C22 The Shopping Storm

Because they were both candidates for the Inner Sect Disciple Assessment of the Dragon Hidden Sect and shared a compassionate nature, the two quickly struck up a conversation and soon considered each other friends.

"Thank you, sirs, for your rescue. I am deeply grateful," Yuu Mo said, approaching Ling Yunfan and Ye Tianwen with a look of immense gratitude after observing their conversation.

Ling Yunfan quickly steadied Yuu Mo as she attempted to bow in thanks, assuring her, "There's no need for such formality, Miss Mo. I merely lent a hand since it was on my way. Direct your thanks to Mr. Tianwen, if you must."

Before Ling Yunfan could finish, Ye Tianwen, with a smile, chimed in, "Please, Miss Mo, no need for such politeness. We simply couldn't stand by and watch a young lady being mistreated."

Ling Yunfan responded with a warm smile and a nod of agreement.

"Miss Mo is also here for the Inner Sect Disciple Assessment of the Dragon Hidden Sect. May I accompany you both on your journey?" Yuu Mo inquired, hoping to join them.

"Of course, there's no issue. We still have a bit of a journey ahead to Purple Gold City, and the three of us can keep each other company to stave off the boredom of travel," Ye Tianwen replied, then turned to Ling Yunfan, "What do you say, Mr. Yunfan?"

Yuu Mo looked on curiously as Ye Tianwen sought Ling Yunfan's opinion.

With a slight smile, Ling Yunfan said, "I'm in agreement with Mr. Tianwen. Let's travel together!"

With Ling Yunfan's consent, Yuu Mo's face lit up with joy, and she eagerly joined the two men as they set off.

Ling Yunfan had chosen to walk with them because he had previously noticed the altercation between Yuu Mo and Xiaotian, the Third Regimental Commander of the Cloud Mercenary Group. He had let his horse go and arrived here quietly. As a result, even though he would have preferred not to walk, walking had become his only option.

As they journeyed together, the trio chatted and laughed, forming a bond over three days of travel. Discovering they were kindred spirits, they gradually opened up and shared their life stories.

Among their tales, Ling Yunfan's experiences stood out, leaving Ye Tianwen and Yuu Mo in awe. "Mr. Yunfan, it's clear you've endured extraordinary trials to possess such magnetism. Your very presence commands respect," Ye Tianwen remarked with a look of admiration, having just taken a sip of water.

"I couldn't agree more!" chimed in Yuu Mo, nodding emphatically in response to Ye Tianwen's observation.

Ling Yunfan, a bit overwhelmed by the praise, replied, "Enough with the compliments. We're approaching Purple Gold City. Let's focus on getting there."

With that, he led them through the massive gates into the bustling Purple Gold City, a place new to him. Inside, the streets were alive with people, each with their own level of cultivation prowess. Remarkably, the least skilled among them had reached Body Refining Level Eight, with several others exhibiting the strength of the Essence Gathering Stage or higher, much to the surprise of the trio.

The city was not only teeming with life but also brimming with goods for sale, including an array of high-quality medicinal pills, weapons, martial skills, and cultivation methods. The weapons ranged from High Level Battle Artifacts to Middle Level Treasure Artifacts, while the martial skills and other items were equally impressive.

"Wow, Purple Gold City truly lives up to its reputation as a grand city. It's so vibrant and exciting!" Yuu Mo exclaimed, her face lighting up with joy as if she were a country girl experiencing the wonders of a metropolis for the first time.

She eagerly pulled Ling Yunfan and Ye Tianwen along, exploring the city's offerings. When they came across a stall adorned with various trinkets, Ling Yunfan was captivated by a teardrop-shaped blue and white crystal.

"Mr. Yunfan, what's caught your eye? You seem utterly transfixed," Ye Tianwen asked, tapping Ling Yunfan on the shoulder as he savored his skewer of roasted meat.

Ling Yunfan, with a softness in his eyes, disregarded Ye Tianwen standing nearby and cradled the blue and white crystal shaped like a tear in his hand. He inquired of the vendor, "How much for this?"

"One hundred and twenty thousand taels," the vendor replied in a raspy voice, noting Ling Yunfan's keen interest in the tear-shaped crystal.

"What?!"

"That much?"

Ye Tianwen and Yuu Mo were the first to exclaim in astonishment upon hearing the price.

Their outburst drew the attention of many onlookers, who turned with looks of surprise. As they realized that the item valued at one hundred and twenty thousand taels was merely an ordinary tear-shaped crystal, murmurs of disbelief rippled through the crowd.

"Vendor, I'll take the crystal. How should I pay?" Ling Yunfan, feeling increasingly uncomfortable with the growing crowd, addressed the stall owner once more.

"Just place your silver in my Universe Bag," the vendor instructed, knowing Ling Yunfan possessed one. He quickly produced his own Universe Bag.

Upon examining it, Ling Yunfan noted its exceptional sheen, as if it were painted with vibrant colors. Despite its appearance, a closer inspection revealed an intricate array of patterns, indicating it was indeed a high-grade Universe Bag. Without hesitation, Ling Yunfan deposited two hundred thousand taels of silver into the bag and handed it back.

"There you go, it's yours!" The vendor, his face masked, tossed the blue and white crystal back to Ling Yunfan once he reclaimed his Universe Bag.

Ling Yunfan deftly caught it. Onlookers, having witnessed the transaction, cast peculiar glances his way, their expressions tinged with the scornful amusement reserved for a naive rustic duped by a clever trick.

Unperturbed by their stares, Ling Yunfan was accustomed to such reactions and promptly turned to Ye Tianwen and Yuu Mo, "Let's find an inn to settle down and rest for a bit."

"Sure."

"Okay."

With a nod, they both agreed and followed him.

As Ling Yunfan and his companions departed, the crowd dispersed, each person returning to their own affairs.

"Brother Yunfan, I'm still puzzled. Why would you spend one hundred and twenty thousand taels on such a plain crystal? Could you explain?" Ye Tianwen, unable to contain his curiosity, asked as they walked on.

"Yeah, one hundred and twenty thousand taels of silver isn't exactly pocket change," Ye Tianwen remarked. As he posed his question, Yuu Mo, walking to his right, chimed in with a curious look on her face.

Observing their intrigued expressions, Ling Yunfan couldn't help but respond, "Truthfully, I'm not sure why I was so set on purchasing this crystal. When I first laid eyes on it, I felt an inexplicable pull, as if it held some connection to me. That's why I made the decision to buy it on the spot. Regrettably, that sensation faded after just a brief moment."

Ling Yunfan showed a look of resignation as he finished his explanation.

Listening to Ling Yunfan, both Ye Tianwen and Yuu Mo thought to themselves, "They say impulse is the devil, and it seems they were talking about you."