Chapter 6. Zhong Yu.

The Golden Gate was located in the center of Silverpeak City, serving as the largest marketplace in the city. The marketplace was under the control of the Zhong clan, one of the prominent families in Silverpeak City.

Although the Zhong clan might not match the strength of the other top clans, as they were primarily focused on their merchant business rather than cultivating disciples, they should not be underestimated.

Just like every clan, the Zhong clan had their trump cards. Their main advantage lay in their connections, as they had established relationships with powerful individuals and families in the capital.

When Li Chen and Li Jing arrived at the Golden Gate, they found it bustling with activity. Buyers and sellers were engaged in negotiations and the usual market transactions were taking place.

One could spot guards patrolling the marketplace, ensuring order and preventing any fights or disturbances.

While Li Chen was observing his surroundings, he was startled by Li Jing's scream of excitement. "Look at those delicious mooncakes!" she exclaimed, almost drooling with anticipation.

"What?" Li Chen asked, turning towards her.

"Over there!" Li Jing exclaimed, tugging at Li Chen's hand and pointing in a specific direction. "Look at those mooncakes," she said, her mouth-watering.

Li Chen followed her gaze and noticed a shed filled with a variety of snacks, including mooncakes.

Gazing at the mooncakes and seeing the excitement on Li Jing's face, Li Chen felt a pang of pain, knowing that this little mooncake monster was about to drain his finances.

"What are we waiting for?" Li Jing said, grabbing Li Chen's hand. "Let's go try them!"

**

A few moments later, Li Jing had dragged Li Chen to almost every shed with mooncakes on display. Li Chen could feel his heart being pierced by countless arrows as he handed over spirit coins to pay for the mooncakes.

Meanwhile, Li Jing blissfully indulged in her treats, oblivious to Li Chen's slow demise.

"These mooncakes are so delicious! They're the best I've ever had," Li Jing exclaimed, brimming with excitement.

Li Chen furrowed his brow upon hearing this, remarking, "I'm pretty sure you said the same thing about the mooncake you had just a few moments ago."

"Oh," Li Jing replied, swallowing a mouthful. "Well, that was then, and this is now," she added.

"Why does this conversation feel so familiar?" Li Chen asked. "Haven't we had the same discussion at least ten times in the past few moments?" Li Jing chimed in.

"Oh," Li Jing responded, her attention returning to her mooncake.

Li Chen watched for a while before finally taking out twenty spirit coins and handing them to Li Jing. "Here, take this," he said.

Li Jing was surprised by his gesture but still accepted the coins, asking in awe, "What is this for?"

"Well, go explore and see if you can find more mooncakes to enjoy," he said with a smile.

Li Jing furrowed her brow upon hearing this, "What about you? What will you be doing?" She questioned.

"Oh, I have something I need to take care of while you explore," Li Chen replied.

Li Jing frowned upon hearing this, but after a moment, she responded, "Okay, just try to stay out of trouble," before turning around and walking away.

"Hey, why do I feel like the younger one here?" Li Chen protested, but Li Jing remained silent and continued walking ahead.

Li Chen sighed when he saw this and turned around, heading towards the center of the marketplace.

From Li Jing's actions, he could sense her dissatisfaction with their separation, but Li Chen had no other choice. He had to keep his secrets.

If he were to buy all the items he needed in a single batch, there wouldn't be much of a problem. But if he purchased twenty of each item, it would surely raise suspicions for Li Jing.

Li Chen wasn't confident that he could successfully season his wok with just one attempt. Looking at the complicated process involved, he knew he would need more than one try.

After walking for a while, Li Chen finally arrived at the center of the marketplace. In front of him stood a large eight-story building. This was the true Golden Gates Market, while the surrounding areas were just the outer part.

As Li Chen approached, two guards blocked his path.

"Token," one of them asked sternly.

Without hesitation, Li Chen took out a round silver pin and handed it to them. They examined the token with a strange-looking treasure before returning it to Li Chen.

Although the token appeared to be a simple silver coin, it was not as simple as it seemed. Each token had a special imprint made by the Zhong clan, making it impossible to forge even if someone could replicate its appearance.

There were nine types of tokens: normal, Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, and Grade 8. The higher the grade, the more floors one could access.

Li Chen possessed a normal token, as he did not have the resources to upgrade it further.

As he approached the building, it was bustling with activity. One could argue that it was even more lively than the outer area.

The reason for this was simple: trust and reputation.

Although people could find the same items in the outer area, many still chose to come directly to the Golden Gates building. The reason was the high likelihood of fake items in the outer area. In contrast, the Golden Gates building, run directly by the Zhong clan, placed great importance on their reputation and the trust people had in them. As a merchant family, their reputation and trust were their sources of income and strength, so they were cautious about what they sold.

Every item was appraised by an expert before being put up for sale.

The guards stepped aside, allowing Li Chen to pass through with his token.

After entering, Li Chen approached the entrance door of the building. It was massive and golden in color, perhaps a literal representation of the Golden Gates.

Upon passing through the door, Li Chen arrived on the lower floor, which was already bustling with activity.

Without hesitation, Li Chen walked towards a receptionist and handed her his list of items.

The young girl checked the list and said, "Please wait for a while, I'll be back soon." With that, she walked away towards the higher floor.

The difference between possessing a higher-grade token primarily lies in the ability to access higher floors and select desired items firsthand.

Those with lower-grade tokens can also gain access to these items, although some may require a higher-grade token. However, this is not currently an issue for Li Chen as he does not yet require such items at his current level.

As the receptionist departed she swiftly made his way towards the fourth floor, the floor was filled with various types of herbs displayed for sale.

A young man with a smiling face was leading a group of well-dressed young individuals, indicating their prestigious backgrounds.

The young man leading them was Zhong Yu, one of the individuals responsible for overseeing the Golden Gate Market.

When the receptionist approached him and whispered something in his ear, Zhong Yu's fierce eyes flickered with intensity as he absorbed the information.

After the receptionist left, he turned to the crowd and announced, "Apologies, but our tour must be cut short. Something has come up. I will arrange for someone to continue guiding you." With that, he swiftly left the room, his eyes burning with a murderous intent. He muttered to himself, "Finally, Li Chen, you are no longer hiding behind your precious sister. Today, I am going to have a lot of fun with you," he said mischievously, licking his lips in anticipation, clearly exhibiting his deep-seated hatred for Li Chen.

Among the people who despise Li Chen or dare to act against him, Zhong Yu could be considered as one of the few ranking just below Li Wei in terms of his loathing for Li Chen.

This hatred originated from the time Li Chen had mercilessly beaten him in front of his crush during their childhood. The resentment from that day still burned within Zhong Yu.

He had attempted to seek revenge on Li Chen, but whenever Li Chen visited the Golden Gate Market, Li Jing would always accompany him, preventing Zhong Yu from making a move.

Meanwhile, Li Chen, unaware of the unfolding events, patiently waited for the arrival of the item he had ordered.

Just as he waited, a very familiar voice suddenly caught his attention. "Hey, isn't it the trash of the Li Clan?"

Li Chen turned in the direction of the voice and replied, "Oh, Little Yu, long time no see. It seems you have been doing quite well for yourself lately." His tone carried an air of superiority as if an adult were speaking to a child.

As expected, Zhong Yu's anger flared upon hearing Li Chen refer to him as Little Yu. This name was given to him by Li Chen after being beaten to a pulp.

Zhong Yu managed to suppress his anger and responded with a cunning smile, "Well, I can't say the same about you, Li Chen." He scanned the surroundings and continued, "By the way, where's your bodyguard?" He asked.

Li Chen immediately realized what Zhong Yu meant and replied, "Oh, she couldn't make it here today. She is busy with something else."

"I see, she must be tired of babysitting your big ass," Zhong Yu taunted.

Li Chen responded with a smile, infuriating Zhong Yu even further. His taunts seemed to have no effect. The two glared silently at each other, creating an intense tension. People on the lower floors of the building began gathering to witness the impending showdown.

However, just as the tension reached its peak, the receptionist returned with the item Li Chen had requested.

Li Chen carefully inspected the item to ensure its authenticity and completeness. Normally, he wouldn't be this meticulous, but since Zhong Yu already knew of his arrival without Li Jing present, there was a high chance of foul play. Therefore, Li Chen wasn't willing to take any chances.

After examining the item and finding no signs of foul play, Li Chen turned to the receptionist and asked, "So, what is the price?"

"The price is..."

But before the receptionist could complete her sentence, Zhong Yu interjected, interrupting her, "One thousand spirit coins is your price."