Chapter Fourteen: The New Universe Trading Company Lives Up to Its Reputation

The New Yu Chamber of Commerce in the new city stood like a towering, magnificent pagoda in the busiest district. Its lofty glazed tile roof shimmered with dazzling colors under the sunlight, as if proclaiming its nobility and uniqueness to the world.

Gu Xuan stepped through the grand entrance of the New Yu Chamber of Commerce and was immediately struck by the scene before him. The spacious hall was teeming with people, bustling with lively activity.

Glancing around with a hint of urgency in his eyes, Gu Xuan weaved through the crowd until he reached a finely decorated counter, where a busy receptionist was attending to matters. He quickened his pace and approached with a polite smile.

“Hello, is this where one purchases medicinal herbs?”

The receptionist looked up at his voice, noting his plain attire but the firm determination in his eyes. She smiled and nodded.

“Yes, this is the medicinal herb section of the New Yu Chamber. What herbs might you be looking for, sir?”

Gu Xuan took a deep breath and answered earnestly, “I am looking for Fire Spirit Flower, Ice Heart Lotus, and Moonshadow Grass. Does your chamber carry these three?”

The receptionist was momentarily taken aback, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. These three herbs were rare treasures within the chamber, commanding high prices. She scrutinized Gu Xuan a bit longer but quickly resumed her professional smile.

“You have excellent taste, sir. These three are indeed precious herbs in our chamber.”

She smiled at Gu Xuan and added, “Here are the prices…”

Gu Xuan hurriedly waved his hand, serious yet respectful, “Price is negotiable. I would appreciate your assistance.”

The receptionist smiled warmly, “Please wait a moment while I check the inventory for you.”

As Gu Xuan patiently waited in the herb section, Gu Yun swaggered into the New Yu Chamber with several followers. At first, he didn’t notice Gu Xuan standing to the side until one of his men spotted him.

“Big brother, isn’t that useless Gu Xuan?”

Gu Yun glanced in the direction indicated, a proud smile creeping onto his face, lips curling with disdain.

“So it really is that brat…”

He strode toward the herb section with heavy steps.

Gu Xuan, fully focused on examining some herbs at the stall, was unaware of Gu Yun’s arrival.

Approaching from behind, Gu Yun deliberately raised his voice with a mocking tone.

“Well, well, if it isn’t the infamous waste of the Gu family. What brings you to the New Yu Chamber?”

He glanced back at his men, a sneer playing on his lips.

“Trying to buy some herbs to boost your pathetic cultivation, perhaps?”

His words triggered loud laughter from his group, the echo ringing sharply through the hall, drawing the attention of several bystanders.

Gu Xuan furrowed his brows, anger flashing in his eyes, but he restrained himself and replied coldly,

“What I do here is none of your concern. As for you, Gu Yun, you always parade around with your gang. Are you afraid that when alone, retribution will catch up to you?”

Gu Xuan’s words struck Gu Yun like a blade, reddening his face and igniting fury in his eyes. He opened his mouth to retort but was momentarily speechless.

At that moment, the receptionist returned with the three herbs in hand. She smiled and said,

“Sir, here are the three herbs you requested, three plants each.”

Gu Xuan gazed at the herbs in front of him with awe, silently admiring their extraordinary appearance.

“No wonder my senior sister asked me to buy these. Just by their look, they are no ordinary herbs.”

Gu Yun immediately recognized the expensive value of the herbs and, seeing Gu Xuan’s intention to purchase them, wore a smug grin. He curled his lip with scorn.

“Gu Xuan, you should know your limits when buying. Do you even realize how costly these three herbs are? You’d probably go bankrupt trying to afford them.”

His men burst into laughter again.

“Even if you could buy them, how much improvement can your meager cultivation bring?”

Gu Xuan’s expression shifted slightly; the anger in his eyes now unmasked.

Clenching his fists tightly, his gaze sharpened like two blades aimed at Gu Yun.

“Whether I can afford it is not for you to decide. Please step aside, Gu Yun, and don’t hinder my business.”

Seeing this, Gu Yun grew bolder, stepping forward with a provocative glare, raising his voice deliberately.

“What, want to fight? You think I’m afraid of you? With your cultivation, I can settle you in three moves.”

He even posed mockingly as if ready to battle.

The onlookers turned their attention, whispering and pointing, the atmosphere in the hall tense, as if awaiting a dramatic showdown.

At that critical moment, a clear and resolute voice rang out.

“This is the New Yu Chamber of Commerce, not a place for your hooliganism. Please keep calm.”

All eyes turned to see an elegant young woman in azure robes approaching slowly. She was Ling Xue, the supervisor of the New Yu Chamber.

Ling Xue stopped before Gu Yun and, recognizing him, said with a teasing tone,

“Oh, who might this be? Isn’t this the second young master of the Gu family? What brings you to the New Yu Chamber today?”

Gu Yun’s arrogant demeanor vanished instantly. He quickly put on a flattering smile, bowing and nodding.

“Miss Ling Xue, I had nothing to do today but admire the great reputation of our New Yu Chamber, so I came to take a look.”

Ling Xue shot Gu Yun a cold, sharp glance before turning away, her tone icy.

“Looking is fine! Our New Yu Chamber conducts business openly and fairly, never judging by appearances, and always protecting our customers’ rights. I hope the second young master respects our rules and doesn’t think you can bully others here just because you are used to acting arrogantly at home.”

She spun around abruptly, her gaze authoritative.

“If not… don’t blame me for sending someone to escort you out.”

Gu Yun trembled, quickly softening his tone, bending slightly.

“Of course not, Miss Ling Xue. You misunderstand us. We were just looking and will leave now…”

Without another word, he and his followers slunk out of the New Yu Chamber.

The crowd dispersed upon Ling Xue’s intervention, leaving only Gu Xuan, Ling Xue, and the receptionist behind the counter.

Ling Xue approached the counter and smiled politely at Gu Xuan.

“Mr. Gu, are these the herbs you require?”

Grateful for Ling Xue’s timely help, Gu Xuan replied,

“Thank you, Miss Ling, for standing up for me earlier. The Fire Spirit Flower, Ice Heart Lotus, and Moonshadow Grass are indeed what I need.”

Ling Xue nodded with a gentle smile.

“Mr. Gu, today’s incident was our fault. We will offer these herbs to you at a 20% discount, as compensation from our chamber.”

“True to the reputation of the New Yu Chamber, such magnanimity!” Gu Xuan admired silently, recognizing Ling Xue’s character and knew further words were unnecessary.

“Thank you very much, Miss Ling. The New Yu Chamber’s fame is well deserved.”

Ling Xue smiled warmly in reply.

“Not at all. We hope, Mr. Gu, that you will continue to support our chamber’s business in the future.”

Gu Xuan nodded eagerly.

“Certainly, certainly. Farewell for now.”

After expressing his gratitude, Gu Xuan left the New Yu Chamber, carrying the precious herbs with him.