Chapter 13: The Steward of Green Cloud Shop

People always strive for higher ground, and water always flows to the lower. Cultivation creates vast chasms between cultivators.

Take large sects, for instance. There was a time when all disciples were like brothers, bound by the same teachings and shared struggles. Yet, once one cultivator breaks through to the Foundation Establishment stage, and another remains stagnated in the Qi Refining stage, their bond will inevitably grow distant.

In the early stages of Qi Refining, the spirit qi is thin, and cultivators possess little combat ability. The spells they can learn are basic with minimal power, and could only do things like cleaning or controlling water and fire.

However, once a cultivator reaches the mid-stage of Qi Refining, their spirit qi becomes more condensed, and their spirit sense grows exponentially. Their control over energy improves, so they can begin learning more advanced spells, such as Fireball and Ice Spike techniques.

This is why herb-hunting teams typically require cultivators to be at least at the fourth level of Qi Refining.

As for Lin Ke’er, having broken through to the fourth level of Qi Refining, she now stood at a new stage, with new opportunities and a new circle of acquaintances. Ye Chen, however, remained at the third level. The distance between them would only grow from now on.

The relationship between them would undoubtedly fade. Soon, even seeing each other would be difficult. In this context, Ye Chen’s simping, from the perspective of the store’s staff, seemed utterly foolish. Several of the assistants couldn’t help but feel amused at Ye Chen’s misfortune.

“Serves you right,” they thought. “You treated Lin Ke’er like a princess, gifting her pills and martial arts techniques. And now? She’s already breaking through in her cultivation, leaving you behind in the dust. She’ll definitely think less of you now. All that effort for nothing, how foolish!”

Ye Chen had no idea what the others were thinking. Even if he knew, it wouldn’t bother him. To be honest, he thought Lin Ke’er was quite determined. She broke through to the fourth level of Qi Refining and immediately resigned, ready to take on a more dangerous but higher-paying job.

However, this made Ye Chen reconsider his plan to give her pills. Not that he would stop giving her gifts, but now, he intended to give something more valuable. If she was going into the mountains to harvest herbs, no matter how confident she appeared, she would likely have concerns and fears.

At this moment, if he could present her with a powerful offensive spell, it would be like a timely gift in a snowstorm. If she was emotionally overwhelmed, the effect of the spell might even be amplified.

Besides, he was about to break through to the fourth level of Qi Refining himself, so it was the perfect time to begin learning attack spells. And after the tenfold feedback, his spells would surely be far stronger.

The Silver Moon Market wasn’t exactly safe. Just a few days ago, Ye Chen had heard that several cultivators had died within the market.

Although the patrols claimed to have captured the culprit the very next day and hung them at the market’s entrance, who could really be sure if they were the true murderer? It seemed like the right time to prepare some offensive techniques.

With this thought in mind, Ye Chen set aside the pills he had planned to give her. He turned and walked out of the store. His sudden departure caught the attention of the staff, and their previously hidden smiles now couldn’t help but open spread across their faces.

In their eyes, Ye Chen must be heartbroken and at a loss. Another maid, meanwhile, found Ye Chen almost laughable, though a sense of excitement was stirring in her heart.

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Lin Ke’er was leaving. If Ye Chen was distressed, didn’t that present an opportunity for her? If she could win Ye Chen over, then surely she could gain access to his wealth of pills. With this thought, the maid couldn’t help but smile.

Lin Ke’er, watching Ye Chen leave without a word, shook her head in resignation. It was clear that Ye Chen truly cared for her. He just couldn’t accept this situation.

But Lin Ke’er, knowing that Ye Chen was still useful to her, had decided to visit him later, before her official departure, and offer him some comfort.

In the eyes of others, Ye Chen, who seemed heartbroken, walked all the way to the Green Cloud Shop.

“Sir, may I help you with something?” the attendant asked.

Ye Chen had visited this place twice before to sell pills, but he had always altered his appearance, deliberately hunching his back and stooping to make himself look more inconspicuous. This was the first time he had come in his true form. It seemed the attendant didn’t recognize him.