Zhu Fuxian lived in a house of living bamboo.

From the outside, it appeared to be a modest two-story structure, yet each floor boasted ceilings four to five meters high. The entire building was constructed from thick, emerald green bamboo poles that seemed to pulse with vitality.

The roof was thatched with layers of fresh bamboo leaves that rustled soothingly in the wind—sha sha, sha sha. Instead of standing out against the stark winter landscape, the house blended perfectly into the environment, as if grown rather than built.

Jiang Chen followed Zhu Fuxian inside. The interior continued the theme; almost everything within sight was crafted from bamboo.

Tables, chairs, benches, bowls, ladles—all were made of the same verdant material. The air was thick with the crisp, refreshing scent of green wood.

Zhu Fuxian gestured to a bamboo stool. “Junior Brother, sit.”

He placed the jar of Spirit Wine on a nearby table and smiled. “So, you seek [Crimson Sun Ginseng] and [Profound Yin Lingzhi]. Are you helping a certain alchemist gather materials?”

Jiang Chen nodded. “Correct.”

Of course, Yu Caiqing was no ordinary alchemist, but he kept that detail to himself for now.

Zhu Fuxian retrieved his storage artifact. It was not a bag or a ring, but a three-inch section of jade-green bamboo tube. The surface was engraved with exquisite silver cloud patterns that seemed to drift across the bark.

Jiang Chen’s eyes widened. “What kind of storage artifact is that?”

He racked his brain, recalling every text he had read in the sect library, but found no mention of such an item. It was either incredibly rare or completely unique.

Seeing his confusion, Zhu Fuxian explained with a hint of pride. “A niche item, not available on the open market. I grew and cultivated the bamboo myself, then commissioned a refiner to craft it. I call it the [Green Spirit Hidden Void Tube].”

“No wonder I’ve never seen one,” Jiang Chen murmured.

Zhu Fuxian glanced at the [Jade Green Gourd] at Jiang Chen’s waist. “Junior Brother’s artifact is also quite special.”

Jiang Chen chuckled modestly, not wanting to steal the host’s thunder. “It serves its purpose.”

Zhu Fuxian tapped the surface of his bamboo tube with a finger. Ka-ka! A crisp sound echoed, and a hairline crack appeared on the surface.

Two bundles of herbs were ejected from within, landing neatly on the table.

Jiang Chen swept them with his Spiritual Sense.

On the left lay the [Crimson Sun Ginseng], its roots glowing with a pale golden light and radiating warmth. On the right was the [Profound Yin Lingzhi], a bluish-gray fungus that emitted a chilling aura.

Both were perfectly preserved, their medicinal efficacy fully intact. Exactly what Yu Caiqing needed for the [Yin-Yang Interlace Pill].

“How many does Junior Brother require?”

“One hundred stalks of each,” Jiang Chen replied promptly. “Enough to account for refinement failures.”

Zhu Fuxian nodded, calculating. “Market price for [Crimson Sun Ginseng] is 3 Low-grade Spirit Stones per stalk. [Profound Yin Lingzhi] is 5. For one hundred of each… that comes to eight Mid-grade Spirit Stones. Is that acceptable?”

Jiang Chen had already checked the prices with his [Spirit Light Mirror]. The old man’s quote was honest to the last stone.

He decisively retrieved eight Mid-grade Spirit Stones and placed them on the table.

Transaction complete. Both men smiled, appreciating the efficiency. No haggling, no games.

In high spirits, Zhu Fuxian stood up. “Business is done. Now, for pleasure.”

He walked to a cabinet and returned with a fresh green bamboo tube, the cut marks on it still weeping sap. A faint but distinct aroma of alcohol drifted from it.

“This is?” Jiang Chen asked.

“My life’s work,” Zhu Fuxian declared proudly. “[Green Bamboo Wine]. The culmination of decades of brewing experience.”

“A good name,” Jiang Chen praised.

Zhu Fuxian popped the seal. A potent, complex aroma filled the room. He poured a cup for Jiang Chen.

The liquid was the color of new spring leaves, shimmering with a silver halo in the light. Faint Wood-attribute Spirit Qi swirled within the cup.

“Junior Brother, try it. Tell me what you think.”

Jiang Chen lifted the cup and inhaled. The scent was evocative—crisp bamboo forest after rain, mountain spring water, and a subtle undertone of honey-preserved plums.

He took a sip.

Coolness washed over his tongue like a mountain stream, followed by a rich, dense texture reminiscent of bamboo pulp, yet without any stickiness. As he swallowed, the coolness transformed into a comforting line of warmth that settled in his stomach.

Jiang Chen looked at the old man in surprise. “Did you add…?”

“Originally, the wine was too cold,” Zhu Fuxian admitted. “Like drinking snow. So, I added honey-preserved plums and [Crimson Sun Ginseng] to balance the yin and yang.”

Jiang Chen put down the cup. “Senior Brother, your brewing skill is formidable. In the entire Cloud Sea Sect, you easily rank in the top three.”

Zhu Fuxian smiled meaningfully and poured himself a bowl of Jiang Chen’s gift wine.

The liquid was clear and viscous, rippling with spiritual light. He took a sip.

His eyes lit up.

The taste was a revelation. The sweetness of high-grade Spirit Rice, the freshness of earth after rain… it entered the mouth soft as clouds, dissolving without a hint of the harsh astringency found in common brews. It slid down the throat like nectar, leaving a long, lingering aftertaste.

Even his Wood Spiritual Power began to circulate faster.

“Mere Spirit Wine… yet it has such depth,” Zhu Fuxian murmured, looking at Jiang Chen with newfound respect. “Junior Brother, your skill is certainly not below mine.”

“Senior Brother’s wine is also excellent,” Jiang Chen replied, raising his cup.

Clink.

They drank together, the atmosphere shifting from business partners to old friends.

“It has been a long time since I drank with anyone,” Zhu Fuxian sighed, a touch of melancholy in his voice. “Seeing you reminds me of my departed friend. He sat in that very chair.”

Jiang Chen blinked, sensing an opportunity to solidify their bond. “Then I shall come often to drink with you, Senior Brother.”

Zhu Fuxian grinned, his wrinkles deepening. “That would be wonderful!”