Chapter 481

Yu Ke and the others ascended to the sixth floor of Hongyun Merchants' Association.

They entered a serene chamber, where the scent of tea drifted lazily upward.

Inside the room.

A square table, exquisitely carved from yellow sandalwood, stood prominently, adorned with a refined tea set arranged with elegant disorder.

At the main seat sat Liu Xing and Xia Youlan side by side.

Along one side of the table, incense burned gently, its smoke curling, fine ash drifting down.

Heart and spirit at ease.

Liu Xing, the dragon head of Hongyun Merchants' Association, brewed tea; her blue gauze skirt slipped slightly to reveal one shoulder, her posture upright, her expression cold as frost.

Yet she radiated vibrant allure.

"Thank you, Immortal Liu!"

Xie Wanwan cradled her teacup, her gaze fixed on the deep crimson liquid, her heart giving a slight start.

Blood tea!

This tea had extraordinary effects, strengthening the root and nurturing the origin.

It was not blood—its name came only from its color after three boils, resembling fresh blood.

It greatly aided cultivation, especially for those on the Second Tier seeking to awaken the Third Divine Wonder 【Mercury Blood and Silver Marrow】; it was a dream tea, utterly without side effects, worth over a thousand spirit stones per liang, unobtainable even for outer sect disciples at any price.

Liu Xing smiled faintly, bowed slightly, and extended her slender, jade-like fingers.

"Young Master Yu, please enjoy your tea."

"Thank you, Immortal Liu."

Yu Ke showed no arrogance, accepting the cup with courtesy, sipping lightly; the tea flowed like a gentle stream into his dantian, then integrated into his Great Circulation.

After several cycles, it felt as if a crimson rain had fallen, nourishing every acupoint, causing them to glow faintly.

Yet for Yu Ke, who already possessed the Three Divine Wonders, the blood tea's effect, though beneficial, was merely icing on the cake—barely better than nothing.

Chen Jingqiu chuckled and picked up his own cup.

Xia Youlan noticed Yu Ke's smile and furrowed her delicate brows.

She then lifted her cup, elegantly offering it to Pang He, speaking softly:

"Young Master Pang, please enjoy your tea."

Pang He was stunned, quickly accepting the cup with both hands, bowing repeatedly:

"Thank you, Second Miss, for your tea."

Xia Youlan smiled faintly, her expression like a spring breeze brushing his face, causing his cheeks to flush red.

All sat together, exchanging polite small talk.

Topics ranged across Tiannandibei, covering everything.

Chen Jingqiu conversed with Liu Xing, while Xia Youlan occasionally interjected; the atmosphere was harmonious.

Yu Ke, with limited experience, mostly listened.

Yet occasionally, Chen Jingqiu would smile and ask:

"Young Brother Yu, what do you think?"

Yu Ke merely wished to observe, mentally muttering, "Offline, do not disturb."

Liu Xing rose to refill Chen Jingqiu's cup, praising:

"Young Master Chen, your knowledge is vast—you even know details of the Eastern Sea."

Yu Ke felt curious: both Liu Xing and Xia Youlan, the two merchant lords, were major figures in the eyes of outer sect disciples like himself.

This was clear from Pang He's expression.

Yet Liu Xing and Xia Youlan treated Chen Jingqiu with near-equal respect, which surprised Yu Ke.

Although he could not discern their cultivation levels, he was certain they were fourth-tier experts.

Chen Jingqiu was merely an outer sect disciple.

Because of Chen Jingqiu, Liu Xing and Xia Youlan treated all three of them with exceptional courtesy.

Chen Jingqiu smiled humbly: "I've merely lived in the Eastern Sea for many years."

Then he turned to Yu Ke: "Young Brother Yu, didn't you grow up in Luoshui? Luoshui borders the Eastern Sea—surely you've been there?"

Luoshui and the Eastern Sea were separated by only half a continent, but Yu Ke's childhood cultivation was harsh—he rarely left his quarters.

"I've never been."

Chen Jingqiu laughed: "If you ever have the fortune to visit the Eastern Sea, do wander a bit—experience its customs and scenery."

Yu Ke teased: "If I go, will mentioning your name still work?"

Chen Jingqiu's tone shifted, no longer humble: "If you truly intend to go, even the Dragon Palace of the Eastern Sea is yours to sit in."

Yu Ke took it as a joke and laughed it off.

Liu Xing also smiled: "Young Master Yu, next time you go to the Eastern Sea, the Dragon Princess must remove her shoes, the Turtle Minister grind ink, and the Shrimp Soldiers form ranks."

Pang He was no fool—he could see from Hongyun Merchants' Association's treatment of Chen Jingqiu that this man was no ordinary fish.

So he joined in: "Then when I go to the Eastern Sea, I'll surely mention Young Master Chen's name."

Chen Jingqiu's lips curled into a sly smile:

"Young Brother Pang, are we that close?"

Pang He fell silent, his face flushed with embarrassment: "Haha, Young Master Chen, you jest."

Xie Wanwan watched, puzzled: Chen Brother was always smooth-tongued; given his family background, he would never care about a man like Pang He.

Yet in this setting, his refusal to give Pang He face was rare.

Was it because of Young Brother Yu?

Chen Jingqiu turned to Yu Ke, serious:

"I wasn't joking, was I, Young Brother Yu?"

Though Pang He resented Yu Ke, he quickly agreed:

"Of course, Young Brother Yu and I have been close fellow disciples for years."

Yu Ke, calmly sipping tea, was suddenly asked again—he paused.

He understood: Chen Jingqiu was deliberately standing up for him.

If so, he had no reason to smooth things over for Pang He now.

"Young Brother Pang, are we close?"

Yu Ke repeated Chen Jingqiu's exact words.

Pang He's eyes narrowed, his embarrassment turning to gloom.

Yu Ke was a mediocrity who had failed to advance in four years in the outer sect—his cultivation and family background were inferior to his own; how dare he be so disrespectful?

Yet before Chen Jingqiu, Pang He dared not openly defy him.

At that moment, an unexpected voice spoke.

Xia Youlan gently set down her teacup, her autumn-water eyes fixed on Yu Ke, speaking slowly:

"Young Master Yu, weren't you familiar with Young Master Pang at Zuijiangyue?"

"Ah, so noble minds forget easily!"

Pang He's heart leapt—Second Miss was speaking up for him.

Yu Ke had not expected the owner of Zuijiangyue to know Pang He—and to defend him.

He wondered: had he offended this Second Miss? Perhaps after she gave him a VIP card at Zuijiangyue, she learned he was just an obscure outer sect disciple.

But Yu Ke didn't care—in the cultivation world, strength decided everything.

He had just completed his first life simulation and was about to enter Foundation Establishment.

With the Kunxu Cauldron's aid, he was confident his future would not fall short of others.

The ancient, simple cauldron in his heart seemed to sense his thoughts.

It trembled faintly, radiating a vast, primordial aura.

Yu Ke did not wish to make new enemies, nor cause trouble for Chen Jingqiu.

He smiled: "Then I apologize to Young Brother Pang."

The matter was dropped.

Pang He saved face, a faint smile touching his lips.

Pang He also preserved his dignity, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Chen Jingqiu set down his cup, his expression turning cold, his voice colder:

"It seems I overstepped—making Young Brother Yu apologize for this."

His words silenced the room.

The harmonious atmosphere froze instantly.

Liu Xing, too, had not anticipated such a shift from a few brief words; she tried to smooth it over:

"Young Master Yu didn't mean to apologize—it was just a joke, don't take it seriously."

Yu Ke had not noticed the coldness in Chen Jingqiu's eyes.

Years ago, Zhou Liang had been the same—when he first arrived at Shenxiao Sect, at the first gathering of outer sect disciples.

Someone mocked Yu Ke's origins; Zhou Liang, upon hearing it, gave the man no face at all during the feast.

Xie Wanwan also set down her cup—had it not been for Young Brother Yu securing her a spot in the Cangxian Ground trial, she wouldn't have drawn Pang He's ire; this whole affair began because of him.

Xie Wanwan also set down her teacup; if it weren't for Yu Ke securing her a spot in the Immortal Ground trial, she wouldn't have drawn the attention of Pang He—this whole affair began because of him.

She didn't want Yu Ke to suffer any injustice.

Wang Yunxi saw the rare anger on her cousin's face, smiled, and poured the tea from her cup into the tray; the deep red liquid flowed slowly like a slender stream.

Liu Xing, seeing the attitudes of the others, was at a loss for what to do.

She naturally didn't want to offend her own sister's feelings.

Now only she had not yet spoken her mind.

She couldn't help but look at Xia Youlan, wondering why, of all days, the usually sharp-witted Youlan-jie had acted so strangely.

She truly saw nothing special about Pang He.

To offend Chen Jingqiu over Pang He would be unwise.

Liu Xing smiled sweetly and said, "Manager, bring another kind of tea—this one doesn't suit our taste."

"I remember Youlan-jie's favorite is the Nanzhou 'Moon Guanyin,' right?"

She still didn't want to offend Xia Youlan's feelings; she had already decided that even if this angered both of them, she would find a way to make amends later.

Xia Youlan had never expected things to turn out this way—she had merely uttered a casual complaint: "Nobles forget easily."

During the meal, Xie Wanwan and Wang Yunxi actively engaged her in conversation, but Yu Ke remained utterly indifferent—how could this not stir her anger!

Xia Youlan simply ignored the topic Liu Xing had raised.

Pang He secretly rejoiced inside.

Just then!

Outside the private room, a manager respectfully reported:

"Proprietor, a distinguished guest has come to call."

Liu Xing frowned slightly—when entertaining distinguished guests, she rarely allowed interruptions, unless something extraordinary had occurred.

"A distinguished guest?"

"It's Master Lan Yu from the Inner Sect."

Lan Yu, a True Disciple of the Shenxiao Sect's Inner Sect, held a prominent position even among True Disciples, known as the "Dragon Lord of Still Waters," ranking among the very top of the True Disciples.

He had already secured a spot for next year's Divine Pillar position on Water-Zhang Peak.

The Inner Sect's eight branches each had ten Divine Pillars—key disciples the sect cultivated intensively, with authority to build their own factions and mobilize sect resources.

Divine Pillars were the backbone of the sect; nearly every branch master had risen from the Divine Pillar position.

In other words, this man was a contender for future leadership of Water-Zhang Peak.

Naturally, Liu Xing dared not neglect such a figure—but she had never previously interacted with Lan Yu, and felt a flicker of confusion.

The manager's voice sounded again:

"Master Lan Yu has already left, but he left behind a True Disciple junior to deliver a message to Master Yu Ke."

Xie Wanwan looked puzzled—Lan Yu and Yu-ge had only met once; why would he come back specially for him?

Liu Xing turned to Yu Ke and asked, "Master Yu, shall we let him in?"

Yu Ke nodded slightly, though inwardly he was deeply curious—what could Lan Yu possibly want to tell him?

Not long after.

The manager led in a male cultivator with golden embroidery on his sleeves, sword on his back, his eyes radiating sharp vigor.

"Who is Master Yu?"

Yu Ke stepped forward in response.

The sword-bearing cultivator said, "Master Lan Yu asked me to deliver a message to you: Sister Li Qingshui left the sect a few days ago, and all the sect's communication jade tokens were damaged, so she couldn't send word."

"Brother Zhou Liang and his group are safe and well."

"Sister Li sent word this morning, asking Master Lan Yu to inform you personally—she's safe."

"Today, Master Lan Yu went personally to the Outer Sect dormitory to find you, but couldn't locate you; I happened to be coming by, so he entrusted me to deliver this message."

Yu Ke heard this and realized Zhou Liang was unharmed—they had merely left the sect earlier than expected.

"Thank you, Senior Brother."

The sword-bearing cultivator smiled faintly. "No need for formalities, Junior Brother."

"Sister Li also said she hopes you pass the Outer Sect assessment smoothly."

"Master Lan Yu also asked me to give you this token—feel free to visit Water-Zhang Peak anytime."

"Goodbye!"

He came swiftly and departed just as quickly.

The manager promptly withdrew from the private room and gently closed the door.

Yu Ke held in his hand a jade token inscribed with the words "Lan Yu," emitting a faint glow.

Combined with the one Li Qingshui had given him, he now had two.

These days he had been worried about Zhou Liang's safety—now at last he had good news.

Sister Li Qingshui was indeed very responsible; with her watching over them, Zhou Liang and the others should be fine.

Liu Xing looked at Yu Ke in surprise and asked, "Master Yu, do you know Li Qingshui?"

This time, even Xie Wanwan was stunned.

"Is it really Sister Li Qingshui?"

Li Qingshui was immensely respected among Outer Sect disciples and laborers, and had been Xie Wanwan's role model since joining the sect.

Xie Wanwan said with a hint of reproach: "Senior Brother Yu, if you know Sister Li, why didn't you tell me?"

"I just happened to meet her!"

Yu Ke felt awkward—he'd only met Sister Li once, and didn't want to say so outright.

Pang He's gaze was locked on the token in Yu Ke's hand, filled with envy, resentment, and disbelief.

He knew Yu Ke had only met Master Lan Yu once—yet he received such a precious token granting free access to the Inner Sect's Water-Zhang Peak.

Remember, Outer Sect disciples were not permitted to enter the Inner Sect at will.

If Pang He had this token, he wouldn't need to bow to the face of some lowly Inner Sect disciple like Ding Zhao.

But to Liu Xing, it was entirely different.

This Yu Ke not only had an intimate relationship with Chen Jingqiu, but was also on good terms with Li Qingshui and Lan Yu.

Li Qingshui and Lan Yu were both True Disciples, but unlike Lan Yu, Li Qingshui's name had already been inscribed on the sect's Golden Register.

The Golden Register had nine pages; every name recorded on it was a core member of the sect—and it was also a priceless treasure: merely leaving one's true name on it extended one's lifespan by eight hundred years.

Moreover, ancient scrolls of the cultivation world recorded:

"The Twin-Pupiled One, born to meet the calamity, peerless in this age."

Thus, Li Qingshui was also called the Twin-Pupiled One—the true prodigy of the Shenxiao Sect.

As someone who had long managed information in the Outer Sect, Liu Xing knew well that Li Qingshui was virtually guaranteed to become the next branch master of Jade-Clear Peak.

That Yu Ke could befriend Li Qingshui and others meant he must possess extraordinary qualities.

Xia Youlan, seeing this, now firmly believed the previous shattering of the Pixiu had truly been connected to Yu Ke.

Yu Ke and the others had already taken their leave.

The gathering ended in discord.

Pang He wanted to stay, but seeing the second miss's cold expression, he could only reluctantly take his leave.

Liu Xing couldn't help but ask:

"Youlan-jie, what's wrong today? You've been so out of sorts."

(End of Chapter)