The Omniversal Merchant-Chapter 236: The Price of Gossip

Even if Ying Wuji had been slow to react, by now, he understood what was happening.

He looked down at the Jade Nectar Dew in his hand, a rare sigh escaping his lips. Though his expression remained calm, a faint smile flickered in his usually cold eyes.

"Boss, I'm heading out."

For someone who rarely spoke, let alone bid farewell, this small change was enough to draw attention.

Luo Chuan simply nodded. "Mm."

Stowing the bottle of jade nectar into his space ring, Ying Wuji turned and left Origin Mall.

Not long after, Old Bai and Ji Wuhui followed suit.

Watching Ying Wuji's retreating figure, Xia Yuan let out a wistful sigh. "Sigh, looks like spring has finally come for Ying Wuji... but where's mine?"

His voice was laced with such deep resentment that even those listening felt a pang of sympathy.

Luo Chuan rolled his eyes. This guy really knows how to make a scene.

"Ahem, Teacher Xia, have you... never been in love?"

The question came from a young student, his clothes adorned with the crescent moon emblem of Profound Moon Academy.

Instantly, all eyes turned toward Xia Yuan, their curiosity ignited.

Gossip was, after all, an inherent human instinct.

And when the subject was a renowned master at the peak of the Pathseeker realm, a mentor at Profound Moon Academy? Naturally, interest skyrocketed.

Xia Yuan's expression stiffened for a moment before turning dark.

Then, without a word, he smacked the student on the head.

"You sure know a lot for a kid," he said flatly. "Fine. I'll give you a task—while we're in Nine Stars City, I expect you to advance at least two levels."

He then swept his gaze across the other students.

"And that goes for all of you."

The students groaned inwardly.

The price of gossip had come swiftly... and painfully.

With a complicated expression, Xia Yuan left Origin Mall, leaving behind only the third elder, Liu Rumei, and Wu Daoxu.

Clearly, the three elders still had questions on their minds.

"Boss," the Third Elder finally asked, unable to hold back any longer, "is it true that the Curse of the Dark Night was obtained in casual mode?"

It was difficult for him to believe. The skill was simply too powerful—perhaps even surpassing the limits of heaven itself.

Was it truly possible to acquire such a profound martial art within a game?

Luo Chuan nodded. "Casual mode isn't just a game."

And with that cryptic statement, he leaned back onto his lounge chair... no, his divine sunbed.

The three elders fell silent, deep in thought.

"Teacher, should we...?" Wei Yi asked in a hushed tone.

"Do you even need to ask? We're coming back tomorrow!" The Third Elder shot him a glare.

Wei Yi let out a helpless chuckle.

Clearly, his teacher hadn't forgotten what had just happened.

The other two elders had also reached the same decision.

"In that case, Boss, we'll be taking our leave for now," the Third Elder said, clasping his hands in farewell.

Without opening his eyes, Luo Chuan merely gave a faint "Mm."

Given their status, these elders were used to being treated with utmost respect wherever they went.

Yet, Luo Chuan's indifference—the way he acknowledged them with barely a word—made his presence feel even more unfathomable.

In their eyes, he wasn't just some hidden master.

No... he might very well be an ancient existence who had survived since time immemorial.

As they left the store, countless questions filled their minds.

Why had this mysterious powerhouse chosen to open a shop in Nine Stars City?

Was there some deeper reason, some grand design behind it?

Or... was it merely a whim?

Either way, as they stepped out of Origin Mall, they carried more doubts than answers.