C15 Purchasing Medicinal Herbs

"Alright," Lu Shaoyou murmured in agreement and took a seat. The pastries before him were tempting, yet he couldn't taste their sweetness. His thoughts were with his mother, enduring hardships, and the twenty gold coins he had yet to earn today weighed heavily on his mood.

"Shaoyou, is something bothering you?" Lu Wushuang inquired, noting his somber demeanor.

"No, just lost in thought," Lu Shaoyou quickly recovered and responded.

"Shaoyou, about yesterday in the backyard, what's your take on Cuiyu's talent?" Lu Wushuang gently prodded.

"She's quite talented, hardly what you'd expect from a maid," Lu Shaoyou remarked without much thought. So her name was Cuiyu. Yet, he sensed she was no ordinary maid.

"You've noticed it too. But your talents surpass hers. Your words yesterday about fearing not the ravages of time but the silence that greets a broken string truly enlightened me," Lu Wushuang said, her gaze fixed on him.

"It was nothing, really—just speaking off the cuff," Lu Shaoyou downplayed his words.

"Shaoyou, have you considered your future with Third Aunt?" Lu Wushuang asked softly.

"Do you think I have a future?" Lu Shaoyou replied with a wry smile.

"Judging by your resolve yesterday, I can tell you're not content with this path. Yet, you're unable to become a Martial Artist or a Spiritual Cultivator. Shaoyou, when you're ready, come to me if you need assistance," Lu Wushuang offered earnestly.

"Wushuang, there is actually something urgent I need your help with," Lu Shaoyou admitted, hesitating slightly, his face tinged with discomfort.

"Speak. I'll help if it's within my power," Lu Wushuang assured him.

"I need to borrow some gold coins—a substantial amount. Twenty, to be precise," Lu Shaoyou confessed, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. This was the first time in either of his lives he had asked a woman for money, a task he found particularly awkward.

"Twenty gold coins is neither trivial nor excessive. May I ask what you need them for?" Lu Wushuang inquired gently.

"I'll explain later; I can't just yet," Lu Shaoyou deflected.

"Here are fifty gold coins. I trust you. If it's not enough, don't hesitate to ask for more," Lu Wushuang said, handing him a fragrant coin pouch brimming with gold.

"Wushuang, thank you," Lu Shaoyou said, his gratitude genuine. He looked at her, vowing silently to repay her kindness manifold in the future.

"I must go now. Seek me out if you need anything," Lu Wushuang said, standing to leave. Her gaze lingered on Lu Shaoyou, recalling the shift in her perception of him from the day before. Today's visit was intentional; she sensed a change in Lu Shaoyou, the boy she'd watched grow up. Her intuition whispered that her once meek and unassuming cousin had acquired a new aura.

"There's always a way. With fifty gold coins, any trouble can be taken care of," Lu Shaoyou muttered, eyeing the coins in his grasp.

"Young Master, that's quite the feast you've got there. I even brought you breakfast," Lu Xiaobai remarked, seemingly appearing out of nowhere in the courtyard. His gaze fell upon the spread of exquisite pastries and delicacies, prompting him to casually toss aside the oil cake he was holding. Without hesitation, he began to indulge in the sumptuous spread.

"Eat up. Once you're done, you're coming with me," Lu Shaoyou instructed.

"What for? I'm just a lowly servant; I can't just leave whenever I please," Lu Xiaobai protested.

"What's there to fear? We'll slip out the back door—no one will be the wiser," Lu Shaoyou assured him.

"Alright, I could use a change of scenery," Lu Xiaobai conceded.

And so, they exited through the Lu family's back door. Upon encountering Uncle Nan, the old servant, Lu Shaoyou couldn't help but let out a smug hum. Clutching twenty gold coins, he gave Uncle Nan a knowing look, silently communicating his intent to purchase the necessary materials.

As they hit the streets, Lu Shaoyou's memories guided him confidently through Qingyun Town. It was a place of considerable size. The pair slowed their pace, leisurely meandering through the bustling thoroughfare.

The array of shops lining the street, brimming with otherworldly goods, was a sight to behold for Lu Shaoyou. This was his inaugural outing since arriving on the Spirit Martial Continent.

Having explored several streets, Lu Shaoyou remembered his mission to acquire the medicinal herbs listed by Uncle Nan. These weren't items found in just any store; they required a visit to specialized establishments.

Lu Shaoyou's recollection was clear: the shops that stocked these rare ingredients were sparse and scattered throughout Qingyun Town, each under the control of a few influential families, including the Lu family.

Navigating through several streets, Lu Shaoyou ducked into an alley and quickly reemerged onto another street. This area was a hub for Qingyun Town's Martial Artists. With a keen eye, one might even spot a Spiritual Cultivator or two blending into the crowd.

The street was spacious and lively, though not overcrowded. The shops here catered to a specific clientele, dealing in medicinal herbs, pills, and weapons. Their opulent décor outshone those on adjacent streets, and the crowd was predominantly composed of Martial Artists and Spiritual Cultivators, with ordinary folks being a rare sight.

Any single herb from these shops could fetch a price equivalent to half a year's food supply for an average household.

From a distance, Lu Shaoyou spotted a shop named Lu's Pharmacy, its lavish decoration unmistakable. Guarding the entrance stood two Martial Disciples, kin to Lu Shaoyou. Despite Lu's Pharmacy having the herbs he needed, he chose not to patronize it, his gaze lingering on the surrounding streets.

Then, his eyes landed on Heavenly Treasure Sect. He paused, recalling that it was the Dugu family's establishment, known as the most formidable shop in all of Qingyun Town.

Lu Shaoyou strode into the Heavenly Treasure Sect without a moment's hesitation. The store was expansive, and he was confident he could find a comprehensive selection of what he needed.

"Young Master, what are we doing here? Why are we at the Heavenly Treasure Sect?" Lu Xiaobai trailed behind Lu Shaoyou, shrinking back slightly. The Heavenly Treasure Sect was a popular haunt for Martial Artists and Spiritual Cultivators. As a lowly servant, he had never set foot in such an opulent establishment.

"May I help you find something?" A voice called out just as Lu Shaoyou crossed the threshold of the Heavenly Treasure Sect.

Lu Shaoyou looked up at the sound, spotting two burly men dressed alike, flanking him. The one on the left had addressed him.

The men regarded Lu Shaoyou with evident respect, a reaction to the cyan robe he wore, a gift from Lu Wushuang earlier that morning. Clearly, it was not the attire of an ordinary man. Lu Xiaobai, in his servant's garb, only accentuated the impression that Lu Shaoyou was indeed a young master of high standing.

"I'm looking for medicinal herbs to concoct pills," Lu Shaoyou replied.

"Right this way, please," said the large man, gesturing with deference. Lu Shaoyou followed, with Lu Xiaobai in tow, still in a daze, his eyes wide at the grandeur of the Heavenly Treasure Sect's interior.

Lu Shaoyou surveyed the surroundings with a cool gaze. The Heavenly Treasure Sect's interior was vast, spanning nearly a thousand square meters, filled with an array of items. His eyes quickly identified various weapons and armors—gear typical of Martial Artists and Spiritual Cultivators.

Meanwhile, more than a dozen Martial Artists browsed the store, each engrossed in selecting their desired items.