Chapter 5: The Mysterious Aunt Lan, Part 2

On the Tianling Continent, common folk primarily use copper coins. A single silver coin is enough to sustain an ordinary family for a good month.

Hen Queqian receives five silver coins each month, which is quite a substantial sum. It was unexpected, therefore, that she would have a need for gold coins. A single gold coin could support a middle-class family for several years. This left Aunt Lan feeling deeply curious.

"I, I... oh, it's that old man in the Bitter Bamboo Grove! He said he has a way to heal the injuries on my body, but he requires me to buy him a bottle of Hundred-Brew Wine as a gesture of respect. I thought to myself that one bottle might not be enough, and I’ll likely need to purchase medicine and such later on, so I need two gold coins!"

Hen Queqian pondered for a moment, and an image of a lecherous old man appeared in her mind. She immediately decided to use him as a scapegoat, offering a dry laugh as she spoke to Aunt Lan.

"The old man in the Bitter Bamboo Grove? You mean Elder Wuming?" Aunt Lan arched an eyebrow, a flicker of realization crossing her mind. While she continued to smile gently at Hen Queqian, a terrifying, chilling glint flashed through her eyes, enough to make one’s heart tremble.

Hen Queqian nodded vigorously. It was true that Elder Wuming was fond of Hundred-Brew Wine. The wine was imported from another empire and sold in Nine Heavens City for one gold coin per bottle, with no room for bargaining.

"I see! But Que'er, you must understand that unless one has reached the level of Martial Emperor or Martial Sect, or possesses Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit Milk or a Heaven-Rebirth Pill, it is simply impossible to heal your meridians and dantian!"

"But he said he has a way!" Hen Queqian let her voice drop at the perfect moment, conveying a hint of skepticism mixed with sorrow. However, Aunt Lan failed to notice that as Hen Queqian lowered her head, her dark eyes were darting about incessantly.

"Very well. Two gold coins are not a significant amount. Since you are willing to hold onto hope, Que'er, Aunt Lan will give them to you! Just don't set your expectations too high."

Aunt Lan looked at Hen Queqian with concern, flipped her hand to produce two gold coins, and held them out. In a flash, the coins were in Hen Queqian's hands. Her eyes narrowed into slits of joy, filled entirely with the reflection of the gold. As for Aunt Lan’s words of caution and care, they did not reach Hen Queqian’s heart at all.

"Aunt Lan, I'm heading out! If I don't return right away, please don't worry!" Before she had even finished her sentence, Hen Queqian was already sprinting away.

Hearing the fading voice, Aunt Lan felt a profound sense of helplessness. She shook her head and sighed. Watching Hen Queqian’s retreating figure, she murmured to herself, "Que'er, why are you so unwilling to simply be an ordinary person? If you continue to cultivate, then in the future... ah!"

"Elder Wuming, I hope you are merely deceiving Que'er. If you dare to actually heal her, just wait and see how I deal with you!" In the courtyard, all the trees began to sway without a breeze, and the atmosphere became so oppressive it felt as if a storm were brewing.

Meanwhile, the very Elder Wuming mentioned by Hen Queqian was busy instructing his cold-faced disciple in sword techniques. He suddenly let out a sneeze and shivered. "Who? Who is plotting against me? Could it be..."

He gazed into the distance with a somber look, as if he had sensed something, and shivered once more.