ISWI Chapter 132-133 (Patreon)

Chapter 132: The Service in Divine Will City is Impressive

After leading Ye Chen into one of the well-known cultivation technique stores in Divine Will City, Yun Qianyue stood idly outside the door, feeling a sense of boredom. Inside, she couldn't help but feel a bit dismissive of Ye Chen.

An outside Foundation Establishment cultivator, maybe even a wandering cultivator—what was so impressive about that? He had the nerve to throw a tantrum at me... Such a country bumpkin from a small place. And now he looks down on the shop I brought him to. How much spiritual stone could a wandering cultivator like him possibly have? What's he pretending to be, acting all high and mighty? It was laughable.

Though Yun Qianyue was only at the 7th Layer of Qi Refining, she still felt a subtle sense of superiority over Ye Chen. After all, she was a disciple of the Divine Will Sect. The immense status of Divine Will Sect gave Yun Qianyue a massive sense of pride.

However, after waiting for more than an hour, Yun Qianyue's patience began to wear thin. Was Ye Chen, this Foundation Establishment cultivator from the outside world, still haggling over the price? Was that why it was taking so long?

Divine Will City was nothing like those local markets. The shops here had fixed prices and never accepted haggling.

What an embarrassment.

Yun Qianyue inwardly complained. If it weren't for the fact that her commission hadn't been paid yet, she would have already turned and left.

"Fellow Daoist Ye, please take care. We hope to see you again next time!"

After an unknown amount of time had passed, the Foundation Establishment cultivator in charge of the store smiled and respectfully escorted Ye Chen out, showing an unusual level of enthusiasm.

This display surprised Yun Qianyue. The shopkeeper had always been known for his attitude—wealthy customers were treated like royalty, but those without money weren't even given the time of day.

Many out-of-town cultivators had cursed and complained about the poor service. But now, to see such warmth toward Ye Chen? What had Ye Chen bought inside?

Yun Qianyue, curious, saw the shopkeeper spot her and flash a smile.

"You're the one who brought Fellow Daoist Ye here, aren't you? I bestow upon you one medium-grade spiritual stone!"

With that, the shopkeeper tossed a medium-grade spiritual stone toward her.

Yun Qianyue's eyes widened in surprise as she hurriedly caught it. "Thank you, Senior, for the generous gift!"

She looked at Ye Chen, her expression now filled with astonishment. How much had Ye Chen spent to receive such a generous gesture from the shopkeeper? Though she couldn't figure it out, Yun Qianyue's gaze toward Ye Chen became much warmer.

Ye Chen paid no attention to Yun Qianyue's musings. He simply pondered for a moment before speaking. "Take me to Heavenly Evolution Pavilion."

At this shop, Ye Chen still hadn't found the Earth-grade Foundation Establishment cultivation method he was looking for. However, he did spend two high-grade spiritual stones to purchase a few decent Foundation Establishment spells.

The shopkeeper informed him that Earth-grade Foundation Establishment methods were extremely rare, even in Divine Will City. Heavenly Evolution Pavilion would be holding an auction in two weeks. One of the items on the auction list was a mid-tier Earth-grade Foundation Establishment method. But to attend the auction, one needed an invitation.

Foundation Establishment cultivators in the city would typically receive an invitation, but for those from outside, they would need to go to Heavenly Evolution Pavilion in person.

...

After receiving the medium-grade spiritual stone tip, Yun Qianyue realized that Ye Chen's financial strength was far greater than she had initially imagined. Her enthusiasm was instantly reignited, and she eagerly led the way.

As she guided him, she introduced various customs, stories, and interesting anecdotes about Divine Will Sect, all while smiling brightly at Ye Chen. Her service attitude had improved significantly from before, now brimming with genuine warmth.

When Ye Chen entered Heavenly Evolution Pavilion, Yun Qianyue stayed outside, eagerly wondering how much Ye Chen would spend this time.

Would the shopkeeper reward her again? If she could earn another medium-grade spiritual stone, that would be perfect. The resources allocated by the sect were limited, and her parents were only Qi Refining cultivators, so their support was scarce.

Sometimes, Yun Qianyue couldn't help but envy the children of large families, using high-grade medicinal pills and wielding exquisite magic tools. She often resented her parents for not being able to help her.

"Why couldn't they be more capable?" she thought. "It's making my life so hard."

Yun Qianyue took up the role of a guide not only to earn spiritual stones but also to find a wealthy benefactor to support her. One of her senior sisters had been courted by the only son of a Foundation Establishment family after working as a guide. The man had provided her with all kinds of resources, helping her successfully break through to Foundation Establishment.

Though the senior sister had turned her back on him after her breakthrough, leaving the Foundation Establishment family at a loss, Yun Qianyue didn't think it was a bad strategy. It was a good way to secure the resources she needed.

"Fellow Daoist Ye, we look forward to your esteemed presence at the auction in two weeks!"

An hour later, Ye Chen was escorted out of Heavenly Evolution Pavilion by the shopkeeper, who was just as courteous as before.

Inside, Ye Chen had selected three high-grade magic tools, spending over fifty high-grade spiritual stones. He also sold his previous Divine Wind set.

Though the Divine Wind set was only a Qi Refining-level magic tool, it was an exquisite, rare set that would certainly be highly sought after by children from prominent families. Its value was not insignificant.

At the same time, Ye Chen's Foundation Establishment status granted him direct access to the auction. After confirming his funds, he pulled out two hundred high-grade spiritual stones for verification, securing an independent private box for the event. Naturally, Heavenly Evolution Pavilion treated such a high-profile customer with enthusiasm.

Ye Chen wasn't worried about being targeted or robbed. On one hand, the auction was being hosted by Heavenly Evolution Pavilion itself, and he needed to buy a cultivation method, so it was impossible to keep his wealth hidden.

On the other hand, Heavenly Evolution Pavilion was a highly influential force in the region. Behind it stood Heavenly Evolution Holy Land, one of the Four Holy Lands of the entire Great Yan Continent. Even Divine Will Sect, in comparison, was insignificant.

Heavenly Evolution Pavilion had branches in nearly every major city like Divine Will City. Such a powerful force had no interest in Ye Chen's modest resources. There was no need to worry.

The deacon of Heavenly Evolution Pavilion did not give Yun Qianyue any tips. However, Yun Qianyue wasn't disappointed. The deacon's attitude had already indicated that Ye Chen was incredibly wealthy, especially since he was going to attend the auction. If she could receive Ye Chen's support, she'd be set for life.

"Senior, may I ask if you wish to purchase anything else?" Yun Qianyue's voice was sweet and her eyes captivating.

Ye Chen glanced at her, then looked at the sky. "Take me to a comfortable resting place. Let's call it a day."

After traveling for a week, Ye Chen was starting to feel mentally exhausted. Plus, he had already made some good progress today. The Earth-grade mid-tier cultivation method was now within reach, and he could rest easy for the time being. Tomorrow, he could continue shopping and also deal with the items on him.

Yun Qianyue nodded eagerly, leading Ye Chen to a comfortable inn. The top-tier private courtyard cost half a medium-grade spiritual stone per day, which was quite expensive. However, the service was excellent. The meals provided were all spirit food.

The innkeeper even handed Ye Chen a booklet, each page featuring the picture, name, cultivation level, specialties, and price of a different female cultivator.

Tsk, tsk. This was truly a big city; the service was top-notch. No wonder Foundation Establishment cultivators loved coming to Divine Will City.

After settling in, Ye Chen paid Yun Qianyue her fee for the day. "Five low-grade spiritual stones. This is your payment for today. You did well today. As a gift, take this top-grade magic tool."

Seeing Ye Chen casually hand over a top-grade magic tool bought at Heavenly Evolution Pavilion, as a gift, Yun Qianyue's mouth dropped open in shock.

Chapter 133: Plastic Best Friends

A top-grade magic tool…

Looking at the top-grade magic tool in front of her, Yun Qianyue was truly shocked. Though she was a disciple of Divine Will Sect, the best magic tool she currently used was a mid-grade one.

High-grade magic tools typically cost between five to ten medium-grade spiritual stones. As for top-tier magic tools, they usually started at thirty medium-grade spiritual stones, and could even reach fifty.

Many Divine Will Sect disciples didn't even touch a top-tier magic tool until after reaching Foundation Establishment. This showed just how expensive they were.

Yet, this senior Ye handed her a top-grade magic tool just because he was satisfied with her performance? Was this a dream?

Such a golden opportunity falling from the sky made Yun Qianyue's hands tremble with excitement.

"Senior Ye... This is too much…"

Her voice quivered, and her face flushed crimson. Her legs even started to shake.

Ye Chen couldn't help but wonder if Yun Qianyue was overly sensitive because of the magic tool. One top-grade magic tool and she was already this moved? Was her threshold really that low?

Ye Chen, of course, wasn't someone who handed out gifts to female cultivators just because they were pretty. It had been a long week of travel, and today was just the right time for a bit of a break.

Divine Will City certainly had more valuable items, but the expenses were also much higher. The money he had been spending could almost be described as flowing like water.

Ye Chen had also received a list of items from the auction. Apart from the cultivation methods, there were plenty of things that piqued his interest. However, he definitely didn't have enough spiritual stones on hand. He would have to explode some rewards before the auction began.

"I'm not going to say it again. Just take it," Ye Chen said, too lazy to keep discussing it with Yun Qianyue. She was already so moved, and yet she was still being shy?

Hearing Ye Chen's domineering words, Yun Qianyue immediately dropped her pretense, ecstatically accepting the top-grade magic tool.

Ye Chen turned and was about to head back to the inn. With shining eyes, Yun Qianyue eagerly asked, "Senior Ye, will you be waiting here tomorrow?"

Without looking back, Ye Chen gave a noncommittal nod.

Yun Qianyue's face lit up with even more joy. As Ye Chen returned to the sect, the system's prompt echoed in his mind.

"Gift successfully given!"

"Gifted item: Top-grade magic tool, Curtain Blade!"

"Twenty-five times reward in progress…"

"Detected that the gift given to the target is highly…"

"Feedback critical hit…"

"Feedback: One hundred top-grade magic tools…"

Hearing the prompt and seeing the hundred or so top-grade magic tools of various shapes and functions in his storage ring, Ye Chen couldn't help but smile. With this move, he had effectively earned back the money spent on the spells and top-grade magic treasures.

Perfect. It seemed Yun Qianyue was quite useful. Perhaps it was time to extend her service for a month!

...

Back at the sect, Yun Qianyue couldn't hide her excitement. She had invited a few of her closest friends over to the courtyard.

These friends were from families with better backgrounds than hers and often showed off their medicinal pills and magic tools in front of her. Now, the tables had turned, and it was finally her turn to shine.

"Top-grade magic tool…"

"Wow, so many functions, ten spells engraved on it—this is top-tier even among top-grade magic tools."

"Qianyue, did you hit the jackpot?"

"With this top-grade magic tool, Qianyue, you'll definitely improve at least 200 ranks in the sect's grand competition this year!"

Her friends' eyes turned red with envy as they looked at the top-grade magic tool. When they learned where it came from, the jealousy was almost palpable. She had only guided him for one day, and she got a top-grade magic tool? That was just too lucky!

"Qianyue, I think that senior must have ulterior motives. Who gives such an expensive magic tool just for showing the way?"

"This is worth at least forty medium-grade spiritual stones! It's way too precious."

"If they don't care about spiritual stones, maybe they're a rogue cultivator!"

"I heard that loose cultivators are getting into the practice of absorbing vitality. You should definitely not go back tomorrow, Qianyue."

"Qianyue, tell me which inn the Foundation Establishment cultivator is staying at. I have a spell that reveals true appearances. If he is a demonic cultivator, I'll call the enforcement team right away…"

Her friends spoke one after another, their concern for her safety evident.

Yun Qianyue smiled slyly.

"I trust you, sure…"

She knew very well that if she told them the name of the inn, they would likely rush over to keep watch that night. Senior Ye was a glowing figure of wealth, practically a big shot. She had no intention of revealing anything.

Feeling the envy and jealousy of her so-called "best friends," Yun Qianyue was more than satisfied.

The next morning, Yun Qianyue set out early. She even used a detection spell to check if any of her friends were following her. After confirming there was no one, she waited by the inn's entrance.

Around noon, Ye Chen finally stepped out. He asked Yun Qianyue to show him around the city. The auction was still two weeks away, so Ye Chen wasn't in a rush. He wanted to take his time, browsing shops, and buying whatever seemed useful. When the time came, he could slowly send out the items.

Even if some things weren't useful right now, Foundation Establishment-level goods were always more expensive than Qi Refining-level ones. It was essentially a way to accumulate wealth.

At the same time, Ye Chen's top-grade Qi Refining magic tools and various other items would need to be slowly sold off. The main concern was that Ye Chen didn't want to flood the market. If he sold too many of the Qi Refining magic tools, their prices might drop, and that wouldn't benefit him.

Yun Qianyue, on the other hand, was full of energy. Though she didn't know what Ye Chen had bought, it was clear that his spending was lavish.

The shopkeepers frequently gave her small tips. The only downside was that Ye Chen hadn't given her any more gifts.

However, Yun Qianyue didn't mind too much. Even without additional gifts, her tips alone had already earned her more than a year's worth of income. And that didn't even count the top-grade magic tool.

A week later, Yun Qianyue was once again overjoyed. After finishing her guide duties for the day, Ye Chen unexpectedly gave her another gift.

This time, it was a top-grade magic robe. Top-grade magic robes were the most expensive category of magic tools.

Yun Qianyue felt a warm sensation surge through her body. Her beautiful face turned bright red.

Yun Qianyue was certain. Ye Chen must be from a Foundation Establishment family with a Golden Core background, and he was the most favored of them all. How else could he be so extravagant?

A luxurious courtyard costing half a medium-grade spiritual stone per night. Spending money without hesitation. Even the gifts he casually handed her were all top-grade.

But Ye Chen couldn't have reached Foundation Establishment by being foolish. Even if he was rich, he wouldn't just waste it carelessly. So the fact that Ye Chen had chosen her and even gifted her something wasn't just because she provided good service. It must have something to do with her looks and figure.

Yun Qianyue was confident in that. Besides, she was a disciple of Divine Will Sect. She had also heard that cultivators from outside often preferred finding Dao partners from big sects.

After all, female cultivators from smaller sects often had to do things to survive, while those from large sects were cleaner and had higher chances of giving birth to talented offspring. Plus, being seen with someone from a big sect brought prestige.

So… had Ye Chen taken a liking to her? If that was true, she would definitely seize the opportunity. With Ye Chen's financial backing, he could easily help her advance to Foundation Establishment. And if Ye Chen's family was truly from a Golden Core lineage, the help they could provide would be even greater...

As Yun Qianyue imagined a future where she never had to worry about resources, wore top-grade magic robes, and could eventually reach Foundation Establishment, her heart burned with excitement.

After bidding Ye Chen farewell, she almost couldn't walk steadily!