Chapter 115: The Most Beautiful Woman in Yellow Dragon
(The monthly ticket count is so dismal. Today, Zhang and the fast-food author are brewing a climax, preparing for a massive explosion. Everyone, please don't pour cold water on it!)
"Three-Spirit Deer Blood!"
Xu Xuan spoke almost word by word, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes as he stared fixedly at the Spirit-Refining stage master.
With the previous transaction as a foundation, he had developed a preliminary level of trust in the "Zhang Family Spirit Pavilion." Only now did he truly lay his cards on the table, revealing the item he needed most urgently.
"Three-Spirit Deer Blood?" The elder in the Dharma robe frowned slightly. "I have heard of this spiritual material. It is considered quite unique among third-grade materials. It is said to possess the life-force power to turn decay into magic, and its reputation is immense. In the last hundred years, this spiritual blood has appeared a few times in Yellow Dragon Spirit City, but it disappeared very quickly. It can truly be described as having a price but no market."
Xu Xuan said with disappointment, "In other words, your shop does not have this spiritual blood material either?"
"No." The elder shook his head. "This is a matter of luck. Perhaps after some time, we might be able to acquire this deer blood."
Xu Xuan’s expression dimmed, and he turned to leave.
"Please wait a moment, brother!"
A sudden voice made Xu Xuan pause. He glanced to the side and saw a graceful young gentleman descending from the fourth floor of the Spirit Pavilion.
Xu Xuan initially thought he was just another wealthy heir from some family, but upon closer inspection, his expression tightened. The youth before him had a face like polished jade, sharp and well-defined features, and an elegant demeanor that lacked nothing in heroism. His eyes were like stars, bright and profound. Dressed in elegant white robes, he looked as handsome as a jade tree in the wind, yet he also possessed an extraordinary aura of integrity.
In actual age, the person was only a year or two older than Xu Xuan, but such a talented young man far surpassed the immortal sect disciples Xu Xuan knew; perhaps only Nie Han could compare to him.
"Regarding the 'Three-Spirit Deer Blood' that this honored guest is looking for, I, Zhang, might know a thing or two."
The graceful gentleman smiled, looking Xu Xuan over, a trace of curiosity appearing in his eyes.
"Is that really so?"
Xu Xuan’s face showed surprise, but he felt that the youth looked very familiar, as if he had seen him somewhere before.
Recalling carefully, he suddenly remembered: wasn't this gentleman the young master of the Zhang family he had seen in Pinghua Town half a year ago?
"The young master has come down."
The elder in the Dharma robe greeted him with a kind smile, which confirmed the youth’s identity.
"Thank you, Master Hu."
Young Master Zhang nodded and looked at Xu Xuan with slight interest. "I am Zhang Feng. May I ask for your name, brother?"
Xu Xuan felt a surge of emotion and dared not be negligent. He cupped his fists and said, "I am Xu Xuan. Your name, Young Master Zhang, is known like thunder to my ears."
The name Zhang Feng was something Xu Xuan had heard of even back in Pinghua Town. The other party was not only the young master of a major family but also a cultivation genius in Yellow Dragon City.
Looking at him now, his reputation was well-deserved; Zhang Feng’s cultivation had actually reached the ninth layer of Qi Refining! Xu Xuan remembered that half a year ago, the youth’s cultivation had not even reached the seventh layer. This was several degrees better than Senior Brother Yun from the immortal sect.
"If Brother Xu is interested in news about the Three-Spirit Deer Blood, we can go to the elegant chamber upstairs to discuss it."
Zhang Feng smiled and gestured for Xu Xuan to head up to the fourth floor.
Xu Xuan could truly feel the other party’s sincerity and interest, so he did not decline and stepped onto the fourth floor of the Spirit Pavilion.
"A kid at the fourth or fifth layer of Qi Refining is actually able to enter the VIP pavilion and receive an invitation from the young master?"
A middle-aged shopkeeper at the counter opposite asked in astonishment.
"Sigh, you know how it is. The young master is kind-hearted and loves to make friends with talented people from all over. Besides, this youth is no simple character; he spent eighty genuine spirit stones in one go, and that transaction caught the young master's attention."
The elder in the Dharma robe replied via mental transmission.
"So that’s how it is. But precious resources like Three-Spirit Deer Blood are usually monopolized by the major powers as soon as they appear on the market..."
The middle-aged shopkeeper shook his head.
Upon ascending to the fourth floor of the Spirit Pavilion, the style inside was even more elegant and quiet.
In this elegant chamber, faint sandalwood was burning, refreshing the mind and spirit. Xu Xuan and Zhang Feng sat opposite each other at a spiritual wood table, and soon, a beautiful maid served spirit tea.
Xu Xuan took a small sip of the tea and immediately felt a strange, cool, and clear flow nourishing his body, with a trace of spiritual energy slowly diffusing and seeping into his flesh and blood.
Even as someone who never drank tea, Xu Xuan couldn't help but praise, "Good tea!"
"This is a type of 'Cloud Dew Spirit Tea' that is abundant in the southern part of the Kunyun Kingdom. It is transported from tens of thousands of miles away. By the time it reaches Yellow Dragon City, every catty is worth ten thousand spirit stones, and it’s a case of having the price but no market. I actually snuck this tea from my father’s treasure cabinet..."
Zhang Feng spoke with ease and charm, occasionally observing the youth before him with great interest.
Upon learning the origin of the tea, Xu Xuan couldn't help but feel flattered, thinking that those who could enjoy this tea were among the very few big shots in Yellow Dragon City.
Young Master Zhang Feng had plenty of topics to discuss and was very knowledgeable, speaking in such a vivid and interesting way that for a moment, Xu Xuan forgot all about the "Three-Spirit Deer Blood."
Xu Xuan tried to bring up the main subject several times, but couldn't find a way to cut in, so he simply chatted along with the other party, taking the opportunity to learn about the situation of the various high-level families in Yellow Dragon City.
After half a cup of tea, the two had talked to their heart's content. Xu Xuan looked at Zhang Feng with new eyes; the other party’s eloquence and experience were far beyond that of his peers, and he possessed an inexplicable charisma.
"So it turns out this is Brother Xu’s first time in Yellow Dragon City. How could I, Zhang, not fulfill my duties as a host and take you around to see the sights?"
Zhang Feng seemed quite interested.
Xu Xuan suddenly remembered the important matter and felt anxious, so he had to steel himself and say, "Young Master Zhang seems to know news about the 'Three-Spirit Deer Blood.' Could you please tell me a bit about it?"
Zhang Feng laughed in realization: "I almost forgot about that. By the way, Brother Xu, you traveled thousands of miles to Yellow Dragon City to find the Three-Spirit Deer Blood—what is it for exactly?"
Xu Xuan was speechless, but answered honestly, "Only to save my father and heal his legs."
"Brother Xu is truly a filial son."
Zhang Feng seemed moved, then sighed helplessly. "To be honest, I not only know news of the 'Three-Spirit Deer Blood,' I even know its specific whereabouts. This item is extremely precious; both the Dongfang family and my Zhang family have a small amount. But to obtain this spiritual blood, one must obtain the consent of the family’s high-level members, which I fear will not be easy."
Hearing this, Xu Xuan was both happy and worried. He was happy to finally know the whereabouts of the Three-Spirit Deer Blood, but worried because obtaining it would be extremely difficult.
Just think: why would a major family like the Zhangs make a special exception for an unrelated, low-level Qi Refining cultivator?
"I can offer a fair price. I wonder if Young Master Zhang could help me mediate."
Xu Xuan knew this request was a bit much, as he and the young master were only just acquainted, but for his father’s leg injury, he had to try.
"This is absolutely not a question of money. Although we have only just met, I feel as if we are old friends. I truly want to help you, but unfortunately, relying on my own power, it is difficult to influence the family’s high-level members."
Zhang Feng shook his head, his face full of helplessness and self-reproach.
After chatting for a while, Xu Xuan slowly stood up and said earnestly, "Regardless, I must thank you for your guidance, Brother Zhang."
He had a good impression of Zhang Feng; as a young master of a major family, the other party was approachable and kind-hearted, making him someone worth befriending.
"Wait." Seeing Xu Xuan leave in disappointment, Zhang Feng gritted his teeth, his eyes flickering as he said, "There is one method, perhaps we can give it a try."
"Oh?" Xu Xuan paused, having already seen that Zhang Feng was trying his best to find a solution for him.
"Brother Xu, please sit for a moment."
Zhang Feng immediately knocked on the door, summoned a maid, and whispered to her for a moment.
"Yes, Young Master." The beautiful maid glanced at Xu Xuan with slight surprise before hurrying away.
Zhang Feng then smiled and said, "I am personally lazy and fun-loving; I like to make friends everywhere and have no interest in family affairs, so I am not favored by my elders and my influence is limited. However, I have a younger sister who is intelligent and clever. She manages the family’s important affairs and is deeply loved by our father. As long as she intervenes, there is at least a sixty percent chance of success."
Xu Xuan was surprised and let out a dry laugh: "The dignified young master of the Zhang family has less influence in the house than a girl."
Zhang Feng was not annoyed: "You will understand when you see her. Of course, whether she agrees to help depends on your performance. I forgot to tell you, Yuhan is the number one beauty of Yellow Dragon!"
The number one beauty of Yellow Dragon?
Xu Xuan was shocked this time. If Yang Xiaoqian’s beauty could barely be considered the number one beauty of Pinghua Town, then this eldest young lady of the Zhang family would surely be a step above in status, position, and appearance.
While waiting, Xu Xuan felt a little nervous. He really had no confidence that he could get such a noble and beautiful woman to intervene.
After waiting for about half an hour, the maid’s voice came from outside: "Young Master, the eldest young lady is here."
As soon as she finished speaking, a light and graceful figure walked into the room. Just a fleeting glimpse gave rise to infinite reverie.
"Yuhan, you’re finally here."
Zhang Feng smiled and went out to greet her. Xu Xuan also stood up, his eyes meeting the young woman: a snow-white face like jade porcelain, eyebrows like paintings, poetic eyes revealing two drops of autumn rain. She was dressed in a blue Dharma gown, elegant and otherworldly.
Xu Xuan’s gaze was slightly dazed for a moment; even with his immunity to the charm of the opposite sex, his heartstrings were plucked.
"Brother Xu, this is my sister... Zhang Yuhan."
Zhang Feng introduced her with a smile. "Greetings, Eldest Young Lady." Xu Xuan rose and bowed neither servile nor overbearing.
The ethereal, poetic young woman nodded slightly, her eyes lingering on Xu Xuan’s face for a moment before moving away like a dragonfly touching the water.
"Brother, you called me here late at night—I hope it is not for something trivial."
The young woman’s voice was gentle and pleasant, and her intelligent, poetic eyes held a hint of helpless frustration.
Zhang Feng gave a wry smile and had to explain the ins and outs of the matter. During this process, Zhang Yuhan’s beautiful eyes occasionally swept toward Xu Xuan, quiet and still, no one knowing what she was thinking.
Xu Xuan said nothing; he would leave this matter to fate and would not force it.
When Zhang Feng finished, Zhang Yuhan looked at Xu Xuan for the first time, examined him for a moment, and revealed a smile like a clear lotus in the rain: "Young Master Xu is young and already has the cultivation of the fifth layer of Qi Refining, with infinite potential. Do you have any plans to join the Zhang family?"
With just one sentence, Xu Xuan’s heart tightened. This girl, known as the number one beauty of Yellow Dragon, was not only intelligent but also struck right to the heart of the matter in such a subtle way.
Facing such a friendly invitation, if Xu Xuan refused, how much leverage would he have to bring up the "Three-Spirit Deer Blood"? Such spiritual material to save lives was surely reserved for internal use within the Zhang family. Of course, with Xu Xuan’s potential, joining the Zhang family would mean he would be heavily utilized, and there would be a great hope of trading for the Three-Spirit Deer Blood.
Thoughts raced through Xu Xuan’s mind. He took a deep breath, slowly stood up, and had already made his decision.
(First update; today I am preparing to build up strength for an explosion, everyone stay tuned!)