68: Blood Yang Iron

The scorching midsummer sun baked the bluestone streets hot, and the cicadas buzzed loudly on the branches.

A breeze swept past, carrying the elegant scent of wisteria flowers, gently brushing over the bustling, prosperous streets.

Situ Jun stood before the Jubao Pavilion, his black robe fluttering gently in the breeze, with the gold-threaded cloud patterns on the hem faintly visible.

He looked back at the ancient and majestic pavilion, its flying eaves and bracket sets shimmering with light.

Then, his gaze sharpened, and he turned resolutely to step into the inner courtyard.

Passing through the quiet corridor, the wind chimes hanging beneath the eaves made a crisp and pleasant sound, contrasting sharply with the noise of the distant streets.

Situ Jun soon arrived at his residence. The carved wooden door closed slowly behind him, and in an instant, the outside clamor seemed to be cut off, leaving only a room of silence.

He sat upright on an ancient sandalwood chair, took a deep breath to calm his mind, and with a thought, the System's personal panel, visible only to him, appeared before his eyes.

On the panel, the heavenly luck value column flashed with a striking number—15,000. This was something he had accumulated through countless efforts and many hardships.

Glancing over it, he remembered the Advanced draw opportunity he had obtained after Cultivating with Xu Lian last time.

With a thought, he chose to use it without hesitation.

In an instant, a brilliant light flashed, and a strange Spirit Plant appeared before him.

This Spirit Plant was icy blue like jade throughout, its surface flowing with ice-crystal-like patterns, resembling a work of art meticulously carved by nature.

Fine frost flowers condensed between the lotus petals, and a hint of chill radiated out; it was the extremely rare 'Cold Pith Ice Lotus'.

This lotus grows in extremely cold places and blooms only once every thousand years. It is not only an excellent Material for refining high-grade meridian cleansing pills but also a supreme treasure for Cultivating the variant Spiritual Root, the Frost Spiritual Vein.

"Good stuff."

Situ Jun praised in a low voice, his slender fingers gently stroking the lotus platform, which felt cool and delicate to the touch.

Suddenly, he remembered the piece of Blood Sun Iron rewarded when Nangong Xue Advanced.

He carefully put away the Cold Pith Ice Lotus and took out the piece of Blood Sun Iron.

This Blood Sun Iron was the size of a fist, its surface emitting a faint blood-red glow. It was a precious Material for Golden Core Stage Cultivators to refine Magic Treasures and was worth a fortune.

Situ Jun held the Blood Sun Iron and fell into deep thought.

Ultimately, he decided to give this precious material to Qin Ximeng for auction.

Firstly, it was to repay Qin Ximeng for saving his life; if she hadn't helped that day, he might have already met his end in the Yellow Springs. Secondly, he also wanted to take this opportunity to investigate the relationship between Junyue Tower and the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce to explore the possibility of cooperation.

After careful preparation, Situ Jun, carrying a rosewood box containing the Blood Sun Iron, crossed the bustling streets and arrived at Junyue Tower.

Outside Junyue Tower, the gilded plaque shimmered with a soft light in the setting sun. The stone lions in front of the door were majestic, and the pearls under their claws looked like two burning fireballs under the reflection of the evening glow.

The passing Cultivators were dressed luxuriously, their spiritual power fluctuations faintly visible as they talked and laughed. The air was filled with a faint scent of Spiritual Plants, making one instinctively yearn for it.

Just as Situ Jun stepped into the entrance, a maid dressed in a moon-white ruqun immediately came forward with a graceful bow. The fresh scent of jasmine in her hair, mixed with spiritual power fluctuations, wafted toward him.

"Dear guest, how may I assist you?"

Situ Jun handed over a jade token engraved with the emblem of Jubao Pavilion, his tone steady.

"I am here to discuss business with your Deacon Qin."

The attendant's eyes flickered slightly as she said respectfully,

"Please follow me."

Following the maid, Situ Jun soon arrived at an elegant side hall.

Inside the side hall, sandalwood incense curled up, and soft light fell on the exquisite screen, casting dappled shadows and creating a quiet and elegant atmosphere.

Before long, a faint, ethereal fragrance wafted over. Situ Jun looked up and saw Qin Ximeng dressed in a light blue gauze skirt, like an elegant orchid, walking slowly with graceful steps.

Her figure was lithe, and her skirt swayed gently with her steps, like a fluttering butterfly. Every step seemed to carry a unique rhythm.

Qin Ximeng still had that cold and detached look, but there was a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

"Steward Situ, have you come today with something good to auction?"

After speaking, she slowly sat down, her movements as elegant as a Fairy in a painting.

Situ Jun smiled slightly and gently pushed the rosewood box in front of her, his voice warm.

"Indeed."

"I obtained this piece of Blood Sun Iron a few days ago. Remembering your previous invitation, Miss Qin, I thought of bringing it to Junyue Tower. Firstly, I hope to sell it for a good price with the help of Junyue Tower's esteemed venue; secondly, it can be considered a token of gratitude for your life-saving grace that day."

Qin Ximeng gently opened the jade box, and the moment she saw the Blood Sun Iron, a flash of surprise crossed her eyes.

Her slender fingers gently picked up the Blood Sun Iron, and she examined this iron lump emitting a faint blood-red glow closely and seriously.

After a long while, she slowly said,

"I didn't expect Steward Situ to possess such a treasure. However, given the value of this Blood Sun Iron, if it were auctioned at Junyue Tower's auction, the price would likely be a bit low. Therefore, I want to take it to the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce in the Royal City for auction."

Situ Jun picked up the celadon teacup, looked at the tea leaves floating in it, nodded, and said sincerely,

"I'll leave everything to you, Miss Qin."

Qin Ximeng put away the jade box, her gaze landing on Situ Jun with a firm look.

"Since it is Steward Situ's request, I will certainly ensure it fetches a good price for you."

Situ Jun hesitated for a moment, raised his eyes slightly, and asked curiously,

"I heard that the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce is spread across every Dynasty, yet there is only one Qingyun Chamber of Commerce in the Tianqi Dynasty, while your Junyue Tower..."

Qin Ximeng smiled slightly and explained patiently,

"We are also a part of the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce, yet we are independent of it.

A vast Dynasty relies on us outlying branches to continuously gather resources and wealth for the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce in the Capital. At the same time, we also sell various Medicinal Pills, Magical Artifacts, Magic Treasures, and some rare items for the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce.

The reason the names are different is simply because some high-level officials feel that our small chambers of commerce tarnish the title of the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce, so they do not allow us to use it. I hope Steward Situ doesn't find it laughable."

After hearing Qin Ximeng's explanation, Situ Jun suddenly understood.

"A chamber of commerce spread across the continent only opening one branch in each Dynasty indeed seemed unusual. After hearing your explanation, I understand."

Qin Ximeng smiled and said,

"The Qingyun Chamber of Commerce in the Dynasty has all sorts of rare treasures and scarce resources beyond the imagination of ordinary people. If Steward Situ has the chance, you might as well go and see for yourself to broaden your horizons."

Situ Jun's heart stirred, and he asked,

"Could it be that Miss Qin is from the Royal City? Could you tell me about the situation of the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce in the Dynasty to satisfy my curiosity?"

The corners of Qin Ximeng's lips curled up slightly, revealing a very faint smile. This smile actually made the decorations in the entire room lose their luster.

She took a sip of tea and spoke slowly, her voice soft yet full of allure.

Situ Jun listened with fascination and also gained a deeper understanding of the richness of the chamber of commerce's resources.

By the end, Situ Jun couldn't help but feel curious about Qin Ximeng's identity; the knowledge she spoke of was simply not something an ordinary person could come into contact with.

He quietly activated the Eye of Detection:

[Name: Qin Ximeng]

[Age: 19 years old]

[Identity: Immortal Spirit Pavilion Outer Sect Disciple, a member of the Qin family of the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty, a member of the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty's imperial family lost abroad.]

[Rating: 95, Host can record in the hundred flowers diagram]

[Cultivation: Third Level of Foundation Establishment]

[Physique (Spiritual Vein): Jade Maiden Mysterious Yin Physique]

[Favorability: 30]

[heavenly luck value: 6000]

[Recent Evaluation: Training at the Qingyun Chamber of Commerce in the Tianqi Dynasty, hoping to find Spirit Medicine to help her mother's shattered Golden Core.]

Looking at this information, Situ Jun was both surprised and conflicted.

This was the first time he had encountered someone with such a high heavenly luck value, and she was also a woman with a Physique that could help his own Cultivation. A hint of bitterness rose in his throat.

After hesitating, Situ Jun still spoke up and asked,

"Miss Qin, you are so beautiful. I wonder if you have someone you like?"

As soon as the words left his mouth, he saw Qin Ximeng startle slightly, completely not expecting Situ Jun to ask this question.

A flash of hesitation crossed her eyes. After a moment, she nodded gently.

"It's not exactly someone I like, but there is a childhood betrothal. I will marry once I Breakthrough to the Golden Core Stage."

After a pause, she looked directly at Situ Jun, her clear eyes seemingly able to see through his heart.

"If Steward Situ has feelings for me, please stop right there."