Ten Thousand Years in Seclusion
Chapter 14:I really only wanted to keep a low profile

Chapter 14: Chapter 14:I really only wanted to keep a low profile

Zhou Shen raised his head and glanced at the sky.

The setting sun had already sunk beneath the upturned eaves of the marketplace gate, dyeing the blue stone ground a deep crimson.

"The day is getting late." He withdrew his gaze and cupped his hands toward Qi Tian.

"After I pay a visit to the City Lord and entrust this matter to him, I must depart for the Royal City immediately. Let us part ways here."

Qi Tian nodded and returned the gesture.

"Safe travels, Master Zhou."

"If Brother Qi ever comes to the Royal City," Zhou Shen said with a faint smile, "you may find me at Treasure Pavilion or the Appraiser Association. We must have a proper gathering."

Qi Tian nodded.

"Of course. If I have the chance, I’ll be sure to visit and trouble Master Zhou for a drink."

"Then it’s a promise."

"A promise."

The two exchanged a final bow and spoke at the same time.

"Until we meet again."

Zhou Shen turned and left.

His attendant—the same man whose left cheek still bore five bright red finger marks—glanced back at Qi Tian. His expression was complicated, but he quickly lowered his gaze and hurried after his master.

Qi Tian remained where he stood, watching the two figures disappear into the crowd of the marketplace.

The smile at the corner of his mouth slowly faded.

"...Damn it."

After all that effort, he had not gained a single thing.

He was still empty-handed. Not a single spirit stone to his name.

With a helpless sigh, he turned around and was about to leave when hurried footsteps suddenly came from behind.

"Qi... Fellow Cultivator Qi, please wait!"

Qi Tian stopped and turned around.

It was Zhou Shen’s attendant.

For some reason, he had run all the way back.

"What is it?" Qi Tian asked, raising an eyebrow.

The attendant caught his breath, then took out a gray cloth storage pouch from his robes and offered it with both hands.

"Master Zhou asked me to give this to you. He said... after meeting Fellow Cultivator Qi today, he feels a sense of familiarity and hopes you will not refuse this small gift."

Qi Tian’s divine sense swept over the pouch without anyone noticing.

The next moment, his heart nearly lit up with joy.

Inside were one hundred low-grade spirit stones, along with a heavy pouch of gold ingots. The weight alone was enough to tell him there was a considerable amount inside.

Yet not a trace of his delight appeared on his face.

He calmly accepted the pouch.

"Thank Master Zhou for me."

"Yes."

The attendant answered, but he did not leave immediately.

He stood there, hesitating, as though struggling to say something.

Qi Tian glanced at him.

"Is there something else?"

The attendant gritted his teeth. His voice became cautious.

"Fellow Cultivator Qi... forgive my boldness, but may I ask... what cultivation realm are you currently at?"

Qi Tian understood immediately.

Given the way Zhou Shen had treated him—with respect and as an equal—anyone with common sense would know he was no ordinary Qi Refining cultivator.

However, Qi Tian’s aura was completely restrained. No one could see through his true cultivation.

After a brief moment of silence, a thought crossed his mind.

Then, deliberately, he released a sliver of his aura.

Only enough to reveal the cultivation of an early Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Not a trace more.

Not a trace less.

The instant his aura spread out, the attendant’s face turned deathly pale.

Without hesitation, he raised his hand and slapped himself hard across the face.

Smack!

The crisp sound echoed through the alley.

Half of his face immediately swelled red, and blood appeared at the corner of his mouth.

His voice trembled.

"This junior was blind and foolish! I offended Senior Qi without knowing who you truly were. I beg Senior to forgive me!"

Qi Tian glanced at him calmly.

"Those who do not know are not at fault."

"Thank you, Senior!"

The attendant looked as though he had just escaped death.

With cold sweat running down his forehead, he bowed respectfully once more before hurriedly leaving.

Only after watching him disappear did Qi Tian finally drop his composed expression.

He weighed the storage pouch in his hand.

A satisfied smile slowly appeared on his face.

He casually tossed the pouch into the air and caught it again.

The remaining onlookers around him no longer looked at him with contempt.

There was only awe.

And fear.

Feeling the countless gazes around him, Qi Tian shook his head with a helpless sigh.

"Ah... keeping a low profile. I really only wanted to keep a low profile..."