Chapter 123: Visiting Old Master Zhou

Xia Yurou turned her head and looked at Jiangnan beside her.

The sunlight traced his resolute profile, making it appear even more profound.

A vague sense of security rose in her heart. She continued, saying:

"Zhou Laoyezi is a renowned collector in Yun Province, with a particular fondness for jade; this Imperial Green will surely please him."

The two arrived in front of a simple, ancient courtyard.

The vermilion gate was tightly shut, bearing a plaque inscribed with "Zhou Mansion" in bold, majestic strokes.

Two stone lions stood imposing and sturdy before the gate, silently guarding the courtyard.

Xia Yurou stepped forward and gently knocked on the door knocker.

The crisp knocking rang unusually loud in the quiet morning.

Moments later, the gate slowly opened, and an elderly servant in a blue robe poked his head out.

"You two have arrived, please come in quickly."

The servant's voice was hoarse, his gaze scrutinizing the two.

Jiangnan and Xia Yurou stepped into Zhou Mansion and were led to a side reception hall.

"We have come to visit Zhou Laoyezi; please inform him."

Xia Yurou politely spoke to the servant.

"The Old Master is currently receiving guests; please wait a moment."

The servant finished speaking, rose to leave, but at that moment Jiangnan spoke up.

"Wait."

As his words fell, Jiangnan stepped forward, exuding an invisible aura.

The servant felt a pressure surge toward him, causing his breath to hitch.

"We have urgent matters to discuss with Zhou Laoyezi; please make an exception."

His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.

The servant was startled; after years in Zhou Mansion, he had seen all manner of people, but never a young man with such imposing aura.

He hesitated briefly, then finally nodded.

"You two wait, I will report it."

Xia Yurou looked at Jiangnan, a flash of surprise in her eyes.

She hadn't expected Jiangnan could sway the stubborn servant's mind.

During the wait, Xia Yurou felt a bit uneasy.

After all, the Old Master knows her status; refusing now would truly be a reception for distinguished guests. Yet her own schedule was indeed tight, and Jiangnan's reaction seemed even more urgent.

Could the Five-colored Spirit Stone have another purpose for him?

She covertly observed Jiangnan, only to find his expression unchanged,

A hint of doubt rose in Xia Yurou's mind.

"What does Mr. Jiang intend to do with the Five-colored Spirit Stone?"

Soon after, the servant returned.

"You two, the Old Master invites you inside."

He opened the gate and led the two inside.

Passing through a long corridor, they arrived at an elegant living room.

Inside the hall, an elderly man in Tang attire sat regally on a grand chair, idly twirling a string of rosewood prayer beads.

His hair was like crane feathers, his face youthful, his spirit vigorous, his eyes bright and commanding without anger.

This is Zhou Laoyezi.

"What brings you to see me?"

Zhou Laoyezi's gaze swept over the two, finally resting on the Brocade Box in Xia Yurou's hand.

"Zhou Laoyezi, I, Xia Yurou, humbly present this token of my regard; please accept it graciously."

Xia Yurou stepped forward and respectfully handed over the Brocade Box.

Zhou Laoyezi took the box, opened it, and a flash of surprise crossed his eyes.

Inside the box lay a crystal-clear Imperial Green jade, quietly resting and emitting a captivating glow.

"Is this... Imperial Green?"

Zhou Laoyezi's voice trembled slightly, clearly moved.

"Indeed it is."

Xia Yurou nodded.

"Good, good, good."

Zhou Laoyezi uttered three consecutive "good"s, evidently very pleased with the gift.

"Girl, you are thoughtful."

He looked at Xia Yurou, admiration in his gaze.

"Zhou Laoyezi, you flatter me."

Xia Yurou replied modestly.

"Who is this?"

Zhou Laoyezi's gaze turned to Jiangnan, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.

"He is Mr. Jiang, my friend."

Xia Yurou introduced.

Jiangnan nodded slightly, which counted as a greeting.

"Mr. Jiang, nice to meet you."

Zhou Laoyezi spoke lightly, his tone carrying a hint of aloofness.

"Zhou Laoyezi, we have come this time not only to present gifts, but also to make a request."

Xia Yurou, noticing the awkward atmosphere, quickly spoke up.

"Oh? What is it?"

Zhou Laoyezi asked.

"We would like to ask Zhou Laoyezi to help us find the whereabouts of the Five-colored Spirit Stone."

Xia Yurou stated the purpose of their trip.

Inside the living room, the atmosphere was solemn.

In the air, it seemed as if an invisible pressure was surging.

"Five-colored Spirit Stone?"

Zhou Laoyezi repeated those four words, his brows furrowed tightly.

He put down the sandalwood prayer beads in his hand, his gaze sharp as a torch, fixed on Xia Yurou.

"That is a legendary divine object; what do you want it for?"

His voice was low, carrying a hint of scrutiny.

Xia Yurou felt the pressure in Zhou Laoyezi's gaze, her heart tightening slightly.

She took a deep breath, striving to calm herself.

"Zhou Laoyezi, to be frank, this Five-colored Spirit Stone is of utmost importance to Mr. Jiang."

She glanced sideways at Jiangnan, her eyes resolute.

Jiangnan remained expressionless, as if everything around him had nothing to do with him.

Zhou Laoyezi's gaze shifted to Jiangnan, a flash of sharp light appearing in his eyes.

He carefully sized up this young man, trying to discern something from him.

However, Jiangnan was like a deep pool of water, calm and waveless, making him unfathomable.

"Oh?"

Zhou Laoyezi raised the tail of his tone, carrying a hint of amusement.

"Mr. Jiang, could you tell this old man what you need the Five-colored Spirit Stone for?"

Jiangnan finally spoke. His voice calm,

"I have nothing to say."

Zhou Laoyezi gave Jiangnan a deep look, then suddenly gave a light, indifferent smile.

He waved his hand and said offhandedly:

"Never mind, never mind; this item is extremely rare, and I actually don't know where the Five-colored Spirit Stone is."

Xia Yurou's heart sank.

She hadn't expected Zhou Laoyezi to say that.

"Zhou Laoyezi, please think again."

She asked, unwilling to give up.

"This Five-colored Spirit Stone is truly very important to us."

Zhou Laoyezi shook his head.

"Girl, it's not that I'm unwilling to help you; I really don't know."

He sighed.

"The Five-colored Spirit Stone is merely a legend; whether it exists is unknown."

"Let alone its whereabouts."

A flicker of disappointment flashed in Xia Yurou's eyes.

She hadn't imagined that, after all her efforts, she would still end up with this result.

"Zhou Laoyezi, you really don't know?"

She asked again, her voice tinged with unwillingness.

Zhou Laoyezi nodded.

"Girl, I have no need to deceive you."

"But…"

He wanted to speak but stopped.

"But what?"

Jiangnan pressed further.

"But, I once heard a rumor about the Five-colored Spirit Stone."

Zhou Laoyezi said slowly.

"What rumor?"

Xia Yurou hurriedly asked.

"It is said that the Five-colored Spirit Stone is related to the Southern Frontier Gu Tribe."

Zhou Laoyezi said.

"Southern Frontier Gu Tribe?"

A flash of surprise crossed Xia Yurou's eyes.

"That is a legendary existence; could the Five-colored Spirit Stone truly be in their hands?"

"I am only an old man who has heard about it; the specifics are not clear."

Zhou Laoyezi said.