by Shian Jeen
One gold coin was equivalent to one hundred silver coin. Thus, one silver coin was considered very cheap.
Huwang Xiao took out a dozen gold coins saying, “Then we’ll take all of them.”
Although there were quite a lot of these bird eggs, they would only cost three to four gold coins at most. When the elderly old man wanted to return the extra gold coins back to Huwang Xiao, Huwang Xiao stopped him, telling the elderly to keep them. Then, Huwang Xiao looked at Lil’ Tian, indicating that he can start eating.
Hearing the word ‘eat’, Lil’ Tian couldn’t wait to wolf down the eggs, stuffing his mouth full as incomprehensible noises sounded: “Del-mm-ss, mm-li-cious!”
Huwang Xiao laughed watching Lil’ Tian. He turned to Zhao Shu and Zhang Fu, “We should also try one.” Picking one of the eggs, Huwang Xiao took a bite, and indeed, it was savory, as some liquid oozed out in between, the texture wasn't bad either, reminding him of tea leaf eggs back on Earth.
Zhao Shu and Zhang Fu each took one egg, nodding in agreement that it tasted good. As high-level Saint realm experts, as well as Asura’s gate Left and Right Custodians, Zhao Shu and Zhang Fu’s identities and standing were different, hence, they had never tasted these commoner snacks. Taking a bite, both felt that it was quite good, a distinctive flavor compared to the usual big restaurants.
The elderly at the stall was genuinely frightened watching Lil’ Tian stuffing more than thirty greenwind bird eggs into that small mouth, urging Lil’ Tian, “Little brother, eat slowly, eat slowly, don’t choke!”
To that elderly, he couldn’t afford to be responsible if that eight-year-old kid choked and died due to stuffing himself with more than thirty greenwind bird eggs. Though the incident of someone dying from choking on food had yet to happen on Food Street, then again, who could guarantee that it would never happen.
Huwang Xiao saw through the elderly commoner’s worry and laughed, reassuring him, “Elder, no need to worry, my younger brother looks small, but he’s very strong. He can even eat ten Tyrant Boar in one go with no problem.”
Ten Tyrant Boars? The stall elderly was stunned, it was obvious that he didn’t believe Huwang Xiao’s words. Two to three hundred strong adult men could hardly finish ten Tyrant Boars, what more a little kid?
Yet, a brief moment later, before the elder’s shock-widened eyes, Lil’ Tian swept clean close to four hundred greenewind bird eggs in a single breath. One couldn’t tell that there were four hundred eggs inside his little stomach, not to mention the not-yet-satisfied look on Lil’ Tian’s face.
After that stall, Huwang Xiao’s group strolled leisurely along the Food Street while sampling food and snacks that took their fancy. In every stall, the owners’ jaw dropped aghast witnessing Lil’ Tian’s capacity.
While Huwang Xiao, Zhao Shu, Zhang Fu, and Lil’ Tian were enjoying these unique street foods, the upper levels of South Oblast City exploded in a storm.
“Aowu Shop, including that Supervisor Lin, fifty-eight Xiantian realm guards were all killed!”
“The attacker was actually an eight-year-old kid!”
The news spread quicker than wildfire, shaking the forces dwelling in South Oblast City.
Castellan Manor, in a hall on the south side of the compound, more than a dozen middle-aged men paced back and forth in anxiety, exchanging words in fearful whispers.
The people present in this hall were all Elders of the Aowu Shop.
“What should we do? Lord Chief Steward is in still closed-door practice, who knows when he will come out?”
“That person not only took away millions worth of pill refinement ingredients, he even dared to kill all of our Aowu Shop guards! This is simply a slap in our face! Blatant provocation! Regardless of who they are, they cannot be allowed to leave South Oblast City alive!”
“That’s right, if they leave, where would that put our Aowu Shop’s face!”
The Elders agreed unanimously on one point: no matter who it was, regardless of their identity, they must end that person’s life!
While everyone was still in heated discussions, a young man in a blue robe walked into the hall. Seeing that young man, everyone in the room quieted down.
“Elder Chen, when will Lord Chief Steward come out from his closed-door practice?” One of the Elders inquired as he took a step forward.
This young man was Castellan Manor Chief Steward Lio Yun’s disciple, Chen Ding, also one of Aowu Shop’s Elder.
Chen Ding scanned the hall, saying, “This time, Master is in closed-door practice to breakthrough to Second Order Saint realm, he should be out in another five to six hours. The matters regarding Supervisor Lin and the guards being killed, we need to wait until Master comes out before making a decision.”
Everyone exchanged glances, none of them voiced any objections.
Chen Ding went on to say, “Elders please rest assured, I’ve already sent people out to investigate those people’s whereabouts, right now, they’re having a good time eating and drinking on Food Street. Within a few hours, they would still be in South Oblast City.”
At this time, Huwang Xiao’s group was inside a big restaurant called Good Taste Restaurant, seated at a table laden with their best dishes and wine, eating while waiting for Chief Steward Luo Yun to arrive.
Huwang Xiao, Zhao Shu, and Zhang Fu were baffled, four to five hours had passed, but they had yet to see anyone from the Aowu Shop making any movements.
“Sovereign, that Luo Yun still hasn’t acted until now, could they be afraid?” Zhang Fu guessed.
“We just need to ask to know what’s taking them so long.” Huwang Xiao extended his hand out, grasping at empty space, in the blink of an eye, a young man was caught in his grasp.
This young man was the tail Luo Yun’s disciple, Chen Ding, sent to spy on Huwang Xiao’s group. Needless to say, this young man shadowing them did not go unnoticed by Huwang Xiao.
Coerced by Huwang Xiao, the young man quickly spilled the beans on the reason.
“In closed-door practice to breakthrough to Second Order Saint realm…” Huwang Xiao scoffed; so, this was the reason.
“Then, Sovereign, are we heading straight to South Oblast City’s Castellan Manor?” Zhao Shu inquired.
Huwang Xiao shook his head, “No need.” Huwang Xiao was confident that Luo Yun would come look for them on his own, saving them a trip to the Castellan Manor.
“We’re going to the Archaic Peak Appraisal Firm.” Huwang Xiao’s tone sounded cold as he spoke, “Coincidentally, I have a few items that I wanted to let the Archaic Peak Appraisal Firm appraise.”
After all, all of Aowu Shop’s pill refinement ingredients were appraised and verified by this Archaic Peak Appraisal Firm.
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Hence, after their appetite was satiated, Huwang Xiao’s group left the restaurant and asked for directions towards the Archaic Peak Appraisal Firm.
The Archaic Peak Appraisal Firm was one of South Oblast City’s largest appraisal firms, from pill refinement ingredients to paintings, books, battle skills and cultivation techniques, amongst other items.
A short while later, Huwang Xiao’s group reached one of the most prosperous streets in the city: Poland Street.
The Archaic Peak Appraisal Firm was located on this Poland Street, at the most strategic position. Arriving at Poland Street, they headed straight to the Archaic Peak Appraisal Firm.
This Poland Street was just as bustling as Food Street, with a small difference. The pedestrians moving in and out of Food Street were mostly commoners, whereas, on Poland Street, luxurious brocade robes filled the streets, lavish jewelry sparkled and gleamed in the sunlight, evidence of their high status, they were either nobles or disciples of big families.
The environment on Food Street was loud and noisy. While there were a lot of people on Poland Street, the level of noise was more controlled.
A moment later, Huwang Xiao’s group stood in front of the Archaic Peak Appraisal Firm building. The facade of the Archaic
Peak Appraisal Firm was big and spacious, with a grand decor that exuded a quiet elegance and nobility. Judging from appearance, it was even more impressive than the Aowu Shop.
Inside, the hall decorations were on a grander scale compared to the facade, exuding the elegance of upper class.
One of the staff members spotted Huwang Xiao’s group. Approaching with agile steps, he politely asked, “May I know if the several guests came to have treasures appraised or to buy treasures?”
“Appraise treasure.” Huwang Xiao replied.
“Several guests, please come with me.” Hearing Huwang Xiao’s reply, the staff led Huwang Xiao to a seat at a corner, saying, “Our owner is currently helping Castellan Manor’s Miss Yang appraise a treasure, kindly wait for a moment.” The staff turned and left after saying this.
When Huwang Xiao’s group entered the hall, the others inside took a quick glance and no longer bothered with them.
Huwang Xiao, Zhao Shu, Zhang Fu, and Lil’ Tian sat down, observing the activities in the hall. In the center of the hall was a group of young people, three men and two women, all draped in expensive brocade robes and dresses. Clearly, amongst the two women, one of them was the aforementioned South Oblast City Castellan Manor’s Miss Yang.
Placed on the table before them were a jade item, an ancient bottle, a short blade, and a short stalk of an inky violet plant.
On the other side of the table sat a portly middle-aged man that grew two long thin mustaches, coupled with a pair of small beady eyes. He was the owner of the Archaic Peak Appraisal Firm, Gu Feng.
The name of this appraisal firm was taken off Gu Feng’s own name.
At this time, the Archaic Peak Appraisal Firm’s owner was holding something like a magnifying glass, carefully observing the short blade on the table. That short blade was half the length of an adult’s arm, the blade body glowed with a greenish red light and was inscribed with the pattern of a demonic beast head. Underneath the light, the demonic beast head pattern reflected a light yellow light.
A short while later, the Archaic Peak Appraisal Firm boss looked towards a fair-skinned, round-faced woman clad in purple, “Congratulations, Miss Yang, this short blade is most likely the legendary Luna Beast Blade! Several thousand years ago, this Luna Beast Blade was the heritage treasure of the Luna Beast Tribe. It was said that under the moonlight, this blade can display a magical power!”
Yang Ying’s face did not show much joy at these words, instead, she looked prideful and arrogant, “Is that so? Then according to Boss Gu Feng’s opinion, how much would this Luna Beast Blade fetch in an auction?”
Gu Feng smiled, “If this Luna Beast Blade is taken to the auction house, it can fetch at least fifty million gold coins!”
The young man seated beside Yang Ying, Lin Wu, laughed as he said, “Congratulations, Miss Yang.” The other three quickly followed, relaying their ‘heartfelt’ congratulations.
Yang Ying nodded, exposing a nonchalant smile, “Just fifty million, it’s nothing much.” The underlying meaning was, she wasn't concerned with a mere fifty million gold coins.
Subsequently, the Archaic Peak Appraisal Firm owner continued to assess the jade item and the bottle on the table. When it came to that small stalk plant, the expression of Gu Feng’s face turned serious. A second later, he exclaimed, “This is likely the plant they call king of a thousand herbs, Nine Leaves Purple Grass! Moreover, this is a stalk that is over a thousand-year-old!”
The three young men and the young woman gasped with surprise hearing Gu Feng’s evaluation.
King of a Thousand Herbs, Nine Leaves Purple Grass! A rare panacea, no matter how grave one’s injuries were, swallowing this Nine Leaves Purple Grass would heal all wounds!
Yang Ying’s expression remained calm as if she already knew, “Boss Gu Feng’s eyesight is really good. Indeed, this is the King of Thousand Herb, Nine Leaves Purple Grass. My main purpose here this time is to request Boss Gu Feng to help me determine the actual age of this Nine Leaves Purple Grass.”
Gu Feng was astonished, then begin carefully checking the small plant. A brief moment later, he said, “This Nine Leaves Purple Grass should be one thousand three hundred years.”
Lil’ Tian’s voice rang in the hall at this point, “Big brother, that herb look really tasty.” At the end, he even swallowed visibly, eyes stared fixedly at that small stalk of herb at the center of the hall that was emitting an alluring soft glow.
Lil’ Tian’s voice was too abrupt and crude, attracting everyone’s attention in the hall.
Yang Ying’s willow brows furrowed slightly, disgust flitted in her eyes, “Where does this savage kid come from, rude and ignorant of etiquette!”
Lil’ Tian’s feet were bare, and even though his clothes were decent, they were made with the common material, resembling one of the poor commoner kids. For nobles and big families’ disciples like Yang Ying, they despised these lowly commoners the most.
Huwang Xiao, Zhao Shu, and Zhang Fu’s clothes barely passed.
The young man beside Yang Ying, Lin Wu, glared at Lil’ Tian, “Tasty? Little thing, this kind of rare elixir is not something lowly commoners like you can afford to eat. Able to breathe the same air in the presence of this elixir is worth your ten lifetimes of luck! Let me tell you, a hundred of your lives cannot even compare with one leaf from this Nine Leaves Purple Grass!”
Lin Wu puffed up his chest arrogantly, staring at Huwang Xiao, Zhao Shu, Zhang Fu, and Lil’ Tian.
Huwang Xiao was calm as ever, “Really?”
Another young man from the group, Qin Guo spoke this time, “Didn’t you say just now that you want to appraise some treasure? Since we’re done with ours, it’s your turn. Come, take out those so-called treasures you have on you and let Boss Gu Feng evaluate them, who knows, there might really be something good!” The word ‘treasure’ was heavily emphasized by Qin Gui, laced with obvious ridicule.
It was obvious that, in his eyes, the treasures in Huwang Xiao’s possession were nothing but rubbish.
A dangerous glint flickered in Zhao Shu and Zhang Fu’s eyes hearing the young man’s words. Both of them were about to stand up, but Huwang Xiao waved his hand, indicating both to relax. Huwang Xiao did not speak and did not get up. He remained seated at the same place while taking out two herbs from the Asura Ring that he collected years back in the Eminent Holiness cultivation cave, placing them on the table in front of him.
The moment these two herbs were brought out, it filled the entire spacious hall with spiritual energy. The fragrance from this side of the hall totally overpowered that stalk of Nine Leaves Purple Grass from the other side.
Everyone present in the hall was stunned, staring at the two stalk of herbs on the table in front of Huwang Xiao. One of them was actually a Nine Leaves Purple Grass, but that Nine Leaves Purple Grass’s color was more brilliant, bigger in size, even exuding layers of purple halo!
Beside the Nine Leaves Purple Grass was a human-shaped ginseng, wholly blood-red in color, it was as if they could see translucent blood flowing within, emitting glimmering soft lights.
After a brief moment of daze, fervid greed crept up their eyes.
That Archaic Peak Appraisal Firm boss, Gu Feng, reached Huwang Xiao’s table in less than ten steps, his eyes never moving away from the two elixirs on the table, “This, this is a ten-thousand-year-old Nine Leaves Purple Grass, and this is a Human-shaped Purpleblood Ginseng!” His voice quivered, hardly believing what was in front of him.
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“Ten thousand year old Nine Leaves Purple Grass!”
“Human-shaped Purpleblood Ginseng!”
A thunderclap boomed in Yang Ying, Qin Guo, Lin Wu, and the rest of the group’s brains, the previous ridicule and contempt vanished completely. Their eyes stared hotly at the two herbs placed on the table in front of Huwang Xiao.
These were the ultimate elixirs! The Nine Leaves Purple Grass they had was dog shit in comparison!
A ten thousand year old Nine
Leaves Purple Grass, swallowing it could not only greatly enhance one’s cultivation, that was something that could even mend a broken Qi Sea.
And that Human-shaped Purpleblood Ginseng. It was said that swallowing a Human-shaped Purpleblood Ginseng could recondition the physical body, expand one’s Qi Sea, meridians, veins, and strengthen the internal organs, even prolonging one’s lifespan.
Archaic Peak Appraisal Firm’s boss, Gu Feng, was quivering with excitement, his hands trembling as he carefully, very carefully, held the Nine Leaves Purple Grass in one hand while the other hand held his magnifying glass, observing Huwang Xiao’s Nine Leaves Purple Grass in great detail. The more he observed, the heavier his breathing became, the longer he held the elixir, the astonishment on his face deepened a notch.
That was because the longer he observed the Nine Leaves Purple Grass, the more he realized that it was actually much older than he imagined.
Upon reaching ten thousand years, the Nine Leaves Purple Grass would emit a purple halo, that was the main reason why Gu Feng exclaimed that Huwang Xiao’s Nine Leaves Purple Grass was ten thousand years old at first sight.
But now, after careful evaluation, he discovered that this Nine Leaves Purple Grass was not ten thousand years, but thirty thousand years old!
No, more accurately, it was closer to forty thousand years! A Nine Leaves Purple Grass that was close to forty thousand years!
Gu Feng felt the weight of the Nine Leaves Purple Grass in his hands growing heavier by the second. He knew very well the implications of a forty thousand year old Nine Leaves Purple Grass, selling off his Archaic Peak Appraisal Firm that had been in business for over a hundred years, including all the treasures inside, he still couldn’t afford to buy this forty thousand year old Nine Leaves Purple Grass.
At this time, Yang Ying’s group of five approached Gu Feng. Noticing the expression on his face, each of them could see that this Nine Leaves Purple Grass was probably more than a ‘simple’ ten thousand years old.