Today, the atmosphere inside Millings Manor felt a little different.
The dining hall, which had become lively over the past few days, was once again quiet.
The only sounds were those of bowls and chopsticks.
After everyone had eaten for some time, Rose suddenly put down her chopsticks.
"Grandfather, I heard that many people have found spiritual fruits in the forest recently."
"They're saying there aren't many dangerous beasts near the outer regions anymore, and many people have already earned fortunes this week."
She hesitated before continuing.
"I was thinking... maybe I should go and search for some too."
The old master paused midway through his meal. He looked at Rose before shaking his head.
"I've heard the same rumors, but those rumors are already becoming outdated."
"The beasts have started returning to the forest. Every day more hunters are reporting wolf packs and tigers."
"The forest is becoming dangerous again."
He looked at his granddaughter seriously.
"You don't need to risk your life for something like that."
"If you need spiritual fruits, I'll buy them from the pharmacies whenever they're available."
Rose immediately protested.
"No, Grandfather. You don't have to spend so much money."
"I was thinking, if I went myself, I could also train against wild beasts."
"I've already started practicing martial arts."
The old master's expression immediately turned stern.
"Martial arts? You've only been practicing for a short time."
"You're merely a low-grade martial artist. Do you really think that's enough to fight the beasts roaming those mountains?"
He sighed before continuing.
"Even experienced hunters who have spent decades inside those forests lose their lives when they become overconfident."
"What makes you think you're any different?"
Rose lowered her head.
"I..."
She wanted to argue, but seeing the seriousness in her grandfather's face, she swallowed her words.
The rest of the meal passed in silence.
...
After breakfast, everyone returned to their daily routines.
The old master went to the training grounds behind the manor to resume his martial arts practice.
Lady Millings and Eli headed toward the family's remaining shops to inspect the recent business.
The servants busied themselves with their work.
As for Riven, he quietly walked toward the backyard garden.
The flowers he had planted over the past few days had already begun taking root and some had even started blooming.
He sat beneath the old tree where a stone table and several chairs had been placed.
The morning breeze gently stirred the flowers.
It was peaceful.
After a few moments, he heard light footsteps approaching.
Without turning around, he smiled faintly.
"It's a lovely morning, isn't it?"
Rose, who had been quietly following him all the way from the dining hall, stopped in surprise.
She hadn't expected him to notice.
Feeling slightly embarrassed, she slowly walked beneath the tree before sitting opposite him.
She lowered her head and softly traced circles across the stone table with her finger.
After gathering enough courage, she finally spoke.
"Brother, could you accompany me to the forest?"
"If we happen to find spiritual fruits, we can divide them among us."
Riven looked at her with amusement.
"Didn't Grandfather just forbid you from entering the forest?"
Rose pouted slightly.
"But you're a cultivator. The beasts there shouldn't pose any danger to you."
"If you accompany me, Grandpa might agree."
Riven leaned back against the chair.
After a brief silence, he asked,
"Then why not simply buy the fruits from the market?"
Rose immediately shook her head.
"They're too expensive. If we search ourselves, we might find many more, and if we're lucky, we could even earn some money."
Looking at her determined expression, Riven couldn't help smiling.
He slowly stood up.
"Rather than wandering through the mountains hoping fortune smiles upon you, wouldn't it be easier to simply buy what you need?"
Rose looked confused.
"But they're very expensive."
Riven simply waved his hand dismissively.
"If you're worried about money, don't be."
He looked toward the entrance of the garden.
"Let's go."
Rose blinked.
"W-We aren't going to the forest?"
Riven smiled.
"No, we're going shopping."
Although she still didn't understand what he meant, she obediently followed him.
As they walked toward the front courtyard, Riven casually brushed his fingers across the tall weeds growing beside the stone path.
Several leaves quietly disappeared into his sleeve.
Rose noticed it but thought little of it; perhaps cultivators simply had strange habits.
Just as they reached the front gate, Xiaomei happened to notice them.
Seeing both brother and sister leaving together, curiosity immediately appeared on her face.
"Youth Master!"
"Young Miss!"
"Where are you two going?"
Rose smiled.
"We're just heading into the market."
Without waiting for another question, she hurried after Riven.
Xiaomei hesitated for a moment before running after them.
"Wait for me!"
...
The streets of Murong City were as lively as ever.
Compared to several days ago, however, one topic dominated nearly every conversation.
Everywhere they looked, groups of hunters and herb gatherers discussed their latest discoveries.
"I heard Old Chen found another spiritual herb yesterday."
"My cousin found two body-strengthening fruits!"
"They sold for over eight gold coins!"
"Forget herbs. My neighbor almost got eaten by wolves yesterday."
"Serves him right."
"He kept going deeper every day."
The conversations echoed throughout the marketplace.
Many weapon shops displayed freshly sharpened hunting blades.
Several merchants even began selling maps claiming to reveal hidden herb locations.
Whether the maps were genuine or not, no one knew.
The entire city had become consumed by treasure fever.
Rose looked around with sparkling eyes.
"It really looks like everyone is searching for spiritual herbs."
Riven merely nodded.
Eventually, they arrived at the largest pharmacy in the central district.
Unlike ordinary stores, this place was crowded. Several customers argued loudly with the shopkeeper.
"What do you mean one fruit costs twenty gold coins?"
"Yesterday it was twelve!"
The elderly shopkeeper sighed helplessly.
"The supply is limited and everyone wants them. If you don't buy them, someone else will."
Another customer slammed his fist onto the counter.
"This is robbery!"
The shopkeeper remained calm.
"You're free to gather them yourself. But judging by the injuries outside, I doubt you'll save much money."
The angry customer could only grit his teeth before leaving.
Seeing the scene, Rose whispered,
"I told you, they're far too expensive."
Riven stepped forward.
The shopkeeper immediately greeted him politely.
"What can I do for you, Young Master?"
Riven looked toward the display case.
"I'll take five body-strengthening fruits."
The shopkeeper froze.
"Five? Are... are you certain?"
Riven nodded.
The shopkeeper quickly brought out a beautifully crafted wooden box.
Inside rested five crimson fruits that emitted faint spiritual energy.
"They're all freshly harvested."
"The total comes to..."
He hesitated slightly.
"...ninety-eight gold coins."
Even saying the number aloud made the surrounding customers gasp.
Nearly one hundred gold coins.
That amount was enough for an ordinary family to live comfortably for decades.
Rose's face immediately turned pale.
"Brother..."
"We don't need so many; one would be enough."
Several nearby customers also looked toward Riven.
Some secretly wondered whether he would bargain while others simply waited to watch the wealthy young man embarrass himself.
Riven didn't even glance at the price.
He casually reached into his sleeve and placed a small pouch upon the counter.
The heavy sound of gold coins immediately silenced the pharmacy.
The shopkeeper hurriedly counted the payment.
Exactly one hundred gold coins.
Not one coin less.
He respectfully returned two gold coins.
"Young Master, your change."
Riven didn't even look at it.
"Keep it."
The shopkeeper stood there blankly. The surrounding customers stared with widened eyes.
Two gold coins...
Simply left as a tip.
Some people spent years without ever seeing that much money.
Rose looked at her brother speechlessly.
Nearly one hundred gold coins had been spent as casually as buying vegetables.
To Riven, it truly seemed to be nothing.
After taking the wooden box, Riven handed it directly to Rose.
"These are yours."
Rose instinctively hugged the box.
She looked at the five spiritual fruits before looking back at Riven.
For a long moment, she didn't know what to say.
Meanwhile, whispers spread throughout the pharmacy.
"Who are they? Which noble family spends money like that?"
"Five spiritual fruits, without even bargaining."
"That young man must be someone extraordinary."
Ignoring the countless curious gazes around them, Riven calmly walked out of the pharmacy.
Rose hurriedly followed behind, still holding the wooden box tightly in both hands.
As for Xiaomei, she walked behind the siblings with her mouth slightly open.
Even now, she still hadn't recovered from witnessing nearly one hundred gold coins change hands as though they were nothing more than loose silver.