---
About half a month had passed since Qi Yuan, Xin Ruyin, and Xiaomei took refuge in an inn within the Tianxing Sect market.
During this time, Qi Yuan had secretly returned to Jinma City several times, visiting the nameless hill where Xin Ruyin resided to assess the situation. As expected, there were suspicious individuals loitering nearby. Though they had changed their clothes, it was easy to deduce that they were from the Chen family.
Upon hearing this, Xin Ruyin understood that she couldn't return just yet. To pass the time, she began teaching Qi Yuan the basics of formation techniques as a way to repay his kindness.
Unexpectedly, while Qi Yuan's comprehension of formations was not poor, it was far from exceptional. This gave Xin Ruyin the rare opportunity to "scold" her senior, which, in turn, provided her with a sense of satisfaction and helped ease her disappointment about being unable to return home.
However, the Chen family's power had been greatly weakened. Facing relentless pressure from their enemies, they had no choice but to recall their external members to consolidate their defenses.
Standing outside the inn, Qi Yuan gazed at the overcast sky. Behind him, Xin Ruyin and Xiaomei quietly awaited his words. He glanced sideways and said, "Miss Xin, although the Chen family has withdrawn for now, there's no guarantee they won't return. Instead of going back to the nameless hill, why don't we find a separate courtyard to stay in when we return to Jinma City? We can observe the situation before making any decisions."
The Chen family was merely a small faction, without even a single cultivator in the Jindan stage. Did they truly think they could act recklessly in Jinma City? Did they believe the city's ruling powers would tolerate such lawlessness?
After considering for a moment, Xin Ruyin replied, "That won't be necessary. My nameless hill is protected by numerous formations. The Chen family won't be able to break through. Senior, you can rest assured."
Since Xin Ruyin had already made up her mind, Qi Yuan didn't insist. Pressing the matter further would only create unnecessary tension. When dealing with women, one needed to use a softer approach.
With their decision made, the three of them set off for Jinma City.
Upon arriving, Xin Ruyin safely returned to her nameless hill, while Qi Yuan headed back to Qi Yunxiao's residence. Just as he settled in, a servant entered and reported that someone from Stardust Pavilion had come with an invitation.
Only then did Qi Yuan recall his previous request to the Stardust Pavilion—he had asked them to procure a powerful escape technique at a high price. However, with the recent Chen family conflict, he had temporarily forgotten about it.
The Stardust Pavilion had several good escape techniques, but none had satisfied Qi Yuan. He had negotiated with the pavilion's steward, requesting that they use their connections to acquire a rare and superior method. He had even paid a deposit of spirit stones to facilitate the deal.
Instead of rushing out immediately, Qi Yuan questioned the servant about Qi Yunxiao's recent activities. He had entrusted Qi Yunxiao with the materials from the Mo Jiao beast to forge a magical artifact, and as the agreed-upon time approached, he was naturally eager to know the result.
The servant, looking somewhat anxious, reported everything he knew.
After hearing him out, Qi Yuan waved him away, changed into clean clothes, and set off for the Stardust Pavilion.
Though aerial travel was forbidden in Jinma City, land-based movement was unrestricted. Before long, Qi Yuan arrived at the luxurious and gem-adorned Stardust Pavilion. The moment he stepped inside, a sharp-eyed attendant quickly approached to greet him.
"Master Qi, you've arrived. Madam Lan has been waiting for you," the gray-robed attendant said with a fawning smile. He had been instructed to escort Qi Yuan to Madam Lan immediately upon his arrival.
Qi Yuan remained calm and replied, "Lead the way."
The first time he had met Madam Lan, he had been genuinely impressed. The allure of a mature woman was a unique charm, cultivated through years of experience. Given that she had been a stunning beauty in her youth, time had only added to her elegance. Even now, she was a captivating middle-aged woman, still retaining her youthful appeal.
Following the attendant to the fifth floor, Qi Yuan soon caught sight of a graceful woman dressed in silk—Madam Lan. However, she was currently entertaining another guest, and snippets of negotiation and bargaining could be heard through the beaded curtain.
The attendant carefully stepped forward, whispering to a maid.
The maid stole a glance at Qi Yuan, then quietly approached him. With a respectful bow, she said, "Master Qi, please follow me. Madam Lan will see you as soon as she is finished."
"Very well," Qi Yuan responded, following the charming maid while admiring her graceful figure. As they walked, he casually asked, "Which distinguished guest is Madam Lan entertaining? She sounded rather cautious just now."
The maid lowered her voice. "It's confidential, Master Qi. I'm not allowed to discuss such matters. Please forgive me."
Qi Yuan simply smiled and let the matter drop.
Led by the maid, he entered a lavishly decorated room where the scent of high-grade incense lingered in the air. The fragrance had a calming effect, as if it could wash away all worries.
"Master Qi, please take a seat. I'll pour you some tea," the maid said with a bow before leaving.
Time passed in quiet solitude.
Qi Yuan drank two cups of spiritual tea while waiting. Though Madam Lan still hadn't arrived, he showed no impatience, leisurely reading a book instead.
The door creaked open, and the maid re-entered with a teapot. Seeing Qi Yuan engrossed in his book, she quietly poured another cup of misty spiritual tea for him.
Just as she turned to leave, Qi Yuan's calm voice halted her steps.
"Miss Zi Lian, no matter how good this spiritual tea is, drinking too much of it is unnecessary. If Madam Lan doesn't wish to proceed with our business, she can simply return my deposit. I won't complain."
His tone was composed, his eyes never leaving the pages of the book.
"Master Qi, I—" Zi Lian began to explain, but before she could finish, the door opened again.
"Master Qi, I apologize for the wait," Madam Lan said as she entered gracefully. "The guest before you was an important client, so I had to attend to them. I hope you won't hold it against me."
Qi Yuan set down his book and replied, "How could I? I'm just a humble independent cultivator. How could I possibly expect Madam Lan to personally apologize?"
Madam Lan gave a charming smile. She poured a fresh cup of spiritual tea and walked over, lowering herself slightly as she handed it to him. In a gentle tone, she said, "Master Qi, have some tea to calm your nerves."
Qi Yuan accepted the cup, his fingers brushing against her smooth skin. His gesture, though subtle, sent a clear message.
Madam Lan didn't appear offended. Instead, a faint blush colored her cheeks, making her look even more captivating. It wasn't just about Qi Yuan's looks—his cultivation level was far from ordinary. Given his status, she was willing to tolerate a little flirtation.
If any other Foundation Establishment cultivator had dared act so boldly, they would have been thrown out to feed the dogs. The Stardust Pavilion was not a place where one could trade wealth for intimacy.
Settling beside him, Madam Lan studied Qi Yuan's refined features. "Master Qi, the escape technique you requested has been found," she said softly. "The seller is a descendant of a declining noble family, looking to exchange it for spirit stones. However, he wasn't satisfied with your original offer and wishes to negotiate with you directly. What do you think?"
Qi Yuan took a sip of tea and replied in a steady voice, "That's not a problem. If the technique proves useful, I'm open to renegotiating the price."
A proper escape method could be a life-saving asset. As long as the cost wasn't exorbitant, it would be worth the investment.
After all, when it came to speed, the Cloud-Stepping Boots were among the finest treasures available at the Foundation Establishment stage.
(End of this chapter)