91: First meeting with the embroiderer

The midday sun was like fire, relentlessly scorching the bluestone ground and sending up waves of heat.

Tiny dust motes floated in the air, clearly visible under the intense sunlight.

Following the clues provided by Jiang Yumei, Situ Jun eventually arrived at this silk shop called "Brocade Pavilion."

Before him, two faded palace lanterns hung from the vermilion lintel of the Brocade Pavilion. Although it lacked the magnificence of the Jubao Pavilion and the imposing Aura of the Junyue Tower, it stood unique on East Street. Its carved wooden windows were half-closed, faintly revealing the elegant scent of interwoven embroidery threads and silk.

Although it was noon, the shop was still bustling with people. Merchants and customers came and went, creating a lively scene where the sounds of bargaining and the rustle of unfolding cloth wove together into a picture of urban prosperity.

Situ Jun was in no hurry to enter. He glanced at the flying eaves of the restaurant across the street and walked inside it instead.

Seated by a window on the second floor with a pot of cloudy wine and a few side dishes, he leaned against the carved railing. His gaze crossed the street, taking in the entire scene of the Brocade Pavilion.

Time slipped away like fine sand. Shadows flickered within the pavilion, and various silks shimmered with an enchanting luster under the sunlight.

After an unknown amount of time, a figure in moon-white clothing, like the brightest moonlight in the night sky, slowly walked out of the Brocade Pavilion.

With a smile on her lips and curved eyes, she was politely seeing a guest to the door.

That smile was gentle and moving, like a March spring breeze, making one feel as if they were being bathed in sweet rain.

Situ Jun's originally casual gaze was instantly captured. He stared intently at her, immediately certain in his heart that this beautiful woman was the Embroiderer Jiang Yumei had mentioned.

The woman's figure was graceful, every step like a weak willow swaying in the wind. As she moved with light, lotus-like steps, the elegant orchid patterns on her skirt appeared and disappeared, swaying with her gait as if orchids were dancing in a light breeze. A faint scent of orchids drifted along the street, lingering around the tip of his nose.

Her black hair fell like a waterfall, carefully pinned into an elegant bun. A few playful strands hung by her fair cheeks, adding a touch of liveliness to her appearance.

Her skin was as white as snow and as delicate as mutton-fat jade. It radiated a soft glow under the sunlight, looking so fragile that it seemed a mere touch would leave a mark.

Two purple butterfly-shaped hairpins were tucked into her bun. The purple jade butterflies on the pins were crystal clear, with a warm, flowing luster that made them look lifelike, as if they would flap their wings and fly away at any moment. They blended perfectly with her overall temperament, exuding an air of nobility while remaining low-key and elegant.

Her features were even more soul-stirring. Beneath her curved willow-leaf eyebrows were a pair of affectionate almond eyes. Her eyes were like shimmering autumn water, and with every glance, she exuded endless charm and poise, making it easy for one to lose themselves in them.

Her straight, delicate nose was like a piece of finely carved jade, and her naturally red Cherry-like mouth curved slightly upward, revealing a row of white, neat, pearl-like teeth. Her smile was sweet and captivating.

Looking at the Embroiderer, an indescribable emotion welled up in Situ Jun's heart. He drained his cup of cloudy wine in one gulp, finally understanding why Zhuang Xian was so obsessed with her.

In this secular world, such a peerless beauty was indeed extremely rare.

He watched quietly, feeling both delighted to see such a beauty and secretly sighing, fearing he might fall for her himself.

After a long time, just as he suppressed the admiration in his heart, he saw her leaning over, gently smoothing out a piece of fine silk. Her long, slender fingers moved over the silk with elegant and skillful motions, her every gesture exuding a gentle grace.

The more he watched, the more Situ Jun felt it was hard to be a good person and the more he understood why Zhuang Xian had his sights set on her.

On the bluestone street, traffic was heavy. The shouts of street vendors and the creaking of wheels over the stone slabs intertwined.

Just as Situ Jun was lost in thought, an ornately decorated carriage slowly stopped in front of the Brocade Pavilion.

The curtain was lifted, and a handsome Young Master stepped down. He wore a crimson silk robe with flame patterns embroidered in gold thread that shimmered in the sunlight.

Following closely behind was an elder with a restrained Aura that one dared not underestimate. An invisible pressure seemed to surround him, inspiring awe in others.

Situ Jun's heart stirred, a sharp light flashing in his eyes. He thought to himself:

"Eye of Detection."

Instantly, a series of information surfaced in his mind.

[Name: Zhuang Xian]

[Age: 25]

[Identity: Xihua Sect Disciple, grandson of the Xihua Sect Outer Sect Grand Elder Zhuang Jianfeng, and one of the candidates for the Inner Sect Saint.]

[Cultivation: Half-step Golden Core Stage]

[Physique: Advanced Fire Spiritual Root]

[Cultivation Technique: Earth-Grade Cultivation Technique, Everlasting Spring Technique]

[Favorability: 0]

[heavenly luck value: 5000 (continuously increasing)]

[Recent Evaluation: Bring Liu Xuaner and Jin Xuanxiu back to the Xihua Sect to become his women.]

...[Name: Zhuang Lei]

[Age: 400]

[Cultivation: Late Golden Core Stage]

...Seeing this information, Situ Jun frowned slightly, and the hand holding his wine cup paused involuntarily.

"There are still three days before I return to the manor. I thought that as a Mid Golden Core Stage cultivator, I could easily deal with this suddenly appearing Zhuang Xian. I didn't expect him to have such a background, and the elder by his side is actually at the Late Golden Core Stage."

He murmured in his heart, his eyes full of solemnity as he quickly began to analyze the pros and cons.

After a while, a sharp light flashed in Situ Jun's eyes. He set his wine cup down heavily on the table and made a decision in his heart:

"This Zhuang Xian must be taken as a servant. As for that Golden Core Elder... I need to plan carefully."

Situ Jun continued to watch the entrance of the Brocade Pavilion intently. He could vaguely see Zhuang Xian pestering the Embroiderer about something.

The Embroiderer's expression gradually turned sour. Her brows furrowed slightly, and her eyes were filled with helplessness and annoyance.

Just as Zhuang Xian seemed to want to get handsy, a middle-aged man appeared at the right time. He was the owner of the Brocade Pavilion, Wei Zhong.

With a face full of smiles, Wei Zhong respectfully led Zhuang Xian to the inner living room.

Situ Jun's heart stirred. He wanted to extend his Spiritual Sense to listen to their conversation, but when he thought of the Late Golden Core Stage elder beside Zhuang Xian, a trace of wariness rose in his heart. Fearing he might arouse the other's suspicion, he had to abandon the idea.

Inside the living room.

Zhuang Xian sat with his legs crossed, leaning lazily back in his chair. He toyed with a teacup, a sinister smile on his face and his eyes full of smug satisfaction.

Wei Zhong bowed deeply, his face covered in a fawning smile. His posture was extremely humble, and fine beads of sweat had already broken out on his forehead.

Zhuang Xian was clearly in a good mood. He glanced at Wei Zhong and asked nonchalantly:

"Boss Wei, I wonder if you have considered my previous proposal?"

Hearing this, Wei Zhong felt a pang of bitterness in his heart. After a moment of hesitation, he said with a voice full of pleading:

"Young Master Zhuang, could you please show some mercy and let my Family go?"

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Xian's face instantly darkened. His spiritual power suddenly surged outward, and a powerful pressure swept toward Wei Zhong like an invisible wave.

Wei Zhong was shaken by this force and stumbled back, knocking over a chair in the process. A metallic taste rose in his throat, and he fell to his knees with a thud. Cold sweat instantly soaked his back as he cried out in terror:

"Young Master Zhuang, spare my life!"

A cold smile curled on Zhuang Xian's lips as he said slowly:

"This Young Master is currently discussing this with you in good faith. Don't wait until I run out of patience. By then, not only will you have nothing, but you might even implicate your Family... leaving not even a chicken or dog alive!"

After speaking, he snorted coldly, his eyes full of threat.

Hearing this, Wei Zhong felt utterly desperate. He didn't care about the blood in his throat; blood seeped from the corners of his mouth and between his teeth as he kowtowed repeatedly and begged:

"I was wrong! Please appease your anger, Young Master Zhuang. I will definitely persuade my wife."

Zhuang Xian smiled with satisfaction, his tone carrying a hint of triumph:

"This is the awareness a businessman should have—knowing when to advance and when to retreat, and knowing what to give up."

Wei Zhong lowered his head, his eyes filled with bitterness.

He thought about the mountains of silk piled in the shop. They were the result of half a lifetime of hard work by him and his wife, and the livelihood of the old and young in his home.

If he defied Zhuang Xian, all this hard work would go to waste, and it might even bring death to the rest of his Family.

A moment later.

Wei Zhong seemed to age decades in an instant. He said in a hoarse and desperate voice:

"I... I am willing to offer up my wife. I only ask Your Excellency... to spare the Brocade Manor and my Family."

Zhuang Xian burst into laughter and said with satisfaction:

"Don't worry, this Young Master keeps his word. Haha..."

After speaking, he got up and left the living room. Walking to the counter, he teased the Embroiderer again before leaving the shop triumphantly.

(I've been locked in a dark room for ten days. Even the descriptions of a woman's appearance can't pass the review. I'm really fed up!)