C35 Thousand Sea Merchant Guild

Ye Hengkong stared at the characters "Ren Er" etched into the surface, his mind sinking into a prolonged contemplation. No matter how much he wracked his brain, he couldn't make sense of it—a name like "Ren Er" was just too bizarre. Yet, he couldn't dismiss this clue; it was a dying message pointing straight to the killer.

After a lengthy deliberation, Ye Hengkong turned, his expression darkening, and commanded, "Take the body back first. No one speaks of this until the clan leader decides our next move."

"Yes, sir!" came the unanimous response. The Ye Family members, following Ye Hengkong's directive, began to gather the remains and meticulously combed the area for any overlooked evidence.

Meanwhile, Chu Yan had long since returned to his modest courtyard within the Lin Family's estate in Evergreen Town. After some rest and a breakfast served by the household staff, he resumed his cultivation, retreating once more into his solitary existence.

Three days passed, and Chu Yan noted that Ye Chen's death had stirred no ripples of consequence; the incident was as if it had never occurred. Another two days went by, and after subtly probing the daily meal-serving servants, Chu Yan confirmed that both the Lin Family and Evergreen Town had carried on as usual. With this knowledge, he stepped out of the Lin Family mansion on this particular morning, making his way toward the heart of Qingyang Town.

His deliberate seclusion within the Lin household meant his departure went unnoticed. Although Chu Yan had not fully explored Evergreen Town since his arrival, his extensive reading had given him a clear mental map of the town's layout.

Today, he ventured out with a clear objective in mind, not a leisurely stroll. After ambling along to ensure he wasn't followed, Chu Yan picked up his pace. Half an hour later, he reached the bustling epicenter of Qingyang Town's commercial district.

The area was teeming with life—vendors' calls, the barter of prices, and the close-set stalls and shops created a cacophony of commerce. Chu Yan, however, was unfazed by the commotion, weaving through the crowd to a shop that exuded an air of antiquity and elegance.

In stark contrast to the lively storefronts around it, this shop's entrance was noticeably quieter, with patrons entering and exiting sporadically. But it was precisely here that Chu Yan had intended to arrive.

"Wan Hai Chamber of Commerce," Chu Yan noted, his lips curling into a smile as he observed the signboard suspended above the storefront.

This was the very place Feng Ru had described—the only shop in all of Qingyang Town with an inscription master on site.

Stepping inside, Chu Yan was struck by the deceptive size of the establishment. The modest façade belied a spacious interior, stocked with a comprehensive array of goods: medicinal herbs, leather, refined iron, weapons, and even pills and true essence talismans were all for sale.

It seemed that anything sold at the town's various stalls and shops could be found within the walls of the Wan Hai Chamber of Commerce.

However, Chu Yan noticed that the prices here were about 20% higher than those outside, which likely explained the noticeably smaller number of customers.

While Chu Yan perused the merchandise, a young woman in a pink dress approached him with a warm smile. "Welcome, dear guest. How may I assist you today?" she inquired with a polite bow.

"I'm interested in the inscription patterns," Chu Yan replied coolly, his gaze drifting past her as he surveyed the shop.

Despite his unassuming attire, his royal lineage was unmistakable; the natural authority he exuded was not something that could be mimicked. The young woman, recognizing his stature, respectfully guided him deeper into the shop.

They navigated through several sections until the young woman paused, her hands clasped before her. She bowed slightly and said, "You'll find the inscriptions you seek here, sir. Is there anything else you require?"

At that moment, a portly shopkeeper emerged from the back.

"No, that will be all, thank you. I prefer to browse on my own," Chu Yan said, nodding to the shopkeeper before moving past him.

As Chu Yan disappeared into the aisles, the young woman who had greeted him watched his retreating figure, let out a quiet sigh, and mused to herself, "I wonder who that guest is. His presence is so commanding—I could hardly breathe. Even the elders from the local clans who visit don't have that effect on me."

Upon entering the stall, the plump, fair-skinned shopkeeper greeted him with a warm smile. "Good sir, may I inquire which type of inscription you're looking to have etched onto a blade? Our Wan Hai Chamber of Commerce boasts the finest Inscription Apprentice in all of Qingyang Town. I assure you, you'll be thoroughly pleased."

"An Inscription Apprentice?" A glint passed through Chu Yan's eyes. "Isn't there an Inscription Master available?"

The shopkeeper gave Chu Yan a once-over, chuckling, "We do have an Inscription Master, but enlisting their services comes at a steeper price."

"I see," Chu Yan nodded, unfazed by the fleeting scorn in the shopkeeper's gaze. He stated his purpose, "Shopkeeper, I'll be frank—I have a budding interest in inscriptions and wish to delve into the craft using Inscription Pens. Do you carry them here?"

"Indeed," the shopkeeper affirmed with a nod. "Anything related to inscriptions can be purchased through our Wan Hai Chamber of Commerce. But might I ask, which type of Inscription Pen are you interested in?"

"What varieties do you have?" inquired Chu Yan.

"One moment, young master." The shopkeeper excused himself and returned shortly with several trays in hand.

Chu Yan observed that the Inscription Pens arrayed on the trays resembled ordinary brushes, yet they were enveloped in a mysterious aura, setting them apart as something extraordinary.

Presenting the trays to Chu Yan, the shopkeeper advised, "If the Young Noble is merely curious about inscriptions and intends to explore independently, I wouldn't recommend investing in the pricier Inscription Pens. Among these options, I'm confident you'll find one that suits your needs."

With that, he showcased each Inscription Pen from the trays.

Despite being mentally prepared, Chu Yan couldn't suppress a twinge of bitterness upon learning that even the least expensive Inscription Pen was priced at a hefty four hundred Spirit Money.

Having recently come into a modest sum from Ye Chen and the two servants, Chu Yan had more than just Inscription Pens on his shopping list.

Ultimately, under the shopkeeper's subtly derisive gaze, he resigned himself to purchasing the Inscription Pen for four hundred Spirit Money.

"Do you still require materials for engraving inscriptions, Young Master?" The shopkeeper's face bore a sly smile as he posed the question.

He had already surmised that Chu Yan wasn't carrying much Spirit Money.

However, as a professional, he refrained from letting his inner disdain show on his face.

"No, that won't be necessary," Chu Yan responded coolly.

The Wan Hai Chamber of Commerce charged a 20% premium on their materials compared to those sold elsewhere, and he wasn't about to squander his limited Spirit Money.

Having declined the offer, Chu Yan smoothly shifted the conversation, "However, I do need some inscription paper. Also, shopkeeper, what's the going rate for Thunder Inscription Marks here?"