Started out getting scumbags, but then invested in the invincible Empress.

Chapter 160 Gambling on Stones

Imperial Treasure Pavilion.

Inside the private room, the air was filled with the gentle fragrance of incense.

Outside the curtain, Xiang Leping, the head of the pavilion, bowed slightly and said respectfully, "Miss Murong, most of the major clans and families in the capital are present..."

Murong Qinglan paused slightly in her hand as she picked up the teacup, and casually asked, "Have those prodigies from the Li Huo Sect and the Bi Yun Sect arrived yet?"

The young girl sat serenely, her pure and beautiful face partially obscured by a purple veil. Her eyes, opening and closing, revealed a unique liveliness, giving a subtle yet stunning impression.

"They've all arrived. We just met once, and I've already sent someone to arrange for them to stay in the top-tier private room."

He replied to Le Ping.

Murong Qinglan nodded slightly and said softly:

"With the help of the outstanding disciples of these two sects, plus the preparations of the past ten years, whether your branch can make a name for itself depends on this opportunity."

"Miss Murong is right. This time, I will do my utmost and will definitely not let you down!"

He quickly offered flattering assurances to Le Ping.

"Miss Murong, there's something I don't understand."

At this moment, Du Peng, who was standing to the side, was a little puzzled and asked:

"Since we want to raise the profile of our branch, why not invite more prodigies from major sects to come and support us? For example, the more powerful Star Moon Sect, or even the Profound Heaven Sect, would surely have a better effect."

As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the private room fell silent.

Noticing Murong Qinglan's subtle expression, Xiang Leping's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly said:

"Miss Murong, please calm down. Du Peng is a clueless kid. He's just talking nonsense. Please don't take it to heart."

As he spoke, he glared at Du Peng and said, "These are decisions made by higher-ups. How dare you, a mere branch manager, meddle in them?"

Du Peng froze, standing there awkwardly.

"It doesn't matter."

Murong Qinglan parted her red lips slightly and sighed softly, "Although the Imperial Treasure Pavilion is known as the 'Number One Pavilion Under Heaven,' with business spanning the entire Southern Region, its overall strength still cannot compare with that of a first-rate sect..."

“Take Yongning Prefecture, where we are now, for example. There are no fewer than dozens of sects of all sizes, and hundreds or even thousands of dynasties, but the only overlord that can make all forces bow down to him is the Xuantian Sect.”

At this point, she paused slightly, glancing at Du Peng, "What price do you think should be paid for inviting the prodigies of the Xuantian Sect to travel thousands of miles to your branch to show their support?"

Du Peng was stunned, a bitter smile on his lips.

Yes, the Grand Pavilion's status is inferior to that of the Xuantian Sect, let alone a mere branch pavilion of a lower-level dynasty. How could it possibly be worth the higher-ups going to such lengths to promote it?

Xiang Leping also fell silent.

Indeed, in terms of status and position, the disciples of the Li Huo Sect are no match for the Xuan Tian Sect at all; they are not even in the same league. Inviting them is extremely difficult.

"Oh right, I almost forgot about that person from the Shen family..."

Suddenly, he remembered something, clapped his hands, and said, "I just received news yesterday that the Shen family's prodigy has returned from the Xuantian Sect!"

Du Peng's eyes lit up, and he said in a slightly trembling voice, "Sect Master, are you talking about that mysterious eldest son of the Duke's mansion?"

"That's right, it's the eldest son of the Shen family!"

"Hiss, it's said that he's a once-in-a-century genius in the Great Yu Dynasty. He possesses a rare dual spiritual body of thunder and fire, which is in no way inferior to a King-level physique. He was promoted to True Disciple after only one year in the Xuan Tian Sect. His potential is extraordinary!"

Speaking of this person, Du Peng sighed deeply, then a thought struck him, and he said, "Sect Master, do you perhaps intend to ask him for help?"

"Right on my mind."

Xiang Leping nodded and pondered, "I can't guarantee anything if it's another true disciple of the Xuantian Sect, but I happen to have a close relationship with an elder of the Shen family, so there might be a chance."

Upon hearing this, Murong Qinglan's beautiful eyes brightened slightly, and she said, "In that case, Pavilion Master, why don't you give it a try? It won't be a big deal if it doesn't work out."

The prodigy of the Xuantian Sect is currently in the capital, and Xiang Leping has some connections with the Shen family, so it might actually work.

"Yes, I will take care of it myself."

He clasped his hands in a fist and solemnly accepted the order.

After he left, Murong Qinglan's gaze fell on the reserved Du Peng, and she said, "Manager Du, there is something I need to trouble you with."

"I wouldn't dare, Miss Murong, please tell me everything."

Du Peng quickly bowed in greeting.

"Do you remember that boy at the gate? He should still be inside the pavilion. Keep a close eye on him for me. I need to know his every move."

The girl's beautiful eyes flickered with an unusual light, and it was unclear what she was thinking.

"Yes--"

Du Peng looked puzzled, but dared not object and had no choice but to do as he was told.

"I imagine the people from those powerful factions in the capital will arrive soon. I'm quite looking forward to seeing how you'll handle this situation..."

Murong Qinglan toyed with the glass teacup, a slight smile playing on her lips.

........

at that time.

Li Nanzhi was strolling around with Li Wudao, and of course... there was also that green-haired turtle.

The Imperial Treasure Pavilion of the Great Yu Dynasty has four floors, each open to different groups of people.

First floor: Everyone can enter, but the variety of goods sold is limited, mostly ordinary items circulating in the market. Even the weapons and martial arts techniques are only of the highest quality, Yellow Rank.

The second level requires a payment of one hundred taels of silver to enter. The quality of the goods is even better, and you can buy top-grade ninth-rank mortal pills and some spiritual herbs that are nearly a hundred years old.

The third level requires a payment of 500 taels of silver, but it sells only priceless treasures. Even the Earth-rank weapons and cultivation techniques that are the treasures of the major families in the capital can be bought here.

In addition, the third floor also has some trading stalls, such as barter, so that everyone can get what they need.

Is there anything different about this fourth floor?

Listening to Li Nanzhi's explanation, Li Wudao stroked his chin with great interest.

"The fourth floor is not easily opened to the public. It is only temporarily opened when major events are held, such as today's auction."

Li Wudao felt somewhat bored. "Sigh, I thought I could buy a Heaven-Rank Spiritual Weapon on the fourth floor."

Damn it, they don't even have a Heaven-Rank Spiritual Artifact. I should have known better than to come. What a wasted trip.

"......"

Li Nanzhi's pretty face froze for a moment, her delicate nose wrinkled, and she said:

"Do you know how precious a Heavenly-Rank Spiritual Artifact is? Even in the royal family, it's a national treasure, and even this Imperial Treasure Pavilion wouldn't sell it so easily..."

Then she thought of something and muttered, "But it's really hard to say today. Maybe we'll actually see a Heaven-Rank Spiritual Artifact. I just don't know if anyone can afford it."

"Sigh, to be honest, I've never even seen what a Heavenly-Rank Spiritual Weapon looks like, and I don't know if I'll ever be able to own one in this lifetime..."

After saying that, she let out a heavy sigh, her pretty face showing a mixture of longing and melancholy.

Seeing this, Li Wudao couldn't help but smile and casually said, "It's just a Heaven-rank spiritual weapon. I'll give you one when I have the chance."

Li Nanzhi's beautiful eyes lit up, but then she thought of something and said somewhat angrily, "You're just bragging, I don't believe you."

Although she knew that her cousin had considerable strength, this was a priceless Heaven-rank spiritual artifact, so who would give it away so easily?

Li Wudao smiled faintly and shook his head, saying nothing more.

"Hey kid, come quick, there's something fun over here!"

Suddenly, the shouts of a green-haired turtle came from ahead.

Li Wudao glanced around and saw a green-headed turtle rummaging through a pile of stones in front of a stall, looking very excited.

"Damn it, where did this stinking turtle come from? Go away, get out of here!"

Upon seeing this, the stall owner's face darkened, and he raised his foot as if to kick it out.

Then, in the next instant...

With a "crack," the stall owner lay on the ground clutching his left foot, gasping for breath, and exclaimed, "My foot... damn it, this turtle's shell is so hard!"

Li Wudao, who had taken in all of this, sighed and rubbed his forehead in silence.

That bastard is even more troublesome than him.

"I'm sorry, boss, the pet doesn't know any better. Consider this compensation to you."

Li Wudao stepped forward, took out a thousand taels of silver notes, and handed them over.

"Hehe, it's alright, it's alright, young master, you're too kind!"

Upon seeing so much money, the stall owner's expression changed instantly. He quickly forced a smile and put away the silver notes.

Immediately, he rubbed his hands together and said enthusiastically, "It's fate that we met. Young master, would you like to play a couple of rounds of gambling?"

As he spoke, the stall owner pointed to the stones of various colors and sizes on the ground, saying:

"Since you are so generous, I will not be stingy either. You may choose any two stones weighing less than five pounds."

Li Wudao asked curiously, "How is this different from ordinary jade gambling?"

"Kid, you're such a bumpkin, you don't even know this?"

From among the pile of stones, the green-haired turtle poked its head out, casting a disdainful glance, and said:

"These are no ordinary stones. Judging from the energy flowing through them and their appearance, they most likely come from an ancient mine, where there's a chance of finding various divine irons and essences for refining magical artifacts..."

"interesting."

Li Wudao became interested, and then, as if remembering something, he secretly opened his double pupils and swept his gaze toward the pile of stones on the ground.

Sure enough, under the scrutiny of the double pupils, everything would be clearly visible and exposed.

"There are actually a few good pieces of material."

A slight light appeared before Li Wudao's eyes.

Immediately, he casually picked up two fist-sized stones and said, "Hmm, these two will do."

"Brother, would you be willing to part with these two stones for a thousand taels?"

Just then, a group of people walked over from a short distance to the side.

Li Wudao turned around and looked, his brows furrowing slightly.

The leader was none other than the Second Prince, Li Sheng, whom I had met briefly at the entrance, and his childhood sweetheart, Sun Qian!