Chapter 479: Merchant Association Turmoil, Two Women Extend Invitations!

"Sister Youlan, do you know this person?"

Liu Xing lightly raised her eyebrows, her gaze shifting to the elegant figure beside her, Xia Sister, her tone laced with curiosity and inquiry.

In the Shenxiao Sect, the second miss who independently operates the Zuijiangyue Tavern is backed by three True Persons, and her grandmother is a renowned alchemy True Person across the Three Continents.

She has extensive connections among the outer sect disciples, associating mostly with the sect's young talents.

Could this Yu Ke also be a hidden prodigy, lying low within the Shenxiao Sect's outer sect?

Otherwise, why would Sister Youlan, who always keeps her emotions hidden, react so strongly?

The waters of the Shenxiao Sect's outer sect run deep.

Consider Li Qingshui—he rose from among them to become a direct disciple, and even has a chance to claim the position of mountain lord of this lineage.

Not to mention!

Even three of the eight inner sect mountain lords originally rose from the outer sect.

Then there's Chen Jingqiu, a prodigy who has remained in the outer sect all this time.

The outer sect is a battleground where major clans and powers place their bets.

If the one a clan backs later rises to prominence, even the faintest connection can be magnified—everyone prefers to help in times of need, not merely add flowers to brocade.

Beyond the outer sect lies the Shenxiao Sect's "forbidden zone," where noble families cannot interfere.

Every business within the outer sect, beyond profit, fundamentally exists to cultivate relationships with Shenxiao Sect disciples.

Xia Youlan snapped back to herself, her gaze calm as water, and said softly: "We've met once."

Seeing this, Liu Xing did not press further.

Though their family circumstances were similar and their bond deep over the years, when core interests were involved, silence was understood.

Xia Youlan knew her emotional lapse had been caused by her encounter with Yu Ke at Zuijiangyue a few days ago.

For some reason!

Her heart grew increasingly unsettled.

After meeting "Yu Ke," the jade pixiu left to her by her grandmother shattered.

In the cultivation world, wealth comes from wealth, law, and companionship; the pixiu, as a gold-devouring beast, invisibly gathers fortune, taking in but never releasing.

It was the pinnacle creation of her grandmother, a master alchemist.

"Wealth never leaves your hand—a lifetime of prosperity."

When she met Yu Ke, it shattered for no reason; she later spent heavily on alchemists, yet none could repair it.

If the jade pixiu shattered!

Then she had encountered the most precious person of her life.

Even the jade pixiu could not protect her.

Yet this youth named Yu Ke, after investigation, was merely an ordinary disciple of the Shenxiao Sect's outer sect, with no remarkable deeds in recent years.

This made her wonder if their previous meeting had been mere coincidence.

After a moment's thought, Liu Xing smiled faintly:

"Since Chen Jingqiu of Luoyun Peak has arrived—he is a prominent figure in the outer sect we must associate with."

"Sister Youlan, will you join us?"

Xia Youlan gave a slight nod.

Chen Jingqiu was one of the few in the outer sect who could not be ignored.

He was also considered by most noble families as one of the strongest candidates to become the next mountain lord of the Shangqing lineage.

Xia Youlan had long wished to befriend him, but never found the chance.

Liu Xing exclaimed eagerly: "This man traveled the Eastern Sea, and even the proud Dragon Clan bowed to greet him, granting him the Eastern Sea Seal—who on earth is he?"

"Sister Youlan, don't you want him to kneel at your feet?"

Hearing this, Xia Youlan laughed softly: "Little sister, don't tease me—I have no such power!"

The two women stepped gracefully out of the private chamber.

The manager had kept his head bowed the entire time, daring not show the slightest disrespect.

～

Yu Ke and the other three stood on the third floor of the merchant association.

Around them were displayed various spiritual artifacts suited for cave dwellings, such as boundary-stabilizing pearls and rift-breaking talismans.

A cave dwelling is, in fact, a miniature realm opened by cultivators skilled in spatial arts.

Yet these cave realms are often unstable, requiring boundary-stabilizing pearls to anchor their boundaries.

If a cave dwelling collapses, any cultivator within who has not reached the Fourth Rung of the Ladder will likely perish.

The rift-breaking talisman, meanwhile, opens a passage between the cave dwelling and the Tianxuan Continent's boundary, ensuring safe evacuation in emergencies.

Fortunately, these "cave dwellings" are meticulously maintained and reinforced each month, so loss or collapse is exceedingly rare.

Yu Ke followed advice and purchased a set.

Better safe than sorry.

The four of them were treated with far greater respect than when Yu Ke and Xie Wanwan first arrived yesterday.

Around them stood five attendants, plus a third-floor manager.

"Young Brother Yu, remember: time within a cave dwelling differs from the outside by half a moment—even Foundation Establishment cultivators must take note," Chen Jingqiu warned.

"Thank you, Elder Brother Chen."

Yu Ke replied gratefully; this Chen Jingqiu was practically a walking encyclopedia, familiar with the origin and crafting of every spiritual treasure.

The attendants accompanying them gazed at Chen Jingqiu, standing with hands behind his back, speaking fluently, their eyes shimmering with admiration.

In Yu Ke's eyes, they were all starry-eyed.

At that moment,

Xie Wanwan's eyes flickered, glancing toward a distance, muttering under her breath:

"What bad luck!"

Yu Ke followed her gaze and saw five people slowly approaching, clustered around one figure.

Among them was someone familiar.

During their chance encounter at Zuijiangyue, Pang He had yielded the Cangxian Land trial opportunity to Xie Wanwan because of Yu Ke, and since then had held a grudge against both Yu Ke and Xie Wanwan.

Moreover, this man also clashed with Zhou Liang, and by extension, harbored even greater hostility toward Yu Ke.

Now, Pang He and his group approached slowly.

The leader was slightly corpulent, of average height, wearing the inner sect robe, which strained against his frame, his belly slightly protruding.

His face was pale, with a bulbous nose, thick lips, sparse pale eyebrows, and an air of arrogant superiority.

The two groups met.

Xie Wanwan feigned not to notice.

Pang He's face darkened, but he did not wish to provoke trouble here; he merely snorted and prepared to pass by.

Just as the two groups were about to brush past each other, a surprised cry suddenly rang out, drawing everyone's attention.

"Young Brother Yu!"

Yu Ke turned and saw Mi Die, the attendant who had served them yesterday.

Her face glowed with delight.

Yu Ke smiled and greeted:

"I just asked the manager for you—you were busy."

Ding Zhao, the corpulent male cultivator beside Pang He, frowned slightly.

His gaze swept over Yu Ke's group of four, lingering a moment on Chen Jingqiu and Yu Ke—clearly unfamiliar with them.

"Who are these people?" Ding Zhao asked impatiently.

As a merchant's own attendant, seeing others treated with such joy naturally rankled him—a man of the inner sect.

Pang He explained: "Young Brother Ding, these three are all outer sect disciples."

He then deliberately paused his gaze on Wang Yunxi, adding:

"But this one is an inner sect disciple, Sister Wang."

Hearing this, Ding Zhao shifted his attention to Wang Yunxi, his demeanor growing slightly more respectful.

The other outer sect disciples behind Ding Zhao, aside from Pang He, found Yu Ke's group entirely unfamiliar.

After a brief exchange, both groups prepared to part ways.

Chen Jingqiu's gaze lingered a moment longer between Mi Die and Yu Ke.

At that instant!

Several exclamations broke out around them, all eyes turning to one direction.

At the cloud staircase entrance,

Two figures emerged slowly—one in purple, one in blue—like immortal maidens stepping from a painting, instantly capturing the attention of every guest on the third floor.

Even those walking paused; the association's attendants hurried to bow.

Ding Zhao froze—he had not expected to encounter Liu Xing, the Dragon Head of the Hongyun Merchant Association within the Shenxiao Sect.

The association's chief was also called the Dragon Head.

Pang He's eyes lit up—he recognized the woman beside Liu Xing as the second miss he had met at Zuijiangyue.

The two women seemed to be walking toward this direction.

Ding Zhao stepped forward warmly: "Lady Liu, long time no see."

Liu Xing merely nodded slightly.

Her autumn eyes turned to another figure—the Chen Jingqiu, red cord tied at his waist, dragon-head seal hanging from it.

She smiled sweetly and asked:

"Chen Jingqiu, Master Chen? Liu Xing has long heard of your name."

Chen Jingqiu did not lose his manners.

Wang Yunxi's lips twitched slightly.

Ding Zhao, ignored, saw his smile fade.

Pang He quickly called out: "Second Miss!"

Xia Youlan gave a slight nod, her beautiful eyes quietly falling on Yu Ke.

Yet Yu Ke stood among the crowd, eyes downcast, nose to mouth, acting as if none of this concerned him—he ignored both women, as if he had already forgotten them.

For some reason,

Xia Youlan felt a flicker of resentment. These past two days, Yu Ke's name had filled her mind, yet he now acted as if he were ignoring her entirely.

Only then did the crowd learn these two women were the Dragon Head of Hongyun Merchant Guild and the Proprietor of Zuijiangyue—both stunningly beautiful—and gasps rose in unison.

Liu Xing smiled and invited:

"Master Chen, please join us on the sixth floor."

Upon hearing this, Ding Zhao's face darkened further.

Liu Xing had invited only the man across from her, completely ignoring his party—where was his face to be saved?

Chen Jingqiu did not immediately answer Liu Xing's invitation; instead, he turned to Yu Ke and smiled:

"Young Brother Yu, what do you think?"

Yu Ke froze slightly, seeing both Liu Xing and the other woman turn to look at him.

And Xie Wanwan's curious, wide eyes as well.

The four across from them glared even more harshly, especially the lead male cultivator—his gaze was chillingly dark.

Yu Ke was numb.

He hadn't even spoken a word—how had this become about him?

Liu Xing smiled: "Master Chen, who is this? Might I ask for an introduction?"

Among the four, two men and two women, this one must be the Yu Ke who had just startled Youlan.

Indeed, his aura and appearance were no less impressive than Chen Jingqiu's.

Liu Xing had been watching Xia Youlan's reaction closely, unwilling to steal the spotlight.

If she failed to invite Chen Jingqiu now, tomorrow the Hongyun Merchant Guild would be known as having offended this "First Storm" of the Chen family.

Seeing this, Yu Ke did not wait for Chen Jingqiu to introduce him.

"I am Yu Ke."

Upon hearing this, Liu Xing's lips curved into a faint smile, like a spring blossom—bright yet gentle:

"Master Yu, a pleasure. I am Liu Xing."

The Hongyun Merchant Guild staff now realized their usually aloof Proprietor could be so warm.

Ding Zhao's expression grew even more hostile.

"Master Yu, since we've met by chance today, why not join us on the sixth floor?"

Yu Ke understood at once—he knew that in the outer sect of Shenxiao Sect, befriending others was always better than making enemies, especially someone like Liu Xing with merchant guild backing.

Besides, he had rented a cave dwelling here—he couldn't afford to be rude.

"Lady Liu's invitation is a great honor—I shall gladly accept."

Liu Xing's smile bloomed like a flower.

Xia Youlan merely gave a soft huff.

Seeing this, Ding Zhao and the others realized they had become superfluous at this gathering and took their leave with tact.

Pang He quickly bowed to Xia Youlan, preparing to depart with Ding Zhao and the others.

But unexpectedly—

Xia Youlan smiled: "Master Pang, if you're not in a hurry, why not stay and chat with us?"

At these words,

Pang He's face lit up with joy—he never expected Xia Youlan remembered his name and had invited him to stay.

"Thank you, Second Miss, I am deeply honored."

Ding Zhao's face was now icy.

Because Xia Youlan had chosen to keep only Pang He—this was unbearable.

Ding Zhao gritted his teeth:

"Young Brother Pang, weren't you just saying you were heading to the West Courtyard? What changed?"

"This…"

Pang He's expression twisted.

Xia Youlan laughed lightly, her face blooming like a flower: "If Master Pang has urgent business, then never mind."

"No rush, no rush—I am truly honored."

Ding Zhao shot him a venomous glare and took his leave.

Yu Ke watched Pang He's stunned, overjoyed expression—and Ding Zhao's cold, retreating back.

Young Brother Pang, you're foolish.

You've just drawn hatred out of nowhere.

Xie Wanwan, seeing Pang He's state, wore a look of malicious delight.

This Pang He was clearly a toad dreaming of swan meat.

Still, this Elder Brother Chen truly seemed extraordinary—today even the Dragon Head of Hongyun Merchant Guild knew his name.

As a woman, she keenly sensed that the Second Miss of Zuijiangyue's gaze kept drifting toward Young Brother Yu.

The five of them—Yu Ke, Chen Jingqiu, Liu Xing, Xia Youlan, and Pang He—ascended the cloud staircase toward Zuijiangyue.

Before leaving, Yu Ke turned to Mi Die to take his leave.

Mi Die quickly returned the bow; their polite yet familiar exchange stirred envy among the attendants.

After the group departed, the female attendants of Hongyun Merchant Guild clustered around, whispering excitedly.

"That's our guild's Dragon Head Liu? I've never seen her before—she's breathtakingly beautiful. The woman in purple must be the Proprietor of Zuijiangyue—equally magnificent."

"Yes, who was that outer sect elder just now? So handsome—he's truly a dragon among men. No wonder the boss came to greet him herself."

"And didn't you notice? That elder seems to know Mi Die."

"Mi Die, how do you know him?"

The chorus of voices buzzed, one after another.

The manager's face darkened. He sternly said: "Do you think you may casually gossip about our Dragon Head Liu?"

At once, they all shrank back and scattered.

Yet no one noticed—

Mi Die's face held a faint, almost imperceptible sense of loss and distance.

She had thought yesterday's Young Brother Yu was still an outer sect elder she could reach.

Who would have thought—

Today he was a guest so esteemed even Dragon Head Liu of the merchant guild had to personally invite him.

Of course—someone like Young Brother Yu could never be an ordinary man. He was someone far beyond her reach.

The girl carried a quiet, unseen sorrow in her heart.

(End of Chapter)