Lin Xiao wasn't too surprised. As long as he had acted as a disciple of the Holy Spirit Sect, traces were bound to be left behind. With the Ordinary Alliance's capabilities, investigating him wouldn't be difficult.
Moreover, the Ordinary Alliance had even learned that he entered the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Tool Academy through Jing Hongchen's recommendation. Combined with the events surrounding Xu Jing's usurpation attempt during that time, some things weren't hard to piece together.
However, having his identity exposed actually put Lin Xiao at ease. "The Ordinary Alliance's shipment was intercepted by Shrek Academy and later likely sent to a city near the Heavenly Soul Empire's border."
"I see," Shangguan Wei'er said, pondering for a moment. "In that case, it's a blessing in disguise. Perhaps the Ordinary Alliance's business can expand into the Heavenly Soul Empire in the future. Thank you for bringing me this good news, honored guest."
"You don't believe me?" she asked, noticing Lin Xiao's reaction.
Lin Xiao shook his head, avoiding Shangguan Wei'er's gaze.
But Shangguan Wei'er continued, "Though I'm just a merchant, I have some discernment. The Ordinary Alliance's goods are no ordinary items. Whether it's the Sun Moon Empire or the Heavenly Soul Empire, anyone who sees that shipment would likely have ulterior motives."
Though Lin Xiao didn't respond, he inwardly agreed with Shangguan Wei'er's words. It wasn't that he looked down on the Heavenly Soul Empire's officials, but few could resist the allure of two dragon girls.
Capable of enhancing physical strength, removing hidden ailments in the body, and even potentially inducing beneficial martial soul mutations—such things would spark greed in anyone. Even if it was Shrek Academy's intention, as long as the dragon girls were hidden and claimed to have been released, who could verify otherwise?
Though tensions existed between the Heavenly Soul Empire and the Sun Moon Empire, the Ordinary Alliance's business might indeed thrive. Sometimes, tense relations made certain clandestine dealings easier.
"Many things can be traded in the Ordinary Alliance. Besides that shipment, even rumors and hearsay have their value," Shangguan Wei'er said.
Seeing Lin Xiao's thoughtful expression, Shangguan Wei'er suddenly shifted the topic, glancing at Shangguan Qing beside her. "You've just resolved a concern of mine, honored guest. Please accept these small tokens."
As she spoke, Shangguan Qing handed over two boxes. The moment the lids were slightly opened, a peculiar fragrance wafted out.
"These are some common herbs. Some guests use them for… recreational purposes," Shangguan Wei'er explained.
Lin Xiao glanced into the boxes and inwardly gasped.
He was no stranger to the contents. Even before coming to this world, he had heard of their reputation—whale glue. This substance could enhance physical strength and increase the age limit of soul rings a soul master could absorb. For ordinary people, it was worth a fortune, yet in the hands of nobles, it was used as a recreational item. Truly…
"Also, I've heard that you're quite favored by His Highness the Crown Prince…" Shangguan Wei'er added.
As her words landed, Lin Xiao suddenly understood why she had invited him here. Only something involving Crown Prince Xu Tianran would pique the interest of someone like Shangguan Wei'er.
To outsiders, Lin Xiao indeed seemed noteworthy. Recommended by Jing Hongchen to the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Tool Academy, valued by the Holy Spirit Sect's leader and kept by their side, and even personally received by Crown Prince Xu Tianran.
In Shangguan Wei'er's eyes, Lin Xiao likely held many secrets worth exploring.
But Lin Xiao knew the truth—it was all just a coincidence. After the spirit ascension ceremony, Zhongli Wu had taken a sudden interest in bringing him to the battlefield to boost his cultivation.
Later, after the assassination incident, he was imprisoned, and it was only because Xu Tianran wanted to curry favor with the Holy Spirit Sect that he was personally received.
"No need to overthink, honored guest. Qiwu Garden is a place of business, and all transactions here are based on mutual consent. Only information willingly shared by guests is trustworthy," Shangguan Wei'er said.
Truthfully, Lin Xiao was tempted. Though he had saved up some gold soul coins over the years, some things couldn't be bought with money alone. With Shangguan Wei'er's generosity, if he had valuable information in the future, there might be even more good things to gain.
But while he thought this, his words took a different tone. "Alliance Leader Shangguan, you've misunderstood. My meeting with His Highness the Crown Prince was merely a coincidence. I'm afraid I don't have much of what you're looking for."
"Hehe, no matter," Shangguan Wei'er said, still smiling. "Qiwu Garden is always open to guests. Whenever you have something you'd like to share with others, you're welcome to come back."
In this day and age, no one believed the truth. Looking at Shangguan Wei'er, Lin Xiao had other thoughts.
Though meeting Xu Tianran was a coincidence, he did know things others didn't. In the future, if he needed help, he might indeed turn to the Ordinary Alliance.
"Well, it's getting late. You can't leave Qiwu Garden on an empty stomach. Qing'er, have them bring the food."
"Yes, Sister Wei'er."
Hearing the title again, Lin Xiao glanced at Shangguan Qing. Though he had suspected Shangguan Qing's connection to the Ordinary Alliance, he hadn't expected this kind of relationship with Shangguan Wei'er.
"You seem to have misunderstood something, honored guest," Shangguan Wei'er said, immediately seeing through Lin Xiao's thoughts. "The Ordinary Alliance has taken in many children like Qing'er. Her parents passed away, and I raised her, so she took my surname and calls me sister."
Taken in? Lin Xiao didn't want to speculate how many of these "children" were truly adopted versus acquired through other means by the Ordinary Alliance, but her explanation resolved his doubts.
Otherwise, it would be hard to believe that Shangguan Wei'er, famous for decades, had such a young sister.
After that, Shangguan Wei'er rarely brought up the earlier topics, engaging only in casual conversation until late into the night when Lin Xiao took his leave.
"Sister Wei'er, you personally invited him here and just let him leave like that?" Shangguan Qing moved closer, gently massaging Shangguan Wei'er's shoulders.
"I've said before, transactions are about mutual consent. The Ordinary Alliance never pries information from guests' mouths. It's only when guests, in the heat of the moment, share their experiences that it matters."
"Besides, inviting him wasn't my idea. The Ordinary Alliance's current status relies on the support of nobles. The recent incident with the Second Prince has made some people anxious, wanting to test the Crown Prince's new allies. I was merely acting on their behalf."
"So, Sister Wei'er, do you think he's really worth the nobles' attention?"
Shangguan Wei'er shook her head. "He likely holds a significant position in the Holy Spirit Sect, but he's definitely not the link between the Crown Prince and the sect, as some believe."