Three days later.
About a hundred miles southwest of Shiyang Island, on a stretch of water, a flying boat that seemed to be crafted from jade hovered above the surface.
This jade flying boat was about thirty zhang long, and exquisite patterns were carved onto its surface.
Faint spiritual light flowed unstably through these runic patterns, connecting with each other to form a light blue barrier that enveloped the entire flying boat, making it appear extraordinary.
This flying boat was at least a high-grade magic artifact, and due to the scarcity of flying artifacts, its value was comparable to top-tier offensive or defensive magic artifacts.
More than ten people stood on the flying boat. Besides Ning Fa, there was his maternal uncle Xu Changtai, his cousin Xu Guanting, and two elders from the Xu family.
Also present were Ning Shaohong, the Ninth Elder of the Ning family, and her personal maidservant Ning Xiuying.
In addition, there were six unfamiliar cultivators.
Five of them were male cultivators dressed in uniform black robes with gold trim. Judging by the spiritual pressure emanating from their robes, they had at least reached the level of high-grade defensive magic artifacts. A golden sun was embroidered on the right chest of their robes.
What was striking was that all five of them were cultivators in the late Qi Condensation stage, with two even having reached the peak of the ninth level of Qi Condensation.
Although their appearances differed, they exuded an identical aura of sternness, with cold expressions that deterred direct gazement.
In front of the five men stood a stunningly beautiful young woman.
She was dressed in a jade smoke-spun cloud skirt, with elegant features and eyes like clear water, possessing a face as beautiful as a flower.
Like a lotus emerging from water, she carried herself with grace, exuding an indescribable elegance and nobility that was even more captivating than her beauty.
Even Ning Shaohong, who was already very beautiful, was half a step behind this woman in terms of pure looks.
However, this woman was clearly younger than Ning Shaohong, and she lacked the mature charm that Ning Shaohong possessed.
With the two women standing together, Ning Shaohong was not completely overshadowed.
Ning Fa withdrew his astonished gaze, his mind racing to guess the woman's identity.
He then realized that Ning Shaohong's interest in that patch of Red Coral Stone was not for herself, but because of this woman.
The fact that Ning Shaohong treated her with such seriousness, coupled with the astonishing killing intent emanating from the five cultivators behind her who resembled guards, indicated that this woman's identity was absolutely not simple.
Although Xu Changtai and the other Xu family cultivators did not recognize them, they recognized Ning Shaohong, the Ninth Elder of the Ning family, and their faces showed unease.
"Sister Shiqin, that Red Coral Stone should be under the water. Do you want to send someone down to check?"
Ning Shaohong said with a smile to the stunningly beautiful woman.
The beautiful woman gave a light chuckle, "Sister Shaohong, this matter is of great importance. I need to check it myself to feel at ease."
Ning Shaohong was taken aback but still smiled, "Alright, I'll accompany you down to take a look."
The beautiful woman smiled, "Then I'll trouble you, Sister. Coincidentally, I've obtained a Jade Water Ruyi, which has decent water-repelling capabilities."
Saying that, a small green ruyi appeared in her slender hand.
She gently waved the ruyi, and immediately the ruyi emitted a soft green light.
In the blink of an eye, a circular green light shield enveloped her and the five guards behind her. Then, the ruyi emitted another green light.
This also formed a smaller green light shield, enveloping Ning Shaohong and Ning Xiuying. Then, the group jumped directly into the water.
Only Ning Fa and the Xu family cultivators remained on the flying boat, exchanging bewildered glances.
"Little Fa, this..."
Xu Changtai said to Ning Fa with some concern.
Ning Fa replied with a smile, "Uncle, don't worry. Since the Ninth Elder has stepped in, they will definitely give you a satisfactory answer no matter what."
A full hour passed.
Just as Ning Fa was starting to feel anxious, there was a splashing sound from the water in the distance.
Ning Shaohong and her group finally surfaced and then flew towards the flying boat.
Once the group had stabilized themselves on the flying boat, Ning Shaohong asked with a smile, "Sister Shiqin, what do you think? Does this patch of Red Coral Stone meet your needs?"
Even with the beautiful woman's elegant and graceful demeanor, her rosy face couldn't help but show excitement at this moment. She said in a clear, melodious, and cheerful voice:
"Very good. This patch of Red Coral Stone spans a range of over twenty li, and its quality is also excellent. We just need to clear out the Red Coral Grass there, but that's a minor issue."
Ning Shaohong was slightly stunned and asked curiously, "Don't you want that Red Coral Grass?"
The beautiful woman replied with a smile, "That's right. I plan to plant another, more important spiritual grass on top. I'll keep the specifics a secret for now."
"I am very satisfied with this place. Sister Shaohong, thank you for your help this time. I owe you a favor. Additionally, I intend to formally rent this place on behalf of the Xudong Merchant Guild. We need to sign a formal agreement with your esteemed family, and we will definitely offer a price that will satisfy your family."
Seeing that the beautiful woman was unwilling to elaborate on her purpose for needing the Red Coral Stone, Ning Shaohong wisely did not ask further questions.
She smiled, "This is easily arranged. I have already received authorization from the family's Elder Council to handle this matter fully. Just bring the agreement to me then."
The price the Xudong Merchant Guild was willing to pay to rent this body of water was insignificant in Ning Shaohong's eyes.
The key was to strengthen her relationship with the Xudong Merchant Guild, and especially with this woman, which was the most important thing.
The beautiful woman also smiled sweetly, "Then I will have to return to Tianshui Market first to make some preparations. I will come back in a few days to formally sign the agreement. We will protect this entire water area with formations then, is that alright with you, Sister?"
Ning Shaohong nodded after a brief thought, "Naturally, that's fine."
With the main business concluded, Ning Shaohong looked at Ning Fa, who was somewhat lost in thought, and beckoned him over, "Little Fa, come here."
Ning Fa blinked in surprise but obediently went over.
Ning Shaohong chuckled and said, "Sister Shiqin, allow me to introduce Ning Fa. He's our family's newly promoted Pill Master."
The beautiful woman looked astonished and asked, "Could it be that these pills were all refined by this young master?"
Ning Shaohong smiled and nodded, then said to Ning Fa, "Little Fa, this is Wei Shiqin, the head of Xudong Merchant Guild in Tianshui Market. When you go to Tianshui Market in the future, you can look for Sister Shiqin at Tongbao Pavilion."
Only then did Ning Fa understand this woman's identity.
It turned out this stunningly beautiful young woman was Ning Shaohong's generous friend. He had earned quite a few Spirit Stones refining pills for her during this period.
Ning Fa felt no restraint due to the woman's status or beauty. He calmly greeted her.
Wei Shiqin sized Ning Fa up.
Ning Fa's handsome and extraordinary appearance and demeanor caught her eye. Especially his composed and respectful attitude, which made her feel favorably inclined towards him.
She let out a soft laugh and extended her delicate hand. A circular token of light gold appeared in her palm.
It bore exquisite patterns, like a rising sun amidst clouds.
She smiled faintly and said, "Since my sister has said so, I, your little sister, cannot be stingy. I'll give this VIP Token from our merchant guild to Young Master Ning Fa. With this token, you can enjoy a 10% discount at our Tongbao Pavilion and purchase some special items."