A Sip of Good Tea

As they walked through the imperial city, Ji Wuhui couldn't contain his curiosity any longer.

"Brother Ying, how long were you standing there?" he asked, glancing at Ying Wuji.

"Not long," Ying Wuji replied blankly. "Just over an hour."

Ji Wuhui: …

Old Bai: …

Ji Wuhui coughed softly, trying to mask his embarrassment. At the same time, he silently cursed Xia Yu for his lack of consideration.

Letting a Pathseeker at his peak stand outside the gate for over an hour? Xia Yu, you're truly one of a kind.

If Xia Yu could hear Ji Wuhui's thoughts, he would likely protest his innocence. After all, he had suggested that Ying Wuji wait inside the imperial city, but the man had refused outright.

"Brother Ying, my apologies for the poor hospitality and any offense caused," Ji Wuhui said earnestly.

"It's fine," Ying Wuji replied with a shake of his head. His calm demeanor made it clear he didn't take the matter to heart.

The three soon arrived at the imperial hall where Ji Wuhui conducted state affairs. A maid promptly served tea.

"Brother Ying, this is the Colored Moonfall Tea from the Nine Stars Mountains, brewed with vitality spring water. Please, have a taste," Ji Wuhui said with a smile.

The tea, a rare treasure of the Nine Stars Mountains, was a heavenly-grade elixir renowned for its significant effects on mental power.

Ying Wuji took the cup, drank it all in one gulp, and said with his usual expressionless tone, "Good tea."

Ji Wuhui's smile froze.

Could you be any more perfunctory?

Watching Ying Wuji down the rare tea so casually, Ji Wuhui felt a pang of helplessness.

This tea is meant to be savored! Even I wouldn't drink it like that…

Still, Ji Wuhui couldn't bring himself to care much anymore. After experiencing vitality spring water instant noodles at Luo Chuan's store, the value of vitality spring water no longer seemed as significant.

After some small talk, Ying Wuji's patience began to wear thin. His personality was straightforward, and pleasantries weren't his strong suit.

"Actually," Ying Wuji said, his tone turning serious, "I came here to ask Old Bai for something."

Old Bai raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. "Oh? Brother Ying, please speak. If it's within my ability, I'll certainly help."

Ying Wuji nodded, then spoke directly. "I'd like to know how you replenished your vitality."

The room fell silent.

Seeing their reactions, Ying Wuji elaborated. "The techniques I practice have drained a significant amount of vitality from my body. Finding a way to replenish it is crucial for me. I'm willing to offer suitable compensation in exchange for the method."

Old Bai coughed softly, breaking the silence, and said with a light smile, "There's no need for compensation. I can tell you right now."

Ying Wuji was stunned. He hadn't expected Old Bai to agree so easily.

The old man continued, "Given what I've observed at the boss's shop, it's clear he doesn't mind having more customers. That's contrary to the assumptions we initially made about him.

In any case, the news of the shop will eventually spread across Nine Stars City and even throughout Azure Continent. Telling you about it now is hardly a loss, and earning the goodwill of a Pathseeker like yourself is more than worth it."

Ying Wuji furrowed his brows. This turn of events was far from what he had anticipated. After a moment's thought, he asked again, "Are you sure it's fine to share such critical information so easily?"

Old Bai chuckled and shook his head. "It's just a piece of information. If you feel the need to repay me, simply owe me a favor."

Ying Wuji stared at Old Bai, trying to discern his motives. However, there was no trace of deception in the old man's gaze.

In the end, Ying Wuji nodded solemnly. "Alright, Mr. Bai. I owe you one."