A Meeting of Serendipity

"In the alley," Ying Wuji said, stepping forward.

Murong Haitang followed closely behind.

Sure enough, at the end of the narrow passage, a shop came into view.

"This senior certainly has... character. Setting up a store in such a remote spot!" Murong Haitang remarked with a hint of exasperation.

"Origin Mall has earned its reputation for a reason," Ying Wuji replied quietly, his gaze fixed on the shop's plaque.

The two walked in.

Inside, Gu Yunxi and Jiang Wanshang were just about to prepare their instant noodles when they saw two familiar figures enter.

Both parties froze, their expressions reflecting mutual shock.

For a few seconds, the silence lingered, awkward and heavy.

Finally, Jiang Wanshang and Gu Yunxi broke the tension, speaking in unison.

"Good morning, Teacher Haitang, Teacher Ying."

Murong Haitang narrowed her eyes slightly, a polite smile forming on her lips. "Alright, explain yourselves. What's going on here? Why are the two of you in this place? It's been a while now, hasn't it?"

Recalling their recent behavior, she quickly pieced together the truth.

"You might not believe this, Teacher," Jiang Wanshang began hesitantly, "but we discovered the shop purely by accident."

"Yes, absolutely by accident!" Gu Yunxi nodded furiously in agreement.

"Welcome to our store."

A calm voice interrupted their conversation as Luo Chuan appeared from behind the counter.

"Boss," Gu Yunxi greeted him instinctively.

Murong Haitang glanced at Luo Chuan and hesitated. This is the owner?

The young man standing before her looked far too ordinary, far too young, to match her expectations of a powerful figure.

Ying Wuji, less concerned about appearances, got straight to the point. "I heard from Old Bai that this shop sells items capable of replenishing vitality."

Luo Chuan raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. So, it was Old Bai who referred them.

He nodded and gestured toward an empty shelf. "That's correct. The shop sells syrup that replenishes vitality, but it's currently out of stock. It will be available in a few days."

"That's fine; I can wait," Ying Wuji said calmly. "A few days won't make a difference."

"There are other products in the store you might be interested in," Yao Ziyan chimed in, stepping forward.

"Yes, yes!" Gu Yunxi said excitedly. "Teacher, this is your first time here, so let me introduce everything to you!"

"Wait a moment," Murong Haitang interrupted, her gaze fixed on Yao Ziyan. "You're from the monster beast royal family?"

The striking woman with purple hair and eyes was undeniably eye-catching.

Yao Ziyan nodded gracefully. "Yes, I am."

Murong Haitang blinked in surprise. She hadn't sensed even the slightest spiritual energy fluctuation from Yao Ziyan. Her strength must be far beyond mine… she's likely at least an Eminence.

A dignified Eminence working as a shop assistant? Murong Haitang didn't know what to think.

This revelation only added to her growing sense of awe toward the young shop owner. The ability to command someone of Yao Ziyan's caliber spoke volumes about his power.

"Monster beast royal family? Sister Ziyan, you're not human?" Gu Yunxi and Jiang Wanshang asked, equally surprised.

"If Teacher Haitang hadn't said anything, we wouldn't have noticed!" Jiang Wanshang added.

Yao Ziyan chuckled softly. "No, I'm not human."

The two girls exchanged glances but didn't dwell on the matter. Whether human or monster royal family, Sister Ziyan is just a shop clerk here.

Murong Haitang and Ying Wuji, now more curious than ever, took in the shop's luxurious decor. Their impression of Luo Chuan improved further. A shop of such extravagance could only belong to someone truly extraordinary.

The group spent the next while exploring the shop together, with Gu Yunxi and Jiang Wanshang excitedly introducing each product.

Upon learning about the merchandise, Murong Haitang and Ying Wuji—both at the Pathseeker realm—were genuinely impressed.

Instant noodles that boosted cultivation speed, cola that healed wounds, spicy strips that temporarily enhanced strength—each product was groundbreaking. Any one of them could cause a frenzy among cultivators.

Yet, the most expensive item here was only priced at a hundred thousand spirit crystals.

The two teachers exchanged glances, puzzled.

Why open a shop like this in such an obscure location? Could it be charity? Or does the owner simply have no need for wealth?

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