Crimson Lotus: Hell’s Blossom

Yanwei sipped his tea, gaze lowered. His fingers tapped the porcelain cup in a slow, steady rhythm.

"Half a month… that should be enough. Time to visit the chamber of commerce and return to the sect for my final preparations."

Setting the cup down, he stood, adjusting his robes before stepping into the bustling streets.

….

He walked up to a well-maintained shop, its storefront polished, exuding an air of legitimacy. The moment he stepped forward, an energetic young woman greeted him with a wide smile.

"Hello, fellow Daoist! Looking for weapons? Medicines? Arrays? Our shop has it all!"

Yanwei didn't bother with small talk. He handed her a list. "Do you have these?"

The woman's eyes flicked over the list. A brief hesitation. Then, she covered it with a smile. "Yes, fellow Daoist, we have everything. But… it won't be cheap."

Yanwei's brows furrowed. He hesitated, as if debating whether to buy it or not.

The woman inwardly sighed. Another customer backing out.

But then—

"…Alright," Yanwei finally said. "These medicines are important for my master."

A flicker of interest crossed the woman's eyes. So, he has a master? And one who needs these medicines?

She nodded, maintaining her friendly tone. "Understood, fellow Daoist! I'll gather everything. That will be one medium-grade and 561 low-grade spiritual stones."

Yanwei acted reluctant but eventually nodded. The woman hurried into the backroom, pleased that she had secured a big sale.

Yanwei remained expressionless, but his thoughts turned sharp. She hesitated for a fraction of a second when reading my list. She recognized something.

His fingers brushed against his sleeve. Whatever she's thinking, it doesn't matter. Let's see if she tries anything.

Minutes later, the woman returned, handing over a carefully sealed package. "Here's everything! Thank you for shopping with us, fellow Daoist!"

Yanwei examined the packaging with a brief glance before paying and leaving.

As soon as he walked away, a middle-aged man emerged from the backroom. His eyes followed Yanwei's figure until it disappeared into the crowd.

"Did you mark him?"

The young woman smirked. "Of course. His strength is only rank 1 middle stage. His master must be in a bad state if he's sending someone so weak to buy important medicine."

The man's lips curled. "I see. Find Chu Xu. He's late-stage rank 1. Tell him to handle it quickly and cleanly."

The woman bowed. "Yes, senior."

As she turned away, she sneered inwardly. If you had given me a little bonus, I might've let you walk away. Too bad… too bad.