"This must be the Mistveil Antique Store," the stranger said calmly, tapping his fan.
"Yes, good sir. How may I help you?" Qingling smiled, gesturing him inside.
The merchant, cloaked in expensive robes and blessed with hair so perfect it offended heaven itself, was a direct threat to Long Xiao's already fragile dignity.
My robes… forgive me… Long Xiao cried internally.
"Do you perhaps have any ember roots?" the man asked.
"Ember root? Yes, we do. I'll return shortly." Qingling smiled sweetly, then turned, her eyes narrowing as she passed Long Xiao.
"Entertain the guest. This might take a while. And please don't mess it up this time." She hissed and vanished into the storeroom.
Long Xiao stood frozen. Entertain? What was he, a mortal jester?
"Mortal— I mean, good sir," he corrected quickly, "is there a particular reason you seek the ember root? An illness, perhaps? I know a remarkable healer." He asked although he didn't care less.
The merchant leaned closer. "I need the ember root to accelerate my cultivation before I join the Cultivation Academy… and to avoid being caught up in the prophecy. Keep this confidential."
Prophecy? Cultivation Academy? Long Xiao's eyes sparkled. Finally, something interesting.
"Teacher shouldn't return anytime soon," he thought, motioning to a chair. "Please, sit."
He poured tea, preparing himself for what he was sure would be a divine revelation.
"According to the prophecy," the merchant continued, "two people were chosen by the Scarlet Star—they will either destroy or unify the realms." He paused, studying Long Xiao closely. "You don't seem like someone from our Xuchong Realm. No wonder you haven't heard of it. But I thought it was known across all realms…"
"You're right," Long Xiao admitted. "I'm not from here. I'm from…"
Think, Xiao, think! Which realm? You don't even have your map…"The Lianxu Realm," he declared confidently.
"The Lianxu Realm?" the merchant's eyes widened. "The Realm of Forging Ruins, home of blacksmith sects, ancient weapon crafting, and cursed anvils?"
"Indeed."
The merchant grinned. "Brother, we must meet again someday. I'd love to hear of your life there."
Nooooo! It was supposed to quell suspicion, not earn an invitation! Long Xiao gritted his teeth.
"Here's the ember root," Qingling announced, returning with a box in hand."By chance, are you Young Master Yun Zi of the Yun Pavilion?"
The man smiled. "Yes. You know me?"
"Of course! Who doesn't? The Yun Pavilion is among the most prominent families in the Xuchong Realm.Also you have the Yun family symbol of the Twin Bats on your forehead. But… with your status, why buy ember roots from us?" Her tone was polite, but her eyes sharp.
"Shhh." His voice dropped. "Please keep this secret. I'll pay extra—just don't let my father know."
"You know promises mean nothing in the Xuchong Realm," she said, smirking.
"I know. But gold, on the other hand…" His lips curved. "Gold means everything. Especially to your Madam."
With a flick of his wrist, he produced five large boxes of gold bars.
Long Xiao's eyes gleamed. "My shiny spirits… how nice of you to pay me another visit."
His eyes gleamed as the gold bars were presented with flair.
"Brother Yun Zi, with these many shiny spirits, consider me deaf and dumb." He quickly helped himself to two boxes before Qingling could protest