Urban Seduction: Housewives Club Chapter 2093: 422: An Encounter on the Ship 3

Yet, the service in this place mirrors what's found in Jinling—there's no trace of merchants exploiting buyers because of their own prominence. The moment Wang Yue stepped inside, a youthful attendant approached him promptly.

“Welcome, sir. How can we help you today?” the clerk greeted with genuine warmth.

Wang Yue cut to the chase without delay. “I'm here to purchase martial arts techniques. The more advanced, the better. Where do I begin?”

“Purchasing martial arts techniques? Right this way, please,” the clerk replied, his gaze sparking with real interest. His initial friendliness had been standard protocol for Lingyun Pavilion, but now it stemmed from true motivation, tied directly to his commissions and rewards. After all, these techniques held immense worth, with even the most basic ones outvaluing everyday merchandise by a wide margin.

Guided by the clerk, Wang Yue rode the elevator directly to the uppermost level. This area specialized in premium firearms, martial arts techniques, along with scarce secrets and cultivation methods.

Overseeing this level was an elderly gentleman appearing in his sixties or seventies, sporting tiny spectacles. He carried the air of a scholarly traditionalist.

“Mr. Han, this customer is interested in martial arts techniques. The higher the rank, the better. Would you mind assisting him?” the clerk who escorted Wang Yue inquired politely toward the elder.

“The higher the rank, the better?” Mr. Han eyed Wang Yue curiously and inquired, “Might I ask your name, sir?”

“What, does Lingyun Pavilion require a background check before any sale?” Wang Yue replied icily. He realized it was merely an offhand query and could easily provide a false identity, but since he was embodying a aloof persona, he committed fully to it.

Mr. Han remained unruffled by Wang Yue's tone. He merely offered a gentle smile.

However, two nearby youths took offense. One scoffed, “What kind of backwater fool is this? How dare he disrespect Mr. Han?”

The other added, “Likely some upstart from the sticks. Thinks a bit of strength makes him special. Shows up in Tianhai pretending to be a big shot.”

Wang Yue's brow furrowed in silent irritation, pondering how to handle these two who judged by superficial looks.

Yet before he could respond, Mr. Han scowled and stated, “He's correct. Lingyun Pavilion has no business prying into customers' affairs. If you two lack other tasks, kindly depart.”

The pair flushed with shame. The first muttered, “Mr. Han, we were only defending your honor. That arrogant kid spoke to you so rudely. You might overlook it, but we won't.”

“The customer comes first. That's the unbreakable rule of Lingyun Pavilion,” Mr. Han responded steadily. “I'm merely staff here. Any customer's words toward me are acceptable. No outsiders should meddle.”

“Mr. Han, that's unfair. Lingyun Pavilion partners with our Zhang family. Events in your establishment concern us too. Disrespecting you insults our Zhang family as well,” the second youth declared gravely, glaring at Wang Yue with enmity. This was the very brat who had humiliated his sibling!

Wang Yue chuckled to himself. He hadn't anticipated running into Zhang family members right upon reaching Tianhai. It felt like destiny pulling the strings.

Regarding their true affiliation, Wang Yue harbored no skepticism. Tianhai might boast numerous Zhang-named clans, but only one would boast ties to Lingyun Pavilion.

Similar to the Wang family of Jinling. There, 'the Wang family' always meant that specific lineage. Other Wang branches bore descriptors highlighting their traits, like the “Jinling Golden Knife Wang Family”.

“As you mentioned, we're simply business allies, not kin. Gentlemen, please go,” Mr. Han stated evenly, displaying utter disregard for the two Zhang youths.

The duo grew irritated, but a sharp look from Mr. Han sent them slinking away in defeat.

Wang Yue sensed a shiver within. When Mr. Han had fixed his stare on those Zhang youths, he'd released a pulse of true energy, revealing his status as a formidable Transcendent Mortal Realm expert.

A mere shop overseer at the Transcendent Mortal Realm? Such a revelation couldn't fail to stun.

Still, thinking it over, Wang Yue grasped the logic. Lingyun Pavilion was said to rival sacred martial sects in might, and Tianhai ranked among the elite super-cities. Its branch handled the priciest wares, so lacking robust power would make control impossible.

“Sir, I sincerely regret this. My rash move might bring you issues,” Mr. Han apologized once the Zhang youths had gone. He knew their fiery natures well and feared they'd vent frustration on this visitor.

But Wang Yue felt no dismay—quite the opposite, he was thrilled. He'd sought a pretext to clash with the Zhang family, and opportunity had arrived.

Still, he responded coolly, “No matter. They're mere pampered fools. I paid them no mind.”

“Pampered or not, the Zhang family's clout demands respect. Plus, these two are core bloodline members,” Mr. Han explained with a sigh. “Here's my proposal: Deal or no deal today, I'll dispatch someone to discreetly guide you from Tianhai, keeping you undetected by them.”

“My protection isn't your worry,” Wang Yue shot back frostily. “Display your strongest martial arts techniques, ideally beyond Earthly Tier Upper Class.”

Mr. Han held little fondness for this aloof youth. He'd aimed to rectify his error, but with the refusal, he dropped it and shifted to business. “I possess an Earthly Tier Upper Class technique right now. What do you propose in trade?”

“How about this?” Wang Yue retrieved a gun-shaped device from his space ring. “It's a cutting-edge laser pistol, unseen in markets yet. Every blast matches a peak Mid-Stage True Return Realm assault. It fires once per second, with a single charge yielding ten rounds. Including the pistol and its schematics, what technique level does that merit?”

Hearing this, Mr. Han's eyes widened in astonishment. “Really?”

“Test it yourself,” Wang Yue offered, passing the pistol over.

Truth be told, Wang Yue's own reaction had mirrored Mr. Han's upon first encountering it. The world did feature thermal weapons rivaling Mid-Stage True Return Realm full-force blows, some even nearing Late Stage potency.

But those managed just three to five shots per charge, with reloads dragging at least five seconds each.

None could rival this one's ten-shot capacity at a rapid pace.

Besides, this ranked among Yan Fangfei's lesser inventions. In the Su family's secure vault lay thermal arms equaling Transcendent Mortal Realm strikes.

Yet thermal weapons differ from genuine martial prowess. No matter their might, they're wasted on the unskilled—experts can disarm you pre-emptively.

Thus, Su Mengyun kept these developments under wraps, producing limited spares for emergencies.

At times, Wang Yue pondered if the Wang family concealed surprises unknown to him. Jinling's top three clans featured the Chen family's Shen Siying, a Seventh Layer True Return Realm powerhouse in hiding, and the Su family's Yan Fangfei, a tech genius. Perhaps the Wangs harbored secrets too.

Though improbable. If such existed, his grandmother surely would have revealed them.

Or maybe Wang Yue himself served as heaven's secret weapon for the Wang family.

Taking the pistol, Mr. Han fetched a target from beneath a shelf and positioned it a few meters off. He then aimed and unleashed ten shots in succession.

“Indeed, its force equals mid-Gui Zhen Realm, with nonstop firing. Remarkable piece!” Mr. Han exclaimed with thrill. “And the blueprint—is it authentic too?”

“Naturally. If I'm surrendering the weapon, why falsify the plans?” Wang Yue countered.

“Fair point,” Mr. Han agreed, nodding. Possessing the prototype, replication via analysis was feasible even sans blueprint.

For a powerhouse like Lingyun Pavilion, blending martial dominance with tech expertise, it posed no challenge. Authenticity of provided plans mattered little.

“In that case, state your terms. What skills does this buy?” Wang Yue, unfamiliar with valuations, let the other dictate.

Lingyun Pavilion's two-century legacy ensured fair dealings—no risk of deceit.

Mr. Han exhaled deeply. “A premium thermal weapon like this amply covers a supreme Earth-grade martial skill.”

“Then I'll take a top Earth-grade one,” Wang Yue decided. He required a potent skill against the Zhangs, accepting any shortfall.

Yan Fangfei produced these in abundance, so expenditure posed no issue.

Yet Mr. Han appeared hesitant. “Truth is, I lack a top Earth-grade skill at present. I offer a low Heaven-grade one, though its worth falls short for this pistol.”

“A Heaven-grade skill?” Wang Yue's interest piqued instantly. “What if I include another comparable tech gadget?”

“A second?” Even the knowledgeable Mr. Han seemed taken aback, pausing before adding, “With a genuine equivalent tech item, an exchange could work.”

“Agreed, let's trade!” Wang Yue declared, producing another device from his space ring—a DNA tracker.

Insert a trace of the target's tissue, such as a strand of hair, scan the DNA, and within a hundred-mile radius, evasion proved impossible.

Of course, Wang Yue's boldness in revealing it meant he held defenses ready—no fear of counter-tracking.

However, Mr. Han refrained from grabbing it or probing its function. “Lingyun Pavilion treats all equally, young or old. Certain details require upfront disclosure.”

This low-tier Heaven-grade martial art, though entry-level in its class, exceeds peak Earth-grade by over tenfold in value. I'm proposing more than double its worth because my copy is partial—merely the initial three forms.

Furthermore, mastering it demands exceptional vital energy purity from the practitioner.

An average martial artist might learn it, but the output would pale, barely matching a Mystic-tier art. We figure at least tenfold ordinary vital energy purity is essential for full potential.”

Wasn't this tailor-made for him?

Wang Yue inwardly rejoiced, yet outwardly he scowled. “What's the point of such a flawed Heaven-grade art?”

Mr. Han spread his hands. “That's the situation. Exchange or decline—your choice.”

“I'll go for it. It's Heaven-grade nonetheless.” Wang Yue feigned reluctance before passing the tracker and blueprints, detailing their uses.

Mr. Han marveled once more, pondering this enigmatic youth's source of treasures.

Per Lingyun Pavilion protocol, origins stayed unquestioned. And after his name query backfired, Mr. Han avoided further prying.

Upon acquiring the tracker and plans, Mr. Han honored the deal, presenting the desired martial arts manual to Wang Yue.

Unlike the A4-printed “Level 8 Great Fury,” this manual exuded refinement. Crafted from an exotic material neither fabric nor paper, it formed a slim booklet.

The volume was exceedingly slender, evidently incomplete. True to Mr. Han's word, it lacked the full set.

Even so, its partial state qualified as low-tier Heaven-grade. Complete, its might would surely soar.

Excitement bubbling, Wang Yue accepted the booklet. A mere peek at the title left him stunned.

“Wind God Leg?” Wang Yue blurted in disbelief. “You're joking, right? Got Cloud-Pushing Palm or Frost Fist too? How about Three-Fourths Returning Vital Energy?”