81: Kim Hyun-soo

Inside the embroidery workshop.

The Embroiderer's slender fingers nimbly organized the bolts of cloth, her supple fingertips tracing over the intricate and exquisite patterns outlined on the silk, smoothing out those tiny wrinkles.

The room was so quiet that only her crisp introduction and the faint rustle of fingers touching silk could be heard; time seemed to stand still at this moment.

After an unknown amount of time.

The Embroiderer finally stopped her movements and straightened her back to take a short rest.

When she turned her head, she caught Zhuang Xian staring directly at her chest; that undisguised gaze struck her like a bolt from the blue.

A blush instantly rose to the Embroiderer's face, like the brilliant sunset in the sky, spreading from her cheeks all the way to the roots of her ears.

Both ashamed and annoyed, she said with clear dissatisfaction and anger in her voice:

"If the Young Master does not wish to make a purchase, please excuse me."

Seeing the Embroiderer's shamed and annoyed expression, Zhuang Xian found her stunning.

This effortless transition from the demeanor of a mature woman to that of a young girl was more captivating than even the Elders in his Sect who specialized in charm techniques.

Seeing Zhuang Xian still staring at her without hiding his lewd thoughts, the Embroiderer's face darkened further, and she prepared to turn and leave.

Gazing at the Embroiderer's face, which grew even more beautiful in her annoyance, Zhuang Xian's heart couldn't help but flutter.

Her natural switch from a mature woman's aura to a maidenly one held more charm than the Elders in his Sect who mastered Charm Arts; this unique allure deeply attracted him.

Seeing that Zhuang Xian was still staring at her without restraint, the disgust in the Embroiderer's eyes deepened, and she turned to leave.

Suppressing the impulse in his heart, Zhuang Xian wore a meaningful smile and said:

"Proprietress, do not take offense. I couldn't help myself, haha. As an apology, give me three sets of every beautiful dress worn by the women in this shop and send them to the City Lord's Manor."

After saying that, he gestured for the Golden Core Elder following behind him to handle it.

The Elder looked troubled but could only take out a handful of Spirit Stones and some low-grade Medicinal Pills from his Storage Pouch, coughing as he said:

"We do not have silver, but the value of these items is more than enough to replace it."

Enveloped in spiritual power, the items instantly reached the Embroiderer's hands.

Looking at the Spirit Stones and Medicinal Pills in her hands, the Embroiderer was momentarily at a loss.

She was someone who had seen the world and naturally knew the value of these things; they were more than enough to buy everything in the shop, yet the other party had tossed them to her so casually, like discarding trash.

"The items the Young Master is buying do not require this many Spirit Stones and Medicinal Pills."

As she spoke, she handed the Medicinal Pills back to the Golden Core Elder.

Zhuang Xian lightly fanned his folding fan, a hint of arrogance on his face as he laughed:

"These trifles are nothing in my eyes. Consider it a tip from this Young Master, haha."

The Embroiderer hesitated for a moment but still insisted on returning the pills; after all, one could tell they were extraordinary, at least Grade Two or higher.

"Please, Young Master..."

But before she could finish, a man in his forties walked out from the back hall.

He had a mustache, was pot-bellied, and his face was filled with a worldly smile.

The man reached out to stop the Embroiderer and said:

"My lady, what are you doing? There's no reason to take back something that's been given. This Young Master is so generous; it is the good fortune of our Brocade Pavilion!"

Then, he turned to Zhuang Xian with a face full of flattery:

"I am Wei Zhong, the owner of this shop. Rest assured, Young Master, I will certainly deliver the goods to your manor later!"

Zhuang Xian smiled slightly, a flash of calculation in his eyes. He patted Wei Zhong on the shoulder and said:

"Wei Zhong, is it? This Young Master has remembered you, haha."

Before leaving, he took another deep look at the Embroiderer before turning to depart.

As the Embroiderer watched his receding back, a sense of unease welled up in her heart, as if a massive storm was brewing beneath the calm surface of a lake... By the time the lanterns of Chunxiang Tower were lit one after another, the night had already deepened.

Zhuang Xian reclined on a carved couch in a private room on the second floor, his posture lazy and casual.

Three dancers with their faces veiled in light gauze danced gracefully on the crimson carpet; their figures were soft and enchanting, their steps as light as willow catkins drifting in the wind.

Inside the private room, the scents of wine and rouge intertwined with the warm light of spiritual candles, creating an atmosphere of extravagance.

However, none of this could dispel the irritation deep within Zhuang Xian's eyes.

The Golden Core Elder drained his wine in one gulp and, seeing Zhuang Xian's face full of confusion, asked:

"Since the Young Master is dissatisfied with these common beauties, why not bring that proprietress from the Silk Shop here?"

Zhuang Xian sat up straight, a sharp light flashing in his eyes. With a tone of calculation and malice, he said slowly:

"From what I saw today, that Wei Zhong is a greedy man. I want to play a game—make Wei Zhong willing to give that beautiful woman to me. Then, I'll make her heart die towards Wei Zhong so she obediently clings to me. Just thinking about it is wonderful, hehe."

The Golden Core Elder was stunned. Although he was somewhat puzzled, he could only smile awkwardly in response... Meanwhile, in a secret room within the frontier city, the candlelight flickered unsteadily, its shifting shadows reflecting off the scar at the corner of Bei Batian's eye, adding a touch of coldness and majesty.

After reading the Jade Slip sent by Zhu Changpo and understanding everything that had happened during the day, his face instantly darkened.

He reached out to hand the Jade Slip to the advisor beside him, then angrily crushed the teacup in his hand. Porcelain fragments flew onto the green bricks, the crisp sound of shattering particularly piercing in the silent secret room, as if foretelling the coming turmoil.

"We're just going to let him run wild?"

Bei Batian's voice was low, carrying suppressed rage.

The personal advisor cautiously observed Bei Batian's volatile expression and said, weighing his words:

"Those Madam Liu and Madam Su..."

"The people from the Xihua Sect cannot be touched."

Bei Batian interrupted the advisor, his expression shifting.

He stroked the token at his waist, which was engraved with the totem of the Northern Border. A cold light flashed in his eyes, and his tone carried a hint of helplessness and endurance:

"It's just one or two concubines, isn't it? This Mansion Lord will give them to him!"

Then, his eyes turned ruthless as he summoned a Hidden Guard and ordered:

"Go to the backyard, pick a few of the most top-tier beauties and send them over. Say... say that this City Lord heard Young Master Zhuang was in high spirits and came specifically to add to the fun."

"City Lord, those madams..."

The advisor hesitated, a look of worry on his face.

"To think Yun Niang actually became a Golden Core Cultivator; it's a waste to give her to Zhuang Xian like this. But that kid better be smart and help me advance to the Late Golden Core Stage, or else..."

Bei Batian stood up and looked out the window. The market in the distance was brightly lit, but the prosperous scene could not dispel the gloom in his eyes:

"They're just women; this City Lord can afford to part with them. However..."

The corner of his mouth curled into a meaningful arc:

"If I can use this opportunity to establish a connection with the Xihua Sect, it wouldn't be a bad thing."

After speaking, he took out Zhu Changpo's Jade Slip, whispered a few incantations, and performed several hand seals. The Jade Slip shot through the air and vanished without a trace in the blink of an eye... (Thank you to everyone reading. Being able to get a spot on your bookshelf or follow the updates is already very appreciated. No need for comments; I'm afraid to read them now. If I see even one negative comment, my mood is ruined for the day, and I can't even write. Thank you!)