Chapter 89: No. 1 Shenliujie

Gao De learned about a new Level-1 spell: Featherfall.

At the same time, he realized why the magic necklace had been damaged so strangely: every other part remained intact, yet the central gem had split cleanly in two.

It was impossible to imagine how such damage could have occurred.

Could it really be that an assassin tried to stab Miss Jielika with a dagger, and by sheer absurdity, struck the gem instead? He had wanted to ask how it came to this the moment he saw the necklace.

But since this was the client’s private matter, Gao De wisely restrained his curiosity and maintained proper boundaries.

Now, however, everything was explained.

The gem had broken because the necklace’s built-in automatic trigger spell had activated.

“So Miss Jielika must have fallen from a great height not long ago.”

Gao De rubbed his chin, recalling the lingering faint melancholy in Jielika’s beautiful eyes, and immediately imagined eighteen melodramatic scenarios.

“Then again, my 15 gold coins for repair doesn’t seem too high.”

Generally, for arcane items, charging ten percent of their value is considered reasonable.

Under normal circumstances, a Level-1 alchemical item is worth around 65 gold coins.

But this necklace was different.

The Level-1 spell [Featherfall] attached to it was merely an added feature; the true value lay in its "slight mana-concentrating energy retention effect."

This term might sound obscure, but simply put, it meant the item carried a built-in Spirit-Collecting Array—a Level-1 arcane item designed to aid cultivation.

Such arcane items command far higher prices than others of the same tier; even at Level-1, they could sell for over 200 gold coins.

Add the gem’s intrinsic value and the one-time “life-saving” spell, and the necklace’s worth could approach that of a Level-2 arcane item, fetching a sky-high price of 300 gold coins.

It wasn’t just a necklace worn around the neck—it was like wearing an entire herb garden there!

Gao De secretly thought, envious.

The next day, Sun-Moon Day 10.

Gao De’s pocket watch showed only half past eight in the morning; he was still enjoying his simple breakfast:

a homemade onion-potato pancake, paired with a cup of black tea.

A knock came at the door.

He had to stop eating, wipe his mouth with a damp towel, tuck away the uneaten pancake, then walk to the door and open it.

The visitor was the young, beautiful Miss Jielika.

Compared to a week ago, Jielika’s condition had improved greatly; the melancholy in her eyes had vanished.

“Master Gao.” Jielika looked at Gao De with eager anticipation, yet also some nervousness.

“I have not failed you.” Gao De had already guessed it was Jielika at the door and understood her urgency; he cut straight to the point to deliver the good news.

He stepped aside, making way. “Come in.”

Jielika’s expression visibly brightened with excitement.

“Still Sri Lankan black tea?” Gao De asked as he led her to the reception area.

Jielika nodded. Gao De went to the kitchen, skillfully brewed two cups of black tea, and returned to the reception area.

While Jielika politely sipped her tea, Gao De smiled and took the necklace from his pocket, handing it to her—such a valuable item must be carried close at hand to feel safe.

“Take a look.”

The moment Jielika saw the necklace, her eyes widened.

Although Gao De had already told her it was repaired at the door, she never imagined it could be restored so perfectly.

There was not a single flaw; no trace of prior damage remained. She took the necklace, focused her spiritual energy, and checked its arcane properties.

Soon, clear joy and astonishment appeared on Jielika’s face.

“Master Gao, your craftsmanship far exceeds my expectations.”

“I apologize for doubting you because of your youth.”

Gao De smiled. “It’s fine. You won’t be the first to think that, nor the last.”

“Compared to your skill, your age is indeed too young,” Jielika remarked.

“I believe, in all of Bremen City, no other repair artisan besides you could have restored my ‘Lake Heart’ so perfectly.”

Gao De no longer pretended modesty, replying with quiet pride: “If you or your friends ever need any arcane items repaired in the future, come to me. Level-1 and below items are generally no problem for me.”

“Of course!” Jielika promised, then suddenly remembered something and quickly reached into her side pocket, pulling out a delicate, sky-blue pouch sewn from soft, fine lambskin.

She untied the drawstring.

Gao De noticed two slender silk cords, each tied to a miniature silver emblem.

The emblem’s design struck him as familiar—the center bore a bird with wings outstretched as if about to take flight.

While Gao De was still trying to recall where he had seen this pattern, Jielika had already taken out fifteen gold coins, each faintly glowing, and placed them before him.

“Master Gao, your payment.”

“Thank you for your generosity,” Gao De said, his eyes gleaming instantly at the sight of gold.

Money exchanged for goods.

Jielika rose to leave.

Gao De politely saw her to the door; just as he turned to go back inside, Jielika called out to him again.

“Master Gao, thank you once more. ‘Lake Heart’ means a great deal to me—it’s not just an alchemical item, but something my mother left me.”

“If you ever face hardship, and truly have no other way...”

Jielika bit her lip, then handed him a card bearing the same “bird with wings outstretched” mark, whispering: “Come to No. 1 Shenliujie to find me. Perhaps I can help you.”

With that, Jielika stepped into the high-heeled shoes waiting outside and boarded the carriage.

Gao De stood at the door, watching the carriage depart, then looked down at the card in his hand.

He finally remembered where he had seen that bird before.

—On the gates of the Bremen Mage Association! And the Bremen Mage Association’s address is No. 3 Shenliujie.

No. 1 Shenliujie, however, is the Lord Mayor’s residence.

Although Gao De had vaguely suspected Jielika’s noble lineage, he knew she must be of high status.

But he never imagined she would be this exalted.

Who could have thought that, only ten days after arriving in Bremen City, he would have any connection at all to the city’s most prestigious family? In truth, Gao De didn’t believe his actions warranted such gratitude—it was merely a normal transaction.

That she was willing to thank him was simply her politeness and upbringing; he never expected anything more.

Yet he never imagined such an unexpected reward would come.

He might lack experience, but he knew how precious this card was.

It seemed noble ladies weren’t always aloof—this one even seemed quite gentle.

As he thought this, Gao De carefully tucked Jielika’s card into his inner pocket.

(End of Chapter)