Silk by the Inch, a Chance to Make Money, Meeting the Wine Elder Again, Drinking and Seeking Guidance!

The Silkworm Dream Tower is quite magnificent, woven entirely from five-colored Silkworm Silk, stronger than iron and stone, and surpassing even the most precious wood. At first glance, it appears as a colorful pavilion, with no trace of Silkworm Silk visible, as if it were cast from a single, natural piece. It is exquisite yet grand.

The plaque hangs high above, and there are two stone statues on the left and right sides of the door. The stone statue on the left is a "Gold-Swallowing Toad," and the stone statue on the right is a "One-Legged Crane." Jade City has many rules and regulations, and the most important parts of a pavilion are the "plaque," "threshold," and "stone carvings."

Whether a threshold is high or low determines whether the person passing through is a commoner or a learned scholar. The threshold of an ordinary household is "one inch and two inches" high, symbolizing the twelve months of the year, blocking mud and dust. It is simply decorated and is essentially useless. Anyone with good legs can step over it without much hindrance. Where there is a threshold of "one inch and two inches" high, it means there is no threshold at all, a place of approachability, where the elderly, weak, women, Common Citizen, and all kinds of people can enter without hindrance.

Although the Miaoyi Miraculous Healers Pavilion is magnificent and backed by the Yao Clan, its threshold is only 1.2 inches high. This symbolizes that the business is open to ordinary people, regardless of their status, so that everyone can Initiation and seek medical treatment. The doctor's heart is trustworthy and extremely rare. The threshold of the Silkworm Dream Tower is 5 inches high, which serves to gather feng shui and block wind and sand. At the same time, it is more than an inch higher than the 3.2 inches threshold of ordinary high-end restaurants and the even more upscale 3.6 inches threshold.

It makes one think twice about whether they have the ability to cross this threshold. Looking at the signboard, it is lavishly made, and the location of the storefront is obvious at a glance, so there is nothing to say. However, the words "Gold-Swallowing Toad" and "One-Legged Crane" are quite meaningful.

The gold-swallowing toad is an object enshrined by "trading merchants" in Jade City. This toad is made of gold and has the meaning of gathering good luck and wealth. The pavilion with this thing in front of the door must be used by merchants. There are nine grades of gold-swallowing toad statues. The higher the grade, the higher the grade. The face of the toad becomes more kind, and the aura of gold and wealth becomes more restrained. The best toad has a naive body and a smiling face, which is really cute. The "one-legged crane" has a profound meaning. Standing in front of the building, it only shows one thing: the owner of the building has a good status.

Jade City reveres cranes, cherishes cranes, and delights in cranes. Anything related to cranes is bound to be extraordinary. Clothing embroidered with crane patterns is even more expensive. The ability to erect a crane sculpture indicates a person of high status.

In the future, when buildings and shops are built, merchants and traders will display these items in front of their doors. Even if someone wants to cause trouble or seek misfortune, they will feel uneasy before they even enter the door, and will carefully consider whether they have the ability to do so.

As for the intricacies of this matter, Li Xian, upon first arriving in Jade City, only vaguely sensed them.

Yao Yin told Li Xian that the Silkworm Dream Tower was involved in a wide range of businesses, selling Silkworm Silk, rouge, incense, and many other items. There was a tea banquet on the third floor, with a very skilled chef who cooked extremely delicious dishes.

Recently, the Silkworm Dream Tower has produced a new wine that is very fragrant and mellow. Yao Yin overheard the elders of the clan talking about it and secretly made a note of it. She wanted to try it herself to satisfy her appetite.

Li Xian once ran the Silkworm Dream Tower, which was also tall and imposing in Qingning County, but it paled in comparison to the one in Jade City Silkworm Dream Tower. The scale, the level, the business... everything was worlds apart.

The layouts were meticulously planned and entirely different. Li Xian recalled that his wife had once said, "The Great Wu is vast, and customs differ even within a hundred miles. What is considered respectful here might be offensive elsewhere. Therefore, etiquette is profound and extensive. In addition to martial arts, one should not neglect etiquette. Even when facing a dead person, having removed their bones and taken their life, one should still show some respect. However, there is one art of etiquette that is most widely practiced: Archery. Because the Great Wu was originally an archer, his arrows were renowned throughout the land, and he was respected everywhere. His legacy still remains. Moreover, his arrows soared through the sky, shooting dragons and phoenixes—how magnificent! Who would dare to disobey him?"

Outside the building, people came and went. A quick glance revealed several figures with Mud Body and Bronze Body, calmly ascending the stairs. Upon closer inspection, there were also quite a few martial artists, including those from the Yunan Circuit, Southern Heaven Sect, Longxiong Circuit Shocking Water Sect, Wanghe Circuit, Dust-Repelling Valley, each with their own purpose.

The members of the Nature Sect all thought, "Jade City is indeed a gathering place for all. I've only heard about these many sects from the elders. Now I'm seeing the True Person here." Li Xian gazed at the pavilion and thought to himself, "Even if Madam is powerful, she can't have connections everywhere. I've quietly visited this place, so... I think there's no danger. But this Silkworm Dream Tower is truly extraordinary. Hongfu Street is already the busiest street in the Zhoushan Ward. For Silkworm Dream Tower to occupy such a vast area, its financial resources must be truly formidable. I wonder if this land is rented or purchased. And... Madam's business seems quite high-class."

Not far into the building, passing through a pale red curtain, they heard the babbling of a stream. Li Xian, Zhou Qingqing Yao Yin, Wei Qingfeng, Lu Qingguan, Qiao Qing, and others followed the stream. The surroundings were strangely decorated, with the sounds of flowing water and footsteps mingling, adding a touch of elegance.

The first floor was the reception area. Everyone who came and went was of high status, dressed elegantly, and possessed a remarkable air. Yao Yin, the daughter of a prominent family, and Zhou Qingqing, among others, were all from distinguished families, and their attire and demeanor were all quite refined. Although Li Xian's clothes were simple, her bearing was also quite elegant, and she blended in well with Yao Yin, Zhou Qingqing, and the others.

Before long, a young woman came to greet him. This woman was beautiful and named "Xiao Qing." She asked Li Xian whether he had come to auction Silkworm Silk, to have some food and drink, or to rest and take a nap. Her voice was gentle and mellow, and very pleasant to listen to.

Li Xian informed Xiao Qing that they had come for food and drink and requested a private room. Xiao Qing smiled slightly, noticing the group's distinguished bearing, and led the way to a private room on the third floor. Li Xian observed along the way, pondering, "This Silkworm Dream Tower is undoubtedly Madam's property, but I wonder what the relationship is between the people in this pavilion and Madam. I previously helped Madam manage important affairs and vaguely know that there are businesses in Jade City. However, Madam rarely comes to Jade City, so these businesses are mostly left to their own devices."

Intending to inquire further, he asked, "Miss Xiao Qing, I observe that the Silkworm Dream Tower is doing very well; it seems there's more than one such establishment?"

Xiao Qing smiled and said, "Of course." Li Xian asked, "I wonder what family the person behind the scenes is?" Xiao Qing replied, "I don't know. I rarely even see the manager, let alone the person behind the scenes. Over the years, I've never seen her face, and I've rarely heard any news about her. No matter how important the matter is, it's always the manager who takes charge."

Yao Yin said, "A while ago, my second uncle came to this building and won a box of ' Silkworm Silk ' at auction. He stopped by the third floor for a meal and said the food here was good, especially a unique wine soup that he couldn't forget. I wonder what kind of soup it is?"

Xiao Qing asked gently, "May I ask your second uncle's name?" Yao Yin replied, "His name is Yao Tianzheng."

Xiao Qing said, "So you are distinguished guests of the Yao Clan. Did you put the food and drinks on Lord Yao's tab?"

Yao Yin quickly stopped, saying, "No, please! We'll pay for our own food and drink." Xiao Qing smiled and said, "Alright then. The dish you're referring to, Lord Yao, should be ' Drunken Golden Dragon,' a delicacy made by the innkeeper himself. It's been quite popular lately, but only ten portions are sold each day, and we're afraid there won't be any left today."

Yao Yin was extremely disappointed. "Ah! If that's the case, then there's nothing we can do."

Xiao Qing laughed and said, "While we don't have the Drunken Golden Dragon Soup, we do have the slightly lesser ' Dewdrop Azure Dragon '."

Upon reaching the private room, Xiao Qing pushed open the door and stepped aside. The room was lavishly decorated, with a crystal-clear mirror offering views of the street. Li Xian and the others took their seats. Yao Yin took the initiative to host the banquet, ordering several dishes, including "Dewdrop Azure Dragon." This Dewdrop Azure Dragon was made by collecting fresh dew at dawn and Chen Hour, adding dozens of rare ingredients, and simmering it in bamboo for three hours. Only thirty servings were available each day, and only a few remained. The delicacies at Silkworm Dream Tower were all limited in quantity and sales, not based on volume.

This expense was quite substantial. Fortunately, Li Xian, Yao Yin, and others arrived early, and soon most of the dishes were sold out.

Qiao Qing said, "Senior Sister, if we had been any later, we would have made a wasted trip." Yao Yin said, "That's right, what a pity, what a pity, we didn't get to taste the Drunken Golden Dragon."

Zhou Qingqing asked curiously, "Junior Sister, you just mentioned that your second uncle is auctioning off Silkworm Silk. What's the purpose of it?" Yao Yin replied, "My second uncle is extremely skilled in Heavenly Crafted Wonders. Some exquisite items require durable silk threads. Silkworm Silk is a perfect fit, so he's a regular customer here." Qiao Qing said, "I see."

Li Xian said, "In fact, the uses of Silkworm Silk go far beyond this. It can be used for sewing armor, mechanisms, embroidery, concealed weapons, killing enemies, medicine, alchemy... its uses are extremely wide-ranging."

Yao Yin said, "That's right. But looking across Jade City, there are only a few businesses with the ability and resources to sell high-quality Silkworm Silk. Silkworm Dream Tower is the top choice." Li Xian inquired, "Xiao Yin, your second uncle often deals with Silkworm Dream Tower. I wonder how much silver this building earns each month?" Yao Yin said, "My second uncle has indeed estimated it. He and the manager, Zhang Chengshan, are good friends and have eaten and drunk together quite often. He secretly estimated it, and it's quite astonishing! Unfortunately, he wouldn't tell a little girl like me such a thing. However... I do know a thing or two." Zhou Qingqing, Wei Qingfeng, and the others listened intently. Yao Yin said, "Do you know what price this building sells for the highest Higher Vehicle Silkworm Silk?"

Qiao Qing said, "Senior Sister, please tell me quickly!" Yao Yin plucked a strand of hair and said, "It's sold by the inch. A mere inch of Silkworm Silk can fetch several thousand taels."

Lu Qingguan's eyes widened. "Isn't this a bit too dark?" he asked. Li Xian replied, "It is indeed a bit dark, but 'too dark' is an understatement. Top-quality Silkworm Silk is already incredibly rare and highly capable. Even using it for weaving clothes is its most basic application. Flowing dresses, exquisitely beautiful, are impervious to swords and blades, water and fire, unblemished, and can ward off insects and beasts, even protecting against misfortune. As for the Higher Vehicle Silkworm Silk, it's so expensive, yet everyone is so eager to get their hands on it. There must be a reason for that."

Although Li Xian was extremely close to Wen Caishang, he had no chance to see the "top -Higher Vehicle Silkworm Silk." Wen Caishang's clothes were made Higher Vehicle high-grade silk, which was quite excellent, but it was still not the "top -Higher Vehicle" Silkworm Silk!

Yao Yin said, "Indeed, the Higher Vehicle Silkworm Silk is rare and its uses are unknown, but even ordinary high-quality Silkworm Silk has a wide range of applications. Just now, when I went upstairs, I saw several Mud Body and Bronze Body figures, representing the ' Fish Guild ' and ' Boat Guild.' If the ropes and anchors of the Boat Guild and the fishing nets of the Fish Guild were made of Silkworm Silk, they would certainly be much stronger."

Just then, Xiao Qing brought over several dishes of appetizers. Li Xian and the others were of similar age, and after getting to know each other, they became relaxed and chatted freely. Lu Qingguan said, "Li Xian, your swordsmanship just now was quite elegant. I'd like to ask you, did you have a teacher who taught you this technique?"

Li Xian said, "I have no teacher; I just tinkered around with whatever I had in my spare time." Wei Qingfeng laughed, "You're being too modest. I'd also like to tinker around with my own skills and come up with such an amazing sword technique."

Yao Yin laughed and said, "Senior Brother Wei, wasn't your Peak Solitude Sword also stunning everyone?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Qingqing, Qiao Qing, Lu Qingguan, and Yao Yin all burst into laughter. Yao Yin explained, "Li Xian, this is a huge embarrassment for Senior Brother Wei. That lecherous fellow dared to peep at the elders bathing. After being caught, the elders were furious and said, 'You good-for-nothing brat! Since you're so eager to see others naked, then I'll punish you by making you stand naked and be seen!' So they pressed his pressure points, stripped him naked, and sent him to the mountaintop, making him stand there unable to move." After Senior Brother Wei finally made it down the mountain, the other senior brothers, unaware of the situation, thought he was having a fit of madness. He pretended to be nonchalant, saying he had comprehended a sword technique called the Peak Solitude Sword. He had been practicing and comprehending it at the summit, and had become engrossed in it. He actually fooled us! Later, the truth came out after it was posted on the notice board. This gave our Senior Brother Wei a new title: ' The Lone Peak Wanderer.'"

Wei Qingfeng was mortified when Yao Yin recounted all his embarrassing moments. The others laughed heartily. Wei Qingfeng said, "Well, well, Junior Sister Yao, you're so eager to expose your senior brother's embarrassing moments. Don't give me any leverage, or I'll spread it around everywhere, and you'll be in for a world of hurt."

Yao Yin raised her head and puffed out her chest, saying, "What leverage do I have? Humph, mere blackmail, do you think I'm afraid?" Zhou Qingqing said, "Oh? Junior Sister Yao, you might not be without leverage."

Yao Yin blushed and quickly tried to appease her, saying, "Senior sister, you... you're talking nonsense... we're such good friends, I've never said anything bad about you." She then rubbed her shoulders and legs.

Dishes were served one after another at Silkworm Dream Tower. The atmosphere was harmonious as everyone shared embarrassing stories and amusing anecdotes from their martial arts training. Enjoying the fine wine and delicious food, they ate with great joy and merriment.

The "Dewdrop Azure Dragon" truly lived up to expectations, with a delicious flavor, a sweet and fragrant aroma of grass dew, fragrant but not greasy, and a long-lasting aftertaste. Yao Yin, Zhou Qingqing, Wei Qingfeng, Lu Qingguan, Qiao Qing, and others chatted for a long time, and then, curious about Li Xian's pursuit of the murderer and thief, they asked him about it.

Li Xian then recounted the many dangers and perils he faced in dealing with the villains, the complexities of the cases, and the various reasons behind the conflicts, all as a story. Yao Yin and the others listened with great interest. Lu Qingguan cupped his hands and said, "Brother Li, your chivalry and courage are truly admirable! It seems that the position of Gold Steward, though prestigious, also harbors dangers." Wei Qingfeng suddenly said, "Oh! That's right. We'll probably have to stay in Jade City for a while longer. Li Xian, if you need manpower, why don't we lend a hand? It'll be a good opportunity for training, and we can also punish evil and promote good. It's much more interesting than just blindly practicing martial arts."

Zhou Qingqing and Qiao Qing were both interested in participating. Li Xian said solemnly, "This matter... depends on the situation. In a battle with a vicious thief, life and death are decided in an instant. Sometimes, even if one's martial arts are superior, it's still hard to say what will happen in that life-or-death moment, and there's still the danger of being killed by a thief! I'm not exaggerating. But if I encounter a suitable case, I might be able to ask for your help."

The group drank and chatted merrily, losing track of time. The waning moon rose, and the sky had long since darkened. Li Xian asked, "Yes, I don't yet know why you all came to Jade City. Would it be convenient to explain?"

Zhou Qingqing said, "Of course it's convenient. The elders told us that we came to Jade City to make a living. The Nature Sect is located in the Guanlong Circuit, nestled among mountains and fields. Although it's not remote, there are few towns and cities. The surrounding mountains and terrain are unique, and we have some unique knowledge of the Jianghu, such as 'Cicada Herder,' 'Tea Mountain,' ' Bitter Ginseng,' and ' Treasure Leaf.'"

Wei Qingfeng said, "Brother Li may not be clear on the specifics. The so-called 'cicada herder' refers to raising ' Enlightenment Cicada.' These cicadas can enhance feng shui, their song can increase enlightenment, ward off evil spirits, and can be used in medicine. They have a wide range of uses and are quite valuable. Moreover..."

"Nurture the Enlightenment Cicada; as it grows, characters may sprout from beneath its wings. Piecing these characters together yields an extremely profound martial art! And the tea mountains... are vast mountain ranges of tea trees, producing tea of exceptionally high quality, known as ' Red Vitality Tea,' often called 'wood gold.' Then there's Bitter Ginseng... a precious mountain herb, with two legs, extremely bitter to the taste, but excellent for medicinal baths..."

Li Xian nodded and listened. Zhou Qingqing said, "These goods could have been sold locally; there was no need to travel all this way. Although Jade City is bustling and prosperous, it is quite far from the Nature Sect, and the journey involves arduous travel. However... the situation has been extremely chaotic recently. There has been an invasion by foreign forces in that area, the situation is unpredictable, and there is a lot of tension and conflict. For various reasons, the sect has arranged for elders to take some of the products to Jade City to try and clear the route." Li Xian understood and said, "So, the Nature Sect is cooperating with the Yao Family?" Zhou Qingqing looked at Yao Yin. Yao Yin said, "I am both Yao Family and a disciple of the Nature Sect. From the Yao Family's perspective, we naturally hope that the Yao Family will take full control of this business, with the Nature Sect supplying cicadas, tea, ginseng, and leaves, and the Yao Clan handling all the sales. But from the perspective of a disciple of the Nature Sect, Jade City is so vast; how can we put all the business in the hands of one family?"

Zhou Qingqing nodded and said, "I vaguely heard the elders mention that items like ' Enlightenment Cicada,' 'Tea,' 'Bitter Ginseng,' and ' Treasure Leaf,' the finest of the best, can guarantee a stable supply of 30% to the Yao Family first. How the Yao Family sells and prices these items afterwards is none of the Nature Sect's concern. At the same time, the sect's various branches will work together, and the remaining 70% of the finest items, as well as the inferior and lower-quality items, will be distributed among various shops in cooperation with other businesses. The Natural Sect Nature Sect even open branch halls and build corresponding shops. If we can establish a foothold, the trade routes, sales, and freight will all be established, ensuring a stable supply to this area in the future. In these turbulent times, a stable place for trade is extremely rare."

"At that time, the cooperation with the Yao Family will continue, and the Nature Sect will also have a place in Jade City, ensuring its long-term development. However, this matter is still under exploration."

Upon hearing this, Li Xian thought to himself, "The Nature Sect's plan is indeed far-sighted. If the Great Wu falls into complete chaos, the relatively stable and prosperous Jade City will undoubtedly become an even more precious place. Entering the city early, establishing a foothold, and having a livelihood, industry, and shops will be advantageous without any disadvantages!"

Then I thought, "I recently completed my important tasks, and with the reward from last time, I've accumulated some silver. I'm not worried about the Essence Soup now, and my military merits are gradually increasing, but I am worried about silver. Silver can buy martial arts techniques and medicine; its importance is no less than that of Essence Treasure. Now that I've come to Jade City, I must find a way to make a living. Only in this way can I gain a foothold and have a solid future. Thinking back to my time at the Flower Cage Sect, I inherited the elder's estate and earned a fortune every day, several thousand taels of silver every month. Now that I'm in Jade City, how can I just live off my salary? Without money, even if I have profound martial arts skills, I won't be able to learn them."

He then said, "Brothers, may I, Li, purchase some tea leaves and Enlightenment Cicada from you?"

Zhou Qingqing was taken aback and said, "Brother Li, you are..." Li Xian frankly replied, "To be honest, in Jade City, I have neither Lineage support nor any background. I relied entirely on luck and the help of Xiao Yin to accidentally reach this position. Besides solving cases and catching criminals, I also wanted to find some ways to make money. Today, I happened to hear that your sect's secret treasure is sure to sell well, so I thought I would take this opportunity to contract a share."

Yao Yin said with concern, "I see. But as far as I know, the salary of Gold-Seeking Guard- ranking official) is generally low. Opening a shop can be risky; a slight misstep could result in losing everything." Li Xian said, "I understand." Lu Qingguan chuckled, "Look at this mess! How did we end up talking about making a living or doing business? However, since Brother Li is interested, we'll mention it to the elder when we get back."

Li Xian thought to himself, "Jade City offers many opportunities, so I should try more. Even if I fail, it won't matter." He cupped his hands in a toast and drank merrily. After the food and wine on the table were finished, everyone relaxed and enjoyed a rare moment of happiness.

Yao Yin took out her purse, paid for the food and drinks, and, still slightly tipsy, looked out the window, admiring the moonlit scenery. Suddenly, she froze, remembering something important, and cried out twice, "Oh no!" startled, jumping up. Zhou Qingqing, Wei Qingfeng, Lu Qingguan, and the others, slightly drunk, looked at Yao Yin. Yao Yin told everyone that the banquet had gone too far. The moon was high in the sky, already past midnight, and the elders must have already been checking the rooms.

Zhou Qingqing, Qiao Qing, Wei Qingfeng, and Lu Qingguan were shocked upon hearing this, their drunkenness vanished, and they hurriedly bowed to Li Xian in farewell. They then leaped out of the window, using their lightness skills to rush back. They were as light as swallows, leaping over eaves and walls, weaving through the streets and alleys, their figures graceful and swift, yet revealing a hint of panic. Seeing that the banquet was over, Li Xian finished his wine and also left. As he passed the second floor, he suddenly heard a commotion. An old man with a thick beard and a red, thick, bulbous nose was being carried out by several young guards and dragged to a corner.

The old man wailed, "Ouch, it was a mistake, a mistake! Stop hitting me!" "Young man," the old man replied, "I'm old, be gentle! If you break these bones, can you afford to pay for it?"

The guard cursed, "You old scoundrel! Last time you were caught, beaten, and thrown out, the manager already spared your life. And you still come looking for death!" "Brothers, beat him to a pulp! Kill this scoundrel!" "You lowly debtor, stealing wine all the way here!"

Punches and kicks rained down on the old man. The old man howled in pain, clutching his head and rolling around. Li Xian frowned and shouted, "Stop!"

The guards turned around and shouted, "What? You want to have a go? Stand up for this old thief?" Li Xian asked, "What kind of wine did he steal? I'll pay for it; consider it my treat."

One of the guards scrutinized Li Xian closely. Although his clothes were ordinary, his demeanor was extraordinary. He swallowed his sarcastic remarks and, with some skepticism, paid for the wine. This Wine Elder was indeed quite uncouth, wasting over three hundred taels of fine food.

Since Li Xian had already spoken, the guards, despite the large sum of money for the wine, did not hesitate. Seeing that the money for the wine had been paid, the guards spat at the Wine Elder, cursed him a few times, and then left.

The Wine Elder suddenly rolled on the ground, his body moving to block the guards. He spread his hands and chuckled, "Hehe, I'll let the beating go, but that old man invited me for a drink, and he didn't give me any."

The guards exchanged bewildered glances, then carried over a jar of wine, but instead of giving it to the Wine Elder, they presented it to Li Xian. The Wine Elder wiped his saliva, stared at the jar, and his mouth watered.

This Wine Elder was the strange old man they had encountered when entering Jade City. Li Xian smiled and said, "Senior, since that's the case, shall we go somewhere else for a drink?" He gently shook the wine jar.

The Wine Elder quickly replied, "Yes! Yes!"