In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed.
Tang Jian's injuries had healed faster than anyone anticipated. Though his meridians were not yet fully repaired, his daily activities were no longer hindered.
During his half-month stay at the Yan residence, he rarely ventured out, spending most of his time meditating and attempting to restore his cultivation. However, after several attempts, the condition of his dantian remained unchanged, and the spiritual energy he channeled into it still dissipated significantly.
Surprisingly, the residual spiritual energy that didn't dissipate but circulated and dissipated throughout his meridians somehow accelerated his recovery.
It was a stroke of luck amidst adversity.
One day, Xiao Dingdang suddenly appeared, saying she would take him to the Yan Sword Shop. As Tang Jian followed her out of the mansion, he finally comprehended the immense depth and breadth of the Yan family's resources.
The Yan residence resembled a vast garden, with countless courtyards that Tang Jian didn't bother to count. Just from his cabin to the main gate, he traversed at least seven arched doors, passing two artificial hills crafted from Taihu rocks and a sizable lake.
Outside the mansion's gate, a spacious vermilion carriage awaited them beside the stone lions.
Once inside the carriage, they settled onto the soft cushions within the cabin. With a gentle snap of the reins from the driver, the carriage wheels began to turn smoothly.
The crisp hoofbeats of the two tall steeds echoed on the cobblestone streets.
The carriage ride was smooth, barely jostling its occupants. Windows adorned both sides of the cabin, curtains dangling, revealing the outside world upon a gentle tug.
After a moment of gazing, Tang Jian noticed that the area was filled with grand mansions, several of which rivaled the Yan residence in grandeur.
"The eastern part of Yuejing City is wealthy, while the west is prestigious. Most officials reside in the west, while merchants and the rich gather in the east. Our Yan family's residence, businesses, and sword shop are all located in the east," Xiao Dingdang explained, noticing Tang Jian's fascination with the scenery.
"It's similar to the layout of the capital of Da Jin, with the palace to the north and commoners to the south, right?" Tang Jian said, withdrawing his gaze.
"Yes, indeed," Xiao Dingdang nodded, blinking.
"Besides the businesses in the east, does the Yan Mercantile have holdings elsewhere?" Tang Jian inquired.
"The north and west are dominated by officials, so there's not much to say. But there are a few properties and branches in the south. However, after the recent incident with the cargo, we might have to sell some of them," Xiao Dingdang sighed.
"Cutting off some branches to preserve the main trunk is understandable. I'm sure you'll recover soon," Tang Jian consoled.
"As long as the Yan Sword Shop's golden signboard remains unscathed, our family will surely regain its former glory," Xiao Dingdang exclaimed, raising a fist with renewed confidence.
"By the way, the Master Chen I saw in the caravan, is he the swordsmith at the shop?" Tang Jian asked.
"Oh, you mean Master Chen Guang? Yes, he's the only swordsmith at our Yan Sword Shop, capable of forging mid-grade magical swords. The patriarch had to pay a hefty price to invite him. Be respectful when you meet him," Xiao Dingdang said, her eyebrows arching with pride.
"I will, noted," Tang Jian nodded.
After about half an hour, the hoofbeats slowed, and the cacophony of street vendors grew louder.
As Tang Jian gazed down the streets, he noticed that the shops grew denser, and the crowds bustled, far more lively than in Tanzhou City.
It reminded him of his time in Tanzhou, and he briefly clenched his fists before relaxing them.
Soon, with a loud shout from the driver, the horses halted.
"We're here, Tang Jian!" Xiao Dingdang stood up, lifted the curtain, and smiled at him.
She hopped off the carriage and waited.
Tang Jian alighted and looked up, beholding a towering double-eaved gate adorned with auspicious beast carvings and gilded yellow and green glazed tiles. The gate's lintel bore a massive black plaque inscribed with "Yan Sword Shop" in bold golden letters.
Instead of immediately entering, Tang Jian surveyed the surrounding shops.
He realized that while the Yan Sword Shop was sizable, it wasn't the largest, nor was it located in the busiest part of the street, suggesting it belonged to the middle tier. Tang Jian followed Xiao Dingdang up three steps and into the shop, where a towering white screen stood near the back, adorned with a giant golden "Yan" in ancient seal script.
Above the "Yan," a three-foot-long black lace-carved sword scabbard hung, its intricate patterns revealing a glimmer of shining white light, suggesting a precious sword within.
Beneath the scabbard, a slender redwood table held a solitary bronze censer with three-legged beast motifs, incense sticks slowly emitting wisps of smoke.
On either side of the shop stood half-man-high ebony counters, behind which towering wooden shelves displayed an array of sharp swords of varying sizes and shapes.
Customers, including well-dressed young nobles accompanied by beautiful women, stood before the counters, whispering and pointing, seemingly evaluating the swords to help their companions choose their desired ones.
"Our Yue Kingdom has always valued martial prowess over literature. Though attitudes have shifted somewhat, most officials' and merchants' children still prefer to carry swords as a symbol of their warrior spirit. However, the swords sold here on the first floor are merely ordinary, aesthetically pleasing but somewhat impractical," Xiao Dingdang whispered to Tang Jian, eyeing the customers.
Tang Jian nodded, having heard of this before, and asked, "Where do they sell magical swords?"
"Low-grade magical swords are traded on the second floor, while mid-grade ones are sold at another branch, previously managed by the patriarch but now by Miss Yan," Xiao Dingdang said, her voice tinged with sadness for her mistress.
"Does the Yan family possess any high-grade magical swords…?" Tang Jian couldn't help but ask, realizing his question might be presumptuous.
But before he could finish, Xiao Dingdang nodded towards the screen.
Tang Jian looked, surprised, wondering if it was the one.
"Don't guess. It's the one on the screen. It's here as a shop mascot, the Yan family's sole and only high-grade magical sword. No amount of money can buy it," Xiao Dingdang said, seemingly reading his mind.
Tang Jian nodded, saying nothing more as he followed Xiao Dingdang around the screen.