Snow Village Secret Realm

Upon hearing this, You Su felt a chill run down his spine. He knew that the suggestion from the Archimedes Venerable was by no means a casual matter.

Snow Village Residence is a well-known teahouse in Shuo City. Despite the three accountants' desperate attempts to dissuade him, insisting that the city lord would return soon, the Archimedes Venerable was determined to leave and ignored their pleas.

You Su stood up and followed the steps of the Archimedes Venerable, walking out of the City Lord's Mansion's mansion and into the clean streets of Shuo City.

In early summer in Shuo City, the wind was still biting cold, but the streets were bustling with pedestrians. The cries of vendors and the laughter of pedestrians mingled together, creating a lively scene. What surprised You Su the most was that there were workers in Shuo City specifically responsible for clearing the snow from the roads.

The scene inside the city was vastly different from the desolation outside. Although it couldn't compare to the prosperity of the Central Yuan Continent, it was just as lively.

Following behind the Archimedes Venerable, You Su would also listen to the conversations of some residents, trying to find some unusual clues.

The Archimedes Venerable was still dressed in his flamboyant Flower Daoist attire, strolling down the street looking around. Occasionally, he would chat with the owners of interesting stalls. If it weren't for his rather square and handsome appearance, he would have looked like a complete hooligan. His outgoing personality and exaggerated appearance attracted the attention of many people around him, but he ignored those strange looks as if he couldn't see them at all.

You Su secretly admired him. His disregard wasn't out of indifference, but because they were on completely different levels. In this respect alone, the Flower Daoist had already surpassed many people of high rank and power. Judging from his young age, it was no wonder he had achieved what he had.

"Have you ever heard of this Snow Village Tea?" the Archimedes Venerable suddenly asked.

You Su shook her head, "I've only ever heard of White Jade Orchid Tea from the Northern Ao Continent."

Because this was the tea he had plundered from True Man Ling, obtaining this trophy marked a major turning point in his life, so he remembered it with unforgettable intensity.

"This tea is popular in the Central Yuan Continent and Southern Yang Continent, but hardly anyone drinks it in the Northern Ao Continent. After all, it's already quite cold, and who would bother drinking that ice-cold tea?" Archimedes Venerable smiled and continued slowly, "Drinking tea isn't common in the Northern Ao Continent because there's no soil suitable for growing it. But since they started learning from the development trajectories of other continents, tea has gradually become popular. However, tea is, after all, an imported product, and good tea is even more expensive in the Northern Ao Continent. So, drinking good tea has become a symbol of status in the Northern Ao Continent."

"It's the same everywhere," You Su replied casually.

"Yes... people like to use external things to prove something," the Archimedes Venerable agreed, adding meaningfully, "However, excessive profits also give those people the opportunity to play tricks. Selling only three cups of tea a day, they're probably not really selling tea."

After saying that, the Archimedes Venerable stopped beside an old woman pushing a charcoal stove and bought two steaming hot sweet potatoes from her.

"Twelve coins in total, please take them." The Archimedes Venerable placed the money in the hand of the elderly woman with limited mobility, and she thanked him softly.

"Do you want some?" The Archimedes Venerable handed the bright orange sweet potato to You Su, while he himself had already taken a big bite.

The Void Glimpse Venerable's down-to-earth nature exceeded You Su's expectations. You Su really wanted to eat it, but he didn't want to show his full face in public, so he just took it but didn't eat it.

"Why put it in your Universe Bag? Roasted sweet potatoes should be eaten while they're hot," the Archimedes Venerable advised.

I'm not hungry.

"Why would you accept food if you're not hungry?"

"Why shouldn't I take it if you give it to me?"

"Good lad." The Archimedes Venerable smiled wryly and continued to enjoy the sweet potato.

"You pity that old woman who is so old and has to come out to sell sweet potatoes in the wind and snow, why don't you give her more money? I really didn't expect that a Void Glimpse Venerable would have a single coin on him, let alone so much." You Su asked, puzzled. Let alone giving her a few more coins, even giving her several hundred taels of silver would be less painful for Void Glimpse Venerable than losing a hair.

The Archimedes Venerable laughed and explained, "Who said I pitied her? Have you forgotten I'm a fortune teller? Everyone has their own destiny, and I never try to change anyone's. I bought that sweet potato simply because I was craving it. Besides, every commodity has its inherent value. Remember, disrupting market order violates the laws of Mount Shen."

Upon hearing this, You Su looked up, his vision blurred. This colorful Flower Daoist stood out so conspicuously in this black, white, and gray world, but he had to admit that this person was quite interesting.

Snow Village Residence in a corner of the eastern part of the city. It is an antique wooden building. Two red lanterns hang in front of the door, swaying gently in the cold wind and emitting a soft glow.

You Su and the Archimedes Venerable entered the teahouse, a warm feeling washed over them, accompanied by a faint aroma of tea, instantly uplifting their spirits.

The teahouse was bustling with activity, every seat filled, making it even more lively than most teahouses in the Central Yuan Continent. You Su looked around and saw tea drinkers chatting, playing chess, or simply enjoying themselves. However, beneath this seemingly peaceful surface, You Su keenly sensed something amiss. The teahouse owner and staff had shifty eyes, seemingly constantly alert to any movement around them. This tense atmosphere made You Su even more certain that something was amiss.

The moment You Su and the Archimedes Venerable stepped into Snow Village Residence, the surrounding hustle and bustle seemed to be gently paused. Inside the teahouse, warmth filled the air, and the aroma of tea wafted through the air, creating a stark contrast to the biting cold wind outside.

The Archimedes Venerable looked around, his gaze searching the crowd for the figures of the City Lord of Shuo City and the owner of Snow Village Residence. Soon, his gaze landed on a middle-aged man dressed in fine clothes, exuding an air of authority. The man had a dignified face, and his brows revealed an undeniable domineering aura; he was none other than Qi Tai, the Shuo City. Beside Qi Tai was a middle-aged businessman with a smiling face and shrewd eyes; he was Li Ming, the owner of Snow Village Residence.

Upon seeing the Archimedes Venerable, Qi Tai's face immediately lit up with a warm smile, and he hurriedly came forward to greet him, "Oh dear, Archimedes Venerable, what an honor to have you grace us with your presence! I am truly sorry for not welcoming you sooner!" As he spoke, he bowed to the Archimedes Venerable with utmost respect.

The Archimedes Venerable smiled slightly and returned the greeting, saying, "You're too kind, City Lord. I came here unexpectedly, and I hope you won't take offense."

Li Ming quickly stepped forward, beaming, and said, "It's an honor to have Your Excellency visit our humble shop! Please take a seat; we'll prepare the best Snow Village Tea for you right away."

The Archimedes Venerable nodded and sat down with You Su at a table by the window. Qi Tai and Li Ming sat opposite them, appearing extremely enthusiastic.

"I've heard that this Snow Village Tea is extremely precious, with only three cups sold each day. I've come today specifically to taste it." Archimedes Venerable said, picking up the teacup on the table and gently sniffing the aroma of the tea.

Upon hearing this, Qi Tai gave an embarrassed smile, "Your Excellency is truly knowledgeable; this Snow Village Tea is indeed rare. However, our shop is already sold out for today. We hope Your Excellency will forgive us."

The Archimedes Venerable raised an eyebrow, looking at Qi Tai with a half-smile, "Oh? Sold out? That's quite unfortunate. However, since I've come, I can't leave empty-handed. I wonder if the City Lord could tell me where this Snow Village Tea is sourced?"

Upon hearing this, Qi Tai's expression changed slightly, and he stammered, "This... this supply chain is a trade secret, and I can't disclose it."

The Archimedes Venerable smiled faintly and put down his teacup, "Lord of the City, there's no need to be nervous. I was just asking casually. However, I am quite interested in the art of tea. I wonder if the Lord of the City and the owner could share some knowledge about tea with me?"

Qi Tai and Li Ming exchanged glances, looking somewhat embarrassed. They didn't actually know much about tea. The reason why Snow Village Tea so precious was more because of its scarcity and the stories behind it, rather than its quality itself. But in front of a master like the Archimedes Venerable, they dared not easily show their ignorance.

"Uh... this tea, of course, has a fragrant aroma and an unforgettable aftertaste," Qi Tai chuckled dryly, trying to get away with it.

Li Ming chimed in, "Yes, yes, this Snow Village Tea is a specialty of the Northern Ao Continent, absolutely top-notch tea."

Upon hearing this, the Archimedes Venerable's lips curled into a playful smile, "Oh? I see. However, why do I feel that the taste of this tea is somewhat off?" As he spoke, he picked up the teacup again and took a small sip.

Qi Tai and Li Ming felt a chill run down their spines and hurriedly looked at the Archimedes Venerable with concern. The Archimedes Venerable, however, simply smiled slightly and remained silent.

The atmosphere became somewhat awkward for a moment. Just then, Archimedes Venerable suddenly changed the subject. "By the way, I have another important matter to attend to on this trip. I've heard that Shuo City's tax revenue growth has been slow in recent years, so I've come here specifically to audit the accounts. I wonder if the city lord could bring out the account books from recent years for me to review?"

Upon hearing this, Qi Tai's face immediately turned ugly. He never expected that the Archimedes Venerable's visit was actually to audit the accounts. However, facing such a highly accomplished person Archimedes Venerable, he dared not refuse easily.

"These... these account books are all kept in the manor. If Your Excellency wishes to see them, I will send someone to fetch them right away." Qi Tai said, while giving Li Ming a wink.

Li Ming understood immediately and stood up. "Please wait a moment, Your Excellency, I will go and fetch the account book right away." After saying that, he hurriedly left the teahouse.

Soon, Li Ming returned with several thick ledgers. The Archimedes Venerable took the ledgers and carefully began to peruse them. You Su sat to the side, quietly observing the changes in the Archimedes Venerable's expression.

As time passed, the Archimedes Venerable's brow furrowed deeper and deeper. He put down the ledger and looked up at Qi Tai: "City Lord, there seems to be something wrong with the records in this ledger."

Qi Tai was startled, but forced himself to remain calm and asked, "Oh? What problem has Your Excellency discovered?"

The Archimedes Venerable smiled slightly, "The purchase price of this Snow Village Tea seems a bit high. Moreover, I have almost never heard of these so-called importers. I wonder if the City Lord could explain this to me?"

Upon hearing this, Qi Tai's forehead broke out in a fine sweat. He stammered for a while before managing to say, "These... these importers are newly emerging forces, and Your Excellency may not be very familiar with them yet. However, the quality of their goods is absolutely guaranteed."

The Archimedes Venerable shook his head. "City Lord, there's no need for further explanation. Although I am not particularly talented, I am quite knowledgeable. I know a little about all the material importers in the Northern Ao Continent. But I have never heard of any of the names on these ledgers."

Seeing that he could no longer conceal the truth, Qi Tai could only sigh, "Your Excellency's insight is truly admirable. To be honest, this Snow Village Tea did not come from any importer, but from another source."

Upon hearing this, the Archimedes Venerable's eyes flashed with a glint of light. "Oh? Then may the City Lord tell me the true origin of this Snow Village Tea?"

Qi Tai hesitated for a moment, but finally decided to tell the truth, "This Snow Village Tea... actually comes from a secret place."

"A secret realm?" The Archimedes Venerable raised an eyebrow, appearing quite surprised.

Qi Tai nodded. "Indeed, it is a secret realm. Many rare spiritual herbs spirit medicine grow in that realm, and this Snow Village Tea is one of them. However, that secret realm is extremely dangerous, so the quantity of Snow Village Tea is extremely limited, and the price naturally rises accordingly."

Upon hearing this, Archimedes Venerable nodded thoughtfully. "I see. No wonder Snow Village Tea is so precious; it has such a history. However, since the City Lord knows of the existence of this secret realm, why doesn't he report it to the Divine Mountain? If the Divine Mountain could send people to harvest it, wouldn't that benefit even more cultivators?"

Upon hearing this, Qi Tai's face flashed with a complex expression, his eyes showing both helplessness and worry. He glanced at Li Ming beside him, who also looked troubled, clearly having anticipated this question but unsure how to broach the subject.

"Your Excellency is unaware," Qi Tai said slowly, his voice tinged with bitterness, "That secret realm... Non-Self are unwilling to report it, but the situation there is extremely complex and of utmost importance."

The Archimedes Venerable frowned, signaling Qi Tai to continue.

"Besides rare spiritual herbs spirit medicine, the secret realm also harbors unknown dangers. Even highly skilled cultivators cannot guarantee their safe entry and exit. We only discovered the entrance to the secret realm by chance, and suffered heavy losses to obtain only a small amount of Snow Village Tea." Qi Tai paused here, seemingly recalling that thrilling experience.

After listening, the Archimedes Venerable's eyes flickered, clearly not entirely convinced by this explanation. He tapped the table lightly, pondered for a moment, and then suddenly asked, "So, when was the last time you entered the secret realm? Did you bring back any other evidence or items?"

Qi Tai and Li Ming exchanged a glance, a hint of panic flashing in their eyes. Qi Tai forced a smile and replied, "The most recent time... was yesterday, I think. As you know, Venerable One, this secret realm is quite unstable, and we dared not stay too long. Moreover, we are well aware of the principle of draining the pond to catch all the fish, so we only took a little Snow Village Tea and left immediately."

"So, you didn't bring back any other items that could prove the existence of the secret realm, right?" The Archimedes Venerable's tone was calm, but his eyes pierced through the two men's pretenses like sharp swords.

Qi Tai and Li Ming remained silent, clearly having been hit where it hurt by the Archimedes Venerable's words.

The Archimedes Venerable sighed softly and said slowly, "Although I am not omnipotent, I do know a little about the secret realms. Most of the secret realms in the Northern Ao Continent have fixed rules and characteristics, but the secret realms you described seem too ethereal and vague, as if they were fabricated out of thin air."

At this point, the Archimedes Venerable stood up, his gaze fixed intently on the two. "I'm giving you one last chance to tell the truth. Where did this Snow Village Tea come from? Does that so-called secret realm truly exist?"