……

At this moment.

Outside the inn where Wang Shouzhe was temporarily staying, a seemingly ordinary flying carriage slowly came to a stop.

At first glance, the flying carriage appeared quite common. Whether it was the spirit birds pulling it, the materials of the carriage, or its style, all were the most common in the city. Only those with expertise would notice that the seemingly ordinary spiritual wood was actually a rare and precious material. Even the array inscriptions carved on the carriage were extremely complex, indicating a high level of protection.

Soon, the carriage door opened, and a young gentleman dressed in a low-key and restrained manner stepped out and entered the inn, politely asking the innkeeper to inform Wang Shouzhe, hoping for a meeting.

This young gentleman was none other than Crown Prince Yuan Zheng.

This had become one of his daily routines recently.

Even though his actions had already stirred the entire Immortal Capital, leading to much discussion from commoners to ministers, he still gave Wang Shouzhe full respect.

Just as Crown Prince Yuan Zheng arrived at the inn's lobby and was speaking with the innkeeper, a graceful and distinguished female cultivator also appeared in the lobby.

This was Yao Yumei, the pavilion master of the Divine Treasure Hall's branch.

Compared to Crown Prince Yuan Zheng, she was even more low-key, coming alone and not even using a flying carriage. Had she not coincidentally bumped into someone at the door, no one would have noticed her presence.

Once inside the inn, she too politely requested the innkeeper to pass on a message.

The innkeeper, though somewhat of a figure himself, was still taken aback by such a spectacle.

Such prominent figures, while not necessarily arrogant, would never truly regard someone like him, let alone request so politely.

In his entire life, he had never been treated with such "honor."

However, the innkeeper was not one to lose his head. He understood that the politeness of these big figures was not directed at him but at the young master residing in the inn. He must not let it go to his head.

Suppressing all his wild thoughts, he bowed to the two dignitaries and turned to quietly act as a messenger.

"Your Highness is quite persistent," Yao Yumei remarked with a slight smile, a hint of sarcasm in her tone, after the innkeeper had walked away. "I suppose Wang Shouzhe will eventually be moved by you."

She was not afraid of the Immortal Dynasty's crown prince.

Not to mention, the Divine Treasure Hall's system and foundation were formidable, and the Yao Clan she hailed from was even stronger than the New Luo Immortal Dynasty.

Moreover, Crown Prince Yuan Zheng's relentless pursuit reminded her of a senior brother from her youth at the Divine Treasure Hall's internal academy, who delivered breakfast to her every day for thirty years, rain or shine.

Unfortunately, she never accepted a single meal, refusing to be swayed by such persistence.

"As the saying goes, 'Sincerity can move mountains.' As long as Wang Shouzhe remains in the New Luo Immortal Dynasty, I have a chance," Crown Prince Yuan Zheng replied, unperturbed, his expression serene and calm, as if he hadn't detected the sarcasm in her words.

Just then.

The innkeeper returned, beaming with joy, and hurriedly bowed to the two, excitedly announcing, "Congratulations, Your Highness, congratulations, Pavilion Master Yao, Young Master Wang Shouzhe invites you both in for tea."

"Thank you for passing on the message, please lead the way," Crown Prince Yuan Zheng said with a delighted expression, immediately handing over an Immortal Crystal ticket as a reward.

"Your Highness is too kind~ too kind~"

The innkeeper swiftly pocketed the Immortal Crystal ticket and eagerly led Crown Prince Yuan Zheng and Yao Yumei to Wang Shouzhe's suite.

Inside the suite, there was no one, but a small space portal shimmered with light.

"This..." Crown Prince Yuan Zheng was slightly taken aback.

"This is a portable cave mansion," Yao Yumei, knowledgeable as ever, immediately recognized it, her expression filled with admiration. "Some prominent figures, when traveling, dislike staying in guest courtyards and value privacy, so they prefer to bring a portable cave mansion. It's a good thing, but the price... it's much more expensive than ordinary Immortal Artifacts."

Crown Prince Yuan Zheng was speechless.

Just for comfort and privacy, such extravagance? With that money, wouldn't it be better to acquire a few Immortal Artifacts to enhance national strength?

Even without detailed knowledge, he could guess that this type of portable cave mansion probably had no combat capability, at most some defensive power.

These wealthy young masters truly don't regard money as money~~

In that moment, he understood that the joy of truly wealthy people was beyond his imagination.

"Your Highness Yuan Zheng, Pavilion Master Yao, please come in."

As if sensing their arrival, Wang Shouzhe's voice suddenly came from within the portable cave mansion.

The two quickly composed themselves and, following the instructions, entered the small space portal within the inn's suite.

In the next instant, their vision blurred, and the scene before them changed dramatically.

What appeared before them was a small space lush with greenery, filled with the sounds of birds and the fragrance of flowers, beautiful like a paradise on earth.

The space wasn't large, a sweep of divine sense could encompass its entirety, yet it was full of wonders.

At the core of this space was a miniature sixth-grade spiritual vein, above which several plots of sixth-grade spiritual farmland had been cultivated. Though few in number, these plots were planted with various spirit plants, including sixth-grade spiritual rice and various high-grade spiritual herbs, each extremely precious.

At the very center of the space stood an exquisite courtyard.

Beside the courtyard grew a massive tree with a thick trunk and a vast canopy.

This tree was clearly no ordinary spirit plant, its entire being exuding a rich spiritual aura, its green canopy extending like a canopy in all directions, casting a deep shade and scattering specks of green light, making the entire courtyard area look like an immortal realm.

Under the faint green light, even the air became incredibly fresh.

But these were not the most striking features.

The most striking were the two people sitting under the tree, enjoying tea.

Immortal Emperor Mu Yun was unmistakable, even without revealing his True Immortal pressure, his innate aura was formidable, like a blooming peony, exuding nobility and grace despite his simple attire.

And Wang Shouzhe, dressed in white, seemed to be one with the world around him, exuding an inexplicable harmony. The specks of green light enveloping him made him appear like an immortal lord in the forest, elegant and serene, transcendent and extraordinary.

Though his cultivation was only at the Divine Realm, his aura was in no way inferior to Immortal Emperor Mu Yun, and even carried a transcendent charm that was captivating.

Crown Prince Yuan Zheng snapped out of his daze and hurriedly stepped forward to respectfully greet, "Yuan Zheng pays respects to the Young Master."

Yao Yumei, more astute than Yuan Zheng, stepped forward and gracefully saluted the two, saying, "Yumei pays respects to the Young Master, pays respects to Immortal Lord Tiange."

Though this Immortal Lord Tiange regarded herself as the Young Master's maid, she was ultimately at mid-Void Realm, and Yao Yumei, at Void Realm, dared not show disrespect. She even vaguely sensed a subtle connection between Young Master Wang Shouzhe and Immortal Lord Tiange.

"We're all young people, no need for formalities," Wang Shouzhe said with a gentle wave of his hand, his demeanor warm and relaxed. "Besides, in terms of age, I'm likely much younger than the two of you, and my cultivation is no match for yours. You're guests here, please take a seat."

Despite Wang Shouzhe's modest attitude, Yuan Zheng and Yao Yumei dared not be careless. After expressing their gratitude, they cautiously took their seats.

Beside them, Yun Tiange smiled charmingly and personally poured tea for the guests.

Yuan Zheng and Yao Yumei immediately showed expressions of apprehension, hurriedly holding the teacups with both hands and taking a sip.

While drinking the tea, they didn't think much of it, but as the tea entered their throats, a refreshing sensation surged like a clear spring to the depths of their souls.

In an instant, their minds cleared, and various insights into the Heavenly Dao flooded in, many mysteries that had once been perplexing suddenly became clear and comprehensible.

This sensation lasted for several breaths before gradually fading.

Yuan Zheng and Yao Yumei exchanged glances, their expressions filled with disbelief and delight.

In such a short moment, they had gained so much.

"This, this is genuine Enlightenment Immortal Tea!"

Yao Yumei, with her background in the Divine Treasure Hall, quickly realized.

Enlightenment Tea was already rare, and most existing Enlightenment Tea Trees had impure bloodlines, with potential only to reach the eleventh or twelfth rank, producing what could only be called ordinary Enlightenment Tea.

Only a few major forces possessed Enlightenment Immortal Tea Trees of the thirteenth rank or higher, capable of producing genuine Enlightenment Immortal Tea. Due to limited production, most cultivators had never even smelled it, let alone tasted it.

Crown Prince Yuan Zheng was even more dazed.

He had heard his ancestor mention once tasting a small cup of Enlightenment Immortal Tea at a True Immortal gathering, the taste truly unforgettable, wondrous beyond words, leaving him envious and craving to this day.

But he never expected that the seemingly aloof Wang Shouzhe would use Enlightenment Immortal Tea to entertain them. What did this signify? It signified that such immortal tea was merely part of the Young Master's daily consumption.

In that moment, his heart wept.

The life of the truly wealthy was indeed beyond the imagination of a poor crown prince like him.

Yao Yumei was also momentarily dazed, quickly rising to present a gift, "Young Master Wang, I have expedited the application for the [Divine Treasure Hall VIP Token] from the Tianrui branch in recent days. Should you have any needs, you may send someone with the token to any branch or pavilion of the Divine Treasure Hall, and we will strive to assist you within the rules."

Divine Treasure Hall VIP Token?

Crown Prince Yuan Zheng was once again astonished, looking at the seemingly simple black token with envy.

He hadn't expected the Tianrui branch to act so swiftly and decisively, directly offering a VIP Token.

It was known that only five such VIP Tokens had been issued by the Divine Treasure Hall throughout the vast Tianrui Holy Dynasty, four of which were held by several Holy Lords and the Holy Emperor.

Even the royal family of their Immortal Dynasty was not qualified to receive a Divine Treasure Hall VIP Token. Most importantly, this VIP Token was non-nominative, allowing anyone to use it at the Divine Treasure Hall without revealing their identity.

"Pavilion Master Yao is considerate," Wang Shouzhe nodded slightly, "Having this token in hand will indeed make my travels more convenient."

It seemed he was satisfied with the gift, even addressing her more familiarly.

Yun Tiange obediently took the VIP Token for Wang Shouzhe and put it away.

"Immortal Lord Tiange," Yao Yumei, sensing the change in Wang Shouzhe's attitude, was slightly pleased and quickly presented a pile of gifts to Yun Tiange, smiling, "These are some beauty and skincare supplements, carefully selected and of the highest quality. I hope you won't find them lacking."

After all, no woman doesn't love beauty.

Yun Tiange, naturally very concerned about her appearance and skin, took a look and found that they were indeed top-notch beauty products, immediately warming up to Yao Yumei and engaging her in conversation.

Crown Prince Yuan Zheng, seeing this, quickly took out his prepared gift, "Young Master Wang, this is a token of my ancestor's regard."

It was two small boxes, one containing the formula for [Silver Xuan Gold], and the other a small, heavy piece of [Red Sun Sacred Iron].

As he spoke, he humbly explained the properties of [Silver Xuan Gold] and [Red Sun Sacred Iron].

Especially the Silver Xuan Gold formula, he elaborated on it. It was the life's work of his ancestor, unknown even to the Tianrui Holy Emperor.

"This Silver Xuan Gold formula is quite interesting," Wang Shouzhe's brows seemed to show a hint of interest, "Perhaps it might be of some use to me."

Yuan Zheng was overjoyed.

The treasures they had carefully selected had indeed pleased Young Master Wang Shouzhe.

He was about to speak further when Wang Shouzhe raised his hand to stop him, "However, I am not one to owe favors. Your New Luo Immortal Dynasty likely has something to ask of me, doesn't it? Your Highness might as well be honest, I must consider it before deciding."

The implication was that if he couldn't help, he wouldn't even accept the gift.

Yuan Zheng's heart tightened, his initial joy dissipating somewhat, but at the same time, his respect and trust in Young Master Wang Shouzhe deepened.

He then detailed the longstanding grievances and conflicts between the New Luo Immortal Dynasty and the Xianwu Immortal Dynasty.

"The Xianwu Immortal Dynasty has gone too far, I hope the Young Master can assist," Crown Prince Yuan Zheng rose and bowed deeply, "Yuan Zheng, on behalf of the people of New Luo, thanks the Young Master for his great kindness."

Wang Shouzhe's expression remained calm, his fingers gently tapping the table as if in deep thought.

After a moment, he shook his head, "This is an internal matter of the Tianrui Holy Dynasty, I am too young and inexperienced to intervene lightly. Your Highness, please take back your gifts."

Yuan Zheng's face tightened, hurriedly saying, "Young Master, is there no other way? If the Xianwu Immortal Dynasty continues to oppress us, cutting off our spiritual grain supply, over time, our New Luo Immortal Dynasty will decline, eventually..."

"If it's merely resolving the shortage of spiritual grain and the sales of ore and metal ingots, it's not too difficult..." Wang Shouzhe pondered briefly, "It just requires some effort."

Yuan Zheng's face lit up with joy, bowing deeply, "I hope Young Master Wang will save our New Luo. In the future, our New Luo will surely remember your great kindness."

"Very well, let me think about it first." Wang Shouzhe gently sipped his tea, his gaze lowered to the teacup, "Once I've arranged everything, someone will come to find you."

Yuan Zheng understood, immediately rising, and after expressing his gratitude repeatedly, he took his leave.

However, he left behind the [Silver Xuan Gold] formula and ten pounds of [Red Sun Sacred Iron]. Wang Shouzhe tacitly accepted this, as if he had already thought of a solution.

After another hour or so, Yao Yumei, having "chatted" with Yun Tiange, also took her leave. The portable cave mansion returned to its quiet state.

Yun Tiange returned to her seat, casually picking up a spirit fruit and taking a bite, smiling, "Yao Yumei, in her effort to curry favor with us, inadvertently revealed quite a bit of information. The troubles of the New Luo Immortal Dynasty are greater than we imagined. But troubles are opportunities, the nutrients for strengthening our Shenwu human race."

"The structure of power in the Holy Domain is complex, with many overt and covert whirlpools," Wang Shouzhe said calmly, "What we need to do is be cautious, very cautious, and not capsize."

"Shouzhe, you mustn't underestimate someone who's lived... well, let's not talk about that," Yun Tiange changed the topic, "Once this matter is settled, accompany me to the Tianrui Holy Dynasty for a visit, see if we can pick up an Immortal Scripture or a Sacred Artifact."

Faced with her audacious words, Wang Shouzhe rolled his eyes inwardly.

Immortal Scriptures and Sacred Artifacts, such things are treasures even in the Holy Domain, each with an owner, picking one up isn't that simple?

……

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, more than a month had passed.

Since Crown Prince Yuan Zheng's visit to Wang Shouzhe, he had been patiently waiting at the Crown Prince's residence, but this wait lasted a full month.

Just as his anxiety grew, almost unable to resist visiting Wang Shouzhe again.

Two mysterious women secretly came to see Yuan Zheng, claiming to be sent by the Young Master to handle matters.

Yuan Zheng was overjoyed, quickly inviting them into a secret chamber and serving them tea.

"I am Ji Yue'er, here to handle some miscellaneous affairs for the Young Master."

Once they were alone, Yin Snake Demon Concubine Ji Yue'er lifted her hood, revealing a strikingly beautiful and alluring face, slightly bowing to Crown Prince Yuan Zheng in greeting.

Her signature red hair, snow-white skin, and snake-like eyes made her beauty intensely captivating, leaving a deep impression at first glance.

As one of the earliest Void Realm experts to align with the Wang Clan, skilled in various illusions, she was a highly active expert among the Wang Clan's offerings.

Standing beside Ji Yue'er was a coldly beautiful woman, whose presence Yuan Zheng found inscrutable, feeling extremely dangerous and powerful.

Seeing Yuan Zheng's gaze, she nodded slightly, also greeting, "I am Jiang Yuling, just a hired hand, you needn't concern yourself with me."

"So it's True Lord Yue'er and True Lord Yuling, greetings to you both."

Crown Prince Yuan Zheng dared not be negligent, quickly returning the courtesy.

"No need for formalities, Your Highness, let's get straight to business."

Ji Yue'er wasted no time with pleasantries, directly discussing the specifics of the spiritual rice trade with Crown Prince Yuan Zheng as instructed by Wang Shouzhe.

Currently, New Luo was lacking spiritual grain, while the Shenwu World, through years of preparation and accumulation, along with Wang Shouzhe's continuous improvement of new grain varieties and increased production, had a surplus of spiritual rice. One side lacked, the other had, naturally making for a perfect match, leading to smooth negotiations.

As for Jiang Yuling, her presence was self-explanatory; she was extremely poor. Having reached mid-Void Realm at a young age, her annual resource consumption was astronomical.

It was said that the Liang royal family was almost forced to sever ties with her, and the Northern Territory Wang Mansion avoided her whenever possible, even the Cold Moon Jiang Clan was wary of her...

With no choice, the impoverished Jiang Yuling clung tightly to the wealthy Wang Shouzhe, willing to be his concubine if it meant earning a fortune.

Unfortunately, the position of Wang Shouzhe's concubine was fiercely contested, even Immortal Emperors seemed interested.

Reluctantly, Jiang Yuling had to join the ranks as a "working person," at least Wang Shouzhe offered very generous compensation.

While discussing details with Ji Yue'er, Yuan Zheng observed the two beauties with the corner of his eye, feeling a sense of awe, and even more admiration for Young Master Wang Shouzhe.

Not only were his subordinates beautiful, each with their unique charm, but it seemed this Young Master Wang Shouzhe, despite his noble demeanor, was quite the romantic in private~~

Meanwhile.

Wang Shouzhe, defined by Yuan Zheng as quite the romantic, was leisurely strolling through the Immortal Capital with Yun Tiange.

This time, they were visiting the famous [Yun Commerce Market] in New Luo's Immortal Capital.

Where there are people, there are Yun Commerce, and where there is Yun Commerce, there are all sorts of strange things and opportunities.

The Yun Commerce Market was filled with legends of finding rare artifacts, even Immortal Artifacts, manuals, and various rare treasures.

Such places existed in the early days of Changning Garrison.

Wang Shouzhe had once gone treasure hunting with his family guard Wang Zhong, finding a beehive. Later, to make a living, he had taken Lici on many trips to various markets.

However, as Changning County became more developed, such semi-deceptive markets were gradually phased out.

Strolling through this place brought back many memories for Wang Shouzhe. However, though he had plenty of money, he wasn't foolish and wouldn't randomly buy these junk items. He wasn't Wang Anye, who could casually find an Immortal Artifact.

This time, it was merely because Yun Tiange insisted on visiting, so he tagged along.

No choice, Yun Tiange refused to believe she couldn't find a bargain.

As it turned out, even an Immortal Emperor was helpless against such market scams, losing several top-grade spiritual stones in half a day, purchasing over a dozen items suspected of being self-made Immortal Artifacts.

"Come and see, come and see~"

In a corner of the Yun Commerce Market, a sleazy-looking old man sat behind his stone gambling stall, shouting to the passersby, "Genuine spiritual stone ore from the Primordial Dao Palace, with good luck, you might find an Immortal Spirit Stone! Hey, hey, hey~ little girl, want to try your luck?"

If Wang Lici were here, she would instantly recognize this old man as the miserly Cai Youdao.

Speaking of Cai Youdao, after Wang Lici bought out all the quality spiritual stone ore, the remaining goods in the batch were scarce. To make up for the losses, he dared not linger near the Holy Dynasty and major forces, spending years wandering remote Immortal Dynasties, trying to recoup some losses.

If exposed for selling poor-quality stones, he would simply move elsewhere.

After years of effort, only two or three-tenths of the original batch of stones remained.

Of course, his habit of asking young girls if they were True Immortal reincarnations was still his style.

"Young Master, I feel like I'm on a lucky streak," Yun Tiange said, unwilling to give up, "Why not try stone gambling, finding an Immortal Spirit Stone would be a huge win."

"Right, right, you might even find a Chaos Spirit Stone," Wang Shouzhe replied, exasperated, "Where do you get your confidence?"

"Being able to stay with the Young Master for so long, isn't that a lucky streak?" Yun Tiange said, already at the stone gambling stall, "Old man, are these spiritual stone ores genuine?"

"Genuine, I swear by my ancestors and the Heavenly Dao, these ores are all from the Primordial Dao Palace's mines." Seeing a big customer, Cai Youdao excitedly pounded his chest, swearing to the heavens.

However, he couldn't help but add in his heart. Genuine ores, yes, but the good ones were all picked by that brat Lici, leaving only the dregs.

Yun Tiange's eyes lit up, just about to buy out the stall when Wang Shouzhe blocked her, smiling, "Have you heard the saying, 'Lucky in love, unlucky in gambling'?"

This immediately made Yun Tiange beam with joy, "The Young Master makes a good point, I've been too lucky in love lately, I should avoid gambling, no wonder I made mistakes earlier. Let's go, I'll save a few spiritual stones for a treat."

As they were about to leave, Cai Youdao wasn't having it.

He jumped in front of Wang Shouzhe, blocking him, "Brat, don't you know cutting off someone's livelihood is like killing their parents?"

Before Wang Shouzhe could respond, Cai Youdao turned to Yun Tiange, disparaging him in front of her, "Miss, I see this brat is all slick and handsome, with a peach blossom aura, surely a playboy who eats and runs. As fellow True Immortal cultivators, you should be wary of him..."

"You're a True Immortal too?" Yun Tiange was taken aback, she hadn't noticed.

"Yes, traveling the world, one must know a bit of concealment," Cai Youdao grinned, showing a mouthful of white teeth, proudly, "Pretty girl, your concealment skills are mediocre, can't even fool me."

"Young Master, since he's a True Immortal senior..." Yun Tiange was tempted again.

She was too short on money, seeing Ruolan with a Sacred Artifact, she wanted to save up for one too!

"Tiange, gambling is mostly a scam, you don't understand this, Lici and I have seen plenty..." Wang Shouzhe chuckled, "If we can't find Lici later, let her accompany you to play?"

"Lici?" Cai Youdao, hearing this name, jumped three meters high as if his tail had been stepped on, looking at Wang Shouzhe with extreme vigilance, "You, you, you, you know that brat Lici?"

Wang Shouzhe looked at his expression, then at his stone gambling stall, and immediately understood, smiling, "Senior, has your stall been visited by Lici? No wonder, tsk tsk... alright, alright, I get it, Tiange, let's go..."

"Wait..." Cai Youdao, seeing them about to leave, hurriedly called out, his eyes scanning Wang Shouzhe with suspicion and uncertainty, "You know so much about that brat Lici, are you also surnamed Wang? What's your name?"

"Senior, I am Wang Shouzhe," Wang Shouzhe smiled, "It seems you have quite a 'connection' with Lici~~"

"Wang Shouzhe? The 'Fourth Uncle' Lici mentioned?" Cai Youdao's beady eyes lit up instantly, then he looked at Wang Shouzhe's purse and storage ring with hopeful eyes, "Are you rich?"

"......"

Wang Shouzhe was speechless.

……