Whispers of Origin Mall

Xiao Cheng sighed inwardly, his expression tinged with helplessness.

He had anticipated that Soaring Cloud Academy's recent activities would draw the attention of the various forces now gathered in Nine Stars City. However, there was little he could do to avoid it.

After all, news about Origin Mall would spread eventually, and revealing a little now wouldn't change much.

Xiao Cheng deliberated for only a moment before reaching a decision.

"It's not exactly a secret." He shrugged casually, his expression indifferent. "I don't mind sharing."

"Haha, straightforward as always! But let's talk about that later!" Wei Yi laughed heartily and clapped his hands. "Waiter! Bring us the menu!"

The waiter, who had clearly been prepared for guests of high status, entered promptly and bowed respectfully.

"What would you like to order, honored guests?" he asked.

Wei Yi scanned the menu quickly, pointing at a few dishes. "This, this, and this... that should do for now!"

The waiter nodded but was caught off guard when Wei Yi suddenly added, "Oh, forget all that! Just bring out everything else on the menu!"

The waiter froze momentarily, then hurriedly replied, "Yes, right away!" before scurrying off.

Xiao Cheng chuckled. "Brother Wei's generosity remains as bold as ever!"

"Of course," Wei Yi grinned. As an alchemist from Medicine Valley, wealth was never a concern for him.

"I've also heard," Liu Ruyu began, her voice sweet but probing, "that you've been taken under the wing of a Medicine Valley elder as a direct disciple. Is that true, Brother Wei?"

Wei Yi's smug grin widened, but before he could respond, Wu Ying remained silent, his sharp gaze scanning the room as if already bored with the conversation.

Soon, an array of exquisite dishes was brought to the table, filling the room with rich aromas. As the meal began, Xiao Cheng briefly recounted his recent experiences at Origin Mall.

He spoke sparingly, offering only the most basic details: the extraordinary nature of the shop's products and their astounding effects.

"You're saying there's a special store nearby?" Wei Yi asked, raising an eyebrow in skepticism.

"And the food there is comparable to high-grade pills?" He frowned, his expression doubtful. "Brother Xiao, are you sure you're not joking?"

Liu Ruyu's curiosity was piqued, though she seemed equally dubious.

"If not for your serious tone, I'd think you were making this up," she said with a faint smile.

Even Wu Ying usually stoic, furrowed his brow slightly.

Xiao Cheng shook his head and shrugged. "I knew you wouldn't believe me. But if you're curious, you can see for yourselves."

He then provided them with detailed directions to Origin Mall.

As he prepared to leave, Xiao Cheng's tone turned serious. "But let me warn you—don't cause trouble there. That store is... not ordinary."

Liu Ruyu couldn't suppress a laugh.

Xiao Cheng frowned. "What's so funny?"

"Do you really think someone of our status and strength has anything to fear?" she asked, a confident smile gracing her lips. Her words carried an air of absolute self-assurance.

Her confidence wasn't unfounded. As the saint of the Jade Pool Holy Land, Liu Ruyu was no ordinary cultivator. With her strength at the peak of Soul Dominion and just a step away from Origin Mastery.

"Believe it or not," Xiao Cheng said with a shrug, "I've done my part."

With that, he turned his attention back to the food, enjoying the meal without further concern.

While Xiao Cheng ate contentedly, the other three remained distracted, their thoughts consumed by what he had revealed about Origin Mall.

After the meal, Xiao Cheng left Wind Immortal Tower with a satisfied expression, leaving the trio behind in silence.

Finally, Wei Yi broke the quiet. "What do you think about what Brother Xiao said?"

Wu Ying's hoarse voice cut through the tension. "He has no reason to lie to us."

Liu Ruyu's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "I must admit, I'm very curious about this store."

In just a few words, their decision was made. Tomorrow, they would seek out Origin Mall for themselves.