Chapter 174

When Bai Lian first stepped into the Sword Forging Pavilion, she was overwhelmed by the dazzling array of magical treasures. While she was a regular visitor to various sword forging pavilions in the game, for the sake of the players' computers, the game usually did not provide detailed depictions of the inside of the shops, nor did it showcase such a variety of magical treasures. As a result, she was not particularly impressed. However, now that she had personally seen the largest and most luxurious sword forging pavilion in the entire Great Xia Dynasty, she truly experienced what it meant to be wealthy and magnificent. This was just the first floor of the sword forging pavilion, open to the vast cultivators of the Great Xia Dynasty, yet she could already see glimpses of low-grade spiritual artifacts. The rest, floating in bubbles of spiritual power, were filled with various types of magical tools. Throughout the entire first floor of the pavilion, she couldn't even find a few of the lowest-grade treasures. It's important to note that in the cultivation world, the majority of cultivators only possess magical tools, and many wandering cultivators can only use ordinary iron weapons and armor. However, the sword forging pavilion also conducts business on the lower levels, as it covers the entire cultivation world, and even makes appearances in some inconspicuous towns. In those cities without cultivators, they even sell ordinary iron weapons and armor. This is also the reason why the sword forging pavilion and its backing, the Sword Forging Manor, can be as rich as a country. As the senior sister of the Taihua Sword Sect and the only disciple of Gu Qing Qing, Bai Lian might not be as wealthy as Xiao Wei Yang and Mu Xing He, but she could still be considered to have some savings. Most of the magical treasures on her were at the level of spiritual artifacts. The pair of twin swords gifted to her by her master had even reached the level of middle-grade spiritual artifacts, which was something most cultivators dreamt of having. As for Xiao Cheng Yin and Mu Xing He, one was the prince of the Great Xia Dynasty, and the other was the eldest daughter of the Mu family in the capital city. They undoubtedly had far more spiritual artifacts on them than she did, and naturally did not care about magical treasures at the level of spiritual artifacts. So, they did not linger on the first floor of the sword forging pavilion and went straight to the second floor. The bubbles of spiritual power floating on the second floor were evidently much rarer, and the magical treasures suspended within were filled with fluctuations of spiritual power, obviously of extremely high quality. Bai Lian looked around, feeling rather overwhelmed. It seemed like they had been noticed arriving, as a beautiful young woman approached them as they ascended to the second floor. "Your Highness, what wind has blown you here today, unexpectedly bringing such a distinguished guest as you?" She asked with a smile. "Ha ha ha, Second Miss, you jest. Although I am a prince, I will not dare to address myself as esteemed in front of you," Xiao Cheng Yin said with a smile as he fanned himself. "I heard Second Miss recently obtained some treasures from overseas, and as I happened to be here with a friend, we decided to come and take a look. I hope Second Miss wouldn't mind?" "Since it's you and your friend, how could I not welcome you?" Ye Ping Ting replied warmly, then looked towards Bai Lian and Mu Xing He by Xiao Cheng Yin's side. "If I'm not mistaken, these two must be Fairy Bai Lian of the Taihua Sword Sect and Reverend Mu Xing He of the Sky Pole Sect, right?" "I've long heard of the renowned names of the two fairies. Finally seeing you in person, it is indeed as beautiful as rumored." These were all the usual pleasantries—a typical exchange. As a businesswoman, she would always say flattering things to anyone she met, and even if she encountered a rare ugly person, she would find flattering words, like "exceptionally talented" or "magnificent presence." But today, she felt like she met her match. How did it feel like Fairy Bai Lian was looking at her strangely, with a gaze filled with nostalgia, as if they were old acquaintances who hadn't seen each other in a long time? Even ordinary people would feel uncomfortable being stared at like that, let alone someone like Bai Lian, a peerlessly beautiful woman. Even Ye Ping Ting, with a thick skin herself, couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy. "Fairy Bai Lian?" she asked tentatively. "Hm?... Oh, I'm sorry, I got lost in thought," Bai Lian said, looking embarrassed. Ye Ping Ting smiled gently and said, "Fairy Bai Lian, do we perhaps know each other from somewhere?" "Um, no, I don't think so. This should be our first meeting," Bai Lian replied, feeling a bit guilty. She had not only met Ye Ping Ting, but was also a frequent customer of hers, but all within the game. As the city with the largest and most comprehensive shop in the game, after unlocking the map for Xia Capital, she used to conduct transactions for the items she obtained in the game at this place, and the sword forging pavilion was the place she visited the most. So, strictly speaking, she had even met Ye Ping Ting more times than the female protagonists, but as an NPC for gameplay purposes, she and Ye Ping Ting had almost no extra interaction. Ye Ping Ting was the second daughter of the Sword Forging Manor's master. As a person of high status, one might think she wouldn't need to come out to do business or serve as the manager of the sword forging pavilion, dealing with all sorts of eccentric and peculiar clients all day. However, Ye Ping Ting was a born businesswoman. Although her cultivation level wasn't high, she was only at the sixth or seventh level of the cultivation realm in the game. Yet, her business acumen was exceptional. In the early days, the scale of the sword forging pavilion wasn't as large as it is today. After all, cultivators used all sorts of magical tools. Mirrors and chessboards being used as weapons were considered normal, and some even used bricks as their weapons. The sword forging pavilion specialized in sword forging, and while the market was appreciable, it was not considered to be a significant figure in the cultivation world. It was Ye Ping Ting who changed the direction of the sword forging pavilion to high-end customized magical treasures, integrating the myriad of scattered equipment-forge sects in the cultivation world and launching products at different levels and aspects, satisfying the requirements of the majority of cultivators. This brought the reputation of the sword forging pavilion throughout the entire cultivation world. Now, the sword forging pavilion no longer only sells magical treasures, but encompasses a wide range of businesses related to cultivators. Its status in the cultivation world is like that of an auction house in fantasy novels. Despite Ye Ping Ting's remarkable achievements, she has never married to this day. Many speculate that her standards are too high, and no man can catch her eye, while others say she has a phobia of men and simply isn't interested in them, which is genuinely distressing for the master of the Sword Forging Manor, who is eager for grandchildren. "I just didn't expect the manager of the Xia Capital's sword forging pavilion to be Second Miss," Bai Lian said, "Although I seldom go out, I've frequently heard about your deeds." "After all, Second Miss, you are a role model for female cultivators." Humph, who said she has low emotional intelligence? Isn't she good at complimenting others? Even though these are all dialogues copied from the game. As she listened to Bai Lian's flattery, Ye Ping Ting couldn't help but smile softly. She had always heard that Fairy Bai Lian of the Taihua Sword Sect rarely interacted with people, like an aloof peak, and she thought it would be difficult to deal with her. Now, it seemed that not only was Bai Lian not difficult to deal with, but she was also quite lovely. Especially her expressionless manner in praising her, reminded her of a mischievous feeling one gets when caught unprepared by the teacher in class asking about homework. Coupled with her ethereal beauty and graceful figure, even she, as a woman, found it hard not to develop a liking for Bai Lian. "Hehe~ Bai Lian, you're too much. I'm just acting based on the accumulation and prosperity of our ancestors over the centuries. If it weren't for the groundwork of our ancestors, even with all my ideas, it would be just futile," she chuckled softly, covering her mouth. "But you, Fairy Bai Lian, everyone knows that the Taihua Sword Sect has a Fairy Bai Lian who is comparable to a celestial being. The portrait of you, Bai Lian, is truly priceless." Bai Lian:? Is that so? The reciprocal compliments did not continue, but Ye Ping Ting knew there was a fine line between flattery and going overboard. However, her fondness for Bai Lian was genuine. So she suggested, "Bai Lian, now that we get along so well, if you don't mind, why not call me Sister Ye? Then, when you come to the Sword Forging Pavilion to buy things, I could give you a discount." Xiao Cheng Yin:? Wait a minute, I have visited your sword forging pavilion so many times and had good conversations with you. Why did you think it was too distant for me to call you Second Miss? Bai Lian naturally did not refuse Ye Ping Ting's proposal. After all, she was now a girl, and it was normal for girls to address each other as sisters! Besides, being friends with a super-rich lady like Ye Ping Ting was something she earnestly desired. Look at her, trying to please Ye Ping Ting in the game, hoping the sword forging pavilion would sell items to her at a discount. Who knows how many side quests related to the Sword Forging Manor she had completed. Now, she could get a discount by just saying "good sister"? How could she miss such an opportunity? So, she showed a faint smile and called out softly, "Sister Ye." "Klok—" Bai Lian heard a soft sound to her side and turned to look, but found nothing except the expressionless Mu Xing He. Strange, what was that sound? "Alright, alright, Second Miss, today, I'm out with my friend for some fun. Is there a reason you're trying to steal a march on me?" Xiao Cheng Yin saw that there was a risk of Bai Lian being stolen away by Ye Ping Ting, so he hastily interrupted. Glancing at Xiao Cheng Yin's expression of helplessness and the completely oblivious Bai Lian, Ye Ping Ting couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Alright, alright, since Your Highness insists, I won't try to get closer to Bai Lian today. Since you wish to see Senior Sword Fanatic's sword, then follow me," Ye Ping Ting led the group up the smooth jade stairway and explained, "In my sword forging pavilion, the magical treasures on the first and second floors are for ordinary cultivators to view, and all are just some unremarkable gadgets." "It's only on the third floor where the true essence of my sword forging pavilion lies." "Though the grade of the magical treasures here may not always be the highest, they have many extraordinary uses. Some can even play a crucial role in critical moments." "However, rarity begets value, and there aren't many premium magical treasures. Therefore, we only entertain esteemed guests on the third floor." "Today, Senior Sword Fanatic's sword is displayed on the third floor, and you can also take a look at other magical treasures. If there's something you like, you're welcome to buy it at your leisure." Upon hearing this, Xiao Cheng Yin couldn't help but chuckle. "You, Manager Ye, always seize every opportunity to earn spirit stones, don't you?" Ye Ping Ting smiled and replied, "Of course, with such a large sword forging pavilion, there are plenty of mouths to feed. I'm just a weak woman. To support such a large family business, I can't slack off." "Moreover, since His Highness, as esteemed a guest as you, has come today, I should pay closer attention to you." Xiao Cheng Yin smiled and did not retort. In fact, he was here today to display his financial capacity, and the more Ye Ping Ting valued him, the better he could perform in front of Bai Lian. Then, Ye Ping Ting winked at Bai Lian and said, "By the way, the first magical treasure that Bai Lian chooses to buy today will receive a ten percent discount." Upon hearing this, Bai Lian was momentarily stunned. Wasn't Ye Ping Ting being too generous? After all, even the most common magical treasures on the third floor of the sword forging pavilion were hard to purchase without thousands of spirit stones. Yet now, she was offering nearly a giveaway price? Clearly, in the game, the highest discount she had ever received while shopping at the sword forging pavilion was only twenty percent. Could it be that being a girl came with such an advantage? Feeling delighted, she sweetly replied, "Thank you, Sister Ye." Creak— After ascending to the third floor, the number of spiritual power bubbles inside the room was indeed much fewer, and each exuded astonishing fluctuations of spiritual power. Evidently, these bubbles of spiritual power were formed by powerful cultivators, and even a late-stage cultivator wouldn't be able to break them. This indicated just how rare and precious the magical treasures wrapped within were. In the midst of many bubbles, there were a few elongated bubbles, each containing a long sword suspended within. Bai Lian instantly realized that the surging sword intent she felt outside the sword forging pavilion was emanating from these long swords. She couldn't help but approach, gently touching the bubbles encasing the long swords, with a twinkling of stars in her eyes. "I didn’t expect it to be the sword of Luo Qingyun. My trip here isn't in vain," Xiao Cheng Yin walked to the side of the bubble and said in a deep voice. "Brother Cheng, you can tell?" Bai Lian turned her head and asked. These swords were indeed Luo Qingyun's wearing swords, just not his main sword, but those he used when he traveled around searching for swords in his early years. Despite this, the sword intent on these swords was so intense that it made it impossible to open one's eyes, a testament to Luo Qingyun's swordsmanship. For ordinary people, feeling the sword intent on a sword and recognizing its owner was like trying to distinguish between different lipstick colors that your girlfriend wears. Those who knew understood, and those who didn't couldn't comprehend. Strictly speaking, Xiao Cheng Yin's claim of being a sword enthusiast was only to flirt with girls. He was, in fact, one of those who didn’t understand anything about swords. Yet, he could recognize the authenticity of the swords merely based on their sword intent, which surprised her. "I've said before that I'm rather fond of swords, so I have some research on famous swords," Xiao Cheng Yin said with a smile. Ever since he saw Bai Lian's portrait in Xiao Wei Yang's study, he began paying attention to her. He knew Bai Lian was from the Taihua Sword Sect. Although he didn't use swords, to have a common topic with Bai Lian, he had learned quite a bit about swords. So, at the moment, he was very confident that he could respond smoothly even if Bai Lian asked him questions. Bai Lian didn't mind his confidence, as whether Xiao Cheng Yin had researched swords was not important to her; in fact, knowing about them was better. Otherwise, if this guy started pretending to understand what he didn't, she wouldn't know how to continue the conversation with him. So, the two began discussing Luo Qingyun's wearing swords. Ye Ping Ting, standing a short distance away, watched their backs. In her experience as a businesswoman, she had developed a small quirk—observing the expressions of her customers. From the emotions unintentionally shown by those customers, she could gain a lot of useful information and could help her understand and cater to her customers' preferences. The success of the business of the Forge Sword Pavilion in the capital was closely related to this quirk of hers. As these guests were all famous young geniuses in the cultivation world, she couldn't help but observe them. But the more she observed the interactions between Bai Lian and Xiao Cheng Yin, the more puzzled her expression became. It was odd. The two of them seemed familiar with each other, yet there was also a feeling of being miles apart. Of course, it was mainly because Bai Lian naturally kept her distance from Xiao Cheng Yin, making it appear as though there was a repelling force between the two. As for Xiao Cheng Yin, he seemed eager to get closer to Bai Lian but couldn't take a single step forward. Well, it was normal. After all, Bai Lian was so outstanding, beautiful, and the chief disciple of the Taihua Sword Sect, making it hard for an impulsive youth like Xiao Cheng Yin to resist her charm. However, looking at Bai Lian's attitude, it seemed like there might never be an outcome for Xiao Cheng Yin. On the other hand... She shifted her gaze to Mu Xing He, who was not far behind the pair. Mu Xing He was staring intently at the backs of the pair, her face grim, fists clenched tightly. It seemed like Miss Mu's mood wasn't too good... It's unlikely that even she noticed this expression on her face, right? As she thought this, she couldn't help but glance back at Bai Lian and Xiao Cheng Yin, who were happily conversing. Clearly, Mu Xing He’s sour mood seemed to stem from Bai Lian and Xiao Cheng Yin's interactions. Could this be a play of two women vying for one man? No... that's not right... Mu Xing He never once looked at Xiao Cheng Yin, but was focused on Bai Lian's back, and there was no sign of jealousy or resentment on her face. Instead, it looked more like... resentment from feeling neglected. Her radar immediately picked this up, and she made a strange expression. Could it be that Miss Mu is... feeling jealous of Xiao Cheng Yin being too close to Bai Lian? As she contemplated this, she couldn't help but take another look at the smiling Bai Lian and Xiao Cheng Yin. Clearly, thoughts of Mu Xing He’s emotions clouded her mind, prompting a look of perplexity.