The Villain Plundered the Children of Destiny’s Luck - Chapter 20:

Chapter 20: Lingbao Pavilion

Xuanfeng City.

Xuanfeng City was the main city of Xuanfeng Commandery. Its walls were towering and solid, weathered by countless years yet still standing tall. The walls were built from basalt and covered in mottled moss, bearing the marks of time.

Above the walls stood lofty watchtowers overlooking the entire city, each manned by guards. The city gates were formed from two massive iron doors, each embedded with a metal lion’s head, exuding majesty and dominance. On both sides of the gate, two rows of armored soldiers stood in formation, most of them at the Body Tempering Realm. Spears in hand, they looked imposing and fierce. Everyone entering the city had to undergo inspection before being allowed inside.

Stepping into the city, the first sight was a wide main street lined with shops and taverns. Some shops displayed a wide variety of weapons—iron swords, long spears, bows, and more. Others sold daily necessities. Taverns bustled with all kinds of people: martial artists, merchants, wanderers, and common folk. The prosperity here was far greater than that of Lingfeng City.

“System, search for me. See if there are any great fortune bearers here.” Qin Xiao, disguised once again in his middle-aged appearance, walked the streets while speaking in his mind.

[Ding, 50 Fortune Points consumed. Searching…]

[Ding, host, unfortunately no great fortune bearers were found within 1,000 kilometers.]

“Sigh! Such a vast commandery city with millions of people, yet still no fortune bearer? Truly rare indeed. Back in Lingfeng City, I discovered two, and they were both weaklings. My luck was unbelievable then!” Qin Xiao thought silently to himself.

Soon, he stopped before a tall pavilion. A large golden plaque hung above the entrance, engraved with three characters—Lingbao Pavilion. The words themselves were forged from pure gold.

“Tsk, tsk. Lingbao Pavilion is truly wealthy. Even their signboard is made of gold.” Qin Xiao marveled inwardly.

Lingbao Pavilion was said to be extremely powerful, its business spread across the entire Hundred Regions. Its connections were intricate, and in every city with over a million residents, there was a branch of Lingbao Pavilion.

He walked inside. A refreshing cool breeze swept over him, while the grand hall gleamed magnificently with spacious brilliance.

“Good sir, how may I be of service?” A maid in a cheongsam approached, her face delicate, her figure graceful and curvaceous, speaking with respect.

“I wish to purchase rare herbs. Take me to your steward—I will speak directly with him,” Qin Xiao said. The herbs he sought were too precious for a maid to handle.

“Understood, sir, please follow me.” The maid sized him up, quickly recognizing his extraordinary bearing, and agreed at once.

Through several corridors, she brought him before an elder in azure robes. “Steward, this gentleman wishes to buy rare herbs and needs to discuss with you personally.” With that, she excused herself.

The elder’s eyes gleamed with shrewdness as he asked, “Sir, what herbs do you require?”

Qin Xiao drew a paper list from his robe and handed it over. “See if you can gather all of these.”

“Very well, please allow me a moment.” The elder studied the list carefully.

After a while, he looked up and said, “Most of these herbs we have here in Lingbao Pavilion, but a few are too rare. Our Xuanfeng City branch doesn’t carry them. If you need, you might try the Tianyang Prefecture branch. They may have them.”

Qin Xiao frowned slightly. “Which ones are missing?”

“Innate Grass, Purple Cloud Flower, Golden Veined Ganoderma, and Phoenix Tail Bamboo,” the elder replied.

“As expected, the main ingredients,” Qin Xiao thought to himself. He had already guessed it. Xuanfeng City, despite being a commandery capital, only had Innate Realm experts at most. How could they possibly stock herbs needed by Spiritual Power Realm cultivators?

“Would Tianyang Prefecture’s Lingbao Pavilion truly have them?” Qin Xiao asked softly.

The elder hesitated, then said, “Sir, those herbs are scarce even in Tianyang Prefecture. But even if they don’t have them temporarily, you can place an order. Our pavilion can transfer them from elsewhere.”

“Alright, I understand.” Qin Xiao nodded, preparing to leave.

“Please wait, sir.” The elder stopped him, pulling out a token and handing it over. “This is our Black Iron-grade VIP token. With it, you can enjoy a 20% discount on all purchases in Lingbao Pavilion.”

From Qin Xiao’s aura and the rare herbs he was seeking, the elder recognized a valuable client. Naturally, he wanted to build goodwill while securing future business.

“Very well. Thank you.” Qin Xiao examined the token. Forged from refined iron, its front bore the character “Ling,” while the back bore the character “Bao,” with intricate patterns carved into it. It was quite exquisite. He tucked it into his robe and left Lingbao Pavilion.

…

Three days later, Qin Xiao arrived at Tianyang Prefecture. It was far larger than Xuanfeng City, its population nearing ten million, a city of immense scale.

“System, search Tianyang Prefecture. See if there are any fortune bearers nearby.” Qin Xiao instructed as he walked through the city center.

[Ding, 50 Fortune Points consumed. Searching…]

[Ding, host, unfortunately no great fortune bearers were found within 1,000 kilometers.]

“Sigh, again nothing. Nearly ten million people, and still not a single fortune bearer. They really are too rare!” Qin Xiao let out a disappointed sigh.

Shaking his head, he made his way directly into Tianyang Prefecture’s Lingbao Pavilion. Showing his token and stating his purpose, he was quickly led by a maid to the door of a private room.

The maid knocked, then entered, bowing respectfully. “Chief Manager, this gentleman seeks to purchase rare herbs. He requests to meet with you personally.”

A soft, enchanting female voice came from within, “I understand. Please, invite the guest inside.”

The maid opened the door and gestured politely, “Sir, please enter.”