009: The Courtyard
The next morning, Zemirah woke up early and circulated her breathing technique to start her day.
She then packed up her belongings, from her daily necessities to her plants two pots of spiritual plants, the [Extreme Purity Daisy Flower] and [Morning Queen Bell Plant]. Since she gave Wendy the [Dutch Whisper Plant], she got the [Morning Queen Bell Plant].
The two spiritual flowers are good for nurturing the spiritual consciousness, and she always sleeps and wakes up in a pleasant mood.
The [Extreme Purity Daisy Flower] is whiter than snow and the [Morning Queen Bell Plant] has a cute golden small bell-shaped flower.
Zemirah made up her mind to collect more spiritual plants. Maybe she can cultivate a garden of myriad flowers that she always dreamed of.
After making sure that her belongings were packed in her space ring, she went out and met Wendy. Wendy is waiting outside her room.
"Good morning, master." Wendy cutely greeted her master.
Zemirah nodded, "Morning, little Wendy. Have you packed your things?"
Wendy nodded, patting her space pouch. "They're all here, master."
"Very good. Let's bid goodbye to Thea and go to our courtyard."
They went down the stairs and met Thea who was sitting behind the wooden counter, yawning lazily.
Thea's yawn was interrupted when she saw the lady and the little girl from the corner of her eyes.
The little girl that the lady brought was actually the disciple she accepted from the group of village survivors.
Thea was envious, to say the least. But she knew that since the lucky girl caught the eyes of the Young Lady, then she must be special enough.
Envious is envious, but the girl's heart doesn't have any malice.
"Thea, we're checking out. Thank you for your care these days." Zemirah smiled behind her veil and took out a Mid-Stage Outstanding-Quality Grade 1 Defensive Talisman as a gift.
At the same time, Sia's mechanical voice sounded.
[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for triggering a 6-fold back. You got a Rare-Quality Late-Stage Grade 1 Defensive Talisman.]
Hearing that she triggered a one-digit number of fold back, Zemirah sighed at how big the difference in the things she received from her disciple was.
Sure enough, accepting a cute disciple is a great decision.
Thea stood up from shock at Zemirah's words. She was reluctant but quickly realized that she was just a mortal servant that has no right to interfere with the beautiful cultivator's business, so she curbed the growing sadness in her heart and smiled.
Seeing the girl's reluctance immediately turned to acceptance, Zemirah thought for a moment then smiled, "If you have any problems that I can help, you can go and see me in my courtyard at the Teal District."
Thea, who thought that this would be her last meeting with the Young Lady perked up. She smiled brightly and nodded, "Yes, Young Lady."
Wendy watched the older girl look at her master in admiration. She knew many people admired her master, from her looks that were hidden behind the veil to her character that didn't discriminate against mortals.
She was so charming that even unintentionally, she captured the hearts of people like them.
Wendy deeply remembered how lucky she was. Otherwise, she wouldn't even have the right to see her master from afar.
After the short farewell, Zemirah walked on foot with her disciple from the inn in the Rest District to her courtyard in the Teal District. While walking, she said to her little disciple, "I think we should get a transportation tool, maybe a carriage ride."
Wendy nodded in agreement to her master as always, "I think so too, master."
Seeing her little face nodding seriously, Zemirah laughs lightly. Having a disciple is really a joy, aside from the gifts she got, having someone beside her who has unconditional trust and admiration for her is fulfilling.
She's not alone in this unfamiliar world.
She has a disciple and friends.
Humans are social creatures, and having companions is good for spiritual sustenance.
When walking in the Ivor District, they passed by a shop selling some pastries.
The shop sold normal pastries and spiritual foods.
Wendy's eyes stayed on the displayed pastries and took a sniff of the fragrance coming from the shop.
Zemirah saw it so she decided and walked inside the shop. Wendy was happy that her master also wanted to eat those delicious-looking pastries. She can surely have her share too.
The Baker, who was arranging the pastries in the glass display saw a beautiful lady and a little girl coming, they were obviously cultivators just from their temperament and attire so he greeted them respectfully, "Good day ladies, what can this servant I do for you?"
Zemirah told the Baker, "Give me a pair of each, both normal and spiritual pastry."
Wendy who was contemplating what pastry to choose widened her eyes at her master's words.
"Master?" She asked in surprise.
"Let's taste each, they all look delicious," Zemirah said naughtily as she blinked her fox eyes at her disciple.
Then she added, "Oh, and point to the pastry that you like so we can add more portions."
Wendy blinked and didn't hesitate anymore as she pointed to the delicate-looking pastries she wanted.
The Baker heard her words and laughed happily, anyone who heard praise for their works would be happy. Besides the big business, he'll get from the transaction.
Zemirah paid two Outstanding-Quality Mid-Stage Grade 1 Defensive Talisman for the pastries. The Baker was happy to receive it and even added some special pastries that they rarely sell.
Buying talismans above Uncommon-quality is hard to obtain, even to the Cities that have richer resources than a Town.
Now that this generous customer paid with a talisman, it means she has the ability or the background to take out a precious talisman like this.
Both cannot be offended only befriended.
Wendy then ate her pastry on their way to the courtyard, Zemirah didn't eat hers since they were on the street with many people looking. She wore a veil for a reason and wouldn't destroy it just to eat a pastry.
Looking at her happily eating disciple, she took out a handkerchief and wiped the crumbs on Wendy's little face.
Wendy blushed shyly but didn't hide at her master's care.
With a happy and relaxed atmosphere, it didn't take long for them to arrive at their destination.
Seeing the clean and neat courtyard, it looks more beautiful than last time. The black gate was new and the wall was taller.
There's the hut in the large but bare garden without the tall grass. There were few decorations and no plants or flowers, but Zemirah didn't mind. She'll just buy and decorate slowly.
She loves the thought of having her own property and making the courtyard home is her priority for the next few days.
Wendy observed everything in silence yet deep inside, anticipation for this new home grew.
"Let's go in, Wendy." Zemirah pushed open the door to the courtyard. She was greeted by the beautiful carved beams like she wanted. The wooden floor was new, it was made from a mortal-grade Dark Pine Wood.
She let the master and disciple decide what materials to use and paid the cost of the materials.
There is a wide living hall, eight bedrooms, four empty rooms, the kitchen, and the basement.
"Let's pick our rooms and prepare to invite guests, Wendy."
Wendy nodded, "Yes, master."
Zemirah automatically owns the master bedroom, while Wendy chose a room near her master, which is just slightly smaller.
Entering the master bedroom, Zemirah examined everything and was satisfied. There's a sleeping quarters inside while outside is a small living room.
"I need to arrange a study room for myself and Wendy each, a storage room for treasures, and one room will be a spare for future use.
Nodding to herself, Zemirah started taking out her things.
The spiritual plants, her cheap tea set, her clothes in the closet, and her talisman materials. There were other miscellaneous in the space ring that she slowly took out and placed around her room.
"I need to buy some more materials, like spiritual wood for furniture and furs and silk for clothing. And I need to find good shoes, the one I'm using is just a normal shoe."
"I'll also invite Riya later. Maybe after shopping with my disciple."
Zemirah sighed, although feeling troublesome, everything was also fulfilling.
She went out of her room and called Wendy, "Come on, Wendy. We'll go shopping."
Wendy followed happily, "Where are we going, master?" She also started to like shopping.
"Let's go to Ivor District," Zemirah wanted to see the stalls where most cultivators sell their loot.
"Ivor District?" Wendy has heard of it but she didn't know much.
Zemirah smiled and explained, "The Teal River Town has three main districts, The Rest District is where the inn we stayed previously. Teal District has our courtyard and Ivor District where most cultivators rent a stall to sell their stuff from hunting or adventure. It's like a bazaar but not really."
Wendy's eyes widened, "So there are many cultivators there?"
"Yeah, so don't run around and stay near me, okay?" Zemirah warned her little disciple.
"Yes, Master." Wendy grew up admiring cultivators from her village, she felt fear and awe of them.
They arrived at Ivor District, it was Wendy's first time there so she was amazed at the crowd of cultivators. The place is noisy, like a mortal marketplace.
"Hold my hand, Wendy."
Zemirah held Wendy and walked in. There were many stalls on the side streets, she went to the place where most spiritual meat was being sold.
"Let's buy ingredients for the dishes we'll eat later. What do you want for lunch, Wendy?"
Wendy thought for a while but she didn't know many dishes so she said, "Anything master likes."
Zemirah laughed at her cute words.
On a certain stall, Zemirah saw a [Red Tusk Boar], a Common-Quality Grade 1 spiritual beast that can be found in forests of the Golden Light Dynasty.
"Fellow Daoists, how much for this boar?" Zemirah asked.
The Seller quoted a price, "1,000 Gold Coins for a Low-Stage Grade 1 [Red Tusk Boar]."
Zemirah paid the money and then went to another stall, "One [Blue Beard Lobster]." It was a Common-Quality Grade 1 spiritual beast that can be found in the nearby Teal River Forest.
She bought many other ingredients that she thought would taste good with Wendy. Some beast meat and some Teal River products.
Then lastly, "A [Grass Milk Cow]." Zemirah recognized it. That's an Uncommon -Quality Grade 1 spiritual beast that is mostly reared by large factions for its tasty meat and nutritious milk that is good for children.
It was rarely seen outside.
"I'll see if I can buy you some milk, Wendy." Zemirah was so busy these days that she forgot about Wendy's needs as a growing child.
"Fellow Daoist, do you still have some milk of this [Grass Milk Cow]?"
The Lady who is the owner of the stall saw her and shook her head, "Sorry, the last batch is reserved by someone already."
Zemirah frowned, which meant there were still some left.
"How's an Outstanding-Quality Mid-Stage Talisman?" Zemirah said seriously.
The Lady was taken aback at her words. After understanding what she meant, she hesitated before saying, "How about I deliver another batch in three days?"
Hearing her, Zemirah sighed and compromised, "7 jars of milk for each talisman."
The Lady nodded, "Yes, please leave an address."
Zemirah discussed some more details before leaving with Wendy.
Then they went to buy some spices and herbs, which Zemirah bought in bulk for a long time supply. She didn't want to bother going out just to buy spices next time.
Zemirah sighed as she thought of how her Gold Coins were almost spent. She should find a place to sell her talisman in a stable way.
Should she buy a shop? A stall is troublesome but the shops in Teal District are the Town Lord's property.
Whatever, I'll ask Riya later. Zemirah thought in her mind.
"Let's go to Teal District and shop some clothes."
Wendy obediently followed along with her master and nodded.
At a clothing shop that is famous for its Spiritual Weaver in making ladies' clothes and shoes, Zemirah went in with Wendy. Seeing the two customers, a staff welcomed them.
Zemirah said, "Take me to see Mortal-Grade and Grade 1 clothes and shoes. Both of my size and my disciple."
The staff was surprised at her request but quickly responded, "Yes, please enter a private room with me."
The staff didn't dare neglect this obvious big customer.
Wendy's eyes shone at the colorful clothes on the way. The dresses, robes, and shoes. It made her little girly heart want to wear them.
They entered a private room located on the second floor, "Please wait here for a moment. I'll arrange the clothes to show you."
The staff called someone to serve some snacks while they waited.
"Have some snacks while waiting, little Wendy."
Zemirah sat quietly on her seat while sipping on her tea while Wendy ate the snacks. The tea is just Mortal-Grade, but it was already quite good for a shop to serve them to their customers.
It didn't take long for them to wait when someone to knock and enter after being given permission.
Zemirah watched the staff push racks of Artifact Clothes and Shoes, mostly Mortal-Grade and Grade 1. Wendy straightened in her seat as her eyes followed every rack that entered.
Every piece is beautiful, but she can't get her eyes off them as this is the first time she experienced this scene.
"Please introduce the pieces for us." Zemirah smiled at the staff although it was only her alluring fox eyes that they could see.
The female staff nodded, "Of course, my lady."
She started her introduction with the clothes for children. Someone pushed forward the clothing she spoke of.
"This is the [Blue Sky Feather Dress], a Mortal-Grade Dress Artifact that has a certain resistance to wind. Made from the feather of the Uncommon-Quality Late-Stage Mortal-Grade [Sky Blue Sparrow]."
It is a blue and white themed dress, with some feathers used to design it. The way different blues were used to design the dress impressed Wendy.
"[Freedom Lotus Dress], a Mortal-Grade Dress Artifact that has certain water resistance. Made from the petals of [Thousand Green Leaf Lotus] from the Teal River."
A green dress with little emerald crystals on the waist like a thin line of belt. The dress skirt is like a petal of lotus layered to form.
"[Purple Striped Fur Cloak], a Common-Quality Low-Stage Grade 1 Cloak Artifact. A cloak made from the fur of Uncommon-Quality Low-Stage Grade 1 [Purple Striped Tiger].
A purple and black cloak, with the inside having purple fur making the wearer comfortable and warm.
"[Lush Embrace Cloak], an Uncommon-Quality Mid-Stage Grade 1 Dress Artifact, it has good concealing abilities, especially for places rich in wood elements.
A bright green cloak that looks comfy and light. She can see that the cloak's best is the embroideries hidden inside.
Zemirah turned to Wendy, "What do you like? Choose the dress and cloak you fancy."
Wendy's eyelashes trembled and looked back and forth to all of the clothes. Zemirah didn't speak and left her to take her time, she gestured to the staff to move on to the adult clothing.
The staff understands, "The [White Daisy Dress], a Common-Quality Low-Stage Grade 1 Dress Artifact."
It's a pure white dress, the cloth and thread all being different shades of white. The way the thread was sewed made Zemirah feel like she was seeing a work of art like how she made her talismans.
She knew it was the charm of Spiritual Weaver. Every thread and every piece of cloth can be made into something magical.
"[Blushing Peacock Feather Dress], an Uncommon-Quality Low-Stage Grade 1 Dress Artifact."
A dress pink dress with red feathers, the dress looks good as the colors complement each other in their own way.
"[Lavender Smoke Dress], an Uncommon-Quality Low-Stage Grade 1 Dress Artifact."
A lavender-colored dress, its skirt looked flowy which made Zemirah's eyes stop for a moment. She seems to see the sea of lavender swaying with the wind song.
"This is the [Morning Star Dress], an Uncommon-Quality Mid-Stage Grade 1 Dress Artifact. It has some shielding effects from invisible things like curses, smoke, and bugs."
A yellow and white themed dress, perfectly showing the morning's glory.
Zemirah nodded at the staff's words before saying, "We'll take everything." After putting down her teacup.
Wendy, who was still hesitating about what to choose from the array of clothes, was startled.
The Staff was also surprised before smiling widely, "Yes, my lady."
"The shoes," Zemirah asked.
The staff opened 8 boxes of shoes.
[Snow Sea Shark Boots] a Common-Quality Low-Stage Grade 1 Shoe Artifact." It is a white and blue-gray shoes, with some sea waves and snowflakes designs. Zemirah can't help but focus on the designs from their vivid image.
[Purple Sky Bird Boots] a Common-Quality Low-Stage Grade 1 Shoe Artifact. A purple shoe with a wings design, the tip was sharp and the sole was thick. It looks good for kicking or throwing to scumbags.
[Willow Light Sandals] an Uncommon-Quality Low-Stage Grade 1 Shoe Artifact. A sandal made from willow leaves to a sandal shoe, it's green and white themed.
[Red Crystal Leather Shoes] an Uncommon-Quality Mid-Stage Grade 1 Shoe Artifact. A luxurious-looking red shoe that is dotted with crystals.
Then the adult shoes for Zemirah.
[Coral Vein Shoes] an Uncommon-Quality Low-Stage Grade 1 Shoe Artifact. A pale pink shoe appeared and Zemirah liked it just looking at the rare color and materials used.
[Golden Pearl Shoes] a Common-Quality Low-Stage Grade 1 Shoe Artifact. A white shoe complemented with golden pearls. It looks holy and opulent.
[White Ivory Elephant Boots] an Uncommon-Quality Mid-Stage Grade 1 Shoe Artifact. A pure white shoe, looking like it is carved from a white jade.
[Black Abyss Snake Boots] is an Uncommon-Quality Peak-Stage Grade 1 Shoe Artifact. A smooth black shoe, it was so dark that light didn't seem to exist near it.
"Let's take them all," Zemirah decided after a while.
The staff happily packed the clothes and shoes while Zemirah paid for two Outstanding-Quality Low-Stage Grade 1 talismans and five Uncommon-Quality Low-Stage Grade 1 talismans.
After paying with talismans and getting the clothes and shoes, Zemirah was quite happy how her talismans being widely accepted for their high quality.
Leaving the shop, Wendy was still in a daze at her master's lavish expenses.