Ning Zhuo himself also possessed some tailoring skills.
He stocked up on some Floating Cloud raw materials, intending to use them for practice when he had time.
These Floating Cloud Silk Threads, he would first check for quality and, after confirming their authenticity, directly refine them into the Floating Cloud Handkerchief, augmenting the essence of this magic artifact.
What Ning Zhuo did not know was that Zhu Xuanji was not far behind him.
The mask Ning Zhuo wore did not serve a powerful function. It could only slightly deceive ordinary cultivators. Many elite Foundation Establishment cultivators could easily spot flaws on Ning Zhuo's face with a little spell.
But this was precisely Ning Zhuo's intention.
The aim was to create an impression, for Zhu Xuanji and the other Golden Core cultivators, that he was not adept at disguising himself.
Since the Golden Core skirmish, Ning Zhuo's daily actions were all a performance, assuming the Golden Core cultivators were constantly watching him.
However, Zhu Xuanji had not followed him into the Cloud Merchant's premises.
Zhu Xuanji merely glanced lightly at Ning Zhuo before turning into an alley.
In a dead end, he walked straight ahead and then plunged into the wall.
The wall was merely a facade.
In the next moment, Zhu Xuanji entered a small courtyard.
"Brother, it's been many years, how have you been?" A short young boy, who had been waiting for a long time, greeted him cheerfully.
His name was Zhu Zhen, a member of the Southern Bean Royal Family.
Unlike Zhu Xuanji, Zhu Zhen had been secretly trained by the royal family since a young age and had been wandering outside for years, collecting first-hand intelligence for the royal family.
These past years, Zhu Zhen had been in Flying Cloud Country, searching for its secrets.
Zhu Xuanji and Zhu Zhen had a great relationship; they almost grew up together.
Seeing Zhu Zhen, Zhu Xuanji's face also lit up with a sincere smile.
He walked up to Zhu Zhen, stretched out his hands, and gave Zhu Zhen's arm a firm pat: "Little brother, finally I see you again! How have you been adjusting to the food in Flying Cloud Country? I remember you love spicy food."
Zhu Zhen nodded: "It's actually not bad. In Flying Cloud Country, because of the perennial rains, the weather is humid, so the dishes tend to be spicy."
"But their kind of spiciness is a bit different from our Southern Bean Country's."
"Well, such minor things, you get used to them after a while."
After saying that, Zhu Zhen led Zhu Xuanji inside and warmly hosted him.
"This is Cloud Tea, quite extraordinary, harvested from the tea trees of the Myriad Cloud Ocean. Have a taste."
Zhu Xuanji looked at the cup, seeing the slender, silver-white Cloud Tea leaves covered with a layer of bluish-green glow, like fuzz.
He sniffed lightly.
The fragrance of the tea was clear and unique, akin to the aroma of a mountain in the morning mist.
Zhu Xuanji took a sip. The tea soup was clear and bright, melting immediately upon entry, instantly offering him a refreshing sensation as if being in a sea of clouds.
As the tea slowly returned sweet flavor in his mouth, it became rich and mellow, with a slight sweetness, like the nectar within the clouds, flavors layering, rich and round.
Finally, Zhu Xuanji exhaled a breath of turbid air, feeling the lingering charm of the tea, a sweet aftertaste, fresh as the air after the mist dispersed, leaving him relaxed and joyful.
Though Zhu Xuanji traveled extensively, he was ultimately of royal descent and an aristocrat with a profound skill in tea tasting.
"Indeed, good tea!" Zhu Xuanji praised.
Zhu Zhen laughed heartily: "Brother, if you like it, when I return to the capital, I'll send you two pounds."
"Don't think it's too little."
"This Cloud Tea is extremely rare. I only managed to get five pounds!"
The two chatted while drinking tea, enjoying a harmonious time.
Although they had not seen each other for many years, the bond they grew up with had deepened over time, like fine aged wine.
After exchanging for a while, they discussed future arrangements.
Zhu Xuanji inquired: "Since you returned from Flying Cloud Country this time, you probably won't go back anytime soon."
Zhu Zhen nodded: "I have received a secret order to return to the capital. Luckily, this Cloud Merchant was headed to Southern Bean Country for business, so I disguised myself as a worker and joined them as a free ride."
"According to my prior mission timeline, I still had six months left."
"But I think this recall suggests the internal situation may be tense. I heard some rumors that the Su Family has been making frequent moves, causing unrest in the domestic political scene."
Zhu Xuanji immediately showed a trace of awkwardness and recounted how he had investigated the corruption in Xuanlin City, causing the Su Family's reputation to plummet.
Zhu Zhen laughed heartily, pointing at Zhu Xuanji: "Brother, you're still the same."
He raised his tea cup: "Little brother can't drink alcohol now, so I'll use tea instead."
The two clinked their tea cups once, drinking the tea like it was wine, feeling joyous and relaxed.
Zhu Zhen then asked Zhu Xuanji about his recent activities.
Zhu Xuanji briefly explained, then put down his tea cup and, after a moment's hesitation, still said: "Since you're here, I'd like to ask for your help."
Zhu Zhen immediately patted his chest: "Brother, just say it. If I can do it, I will do my utmost!"
Zhu Xuanji showed a hint of struggle, opened his mouth, and, after contemplating for a while, spoke out: "I want you to help me investigate someone. After all, your investigation methods are much more varied than mine."
Zhu Zhen waved his hand: "Brother, don't say that. You have the talent of Golden Eyes. What disguise can conceal itself from your eyes? Compared to your natural gifts, my methods are merely acquired skills."
Zhu Xuanji shook his head: "Honestly, I've been reflecting on myself these past few days, wondering if I rely too much on the Golden Eyes."
"Truly speaking, if I were to exclude my talent, exclude my ability to discern lies, do I really have the skills to investigate cases?"
Zhu Zhen felt surprised because Zhu Xuanji's current demeanor was very different from his impression.
He had never seen Zhu Xuanji with such a lack of confidence.
Then, when he heard whom Zhu Xuanji wanted him to investigate, he couldn't help but widen his eyes in disbelief, staring at Zhu Xuanji and asking: "Brother, are you sure?"
"You want a Golden Core cultivator like myself to investigate a junior at the Qi Cultivation Stage?"
"Are you serious?"
Zhu Xuanji nodded solemnly: "I'm serious. You go ahead and investigate with all your might."
"Oh, and he's shopping nearby now. I'll lead you to him."
At this time, Ning Zhuo was looking around in a large shop.
To differentiate among the shops in Cloud City was actually quite simple, just look at their construction height.
Flying Cloud Country seemed to revere height, the taller the construction, the higher the status, and so it was with shops.
The large shop in which Ning Zhuo currently found himself was one of the tallest buildings in all of the Cloud Chamber.
This shop only sold one type of magic artifact or treasure, which was traveling clouds.
These were practical tools that helped cultivators in flying and mobility.
The clerk responsible for selling saw Ning Zhuo and smiled, taking the initiative to promote their products.
"Young master, what kind of traveling cloud are you looking to buy?"
Ning Zhuo smiled slightly: "The variety of goods in your shop is dazzling, making it hard for me to choose. Could you introduce them to me?"
The clerk said: "If young master seeks the experience of fast flight, I recommend this classic traveling cloud artifact—the Somersault Cloud."
"The advantage of the Somersault Cloud is that it is very light and agile, perfect for beginners. Its maneuverability is exceptionally sensitive, capable of rolling freely in the air, making it great for long-distance travel."
Ning Zhuo looked at the Somersault Cloud.
This type of traveling cloud was generally yellow, either egg yolk yellow or duck feather yellow.
He picked up a Somersault Cloud, examining it closely.
The Somersault Cloud was not as thin and soft as an ordinary cloud but had a surprisingly tensile surface, like a kneaded dough ball.
Ning Zhuo pressed it lightly; the Somersault Cloud indented but quickly bounced back when he released his grip, showing great elasticity.
Ning Zhuo handed the Somersault Cloud back to the clerk.
The clerk continued: "If young master wishes to fly gracefully and demonstrate his elegance."
"Then I recommend this Seven-Colored Auspicious Cloud."
"This type of artifact flies in the air with dazzling colors, emitting a soft glow, drawing much attention."
"Its flight speed is not fast, but it is extremely stable. Legend has it that the Seven-Colored Auspicious Cloud brings good luck."
"Imagine, a beauty in distress during a critical moment, you descend from the sky on this Seven-Colored Auspicious Cloud. Haha."
"With slight effort, you resolve the beauty's trouble, and she throws herself into your arms. Isn't that wonderful?"
Ning Zhuo chuckled, shaking his head: "I'll keep looking."
He left the clerk and went upstairs.
The higher he went, the better the quality and grade of the traveling clouds.
Soon, Ning Zhuo saw a blue-green cloud.
This blue-green cloud had a jade-like luster, floating quietly in the air without dispersing, gathered into a mass.
But it wasn't solid like the Somersault Cloud; it still had the ethereal feel of a cloud.
Nor was it as ostentatious as the Seven-Colored Auspicious Cloud. Its understated blue-green color appealed very much to Ning Zhuo.
After all, he was also very low-key and always pursued modesty.
Seeing Ning Zhuo, a clerk immediately came up with a smile.
But someone was faster.
"This is the Ascend to the Skies, very steady and reliable in flight without any bumps. Generally, the middle and upper echelons of sects use such traveling clouds to signify their status."
"It is said that using it can also enhance one's official prospects. Though I tend to believe this is just a gimmick from the shop to boost sales."
The person who approached Ning Zhuo was none other than Zhu Xuanji.
Ning Zhuo quickly bowed and greeted loudly: "Lord Zhu."
"Lord Zhu, you truly deserve the title of Divine Hunter. You even know all about the traveling clouds of Flying Cloud Country." The clerk, seeing a Golden Core cultivator had arrived, quickened his steps and smiled even more warmly.