The Xian residence

According to Jiang Chu, the idea of a Divine grade was nothing more than an idea. A myth, a tired trope that could never fool someone as enlightened as Ying.

'Please, I'd bet my entire life savings that a Divine grade something exists out there… somewhere,' Ying thought with a confident smirk.

It was worth noting that the concept of Grades extended beyond weaponry; certain skills, pills, and various other items were classified in the same way. Naturally, sub-grades were part of the mix too, ranging from low to mid, high, and finally, peak.

When Ying caught hold of Jiang Chu's words regarding his greedy tendencies, a amused smile crept onto his face, yet another thought struck him.

"Ahh, that's right err, Brother… Jiang? Ugh. Where did you say we would meet up with Xian Shan exactly?" Ying asked.

The plan was for Xian Shan to attend to business, while he and Jiang did their own thing in the city, before meeting up again in an hour or so.

It was for this precise reason that Ying had not already toured the sprawling city and its wondrous delicacies—as per Jiang Chu's request—and he was simply in too good a mood right now to refuse anyone.

"Well, um, we're supposed to meet with her right here, actually… Ah, speak of the devil."

Jiang Chu said, trailing off as his gaze landed on a stunning brunette in the distance. The maiden had a subtle smile on her face… Or in this case, 'wore' a subtle smile.

Ying could easily tell the smile was fake; he understood forced expressions all too well. Only a thief could recognize a fellow trickster, after all. But his mind was preoccupied with his elation, too blissful to dwell on the young woman's curious demeanor.

'Bah, she's just an NPC.' He thought dismissively.

Had he had paid more attention to the details then like he usually did, would things have turned out differently? I wonder…

"Jiang Chu, Senior Ying, I hope you haven't been waiting long! I had to dash back to the mansion to organize a few things… On that note, I hope you don't mind coming with me; I've made preparations you see." Xian Shan said, her voice flowing with a courteous tone as she explained her intentions.

"Not at all! We just arrived and we'd love to go to your place!" Jiang Chu exclaimed, excitement pouring from his words.

At his earnest reply, Xian Shan's false smile disappeared, brightening like the sun. She shook her head, playfully chiding him, "Tut, tut, tut. Jiang Chu, you got a bit too excited there and didn't let Senior Ying answer for himself."

The way she shook her finger while feigning disappointment was cute, carrying an endearing quality. The two lovebirds seemed quite compatible, trusting and abiding in one another. Ying on the other hand…

"…"

There was a brief silence as the two NPCs gazed at the player.

They both wore different expressions, one of which was brimming with genuine intentions, while the other boasted… Well, not really, a nervous sort of foreboding.

Regardless, they both exuded the same aura of expectancy.

Sighing internally, he thought, 'Do I really have to go through with this? Well, what's the worst that could happen? My luck has been stellar lately, so let's strike while the iron is hot.'

With a reluctant nod, Ying sent three pouches into his inventory and accepted Xian Shan's invitation.

'Sigh. Do I really, like, really have to do this… ah whatever; there might be something to gain from this ordeal. My luck has been running over time lately, so as they say; let's hit the iron while it's hot.'

Ying thought, and after the mental equivalent of a sigh, Ying reluctantly sent the three pouches into his inventory before accepting Xian Shan's request.

"Great!" She exclaimed, then proceeded to lead the way to her acclaimed mansion, seemingly quite happy at his accepting her invitation.

Perhaps, she was looking forward to impressing him with the grandeur of her noble residence?

Ying snorted.

'Humph! I'll be the judge of that!'

And just like that, the trio set out—journeying deeper into the far east of the city, which was adjacent to a certain hill that divided the outer forests.

*****

After a few short minutes of walking, Ying and company soon left the confines of the mainland streets and entered a very impressive looking estate.

Ying couldn't suppress a flicker of admiration.

After that, it only took a few more minutes of walking, and they were finally stood before the large gates of the 'Xian' residence.

As they strolled up to the grand gates of the 'Xian' residence, a sense of awe washed over him. The imposing black gates towered nearly a dozen meters high, etched with what appeared to be the elegant insignia of the Xian family, carved meticulously into the obsidian.

Beyond those formidable gates, magnificent structures peeked through, hinting at even greater splendor inside.

'T-this is… Just, wow!'

Ying thought, barely able to hide his astonishment. But being the top of the line expressionist actor that he was, he didn't allow any traces of his internal surprise to make it onto his face.

In contrast, Jiang Chu was practically bouncing beside him. His wide grin and barely contained excitement were clear indicators that this wasn't his first visit.

In front of the gates, stood three individuals; two females dressed in uniform and a middle aged man with a warm smile on his face. Ying assumed the lot to be staff of the mansion.

The middle aged man was the first one to speak.

"Welcome back, Lady Shan, Master Chu, Master…" Ying, understanding where the butler was getting at, replied his name.

"…Master Ying. It is a pleasure to have you, please come in. Lady Shan's request came in a bit late, so we had no choice but to tell her to have you walk all the way here, we hope you can forgive us…"

'Hmm, so that's why we had to walk. I honestly just assumed it to be a strange rule of this fancy estate.' Ying nodded his head understandingly.

"Anyhow, a meal has already been prepared as I'm sure you are all tired from a long day's work." The middle aged man concluded, and proceeded to clap his hands.

Following which, in a manner that was quite reminiscent to magic, the massive gates flung open in a most theatrical manner, revealing quite the extravagant visage of a courtyard.

"Ha! I love it when he does that!" Jiang Chu screamed like a child.

Seeing as the lot went through so much trouble to prepare for them such a grand display of an invitation, Ying had no choice but to just honour their efforts by accepting.

It definitely wasn't because of the fact that he himself was a frugal hack. Unwilling to spend money on anything that wasn't a necessity. He called himself a minimalist, but I knew better…

'Shut the Hell up-!'

Hmm, how violent… Anyways, the trio walked into the residence.

Soon afterwards, Ying was seated on a beautiful eastern-style floor mat, at the centre of which, stood a low but long dinner table.

He sat alongside Jiang Chu and Xian Shan, suppressing his desire to simply droll over the lavishing spread of different foods laid before him.

The buffet ranged from boiled rice with different colours of dipping sauces and soups, to a host of strange finger foods, several weird fruit-like appetizers, as well as a variety of beverages and non alcoholic wine amongst other things.

Ying's mouth watered.

But who could blame him?

Being a less than fortunate kid all through his life, he had never before seen such a generous spread. Of course, he successfully held back his avarice from outwardly showing…

…to the best of his abilities, at least.

Grrrr!

Out of nowhere, a loud sound suddenly erupted across the spacious dinner room. The repercussions it wrought were all but desirable.