Volume One, Chapter Six: Liu Ruyan’s Ambition!

No wonder the female cultivator at the reception looked somewhat uneasy. This wasn’t merely that the magical artifact’s form was somewhat unusual... it was clearly worlds apart from a normal defensive artifact.

Ordinary defensive artifacts mostly took the shape of shields, followed by rings or armor-like forms. Of course, there were also defensive robes. But the crafting techniques for defensive robes were much more complex, making their prices unimaginably high. In a small place like Immortal Pursuit Pavilion, such items were rarely seen.

Yet this “Peerless Elegance,” shaped like a delicate bodice, resembled a robe but felt oddly out of place. Although it was indeed a mid-grade artifact, judging by its intricate patterns shimmering with purple light, its defensive power was hard to gauge. Its enchanting effect, however, was undoubtedly far stronger than its defensive ability.

Ye Feng felt a headache coming on. After all, who would wear such an alluring bodice to fend off attacks? Any female cultivator pursued in battle, relying on this bodice for defense, would likely lose all dignity. And if a male cultivator used it—just the thought made Ye Feng’s head throb.

He wondered how Liu Ruyan would react if she ever saw this bodice. With her proud and aloof nature, even getting closer to her was difficult, let alone gifting such a private treasure. Honestly, if Liu Ruyan were willing to wear this “Peerless Elegance,” Ye Feng wouldn’t mind giving it to her. But he feared that if she saw this gift and turned hostile, it would be utterly embarrassing.

Ye Feng pondered whether purchasing this gift was truly worthwhile. Beside him, the female cultivator at the reception grew anxious. Three mid-grade spirit stones was no small price for her. Even if she sold a dozen spirit instruments, she might not earn the commission equivalent to one mid-grade artifact. Seeing such a lucrative opportunity slipping away before her eyes, she knew she’d regret it for half a month if she lost out.

Customers like Ye Feng were rare. Miss this chance, and there would be no next time. So the female cultivator forced a smile and continued, “Shopkeeper Ye, although this artifact’s form makes one blush and quicken the heartbeat, isn’t that its very charm?”

“Not to mention you can interact intimately with someone special using it.”

“Even just its defensive power is absolutely no joke.”

“I assure you, I have no intention of deceiving you.”

With that, she summoned a fireball talisman from beside her and launched two consecutive fireballs at the “Peerless Elegance.” To everyone’s surprise, it truly demonstrated the defensive power expected of a mid-grade artifact.

Seeing Ye Feng’s frown ease slightly, the female cultivator breathed a sigh of relief, silently calculating that hope still remained.

She then added, “Friend, if you take this artifact, I will also give you the fragment of the Spirit Brew Technique I promised earlier!”

“Who in Immortal Pursuit Pavilion does not know your name for deep affection?”

“Such a beautiful treasure, if not given to your beloved, would be your loss.”

“Besides, with this treasure’s help, Shopkeeper Ye, you will surely be unstoppable and fulfill your desires!”

“Surely, you don’t think you can’t use it yourself?”

She went on with a torrent of flattering words while Ye Feng narrowed his eyes. Given his current situation, if he wanted to exchange for a mid-grade defensive artifact, this “Peerless Elegance” was likely his only option.

Still, if he intended to gift it to Liu Ruyan, he would have to carefully consider the proper gifting procedure. After all, his goal was to present a treasure. As for Liu Ruyan’s reaction, it wasn’t necessary to worry too much. If she turned hostile because of this, the returns he gained would already be sufficient.

Even without a critical success, gaining tenfold rewards could net him ten fine mid-grade defensive artifacts. That would elevate his means of survival significantly.

As for Liu Ruyan—if she turned her back on him, he could always find other targets to receive gifts. Li Yueyao was already lining up, eager to please him. What was there to fear? It would just be a little more troublesome.

With this in mind, Ye Feng made up his mind. Under the female cultivator’s delighted gaze, he wrapped up the bodice that looked outrageously flashy.

“Shopkeeper Ye, next time you come, be sure to look for me!” she called sweetly. “Don’t you want me to help you try it on?”

Passersby watching the female cultivator’s sweet words and Ye Feng carrying the now-distorted great thunder hammer whispered among themselves. What new fine item had Ye Feng bought this time to enjoy such treatment at the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion?

Reluctantly bidding farewell, Ye Feng stepped out of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion.

...

Meanwhile, not far from Immortal Pursuit Pavilion, in a gathering place for scattered cultivators, inside a modest little house, Liu Ruyan sat cross-legged in meditation.

Before her lay the empty bottle that once held the lower-grade Drunken Flower Brew, a gift from Ye Feng.

Liu Ruyan had completely refined the brew. The rich floral fragrance permeated the air, attracting birdsong and butterflies fluttering about. For a moment, it looked like a scene from the celestial realms.

Liu Ruyan herself wore a faint flush. Although she merely refined the spiritual energy from the brew, it was still alcohol after all.

Though not as fierce and intense as the mid-grade Scarlet Fire Brew, drinking too much would still cause intoxication.

In just two days, she had painstakingly swallowed and refined every last drop of the Drunken Flower Brew. This bottle, worth thirty lower-grade spirit stones, was no small matter.

In only two days, her Qi Refining Stage cultivation had surged dramatically, almost as much as half a year’s hard training. How could she not be pleased?

“That lickspittle Ye Feng really isn’t useless after all,” Liu Ruyan murmured with a slight smile.

She planned how to acquire another bottle from him at tomorrow’s banquet. Having used such a cultivation treasure, returning to slow, natural absorption of spiritual energy from the world now seemed utterly intolerable.

Liu Ruyan whispered, “Just one more bottle of Drunken Flower Brew…”

“With just one more, I can break through to the seventh level of Qi Refining.”

Her eyes glazed with intoxication. If she could advance so quickly to the seventh level, she would be one step closer to entering the Immortal Gate.

No matter what, she must find a way to get another bottle at the banquet.

As for other gifts, Liu Ruyan had long since lost interest. What junk did Ye Feng give before? If those items couldn’t be exchanged for spirit stones, she might have been tempted to kick the lickspittle far away.

If only Ye Feng could give spirit stones directly! Though she thought this, she knew it was an absurd hope. Even for a lickspittle, Ye Feng would never do such a thing.

While contemplating how to express her desires to Ye Feng, Liu Ruyan produced a very cheap communication talisman, already set to contact a specific person.

“Senior Sister Yun’er, have you broken through to the seventh level of Qi Refining during your retreat?”

“It’s been half a year; I miss you dearly. Our sisterhood is as close as family. You must come to the banquet tomorrow!”

“A few days ago, I happened to get a bottle of ‘Drunken Flower Brew,’ and my cultivation has advanced. If I can catch up to even a fraction of your level, Yun’er, I’ll be overjoyed!”

“This reunion, I hope you won’t withhold your guidance and share your cultivation experience generously.”

“I have arranged a banquet at Drunken Immortal Tavern. Sister, please don’t miss it!”

After sending the message, Liu Ruyan nodded in satisfaction.

Previously, Su Yun’er had always surpassed her in cultivation, and their appearances were nearly on par. Now, with Ye Feng’s Drunken Flower Brew, her cultivation had likely surpassed Su Yun’er’s. How could she give up the chance to show off?

As for tomorrow’s banquet, it was merely a means to demonstrate her strength and gain more resources.

Liu Ruyan fell into thought after sending the message. How could she gain more benefits from Ye Feng? What other treasures did this lickspittle have?

But no matter what, the Drunken Flower Brew was essential. She had to break through to the seventh level of Qi Refining quickly and make Su Yun’er’s eyes burn with envy.