Chapter 1757: Imperial Cabinet (1/2)
The merchant’s reaction betrayed him wholly. However, he looked at Li Qiye and saw that the guy had no cultivation to speak of. He grew bolder and sneered: “Ha, ignorant mortal, daring to blabber some nonsense today and besmirching my golden reputation? If all of you don’t give a proper answer, don’t think about leaving.”
His att.i.tude alarmed s.h.i.+ Sou. He didn’t wish to cause trouble inside the Jilin Clan’s territory. It could bring about a self-destroying disaster.
He wanted to apologize but Li Qiye raised his hand to stop him and spoke without batting an eye: “Try and see if I won’t make a ball out of your head.”
The merchant froze after hearing these strong words uttered in such a calm manner. Even though this seemingly ordinary man had no cultivation to speak of, the merchant still felt an overwhelming chill. He didn’t have the courage to react and only stood there looking silly.
Li Qiye turned and left without a second glance at the guy. Shen Xiaoshan gave chase and whispered softly: “Thank you.”
“Just child’s play.” Li Qiye smiled freely and continued forward.
At the same time, He Chen stared curiously at the petrified merchant since he didn’t quite catch what happened earlier.
s.h.i.+ Sou glanced at the merchant before quietly following Li Qiye with his head tilted in rumination.
The group strolled randomly around for a bit before they made it to a small shop located on an inconspicuous street.
No one would take note of this particular shop with a wooden sign hanging on top of the door. It was loose and crooked after the long years. This type of shop, surprisingly, had quite a domineering name. The words, “Imperial Cabinet”, were carved on the sign. The powerful calligraphy was expertly done, clearly by the work of a master.
To the top-right corner of each word was a tiny stamp in the shape of a crow. No one would actually see it without paying great attention.
Li Qiye smiled after reading the sign then brought the group inside. After entering, the group found that this small shop wasn’t actually that small. It was the size of a chamber despite the tiny entrance. Alas, the content wasn’t matching its domineering name at all.
There were a bunch of items inside, a few piles of stones here and a pile of dried wood there. In another corner was a bunch of household items…
In short, this didn’t look like a shop at all, only a garbage heap. Everything was casually thrown on the ground on top of each other without any management.
There was an old shopkeeper inside. His eyes were old and blurry; at this moment, he was trying to thread a needle to fix his worn-out cotton robe; it required his full attention.
Li Qiye didn’t disturb him and only watched with both hands behind his back as if he was watching an art show.
He Chen was too young and couldn’t stand still. He walked around, looking and touching everything he found interesting.
Shen Xiaoshan stood quietly next to Li Qiye as he observed the old shopkeeper. She was curious about why he chose this decrepit shop. Just what was here that attracted his attention?
Even though Li Qiye was virtually a mortal, she was aware of his knowledge and wisdom and respected him for it. s.h.i.+ Sou was also staring but his target was Li Qiye instead. The guy prompted many questions in his mind. He gradually understood why his Senior Brother was so respectful towards the mortal. Just the guy’s calm and patient demeanor alone was exceptional.
After a long time, the shopkeeper finally moved the thread through the hole. This seemed to be a huge relief for him as he sighed and finally noticed the waiting customers.
“Sorry for the long wait, everyone.” He revealed a friendly smile: “Old eyes are no good now, can’t do anything right. May I ask what you all are looking for? p.a.w.ning some treasures or buying some artifacts?”