Chapter 32: "An Unexpected Encounter"

The woman turned towards them with a smile and gently rebuked, "Qing'er, let go! You shouldn't treat our esteemed guest so rudely!"

Qing'er let out a sheepish "Oh!" and released Li Daoxuan reluctantly.

Li Daoxuan smiled politely and bowed slightly, saying, "It's quite alright. I find Miss Qing'er very sincere, lively, and lovely."

The woman in white instructed Qing'er, "Qing'er, please bring out my finest spiritual tea to entertain Li Gongzi."

"Of course!" Qing'er shot Li Daoxuan a playful glance and went off to prepare the tea, feigning reluctance.

Curious, Li Daoxuan asked, "May I know your name, miss?"

"Lu Qingcheng."

"Qingguo Qingcheng, fitting name indeed!" Li Daoxuan felt the name suited her perfectly.

Li Daoxuan's mind wandered. Lu! It's an interesting surname.

It's not that Lu is an uncommon surname, but there's also Lu Cheng with the same surname. Could there be a connection?

Li Daoxuan didn't dwell on it and couldn't resist asking, "Miss Lu, how may I be of service to you?"

"Guess!"

"Pfft!" Li Daoxuan almost choked and spluttered out an old tea leaf. "Cough..."

This dignified and elegant lady, whose face was veiled, had such a mischievous side?

"Alright, since you enjoy jests, don't blame me."

Li Daoxuan straightened up and declared solemnly, "I guess Miss Lu must have taken a liking to me and wishes to become my Dao companion!"

"Pfft!" This time, Lu Qingcheng couldn't hold back either and coughed, spraying a mouthful of spiritual tea. Her veil was dampened slightly, revealing glimpses of her facial contours.

Qing'er, standing beside them, glared at Li Daoxuan and hurriedly patted Lu Qingcheng's back.

Li Daoxuan stared intently at Lu Qingcheng's face.

Under the veil, Lu Qingcheng's cheeks flushed red. Thankfully, her face was concealed, or she might have given Li Daoxuan a piece of her mind.

The playful banter lightened the mood and bridged the gap between them. They were no longer strangers.

Li Daoxuan spoke seriously, "Miss Lu, was my guess incorrect?"

"Hmph!"

"Miss Lu, did you seek me out because you're interested in the weapons and elixirs I sell?"

Lu Qingcheng adjusted her veil and used spiritual power to dry it, somewhat disappointing Li Daoxuan.

"Li Gongzi guessed correctly!"

"Or perhaps, I am more curious about Li Gongzi himself!"

Li Daoxuan remained silent and listened attentively.

"I have a question, but I'm not sure if I should ask?"

"Then don't!" Li Daoxuan promptly replied.

Lu Qingcheng: "..."

Qing'er: "..."

Both exchanged puzzled glances momentarily. She was merely being polite; why refuse outright?

"Hahaha... Just kidding, Miss Lu, feel free to ask."

Lu Qingcheng cautiously inquired, "Are you an alchemist?"

"Yes."

"Are you a weapon refiner?"

"Yes."

"Did you personally craft the elixirs and spiritual weapons you sell?"

"All of them."

Lu Qingcheng took a deep breath, maintaining composure outwardly while turmoil churned within. She had suspected as much earlier, but confirmation still unsettled her.

Li Daoxuan didn't conceal anything; nor did he need to. If he wished to demonstrate his value to the Profound Heaven Commercial Alliance, hiding his talents was futile.

Observing Lu Qingcheng's silence, Li Daoxuan continued casually, "In truth, I am also proficient in minor formations!"

Lu Qingcheng: "..."

Initially silent, Lu Qingcheng's eyes lit up suddenly, a decision made in her heart.

"Master Li is truly a prodigy, gifted not only in cultivation but also versatile!"

"I wonder if I may consider Master Li a friend?" Lu Qingcheng looked hopeful yet apprehensive of rejection.

"Aren't we already friends? I don't usually jest with strangers."

"Hehehe~ Master Li is truly an intriguing person," Lu Qingcheng chuckled merrily before adding, "It would be an honor for me to count Master Li as a friend."

"Qingcheng, since we're friends, please refrain from addressing me as Master Li. It creates unnecessary distance between us."

"L... Li Fellow Daoist is right!"

Lu Qingcheng blushed again. This man is indeed peculiar; they had just met, yet he addressed her so familiarly. Wasn't it a bit too intimate?

Li Daoxuan and Lu Qingcheng conversed amiably, gradually becoming more acquainted.

However, Qing'er, standing guard like a watchdog beside Li Daoxuan, slightly dampened the atmosphere.

"Fellow Daoist Li, you've attained the second-tier in alchemy? Weren't you..."

"Hehe! Just a minor breakthrough, nothing noteworthy!"

"Oh!"

Li Daoxuan opted not to elaborate further, as it was quite remarkable.

"By the way, how do you ensure the top quality of your refining and pill concoctions?"

"It's nothing special, just practice. Though I can't guarantee everything will be top quality each time; I rarely produce anything of mediocre or low quality!"

Lu Qingcheng: "..."

Was he speaking in riddles?

Lu Qingcheng opted not to press further. Everyone had their secrets.

"In the future, if Fellow Daoist Li requires anything, feel free to contact the Profound Heaven Commercial Alliance. We still possess considerable influence."

"In that case, I won't be hesitant!"

"..."

Time passed swiftly, and before they knew it, dusk had fallen.

While cultivators paid little heed to nightfall, it was improper for a man and woman to remain together.

Qing'er could no longer hold back her irritation. "Hey! Miss, it's late. Shouldn't you rest?"

Lu Qingcheng glanced at Li Daoxuan and suggested, "Fellow Daoist Li, what are your thoughts on this..."

"Oh! It is getting late. What shall we do?"

"Fellow Daoist Li, are you facing any difficulties?"

"I do have a minor concern. I'm unfamiliar with this place! I lack accommodations. What should I do?"

Qing'er was on the brink of losing her patience. Did Li Daoxuan really need such obvious hints?

Taking Lu Qingcheng seriously, he pondered, "Qing'er, kindly arrange lodging for Fellow Daoist Li on the eighth floor."

"Is that so, Miss?"

"Yes, please hurry!"

Qing'er shot a glare at Li Daoxuan and grumbled, "You rogue, let's go! Why are you still lingering?"

Li Daoxuan rose to leave but paused, "Oh, Qingcheng, I have a question I'd like to ask. If you don't mind..."

Lu Qingcheng tensed slightly, caution evident. "Please ask. I may not necessarily answer."

Lu Qingcheng harbored reservations but left herself an out.

"I intend to lease a shop in Luo City. Do you have any connections?"

Lu Qingcheng and Qing'er exchanged glances before Qing'er burst into laughter. "Hahaha... You've asked the right person!"

"Do you know why Luo City is called..."