after about a tea’s time, they arrived at the private room.
The attendant opened the door with a respectful gesture. “Honored guests, please enter.”
Inside the room, Shi Zi Chu first saw the poised Young Lord Wan Yan, and then about ten handsome men, each with unique features.
“This is my older brother, Wan Yan Xiang,” Wan Yan Qian said as she pushed Shi Zi Chu onto one of the noble consort couches, then lay down on another couch herself.
Wan Yan Xiang smiled and said, “Daoist Shi, please make yourself comfortable.”
As soon as Shi Zi Chu sat down, several attentive young men approached.
“Young Lady, have your legs become tired from the journey? Would you like me to massage them for you?”
“Are you thirsty, Young Lady? The tea here is renowned.”
Reclining in one of the courtesans’ arms, Wan Yan Qian watched with amusement as the courtesans practically vied for Shi Zi Chu’s attention.
Fearing Shi Zi Chu might be startled, she spoke up, “Behave yourselves.”
With Wan Yan Qian’s command, the courtesans quickly settled down.
Shi Zi Chu leaned back on the couch, her gentle voice filling the room. “Please, massage my legs.”
She might as well enjoy herself while she was here.
The man closest to her knelt down and began to massage her legs with moderate pressure. “Is this force to your liking, Young Lady?”
“It’s perfect,” Shi Zi Chu said, pulling her long hair free from behind her.
Seeing Shi Zi Chu relax into the massage, Wan Yan Qian closed her eyes and allowed the courtesans to continue massaging her shoulders and legs.
Wan Yan Xiang handed her the auction catalog.
A youthful courtesan with red lips and white teeth took the catalog and kneeled before Shi Zi Chu, opening it for her to view.
Shi Zi Chu glanced down at the contents.
Most of the items at tonight’s auction were dharmic robes, with a small portion being spirit pills and rare spiritual plants.
Those spirit pills and spiritual plants were rare and expensive.
With such valuable items, the auction surely wouldn’t be too quiet.
“I noticed you don’t have many dharmic robes, so I specifically invited you to this auction. If you see anything you like, I’ll get it for you,” Wan Yan Qian said.
Shi Zi Chu had indeed never bought many dharmic robes, as she found them too expensive. But after her experience at Ascending Towers Island, she had changed her mind about the exorbitant prices.
She had planned to visit the Linglang Pavilion in Supreme Virtue City to buy a few movement technique robes as backups.
“I have a kindred spirit with eldest miss,” Shi Zi Chu said with a smile, resting her chin on her hand.
Thanks to this auction, she wouldn’t need to make a trip to the Linglang Pavilion after all.