"Spirit Pets?" Both sisters were full of curiosity, filled with anticipation.
Raising Spirit Pets is akin to buying a private jet, many have heard of it but don't have a clear impression, only knowing that it's incredibly lavish, an endeavor only the wealthy nobility can afford.
After all, ordinary people lack even the resources to cultivate themselves, how could they have the spare heart or money to raise a "baby"?
Li Pei gently reminded, "Was it Taoist Master Zhou's suggestion to raise Spirit Pets? You may not lack silver, but Spirit Pets require consuming large amounts of 'Wisdom Spirit Pills.' You know what the main ingredient for these pills is, right?"
"Wisdom Spirit Pills" are either refined from Demon Cores or substituted with the "Blood Core" of Western demons, and neither is easy to procure.
Lu Yao said confidently, "Thank you for the reminder, Commandery Princess, but I am quite interested in this and would like to give it a try."
With over a dozen Blood Cores stored at home, there was no cause for worry.
Li Pei nodded and said no more.
Next, Lu Yao called for Manager Jin and stated his intention, "I am looking to purchase a few Spirit Pets, does Manager have any leads?"
Upon hearing this, Li Pei smiled wryly and shook her head.
The supply of "exotic treasures" is the lifeline of Four Seas Tower, and any normal person daring to ask Manager Jin would surely be engaging in a bitter struggle to the death.
However, having served meals for months, Manager Jin was well aware of Lu Yao's wealth and power.
He was certain that this master who dined daily on medicinal dishes wouldn't be interested in his trivial offerings.
Hence, he respectfully said, "Master Lu, I do know a few 'Mountain Patrollers' who trade in exotic treasures. But they have always supplied me with ingredients, and I'm not sure if they have brought any Spirit Pets suitable for raising. Perhaps I could call them over for you to ask personally?"
"Mountain Patrollers'' are Martial Artists who venture into deep forests to search for Monster Beasts and Spiritual Medicine. Rarity breeds value, and while this line of work is highly lucrative, it's also extremely dangerous.
"Then I'll have to trouble you, Manager Jin."
"Not at all, not at all~ I'll make the arrangements right away, please wait a moment."
Manager Jin scampered off in a hurry.
Before long, he led six people over. These folks were split into two groups, with a man and a woman leading each.
Both leaders were covered in the wear of travel, dressed in sturdy, concise attire, the man sporting a long braid and the woman wearing numerous small braids, a typical ethnic dress.
Li Pei said, "They are from the Manchu minority, it seems Manager Jin has always sourced his goods from the old forests to the north."
The Manchu region, part of the Shunchao Prefecture, is located in the utmost north, bordering Rakshasa Country. It is one of the rare places where Monster Beasts can still be seen.
~~~~~~~~
Na Wei sneered, "Hatch from an egg? That would waste at least a year's time and countless efforts to raise. My 'Oriental Green Hawk' is well-trained and mature; you can enjoy its presence right away!"
Having said that, he told the sparrowhawk on his arm to "go."
The bird obediently flew to the table in front of Lu Yao and perched there, allowing people to admire it without showing any sign of wildness.
Tong Jia's pupils contracted, and she shouted angrily, "This so-called 'falcon training' of yours, by depriving it of sleep, has stripped the bird of its wild nature and broken its spirit. This sparrowhawk has lost the proud and free soul of an 'Oriental Green Hawk'! It doesn't deserve the name!"
'Oriental Green Hawk' implies the king of all hawks, and the one before them, with its docile and obedient gaze... indeed, did not live up to the name.
Na Wei bowed to Lu Yao and said, "Young Master, raising a spirit pet is a tough job. As a man of wealth, you should just enjoy its splendor."
Tong Jia took out a brocade box containing a white egg. "This is a 'Falcon Egg.' Young Master can use his Inner Breath to help it hatch, and the resulting sparrowhawk will be naturally stronger and superior to its peers! And it's only 50 pieces of silver."
The crowd looked to Lu Yao for his decision.
Lu Yao decisively said, "I'll take the egg."
Before Tong Jia could respond, Na Wei suddenly interjected, "Young Master Lu, I have falcon eggs too. Why don't you take a look?"
Two quick-witted subordinates brought over a brocade box and opened it to reveal another falcon egg.
Lu Yao approached and brushed his fingers over both sets of eggs. His threadlike Inner Breath instantly assessed the condition of each egg—
There were faint heartbeats within each egg, but the one from Tong Jia had a stronger pulse and more vigor, and the small creature inside seemed delighted upon sensing the Inner Breath.
Seeing his skill, the two Mountain Patrollers felt a chill; this wealthy young master was actually a Spirit Refining Expert!
Lu Yao smiled and said, "I still choose the egg from Master Tong. I'm sorry, Na Wei."
Na Wei's face darkened, and he took a deep breath to compose himself. With a "I won't be outdone" attitude, he gave Lu Yao a fist salute and said, "Young Master has a discerning eye. I apologize for any inconvenience caused today. Next time, I will definitely bring something that satisfies you. I shall take my leave!"
After saying those words, he left with his subordinates, casting a vicious glance back at Tong Jia before departing.
~~~~~~ Chapter Stay:
Outside the restaurant, Na Wei scowled and angrily said,
"Damn it, that wretched woman has messed up my plans again! I was just about to make a connection with Young Master Lu, and now I'll surely be looked down upon!"
His subordinates tried to console him, "Big brother, there's always next time. And we did meet Young Master Lu this time, didn't we?"
"That short-haired woman must be Princess Yongping! Tsk, even the Commandery Princess keeps her company; this young master really has incredible connections."
Na Wei said with hatred, "That's why I hurried over, to make an acquaintance with such a well-connected wealthy individual. But that wench Tong Jia keeps ruining my plans. Next time we go to the mountains, let's take care of her!"
After dropping these harsh words, he glanced back at Four Seas Tower and said, "There are other top-grade spirit pets besides sparrowhawks; just watch my skills!"