NOVEL WEB Chapter 5:
Chapter 5: Nine Heavens Divine Phoenix Hairpin:
Manager Chen and Lu Danian stood awkwardly, unsure how to react, while the charming Zi Yun was momentarily stunned. An elder of such high status, with gray hair and a venerable reputation, gifting a personal item like a hairpin to her? The situation was almost too surreal to comprehend.
Neither Manager Chen nor Lu Danian dared to speak, as Xu Xiao’s position within the Misty Sect demanded their utmost respect.
Zi Yun regained her composure, glancing at Xu Xiao’s warm smile on his aged, wrinkled face. Her beautiful eyes flickered with surprise, doubt, and a trace of amusement. The thought crossed her mind: This old man, nearing the end of his life, still has his sights set on young women…
Zi Yun had seen much in her life and couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. It was clear what this gift meant. However, given Xu Xiao’s advanced age and her own principles, accepting him was out of the question.
Still, she gracefully accepted the golden hairpin, placing it carefully into her arms. Rejecting such a gesture in public could embarrass the inner sect elder of the Misty Sect, something she wanted to avoid.
“Thank you, Elder Xu,” she said with a polite smile. “If you need anything in the future, please don’t hesitate to visit Zi Lai Trading Company. We would be honored to serve you.”
Seeing her response, Xu Xiao stroked his beard and laughed warmly. “Of course, Shopkeeper Zi. If there’s anything I need in the future, I’ll make sure to visit your establishment.”
At that moment, the system’s voice echoed in his mind:
[Congratulations to the host for successfully gifting a Low-Grade Law Hairpin. The first gift to Zi Yun has triggered a thousandfold critical hit, returning the top-quality Law Weapon Nine Heavens Divine Phoenix Hairpin.]
[Nine Heavens Divine Phoenix Hairpin: A top-tier Law Weapon capable of releasing a fire phoenix attack when infused with spiritual energy. Its power increases with the user’s cultivation realm.]
The Nine Heavens Divine Phoenix Hairpin appeared in the space library, its brilliance illuminating Xu Xiao’s mind. Excitement surged through him.
This was no ordinary item. Although top-tier Law Weapons were inferior to magical weapons, they were still rare and highly coveted in the cultivation world. In his prime, even as a Nascent Soul Ninth Layer cultivator, Xu Xiao had never possessed such a treasure.
Dugu Ling, the sect’s leader, only owned two top-tier Law Weapons herself, and their value was astronomical.
Suppressing his elation, Xu Xiao maintained a composed demeanor. Zi Yun, noticing his serene expression, couldn’t help but feel a twinge of amusement. Pretending to be indifferent even now… Old man, you’re quite something.
After exchanging farewells, Xu Xiao climbed back into the carriage with Lu Danian’s assistance. The vehicle began its leisurely journey along East Street toward the city gate.
Watching the carriage roll away, Manager Chen couldn’t help but comment, “Shopkeeper, I heard Elder Xu only has a year left to live. Who would’ve thought he still harbors such… interests? Truly remarkable…”
Zi Yun straightened her posture, a hint of pride flashing across her face. “Haha, doesn’t this prove how charming I am? Regardless, make sure we treat Elder Xu well if he visits again. He’s practically a gold mine.”
…
The bustling streets of East Street were filled with shops and streams of people moving in every direction.
Inside the carriage, Lu Danian glanced at Xu Xiao, who appeared deep in thought. Smiling kindly, Lu Danian spoke, “Uncle, don’t worry. I’m already helping you find a good match. She’ll definitely be better than that Zi Yun!”
His voice carried the sincerity of someone who genuinely cared. As a man, Lu Danian understood Xu Xiao’s loneliness. He assumed that his uncle, on the verge of death, simply wanted to experience the companionship of a woman before his time came.
Xu Xiao opened his eyes, giving Lu Danian a look of disbelief.
Oblivious, Lu Danian continued, “Uncle, if necessary, I can arrange for a few beautiful female disciples from the outer sect to take care of you tomorrow. As the outer sect’s law enforcement elder, I’ll make sure they comply!”
Xu Xiao’s expression darkened, and he took a deep breath. Without hesitation, he slapped Lu Danian on the head.
“You fool!” Xu Xiao scolded. “How dare you even think of imposing on the female disciples of our sect? Do you take me for that kind of person?”
Still rubbing his head, Lu Danian looked genuinely confused.
“I gave that hairpin to Zi Yun out of politeness,” Xu Xiao explained, shaking his head in exasperation. “Stop jumping to ridiculous conclusions.”
Seeing the sincerity in his uncle’s weathered face, Lu Danian nodded seriously. How could he have doubted someone as upright and moral as Elder Xu?
The carriage continued along the road until they encountered a crowd blocking the intersection ahead. From within the gathering, raised voices could be heard.
“Boss! These Foundation Establishment Pills are full of impurities. How dare you sell such low-quality goods to my junior sister?”
A young man in a light blue robe stood outside a shop, his tone angry as he confronted several store employees.
Standing beside him were one man and three women, all similarly dressed in light blue robes—the uniform of Misty Sect’s outer disciples.
One of the women, slender and pretty, clutched three white pills in her hand. Her eyes were red, and her expression was one of grievance.
The middle-aged shopkeeper, maintaining a polite smile, responded calmly, “Dear guests, the transaction was completed in our store. How do we know you didn’t switch these pills yourself and come back to blackmail us?”
The male disciple hesitated, frowning.
The young woman spoke up, her voice trembling. “I didn’t switch them… I bought these three Foundation Establishment Pills here. You’re lying…”
Her face flushed with sadness, and tears welled in her eyes. She had painstakingly saved three Mid-Grade spirit stones to buy these pills, only to encounter such deception.
The sight of the aggrieved disciple sparked indignation among the onlookers. Many stepped forward, criticizing the store for its dishonesty.
The shopkeeper, however, remained unfazed. “The store has always conducted honest business,” he said with a hint of mockery. “Perhaps the young lady dropped her pill bag and someone swapped the contents. You should go find the thief instead of blaming us.”
The crowd’s anger grew, but the situation took a turn when the shopkeeper revealed his aura. His cultivation was at the Core Formation stage, intimidating the Misty Sect disciples and silencing the onlookers.
The young woman’s face turned pale. It seemed impossible now to recover her three Mid-Grade spirit stones.
“What’s happening over there?” Xu Xiao asked, observing the commotion from the carriage.
“Uncle,” Lu Danian replied, “it seems some outer disciples from our sect are involved in a dispute with a shop. These things happen often in Tiger Roar City. We usually leave them to resolve it on their own.”
Xu Xiao nodded but was soon interrupted by the system’s voice:
[Daughter of Luck Detected: Lin Yaner.]
[Luck level: C.]
[Refund multiple: 10 times.]
[Bond degree: 1.]
[Tip: Luck level may increase with the acquisition of special opportunities.]
“Hm?” Xu Xiao’s expression shifted slightly.