Feng Shui Chapter 167: Custom Couple Robes?

The fabric quality of Qianxiu Workshop and Wanjin Pavilion was second to none across the entire Taishen Heavenly Realm. It wasn’t uncommon for major sects and prominent clans to place large orders, and many cultivators even regarded wearing garments made from these fabrics as a point of pride. So when Xi Yunqing made his request, Shi Fengdu wasn’t surprised in the least.

He smiled and said, “Ah, is that all? That’s easily arranged. I’ll make the trip on your behalf.”

Xi Yunqing replied, “I wouldn’t dare trouble you. An introduction from you would be more than enough.”

Though they politely addressed each other as “Daoist friend." there was actually a generational gap between them. Tai Su and Bai Ai were close despite the age difference, and as Tai Su’s grand-disciple, Shi Fengdu should technically call Xi Yunqing “Martial Uncle.” However, Shi Fengdu was over a hundred years older than Xi Yunqing and was already in the late Nascent Soul stage. While their two sects were on friendly terms, they didn’t share the same lineage. Asking Shi Fengdu to call someone so much younger “Martial Uncle” was a bit much, he couldn’t quite bring himself to do it.

Fortunately, Xi Yunqing had never tried to leverage his seniority in that way. From their first meeting, he had suggested they interact as equals. Because of that, Shi Fengdu held him in decent regard, and their few subsequent encounters had gone smoothly.

Helping with such a small matter was no trouble at all for Shi Fengdu, so he personally led Xi Yunqing there.

As expected, Qianxiu Workshop had temporarily closed its doors. When the two arrived at the tightly shut main gate, Shi Fengdu flicked his finger, sending a strand of true essence into the bell hanging outside. A short while later, someone came to answer the door. Seeing Shi Fengdu, the gatekeeper didn’t even ask his purpose and hurried to invite them in.

On Yingxian Island, who hadn’t heard of the famous Shi Fengdu? Not just because he was the most favored grand-disciple of the island lord, but because he was a master of music arts, his sonic spells were nearly unmatched on the island.

A female attendant led the two of them into the main hall. They had barely sat down when the owner of Qianxiu Workshop, Mu Jinrong, personally arrived.

Her hair was styled in a graceful Chaoyun bun, adorned with elegant hairpins and delicate ornaments. Her makeup was flawless, and she exuded a poised and feminine charm that set her apart from her accomplished embroiderers. She smiled even before speaking, her voice like a warm spring breeze, gentle and comforting.

“You honor my humble workshop with your presence, Young Master Shi. What a rare and fortunate occasion.”

Shi Fengdu, ever composed, returned her courtesy with a warm smile. “I hope my unannounced visit hasn’t caused offense. Your kindness in receiving me is more than I could ask.”

Mu Jinrong gave a light laugh, her wide sleeves revealing fair, jade-like fingers as she gracefully tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

“You’re too polite, Young Master Shi. A busy man like you wouldn’t come here without reason. What can this little woman do for you?”

Faced with such a charming woman, even Shi Fengdu had to steel his Dao heart. With a light cough, he stated his business. “I have an old acquaintance from my sect who’s looking to purchase a batch of fabric to have a set of garments made. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t have bothered the Lady Proprietor. But unfortunately, Qianxiu Workshop’s cloth and embroidery are simply unmatched on the island, my friend wouldn’t settle for anything less.”

Naturally, this “other shop” included Wanjin Pavilion, subtly elevating Qianxiu Workshop above its rival.

Mu Jinrong’s smile deepened at his words. “Is it the young man beside you?”

“It is. This is Xi Yunqing of the Chongxuan Sect, an old acquaintance of my master.”

The Chongxuan Sect was one of the most renowned sects in the Taishen Heavenly Realm, and Mu Jinrong immediately gave Xi Yunqing a more thorough look. But he remained calm and unaffected by her beauty or charm.

In a level tone, he said, “I hadn’t meant to disturb the Lady Proprietor. It’s just that we happened to arrive yesterday and were caught in the middle of a duel. Upon learning that both Qianxiu Workshop and Wanjin Pavilion were closed due to preparations, I had no choice but to trouble Daoist Shi.”

Mu Jinrong nodded thoughtfully. “I see. What kind of fabric and garments does Young Master Xi have in mind?”

Xi Yunqing said, “Any of the most recent fabrics your workshop has produced will suffice. As for the garments, something based on your latest designs will do, both everyday wear and formal Daoist robes. As for the cost, I’m happy to pay double.”

Mu Jinrong smiled. “With Young Master Shi personally vouching, there’s no need to raise the price. I’m honored that Young Master Xi would think so highly of us.”

It wasn’t that Xi Yunqing had money to burn, rather, Qianxiu Workshop and Wanjin Pavilion had long competed in dyeing and weaving techniques. Every time a dispute arose between them, it always ended in a contest of craft. Their current closure was precisely in preparation for such a match.

Legend has it that Mu Jinrong and Hu Manniang, the owner of Wanjin Pavilion, had once been fellow disciples. During their travels, they stumbled upon a rare manual detailing superior dyeing and weaving techniques. But the two eventually turned against each other, and the manual was torn in half during the struggle.

Now, whenever the two shops competed, the losing side had to hand over a page from their half of the manual. For over a century, the two sides had battled on and off, all to one day reunite the complete manual.

To show up during such a critical time with a rush order, naturally, Xi Yunqing wouldn’t hesitate to pay extra.

Mu Jinrong signaled her attendants to bring out the latest fabrics. Rolls of radiant brocade and silk were presented, each embroidered with exquisite patterns and shimmering with a subtle glow. The attendants spread them one by one before Xi Yunqing for his selection.

He examined each carefully. Qianxiu’s embroidery was indeed superb, vivid, lifelike, and seamless. While its brocade wasn’t quite on par with Wanjin Pavilion’s, the fabrics were still fire- and water-resistant, yet breathable and comfortable to wear.

In the end, Xi Yunqing selected five bolts each of the lightweight Qingyun silk and the slightly heavier brocade satin, all embroidered with patterns of spiritual plants and beasts. It wasn’t that he didn’t want more, both Qianxiu Workshop and Wanjin Pavilion frequently updated their designs, and once their latest competition concluded, a whole new wave of patterns would surely appear.

Xi Yunqing paid in full without hesitation, generously offering double the usual price as a token of appreciation for their effort. Faced with such a generous customer, Mu Jinrong had originally intended to personally take his measurements, but Xi Yunqing firmly declined.

Instead, he directly gave her a list of measurements. Mu Jinrong looked at the cool and handsome man before her in surprise. “Young Master, please allow me to take your measurements. The sizes you’ve provided differ quite a bit from standard proportions.”

Xi Yunqing paused before saying, “They’re not incorrect. These are for someone else. The measurements are from a few months ago, so the difference shouldn't be significant.”

Shi Fengdu was surprised. “So these are custom-made for someone else?”

Xi Yunqing nodded, clearly unwilling to elaborate. He simply asked Mu Jinrong how soon the garments could be completed.

Mu Jinrong confidently replied, “Qianxiu Workshop is known for our refined tailoring and sewing skills. I’ll have the girls drop their current tasks to work on these, we can finish them by the end of the day.”

The speed caught Xi Yunqing off guard; he’d expected it would take at least a day or two. Since they could be completed so quickly, he chose another three bolts from the remaining fabrics and had three sets made in his own size.

However, he had some very specific requests regarding the color and style. When she heard them, Mu Jinrong blinked in surprise, he wanted the colors to complement another person’s outfit, with styles that differed yet matched subtly. If the measurements hadn’t clearly indicated the other person was a man, she would’ve thought he was ordering matching outfits for a cultivation partner!

Mu Jinrong personally took the measurements to the workshop in the back to oversee the production herself. As she left, she couldn't help but think, people from the Great Heavenly Realm really are hard to understand.

Xi Yunqing and Shi Fengdu left Qianxiu Workshop and found a nearby teahouse to wait.

Meanwhile, things were far more leisurely on Chen Xiao’s side. The weather on the island changed quickly, the morning downpour lasted only an hour before clearing. Chen Xiao asked Tong Nuonuo, then found a Linglang Valley attendant to guide them to the Zhen Cao Hall area.

Unlike a typical marketplace, the place felt more like a botanical garden. Beds of flowers in various colors and species spread in every direction, and the air was filled with a light, refreshing floral fragrance.

Chen Xiao had come to sell the Frost Velvet Grass he’d collected in the cave at Mount Jing. To keep it fresh, he’d stored it in his storage box. Compared to the White Spirit Fruit, Frost Velvet Grass was far more valuable, and selling it in the Jin City wouldn’t be worth it. After learning that Zhen Cao Hall specialized in buying and selling spiritual herbs, plants, and medicinal pills, the trio made their way over.

A staff member was assigned to handle purchases. After hearing Chen Xiao’s intent, he brought him to the front counter, where a more formally dressed attendant received them.

Chen Xiao got straight to the point. “We have some Frost Velvet Grass we’d like to sell. We heard Zhen Cao Hall offers fair prices and doesn’t take advantage of people. We hope you’ll give us a decent offer so our efforts won’t go to waste.”

The clerk’s eyes lit up at the mention of Frost Velvet Grass. He led them further inside. “Of course. Zhen Cao Hall is a well-known and reputable establishment in Taishen. Choosing us is a decision you won’t regret.”

With a bright smile, he asked, “May I see a sample of your Frost Velvet Grass?”

Chen Xiao nodded and took a sample from his storage box, handing it over.

The clerk accepted it with both hands and examined it carefully. After a moment, he nodded approvingly. “This specimen is in excellent condition, broad, fleshy leaves, fully matured, rich in sap, and grown in ideal soil and humidity. I’d rate it as top-grade.”

Chen Xiao glanced at Tang Ru, who nodded back. “Top-grade sounds fair.”

Chen Xiao turned to the clerk. “What kind of price are we talking about?”

The clerk raised a hand and explained, “For Frost Velvet Grass of this age and quality, where the leaves are almost meaty, we calculate the price by weight. It’s ten spirit coins per tael.”

Chen Xiao paused to think. “What if we have a large quantity?”

The clerk blinked. “How much are we talking?”

Brother Chen Xiaod a quick mental calculation. “Roughly two to three hundred jin.”

That number was clearly significant. The clerk didn’t have the authority to make such a deal on his own, so he excused himself to fetch the shopkeeper.

As the three of them waited, a hesitant voice called out from behind, “Chen Xiao?”

Chen Xiao turned around and stood up in surprise and delight. “Li Yuzhou! What are you doing here?”

The one calling out was indeed Li Yuzhou, who was just as shocked and happy to see him. “I was about to ask you the same thing! What are you doing in Taishen? Don’t tell me, you’ve already formed your foundation? That’s unbelievable!”

Chen Xiao laughed heartily. “Of course! How else would I have gotten through the teleportation gate?” Then, sobering a bit, he added, “Actually, it’s great I ran into you, I wanted to buy more of those high-potency elixirs you sold me before. They worked really well, and I’d like to stock up.”