Chapter 104: Divided into Several Shares

Nie Xingyuan glanced at the newcomer with an expression utterly indifferent—far from the warmth he showed when alone with Ji Jiuxuan and the others, yet somewhat more approachable than with a complete stranger.

“Still the same as always, dreadfully boring,” said the beauty, casting a flirtatious glance toward Ji Jiuxuan’s seat, her eyes irresistibly captivating. “Is this the daughter of Sister Qi?”

Ji Jiuxuan was momentarily stunned by the coquettish look; she found this beauty remarkably charismatic and strangely familiar. “Hello, beautiful sister. My name is Ji Jiuxuan.”

Judging from the junior uncle’s attitude, this woman was acquainted with them and on good terms.

Si Kong Chanyan chuckled at the address. “I like being called that, but you can’t call me sister—you should call me aunt instead.”

With a playful look at Nie Xingyuan, she added, “If you call me sister, that would make me the junior’s elder, and that I won’t allow.”

Nie Xingyuan’s expression remained unchanged as he looked at Ji Jiuxuan and spoke gently, “Si Kong Chanyan, the manager of Jinda Restaurant in Liangzhou City.”

Being entrusted with such responsibility over Liangzhou’s assets, this person was undoubtedly capable. Ji Jiuxuan felt she was no ordinary figure. “Hello, Aunt Yan. I’m Ji Jiuxuan. You can call me Ajiu, just like my junior uncle and senior sisters do.”

As they spoke, the waiter brought out the dishes they had ordered earlier, and Ji Jiuxuan was immediately drawn in by the sumptuous spread on the table.

Yet, because Si Kong Chanyan was present, she remained reserved—after all, she still cared about maintaining her image in public.

“Try this dish; it’s quite good,” Nie Xingyuan noticed her hesitance and used the serving chopsticks to pick some for her.

“Thank you, junior uncle.”

The waiter left, and Si Kong Chanyan picked up a wine glass and poured a cup. “Today we have many honored guests. I’m delighted. I’ll drink first; you all, please feel free.”

As she downed the cup, Ji Jiuxuan sensed a boldness in her demeanor.

Nie Xingyuan looked at her, then raised his glass and drank decisively. This further convinced Ji Jiuxuan that the two were long-acquainted.

“The items you asked me to inquire about will all be at the auction,” Si Kong Chanyan said just as Nie Xingyuan refilled his cup. “Thank you.”

He drank even more decisively this time. Such confidence from Nie Xingyuan made Si Kong Chanyan smile. “You’ll have to see for yourself, though. After all, our master refiner’s eye for quality is unmatched.”

Watching Si Kong Chanyan’s every move, Ji Jiuxuan thought, what a rare beauty she was. How did her second uncle manage to persuade this woman to willingly become the manager of Jinda Restaurant?

“Well, I must be going now.” Si Kong Chanyan blew a flirtatious glance at Ji Jiuxuan. “Little Ajiu, my performance later will be quite a sight. Be sure to watch.”

With that, Si Kong Chanyan vanished, leaving behind a lingering sweet fragrance.

Ji Jiuxuan turned to her senior sister and junior uncle. “Aunt Yan has a performance?”

“Hmm, Ajiu wants to watch?” Nie Xingyuan’s fingers brushed lightly with spiritual energy, and the door opened.

Gentle sounds of silk and bamboo filled the air—music faint yet enchanting. Having been closed earlier, no sound had been heard from outside, but now the scenery beyond the door instantly brightened their eyes.

Seated, they watched Si Kong Chanyan and several other women floating in the courtyard, their dance graceful and delicate. Their exquisite costumes accentuated their enchanting allure.

The surrounding glow of sunset painted the sky, and aided by an array formation, the entire scene exuded an ethereal, fairy-like beauty.

Ji Jiuxuan couldn’t help but step outside, leaning against the railing to watch the dance.

Since coming to this world, this was her first time witnessing such a performance.

Meng Jiao came up to her and smiled, “If you like it, it will be here for some time. The auction will be even livelier and more spectacular.”

Ji Jiuxuan’s anticipation grew.

“Come on, let’s go inside to eat and watch. Today’s fare is quite excellent.”

Meanwhile, in the space, the spectral figure looked up at the great black dragon in the void, frowning. “That aura?”

Long Xuan studied him seriously. “Yes. I’ve already sensed it; it’s in Liang City. It will appear at the auction.”

He couldn’t help but show some disdain. “Though it’s not the most expensive item, anything appearing at the auction surely has great value. Are you really going to let Ajiu handle it?”

With partial memories, he felt embarrassed. “Your memories should include where you hid the secret stash of money. Find it; it will belong to Ajiu sooner or later.”

If not for his face being unable to fully express emotion, the spectral figure would likely be very displeased. “What secret stash?”

He suspected his memory loss was the worst among them all. “Tell me, how many parts were we divided into back then?”

Why did he lose his memories? Why was his soul split into several fragments scattered across the mortal world? Now, he didn’t even know how many pieces there were.

“There should be five parts, excluding you and me.”

Their separation wasn’t like the traditional three souls and seven spirits but evenly divided—each holding a portion of the memories.

The spectral figure had never imagined that one fragment of his soul would reside inside a spirit beast’s egg.

“Can we merge now?” Long Xuan was impatient. Staying inside the black dragon’s body, though the original dragon soul was dormant, didn’t affect him, but only after merging could his strength increase. Many tasks awaited him.

“No,” the spectral figure refused again. “The culprit who caused all this may still be lurking.”

This was his intuition. Although his memories were wiped and he couldn’t recall the events, he was certain.

He looked seriously at Long Xuan. “What exactly happened back then? Can you tell me?”

Then he smiled wryly. “But I know my own nature—knowing now wouldn’t help anyway.”

“That’s good enough. If you don’t remember where the secret stash is, then help Ajiu earn money. Otherwise, how can you face her? Searching for five soul fragments won’t be easy, and since Ajiu is still young and hasn’t grown strong yet, if she falls again, she may vanish from this world.”

The spectral figure instinctively cared for Ji Jiuxuan, while Long Xuan maintained his rationality and protective nature—though separated, they were now independent beings.

Perhaps the spectral figure carried more weight, as even Long Xuan instinctively heeded his words.

“Understood.” The spectral figure fell silent.

Helping the little girl accumulate wealth was something he had to consider carefully. His strength needed to grow quickly—he sensed danger drawing nearer.

Before Ji Jiuxuan could visit the Ji family’s villa, Ji Xiuqi arrived early.

Seeing the pretty girl before him, Ji Xiuqi approached confidently, smiling brightly. “You must be little Ajiu, my younger cousin! I’m Ji Xiuqi.”

Meeting his sincere smile and clear eyes, Ji Jiuxuan’s first impression was of a passionate young man.

“Hello, big brother!”

Ji Jiuxuan’s heart swelled with joy at the spirited greeting. Ji Xiuqi paused briefly, then laughed happily. “Second and third brothers must be extremely envious. Little sister, do you want to go out and play? Big brother will take you.”

At this moment, he wished he could whisk the girl away to the South Sea shore. Her mother and family would surely be overjoyed.

(End of chapter)