709: Guided Through Riches

Guided Through Riches

Ming Yue looked at them with a slightly stunned look, not knowing what to say. She furrowed one of her brows, looking at this young man smile at her.1

"You... Who are you? How do you know me?"

At a glance, his clothes weren't eye-catching, they were simple white robes with gold accents. The sleeves went past his hands, covering them. The shoulders were cut out, revealing a layer of black robes underneath. 

However, with a closer look, one would find that his uniform was made of some high-quality fabric. It was incredibly smooth and soft with a subtle sheen. It resembled silk but seemed better in every way.

The man himself seemed quite young and thin. His physical appearance was well maintained, with trimmed nails and a neatly tied bun of hair. He seemed quite impeccable. 

In any case, he placed a hand on his chest introducing himself to her.

"You can call me Steward Qu, I have been called to guide you through the Golden Treasure Kingdom."

"I... I see but did you know that I'd be here?" she asked him. 

Steward Qu chuckled before answering. 

"Golden Treasure Kingdom has only one city which is where we are. All roads coming from the outside will end here, merging into a single road that you have been traveling on all this time, the Resplendent Path. As you may have already seen, there are plenty who have set up their businesses outside but among them are secret members of the Guard Watch. They make sure that there is no robbery or cheating around, and they help screen those trying to come in. After all, crimes like fraud are met with severe punishment and banishment from the kingdom", he told her.

"Then what about those doors?"

Ming Yue looked over her shoulder, pointing at the doors of light that she passed through. 

The steward looked in that direction before chuckling. 

"Ah those doors, truthfully, they're just for show. Our ancestors thought they'd add some flare to our appearance but it does deter those looking to do dishonest business. Many believe that they will stop you from entering but it doesn't do any of the sort."

Hearing his explanation, she felt somewhat foolish. She stared at the doors and watched others come in with no real effects. And when her senses reached the doors, she found that there really was nothing special about them. 

After that, she faced the young man who looked at her with a smile. 

"Since you've been tasked to guide me, then please lead the way."

As she said this, Steward Qu nodded, lowering his head.

"As you wish."

Turning around, he raised his hand up, waving a gold handkerchief in his hand. Not even ten seconds passed before a carriage came, pulled by two pure white horses.

Opening the doors, Steward Qu waited for Ming Yue and the two beasts to get on before entering himself. Seating himself closer to the driver, he turned his head over, speaking through a small flap. 

"Take us through the city."

There was a quiet smack as the horses began to move, taking them all away. 

Ming Yue looked around, touching cushioned seats, and looking out of the veiled windows. The scenery moved along in a slow manner. She watched dozens of storefronts and passed by hundreds of people. 

"Now then, as I said before the Golden Treasure Kingdom is actually comprised of one city and connected through only the Resplendent Road. Of course, our borders expand far past these walls but there are only farms, workshops, mines, and other forms of resources and production. All business is conducted within these walls. Because of this, it is the largest single city among the six kingdoms", said the Steward. 

"I see, how do they keep such a city in order?" she asked.

"Ah, that is because the city is separated into different regions, each one forming a guild of its own. If you'd like weapons, you can go to the Arms Guild. There's one for iron, wood, clothes, and many more."

Steward Qu then produced a map and a small booklet from his sleeves, handing them over. 

"If you need to find a certain item, you can refer to these. But aside from that, each guild also has an auction house for rare items as well as a street market for those looking to set up their own little shops. In fact, we're passing by one such market right now and this particular one is for fabric."

He then pointed to the right side of the carriage. 

Ming Yue looked out, lifting the veil enough for her to look through it. Her eyes widened with a bit of surprise. With the road they were on being elevated, she was able to see the extent of such a market.

"This is a market? It's the size of a small city! Just many shops are there?" she muttered. 

The Steward answered her.

"A thousand, there can only be a thousand at a time and even then getting a place is won by lottery."

"Is that so? Then, how many guilds are there?" 

"Nearly a hundred of them but don't think that they can do as they please. Everything is overlooked by the Aurelian Chamber, which is comprised of thirty-six financiers. They are responsible for keeping everything in order. They are the ones who gave the order to have a steward like me guide you through the city and take care of anything you need."

"I see... May I ask you something?" 

Steward Qu smiled and nodded. 

"Of course."

"Since each guild has its own Auction House, is there one that sits above them all?" Ming Yue asked.

He promptly answered the question, pointing towards the front of the carriage. 

"Indeed, we have such an auction house. It is merely known as the 'Chamber of Gold' since the Aurelian Chamber resides at the top of its many floors. Although we're quite far away, you should still be able to see it."

Ming Yue looked out of the carriage and understood what he meant.

Far from them was a tall structure at the center of the city. It towered over everything else and looked as it was touching the clouds. 

"It has a total of 88 floors and holds an auction every day. Each one garners the attention of millions but only those with a certain pass may enter."

Once he said that, Steward Qu handed over a golden badge with the word "Chamber" etched on it. 

Ming Yue held it in her hands looking at it before giving the Steward a look of doubt. 

"This treatment... what is the meaning of this?" she asked him. 

He even saw her hand move towards her sword and quickly raised his hands up as if to surrender. 

"Wait! Wait! There must be a misunderstanding! We re just trying to keep a good relationship with you. This is something we do for all reputable figures!" 

His words came out quickly, trying his best to avoid death. 

"Is that so?" she raised a brow.

"Of course, I'm sure that you have things that you'd like to sell! For us, cultivators tend to hoard many treasures and forget about them. It is beneficial for you to clear up your spatial ring and is good for business! It's true! We're not trying to trick you or anything of that sort!" he told her.

"I see."

Her hand moved away from Blood Moon letting Steward Qu breathe.

"In any case, if you're looking for an exceptionally rare item, the Chamber of Gold will have it."

Ming Yue thought for a bit before looking at the steward. He just barely flinched but managed to keep his composure. 

"If that is the case, would it be possible for you to help me find a certain item?" she asked him. 

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