Chapter 271

Chapter 271: Yao Yuan Pavilion

After purchasing the storefront, it was time to name the shop.

Zhou Luo initially insisted on something simple and understated, like "Alchemy Workshop" or "Spiritual Symbol Pavilion."

Such names were straightforward, clear, and respectable, and could accurately target their customers.

But Wang Lang argued these names were far too common. If they wanted to stand out among the many alchemy and rune-making shops in the inner city, they needed a name with significant attraction.

The name he proposed was rather bold.

"Yao Yuan Pavilion!"

In this world, anything associated with the character for ‘immortal’ often carried a hint of mystique. It certainly wouldn’t fail to grab attention.

Yet this was also a double-edged sword.

If the items sold in the shop failed to live up to the name’s promise of mystery, cultivators who felt swindled upon discovering the truth would quickly ruin the shop’s reputation.

To address this, Wang Lang declared he had already devised plans to introduce a few sensational potions and talismans as gimmicks.

For example, medicinal herbs that could enhance ‘certain’ abilities, or talismans designed to heighten the pleasure between men and women, and so forth.

His reasoning was simple.

Cultivators who frequented pleasure establishments like Yao Chi Pavilion or Zhen Yin Lou were surely fond of such things. They were simply tailoring their offerings to the market.

Zhou Luo didn’t quite agree with this approach.

While it was a sales tactic, relying solely on it definitely wouldn’t be enough.

Perhaps he himself could refine some uncommon potions unavailable elsewhere, showcasing the shop’s unique capabilities.

As a first-level Pill Master who commanded the complete compendium of first-level potions, he could concoct many elixirs most people had likely never even heard of.

After all, no ‘encyclopedia’ understood alchemy better than he did.

Furthermore, he could procure a few signature treasures for the shop, including several top-quality first-level symbols.

Second Level ones, however, would be far too ostentatious.

He ultimately agreed to Wang Lang’s proposed name, firmly establishing their new shop as "Yao Yuan Pavilion."

At that moment, Yao Yuan Pavilion might have been just an ordinary shop. Yet, it’s likely no one envisioned that many years later, this place would indeed hold the potential for an immortal fate.

…

After acquiring that particular shop, Wang Lang immediately began directing workers in its reconstruction and redesign.

According to him, since the neighboring Yao Chi Pavilion was so grand and imposing, they couldn’t afford to appear inferior.

Zhou Luo agreed with this point completely.

"Oh! So it turns out the new neighbor is actually Young Master Xu."

On the third day of construction, Hong Xiu surprisingly took the initiative to pay a visit and spotted Zhou Luo immediately.

She found him remarkably memorable.

Not only for his handsome appearance and generous spending, but also for the consistently composed demeanor he maintained in her presence.

Zhou Luo responded, slightly awkwardly, "Manager Hong Xiu… my real name is actually Zhou Luo."

He never expected to one day become neighbors with that person; the boomerang from the past had come full circle and now he ended up on the receiving end, which struck him as rather awkward.

Hong Xiu gave a light laugh, unbothered. "Young Master Zhou, simply call this concubine Hong Xiu."

As she spoke, she swayed her figure and came before him, radiating an aura of alluring charm.

"Mentioning it now, it has been quite some time since Young Master Zhou last sought this concubine out," she exhaled a breath of fragrant air, her beautiful eyes glinting, occasionally revealing generous glimpses of snow-white skin. "Seems you must be very satisfied with those concubines."

This woman really is as seductive as ever.

"Brother Zhou." Right then, Wang Lang emerged from behind.

Immediately, his eyes landed on the alluring, curvaceous Hong Xiu. His eyes widened in shock, his nostrils flared sensing a sudden warmth, and he hastily covered his nose.

Hong Xiu observed his reaction with an amused smile.

That smile, however, seemed to hook his soul; it completely captivated Wang Lang’s heart.

His heart swayed intoxicatedly as he grinned foolishly, "Is this lovely lady here to buy something? Our shop hasn’t opened yet."

"She’s the manager from next door." Zhou Luo stepped forward, placing himself between the two.

He’s just here to embarrass me, Zhou Luo thought resignedly.

Wang Lang peeked out from behind Zhou Luo’s broad shoulder, gazing longingly at her, "So you’re the proprietress of the Yao Chi Pavilion. My humble apologies, my humble apologies."

"This young master, please just call this concubine Hong Xiu." Hong Xiu gave a graceful, charming Yanran-like smile, her eyes as clear and radiant as autumn water, utterly captivating.

Wang Lang felt utterly besotted, wishing he could marry this woman on the spot.

"Ahem," Zhou Luo, still blocking the visibly distracted Wang Lang, said, "Friend Hong Xiu, would you care to sit down for some tea?"

"No need. Once Young Master Zhou’s shop opens, this concubine will definitely come to show support." Hong Xiu blinked her beautiful eyes, then turned and walked away.

Wang Lang stared at her willow-like slender waist and ample, plump figure, looking thoroughly drunk.

"The proprietress of the Yao Chi Pavilion is truly beautiful."

"Alright, enough of this humiliating display," Zhou Luo positioned himself squarely in front of Wang Lang, cutting off the view. "What did you want?"

Wang Lang reluctantly pulled back his wandering thoughts and scratched his head. "Didn’t you ask me to reserve some land at the back? Go see if it’s enough."

Zhou Luo went to the backyard.

The plot for this shop was quite large; the front could be used for sales, while the back could accommodate living quarters.

Zhou Luo was also considering building it taller, aiming for at least three stories or so. This would make it convenient for him to conduct alchemy within the shop.

As for the land he had Wang Lang reserve, it was actually intended for cultivating spirit plants.

If the Lin Family really was conquered by the Lu Family before he reached Foundation Establishment, he would have to temporarily bring his wives, children, and the things from Zhou Garden to the Immortal City.

When that time came, this space would need to be used to grow Dragon Blood Grass.

Moreover, he planned to showcase the Dragon Blood Grass as one of the shop’s signature treasures in the future.

He reckoned that if people knew the location of this main ingredient for the Foundation Establishment Dan, it could significantly boost the shop’s reputation.

"Hmm, it’s almost sufficient," Zhou Luo stated. "Do you have enough spiritual stones?"

The shop hadn’t even been built yet, but they had already spent thousands of spiritual stones. Of course, the bulk of it went into purchasing the land.

Wang Lang’s investment, including what he called his "coffin savings" – several hundred spiritual stones – had long been exhausted.

Thus, being an entrepreneur these days was no simple feat.

"Brother Zhou, the spiritual stones you provided are still sufficient," Wang Lang replied with a smile.

Fortunately, Zhou Luo was affluent. Otherwise, ordinary people genuinely couldn’t shoulder those expenses.

"Good, ensure you stay diligent." Zhou Luo nodded.

…

In the days that followed, the construction of the Yao Yuan Pavilion progressed fervently.

Naturally, this caught the attention of the neighboring shops.

Several proprietors came to try and glean information.

However, with Wang Lang handling such matters, Zhou Luo wasn’t bothered.

During these days, he focused entirely on alchemy and rune-making, preparing the necessary goods for the shop’s opening.

Beyond that, he finally achieved a beginner’s level in his Gu techniques.

"Big Brother Zhou, you truly might have a natural talent for Gu techniques," Yao Wu remarked, looking at the small Gu insect resting on the table with delighted surprise.

Recalling her own experience, it had taken her a full two years under her master’s guidance just to reach the beginner level.

Although it took Zhou Luo somewhat longer, he had achieved it entirely through self-study, solidly grasping the fundamentals.

Zhou Luo was also extremely pleased.

This was, in the strictest sense, the first skill he had truly learned and mastered on his own.

The sense of fulfillment it brought was completely different from that received through system rewards.