https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-149-Wei-Zian-s-Request-Scaling-the-Wall/13688317/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-151-The-Carefree-Hermit-s-Notes-A-Case-of-Bump-and-Run/13688319/
Chapter 150: Bookstore
"Master of the Wei Family, I shall take my leave now." Ma Gu bowed respectfully to Wei Xinghe before walking toward the main gate of the Wei Family Residence.
Behind him, Wei Da Zong Guan led a procession of servants, each carrying numerous gifts prepared by the Wei Family.
Ma Gu had initially declined the offerings, but the Wei Family insisted so strongly that he could only accept them in the end.
As the gate of the Wei Family Residence swung open, it immediately drew the attention of spies from every faction lurking outside.
"They're coming out—members of the Wei Family!"
"Who is that man? His cultivation level isn't particularly high, yet Wei Da Zong Guan is accompanying him?"
"That's the man who was beside the mysterious Xian Tian Jing yesterday!"
"I recognize him—this is Ma Gu from the Ma Clan!"
"Why is Ma Gu leaving the Wei Family Residence now, with Wei Da Zong Guan personally escorting him?"
"Why is only he coming out? Where are the Xian Tian Jing and that mysterious youth the family mentioned?"
"So many items—what are they going to do with so many servants carrying loads?"
"Look, they're heading south— isn't that the direction of the Ma Clan’s estate?"
…
Seeing Ma Gu emerge from the Wei Family Residence under the escort of Wei Da Zong Guan, the spies were utterly astonished.
Those who recognized Ma Gu’s identity were even more stunned.
The battle at the City Gate the previous day had been witnessed only by the strongest cultivators from each faction—most spies hadn’t even been close enough to see it. So the majority remained unaware that Ma Gu had been present.
Now, to see him walking out so openly, accompanied by the Wei Family Grand Manager and followed by a line of servants laden with gifts, left them utterly speechless.
As they watched Ma Gu head toward the southern part of the city, the spies quickly followed, spreading the news to their respective factions.
While intrigue stirred beneath the surface, Lu Qing had already arrived with Xiao Yan and Xiao Li at the most bustling district of the County Town.
Before them stretched a wide, clean street lined with shops and stalls. The air buzzed with life—vendors shouting their wares, people bustling through alleys, stalls overflowing with goods, and the rich aroma of food drifting through the air.
A vibrant, bustling scene of prosperity unfolded before them.
"Woah!!" Xiao Yan gasped, her mouth hanging open in wonder.
This was beyond anything she had ever dreamed of. Her heart was utterly overwhelmed.
Perched on Lu Qing’s shoulder, Xiao Li’s eyes were wide as saucers. Having lived in the Deep Mountains since gaining consciousness, it had never seen such a lively human spectacle.
Only Lu Qing remained calm, though even he couldn’t hide a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
He hadn’t expected a mere County Town’s commercial street to be this lively.
What must the larger Zhou Fu, or even the Imperial Capital, be like?
"Alright, stop staring. Let’s go in."
Seeing the two little ones still gaping in awe, Lu Qing chuckled. He gently patted their heads and stepped forward.
He didn’t ask Xiao Li to go invisible.
Now, with his strength growing, and with only the Xian Tian Jing above him, he no longer needed to fear anyone.
There was no longer any need to keep Xiao Li hidden as he once had.
Today, let her and Xiao Yan truly experience the vibrancy of human life.
Stepping into the bustling street, Lu Qing first bought some snacks for the two little ones.
Xiao Yan received a skewer of candied haws, while Xiao Li got a small bag of fried baby fish.
The moment they got their treats, both beamed with joy, hungrily devouring them.
After walking through the market, satisfying their curiosity, Lu Qing finally stopped in front of a bookstore—the reason he had come out today.
He still knew too little about this world.
As his strength grew, so too would the circles he entered.
Without preparation, he might one day stumble into a trap he couldn’t escape.
And books—among the best ways to understand a world.
He just hoped this bookstore held the information he sought.
"Brother, are you buying books?" Xiao Yan asked, noticing Lu Qing had stopped in front of the store.
"Yeah. Didn’t I tell you before? The city has all sorts of wonderful storybooks. You can pick out a few you like."
"Really?!" Xiao Yan’s eyes lit up instantly.
She could already recognize many characters and could read simple texts.
Xiao Li, hearing this, also perked up. It tugged at Lu Qing’s sleeve with its tiny paw.
Lu Qing turned, seeing the eager look in its eyes, and smiled. "Xiao Li can pick too—whatever you like!"
He almost forgot—this little creature had once learned to read just so it could read stories on its own.
With the promise, Xiao Li’s eyes crinkled into a happy little smile.
"Brother, there are so many books!"
Stepping inside the bookstore, Xiao Yan gasped in delight.
"Little Master, Little Lady, are you here to buy books?"
The shopkeeper, who had been watching them since they entered, hurried over with a bow.
No choice—Lu Qing and Xiao Yan were dressed in fine garments specially prepared by The Lady of the Wei Family. The fabric was exquisite, clearly meant for noble families.
Add to that Lu Qing’s refined aura, Xiao Yan’s charming innocence, and the odd little beast at their side—though the shopkeeper didn’t know their names, he dared not treat them with disrespect.
"Boss, do you have Storybooks?" Lu Qing asked.
"Yes, yes!" The shopkeeper quickly ushered him to a section. "All these are Storybooks. What kind are you looking for, little master?"
"Something simple—easy to understand, short stories, clear and meaningful. I’m buying them for my sister’s character recognition lessons."
The shopkeeper scratched his head, slightly flustered by the specific request.
But after a moment, he pulled out a stack of books.
"These Storybooks should suit your needs, little master."
Lu Qing picked up two, flipping through them. The stories were short, the language simple and clear, and the plots surprisingly engaging. He suspected they were written by some idle scholar in his spare time.
"Good." Lu Qing nodded. "Xiao Yan, Xiao Li—go ahead and choose. Pick the ones you like."
The two little ones, already eager, immediately began carefully flipping through the books.
The shopkeeper stared, utterly dumbfounded.
Xiao Yan was one thing—many noble children her age had already begun learning characters.
But a small beast calmly turning pages like a human? That was something he’d never seen in his life.
Lu Qing paid no mind to the shopkeeper’s expression.
Seeing the two absorbed in their book selection, he moved to another section of the store, searching for books he himself wanted.
But this time, he activated his Abilities first—then slowly browsed the shelves.
(End of Chapter)
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