Inside Jinyang City.
Sunlight, streaming through an open doorway where the door panel had been removed, fell directly onto the shop's floor, illuminating a soft, warm golden hue.
The room's decor here was still primarily wood. Most of the lumber was sourced by the city's residents from the Cloud Mist Forest nearby.
Of course, these people dared not venture deep into the forest to harvest the sturdy trees that grew there. Instead, wood-element cultivators would accelerate the growth of saplings at the forest's edge before cutting them down for materials.
Lu Daniu had already returned to the Danyang Sect to study with the academy's instructors. Before he left, Lu Heng had helped him raise his Enlightenment level to four.
This level was already higher than that of many instructors at the academy, so Lu Heng wasn't worried about him being bullied there.
Lu Heng didn't need to personally clean the shop either. The Danyang Sect sent disciples to help every day. After Wuchenzi's departure, Elder Du Feng of the Alchemy Hall would personally oversee the shop daily, signing agreements with those who didn't have Level Four Magic Crystals.
The number of people coming to exchange crystals was increasing daily. Lu Heng was still adhering to the previously announced rule: once twenty crystals were exchanged, the shop would close early.
Lu Heng had also heard some news that certain individuals were specifically purchasing crystals from his shop, not to use them themselves, but to put them up for auction in major cities like the capital.
Lu Heng didn't pay much attention. Since someone was helping to promote his products, why not welcome it?
Although those people might gain some quick profits in the short term, Lu Heng believed that eventually, people would discover the origin of these crystals and come to Jinyang City to purchase them.
After selling the last crystal of the day, Lu Heng sighed as he looked at the Magic Crystals he had obtained, noting they were all the same as usual.
Watching Du Feng leave with those who had signed agreements, the remaining disciples of the Danyang Sect helped Lu Heng reattach the door panels. Only one narrow panel, allowing a single person to pass, was left unattached. After everyone had left, Lu Heng would secure that panel himself from inside the shop.
Seeing everyone off, Lu Heng picked up the door panel leaning against the wall, intending to close the shop. Now that all the crystals could be sold in half a day, Lu Heng could return to the apocalypse in the afternoon to accompany Lin Yu on their adventures.
Suddenly, a hand blocked the door panel, preventing Lu Heng from closing it.
Lu Heng moved the door panel aside and looked at the few people standing outside. Their attire appeared ordinary, all wearing dark robes. However, the leader's dark robe was sewn with silver metallic threads, and the hem was embroidered with dark cloud patterns.
Lu Heng raised an eyebrow and said to the people outside, "Our shop's goods are all sold out. Those who wish to purchase can come back tomorrow morning."
With that, Lu Heng moved the door panel back again, intending to finish what he was doing.
"Wait, my master wishes to speak with you."
Lu Heng raised another eyebrow. This entourage was grander than the City Lord's? And he was a "master"?
"That can wait until tomorrow. I need to rest now."
Lu Heng glanced at the opponent's Enlightenment level of six, secretly mobilizing his own abilities, and forcefully secured the door panel into the door frame.
Then, he bolted the door and quickly walked back to the rear courtyard.
Outside the shop, the guard turned somewhat awkwardly towards the leader, "Master."
"First, we go to the City Lord's mansion. We'll come back tomorrow."
The man was not surprised. After all, capable individuals often had their quirks. He was here to discuss business and didn't want to escalate the situation by using his authority.
...
Inside the City Lord's mansion.
At this moment, the man in the luxurious attire sat in the head seat of the City Lord's mansion's main hall. The City Lord and the people brought by the man stood in the lower positions.
"Have you investigated that shop privately?"
"Reporting to Your Highness, your subordinate has indeed investigated some information. However, the shop owner is indeed somewhat peculiar."
"Oh? Tell me about it."
"Yes, the shop's predecessor was a herbal medicine shop. A while ago, the shop owner purchased it.
This shop owner is named Lu Heng. Your subordinate also checked his household registration and discovered, to his surprise, that he is a resident of Jinyang City.
The household registration and travel permits presented by that person indeed originated from Jinyang City. The official seals and the subordinate's personal seals on them are not forged.
Your subordinate also found corresponding records in Jinyang City's archives, confirming that these documents are genuine.
However, your subordinate had people discreetly inquire within the city, and no one in Jinyang City recognizes this person. This is quite perplexing."
"Hmm, interesting. I saw many people from the Danyang Sect leaving that shop today," King Lu said, tapping his fingers on the table. Hearing this, he couldn't help but chuckle.
Upon hearing the laughter, Qin Kuan cautiously looked up at the person seated above, then quickly lowered his head and continued, "However, this person has a close relationship with the Danyang Sect's alchemist, Wuchenzi. Your subordinate once saw them sitting together in the shop, drinking tea and chatting happily, so they should have known each other for a long time.
It is said that the Danyang Sect has a cooperative relationship with the shop owner. Originally, the crystals sold by the shop required Level Four Magic Crystals for exchange. However, those who could not afford Magic Crystals could obtain a crystal by signing a five-year agreement with the Danyang Sect."
"Hmm, is there anything else special?"
"Not at the moment. However, the crystals are indeed effective. In the many days they have been open, not a single person has failed to break through after consuming the crystal.
Your subordinate also learned that after consuming the crystal, several people have broken through to possess Golden Spirit Root aptitude."
Silence. At this moment, the reception hall of the City Lord's mansion was utterly silent. Qin Kuan unconsciously slowed his breathing, afraid of breaking the stillness.
"Have you found out where these crystals come from?"
"No... no..." Qin Kuan wiped the sweat from his brow. After all, as the City Lord of a small city like this, he had no opportunity to directly meet a sealed king of a region. Today, thanks to these crystals, he not only met King Lu but also spoke with him at length.
"It's alright, no need to be afraid. I have no intention of blaming you. In fact, for reporting such significant news to me, I will reward you. However, the reward will have to wait a while, until I return."
"Your subordinate is humbled. Thank you for your generosity, Your Highness."
"Rise. Clear out a courtyard in your rear residence for me. I expect to stay here for a few days," King Lu said, rubbing the ring on his hand.
"Yes, your subordinate will arrange it immediately." Qin Kuan had reported the crystals to King Lu, expecting King Lu to send someone over. He hadn't expected this item to personally attract King Lu, so he would need to make some adjustments to his previous arrangements.
"Yes, go ahead."
"Yes."