novelraw Chapter 269 - 137: Fusheng Building [First Update]
Chapter 269 - 137: Fusheng Building [First Update]
Gu Qingqing and the others had been listening to the conversation at the table next to them, but those two only said a few sentences before they changed the topic.Gu Qingqing and the others didn’t rashly approach them but continued their meal. It was only after they left the restaurant that they discussed the matter on the way.
"Geng Geng, what do you think about what those people said?" Nan Hua asked Gu Qingqing, fanning himself.
"Since there are people discussing it outside, it indicates that this might really be happening, but we still need to investigate it ourselves. Plus, we can’t be certain they’re Merfolk, so we need to be cautious." Gu Qingqing thought for a moment and said to Nan Hua.
"Exactly, better to believe it than dismiss it. If they truly are Merfolk, it will make our task much easier." Rong Ye agreed.
"It seems that the Jiang Family they just mentioned is quite a renowned family here in Tianhai City. We should find an opportunity to make contact with them. After all, if we want to go out to sea, we need someone experienced to cooperate with, and we’ll also need a ship." Gu Qingqing thought further and added.
Nan Hua and Rong Ye both agreed with Gu Qingqing, nodding their heads.
"Leave the socializing to me. Don’t worry, I guarantee that by tomorrow I’ll have contact with someone from the Jiang Family." Nan Hua confidently said to the others while fanning himself.
"Alright, then we’ll leave this to Third Senior Brother, while we gather more information and see if there are any other rumors." Gu Qingqing and the others trusted in Nan Hua’s abilities.
"Then tomorrow I’ll head to the seaside first to see if I can get into the water. I’ve never been to the sea or fought sea demon beasts before, so I’ll scout the way for everyone first." Rong Ye thought and assigned himself a task.
"Alright, then Fifth Senior Brother, you can be in charge of scouting the sea. Jun Wu and I will gather more information in the city." Gu Qingqing nodded, agreeing to Rong Ye’s arrangement.
Within a few words, they decided on their next moves. Then, Nan Hua left first to find a way to contact the Jiang Family, while Gu Qingqing and the others returned to the inn.
...
The nights in Tianhai City are said to be very lively. After some people hunt in the sea during the day, they enjoy the night. There are also those who go out to sea at night. It’s safe to say that Tianhai City is bustling every hour around the clock.
After parting ways with Gu Qingqing and the others, Nan Hua walked along the street towards the most bustling area of Tianhai City.
Tianhai City has a street called Nocturnal Street, as the name suggests, the shops here are open all night and it’s very lively.
There are brothels, gambling houses, and various other entertainment venues, bustling with people.
Before Wen Guiyun took Gu Qingqing as a disciple, Nan Hua frequently visited such places, so he was very familiar with the scene, acting very composed.
While walking, he fanned himself, the corners of his lips slightly raised. Coupled with his expensive attire and accessories, it was clear he was wealthy.
His appearance was also very striking, causing the women at the door to greet guests to become quite excited upon seeing him.
If it weren’t for his exceptional skills, they might have peeled a layer off him.
Of course, not everyone could approach Nan Hua or catch his eye. He merely smiled as he walked past those people, then chose the largest and most luxurious-looking brothel to enter.
As soon as he entered, a middle-aged woman approached. Before she could speak, Nan Hua took out a medium-grade Spirit Stone from the Qiankun Ring and tossed it to her.
"Find me a nice room, call over some who can play music and dance to perform for me. You come along too; I have some questions for you." He looked at the woman with a smile.
The woman accepted the medium-grade Spirit Stone from Nan Hua and stored it in her Storage Bag, immediately beaming with happiness and cheerfully obliging his request.
"Certainly, sir. Rest assured, I’ll arrange everything perfectly for you. Follow me." The woman, known as Qingniang, looked at Nan Hua and said with a sly smile.
Nan Hua nodded in satisfaction at the woman’s response.
The two went through the ground floor hall and up to the third floor, stopping outside a room there.
"Sir, how do you find the environment here? If you’re not satisfied, I can offer you another." Qingniang fawned to Nan Hua.
Nan Hua glanced around and found it decent, nodding, "This room will do. Call everyone over."
Qingniang responded immediately, signalling to a man who ran over. She told him a few words then followed Nan Hua into the room.
Soon, several musicians and dancers entered the room, and with Nan Hua’s permission, started performing.
Nan Hua enjoyed the singing and dancing while chatting with Qingniang beside him.
"This is my first time in Tianhai City. Tell me, is there anything fun here or any place I should be cautious about?" Nan Hua poured himself a glass of wine and casually asked Qingniang.
"You’ve come to the right person. Regarding Tianhai City, I, Qingniang, am very knowledgeable because I grew up here." Qingniang, clearly not encountering such guests like Nan Hua for the first time, only paused for a moment before quickly responding.
"That’s great. Go ahead and tell me all about it." Nan Hua filled a glass with wine and handed it to Qingniang, signaling her to start talking.
Qingniang, flattered and surprised, took the glass, sipped lightly, then placed it on the table and began slowly, "Tianhai City has been very prosperous due to its proximity to the Heavenly Illusion Sea. The families in the city have changed over and over, but the most powerful family in recent centuries has been the Jiang Family. The Jiang Family has been entrenched in Tianhai Cang for three hundred years, evolving from a small family into the giant it is now. It’s quite legendary."
"Oh? Is the Jiang Family really that formidable? Are there any notable figures in the Jiang Family?" Nan Hua asked curiously.
"The history of the Jiang Family is so vast it could take three days and nights to recount. As for notable figures, the standout in the current generation has to be the Jiang Family’s third son, Jiang Zhuo." Qingniang, familiar with the Jiang Family’s affairs, spoke with confidence.
"What’s special about Jiang Zhuo?" As an attentive listener, Nan Hua cheerfully refilled Qingniang’s glass and asked.
"Jiang Zhuo has the highest talent in the Jiang Family for the past hundred years. Even though he is only twenty years old, he already has a ninth-stage cultivation." Qingniang obviously admired Jiang Zhuo greatly. After drinking the wine, she continued, "A ninth-stage cultivation at twenty is impressive in the entire Sub-immortal Realm, let alone in a small city like Tianhai City."
Nan Hua nodded in agreement.
"So, Jiang Zhuo holds a very high status in the Jiang Family. If nothing unexpected happens, he should be the next Family Head." Qingniang added.
"What business is the Jiang Family in? I heard they have a lot of ships in Tianhai City?" Nan Hua drank a glass of wine, looked at Qingniang, and continued to ask.
"Since you know the Jiang Family has many ships, their main business is hunting demon beasts from the sea and gathering spirit flowers and herbs, which they trade for Spirit Stones. The Jiang Family owns many shops in Tianhai City. Apart from those large trading houses that have shops throughout the Sub-immortal Realm, all other shops in Tianhai City belong to the Jiang Family." Qingniang further elaborated.
Nan Hua was a bit surprised by Qingniang’s words.
"The Jiang Family is truly formidable. I wonder if there is any way to connect with the Jiang Family?" Nan Hua asked casually.
"Sir, you’ve really come to the right place." Qingniang showed a proud smile, "Our Fusheng Building is a favorite spot for some of the Jiang Family’s guards and branch disciples. Right downstairs, there are quite a few Jiang Family disciples right now."
"What a coincidence." Nan Hua smiled, looked at Qingniang, and handed her a medium-grade Spirit Stone, "I need you to introduce me."
"Sir, you are too kind. Rest assured, I will complete the task." Qingniang’s smile deepened upon seeing the Spirit Stone. She quickly put it away and said to Nan Hua with a grin.
Nan Hua nodded, showing a reserved smile.
Qingniang left the room with a grin and soon returned, "Sir, the matter you instructed has been arranged. Please follow me."
Nan Hua stood up and followed Qingniang, descending from the third floor to the second, stopping at a private booth.
Inside, there were two young men and two young women, laughing and chatting.
Qingniang went in first, exchanged a few words, and after receiving approval, led Nan Hua inside.
"Seventh Young Master, this is the gentleman I mentioned who wishes to connect with the Jiang Family." Qingniang addressed the young man in a blue brocade robe and then turned to Nan Hua, "Sir, this is Jiang Xin, the seventh young master of the Jiang Family and a direct descendant."
As Qingniang spoke, Nan Hua was also observing Young Master Jiang Xin.
Jiang Xin appeared to be about eighteen or nineteen, not very handsome, and slightly plump. His complexion looked poor, likely due to indulgence in debauchery, presenting as a typical playboy.
And the way he looked at Nan Hua was quite dismissive, a gaze from above, which made Nan Hua uncomfortable. If not for his current need for the Jiang Family, he might have slapped Jiang Xin to bring him to his senses.
Fortunately, he remembered his mission and remained calm.
"I am Huanan, nice to meet Young Master Jiang Xin. I have heard of the Jiang Family’s reputation and am eager to become friends with you. Here is a small gift for you, I hope you like it." Nan Hua offered a Storage Bag to Jiang Xin.
To avoid revealing his identity, he reversed his name.
Initially, Jiang Xin felt a pang of jealousy seeing Nan Hua’s handsome appearance, but his expression changed immediately after receiving Nan Hua’s flattery.