Super Invincible Immortal Doctor
Chapter 1398: The Qian Family’s Shop

Chapter 1398: Chapter 1398: The Qian Family’s Shop

On the way to the Trade Center, Su Chengyu also noticed quite a few watching eyes.

But those eyes followed him very cautiously, and Su Chengyu could not determine whether they were from the North Luo Empire or if someone from the Bam Alliance had already set their sights on them.

After stepping into the Trade Center, Su Chengyu was certain that those people must have been sent by the North Luo Empire.

This Trade Center, built with the backing of the North Luo Imperial Court, was able to react so swiftly. If it were people from the Bam Alliance, it could only mean that the North Luo Empire had been thoroughly infiltrated by the Bam Alliance already.

But considering the situation in the City of Eternal Winter, such a possibility obviously did not exist.

Otherwise, the Bam Alliance wouldn’t have had to go to such lengths to gain control of the Tower of Eternal Winter.

Fang Qing, who had retracted her gaze, used a form of silent communication to voice her confusion to Su Chengyu: "Why would the North Luo Empire want to surveil you? Aren’t you here targeting the Demonic Path and the Nether Clan?"

"It’s natural to distrust those not of one’s own kind. The North Luo Empire indeed has a deep history with the Nether Clan, but who told you they have no interest in us?"

Fang Qing blinked, not fully understanding Su Chengyu’s words.

"We suspect that the Bam Alliance has infiltrated the North Luo Empire’s ranks. Do you think the North Luo Empire doesn’t suspect that our Demon Slayer Department might have some connection with the Demonic Path?"

"Is that why you can’t directly communicate with the North Luo Empire?"

"Mhm, because it’s pointless. There can’t be true trust and frankness, and even if the apparent goals align, cooperation cannot be achieved. Instead, acting independently, harboring mutual suspicion and surveillance, is the most peaceful way between the two countries."

Surveillance is mutual.

As long as the people of North Luo knew that the trio from the Demon Slayer Department was in the city, the North Luo insiders wouldn’t dare to openly contact the Nether Clan.

Likewise, the North Luo Empire believed that as long as their surveillance was comprehensive enough, Su Chengyu and his two companions would not be able to join forces with the Bam Alliance against the North Luo Empire.

"Of course, there’s another reason, which is that the Demon Slayer Department does not trust the current North Luo Empire. That is also the biggest reason for our trip to the city this time."

"Why?" Fang Qing asked, puzzled.

"Don’t forget how the current Regent of North Luo ascended to his position. If the North Luo Empire was infiltrated by the Nether Clan once, it could happen a second time. No one can be sure to what extent the Nether Clan has infiltrated the North Luo Empire now."

These were conclusions the three of them had discussed, with any people in the city potentially being their enemies. The trio, with nearly fully exposed identities in the city, were like glaring targets.

They had to prepare for the worst and be ready to face any situation that might arise at any time.

Listening to Su Chengyu’s words filled Fang Qing’s heart with shock.

She had always been curious why Su Chengyu and his companions went to such lengths in their actions. It wasn’t until she heard Su Chengyu’s explanation that she began to understand a bit.

And she was certain that Su Chengyu and his companion had considered far more than what she knew, and their appearance here was surely more complicated than she had thought.

"Don’t think too much about it, you don’t need to worry about these things. Just treat it as you accompanying me for a casual stroll."

Guessing what was on Fang Qing’s mind, Su Chengyu proactively spoke to comfort her and then walked into a shop with Chinese-style decor.

Upon seeing Su Chengyu and his companion, the shop assistant immediately came forward and spoke to Su Chengyu in the fluent language of Xia Country.

Su Chengyu blinked at the person in front of him and asked, "Is your shop owner here?"

"Yes, please wait, I will let the proprietor know."

The brown-haired North Luo woman headed back inside to call someone. Fang Qing, who was standing beside, asked with confusion, "This isn’t a branch of the Demon Slayer Department, is it?"

Su Chengyu shook his head, "The Demon Slayer Department does have covert operatives everywhere, but this is not one of them. As I said, we are not here on any mission today, just for an ordinary stroll."

Fang Qing blinked, still somewhat incredulous of Su Chengyu’s words.

Su Chengyu couldn’t be bothered to explain anything, as he had truly come to this place to shop.

Normally, Su Chengyu would never patronize such an official store, since the prices of items here were quite high, and bartering goods rarely turned into a good deal for him. It wasn’t as worthwhile as trying his luck in the Linbei City black market.

However, Ye Qingci’s matter was a pressing issue at the moment, necessitating that he find a reliable store owner to entrust with finding the items he needed.

After consideration, Su Chengyu ultimately decided on this place, and it was also an opportunity to verify some matters.

"Esteemed guest, forgive my lack of hospitality for not greeting you from afar. May I ask if I should address you as Mr. Bei Tang or as..."

"Just Bei Tang is fine."

Su Chengyu interrupted the other party’s words directly.

Fang Qing, standing at his side, was surprised to look at Su Chengyu since it was clear from the other party’s speech that they were aware of Su Chengyu’s true identity.

"There’s no need for the young lady to be concerned. We are merely humble merchants conducting business. While we do sell a variety of items, we certainly do not peddle our clients’ information lightly."

Not peddling lightly doesn’t mean not peddling at all; this is the rhetoric of a merchant.

But Su Chengyu was not particularly concerned about this. He knew what kind of people these merchants were before he came here.

"Oh, apologies, have I forgotten to introduce myself? I am the person in charge of the Qian family in the Bei Luo Empire, Qian Jinhu."

Su Chengyu asked directly, "Who is Qian Jinchí to you?"

"He’s my cousin."

The old man chuckled, then looked Su Chengyu over, "It seems Mr. Bei Tang is acquainted with my cousin Jinchí."

"I’ve had a transaction with him, though I was quite in the dark about it."

Qian Jinhu smiled, "Not surprising, my cousin’s authority is much greater than mine, and I can’t even understand many of the businesses he conducts. However, since you are a returning customer of the Qian family, that makes it easier to talk. You would be aware of the rules of the Qian family, wouldn’t you, Mr. Bei Tang?"

"I don’t know, in this regard I’ll need Manager Qian to enlighten me further."

On hearing this, Qian Jinhu smiled, "Not to worry, not to worry. Conducting more transactions with our Qian family, you will naturally understand. I assure you that every deal provided by our Qian family will be irresistible to you. But let’s get back to the matter at hand, what does Mr. Bei Tang wish to procure today?"

Su Chengyu thought for a moment, then spoke directly, "I want to inquire, what kind of compensation would be required for a God-ranked Elixir that can repair the God’s Soul?"

"A God-ranked Elixir?" Qian Jinhu was stunned for a moment, "That is an item not for sale."

"I know, but I want to buy it."

Qian Jinhu pondered, then said, "If it were a general God-ranked Elixir, it would require at least two King-grade Divine Artifacts, as well as a Heaven Rank cultivation method. If it’s for repairing the God’s Soul, it might even cost double that."

Fang Qing was taken aback by the price and blurted out, "Why don’t you just rob people! The price you quoted has already surpassed the value of a God-ranked Elixir!"

On hearing this response, Qian Jinhu chuckled and said, "The goods from our Qian family are a bit pricey, but with the price comes quality assurance, with a promise of honesty to both young and old."

Su Chengyu looked at Qian Jinhu and said, "What if I told you that Qian Jinchí gave me one?"

"That’s impossible! My cousin would never make such a loss-making deal! Unless..."

Suddenly thinking of something, Qian Jinhu’s expression toward Su Chengyu changed drastically as he subconsciously blurted out, "Is it you?"

"What is me?"

Su Chengyu frowned instantly, pressing for an answer.