In the courtyard, Xu Yuan still sat cross-legged on soft grass, glaring at a jade bottle in his hand. "These are the last two Qi-gathering pills. I should ask Grand Elder for some more pills."
With these high second-tier pills Xu Yuan will be able to regain his cultivation level even more rapidly as compared to normal.
He took a deep breath of cool fresh air, ready to enter in meditation. But when he was about to close his eyes, a figure appeared a few steps away before him.
"Young Master!"
"Old Gui!" Yuan recognized instantly turning his face.
Gui Sheng, the old man was one of the very close people to him, he had been taking care of Yuan since childhood.
He stood straight in front of him with a polite smile, despite his old age he looked almost healthy like a military veteran.
"Young Master, You have grown taller." said Gui Sheng, seeing him standing up.
"Old Gui, Where have you been from last two days?" Yuan asked
"uh! I was away for some urgent matters!" Old Gui replied.
Soon, Yuan led him to the pavilion and with that their chattering began to open.
Gui Sheng started talking about his experiences in warehouses these days and other matters.
In their discussion, Xu Yuan kept interrupting him with lots of questions, trying to figure out every information about family conditions. As a steward, Gui Sheng must be aware of every crucial detail.
Meanwhile Gui Sheng just wondered how this child, who once used to throw demands on him, in a mighty, adorable tone changed that much.
"Old Gui! Why do you think Xu Family is suffering such heavy losses?" Yuan asked one of his questions.
He wondered, because all the details mentioned by old Gui were too unrealistic, also Alchemist families cannot be considered like other noble families who easily fall due trade losses.
It is very unnatural for an Alchemist family to suffer such heavy losses, even a first grade alchemist possess a good value among cultivators, not to mention Xu Family had second grades.
Upon hearing Yuan Gui Sheng sighed "Aiye~ Young Master, I can't say anything about this. Xu Family had a great influence not only in Jin Yang City but also in the nearby cities, but even with our major connections the sales are unexpectedly decreasing. Like people are avoiding buying in our warehouses…
This…
Aiye~ we can only call it fate."
They continued talking on such matters and soon their discussion faded in the ringing buzzing noise of evening Gu Cicada.
—
—
—
The Imperial Capital, located at the heart of Xia Empire. Also the very ground of various powerful families and one of them was Zhao Family.
Zhao Family, known from their auction houses all over the empire. Celestial Treasure Pavilion, the main branch which is located in Imperial capital known to be one of the most prestigious among all. It Influenced many powerhouses, Cultivators all across the empire.
And today is the very day for their auction to be held.
The Imperial Capital was lively as ever, Wide roads stretched endlessly, lined with towering buildings.
The streets filled with streams of people, cultivators in fine robes, strolling around. Merchants, vendors shouting loud, selling rare herbs and treasures.
Before long, the sound of a rolling carriage echoed in the stone street. A fine black carriage, drawn by two horses.
Inside, Xu Yuan sat calmly, his eyes half closed as if lost in thought. 'In these two days, I had managed to break through the second layer of Qi refining. But it still feels a bit lacking...'
Beside Yuan, old Gui Sheng leaned slightly forward.
On the opposite side, Zhou Ying, wearing a reddish robe, looking out the window with a faint smile, her elegant aura blending well with the noble atmosphere outside. Beside her sat Sun Tao, arms crossed, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes.
The Carriage slowly came to a stop before the Celestial Treasure Pavilion. The crowd instinctively made their way, whispering among themselves.
"Hey, look at that carriage… seems like someone important is here."
"This carriage… even its wheels look expensive."
"Look at that sturdy horse."
"Ah! That horse on this carraige… that's not male!"
The driver opened the door, letting Xu Yuan first to step out, his robe fluttering gently in the breeze. Gui Sheng followed behind like a silent shadow.
Ying'er stepped down next, her red dress and calm beauty making many young men freeze in their tracks.
Sun Tao hopped down last, brushing his sleeves but she felt a bit sad, her breast does not jiggle like Ying'er.
The moment their feet touched the ground, the whispers grew louder.
"Did you see that? That's Zhou Ying of the Zhou Family!" someone whispered with excitement.
"I've seen her once during the Spring Banquet. She's really from the Zhou Family!"
"Hey, Look at the Young Man beside her, So pretty!"
"Careful what you say. I've heard he likes males for dinner."
As their carriage moved forward from the street, Xu Yuan lifted his gaze toward the towering Celestial Treasure Pavilion gate which had the Zhao Family emblem embedded.
The guards of the pavilion noticed them and immediately straightened, lowering their heads respectfully.
The presence of Zhao Ying was enough to bring a sense of authority, they instinctively guided them inside the pavilion.
But as about to step inside a loud sound another carriage rolling echoed in the streets. Along with some guards, following, front and rear.
The crowd once erupted in murmuring.
"Another carriage, and this one looks more lavish."
"Hey! can't you see that emblem? It's Someone from the Imperial Family."
"Ah— Imperial Family is also here!"
Then one of the frontier guards hopped down from his horse and walked back near the carriage window, muttering something.
The curtains of the carriage window opened slightly with a finger, from inside the carriage.
On the other hand, a few figures rushed at the entrance from the pavilion. Some males and some females dressed in Pavilion attendant attire.
"Young Miss, Please this way!" One of the female Pavilion attendants said bowing slightly towards Zhao Ying. A polite smile stretched on her face as she glanced at Yuan beside her.
Xu Yuan who paused in mid way at entrance, his eyes darted towards the carriage curtain once before continuing his way with everyone.
But his surprise—
"Huh—!?!?"