25: Chapter 25 The Spirit Wine Could Not Move the Manager's Heart

Yuwen Jinran led Yuwen Jinyuan in a hurried march, their footsteps crunching loudly against the gravel path at the edge of the Mining Site.

Having just seen his younger brother's bruised and swollen Face at the entrance of The Mine, the anger in Yuwen Jinran's heart had not subsided.

That his brother, the sibling of an Inner Sect Disciple of the Tianhua Sect, had been bullied in this wretched Mining Site was an utter humiliation if word got out.

Before long, the two arrived at the square where Steward Wu usually held station.

In the center of the square sat a faded grandmaster chair, with Steward Wu lounging lazily inside it. His grey robes were draped loosely over his body, making him look just like a pile of mud sunning on a rock.

Hearing their footsteps, he slowly lifted his eyelids, casting a sidelong glance that swept over the two, without even lifting his backside.

Yuwen Jinran did not stop, arriving before him in an instant.

His posture was as straight as a pine tree. He clasped his hands in a deep bow, his demeanor so respectful that not a single fault could be found. With a steady voice, he said, "I am Yuwen Jinran, an Inner Sect Disciple. I have long admired Steward Wu's great name, and to meet you today is a great honor."

As he spoke, he wore a perfectly measured smile, conveying both warmth and propriety.

Before the words had even faded, he reached into the Storage Pouch at his waist and retrieved two palm-sized, ancient-looking wine jars.

The jars were carved with twisting vine patterns, with spirit light faintly shimmering across them; they were clearly no ordinary objects.

He held them out with both hands, his tone becoming increasingly sincere: "Steward Wu, I heard from other stewards in the Sect that your Foundation was damaged years ago. These two jars of 'Lingxi Brew' are crafted from century-old spirit fruits and morning dew; they are quite beneficial for stabilizing one's Foundation. I hope you will graciously accept them as a token of my sincerity."

Steward Wu's gaze fell upon the wine jars, but his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

There was not a shred of joy in his eyes; instead, he looked as if he had seen something filthy, his gaze cold enough to freeze.

He leaned heavily back against the grandmaster chair with a dull thud. Lifting his chin slightly, he let out a cold snort through his nose, the corners of his mouth curling into a sneer: "What rare treasures have I not seen in my time? Why would I care for your measly two jars of spirit wine? Take them back!"

The words were like ice picks, stinging the Face of the listener.

Before Yuwen Jinran could reply, Steward Wu's tone shifted abruptly. His gaze became sharp as a blade, piercing straight into the other man: "Sect regulations state that those above the Qi Refinement Stage are not permitted to enter The Mine. Have you treated these rules as child's play and cast them all to the back of your mind?"

Yuwen Jinran felt a shiver in his heart, and beads of cold sweat seeped from his temples.

In his haste to stand up for his brother, he had completely forgotten this taboo.

He hurriedly bowed, bending even lower: "Steward Wu, please calm your anger. The Sect's rules and precepts are always kept in this Disciple's heart; I would never dare to forget them. My arrival today was due to special circumstances."

"My younger brother had a dispute with someone within the Mining Site and suffered some grievances. In my moment of anxiety... I have been quite offensive, and I hope for your magnanimity."

Having said this, he carefully placed the wine jars on the ground and bowed deeply once more: "Then this Disciple shall take his leave." After speaking, he took a slow step back, turned, and prepared to leave.

"Wait!" Steward Wu's brows twisted into a knot, his impatience almost overflowing: "Take the things you brought with you. Don't try to pull these useless tricks in front of me."

Yuwen Jinran still wore a humble smile on his Face, though he was groaning inwardly.

He paused, his tone becoming even more respectful: "Steward Wu, these two jars of spirit wine are truly a sincere gesture from this Disciple. If you do not accept them, it will only leave me feeling uneasy. In the future, within the Sect, I hope you will look after my younger brother..."

Having said this, without waiting for Steward Wu to speak again, he cast a glance at Yuwen Jinyuan.

The brothers exchanged a look, turned, and walked away quickly, leaving the two jars of spirit wine standing lonely where they were.

Seeing his insistence on leaving them behind, a flash of irritation crossed Steward Wu's Face, but he did not pursue the matter further.

"Hmph!" He snorted heavily, then simply closed his eyes tight, folding his hands over his lower abdomen, appearing as if he intended to shut out all outside disturbances.

The wine jars on the ground were right by his feet, yet he could not be bothered to spare them even a sidelong glance.

Having walked some dozens of steps away, out of Steward Wu's sight, Yuwen Jinyuan could no longer hold back. He leaned toward his brother and muttered in a low voice: "Brother, this Steward Wu gave us absolutely no Face! He's just someone watching the Mining Site, what is he putting on airs for..."

"Shh!" Upon hearing this, Yuwen Jinran's expression instantly tightened. With lightning speed, he raised his hand and pressed his index finger against his brother's lips.

His breath trembling, he spoke in an extremely low voice, filled with lingering fear: "Don't talk nonsense! This Steward Wu has been able to hold station at The Mine for ten years; he must have powerful backing. Is he someone you or I can discuss? Come with me!"

The two dared not delay any longer, their footsteps hurried as they practically ran away from the square.

Sunlight filtered down through the old trees at the edge of the Mining Site, casting dappled shadows on the ground, yet it could not dispel the gloom in the brothers' hearts.