As they approached the town gates, they saw two guards checking everyone's identity.
Before Du Yue could say anything, he quickly coached her: "Just act in your character, Young Master…"
Du Yue's back immediately straightened, and her hands went behind her back like a rich young master. She continued walking forward. Behind her, Su Wen sighed and followed, adopting the posture of someone fawning over their superior.
As they neared the city gate, the gatekeeper immediately recognized Su Wen, as he used to work at Assistant Physician Lu's clinic as a physician.
Du Yue walked domineeringly, as if looking down at everyone, deeming no one worthy of her eyes. Before the gatekeeper could speak, Su Wen went to him and gently shook his hand. The gatekeeper felt something placed in his palm, but his reaction didn't change; he just nodded quietly.
Su Wen said in a fawning manner, "Brother Zhang, this is Young Master K from the Central Continent. He is my Senior Brother from the academy. Under his guidance, I refined a new stamina pill, which can boost your stamina for one hour without any side effects. You'll just be a little tired after that, which can be resolved after some rest."
He paused then continued, "I wanted to show him around our country town. Do we have anything new in the Treasure Tower nowadays?"
Brother Zhang blinked, slightly surprised, but immediately gave a bow to Du Yue, who merely glanced and nodded. Brother Zhang wasn't upset; instead, he was excited to be of use to 'Young Master K,' whom even 'Master Su' was respectful toward.
"Master Su, you came at the perfect time! They have got five sets of Grade 2 Sunfire Orchid and four sets of Grade 3 Frost Lotus. And..."
Su Wen listened for a moment but didn't find anything exciting except those two herbs, as one is rich in Yang Qi and the other is Yin Qi based.
Before Su Wen could say anything, Du Yue raised her hand and signalled him to stop, snorting inwardly, 'Huh, I don't want anyone else to waste time with him. He is only mine today.'
Su Wen had a strange expression on his face and said apologetically to Brother Zhang, "Thank you, Brother Zhang. Grade 2 and Grade 3 isn't really something Young Master K will be interested in unless it is extremely rare or otherwise, it should have to be at least Grade 5." Su Wen showed a tired sigh, expressed his thanks, and moved on their way in.
Brother Zhang didn't mind; he was instead happy as he got the stamina pill.
Su Wen, loyal to his role, asked, "Young Master K, would you like to visit the Treasure Town first?"
Du Yue glanced at him and nodded, signalling him to lead the way. Under the black cloth, her red face and charming smile couldn't be hidden anymore.
They arrived in front of a huge tower like building with dragon statues on both sides and white coloured text; 'Treasure Tower' written at the front with a beautiful calligraphy on a board with blue background.
Du Yue looked around but without any interest, as she had been to it many times before. She was only interested in the Five River Village because it was close to the mountain and Su Wen himself. She just wanted to spend time with him, and anything else was worthless for her… her acting attitude was true to her real feelings.
Su Wen went to the glass shelf where the herbs were placed. Now, only four Grade 2 Sunfire Orchids and two sets of Grade 3 Frost Lotus remained.
An assistant hurried over when he saw them and hurriedly said, "Young Masters, how can I help you today?"
Su Wen nodded and pointed toward the herbs, asking, "What's the price for these herbs?"
The assistant looked at the herbs and said respectfully,
"Young masters, the Grade 2 Sunfire Orchid is 150 low-grade spirit stones each, and the Grade 3 Frost Lotus is 8 mid-grade spirit stones. But if you take both Grade 3 Spirit herbs, I can make it for 15 mid-grade spirit stones for you."
Su Wen wanted to bargain, but he had a feeling that if he wasted even a little more time, Du Yue would take her "Young Master K" role far too seriously… and then he would suffer for it.
So instead, he reached into his storage ring, took out a pill, and tossed it lightly to the assistant.
"This is a Grade 3 Impurity Cleansing Pill," Su Wen said calmly. "It purifies the body's impurities and enriches spiritual qi. The only side effect is that the user can't go outside for four hours afterward, or it may cause complications."
The assistant caught it carefully, eyes widening.
Su Wen continued,
"Have it examined and give me a price. I also have the recipe for it."
"I'll take them all. Pack them for me first," Su Wen said, his expression unchanged… his usual proud, calm confidence leaking out unconsciously.
Du Yue glanced at him from behind her black cloth and smiled softly.
The assistant quickly packed the herbs, then rushed upstairs with the pill and the recipe.
He had heard that the master alchemist was visiting this branch today, and when he entered the alchemy room, he immediately spotted an elderly man in blue robes with a white insignia on a black background… the formal attire of a certified Treasure Pavilion alchemist.
It was indeed Elder Hao, the same master alchemist Su Wen had met at the Treasure Town in Sunrise City.
Elder Hao picked up the pill and the recipe, examining them with a practiced gaze. After a moment, he asked,
"Was it a young scholarly man with greyish hair who brought this pill?"
The assistant froze.
'How… how did Elder Hao know?'
"Yes, Elder Hao. He is exactly as you described," the assistant answered quickly.
Elder Hao smiled faintly.
"Offer him 23 mid-grade spirit stones for the recipe and 8 mid-grade spirit stones for the pill. And give him this…" He took out a jade pendant with Green Lotus symbol on it, "if he ever visits the Central Continent, he should come to the Green Lotus Sect. I will treat him to wine."
The assistant nearly dropped to his knees. The price was generous… but the message was even more shocking.
He didn't dare delay and rushed back downstairs to Su Wen.
Meanwhile, Elder Hao mused as he turned the pill between his fingers,
'This young man is extraordinary… Two pills, and yet his use of ingredients is beyond anything I've seen. What is his background? Sunrise Academy, perhaps? Elder Elen's disciple? I'll look into it when I return…'
Su Wen didn't wait for the assistant's return. He brought Du Yue up to the second floor, walked straight toward the artifact shelves, and picked up a set of Spirit Steel Rings.
He turned slightly toward her and lowered his voice.
"Young master, these Spirit Steel Rings are for you. They'll be very helpful for your body cultivation."
Du Yue stared at him for a heartbeat… long enough for Su Wen to grow a little nervous… then nodded silently.
Su Wen let out a relieved breath, wondering if he did something wrong.
Meanwhile, Du Yue's thoughts were happily spinning:
'He cares so much about me… hehe… he's the best…'