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Chapter 316 – Stir-fried Double Crisp (b)
Translated by Gumihou
Edited by Gumihou
The great elder’s words forced Luo Dongting to a corner.
That’s because Luo Dongting had, in fact, lied about this ‘senior’ being someone more powerful than Divine Transformation. He knew that these old men were all men of great wealth and vast experience, and therefore, though a Divine Transformation expert is powerful, it would not sway these experienced old men.
Thus, without Shiyu’s knowledge [1], he fabricated an existence bigger than a Divine Transformation master. After all, if he wants to use tiger skin (in the absence of a real tiger) isn’t it better to wave something bigger and more colourful at his opponents? After all, it’s not like this ‘Noble Senior’ would let people know who they are.
It doesn’t matter if his story was blown apart either. He already has a powerful backing behind him. [2] Moreover, he’s just a miserable little common person without a spiritual root. What does he know about Cultivation realms, right? Who could fault him for making a mistake?
[2] Frankly speaking, he was surprised that no one questioned him outright about his claims.
Anyway, with several plans and backups in mind, Luo Dongting calmed down even more.
“Naturally, I witnessed it with my own eyes,” he stated steadily to the seniors. “After all, there are not many who made it even to Divine Transformation Realm. Naturally, this is just my guess. Dear seniors, if you feel that it’s impossible, do ignore this junior’s silly speculations.” [2] There, he gave himself an out.
“How could we?” the elders all showed kind smiles at him. Leaving everything else aside, this senior has to be at least a Divine Transformation master. Though they cannot confirm whether the senior is truly a Nascent Formation master, they cannot dismiss the possibility either.
Now that this Luo kid managed to hug a thick thigh, they would not be so stupid as to offend him now.
After getting as much information out of Luo Dongting as they could without being overtly offensive, there was nothing they could do but serve him more tea and snacks before sending him away.
Once Luo Dongting left, the first elder asked, “What do you think? Is that brat telling the truth?”
One of the elders mused, “True or false, it’s difficult to judge. However, I believe the other party is most likely at least a Divine Transformation master. That is good enough for us to keep an eye on the matter. As for the Nascent Formation claims
 if it is true, then we must use every means we have to forge a connection.”
Are you joking? Just how many Nascent Formation experts exist within the entire Central Auction House? Fewer than one hand worth. Every Nascent Formation expert of the ninth realm not only serves as a representative of the Ninth Realm’s power, but it was through them that the Central Auction House gained access to Upper Realm goods.
If they could forge a good connection with a Nascent Formation expert, they might even stand a chance to bid for an elder’s seat at the headquarters!
The only issue now was whether this Nascent Formation master truly exist.
“I believe there’s no need to overthink it. Just take things as they come. Do not offend the other party or make things convenient for them. The Central Auction House has more valuable items than anything that Luo Dongting, no, even the entire Luo Clan could offer. I believe that no powerful master would reject the goodwill of our Auction House.”
When the elder said this, the rest of them agreed that this was the best thing they could do for the moment.
The great elder nodded and said, “Have someone prepare gifts. Tomorrow, I shall go and pay a visit.”
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The next day, the grand elder came to visit the treehouse. Shiyu was in the kitchen, asking the three cooks if there are any more good cooks for hire in the city. When she saw her visitor, she stopped speaking.
The three cooks followed her gaze and saw that one of their tables was occupied by an old man with white hair and a beard and knew immediately that an important guest has arrived.
In the meantime, Shiyu had already seated herself opposite the old man and asked, “Senior, do you like sweet or savoury flavours?”
After receiving the elder’s answer, sweet, she called to the cooks, “Master Wang, trouble you to boil some Thick Dew Tea [3]. Be sure to bring out some Grilled Rushan, Sesame Rolls and Red Bean Honey [4]. See if there are any more of those Dumplings in Osmanthus Sweet Soup [5] left. If there are any, bring a portion here.”
Shiyu finished making the order in one breath. The elder had not spoken yet. Behind her, the regulars and other diners happened to hear this and grew interested, “So you also serve other things too? Waiter, give me one of everything she just ordered.” [6]
“Here too,”
At this, the waiter felt helpless.
These were things that the owner made for herself. Right now, aside from simple tea and Rushan, the shop doesn’t sell anything else.
However, now that the customers had ordered it, he could only ask the cooks to make it [6].
[6] Shiyu could only pretend not to hear the people behind her. She cleared her throat once and greeted the old man.
After exchanging greetings with each other, Shiyu found that he was the Great Elder of the Central Auction House and was a little startled.
“Dare I ask the connection between Central Auction House and Profound Sky Empire’s Central Trading House?”
The Great Elder said, “We belonged under the Central Trading House.”
Shiyu suddenly saw the light, “I see.”
She has some impression of the Central Trading House. Back in the original book, the young master of this trading house had been badly beaten up by Lin Fan. His beloved even ran off with Lin Fan

“This young friend is unexpectedly acquainted with our Central Trading House,”
The Central Trading House is famous within Profound Sky Empire and the immediate countries around it. However, beyond that circle, its name was not so well known. In fact, other mercantile companies affiliated with this Trading House was actually more famous.
“Haha, I’ve only heard my elders mention it in passing,” said Shiyu, making up stories as she went.
Unexpectedly, the elder grew even more interested in her. He said, “Looks like this young friend’s background is quite extraordinary. May I know this young friend’s surname? I have some friends in the Eighth Realm. If this young friend ever encounters some difficulty in the future, you may seek their assistance.”
When Shiyu heard this, she felt a little non-plus. She knew the moment she saw this old man that he was here to probe her background, and she planned to fob him off with some vague nonsense.
However, when she heard the words ‘Eight Realm’, something inexplicable caused her to say, “My surname is Tan-Tai.”
At this, the old man’s expression changed slightly. He became even more serious.
Looks like he recognised the name ‘Tan-Tai’.
“However, do keep this matter a secret. In the future, you can just address me as Miss Shi.” Shiyu continued, “I know that elder must wish to know my background. To tell the truth, you could assist me in something.”
The tremor within in the elder’s heart did not subside as he quickly said, “Miss, please speak!”
“Heheh,” Shiyu laughed as Uncle Wang brought the tea and snacks over and was arranging them on the table.
The Great Elder had not felt anything when the old servant first approached them. However, he suddenly noticed that he could not see through this so-called servant’s Cultivation. He was about to take a closer look when the old servant glanced over and he suddenly shivered as mild eyes swept over him. His state of mind became muddled and was unable to form a thought except

N
 nascent Formation

This man is a Nascent Formation master!
[Gumihou: Still not entirely sure whether Luo Dongting is meant to be intelligent or not]
We now have Glossaries for Character , Cultivation Terms , Clan Names, Restaurants & Places
[1] It’s a given that merchants would exaggerate their stories anyway, not sure why author specifically mentions this.
[2] Added Details to Back a Theory: Since LDT is supposed to be a merchant who bluffs well, might as well support this through his thoughts.
To be honest, Gumi is not sure whether LDT is supposed to be ‘intelligent’ or ‘thought he’s intelligent’. Depending on his actions in the future, might have to fix this edit.
[3] Thick Dew Tea – doesn’t exist, presumably, an imaginary tea made from boiling down flower dew
[4] Red Bean Honey – Is actually boiled red beans with sugar only, no honey
[5] Dumplings in Osmanthus Sweet Soup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcLrEWIkx3U
[6] I guess this is supposed to be funny?
The faux pas only looked clumsy and incompetent to Gumi’s eyes.