Lu Yao and Liao Qe walked together on the cobblestone street, past ancient and quaint buildings.
White smoke curled up from the coal stoves, cloth banners fluttered in the wind, and the cries of hawkers rose and fell one after another.
The young girl was overjoyed just to be out playing, hopping and skipping as she walked, her two braids dancing happily too.
For Lu Yao, shopping was secondary this time, the main purpose was to make money.
Now, just for medicinal supplements, he had to spend 5,000 copper yuan every day, which is half a tael of silver; the silver he brought would run out within half a month;
And for Blue Star, he didn't even have enough money for a takeout meal!
Therefore, as soon as his condition stabilized a bit, making money became the top priority. Fortunately, he already had a plan!
~~~~~~~
Lu Yao increasingly confirmed that his vision had improved; he could see the words on a distant signboard clearly, his vision was at least 5.5!
Moreover, as long as he concentrated, he could see even more clearly, as if looking through a telescope.
He couldn't help but exclaim with surprise, "Does Spirit Refinement actually have this kind of benefit!?"
Liao Qe pursed her lips: "Hmph, don't be so smug. Getting into 'meditation' will be much harder! One day, I'll catch up to you!"
"After meditation comes 'sitting and forgetting,' right?"
"Yes, my sister is also striving to reach this realm. Who knows how many masters are stuck at this point, unable to advance further in their lifetime."
As Lu Yao chatted, he curiously looked around, but soon felt dizzy.
Liao Qe teased: "Haha, you're overusing your brain. Enhancing the senses consumes a lot of mental energy~"
"Damn~ Why didn't you say so earlier~"
Lu Yao rubbed his head, relieved that resting for a short while cleared the dizziness.
~~~~~~~~~
As the two of them laughed and played, they unconsciously arrived at a pharmacy named Jinshou Hall.
As soon as Shopkeeper He saw them, his wrinkled face beamed with a smile, and he came out from behind the counter to greet them: "Young Master Lu, Second Sister Liao, you both have come, please come in!"
Liao Qe said, "Shopkeeper, he's now my junior brother~"
Shopkeeper He dropped his insincere smile and looked Lu Yao over carefully, then cupped his fist and said solemnly, "Congratulations, the Liao Family Fist has gained a distinguished disciple!"
The customers and shop assistants nearby, upon hearing this, looked at Lu Yao with surprise and envy, and some eager ones began asking around for his background.
Liao Qe stood tall and proud, extremely pleased with herself.
Feeling the numerous astonished and envious glances, Lu Yao thought to himself: The newspapers said that after martial artists enter the Organ Refining Realm, they can register with the government and receive the title of martial master, enjoying the treatment of a Scholar. Now it seems that social status is higher than I imagined.
At the same time, he was amazed to discover—he could actually hear the very low murmurings:
[This person looks pale and sickly; how did he manage to enter the Liao Family Fist? This is under an Organ Refining Martial Artist!]
[More than that, didn't you hear Second Sister Liao call him junior brother? Master Liao took him as a disciple on behalf of his father—equals!]
[He must be extraordinary; otherwise, Master Liao would never do such a thing given his character!]
[Could it be that he's to be taken in as a son-in-law? Master Liao will certainly not let the Liao Family die out. But this person's physique seems unsuitable, can he serve a martial artist?]
Being able to hear whispers from 20 meters away was something completely impossible before.
And just like the enhanced vision, if he focused his energy, he could hear even more clearly.
Indeed, as Liao Ya said—after meditation, the five senses become greatly enhanced.
Lu Yao couldn't help marveling at the wonders of the Spirit Refining Method, and he was very curious about what the next realms could bring.
~~~~~~~~
Next, with personal assistance from Shopkeeper He, Lu Yao bought many medicinal herbs needed for the Ten-Ingredient Tonic Soup;
He also spent a tael of silver to buy a jin of "Cordyceps." This was a precious tonic, effective in strengthening the body and invigorating the health.
Lu Yao decided to resell Cordyceps back on Blue Star. Small in size and easy to carry, they were also not cheap, with high-quality ones fetching a price of up to 100,000 per pound.
When paying the bill, Shopkeeper He's face was full of anticipation. Seeing Lu Yao still using silver for payment, his smile grew even brighter as he hurriedly received it with both hands.
As Lu Yao left, Shopkeeper He personally saw him out of the store, not returning until both of them were far away.
"We're just ordinary customers. Why's he being so overly servile?" Lu Yao was a bit puzzled, "His genuine happiness isn't feigned, and I didn't buy that much... For such a large pharmacy, isn't that an overreaction?"
Liao Qe saw his bewildered look and laughed as she explained, "These days, not many people buy things with silver like you do. In times of peace, antiques thrive; in chaos, silver rules. Silver is hard currency, everyone likes it."
"No wonder," Lu Yao chuckled. "I was too hurried last time and didn't notice this."
To him, silver was not expensive and was easy to handle, so he spent it without a second thought. But to merchants, customers like him were their favorite.
Lu Yao mused to himself, "The devil's in the detail. The common folk's enthusiasm for silver suggests they don't have much confidence in the Imperial Court."
~~~~~~~~
Having finished buying the medicine, the two did not go home but continued to stroll.
Lu Yao wanted to subscribe to a newspaper at the news agency; getting more information was never a bad thing.
Liao Qe blinked her large eyes, enviously saying, "You truly come from a wealthy family, Younger Martial Brother. You're even literate."
Lu Yao saw the longing on her face and asked, "What's so special about that? Want to learn? I'll teach you~"
"Really? I can't read at all, you'll have to start from the very beginning~"
"It's a trifle, I'll start teaching you when we get back~"
Lu Yao readily agreed, and Liao Qe became even happier, leading the way with enthusiasm.
Today, the young girl had donned a close-fitting dark outfit. Her hips swayed unconsciously as she walked, revealing an hourglass figure and peach-shaped curves.
Lu Yao followed behind, feasting his eyes and even using visual enhancement not to miss any delightful contours.
At the same time, he tried focusing his senses on his nose and indeed caught the sweet fragrance of the young girl.
"Ha, this is fun!"
Lu Yao was thoroughly enjoying himself when Liao Qe suddenly took up a protective stance in front of him, her face full of vigilance.
Looking around, they had arrived at the "poverty-stricken area."
The streets here were dilapidated, with most houses being makeshift shacks. The people were skinny, their clothing ragged, with numb yet slightly cruel eyes.
The ground was covered with filth, emitting a pungent smell.
Whenever a rickshaw passed by, countless people would crowd around to beg. The rickshaw puller would pull out a wooden stick and wave it around, barely managing to escape the throng.
Greedy eyes were watching them, eager for an opportunity.
But upon seeing Liao Qe's outfit, they grew timid, seemingly very afraid of Martial Artists.
Liao Qe snorted coldly, "They know their place!"
In this place, showing weakness was not an option. If someone had dared to come closer just now, she would have injured them severely.
Lu Yao sighed, "This must be the true face of this world. I'm just lucky to have chosen a somewhat easier start."
Liao Qe seemed to be accustomed to this, casually saying, "Is this the first time Young Master Lu has seen the hardships of the commoners? This is actually one of the better places. You haven't seen the refugee camps outside the city; that's really... tsk tsk."
Lu Yao said, "It is indeed my first encounter. But I'm not much better off than they are; I don't know how much longer I'll live."
Liao Qe took his arm and consoled him, "You're a good person, Younger Martial Brother. You're sure to have good fortune and turn danger into safety!"
Feeling the girl's soft, delicate hand, Lu Yao smiled and said, "I'll take that as a good omen~"