92: Contact with embroiderers

The afternoon sun grew increasingly scorching, waves of heat rising from the bluestone ground, but it did not diminish the chill in Situ Jun's eyes in the slightest.

He drained the remaining wine in his cup and fixed his gaze, sharp as a falcon's, on the direction in which Zhuang Xian had departed.

After that arrogant figure disappeared around the street corner, Situ Jun gently set down his wine cup, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the rim as his thoughts churned.

"Zhuang Lei at the Late Golden Core Stage is indeed troublesome, but I am determined to have this 'pawn' known as Zhuang Xian."

Situ Jun murmured to himself, a flash of ruthlessness crossing his eyes.

He knew well that if he wanted to gain a firm foothold in this cultivation world, recruiting geniuses and expanding his influence was the necessary path, and Zhuang Xian, who possessed an Advanced Fire Spiritual Root and was a Saint candidate, was undoubtedly an excellent target.

Situ Jun remained seated on the second floor of the restaurant, slowly rotating the wine cup between his fingers, which reflected the figure of the Embroiderer stumbling as she held onto the doorframe after forcing herself to see off the last guest.

The Purple Jade Butterfly Hairpin in her hair swayed slightly, elegant yet aesthetically pleasing.

After a brief rest, Situ Jun rose and headed downstairs, walking with steady steps toward the Brocade Pavilion.

Stepping into the shop, a dazzling array of silks met his eyes, the soft scent of sandalwood intertwining with the faint fragrance of orchids, creating an elegant and tranquil atmosphere.

The Embroiderer was focused on organizing the silks; sensing someone approaching, she looked up, her almond eyes, full of emotion like autumn waters, meeting Situ Jun's gaze.

"Young Master, are you here to select silks?"

She asked softly, her voice gentle and pleasant, like a spring breeze with just the right touch of tenderness.

Situ Jun nodded with a smile, his gaze inadvertently sweeping across every corner of the shop.

"I heard that the silks at the Brocade Pavilion are of superior quality, so I came today to take a look. I hope the shopkeeper can recommend a few items."

Upon hearing this, the Embroiderer's gaze lingered briefly on Situ Jun before she smiled slightly and said:

"Please wait a moment, Young Master, I will go and fetch them."

As she rose, her skirt brushed against the counter, making a faint rustling sound that was exceptionally clear in the silent pavilion.

Taking advantage of her turning away, Situ Jun quickly scanned the surroundings and found the door leading to the inner chamber slightly ajar; he could vaguely hear Wei Zhong's sighs, which carried a hint of exhaustion and helplessness.

A moment later, the Embroiderer returned holding a brocade box and opened it carefully.

The moment the Cloud Brocade unfolded, an elegant fragrance permeated the air, as if transporting one into a sea of flowers.

"Please look, Young Master, this is a rare treasure of Southern Border Cloud Silk."

Her voice was soft, yet it carried an imperceptible hint of coquettishness, as if she were showing her most precious treasure to a loved one.

Situ Jun reached out to lightly touch the Cloud Brocade; as his fingertips brushed the fabric, a strand of Qi was quietly injected, forming a small Sound-Isolating Barrier.

The Embroiderer's expression changed slightly, and she took a wary half-step back, a flash of defensiveness in her eyes.

"Madam, there is no need to panic, I mean no harm."

Situ Jun withdrew his hand and said solemnly:

"I saw you speaking with that Young Master Zhuang just now, and it seemed somewhat unpleasant? That Young Master Zhuang acts overbearingly; Madam, do not take it to heart."

The Embroiderer's body stiffened, the Cloud Brocade in her hands nearly slipping; her expression changed slightly, a flash of worry in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.

"Thank you for your concern, Young Master, but it was just some trivial business matters."

"Trivial business matters?"

Situ Jun's gaze was gentle, and he smiled as he continued:

"I have a close relationship with Jiang Yumei of Spirit Herb Hall, and I came specifically to lend Madam a hand."

He paused and lowered his voice:

"I will take over this silk shop. You can find a place to settle down and head there; I have already prepared the silver. It's better to do this sooner than later. If Madam has considered it, we can complete the transaction immediately."

The Embroiderer was startled by his words and remained silent for a long time, a struggle flashing in her beautiful eyes.

Finally, she took a deep breath:

"Since Sister Yumei told you about this, you must be a trustworthy person. Allow me to discuss it with my husband; I will give you an answer at this time tomorrow."

Situ Jun smiled and said:

"Then I shall await Madam's good news."

As he spoke, he caught a glimpse of the Embroiderer's charming face out of the corner of his eye, a hint of regret flashing in his heart before he turned and left the Brocade Pavilion... Meanwhile, within an elegant private room of Chunxiang Tower, the luxurious decorations and soft lighting created an atmosphere of decadence.

Zhuang Xian leaned back on a soft couch, playing with an embroidered handkerchief he had swiped from the Embroiderer at the Brocade Pavilion, a smug smile on his face—a smile full of arrogance and greed.

"That Wei Zhong is finally showing some sense."

He murmured to himself, his voice carrying a hint of self-satisfaction:

"Within three days, that beauty will be obediently delivered before me."

The Golden Core Elder Zhuang Lei grinned, revealing a mouthful of yellowed teeth. He picked up his wine cup, took a sip, and said:

"Based on my many years of experience, such a beauty must possess a Cauldron Physique that is rarely encountered. If the Young Master obtains this beautiful woman, your Cultivation will surely reach a higher level."

Zhuang Xian gave a smug laugh and tipped the wine jug directly into his mouth, the wine spilling down the corners of his lips, yet he still couldn't hide the self-satisfaction on his face.

"Liu Xuaner from the City Lord's Mansion isn't bad either. This trip to Northern Border City is quite excellent indeed, haha!"

As he spoke, he grabbed the girl who was pouring wine and forced a cup into her mouth, causing her to choke until her face turned red with bashful embarrassment.

Seeing this, Zhuang Xian's interest grew even more, and he pulled the girl into his arms to tease her, his laughter filled with wantonness and abandon.

"Young Master, since the Bei Batian is so sensible as to let his concubine take care of you, why not give him some Medicinal Pills to enhance his cultivation before we leave? Take him under your wing and let him look for beauties for you here in the Northern Border; wouldn't that be wonderful?"

The elder's eyes shifted, a hint of calculation flashing within them as he made the suggestion.

Hearing this, Zhuang Xian's eyes immediately lit up:

"Uncle Lei's words are excellent. We shall do as you say—give him some benefits and have him work for me. I will soon become a candidate Saint. It is time to find someone to search for Cauldrons for me to help my cultivation progress further. At that time, I will surely become a formal Saint!"

"The Young Master is right. Then should I go find the Bei Batian now, give him some benefits, and convey your intentions?"

The Golden Core Elder asked, staring with his fish-like eyes.

Zhuang Xian waved his hand with a look of disdain. "Go on then, lest you be an eyesore here and interfere with my business. Anyway, Northern Border City is safe; it's the same whether you're here or not. Just remember to be back by the day after tomorrow."

The Golden Core Elder gave a sheepish smile, turned, and flew out the window into the sky, heading north.

The evening glow shone on the elder, stretching his shadow long as he streaked across the sky above Northern Border City like a goshawk.

Such a conspicuous sight drew gasps of surprise from the crowd.

Situ Jun also noticed this situation, his eyes flashing with sharp light. After a moment's thought, he quickly pursued the elder's direction; once he reached a secluded spot, he disguised himself, covered his face, and flew into the sky.

The elder was currently flying toward the towering mountains and deep ridges to the north, which piqued Situ Jun's curiosity even further.

He had intended to follow secretly to investigate what the elder was up to, but he hadn't expected to be led to this uninhabited wasteland.

Situ Jun hesitated for a moment but ultimately decided to follow and see, his curiosity ignited like a flame.

Dusk was like thick ink, spreading across the horizon and shrouding the entire world in darkness.

Situ Jun hid among the clouds, using the cover of the night and the mountain mist to silently tail the Golden Core Elder, Zhuang Lei.

Silence reigned all around, save for the night wind brushing through the treetops, making a rustling sound.

Occasionally, the cry of a Night Owl would drift over, sharp and eerie, adding a touch of uncanniness to the atmosphere that sent shivers down one's spine.

Zhuang Lei flew at extreme speed, never stopping once along the way, heading straight into the depths of the mountains.

Finally, Zhuang Lei stopped before a massive mountain peak.

The peak towered into the clouds, its body as black as ink, giving off a sense of oppression. The summit was shrouded in mist, making it impossible to see clearly and giving it a mysterious and dangerous feel.

Situ Jun hid on another mountain peak far away, holding his breath and focusing his mind, circulating his Qi to completely hide his presence.

But before he could fully conceal himself, Zhuang Lei's cold voice rang in his ears:

"Who is Your Excellency, and why are you following me so stealthily?"

The voice seemed to carry a bone-chilling coldness, instantly shattering the deathly silence.

(I almost gave up these past few days, but I finally released this today. My apologies to everyone, salutations!)