C20 He Had Attracted the Shopkeeper's Attention

The youth's face contorted with displeasure when he realized that both the shopkeeper and Wei Lulin were disregarding him, leaving him to stand there unacknowledged. His eyes brimmed with resentment as he glared at Wei Lulin's retreating figure, not bothering to lower his voice as he spat out, "What's so great about you? You're nothing but a useless non-cultivator."

Wei Lulin chose not to dignify the young man's challenge with a response. He understood that their paths would likely never cross again. Engaging with the provocation would only serve to diminish his own stature, making him seem small-minded and petty.

"Lulin, where on earth have you been this past month?" Once they were seated, the shopkeeper poured a cup of tea for him and inquired leisurely. Wei Lulin recounted the events as he had prepared them in his mind, with particular emphasis on how he had come across the Vein Protecting Pill.

The shopkeeper listened without much surprise to the tale of Wei Lulin's narrow escape from Yao Yafeng and his journey through the Endless Forest. He was, however, astounded by Wei Lulin's advancement to Qi Refining Stage Level Two.

The shopkeeper was aware that a month prior, Wei Lulin had accompanied the clan Elder, Wei Ying, into the Endless Forest to gather herbs, though the specifics of their harvest were unknown to him. Upon their return to Lindorin Town, Wei Ying and his companions had briefly mentioned that Wei Lulin would follow shortly before they rushed back to Looh City.

When Wei Lulin failed to appear after three days, concern grew, but it was Baosan, gravely injured and clinging to life, who unexpectedly showed up at the pharmacy. Through Baosan's account, the shopkeeper learned of the peril Wei Lulin faced and the urgent need for a rescue by a skilled expert. Faced with this emergency, the shopkeeper was fraught with worry. Despite his eagerness to rescue Wei Lulin, Baosan required care as well.

Given that Baosan was at the Body Refining Stage and Wei Lulin was unable to cultivate, it was clear that Baosan was the priority. Thus, the shopkeeper was left with no choice but to stifle his urgent concern.

Five days later, the Wei family's experts arrived to collect the injured Baosan. There was no mention of Wei Lulin, which greatly displeased the shopkeeper. As a seasoned elder of the clan, he was all too aware of the family leadership's thought process.

Had Wei Lulin's meridians been intact, rendering him capable of cultivation rather than a helpless invalid, the family would have certainly dispatched numerous experts to rescue him. They would have faced off against the royal family if necessary to bring Wei Lulin back, for he, with his High Level Grade Eight Cultivation Talent, was the beacon of hope for the Wei family's future ascent.

Once the family's experts departed, the shopkeeper ventured into the Endless Forest alone in search of Lulin, spending an entire day in fruitless pursuit. Lulin's hiding spot was exceedingly well-concealed, eluding discovery and ultimately forcing the shopkeeper to abandon his search in resignation.

His profound dedication to the clan was the reason for his astonishment upon learning that not only had Wei Lulin's meridians fully healed, but he had also ascended to the Qi Refining Stage Level Two within a mere month.

"Lulin, I need to conduct a thorough examination of your body," the shopkeeper insisted. His skepticism wasn't a reflection of distrust in Wei Lulin's claims, but rather a desire for personal verification. Only with his own confirmation could he proceed with the next phase of his plan.

"Of course!" Having dealt with the shopkeeper for over a year, Wei Lulin had come to understand his character well. He knew the shopkeeper was wholeheartedly devoted to the Wei family's interests. His eagerness to verify Lulin's ability to cultivate stemmed from a wish to bolster the family's power.

As the shopkeeper channeled his potent Spiritual Force into Lulin, the young man was taken aback to discover the seemingly frail elder possessed formidable strength. If the Spiritual Force within his own meridians was akin to a droplet of water, then the shopkeeper's was comparable to a vast river. It was in this moment that Wei Lulin realized he had much to learn about the familiar old man before him.

"You're doing very well," the shopkeeper said cautiously, mindful not to overwhelm Wei Lulin with his dense Spiritual Force. He utilized merely a fraction—a thousandth—of his own Spiritual Force, which swiftly circulated through Wei Lulin's body.

Afterward, the shopkeeper discovered that Wei Lulin's strength had not only reached Qi Refining Stage Level Two, but his twelve meridians were also several times stronger than those of martial artists at the same level.

This indicated that Wei Lulin's strength was significantly greater than that of his peers. Overcome with excitement, the shopkeeper couldn't help but praise him enthusiastically.

"Lulin, you'll stay here for the time being. Don't venture out; just wait for the Wei family's experts to escort you back to Looh City." Once the shopkeeper confirmed that Wei Lulin's condition exceeded his expectations, he recognized the gravity of the situation. He knew he had to relay the news to the family immediately.

The struggle for control over the Yao Country's interests had intensified the covert and overt conflicts between the three major families and the royal house. The emergence of any prodigy within the families was closely monitored with covetous eyes.

Apart from the shopkeeper and another guard, both at the Body Refining Stage, there were no other masters currently in Lindorin Town. If the royal family and the other two major families learned of this development, they would not allow Wei Lulin to leave Lindorin Town without a challenge.

"Understood. Manager, I have two requests!" Wei Lulin had no objections to the manager's proposal.

Lindorin Town was several thousand miles from Looh City. If he wished to reach the city quickly, it would take him over a month on foot. The optimal choice was to wait for the Wei family's experts to come and provide an escort.

He needed to send a message to the Wei family in Looh City, who would then dispatch experts to retrieve him. This entire process would take at least ten days. Wei Lulin knew he couldn't afford to squander this time. To further enhance his strength, he had no choice but to boldly make his requests.

"Lulin, there's no need for formalities with me!" the shopkeeper said, feigning displeasure.

In truth, the shopkeeper was far from upset about Wei Lulin's proactive requests; he was actually quite pleased.

After all, a year ago, when it became known that Wei Lulin couldn't cultivate, the family had written him off completely. They stripped him of all privileges and even banished him to the remote and perilous Lindorin Town.

If Wei Lulin harbored any bitterness toward his family, the shopkeeper could sympathize. However, Wei Lulin's willingness to voice his requests indicated a strong sense of belonging to the Wei family. The shopkeeper was prepared to fulfill his wishes, provided they weren't unreasonable.

"Shopkeeper, my first request is for you to prepare a feast for me."

"I've been living in a cave in the Endless Forest for a month, subsisting solely on fruit. I haven't been getting enough nutrients," Wei Lulin confessed, somewhat sheepishly. It seemed he had a hearty appetite, but at that moment, all he wanted was a satisfying meal.

"Lulin, that's hardly a request," the shopkeeper replied, chuckling. "I'll have someone set up a spread of delicious dishes for you to enjoy to the fullest."

"Shopkeeper, I'm now able to cultivate, but I'm short on many resources, particularly Spirit Locking Stones that aid in cultivation. Could you lend me some to start with? I promise to pay you back once I've earned enough." Wei Lulin had never proactively inquired about the Wei family disciples' privileges to avoid scorn for his inability to cultivate. Uncertain of the support he might receive now that he could cultivate, he was cautious with his words.