Qin Gengyun came to Yunling Town half a year ago and took up a position at the Spirit Pill Workshop.
He cleaned the courtyard and two alchemy rooms daily and was very familiar with the unused bronze furnace.
At this moment, as he saw this second-hand bronze furnace in a secret little house in the East Market, he immediately recognized it as the one from the Spirit Pill Workshop!
Recalling how Yang Fengshan had forbidden anyone from entering the old alchemy workshop under the guise of renovations during the day, Qin Gengyun seemed to understand something.
However, the current situation was a bit tricky for him.
Yang Fengshan had hidden it so well; it was obvious the pavilion master didn't know about the sale of the bronze furnace.
Otherwise, he could have openly put it up for sale at the legitimate Blessing Pavilion, without having to sneakily sell it to this second-hand vendor at the night market at a bargain price.
Since it was sold secretly behind the pavilion master's back, the bronze furnace had a dubious origin.
If he bought it, would it bring trouble?
What if the pavilion master found out and thought he was colluding with Yang Fengshan, betraying his trust?
After all, the pavilion master was at the Fourth-Layer Qi Cultivation and a Second-Tier Alchemist; if he wanted to make things difficult for him, life could become quite hard.
"Taoist Friend Qin, what's wrong?"
Mo Xiaolan noticed Qin Gengyun's unusual expression and quickly asked in a low voice.
Qin Gengyun pondered for a moment, then pulled Mo Xiaolan to the side:
"Taoist Friend Mo, I can't buy this pill furnace."
Mo Xiaolan was taken aback and quickly asked:
"Why? Do you think it's too expensive? If you don't have enough Spirit Stones for now, I can lend them to you."
Qin Gengyun shook his head: "Thank you, Taoist Friend Mo, but it's not about the price; it's..."
He glanced at the shabby vendor nearby and whispered a few words to Mo Xiaolan.
Mo Xiaolan looked at him in surprise, then nodded quickly: "I understand, Taoist Friend Qin's concerns are right; you indeed cannot buy this pill furnace."
She signaled to Qin Gengyun, who understood, and the two walked to the bronze furnace. Qin Gengyun circled around it twice, pretending to observe it carefully, and then started talking about problems.
"This bronze furnace is too old, you see, there are even signs of the furnace having exploded here, even if you bought it, you couldn't use it for alchemy; the furnace fire couldn't be contained, it's useless."
Taoist Friend Zheng frowned: "Taoist Friend Qin, don't try to fool me; I may not be an alchemist, but I can still discern quality. This bronze furnace may be old, but it's perfectly suited for concocting low-grade pills."
Mo Xiaolan chimed in: "Taoist Friend Zheng, Taoist Friend Qin is an alchemist; how could he deceive you? I think that the seller must have hidden the deficiencies of this furnace from you."
The shabby vendor was half unsure but since Qin Gengyun insisted on not buying it, he had no choice but to grumble and leave with the two of them, muttering about seeking an explanation from the seller.
Returning to the East Market, Mo Xiaolan clasped her hands towards the vendor:
"Taoist Friend Zheng, please continue to keep an eye out for me and let me know if there's anything suitable right away."
"Alright."
The two returned to Mo Xiaolan's vendor stall. Mo Xiaolan continued with her business, as Qin Gengyun was about to say goodbye, but Mo Xiaolan said:
"Taoist Friend Qin, I plan to close early today. Would you wait for a bit and head back together?"
Qin Gengyun nodded: "Okay."
Mo Xiaolan smiled like an orchid: "Then wait for me!"
...
Narrow Rain Lane.
In the kitchen of the house Qin Gengyun rented.
Qiu Zhihe stood in front of the stove, extending her jade-like hand, as a scorching flame shot from her palm, burning beneath the stove, causing the pot of porridge on top to simmer lightly.
Yet the flame wasn't fierce, resembling the gentle heat used in the kitchen for simmering broths.
"To make delicious porridge, there are three secrets: first is the rice, second the ingredients, and third the heat. It must be simmered over low heat to infuse the flavors of the ingredients into the porridge."
This was told by Chen Fang, the female cultivator from the couple next door to Qiu Zhihe.
The porridge before her was one Qiu Zhihe had been simmering since 3 p.m., and now, it was 7:15 p.m., having been cooked slowly for two and a half hours.
For Qiu Zhihe, simmering it this way was both an exercise in controlling the precision of Li Fire and proof that even in the kitchen, she wasn't inferior to anyone.
At this moment, a fragrant aroma wafted from the pot, and Qiu Zhihe licked her lips, a slight smile playing on her mouth.
She turned to look out the window at the darkening sky.
It was almost time for them to come back.
...
"Taoist Friend Mo, thank you for helping me these past days."
"Taoist Friend Qin, you're welcome; you've helped me out a lot too."
Walking side by side from the night market to the Narrow Rain Lane, Qin Gengyun and Mo Xiaolan conversed.
On the first day he moved to Narrow Rain Lane half a year ago, Mo Xiaolan was the first neighbor Qin Gengyun met.
Later, when he occasionally worked overtime at the Spirit Pill Workshop and got home late without time to cook, he ran into Mo Xiaolan returning from closing her night market stall, and they went out to eat together.
In this way, they quickly became familiar, and Qin Gengyun admired the hardworking and cheerful Mo Xiaolan greatly.
Throughout Narrow Rain Lane, or perhaps all of Yunling Town, she was surely one of the most hardworking people.
Yet, unfortunately, despite her hard work, Mo Xiaolan could still only afford to live in Narrow Rain Lane.
Such is this damn world.
The two chatted as they walked, soon arriving back at Narrow Rain Lane.
"Taoist Friend Mo, I'm going back now."
Qin Gengyun bowed to Mo Xiaolan, turning to head inside, but Mo Xiaolan said:
"Taoist Friend Qin, I haven't congratulated you yet."
"Hmm?" Qin Gengyun turned to look at her, seeing the woman in simple attire smiling:
"Congratulations on your marriage, though you haven't invited the neighbors over for a celebratory drink."
Qin Gengyun laughed: "Taoist Friend Mo, don't tease me; you know my situation. If this marriage for dual cultivation doesn't work, I'll have to give up my Tao Heart and find a peaceful place to live out my remaining days."
Mo Xiaolan's smile was bright: "That's why I'm congratulating you! You've broken through to the Third-Layer Qi Cultivation, advanced to First-Tier Alchemist, and succeeded in dual cultivation."
"Taoist Friend Mo, you walk the righteous path; your future achievements will surpass ours!"
Qin Gengyun spoke sincerely.
Whether in his past life or in this Cultivation World, he still hoped to see hardworking people like Mo Xiaolan succeed.
"No matter what, Taoist Friend Qin, don't forget our agreement!"
Mo Xiaolan clasped her hands, speaking solemnly.
One evening, the two had met on the way back and shared a meal at the night market, having a few drinks, and passionately made an agreement:
"When we both reach Foundation Establishment, we will celebrate again!"
Qin Gengyun laughed heartily: "I won't dare forget!"
Mo Xiaolan smiled tenderly: "On that day, I'll treat you to the best Spirit Wine!"
With no clouds tonight, moonlight spilled down, landing on the narrow lane; a man and a woman stood beneath their respective eaves, clasping hands and laughing out loud.
...
Bidding farewell to Mo Xiaolan, Qin Gengyun pushed open the door and entered, his nose involuntarily twitching twice.
A fragrant aroma filled the room.
This scent was familiar, smelled once at Zhang Chengdao and Chen Fang's house.
It was the scallion and minced meat porridge Chen Fang cooked, exceptionally aromatic and delicious.
He saw Qiu Zhihe, dressed in a black dress, sitting at the table, with a familiar iron pot atop it.
However, unlike last night, now the porridge inside was emitting fragnant aromas.
As he entered, Qiu Zhihe stood up, her lips showing a rare hint of enthusiasm:
"You're back; let's eat."
Qin Gengyun moved to the table, seeing minced meat cooked within the porridge, garnished with green and white scallions, the colors and aroma perfectly combined.
He looked at Qiu Zhihe in surprise: "Taoist Friend Qiu, is this porridge sent over by Taoist Friend Chen next door?"