Zhao Qing’s enthusiastic and respectful manner,
not to mention Zhao Tong and the group of Outer Sect disciples, even Chen Ye was confused.
Was this really the same Senior Brother Zhao Qing they knew, the one who held his head high with a modest reputation in the Outer Sect before his promotion to the Inner Sect?
Why was he being so courteous to a Spirit Plant Steward?
"Brother, did you... did you mistake him for someone else?"
Zhao Tong rubbed his eyes, finding it hard to believe as he looked at his brother’s face filled with smiles, then at Chen Ye’s indifferent expression, feeling the world had turned a bit fantastical.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Qing’s smile instantly faded. He turned his head, giving his disappointing younger brother a cold glare and admonished him in a low voice:
"Shut up! Hurry up and apologize to Uncle Chen!"
He cursed inwardly at his foolish brother, who usually relied on his reputation to throw his weight around, but now even wanted to ruin his marriage prospects!
From Junior Sister Li’s attitude towards Chen Ye, it was clear that Chen Ye was a respected elder in her eyes.
If they incurred Chen Ye’s displeasure...
Zhao Tong, feeling both wronged and confused by his brother’s reprimand, saw his brother’s no-nonsense expression. Reluctantly, he walked over to Chen Ye, lowered his head, and mumbled:
"Steward... Steward Chen, I’ve offended you earlier, I hope... you’ll be lenient."
Chen Ye waved his hand dismissively, his expression calm: "No worries, ignorance is not a crime. Junior Brother Zhao is young and impulsive, it can be understood."
He naturally didn’t want to bother with small fry,
but was puzzled as to why Zhao Qing was being so respectful.
"Uncle Chen is magnanimous, Zhao Qing is impressed!"
Zhao Qing quickly followed up with flattery, then changed the topic and tentatively asked,
"Do you know what Junior Sister Li has been up to lately? I haven’t even seen a shadow of her these days."
Upon hearing this, Chen Ye understood.
It turns out this kid is trying to curry favor with Li Qiuyun through him.
And these past days, Li Qiuyun has been at his Luoli Courtyard.
Initially, she used to come over at night to play chess with the two little girls and listen to Chen Ye’s stories.
Now... sometimes she arrives in the early afternoon.
Chen Ye felt a bit guilty for no reason: "Junior Sister Li? She’s probably busy breaking through to the late-stage Qi Cultivation recently. After all, she only has three months back in the sect, so she’s taking advantage of this time to diligently hone her skills."
Zhao Qing comprehended the message:
"No wonder... with Junior Sister Li’s personality, she’s surely in focused cultivation now."
His eyes rolled, and he warmly addressed Chen Ye:
"Uncle Chen, speaking of which, since my unworthy brother offended you, I will prepare a substantial gift and personally visit to apologize in the coming days. May I ask if Uncle Chen is free these days? It’s a good opportunity for this nephew to seek some advice from you."
Chen Ye noticed how quick-witted he was, and his gaze flickered.
He was just worrying about where to procure those Solid Essence Pills exclusive to the Lingyin Sect Inner Sect disciples; this Zhao Qing seemed like a likely avenue.
According to what the Outer Sect disciples said earlier, this pair of brothers’ aunt is a Guardian from Danxia Peak.
Danxia Peak is responsible for alchemy within the Lingyin Sect, holding an extraordinary status.
"I wouldn’t dare to claim to give guidance."
Chen Ye waved off the suggestion and casually said, "It’s just that I’ve recently hit a bottleneck in my cultivation, and ordinary pills no longer suffice. I’m quite troubled by this matter."
Zhao Qing was secretly elated, seeing this as a perfect opportunity to win favor!
He quickly replied, "Uncle Chen, you must be referring to Solid Essence Pills, right? The pill’s effects are potent, far exceeding that of Qi Nourishing Pills, indeed the perfect remedy for breaking through bottlenecks. However, this pill is mainly produced by Danxia Peak and is strictly regulated, making it hard for ordinary disciples to obtain."
Switching the topic with a bit of pride: "However, this nephew has some connections at Danxia Peak, and I can certainly help Uncle Chen with this matter. I reckon getting a few bottles of Solid Essence Pills should not be a problem."
"Oh, is that so?"
Chen Ye, thick-skinned, immediately inquired without showing any emotion.
Zhao Qing pounded his chest in assurance: "Don’t worry, Uncle Chen, quite a few disciples at Danxia Peak use their free time to concoct Solid Essence Pills. I happen to have ways to collect them, though giving a significant discount on the price might not be feasible."
Chen Ye pondered for a moment: "Then give me ten pills first..."
Zhao Qing laughed heartily, then immediately took out a jade bottle from his Storage Bag:
"To be honest, Uncle Chen, this nephew also needs Solid Essence Pills for cultivation, so let me first share a bottle with you to solve the immediate problem. As for the rest, I’ll head to Danxia Peak later to purchase them for you."
With that, he handed one of the jade bottles to Chen Ye, his demeanor full of enthusiasm.
This warmth made even Chen Ye feel a tad embarrassed.
Chen Ye handed fifty Spirit Stones to Zhao Qing.
Now, he only had seventy-four Spirit Stones left.
He used to think that two hundred Spirit Stones was a fortune, but now it seemed not even a thousand Spirit Stones would be enough.
Without any reservations, he took the jade bottle and smiled: "In that case, many thanks, Nephew Zhao."
Zhao Qing quickly waved his hand: "Uncle Chen, don’t say that! It’s my privilege to help relieve your troubles! At worst, I’ll use Uncle Chen’s Spirit Stones and then ask my aunt to concoct more!"
After Chen Ye left,
Zhao Tong finally dared to approach Zhao Qing and asked in a low voice: "Brother, what’s the deal with Chen Ye?"
Zhao Qing, in high spirits, chuckled: "What deal? He’s just a Loose Cultivator from Yunxi District! Perhaps his ancestors had some distant relation to Junior Sister Li’s family... Once I win over Junior Sister Li, he’ll be of no further use. You better not ruin this for me now!"
Zhao Tong suddenly realized. His brother always held his head high, no wonder he’d show such respect to just a steward.
It turns out he was merely using him.
...
When he returned to Luoli Courtyard, it was already twilight.
The courtyard door was ajar, revealing two small figures busily flitting between the kitchen and the courtyard, with stifled giggles occasionally breaking the silence.