The persimmon tree in the courtyard of Miaokong Hall had blossomed.
The flowers were tiny, a tender yellow that was not as fresh as pear blossoms nor as charming as peach blossoms, scattered like little stars among the leaves, giving off a scattered warmth.
Down the mountain, the willow trees were adorned with clusters of colorful lanterns. The lanterns, only as big as a fist, reflected on the river waters, flickering and dancing, making the scene more lively than the daytime.
The business at the Hua Jin Building continued to thrive as usual. The hall was packed with people. Today, Manager Jin had received a batch of new treasures, and they were being auctioned off in the hall, creating a very lively atmosphere.
A handsome young man with a silver spear passed by absentmindedly, his crimson headband shining brightly in the night. He bumped into a fragrant breeze as the enchanting and elegant proprietress, fanning herself, hurried over with a smile and said, “Yingying, you’re right on time.”
Gu Baiying ignored her pleasantries and asked straightforwardly, “Where’s the staff?”
“It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, and you don’t even ask how I’m doing. You’re only concerned about your staff,” Jin Feicui sighed exaggeratedly, “Indeed, boys are so straightforward—” Seeing Gu Baiying’s annoyed expression, the female shopkeeper quickly reined in her smile, “Go sit upstairs for a moment. I’ll get it for you.”
The guide led Gu Baiying to a private room on the second floor, by the riverbank. There was no wine today, only a pot of clear tea served in a snow-white porcelain cup, the tea green and clear.
As Gu Baiying drank his second cup, the beaded curtain was lifted, and Jin Feicui walked in carrying a long wooden box.
The beauty placed the wooden box on the table and, smiling, nodded towards Gu Baiying, “Here it is. This craftsman was someone I had to pay a high price to hire, just to forge the sword into a staff. The craftsmanship cost was considerable, and in the end, I, Jin Feicui, have done a bit of a losing business.”
Gu Baiying remained silent and opened the wooden box.
The bottom of the wooden box was lined with snow-white silk, upon which lay a green long staff. The staff was emerald in color, as lively as green bamboo. It felt slightly cool to the touch, like a gentle breeze brushing through a bamboo forest, with vitality flowing throughout. The craftsmanship of the staff was exceptional, with perfect curvature and smooth translucency. At the handle, there was a small, crystalline frost flower.
“The blacksmith said that the frost flower originally carved on the sword was quite intricate. It would be a pity to melt it away, so he preserved it. I thought that Miss Yang is a woman, so having a beautiful spiritual weapon with her wouldn’t be a bad thing, so I agreed.”
This staff was both exquisite and natural, perhaps with some runes re-engraved on it. Its spiritual energy surged, making it a rare top-grade spiritual weapon even among the Taiyan Sect.
There was indeed no fault to be found.
Gu Baiying closed the box and looked at Jin Feicui, “How many spiritual stones did you lose? I’ll make up for it.”
“Forget it,” Jin Feicui pressed down his hand, which was reaching for the Qiankun Bag, and scolded him playfully, “You rarely ask me to do something, so don’t be so polite. But I see you’re looking much better than last time. What’s the good news recently?”
Jin Feicui was unaware of Gu Baiying’s damaged spiritual veins. Naturally, she couldn’t know that since returning from the treasure site, Li Danshu had given him a pill made from the Sacred Tree’s fruit. It had been somewhat beneficial. His spiritual veins were gradually being repaired, and his previously restrained spiritual energy was now unbound, making him look even better than before.
“Just like that, nothing special.” Gu Baiying glanced outside and said, “It’s getting late, I should head back.”
“Leaving so soon after arriving?” Jin Feicui asked, “Aren’t you going to take a look at something? I just got a few new treasures today…”
“No need,” the young man declined bluntly, “They’re all old stuff, nothing fresh.”
Hearing this, Jin Feicui’s brows furrowed, and she sneered, “Gu Baiying, you have no shame. Who used to roll around in my Hua Jin Building’s warehouse as a child, unwilling to leave? And even cried when Xuan Lingzi called you back to the sect. Now you’re complaining that my place is too small? Let me tell you, Hua Jin Building is quite renowned in the immortal cultivation world. Those trivial things in your sect, I, Jin Feicui, wouldn’t even look at.”
“Manager Jin,” Gu Baiying, unable to tolerate her nagging, interrupted her, “It’s not that the things in your building aren’t good. It’s just me, okay? I don’t have anything I want to buy. Can I come back another time to support your business?”
“Nothing you want to buy?” Jin Feicui glared at him, “Why don’t you just give this staff to Miss Yang?”
“Give it to her?”
“With that charming face of yours, how come you’re so clueless?” Jin Feicui scolded him, “Can’t you buy something else to give her along with it? When others give gifts to a lady, they don’t just give a spiritual tool, it’s not like you’re honoring your master.”
“A gift?” The young man looked puzzled, “We’re not even close. Why would I give a gift?”
“Flowers, lanterns, stars, jade, gold, or hairpins!” Jin Feicui, exasperated, pointed at his forehead, “If you don’t do anything, you’ll never get any closer to her.”
Gu Baiying’s face darkened. He stood up and placed a handful of spiritual stones on the table. “It’s even stranger to give gifts out of nowhere.” He picked up the silver spear and the wooden box from the table. “I’m leaving now. I’ll come back another time.”
The young man’s figure quickly disappeared outside Hua Jin Building. Jin Feicui was too late to catch him, so she leaned on her hand, gazing at the brilliant river, and sighed deeply.
“Both mother and son are the same. They really make others anxious.”
*
Gu Baiying left Hua Jin Building and, by the time he returned to the sect, it was already quite late. He didn’t go to Miaokong Palace but instead put the green staff away, deciding to give it to Zanxing the next day.
The following day was sunny. As Gufeng Mountain entered summer, it wasn’t as hot as the lower altitudes, but the days were longer, and there was a hint of damp warmth when the sun came out. The flowers and plants outside the palace wilted under the midday sun, but in the early morning, they were especially vibrant.
Men Dong went to the Elysium Palace early in the morning and encountered Tian Fangfang at the entrance, who was holding a box of peanut crisp.
“Junior Brother, Junior Brother!” Tian Fangfang called from behind.
Men Dong stopped and, dissatisfied, rubbed his ears. “Senior Brother, why are you shouting? I can hear you.”
Tian Fangfang handed him the delicately wrapped peanut crisp. “Senior Brother Mu asked me to bring this to you. He went to the Chu Hong Platform early this morning and asked me to give this to you. I guessed you would come to the Martial Uncle’s palace, so I’ve been waiting here for quite a while.”
Men Dong took the box, glanced inside, and opened it. The peanut crisp was beautifully made, each piece small and looking just like real peanuts at first glance. Men Dong nodded in satisfaction. “The peanut crisp from Pinxiang Zhai is quite good. The young man is very sincere – it’s worth the effort I put in.”