Chapter 171: The Back View

For You Yue, there was no lingering anger anymore.

After such a long time, he could only shake his head and smile. By now, they were people of entirely different worlds. You Yue had yet to reach Star-ranked, her lifespan short, and it seemed highly unlikely she ever would. In a typical county, Star-ranked mages were rare, and You Yue’s talent was never considered high.

Her life was fleeting, while he possessed a lifespan of thousands of years. Through his divine connection to the world’s power, he “saw” her aging skin and middle-aged appearance. How could he still feel anger or resentment? There was only pity left.

Dongbo Xueying had no intention of speaking to her.

Today was merely a passing encounter; they would inevitably walk separate paths.

“Hmm? The business is quite grand?” Dongbo Xueying, using his divine perception spanning over a hundred miles, naturally “saw” and “heard” the conversation in the third-floor private room. In truth, while Dongbo Xueying observed millions of people, he couldn’t possibly listen to every single one simultaneously. To focus on millions at once was impossible, even for a demigod.

He could only monitor everyone in a basic way, and only when “demonic energy” appeared would it truly catch his attention. Occasionally, some shocking scenes might also draw his notice.

But fights, quarrels, conspiracies, and casual conversations were instinctively ignored unless he focused on a particular individual.

…

On the third floor.

Lady You Yue, accompanied by two Star-ranked guards, ascended to the third floor. Led by an old man along an elegant corridor, they arrived at a private room. Two ordinary knights stood guard outside.

“Screeeak.”

One of the guards opened the door.

“Ha ha, Lady You Yue, please come in.” A thin man sitting by the table stood up with a smile.

“Baron Yin,” You Yue smiled and entered, followed closely by her two Star-ranked guards.

Screeeak, the door shut again.

Inside the private room were seven people: Baron Yin and his three subordinates, and You Yue with her two guards.

“Please, Lady You Yue.” Baron Yin smiled warmly.

Only then did You Yue take a seat.

“Try this. This is a rare Seven-Fruit Wine I just brought back from the provincial capital. It’s not sold publicly. I know a great alchemist from a workshop there, and only managed to get this one bottle. I’ve been reluctant to drink it myself, but today I specially brought it to treat you, Lady You Yue.” Baron Yin cheerfully poured the wine. The pure, lake-like liquid exuded a Enchanting fragrance, a delight to the senses.

“Let’s drink together.” Baron Yin raised his cup.

You Yue lifted her cup and smiled, “Thank you, Baron Yin.” She touched the rim to her lips and set it down.

“Baron Yin, I assume you didn’t invite me just for a drink,” You Yue said.

“Ha ha, Lady You Yue, so straightforward. Let’s get to business,” Baron Yin replied. “I’m here about that inn of your Kong family in the provincial capital. Lady You Yue, name your price. We are very sincere.”

“Really? Then I can name any price? Alright then, five million gold coins. Buy it?” You Yue smiled lightly.

“You’re scaring me,” Baron Yin said quickly. “I’m being sincere.”

“If you’re sincere, then name a price,” You Yue said casually. “If we can’t agree, I’ll leave. I have a banquet tonight and can’t stay long.”

“Thirty thousand gold coins!” Baron Yin gritted his teeth. “How about that?”

“You’re dreaming,” You Yue scoffed.

“Dear Lady You Yue, your Kong family bought that inn ten years ago for only twelve thousand gold coins. My offer of thirty thousand is more than double. That’s very sincere,” Baron Yin insisted.

“Baron Yin, let’s not pretend. Both of us know the current situation. The legendary abyssal demons are hiding throughout the world, and now the safest place is the provincial capital! Nobles and wealthy merchants from everywhere are scrambling to acquire property there. Buying a house in the provincial capital means the whole family can live there safely! The price of land and houses there has skyrocketed, and it’s still rising. I’ve heard the war between demons and the extraordinary might last thousands of years. Our Kong family bought cheaply back then, but now, hmpf, my inn alone has dozens of courtyards, covering a vast area! Its value has increased tenfold, or more! You think thirty thousand gold coins can buy it? Do you take me, Kong You Yue, for a fool?”

Baron Yin smiled awkwardly.

This Kong You Yue… truly well-informed! He had heard she had only recently returned from the Ember World, and the news about the demon and superhuman war was only circulating among upper families. Yet she already knew.

“I won’t play games with you. Three million gold coins! Final offer!” You Yue said casually.

“T-That’s too high,” Baron Yin hesitated.

“I’m telling you this price today, but I can’t guarantee it tomorrow,” You Yue stood up. “If you have the gold, great. If not… hmpf.”

With a scoff, You Yue turned and left.

Her two Star-ranked guards opened the door, and she walked out. Inside, Baron Yin’s face darkened.

…

As You Yue exited the private room, her mood was excellent. Because of her past connection with Dongbo Xueying, the noble families of the Anyang Province treated Kong You Yue with courtesy and avoided offending her. After all, no one knew the true nature of Dongbo Xueying’s relationship with Kong You Yue, so it was safer not to make enemies.

Relying on this, You Yue maneuvered among the upper families, even involving herself in various businesses. Others lacked the qualifications, but she dared! Because the noble families were unwilling to push the Kong family too hard—as long as the Kongs didn’t go too far.

Her younger brothers and sisters lacked the ability and influence she possessed, and she had long become the de facto matriarch of the Kong family.

She harbored ambitions, unwilling to remain confined to the city. Therefore, the Kong family’s business had already expanded into the provincial capital, acquiring inns, mansions, and courtyards.

Through years of effort, the Kong family’s assets had reached a million gold coins.

But now, the demon invasion!

It caused property prices in the provincial capital to skyrocket—more than tenfold! The properties the Kongs had bought years ago were now huge profits. A single large inn now fetched a price of three million gold coins from her.

In other words, the demons’ arrival caused the entire world’s wealth, countless nobles and rich families from counties, to rush toward the provincial capitals!

“Hmpf, thirty thousand gold coins? Dream on!” You Yue scoffed. Though Baron Yin’s backing was powerful, she was not afraid. The Kong family had business dealings with many noble families. What was there to fear from this Baron Yin?

“Clack, clack, clack,” she descended the stairs.

You Yue naturally glanced at the second floor.

Earlier when ascending, she hadn’t noticed the second floor. But now, as her gaze swept over, she immediately spotted a figure in the corner of the second floor, facing away from her—a young man in black robes.

“Hmm?” You Yue’s body trembled, her steps halting mid-step.

She stared at that familiar back.

Too familiar!

This figure, she had regretted countless times over the years, remembered countless times. She knew Dongbo Xueying’s back too well.

And this figure was exactly the same as back then!

“Is it really him?” You Yue couldn’t believe it. She nervously descended the stairs, walking toward him. She felt her body breaking into a cold sweat. It had been many years since she last felt such nervousness and anxiety.