At this time, a squeaking noise could be heard. Liu Wei had just came back. He was holding a basket with more berries than herbs.
"Hubby, you're back." Smiling brightly, Gu Cheng held out his arms for an embrace.
"En." Of course Liu Wei took the invitation, they rested in each other's arms.
"What would you like to have for dinner?" Asked Liu Wei, his voice gentle.
"Hmm....I'm craving for Ying Jia Chicken, Hundred-years old Striped Ginseng, and some Red Thorn Fish on top." Gu Cheng replied playfully.
"Without mentioning the Ying Jia Chicken and Red Thorn Fish, even if I were to sell this shack and everything in it, I couldn't even afford a ten-year old Ginseng!" Liu Wei chuckled in response.
"But...its free though?"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Shh...I heard our beloved masters are celebrating the family head's 80th birthday. Someone from the kitchen mentioned that these could be on the menu..." Gu Cheng whispered.
"Ah Cheng, those are probably for distinguished guests only. Unless, you want to..." Liu Wei looked at him, his eyes filled with nervous suspicion.
"Haha! Don't worry, it's not a big deal, let me show you why." Blinking his peachy eyes, Gu Cheng said flirtatiously. With Gu Cheng as the origin, a wave of invisible field began reaching out to Liu Wei, or more specifically, to Little Wei.
"Huh? What the?!" Shocked at the sudden sense of touch covering his slumbering dragon, Liu Wei exclaimed "Is this Martial Spirit? You've broken through to Grade 7?!"
"Ai ya, it's just a small matter. You'll be surprised many times if you don't get used to it soon!" Gu Cheng's eyes turned into crescent moons, his Qi Sense glanced at the majestic pole : "Now that's all warmed up, its time for my supper!"
-- Covet Coins + 200!
...
The Zhi family is a well known family that does business with general goods. Having established for a long time, most products have traces of work coming from the craftsman of Zhi Family. These could be belts and clothing, and on the other side, it could even be luxurious accessories. Despite having only a smidge of the market share from a multitude of products, their quality ensured their lasting tenure.
In a vast plot of land sat a number of buildings. These buildings had an impressive facade. Had one been looking closely, he would've seen the effort put into the fine details. With elaborate carvings and elegant arches adorning them no common buildings would have, these were clearly bespoke, tailored to the wealthy.
Amongst these opulence stood a structure towering over the rest; it was the main hall.
Underneath the glamorous lights emanated by the Yellow Sunset Pearls, many figures were moving into the hall. Many of them donned clothes that reflected light better than marble. They weren't of the simple norms.
"Old Man Zhi! How have you been?" A strong voice called from the front door. Turning to look, Zhi Xiang saw an elderly man with striking white eyebrows, his face surprisingly unwrinkled for his age. He was a brawny figure, his muscles evident beneath his flamboyant shirt, exuding vitality despite his years.
"Hahaha! I was wondering why the birds were chirping in harmony; it turns out it's to welcome Patriarch Hu! Come, have a seat! We have much to discuss!" Zhi Xiang, the head of the Zhi Family, boomed in response. He presented a stark contrast to Patriarch Hu: Zhi Xiang was lined with wrinkles, his back was slightly hunched, but his eyes still glinted with sharpness.
"Patriarch Zhi! Business is booming as usual, eh?" Shouted a woman from the crowd.
"Patriarch Zhi! With such a gathering, are you planning to expand again?" Inquired another newcomer, his tone curious.
...
"Boys, serve the meal!" Zhi Xiang called out, noticing the seats filling up as the guests settled in for the event.
Once everyone was gathered, Zhi Xiang stood in the spotlight, ready to address his guests.
"Everyone! First, I want to thank you all for attending this humble one's celebration! It's always a pleasure to see old friends still bothering me!" He chuckled, warmth radiating from his voice.
"Today is a special day. As you all know, this old fogey is celebrating his 80th year standing on this earth." Zhi Xiang paused dramatically, a grin on his face.
"But compared to something else, this milestone is hardly important..."
He leaned in, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Just yesterday, my first daughter, Zhi Xin, had made a little advancement to the Martial Artist Realm!" he declared, his voice rising at the end.
Upon hearing this, the crowd went into an uproar.
"What?! Zhi Xin has become a Graded Martial Artist?" Exclaimed a man in a blue shirt, disbelief evident in his tone.
"Zhi Xin?! The last I heard, she was only fifteen! A fifteen-year-old Martial Artist? How unbelievable!" An old woman in purple robes gasped, her eyes wide with astonishment.
...
"When I first got to know it, I was shocked too. She's always been a good kid, talented, and diligent. Everyday, I see her practicing martial arts; it was only a matter of time. Thankfully, the heavens have smiled upon her efforts, pointing her to a remarkable benefactor..." Zhi Xiang said, his voice deliberately trailing off, building suspense.
"Ah, old man Zhi! Stop the suspense! What is it?!" Scolded Patriarch Hu, impatience creeping into his tone.
"Hahaha... You see, benefactor Lee is an elder from the revered Water Silk Sword Sect. And just yesterday, Elder Lee took a liking to her talent, and I am very proud to announce that she is now an Inner Disciple of the Water Silk Sword Sect, under Elder Lee!" Zhi Xiang exclaimed, his voice trembling with excitement.
"What?! The Water Silk Sword Sect?! Old man Zhi, you're really reaching for the heavens in one leap!" the crowd erupted once more, a mixture of awe and envy filling the air.