The silver-white little fish flitted to and fro above Chen Jiuge’s palm.
Innate to the Void Silverfish was the ability to swim through the void. Its life-preserving capabilities were unmatched, though its combat capabilities were underwhelming. However, being a Seventh Rank Mahayana Spiritual Beast, it had the potential to become a formidable force once it matured.
An Attendant who had never encountered such a situation could only offer a wry smile. "Senior, please wait a moment. This situation is beyond my authority. I need to report this."
The Attendant hastily left and soon returned with an elegant young man.
"I was wondering who could be so lucky. It turns out to be two of my junior brothers from Myriad Beasts Sect," said the young man, Bai Xuan, with a chuckle.
"It’s Senior Brother Bai," Lin Jiu greeted the man with a bow.
"Oh, Junior Brother Lin, you’re too polite. I just happened to be here looking for my Third Sister. When I heard about this, I came to take a look," Bai Xuan said, helping Lin Jiu to his feet.
"And how might I address this junior brother?" Bai Xuan asked courteously.
"Senior Brother Bai, I am Chen Jiuge." Knowing the profound Cultivation of this Senior Brother Bai, Chen Jiuge responded honestly.
"Junior Brother Chen, you’re too modest. But your luck is indeed enviable," Bai Xuan remarked.
"I wonder if Junior Brother Chen plans to rear this Void Silverfish himself, or would you sell it to my Bai Family?" Bai Xuan asked.
"Senior Brother Bai, I plan to sell this Spiritual Fish. My Cultivation is not high, and I already have quite a few Guardian Beasts under my care. Rearing this Void Silverfish is beyond my capabilities," Chen Jiuge said, scratching his head with an innocent expression.
"How about this, Junior Brother? I’ll buy the fish. I won’t let you suffer a loss. What do you think of ten pieces of Spirit Marrow?" Bai Xuan pondered before naming a price that greatly tempted Chen Jiuge.
(The exchange rate between Spirit Stones is 1:100, and between Spirit Marrow and Top Grade Spiritual Stones is 1:10,000)
Ten pieces of Spirit Marrow were equivalent to one hundred thousand Upper Spirits. However, no one would exchange Spirit Marrow for Upper Spirits, since burying a piece of Spirit Marrow in the ground could transform it into a miniature Spirit Vein. Though it couldn’t be reclaimed, the effect of the Spirit Marrow was such that it could artificially create a spirit field and Spiritual Spring, among other uses in Alchemy and artifact Refining.
Just as Chen Jiuge was about to agree, someone else stepped into the private room.
Draped in a white coat that showcased her perfect figure, with a White Jade smoking pipe between her lush, captivating lips and her exquisite, enchanting features—this was none other than Bai Fenghuang, the manager of the Bai Family’s Myriad Fish Cage.
"Second Brother, offering such a price in my Myriad Fish Cage is rather disrespectful. I’ll offer twelve pieces of Spirit Marrow," Bai Fenghuang remarked calmly yet firmly.
"What do you mean by this, Third Sister?" Bai Xuan looked at Bai Fenghuang with dissatisfaction. He knew that although the Void Silverfish was a special Seventh Rank Spiritual Beast, its lesser combat power meant its price wasn’t particularly high. While ten pieces of Spirit Marrow wasn’t a premium, it was the standard price.
"It means nothing. I just need an attractive Spiritual Fish for my fish tank," Bai Fenghuang replied with a cold smile.
Upon hearing this, Bai Xuan’s face darkened for a moment before he regained his composure and said, "Then let Third Sister have it."
Watching Bai Xuan depart with heavy steps, Bai Fenghuang sneered twice before turning to the fortunate Chen Jiuge. "From Myriad Beasts Sect? Which peak? What’s your name?"
"Reporting to Senior, I am Chen Jiuge from Hundred Herbs Peak," Chen Jiuge said, It seems I’ve inadvertently walked into an inescapable family feud.
Exhaling a ring of smoke, Bai Fenghuang said, "Twelve Spirit Marrow. I’ll take this Void Silverfish."
Waving her hand, Bai Fenghuang took the Void Silverfish from Chen Jiuge’s hand and stopped inches away from his face, seductively saying, "Lucky little fellow, I’ll remember you."
Having taken the Void Silverfish, Bai Fenghuang left with those ambiguous words and swayed away.
Lin Jiu approached with a mischievous grin and said, "Junior Brother, today you not only made a fortune, but your romantic luck isn’t bad either. Why not try to woo Bai Fenghuang? She’s one of the few in the Bai Family this generation closest to becoming an immortal."
"Senior Brother, do you realize what you are saying?" Chen Jiuge said, speechless.
"Seriously, I’m just joking. But Junior Brother, you should still keep your distance from the Bai Family," Lin Jiu said, shaking his head.
"Since the Great Elder of Feiyu Peak, who is also the Bai Family’s ancestor, left, the Bai Family, though still affiliated with the Myriad Beasts Sect, has been losing power day by day at Feiyu Peak. It’s said that the lifespan of that Heavenly Immortal ancestor of the Bai Family is nearing its end. Heavenly Immortals live for one hundred thousand years, and it’s been almost thirty thousand years since the Bai Family was established," Lin Jiu explained, shaking his head.
Chen Jiuge did not respond. I’m not a fool. How could a mere Nascent Soul like me get involved in the internal affairs of such a great family? Bai Fenghuang is very attractive, but I’m not the type to throw my life away for a woman.
"Alright, Junior Brother, we should head to the Flower Fairy Building now. Old Zhang sent a message saying he and Junior Sister Zhen have already gone there," Lin Jiu said.
This time, from fish gambling, besides the twelve Spirit Marrow, he also earned nearly eight thousand Upper Spirits. After all, I tried to control things towards the end to avoid losses and ensure a small profit, which resulted in this income of eight thousand Upper Spirits.
What a great place, Chen Jiuge praised silently to himself after leaving the Myriad Fish Cage.
And after Chen Jiuge left, the gamblers within the third-floor private room began spreading the renowned name of Chen Jiuge, the Fish King.
Chief Zhang had already arrived at the Flower Fairy Building with Zhen Yan.
The Flower Fairy Building, a business venture of the first-rate Flower Fairy Valley, was known for its intoxicating floral fragrance and enchanting beauty. Their unique Flower Fairy Dance caused Cultivators of all levels to linger in admiration, each coveting a Disciple from Flower Fairy Valley as a matter of pride.
"Chief, this place isn’t appropriate," Zhen Yan said sternly, looking at the colorful archway and the scantily clad women inside.
"Junior Sister Zhen... well, Junior Sister Zhen, although I am a bit older, we are indeed of the same generation. This is a property of the Flower Fairy Valley. Though it may seem revealing, everything here is legitimate. As they say, ’food and desire are part of human nature.’ Besides, we’re just here to eat, not to cause any trouble. Junior Sister, don’t overthink it," Chief Zhang cajoled.
"Old Zhang, that’s not very noble of you, deceiving a young girl ," an elderly Cultivator who was about to enter scorned Chief Zhang.
Unfazed, the thick-skinned Chief Zhang, without turning back, led Zhen Yan towards a small attic.
From the Myriad Fish Cage to the Flower Fairy Building took less than fifteen minutes. Observing the colorful surroundings, the revealing dances, and the listless atmosphere, Chen Jiuge couldn’t help but ask, "Is this a brothel of the Cultivation World? This place doesn’t seem suitable for Junior Sister Zhen, does it?"
Faced with Chen Jiuge’s probing question, Lin Jiu awkwardly coughed twice and said, "Junior Brother, we’re not here to cause trouble. The Flowers Cake of the Flower Fairy Valley is truly exceptional."
Watching a flustered Lin Jiu dash inside, Chen Jiuge’s mouth twitched, but he said nothing and followed closely behind.