Freedom

Unlike the public auction, at the smaller, private auction held by the Tour family, the auctioneer first introduced the items.

Yun Xi was surprised to find that most of the items were 'detection-type' items.

Especially that high-level detection scroll. Although it was a one-time use item, its starting bid was at least White Crystals because it was labeled 'high-level.' Gold Coins wouldn't be enough to purchase it.

With so many detection-type items, it was easy to connect this to "that matter" mentioned by the noble ladies.

The location of "that matter" was still some distance from Qinglan Town. If precise location or related information was needed, detection-type resources would naturally be required.

It was highly likely that this auction was keeping up with the times and collecting as many relevant items as possible.

Scanning the entire venue, Yun Xi unexpectedly spotted a familiar figure. He was sitting in the very front row of the auction hall, and it was the senior Alchemist from the Enchanting Accessories Shop.

He was still wearing robes that covered him from head to toe, obscuring his face. However, his signature silver-white hair was unforgettable.

In Qinglan Town, many people had white hair, but only he had hair that was so lustrous and radiant.

As a senior Alchemist, his senses were incredibly sharp. As if sensing Yun Xi's gaze, he keenly turned his head.

Then, the Alchemist did something unexpected. He actually got up and walked to the empty seat next to Yun Xi, then sat down.

The surrounding neighbors were all astonished. This Alchemist had been living in Qinglan Town for several years, residing in one of the best houses on Yulan Street, but he was a very aloof person who rarely interacted with others.

This was the third time they had seen him in a public setting at this auction, which was less than once a year on average.

To think that the distressed noble young lady had gained his favor. Did they know each other before?

Yun Xi was also a little surprised by his sudden approach. In her opinion, they were merely buyer and seller, not familiar enough to sit together in public.

Did he come to her for something?

As if sensing Yun Xi's confusion, the Alchemist got straight to the point: "Can I get an advance on my installment payments for a few months?"

"Uh?" Yun Xi was a bit taken aback.

"Our contract has already taken effect. It might not be good to pay in advance."

"I can waive the odd numbers, reducing the monthly 120 Green Crystals to 100 Green Crystals. How about that?" As he spoke, a scroll in the Alchemist's hand quietly ignited.

This was a high-level concealment scroll, capable of preventing others from eavesdropping on their conversation.

After all, it involved a large transaction of Green Crystals, and one could easily attract unwanted attention.

Reducing 20 Green Crystals per month...

"Will you reduce the 20 Green Crystals for all 300 months?" Yun Xi immediately asked him.

"That's too much. I mean, only for the months I'm advancing," the Alchemist's tone was flat.

"How many months do you want to advance?"

"20 months..."

Yun Xi frowned.

"Or 18 months?" The Alchemist probed Yun Xi's current balance little by little.

Yun Xi remained silent.

"Then 12 months will be fine. I really need money recently."

"A maximum of 10 months. I need the remaining money to purchase other supplies," Yun Xi stated her bottom line after careful consideration.

It wasn't that she didn't want to offer more. It was just that, based on her understanding of the Yuqi Grand Duchy and the basic welfare of its nobles, a distressed young lady from a prominent family wouldn't carry so much cash with her. 2000 Green Crystals would be about right.

Ten months' worth of payments, after deducting 20 Green Crystals per month, totaled 1000 Green Crystals, which seemed more reasonable.

"Alright, then ten months it is." The Alchemist didn't try to squeeze Yun Xi dry. Although it was not enough, he agreed.

Just as they were about to amend the contract and repay these ten months of payments in advance, Yun Xi suddenly spoke, "Respected Alchemist, since I'm willing to advance this payment to you, could you grant me a small request?"

"Oh? What request?"

"I'd like to know about the major event that is about to happen in Qinglan Town. I presume this matter... is also related to your current need for money?"

Yun Xi hadn't intended to get involved initially, but she overheard several noble ladies discussing how the eldest son and daughter of the Yuqi Grand Duchy were also participating...

Therefore, the resources related to "this matter" would no longer be items that could be bought with money.

Such an opportunity, letting it slip away before her eyes, was impossible.

If she seized it, it would become one of her future foundations.

Even if she failed, at worst, she would be resurrected once and lose some Spirit Attributes, which she could afford.

In other words, she was willing to exchange Spirit Attributes for some precious items, but it wouldn't be worth it for other dangerous or thankless tasks.

"Are you sure you want to know? Once you know, it means you've accepted the mission."

"Before you answer, I need to tell you something. The reason I've been trapped in Qinglan Town for so many years is precisely because I participated in this mission before and lost my freedom."

"Note that I say 'freedom'."

Thanks to Yun Xi's generosity, the Alchemist also gave her a warning. Whether she could understand the key point in his words depended on her intelligence.

Upon hearing the word "freedom," Yun Xi immediately thought of the Statue of the Goddess of Freedom at the entrance of Qinglan Town.

This... she was suddenly horrified.

The Alchemist's hint was quite clear: that matter was related to the Goddess of Freedom, and significantly so.

The Goddess of Freedom was mentioned in the "Shuyu Plains Basic Introduction." She arrived in the Shuyu Plains 2,000 years ago to protect the people, but then suddenly departed 500 years ago, disappearing without a trace.

According to the historical records of the Shuyu Plains, the Goddess of Freedom resided there for a remarkable 1,500 years, making her the deity who lived in the Shuyu Plains the longest. During her time there, she helped many villages and towns eliminate malevolent spirits and was worshipped by many.

Even though she had left 500 years ago, many regions still revered her as their highest faith.

When Yun Xi first saw information about the Goddess of Freedom, she thought she would be very far removed from her, especially since this was the Godfall Continent.

But based on what the Alchemist revealed, was the Goddess of Freedom still alive?

It was known that the Alchemist had participated in "that matter" a few years ago, and had consequently lost his freedom...

After much thought, Yun Xi still held the same idea: besides the Goddess of Freedom, who else could forcibly restrict the freedom of a powerful Alchemist?

"On a side note, my master died because of this. He lost his 'life's' freedom, so you should seriously consider whether you want to know about this matter."

This subsequent statement from the Alchemist further solidified Yun Xi's guess.

His master was a Legendary-tier existence, the strongest below the gods. For such a being to lose his freedom because of it...

It was indeed related to the Goddess of Freedom.