Ruyi Zhai

Biodata

Background / History

Ruyi Zhai appeared in the Xiao Family Market of Wutan City and quickly altered local events when Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er purchased Peach Pastries. The pastries enhanced Dou Qi; Xiao Xun'er broke through from the Ninth Stage of Dou Qi to Dou Practitioner after eating one. Their report convinced Xiao Zhan that the shop was a major opportunity for the Xiao Family. 4

The Xiao Family initially considered buying the shop, but its elders feared that its extraordinary products indicated a powerful unknown backer. They instead chose to cultivate friendly relations and encouraged younger family members to purchase from Ruyi Zhai. 5

Xiao Zhan personally visited Ruyi Zhai, brought gifts, and proposed priority access to Peach Pastries. Xiao Cheng did not immediately agree, saying he needed to consult Xiao Dian; Xiao Zhan still bought three pastries. 10

After Xiao Zhan publicized Peach Pastry and Peanut Candy among his clan, Xiao Family disciples emptied the shop’s stock within an hour. Ruyi Zhai consequently became a subject of interest to the Xiao Family, Mittel Auction House, and Jia Lie Family. 23

Its reputation later spread beyond Wutan City. Major factions and families sought either pastries or formal cooperation, while several hostile groups investigated the shop or contemplated moves against it. 193 259 319 346

Ruyi Zhai eventually operated in both Wutan City and Rakshasa City. Little Doctor Immortal became acting manager of the main store, fulfilling a condition that allowed Xiao Cheng to open a branch when the next region became available. 330 383

Products and Effects

Operations

• Ruyi Zhai’s interior became noticeably more spacious after a renovation and gained clean flooring and refined tables. 136
• Its sales regularly outstrip available stock, creating queues and exhausting staff during periods of reduced prices or new-product releases. 315 322
• The shop’s employees wear dedicated uniforms designed for their work. 54
• Little Doctor Immortal is authorized to negotiate cooperation and approve limited bulk-order discounts in Xiao Cheng’s absence. 377 384
• Ruyi Zhai’s pastries are described as having effects beyond Dou Qi enhancement, including improving soul power and strengthening the body. 264

Personnel

• Xiao Cheng — Shop owner and primary creator of Ruyi Zhai’s pastries and beverages. 10 185
• Little Doctor Immortal — Employee and later acting manager of the Wutan City main store. 54 384
• Princess Yue'er — Second shop assistant, having joined after becoming interested in the pastries’ effects. 50
• Qing Lin — New employee introduced to the staff and guided by Little Doctor Immortal. 199
• Gu He — Assists with shop operations while Xiao Cheng is absent. 115
• Haibodong — Assists at the shop and becomes notably enthusiastic about sales. 185
• Mo Ya — Hired as an intern employee in Rakshasa City. 367

Relationships

• Xiao Family — Early ally; Xiao Zhan promoted the shop’s products within his clan and sought cooperation. 5 23
• Mittel Auction House / Mitel Family — Initially a neutral contact; Mitel Tengshan later placed major orders and regarded Ruyi Zhai as central to the Mitel Family’s future. 23 262
• Yun Lan Sect — Formally entered cooperation through Yun Shan’s purchase of a large quantity of pastries. 377 384
• Heavenly Snake Mansion — Bai Ya pursued cooperation after recognizing the value of the pastries; an agreement was reached for regular monthly pickups. 351 398
• Mo Tie Mercenary Group — Xue Lan approached Ruyi Zhai to discuss cooperation concerning Stone Desert City. 384
• Jia Lie Family — Suspicious and hostile; Jia Lie Bi considered Ruyi Zhai a target while remaining cautious of its unknown backing. 21 29
• Black Emperor Sect — Sought to strengthen relations by protecting or assisting Ruyi Zhai’s employees if they were endangered. 319
• Eight Sects Gate — Yuan Yi decided to cultivate a relationship with Xiao Cheng after personally benefiting from the pastries. 264
• Heavenly Snake Mansion observers — Qing Mang and Wang Tianfen monitored Ruyi Zhai on their faction’s orders. 278 351

Story Role / Major Arcs

Butterfly Effect in Wutan City

Ruyi Zhai’s Peach Pastry causes Xiao Yan and Xiao Xun'er to leave the market early, preventing Xiao Yan from discovering the black iron sheet containing the Xuan Grade Low-level Sucking Palm. 4

Rise as a Cultivation Resource

The shop’s products rapidly become sought-after alternatives or supplements to pills, drawing customers ranging from local guards and clans to the Misty Cloud Sect, Imperial Family, and major regional powers. 10 50 62

Expansion and Political Attention

As its pastries improve cultivation, cleanse impurities, and offer other benefits, Ruyi Zhai becomes a strategic resource. Factions variously seek alliances, attempt surveillance, or scheme to seize or undermine it. 193 259 319 350

Branch Development

With Little Doctor Immortal appointed acting manager, Ruyi Zhai gains the ability to expand to a new region. The shop is subsequently active in both Wutan City and Rakshasa City. 330 384

Trivia

• Ruyi Zhai’s products are expensive enough that discounts negotiated through cooperation agreements are highly valued by affiliated disciples. 74
• Multiple factions assume the shop has a powerful hidden force behind it because of the effects of its pastries and its resilience against threats. 5 351
• Its unusual interior spaciousness attracted the attention of Wang Tianfen and Qing Mang. 316