Better wait for another chance in the future to ask around about it.
While Ye Liuyun was mulling things over, the auction was already nearing its end.
The final two lots were a low-grade spiritual artifact and a mid-grade spiritual artifact.
Neither came cheap.
Both sold for over two hundred thousand taels, and the mid-grade spiritual artifact went for five hundred thousand taels—even though it was just a support type. If it were a combat type, the price would probably be even higher.
Still didn’t get enough loot this time.
Ye Liuyun used to think he had more than enough money, but looking at it now, it seemed he’d have to step it up even more.
Word was, the fastest way for the Embroidered Uniform Guard to make money was through seizing property. That’s where the real oil and water was.
Yeah, once I go back, I’ll have Si Nan keep an eye out for more asset seizure missions.
,,,
The auction wrapped up.
After carefully stowing away the Illusion Heart Magic manual, Ye Liuyun was about to head out.
But just then—
"Young Master Ye, please wait."
A familiar voice called out—it was none other than the naturally charming Xie Ling’er whom he’d met last time at the Fanlou.
Xie Ling’er had swapped to a new color of gauzy dress, but it still highlighted her figure beautifully, enough to tempt anyone’s soul.
But Ye Liuyun’s attention wasn’t on her body.
The place was all but empty; everyone else had already left.
Gazing straight at Xie Ling’er, Ye Liuyun suddenly broke into a smile.
"Miss, your reach really is extraordinary."
When they met last, Ye Liuyun hadn’t told Xie Ling’er his name. Yet now she called him Young Master Ye straight away—clearly, she’d found out his identity.
"No need for misunderstanding, Young Master Ye."
Worried Ye Liuyun might take it the wrong way, Xie Ling’er replied with a smile.
"It’s just that Young Master Ye’s reputation has taken off in the Imperial City. I only guessed it by accident. I hope you won’t hold it against me."
The delicately vulnerable look in her eyes was textbook acting.
Ye Liuyun just shrugged.
He took off the mask on his face—now that she knew who he was, no point keeping it on.
Seeing Ye Liuyun wasn’t upset, Xie Ling’er took the opening to introduce herself.
Ye Liuyun already knew Xie Ling’er’s name from her talent entry, but still feigned a bit of surprise.
"Your surname is Xie?"
Knowing why Ye Liuyun was asking, Xie Ling’er only smiled.
"That’s right, I’m the manager here at Fanlou."
There’s no shortage of Xie Clan children in the Xie merchant guild, and Xie Ling’er herself was a capable one.
Otherwise she wouldn’t be in charge of a Fanlou branch in the Great Qian Dynasty.
"If Young Master Ye ever needs anything, feel free to come by Fanlou. Even if I don’t have it in my shop, I can look elsewhere and find it for you."
And that’s just a branch.
If it were the headquarters, even rare high-grade spiritual artifacts and peerless cultivation techniques, Xie Ling’er could get them.
"I noticed you prefer using a saber. I actually know a few peerless saber skills."
Of course, this wasn’t because Xie Ling’er was interested in Ye Liuyun; she simply wanted to invest in him.
And it definitely wasn’t for free.
"Oh, is that so?"
Ye Liuyun stroked his chin as he thought it over.
Peerless saber skills, as Xie Ling’er mentioned, didn’t interest Ye Liuyun much; his current saber skills were already sufficient—biting off more than one can chew never helps.
He was, however, quite interested in the Xie Clan merchant guild behind Xie Ling’er.
"In that case, would Miss Xie help me look for a few secret magic technique manuals? Don’t worry, I’ll definitely pay well."
"Uh!"
Xie Ling’er was at a loss.
It wasn’t about the money.
She thought she’d been obvious enough. She’d even mentioned peerless saber skills.
Why do you keep fixating on magic technique manuals?
Even if your martial arts talent is great, and you became an Innate Martial Artist so young, shouldn’t you just focus on martial cultivation?
"What’s wrong? Is there a problem?"
Ye Liuyun, seeing Xie Ling’er silent, turned to her in curiosity.
"No, nothing at all!"
After a brief pause, Xie Ling’er shook her head.
Forget it; she’d already dropped enough hints.
If Ye Liuyun could ’come to his senses’ and devote himself to martial cultivation, that’d be ideal.
And even if Ye Liuyun eventually vanished into the crowd, it’d be no skin off Xie Ling’er’s nose.
Just chalk it up as a loss on that investment.
Anyway, geniuses are never in short supply in this world—what’s rare is a genius who actually survives and thrives. Worst case, just find someone else to invest in.
"I’ll keep an eye out for you, Young Master Ye!"
"Much appreciated."
With Ye Liuyun’s perception, he could roughly see what Xie Ling’er was thinking inside.
But honestly, there was no need to explain.
How other people see me? Does that really matter?
With just a word, Ye Liuyun turned and left.
Watching Ye Liuyun’s departing figure, there was a flash of regret in Xie Ling’er’s eyes—almost feeling sorry for his ’wayward’ ways.
,,,
Leaving Fanlou—
Ye Liuyun headed straight for home; with nothing urgent at the Embroidered Uniform Guard, it didn’t really matter if their Hundred-Man Commander was around or not.
If something did come up—
Si Nan or Shi Sheng would reach out.
Originally, he’d planned to study the Illusion Heart Magic as soon as he got home.
But just as he arrived, he was greeted by the beaming smile of Sheng Lanzhi.
"You’re back?"
Ye Liuyun was somewhat surprised.
Xing’Er had mentioned that Sheng Lanzhi had gone out after hearing news of some treasure. Now she was back—smiling so happily—she must have found something good.
"Master, you’ve had a long day; you must be tired."
Sheng Lanzhi gently helped Ye Liuyun out of his outer robe, every gesture fitting her role in the house perfectly—gentle movements, a soft smile.
But Ye Liuyun hadn’t forgotten that proud bearing she once had.
Say what you will, Sheng Lanzhi really was smart.
She knew perfectly well when to be proud and when not to be.
And Ye Liuyun liked smart women.
"I’ve already told the servants to prepare dinner. Master should freshen up, and I’ll have someone bring a pot of warmed wine."
The weather was getting cooler now.
"Thank you."
Ye Liuyun didn’t refuse.
Life’s meant to be enjoyed, after all.
"No need for thanks, Master; it’s just what I ought to do."
,,,
In the backyard.
After three rounds of drinks, seeing Ye Liuyun hadn’t asked what she’d been up to the last few days—
Sheng Lanzhi beckoned a maid to bring over a long embroidered box.
No need to guess, the last few days Sheng Lanzhi was out must’ve been for whatever was inside.
"What’s this?"
Ye Liuyun could sense spiritual qi inside the box—not much, but it was definitely there.
A spiritual artifact?
So Sheng Lanzhi actually managed to find a spiritual artifact for him during her days away?
,,,,,,