Volume One, Chapter 13: The Secret Shop Token

Su Yun’er’s words undoubtedly infuriated Liu Ruyan to the brink of explosion. She had never expected that the usually solemn and aloof Su Yun’er would stoop to such shamelessness when tempted by a mid-grade magical artifact. Now, she had even resorted to seduction!

But then again, if Su Yun’er already had the mid-grade artifact in her possession, why bother offering any perks to Ye Feng, that sycophant? Anyone with eyes could see through her intentions. Su Yun’er was clearly trying to curry more favor with Ye Feng under the pretense of generosity.

However, with both Ye Feng and Su Yun’er willing participants in this exchange, Liu Ruyan found herself powerless to intervene. All she could do was secretly hope that Su Yun’er would fail to refine the artifact. After all, the success of refining any magical item depended greatly on the compatibility of attributes.

If Su Yun’er’s attempt failed, perhaps Liu Ruyan could still have a chance to rekindle her own bond with the exquisite artifact, “Peerless Elegance.” But if Su Yun’er succeeded, Liu Ruyan would have to accept her misfortune.

Inwardly, Liu Ruyan seethed with resentment toward Ye Feng. If only he hadn’t been so ungrateful and foolish as to entangle himself with Su Yun’er, she wouldn’t be facing so many troubles. She had been the intended protagonist of the day, yet now she was reduced to a mere spectator, forced to watch Su Yun’er refine “Peerless Elegance” before her eyes.

Ye Feng, hearing Su Yun’er’s request, naturally agreed. He led her into his room to refine the treasure while he and Liu Ruyan waited outside. Inside, flickering lights revealed that Su Yun’er had begun the blood-binding ritual to claim ownership. Success would mean effortless control over the artifact thereafter, akin to fingerprint unlocking on Earth. Only after blood-binding could the artifact be wielded at will; otherwise, if anyone could use it indiscriminately, the treasure would be far too easy to lose.

The pressure of the mid-grade spiritual artifact gradually radiated outward. The more brilliantly the artifact performed, the more unbearable Liu Ruyan’s pain became.

Su Yun’er disappeared from Ye Feng’s sight, and Liu Ruyan could no longer conceal her grievance. With a trembling voice, she asked, “Junior Brother, what exactly do you mean by this?”

Ye Feng hastily waved his hand. “Senior Sister, what are you saying? This gift is merely ordinary. Even if it is a mid-grade spiritual artifact, how could it possibly match your noble character? The gifts I’ve given you before, you’ve never valued them. Could it be that I misunderstood your feelings?”

“Rest assured, once there is spiritual wine available, I will naturally present it to you first!”

Though Liu Ruyan gritted her teeth in anger, she found no words to retort. Ye Feng’s words unmistakably reminded her of her previously aloof image. Now, if she openly requested the mid-grade artifact “Peerless Elegance,” wouldn’t she be admitting to vanity and greed?

Although Ye Feng promised that any new spiritual wine would be offered to her first, it was merely an ordinary item worth several dozen low-grade spirit stones. How could that compare to a mid-grade spiritual artifact?

Looking at Ye Feng’s sincere expression, Liu Ruyan suddenly felt a surge of crisis. She regretted bringing Su Yun’er to meet Ye Feng. Had Ye Feng never encountered Su Yun’er, the “Peerless Elegance” would have eventually belonged to Liu Ruyan, along with all of Ye Feng’s treasures.

But now, the situation was irreversible. Su Yun’er and Ye Feng’s relationship was growing closer, especially with Su Yun’er’s blatant seduction, showing complete disregard for propriety. They had barely met, yet Su Yun’er made it clear she intended to become Ye Feng’s confidante.

If they continued down this path, Liu Ruyan feared she would be left out entirely.

Still inside Ye Feng’s room, Su Yun’er was refining the mid-grade artifact “Peerless Elegance.” Such spiritual artifacts required being worn during the refining process. Although Su Yun’er acted only after Ye Feng’s reminder, Liu Ruyan felt Su Yun’er was deliberately tempting him.

Despite Ye Feng’s indifferent demeanor, his occasional glances toward the room betrayed his thoughts. But what could Liu Ruyan do even if she despised Ye Feng’s lust?

As her mood grew increasingly restless, she watched Ye Feng’s eyes linger on the door. With a stomp and a bite of her lip, she reached out to cling to his arm. This was the first time in over two years she had taken the initiative to be close to Ye Feng.

Grasping his arm tightly, Liu Ruyan’s voice trembled, her cheeks flushing slightly as she said, “Junior Brother, we’ve known each other so long; I have always understood your feelings for me. Su Yun’er is merely seducing you because of the treasure. I am different—I truly have feelings for you.”

“I worry that you might lose your way. From now on, you can come to my place anytime, and we can talk more.”

To be honest, Liu Ruyan had always been sensitive about her pride, so saying such words was no easy feat. She had long aimed to become a high-level cultivator, but seeing Su Yun’er’s fervor for Ye Feng ignited a fierce urgency within her.

Having known Ye Feng for so long, she remembered how he used to flatter and beg just for a word from her. Now that she had made a promise, Ye Feng should know how to handle things.

As she wrapped her arms around Ye Feng’s, contemplating how to further strengthen their bond, the door suddenly creaked open.

Su Yun’er stood with her back to them. The purple robe of “Peerless Elegance” shimmered with radiant light, fitting her body like a second skin. The purple glow was hazy and mysterious, exuding a powerful aura of allure that made Liu Ruyan’s expression grow even more sour.

Turning around, Su Yun’er smiled brightly at Ye Feng. The entire scene had been intentionally orchestrated by her. She couldn’t help but smirk inwardly—after all, how could she tolerate Liu Ruyan speaking ill of her behind her back in front of Ye Feng?

Seeing Liu Ruyan still holding onto Ye Feng’s arm, Su Yun’er walked over, covering her mouth lightly but deliberately accentuating the swell of her chest. With a mocking tone, she said, “Senior Sister Ruyan, didn’t you say you and Ye Feng are just kindred spirits? If that’s true, isn’t holding onto his arm a bit inappropriate?”

Caught off guard by Su Yun’er’s sudden appearance, Liu Ruyan awkwardly withdrew her hand, about to explain. But she saw Su Yun’er confidently take Ye Feng’s arm, grasping it far more firmly. The softness of her touch even stretched the purple silk ribbon around her neck taut.

Ah! Liu Ruyan was nearly steaming with rage.

Su Yun’er finally revealed a triumphant smile and said to Ye Feng, “Junior Brother Ye, I really like the gift you gave me. In return, I have here an invitation token to an underground secret shop for you.”

“I heard that only high-level Qi refinement cultivators with terrifying status can enter.”

“In a few days, there will be a private trade.”

“Given my ability, even if I had this token, I probably couldn’t afford anything good there.”

“So I plan to give it to you.”

“Please don’t mind—it’s quite simple compared to the gift you gave me.”

As she spoke, Su Yun’er pulled out a black token from her bosom. The token emitted a strange, deep, and alluring fragrance.