Chapter 87: The Fish Fry That’s Doing Even Better Than Qinghu

“Are we still going to look for phoenix eggs?” Qingjin asked irritably.

“Of course, of course,” Ning Qi replied at once. “Hurry up, let’s all go together.”

Before long, the group returned to the market. This time, they browsed the larger shops on both sides. The grand shops were indeed impressive—not only were they exquisitely decorated, but the staff’s courtesy felt like a breath of spring.

Upon entering the VIP lounge, even the shopkeeper came out in person to greet them.

As soon as Ning Qi struck the pose of a discerning buyer in search of an egg with a trace of phoenix blood, the staff became exceptionally enthusiastic. One after another, they brought out elegantly boxed bird nests, each containing an egg said to carry the bloodline of the phoenix.

“This is an egg of the Radiant Goldencrystal Fowl. It’s said to have a strong phoenix lineage, with at least a ten percent chance of transforming into a Radiant Phoenix. This is the treasure of our shop.”

The moment the explanation began, Ning Qi’s interest was piqued.

He turned the egg over in his hands, examining it from every angle, before looking over at Qinghu.

Qinghu looked listless, showing no interest at all. Ning Qi, struck by a sudden insight, realized this egg was not the one.

He returned the egg and picked up another, but no matter how many times he switched, Qinghu did not spare a single glance.

After leaving the shop, Ning Qi lowered his voice and asked Qinghu, “Why didn’t you even look at those eggs just now?”

“Weren’t you the one picking out the eggs?” Qinghu retorted in exasperation.

“But I want to pick a really promising egg. Was there a good one among those? If there was, let’s go back. Just tell me which one is best and I’ll buy it,” Ning Qi said.

“How do you know I can spot a promising egg?” Qinghu eyed him with suspicion.

“Qinghu, you’re the one who picked out the Radiant Sparrow—the hand of the gods!” Ning Qi flattered her earnestly.

“I know you’re just flattering me for the sake of your precious eggs, but I’m still delighted to hear it,” Qinghu replied, grinning from ear to ear.

Qingjin smiled.

Qingzhen covered her face, unable to watch. That smile was just too silly.

“Then I’ll tell you. None of those eggs were suitable. The best was the first one they brought out—the Radiant Goldencrystal Fowl’s egg—but unfortunately, it lacks potential. The trace of phoenix blood is far too thin. It won’t ever transform, which means it’ll remain a chicken its whole life,” Qinghu explained. “Unless, of course, someone used divine power to force its evolution, like with the Whirlwind Sparrow becoming a Radiant Sparrow.”

But why would she waste her divine power on that?

“So only eggs with the potential to become phoenixes are worth it?” Ning Qi asked, excitement trembling in his voice.

“Of course.”

“So those four Radiant Sparrows—all of them might one day become Radiant Phoenixes?” His voice shook with emotion.

“Absolutely.”

Radiant Phoenixes! If the human race ever had Radiant Phoenixes as spirit beasts, they would no longer be the weakest at the bottom of the food chain.

“Let’s hurry then—I must find an egg with the chance to become a phoenix,” Ning Qi insisted.

But while the dream was beautiful, reality was harsh. They shopped until nearly nightfall, visiting every large store, but could not find a single egg with the potential to transform into a phoenix. Even the egg of the Frostfire Phoenix-bird, which Qinghu had sensed earlier, had already been bought by someone else.

Poor Ning Qi truly did not have the luck of the phoenix.

There was nothing to be done. Qingjin and the others consoled the crestfallen Ning Qi, then everyone packed their things and headed for the dock.

At the dock, a large wooden ship was moored. Over twenty dockworkers bustled about the ship, loading and unloading cargo crates under the foremen’s direction. The loading was nearly finished, and most of the workers were now checking inventory.

Under the arrangements of a middle-aged supervisor, Ning Qi and his group boarded the ship. They were assigned to three cabins: Qinghu and Xiaobai shared one; Qingjin and Ning Qi another; Qingzhen, with Jiuquan and Qingquan, occupied the largest suite.

As soon as Qinghu boarded, bubbles began rising from the water below.

One little fish head after another popped up.

Qinghu opened the wooden window and saw schools of baby fish gathered below.

She eagerly waved to them. After several days apart, Qinghu found that the fish had grown much bigger—each was now as long as one and a half handbreadths.

What delicious treats had they been eating? Their lives seemed even better than hers.

She was speechless.

Qinghu quickly communicated with the baby fish.

It turned out they had entered an underground river, which was like a paradise beneath the water, teeming with delectable food. In particular, there were some large creatures that, having no natural enemies, had grown lazy—their swimming was sluggish and the baby fish could catch them with ease.

Qinghu felt a pang of sorrow—while the fish feasted, she had missed out.

“No, I have to go find my brother and have him buy some spirit liquid. The ship hasn’t left yet,” Qinghu said, sending the fish off before rushing to her brother’s cabin.

She had barely entered when she saw a beautiful young lady sitting inside.

The young woman seemed a little nervous, blushing when she glanced at Qingjin.

“Brother?” Qinghu hurried to her brother’s side, curiously studying the young lady across from him.

“Hello, I’m Chai Ning. My family owns this merchant fleet,” the young lady greeted her.

“Sister, I’m Shen Qinghu, and this is my brother Shen Qingjin. That’s his friend, Ning Kunlun,” Qinghu introduced them all.

“I see.” The young lady blushed again. “I heard you planned to buy a batch of spirit liquid. My family happens to be transporting a lot of spirit liquid to Wuding City this trip. A deal is a deal, no matter who it’s with. We might as well sell it to you—it’ll save us some space and let us carry other goods.”

“That’s great! Sister, how much is your spirit liquid?” Qinghu asked eagerly.

Qingjin looked at her and smiled helplessly.

The young lady smiled at Qinghu as well. “Six thousand red gold coins per jin. It’s pure spirit liquid—nothing added.”

“People adulterate spirit liquid?” Qinghu asked, puzzled.

“Yes, if you mix a lot of spirit spring water into it, you can’t really tell by looking. But if you taste it, you’ll know. Diluted spirit liquid doesn’t have the same pure spiritual energy or lack of miasma as the real thing.”

“Really?” Qinghu asked in wonder.

“Yes, really,” the young lady replied with a smile.

“Sister, is it alright if we don’t settle the bill with red gold coins? Would you accept this in exchange for spirit liquid?” Qinghu turned over her little pouch and produced a golden cicada shell.