The Shen family hadn’t lied. Their new wine shop sat on the prime real estate of the Loose Cultivator market’s busiest street.

Pedestrian traffic surged past in a constant stream. Flanked by high-end pill shops and talisman emporiums, the location was prestigious. Even more telling was the presence of the market’s only Spirit Cuisine restaurant nearby. Rumor had it that even Golden Core Perfected Master Wang, the administrator of [Green City], would occasionally grace that establishment with his presence.

This concentration of wealth and power made the street the pulsating heart of the market’s economy.

Jiang Chen stood across the street, genuinely surprised.

It’s just a wine shop. The Shen family really went all out.

The storefront was currently closed, its signboard covered by a heavy layer of red silk, waiting for the grand unveiling.

After observing for a moment, Jiang Chen turned and headed toward the teahouse directly opposite. He had arranged to meet Shen Peng here, at the establishment known as “Awaiting Spring.”

As he crossed the threshold, a waiter immediately approached with a practiced bow.

“Esteemed guest, will you be enjoying tea alone, or are you meeting friends?”

Jiang Chen glanced toward the stairs. “I have an appointment. Top floor.”

The waiter’s eyes lit up with recognition. “Ah! You must be the distinguished guest Immortal Master Shen is waiting for.”

His smile widened, turning obsequious. “Please, follow me. Immortal Master Shen gave strict instructions to escort you personally.”

Jiang Chen followed the waiter up the wooden stairs.

The “Awaiting Spring” teahouse was stratified by class and cultivation.

The first floor catered to “ordinary” people—wealthy merchants and those with minor connections but no cultivation. They drank [Spiritual Charm Tea], a blend of low-grade Heart-Clearing Grass and mortal leaves. It offered mild fatigue relief and a slight improvement to one’s constitution over long-term use.

The second floor was the domain of genuine cultivators. Though mostly Loose Cultivators, they were a distinct tier above the mortals below. Here, they served [Blood Vine Tea], brewed from vines nourished by demon beast blood. It invigorated the qi and blood, carrying a faint, iron-like aftertaste.

The third floor was exclusive territory. Only cultivators with renown in Green City, members of established Cultivation families, or disciples of the great sects were permitted entry.

The tea served here was [Orchid Mist Tea].

Roasted from the rare Orchid Fragrance Grass, it produced a mesmerizing visual effect when brewed, with faint mists swirling from the cup. It combined the benefits of the lower-tier teas but with far greater potency.

The price matched the exclusivity: one [Mid-grade Spirit Stone] per pot.

The waiter led Jiang Chen to the third floor, where four private rooms—Jia, Yi, Bing, and Ding—overlooked the bustling street below.

He stopped in front of the Yi room.

“Immortal Master Shen is inside,” the waiter said with a grin.

“Thank you,” Jiang Chen replied simply.

“No trouble, no trouble! It is my honor to serve an Immortal Master.”

The waiter turned to the door and knocked.

Knock. A pause. Knock, knock, knock.

One for urgency. Three for respect. Nine for reverence.

“Immortal Master Shen,” the waiter called softly through the wood. “Your distinguished guest has arrived.”

The door creaked open instantly.

Shen Peng stood there, beaming. It had been a month since they last met. Seeing Jiang Chen in his disguise, Shen Peng’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

Jiang Chen narrowed his eyes, scanning his partner. “You’ve put on weight.”

Shen Peng let out a boisterous laugh. “Haha! I have Fellow Daoist Cai to thank for that!”

It wasn’t an exaggeration. Without the steady supply of Top-quality Spirit Rice from Jiang Chen, Shen Peng would never have secured his marriage to Lei Yunna. The Lei family had only agreed because the Shen family had demonstrated their value through their connection to “Jiang Chen.”

Good food, a successful marriage, and booming business prospects—it was no wonder he was prospering.

Jiang Chen smiled and stepped into the room.

“Waiter!” Shen Peng barked happily. “Bring the best Orchid Mist Tea leaves!”

“Right away, Immortal Master Shen!” The waiter nodded vigorously and sprinted downstairs.

Shen Peng closed the door and turned. Jiang Chen hadn’t taken a seat; instead, he stood by the window, gazing down at the shuttered shop across the street.

Shen Peng walked up beside him. “Fellow Daoist Cai, I managed to pry that location from my father-in-law. Are you satisfied?”

“The location is excellent,” Jiang Chen admitted. “Prime spot.”

“Everything is ready,” Shen Peng said, his voice lowering to a confidential tone. “We’re just waiting for your Spirit Wine… and a name.”

“A name…” Jiang Chen mused.

“We provide the capital and the labor,” Shen Peng said seriously. “But the product is yours. The name must come from you.”

Jiang Chen thought for a moment, watching the flow of cultivators below.

“Call it the Evergreen Wine Shop.”

“Evergreen?” Shen Peng asked curiously. “What’s the meaning?”

“I hope this shop stays open forever,” Jiang Chen replied calmly.

Shen Peng nodded emphatically. “Done. I’ll arrange the signage immediately. Do you have any preference for the calligraphy style?”

“It doesn’t matter. Handle it as you see fit.”

Shen Peng wasted no time. He pulled out a [Communication Talisman] and activated it, contacting his father, Shen Rong. This was good news, and he wanted the older generation’s experience to ensure the plaque was made perfectly.

Just then, a rhythmic knocking came from the door.

Shen Peng stowed the talisman and opened the door.

A procession of staff stood outside. Leading them was the waiter from before, holding a delicate green wooden box with reverence. Behind him, others carried a spirit charcoal stove, a celadon teapot, bamboo scoops, and pine-patterned cups.

They set up the tea service on the table with practiced efficiency.

The waiter opened the green box. An alluring fragrance, subtle yet refreshing, wafted into the room, instantly soothing the mind.

Shen Peng stepped forward to inspect the contents. Inside lay ink-black tea leaves, tightly curled like small green snails.

“Immortal Master Shen,” the waiter said proudly. “Here are the Orchid Mist Tea leaves you requested.”