Feng Jiao Xue looked around the space that used to be the size of a box.
"Welcome to your little realm, Xiao Xue. Welcome to the Mystique Realm within the mystique ring" Huang Jin De announced.
"Even if Yin Xiao doesn't become strong he could just stay here" She exclaimed with happiness as she never really wanted to leave the only companion her half had ever managed to have as a friend.
It was now like a small meadow with mist walls surrounding it and from the mist flowed a small waterfall with a wide base and ends there no longer flowing. It was fascinating.
On one side was also a garden of all the plants she collected.
"Can you feel the heavy Qi and Magic here, Little Xue? With this space, it would only take about a day or two to turn common herbs into spiritual herbs. Unfortunately, it can only affect plants and beasts for now. That Deer of yours can search for herbs with his sensitivity to natural treasures anyway. While you can focus on cultivating as I plant your herbs." Huang Jin De suggested wanting to help his mistress back to her peak as soon as possible.
As much as Huang Jin De liked the current trend in their life with less danger and upcoming perils than the previous, as her contracted beast, he wants to see her rise to the peak once again.
"Alright, I won't stand on ceremony then" She easily agreed since she doesn't have time to plant for now.
'With this space she could not only store things but grow resources for herself and for Yin Xiao!' She happily thought to herself, relieved at not needing to leave the little companion that had accompanied half of her for some years.
Unfortunately, despite one issue resolving itself with this realm, it does not resolve all of her troubles. If she wants to continue living unfettered in this foreign world, her number one priority is her strength.
Within the next few months Huang Jin De and Yin Xiao witnessed the hardship Feng Jiao Xue endured in order to strengthen herself.
"Thorn Dome" An enchanting yet powerful voice reverberated in the area as a petite figure danced with a whip.
The young girl has flawless tender skin as white as snow, lips pinker than a cherry blossom and gem like eyes. The tender form of the young girl just made her look even more lovable and harmless.
However, the action she is currently undertaking says otherwise.
This young girl is no other than the worthless and ugly young miss of the Feng Clan.
The more she moves the more the Dome forms. Her arms, feet and body coordinated to form a beautiful dance. Her movements were just like that of the waters.
Her face showed nothing but deep concentration.
Finally the whip formed a dome shield, the only problem with this technique is that it can only protect the creator.
"F*ck!" Feng Jiao Xue cursed as her left shoulder blade was pierced by the thorns, blood immediately sipped out. Nonetheless she continued to follow the familiar steps. The technique may be familiar but her body isn't.
In the morning as the sun rises she would run around the mountain with weights that would double every day. She would eat fruits and meat that JinDe would hunt and cook for her first before continuing. Then she would move on to body strengthening exercises such as push-ups, pull-ups, crunches, weight lifting and the likes.
She would then eat her lunch. Needless to say, Yin Xiao and her can finally eat their fill. Well mostly her since Yin Xiao can't just eat all of her herbs. She still needs a few for Alchemy training, when she can finally spare a few seconds that is.
One thing Huang Jin De and Yin Xiaos learned about her is that she can't cook anything aside from rabbits since she is still a little bit unfamiliar with what is edible and what can be used as seasoning just based on her previous self's memories. So, cooking fell on Huang Jin De.
After lunch would be polishing her martial arts and sparring with the creatures in the forest.
It didn't take long before the poor spiritual beasts began to hide from the "Demoness". Feeling pity for his fellow beasts, Huang Jin De became her sparring partner.
During the night, she would cultivate below the waterfalls that she found in the back of the mountain. Its force was enough to strengthen her body while she cultivated inside the Mystique realm.
At first, she keeps slipping from the stone below the falls but no matter what she would still swim back. From a minute to two, from two to five and so on until she would no longer slip.
These months was nothing but torture for her but the result was worth it. She is finally a rank yellow middle level cultivator.
She went from a good for nothing to a yellow cultivator in a month which is impressive as it would have taken at least a year or more before getting to that level.
After none-stop performing the Thorn Dome technique which was her weakest technique she finally managed to once again perfect it, as it should be.
Lowering her whip, her wounds slowly began to heal at an astonishing speed since they were just scratches anyway.
An enchanting smile appeared on her face as she looked at her two companions.
"Xiao Xue you've gotten stronger again" Huang Jin De praised as he wiped her sweat with a handkerchief.
"I guess. JinDe, aren't you tired of this mountain?" She asks, surprising him.
"You mean?" Huang Jin De asks for confirmation.
"It's time I make my move" She confirmed with a determined gaze.
"Alright, do whatever you want. You can protect yourself now anyway."
"Xiao Xue I never did get a chance to see the outside, can I stay by your side?" Yin Xiao asks. She had already contacted him with a life and death contract.
"It wouldn't be a problem. The deer clansmen are known not only from their speed but for their unyielding loyalty and stubbornness. They will only serve one master no matter what. So no one would bother you with him." Huang Jin De deduced.
"I can also change my size to that of a horse" Yin Xiao persuaded.
"Alright you can stay outside of the space" She conceded.
And that was why within the imperial city, A young cloaked girl alongside a majestic deer walked side by side.
It wasn't just the Deer's beauty that attracted the passersby, but also the fact that the blooming beauty beside him is like a living porcelain doll molded by the greatest doll maker.
"Who's that little beauty? I never seen her here before"
"Such a beauty probably belong to one of the great clans"
"Which family does she belong to then?"
"She looks familiar but it can't be. She can't possibly that ghost miss"
"Are you talking about their daughter? It really is impossible"
"So what if she's beautiful if she's weak anyway"
"yeah she looks so fragile hmp"
"So what if she's weak you girls are just jealous again"
"I think I found the new goddess of my heart"
Feng Jiao Xue ignored the people gossiping as she walked straight towards the biggest medicine shop in the City. The Golden Leaf Pavilion.
"Hey, miss what's your name? I'm Zu Donghai, the young master of the Zu family" An arrogant looking man stepped in front of her.
Feng Jiao Xue's eyes narrowed.
"Move" She coldly ordered as Yin Xiao growled, ready to poke him to death.
"Do you know who my father is? You should feel lucky that I am even talking to you hmp" Zhu Donghai exclaimed with his head held high.
"Annoying" With that one word Zhu Donghai was sent flying.
She had already assessed his strength Rank Red middle stage cultivator. His 3 lackeys was the same level with two red high level Magic practitioners.
"How Dare you attack me?! The son of the great General Zhu! Attack that wretch, I'll make her beg in mercy!" He ordered after she took three steps.
"Master, shall I deal with them?" Yin Xiao asks as the onlookers steps away.
"How bothersome but no need Yin Xiao" She answered in her gentle voice mesmerizing those that heard.
"I'm sorry miss, you should not have offended the young master" one of the lackeys apologized. It should be the magical practitioner since he brought out his wand.
"water serpent, Attack" A giant snake made of water swiftly lunged towards her.
She moved her head slightly to the right, making the attack miss.
"Is that all?" She asks nonchalantly.
"You're fast, no one managed to dodge my water serpent before now take this, Water arrows!" He drew a circle in the air along with a few strokes before arrows made of water emerged.
"Blazing dragon strike!" The other magician casted as well.
A dragon made of flame surrounded by a water arrow headed towards her but it did not faze her one bit.
She just smirks and in the eyes of those weaker than her or slower than her she vanished into thin air but those trained saw her run towards the attack head on and dodged all the arrows and kicked the lion from above before striking both of the magicians acupuncture points as she appeared behind them.
"Too slow" She playfully provoked them with a smile as playful as her tone.
The two widened their eyes as they looked back before passing out.
"What are you losers standing there for! Attack her" Zhu Donghai commanded.
The Dou Qi cultivators immediately wielded their swords and attacked her at once.
No matter how much they attack though they never managed to even land a single attack. It was like she was playing with them. She let the sword get near her before she actually dodge.
"Argh, die you witch!" One shouted in frustration as he tried to cut her in half.
Was Feng Jiao Xue that easily defeated? Of course not. She bent backward avoiding the slash before twisting to the left to dodge another one.
"How boring" She drawled before grabbing one and twisting his hand making him drop his sword before she struck his forehead knocking him out.
The other two started to attack more frequently however in the end they got kicked in the back hard by her making them unable to stand.
She looked at her fallen foes and tsk. She expected more challenges from them actually. "Pathetic"
"You, you just you wait till my father hears about this" The Zhu something threatened as he scrambled away.
She just raised her brow as she stepped on a stone rolling it on her feet as she watched him scramble about before kicking it and hitting the back of his head making him fall on his feet.
"Annoying creature" She stated before turning back and started heading towards the pavilion like nothing happened.
The others stared in awe as not once did they notice her using her strength. It didn't take long before the news spread in the imperial city about a mysterious young lady more beautiful and elegant than the number one beauty of the imperial city with strength to match.
This was why Feng Jiao Xue showed her true face. To slap that cousin of hers who always prided herself for being the number 1 beauty. The fight was mere coincidence, she wanted to see how she would fare towards cultivators her age.
And if she was being honest she kinda expected more than that but no matter.
Regardless, she did not become complacent with her victory as she knows that those were probably small fries that have yet to experience the real world beside the one with their families shadow protecting them. They cannot be counted as the overall strength with their inexperience.
She also attributed this time's victory to her abundant battle experiences. If a real expert arrives, then she would have no choice but to retreat.
Thinking that way, she clenched her fit and strengthened her resolve. For her missions, she has to become stronger, stronger than any possible enemy or obstacle, and for that, she needs to reach the peak.
She walked around for a bit before finding a secluded corner. Looking around for any bystander around, she sighed a sigh of relief before taking out her cloak and assassin's mask.
She didn't anticipate that the ones she deemed most useless would be the ones that she would need so early but what she is about to do needs utter secrecy after all. She can't stand out, in any way or form.
Unfortunately, she isn't doesn't have any godly disguise skills but the cloak was enough to hide her form but not her height so she had added some pads in the sole of her feet.
After fixing the mask on her face and using both Qi and Magic to keep it in place, she immediately set forth to her primary purpose.
Since Yin Xiao was seen by others to be by her, Feng Jiao Xue's side, he had to temporarily go to her realm.
After dealing with everything and nothing was amiss she headed to Silver Leaf Pavilion, the biggest shop in the empire that also serves as an auction house.
She had chosen this herb after considering a lot of variables. Not only is this shop's branch the number one shop in the empire but also the number one all over the continent.
No one knows who exactly is the owner of this chain of prestigious shops but it has been speculated that they are from an extremely powerful hidden clan.
They would not only ensure fair trade but also provide their client's utmost secrecy.
"Young miss, how may we help you?" One of the female workers approached her with a gentle smile, not finding such a guest as strange since they had a lot of costumes who prefer to keep themselves hidden.
"I want to speak to the top management of this shop" She answered coldly but the worker was not bothered by this.
She did however smile awkwardly before bowing in apology. "I'm sorry dear guest but the Elder is busy and cannot simply meet without any appointment" The worker apologized.
The other shoppers however looked at her with mockery and ridicule. Who in the entire empire doesn't know that even the emperor cannot meet the head of this shop?
Feng Jiao Xue did not bother with them but took out one of the herbs with the scarcest spiritual energy.
However, keep in mind that this herb was grown by Huang Jin De in her realm where the spiritual energy was more abundant.
The appearance of such a herb had made the others around her hitch their breaths as they felt the cool and fresh energy coming off of the herb.
"Here, appraise it then tell me if your Elder still doesn't want to meet" She said nonchalantly, handing her the herb before heading to the lounge prepared for their customers at the side.
"Yes, yes of course please wait here first dear guest" The worker agreed breathlessly as she held the herb like it was a fragile treasure.
She did not worry about the possibility of her herb getting stolen after all, she trusted the honor and reputation of this prestigious shop.
The other shopper wanted to know about her, to curry favor and get her herb but the regal aura that sips from her very bone dithered them from getting close. Even by sitting, it cannot hide the natural majestic aura around her, this makes them all the more curious.
She did not wait long before the female came back. " Young miss, please follow me, the Elder agreed to meet with the esteemed guest" The worker informed her making Feng Jiao Xue's lips into a sly smirk behind her the hood of her cloak as she had her head bowed, the big fish had taken the bait.
Feng Jiao Xue stood up and nodded before following the female under the curious and envious gaze of those around her.
"Elder Gu, the esteemed guest is here" The female worker announced and they immediately heard the muffled 'come in' from inside.
"Young miss" The female called indicating for her to go in.
Inside the room was an old man still full of vigor staring heatedly at her herb, the fervent look in his eyes made her double take and wince before gathering herself again.
Upon noticing her presence, the old man, Elder Gu looked at her like that of an elder gazing at his own grandchild.
"Ah you're the esteemed guest, you're younger than expected haha. Come in,come in, here you can sit here'' Elder Gu amiably welcomed providing her their best Tea.
Once she sat down, she put down her hood and kept her face hidden behind the mask.
"So tell me how much are you willing to sell this little treasure? I'll double the price, just give it to me!" Elder Gu offered straight to the point.
"You can have that one. But the rest must be sold, I am in urgent need of funds." She replied. Gaining the support of the Silver Leaf Pavilion would be far better than any gold after all.
If she wants to go against the Feng Clan she would need a strong backing.
"You have more than this one?" Elder Gu asked, stunned, making her wonder why they are so fascinated with that herb.
"Before I answer that, tell me, what is the appraisal result of that herb in your hand?" She asked as she leaned on her chair.
Although Elder Gu was confused by the question he still answered honestly. "This herb that you gave us is a Level 2 high tier herb. If this herb is to be auctioned it would perhaps fetch up to tens of gold coins considering its rarity in this backward empire"
Feng Jiao Xue kept note of the backward empire comment which gave doubt to whether this elder is from a more powerful place but let it go as it has nothing to do with her business.
She also had no doubt about his comment on its prize as the highest level of the herbs in this empire is a third level mid tier dragon's claw herb. Although, Level 1 is more common. But in truth, level three is still low in this continent as herbs have a total of nine levels and four tiers, low, mid, high and peak similar to that of the levels of the pills.
"And if I tell you that I can provide better ones with higher quality every end of the month, what benefit would I get from your esteemed shop compared to the others?" She asked as she took a sip in her tea hiding her smile as the fish finally got hooked, all it takes now is to reel it in.
The Elder looked at her trying to find any clue that she was kidding but once he saw the sincerity in her eyes, his eyes brightened in excitement.
"What quality of herbs are we working on here?" Elder Gu asked eagerly.
With a wave of her hand, the table was filled with various common herbs she found on her mountain but what differentiated them was the spirit energy around them.
300 Level 2, mid tier. 100 level 2 high tier herbs and 50 level three low tier ones.This amount was nothing to her as with the help of Yin Xiao, they have basically transplanted all the herbs in the mountain she had already considered her own.
And with Huang Jin De's help, they tripled in amount in no time. She had also found out that as her cultivation progresses, the more land appears from the misty wall.
Of course she left most of the third level herbs for Yin Xiao to eat and for her alchemist training.
Elder Gu's eyes looked about to pop out now.
"And you can provide this many spiritual herbs?" Elder Gu gulped.
"For as long as I stay in this empire, yes. And I doubt that I would be able to finish my business here in a year but I would need funds for my stay here" She answered making where she came from even more vague.
"And I am also in need of alchemist tools, I need the finest ones you have, I'm willing to negotiate Peak tier level three spiritual herbs when you acquire me the materials I require." She added, with how spread out this shop is, she has no doubt that they would be able to provide her with the best quality of materials that places outside of this empire can provide.
"And if I am satisfied with the quality of the items, specially the cauldron, then I am also willing to negotiate perhaps tens of Level Four mid Tier, spiritual herbs"She tempted farther making the Elder's gaze at her more fervently and reverence as well as hope?
The spiritual herb she has currently in her hand is at most a hundred level 4 peak tier herbs now. But she has no doubt that they would not be able to brush it. Huang Jin De also informed her that level four is the farthest she can push the common herb's developments.
"If you have so many Level Four herbs, then, then perhaps does the esteemed guest perhaps have a Level Four fire ginseng? Of course the Silver Leaf would reimburse the esteemed guest!" The Elder requested with great anticipation, hope and anticipation.
"Level Four mid tier fire ginseng. However..." Her eyes narrowed slightly as what they are asking her is something that is not easily brought out. It can be considered a great treasure after all, not only is the ginseng sought after by many alchemists but if given to a fire attribute, they would greatly enhance their prowess if used correctly.
The empire's highest quality herb may be Level three but this continent's highest level herb that had been found is only level five, but even their quantity can be counted with one hand only.
She was lucky that Huang Jin De had managed to give his Qi on this Ginseng, but the usage of the Vermillion Bird's Fire Qi speaks just how much worth this Ginseng is compared to the others.
She may be new to this world but she won't suffer a loss.
"The Silver Leaf Auction House Shops are willing to give you the number 1 cauldron that we have if you can give us the ginseng, and we will treat your business as our top priority." Elder Gu immediately promised but she just shook her head as she leaned back.
"Elder Gu, you should be aware that a ginseng may be the least sought after herb but the quality of the one you're asking me about is not that simple. Not to mention the specialty of the one in my hand, what is to say that the cauldron you promise is worth its exchange?" Coldly, she gazes at Elder Gu, and based on the others expression and reaction, she can tell that the ginseng is important to them.
"Nirvana's Pearl Cauldron, you may have already heard of it, it is ranked 9th in the list of top cauldron's in the continent. The head of my clan is willing to give this cauldron to anyone who can provide a pure fire elemental herb, preferably, a ginseng because of their sole healing property. But herbs with pure elemental attributes are becoming more and more rare giving my Head a terrible issue." Elder Gu informed her, making her tilt her head in consideration but he took it as hesitation to give the herb.
"Xiao Xue, this is a very fruitios encounter. Haha, who would have thought that the legendary Alchemist Cauldron would be in this barren continent?! You must agree to it Xiao Xue. Others may not be able to unlock the full potential of the cauldron causing them to misunderstand its importance and prestige but with my flame, being the top Alchemist in the realm would no longer be a mere faraday future!" Huang Jin De excitedly persuaded her making her eyes shine brightly but still, she contained her joy.
She never thought that she would end up with such a prize during this trip.
"May the esteemed guest be more benevolent and please give the herb to this old man" The old man begged kowtowing, making Feng Xiao Xue snap back to the real world.
"Alright, I agree to this exchange. We will proceed once the item arrives. I have no further requirements."
"Then, may the esteemed guest allow this one to see the ginseng first?" The elder requested humbly, making Feng Xiao Xue nod.
Just like that, a bright red ginseng appeared in her hand and the heat in the room immediately turned a hundred times higher causing the Elder who had been proud of his cultivation until now to sweat.
Elder Gu gasped trying to adapt to the sudden heat but the temperature in the room was like they were in a volcano. The grade of the elemental Qi in that ginseng was better, no far better than he had thought but just makes it all the more perfect.
His young master, his poor, poor, young master, finally has hope of getting better. This thought caused the elder to tear up a little in joy.
"Thanking the great benefactor for being benevolent to part with such a treasure" The Elder bowed and Feng Xiao Xue waved her hand dismissing it.
"It is merely something that benefits me as well" She answered honestly but the gratitude in the Elder's eyes did not diminish.
"Then, young miss, what shall I call your esteemed self?" Elder Gu asked, looking at her more favorably.
Someone who can just throw away those herbs that are hundreds years old cannot be anyone simple. And someone who can exchange such a priceless treasure cannot have a low background either. She must be aware that despite the Nirvana's Pearl Cauldron being ranked in the top ten, it is really not that great compared to the others ranked in the top thirties because of its volatile nature and the danger it poses.
No one have ever managed to use that cauldron without all of their fire Qi or magic sucked dry by that cauldron. Thus it had gained a new name, the Devil's Cauldron. However, its title as being one of the top ten is still there causing a lot to cover and year for it.
However, with this ginseng, she could have simply gained more benefit if given to master alchemist, maybe even a rank 4 alchemist would do anything she asked for just to have it.
And yet, she did not bat an eye and agreed to his request so fast after a mere minute of consideration.
Elder Gu gazed at Feng Jiao Xue more and more admiringly. And Thus, a beautiful misunderstanding have given her a reliable ally in the future
"Xue" She answered, tasting the tea. She still preferred wine but it was actually quite good and the quality isn't bad either.
"Ah it's young miss Xue, do you perhaps stay in the imperial city or are you visiting?" Elder Gu asks again trying to start another conversation but she unfortunately has no time for an idle chit-chat.
"Elder Gu I do not think my residence has anything to do with our transaction" She responded not giving anything away.
"Ah right right, haha, young miss Xue please don't be offended I was merely feeding my curiosity" The elder amiably apologized as he kept subtly trying to get more information off of her.
"Then, let us go back to the earlier transaction. The Silver Leaf Pavilion agrees on your proposal young miss Xue. We will prioritize the sale of your herbs. As a show of sincerity on our part, we will buy all of your herbs for now. 100 gold coins for each of the Level two mid tier herbs, 150 gold coins for the high tiers and the level three based on the continental prize, its highest selling prize would be 500" Elder Gu tallied making Feng Jiao Xue give a small smile for the first time.
Elder Gu was mesmerized by her mysterious beauty, it was like a snowflake that reflected the warm light of the sun for the first time.
"Your reputation and honor is quite admirable. It seems that this cooperation would be quite interesting" She praised lightly as she is aware that Elder Gu did not take any dividend for their Pavilion with this transaction which pleased her since she is in dire need of funds, this praise however made Elder Gu puff his chest in pride.
Of course, their Silver Leaf Pavilion is the best of the best in the merchant's world. They value their customer more than anything else as well as their integrity and the virtue of fairness!
"Then if the young miss needs any help when it comes to purchasing or selling anything, you can always come to our Pavilion. We will treat you with utmost hospitality, haha" Elder Gu beamed laughing merrily before shaking a bell.
After a while another servant came in and Elder Gu directly gave her the paper with the estimated sum of their transaction.
"Young miss Xue the payment for your spiritual herbs. They were all of high quality, please come again if you need to sell. This is the payment Exactly 103 gold coins and here is our VIP card. It would give you a fifteen percent discount on any of our branches." The Shopkeeper smiled even more friendly as he handed her two cards. One is a rare Royal blue card with the shop's name written in silver.
The other was a golden card for the continent's number 1 banks dragon and Phoenix circling each other logo in gold.
The shop has 3 VIP cards. The white with five percent discount, green with ten and blue with fifteen.
The shop gave her this extremely rare card because they want to get on her good side. After all, herbs are all over the continent but the ones with spiritual energy are those cultivated by powerful clans and influential sects. And not to mention that she is, in a way, the future benefactor of their young master.
The other way to encounter such magical herbs would be to go deep into the mountains where you can easily become food for the magical beasts instead.
The bank cards have silver, gold, diamond and then black. Silver if they have less than 100 gold coins, gold if they have less than 100,000 gold coins, diamonds if they have less than 500,000 and black if they have more than 1,000,000 gold coins.
The exchange rate of the cash here is that 100 copper coins is 1 silver, 1000 silver is 1 gold coin.
Even if she wore an expressionless expression she was grinning from ear to ear on the inside, happy to finally be back on track.
It's time this world gets to know just who she, Feng Jiao Xue, really is.