As the two exited Yueyang Tower, Lin Yinyin asked, “Senior Brother Zhang, what are you planning to buy for your sister this time?”

“I haven’t decided yet, but her cultivation level is similar to yours. Whatever you like, she’ll surely love it too.”

Hmph! Lin Yinyin secretly rejoiced. This “Senior” might genuinely be interested in her—she needed to reel him in quickly!

“Then let’s head to the Yunshang Pavilion. They have a wide array of magical artifacts, and if your sister is close to breaking through to Foundation Establishment, there should be something suitable there.”

Lin Yinyin herself had already reached the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining and was currently preparing for her breakthrough. When cultivators advanced to a new stage, Heavenly Tribulations would descend. Typically, a Qi Refining cultivator advancing to Foundation Establishment would face one to three layers of tribulation lightning, making defensive magical artifacts especially crucial.

“Lead the way, Fellow Cultivator.”

The two strolled through the bustling streets of Shuiyun City. Today, Lin Yinyin wore a flowing white gown, its hem cascading like drifting clouds. Her long hair was elegantly tied into a ponytail with a silver hairpin, a few loose strands framing her ears with casual charm. A white silk ribbon cinched her waist, accentuating her slender figure.

She walked half a step ahead of the “Senior,” maintaining a respectful distance as both a junior and a guide—neither overly distant nor overly familiar. Walking slightly ahead also allowed him to better appreciate her graceful form. These were the subtle details she was determined to master!

They arrived at the Yunshang Pavilion. Originally founded as a workshop specializing in clothing-related magical artifacts, it had grown over time into a renowned, massive trading guild in the Southern Region, ranking among the top-tier sects in terms of overall strength, with branches in numerous cities.

Zhang Xian followed Lin Yinyin into the store. The interior was a world unto itself, occupying an area comparable to a small plaza. Hundreds of display cases lined the space, shimmering with a dazzling array of goods.

Lin Yinyin led Zhang Xian straight to one particular display case. “Senior Brother Zhang, I think this one looks promising.” She pointed to a set of garments.

She had been eyeing this piece for a long time, hesitating whether to purchase it. But this time, with the “Senior” by her side, she hoped to snag it for free.

【Wind Lotus Skirt】

Grade: Low-Grade Defensive Artifact

Attributes: Resonates with Wind and Thunder. Suitable for Fire and Wood Spirit Roots, as well as Mutated Thunder Spirit Roots.

Effect: Offers moderate resistance to Heavenly Tribulations.

Price: 500 Low-Grade Spirit Stones.

Glancing at the description, Zhang Xian shook his head. Mediocre. Typical low-grade artifacts were worth around 20 low-grade Spirit Stones at most. This item’s value lay primarily in its ability to withstand Heavenly Tribulations, hence the inflated price.

But that wasn’t the main issue. The real problem was that it was simply too cheap—below his standards.

“Mediocre. Is there a second floor?”

Everyone knew that any shop worth its salt had a second—or even third—floor. The higher the floor, the more prestigious the items, befitting the status of those with discerning taste.

“Yes, but the second floor is quite expensive,” Lin Yinyin murmured softly.

Zhang Xian waved his hand, signaling her to lead the way, acting every bit the sophisticated connoisseur.

The two ascended to the second floor. The atmosphere here was far more serene, with only a handful of cultivators scattered about. In a corner sat a middle-aged scholar dressed in gray, reclining comfortably in a Taishi chair, sipping tea and reading a book with leisurely ease.

The reason was simple: the goods on the second floor were prohibitively expensive. Transactions were rare; most items were displayed purely for show.

Zhang Xian scanned the room. Nearly all the artifacts were mid-grade, with prices starting at no less than 20 mid-grade Spirit Stones. He was thoroughly satisfied.

Lin Yinyin certainly has excellent taste—she brought me straight to the best section!

Lin Yinyin, however, felt somewhat hesitant. She had visited once before, only to be deterred by the prices.

The second floor primarily featured items suitable for cultivators at the mid-to-late stages of Foundation Establishment and the early stages of Golden Core. Even her entire fortune wouldn’t suffice to purchase a single item, and even then, only the cheapest one available.

At this moment, her gaze fell upon a light-blue robe.

【Cage-Silk Garment】

Grade: Mid-Grade Defensive Artifact

Description: As thin as cloud gauze, naturally translucent.

Attributes: Suitable for cultivators with various Spirit Roots. Enhances mental clarity and benefits cultivation when worn.

Effect: Easily refined, offering remarkable defensive power.

Price: 100 Mid-Grade Spirit Stones.

What a stunning garment! And I could actually use it—but the price is simply outrageous!

“This one.” Zhang Xian nodded, immediately addressing the middle-aged scholar nearby.

Lin Yinyin was utterly shocked. Such extravagance!

The middle-aged scholar smiled and approached. “Fellow Cultivator has excellent taste! Why not try it on first?”

“Buying it means trying it on anyway.” Zhang Xian was even more eager than they were, swiftly paying the bill.

“Let’s try it on.”

Lin Yinyin was thrilled. She gently caressed the silk garment. Instantly, it transformed into a pale-white ribbon that gracefully wrapped around her gown, lending her an ethereal, otherworldly aura.

Oh, how beautiful! Lin Yinyin’s heart raced.

“It suits you perfectly—I’m giving it to you as a gift.”

“But what about Senior Brother Zhang’s sister?”

Although Lin Yinyin had mentally prepared herself, hearing Zhang Xian actually offer the garment to her was still hard to believe.

This was 100 mid-grade Spirit Stones! Just given away like that! Her entire fortune amounted to barely twenty-something mid-grade stones—she would have to work in a mine for thirty years just to afford this single garment.

“Oh, then please wrap up another one for me as well—I’ll give it to my sister. And this one is my thanks for accompanying me on this shopping trip.”

Senior Brother Zhang casually pointed to a nearby garment valued at 80 mid-grade Spirit Stones for the second purchase.

He was really giving it to me! Is this a token of affection?

Lin Yinyin felt dizzy with happiness. Should she act coy now, playing the role of a demure young lady and refusing just to maintain her image?

No. She simply couldn’t bring herself to do it.

“Thank you, Brother Zhang.” She couldn’t bear to part with this magical garment—not even for a moment. She vowed never to take it off for the rest of her life.

With this magical garment, she felt confident enough to face her Heavenly Tribulation immediately!

【Ding! Successfully gifted the mid-grade Cage-Silk Garment. Returning 10 high-grade magical garments.】

【High-Grade Magical Garments: High-grade defensive artifacts, each with unique functions. Please enter the System Space to view details.】

【Ding! Current Favorability: 31.】

“Shall we look at something else? I saw some fine swords over there.” Zhang Xian gestured toward a neighboring counter.

“Huh?” Lin Yinyin, still reeling from her overwhelming happiness, was abruptly pulled along by Zhang Xian.

【Ding! Successfully gifted the mid-grade Stopping-Water Soft Sword. Returning 10 high-grade attack swords.】

【High-Grade Attack Swords: High-grade offensive artifacts, each with unique functions. Please enter the System Space to view details.】

【Ding! Current Favorability: 36.】

【Ding! Successful. Returning 3,000 Foundation Establishment Pills.】

【Foundation Establishment Pills: Yellow-grade medicinal pills that enhance cultivation for Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment cultivators, with diminishing effects upon repeated use.】

【Ding! Current Favorability: 37.】

【Ding! Successfully gifted the Arcane-grade Cold Ice Condensing Soul Technique. Returning 100 Arcane-grade techniques.】

(Note: Techniques are considered one-time consumables based on personal insight—once someone learns a technique, their insight is exhausted, and no one else can learn it again.)

【Special Note: The current Host cannot cultivate other techniques, thus receiving a hundredfold return in equivalent value.】

【Ding! Current Favorability: 38.】

【Ding! Successful. Returning 50 Arcane-grade Spirit Talismans.】

【Arcane-Grade Spirit Talismans: Successfully refined and ready for immediate use. Please enter the System Space to view details.】

【Ding! Current Favorability: 39.】

Zhang Xian was going wild.