"I'll take these. Get them packed," Yi Chen said while pointing at a particular set of robes to the nearby staff.

"Yes, sir," the staff collected those robes and went to the counter to get them wrapped.

Turning his head to his right, he noticed a weird expression on Feng Ning's face and asked, "Is there a matter, Miss Ning?"

"Uhm…" Feng Ning hesitated a little but then decided to let her thoughts out, "It's just that Brother Chen has a unique taste in clothing…"

"Unique? In what way?" He asked, wanting to know what was going on in her mind.

"Well, most people around our age like flashy clothing, it's the same with me," Feng Ning waved her hand as the sleeves of her yellow hanfu ruffled in the air and continued, "So…to see Brother Chen buy such dull coloured robes I couldn't help but feel confused,"

"Well, I just chose those robes because of their darker shade. With such a colour, I won't need to keep washing them and can wear them for a long time, thus saving time for cultivation," Yi Chen said as if it were only natural.

"Ah…so it's like this," The smile on Feng Ning's face stiffened when she heard his reasoning.

Forcing herself to maintain a pleasant expression, she replied the next moment, "B-Brother Chen really is conscious about saving time…"

'Would he even stop bathing to save time…' A question suddenly rose in her mind, but not wanting to offend Yi Chen, she didn't ask it.

"Well, since I'm only at the First Level of Meridian Refinement, I have no choice but to be conscious of it," Yi Chen answered with a smile, not understanding that his impression in Feng Ning's eyes had fallen considerably.

"…I see," Feng Ning nodded politely while subconsciously increasing her distance from Yi Chen's body.

The two soon reached the counter and started talking about a few miscellaneous things while waiting for Qin Yao and Feng Min to arrive.

"Brother Chen, I think it would be better if you register yourself as an external disciple and apply for the clan tournament," Feng Ning stated after a while.

"Hm? Didn't you say that since I was not at the third level, I won't be able to be of much help to the clan?" Yi Chen asked inquisitively, thinking back to her earlier words.

"That's true," She didn't mince her words and instead stated, "With your cultivation level, you will indeed be unable to make a difference. However, I'm making this suggestion not for the clan's benefit but for yours."

"Benefits? What kind of benefits?" Yi Chen's curiosity was stoked by her words, and he asked.

"Since there are only eight spots for First Level Meridian Refinement Stage cultivators per clan, our clan will be conducting a knockout tournament for their selection so that the eight cultivators selected will be the best of the clan.

As a First-level Meridian Refinement Cultivator, it's a very good opportunity for you to exchange pointers with cultivators who are at the same level as you without putting your life in danger. Using those learnings, you can analyse the gaps in yourself and work towards them early on."

Feng Ning explained.

'…and if there's something really special about you, then you would definitely be able to secure one of these eight spots," she thought to herself. By this method, not only would Yi Chen benefit, but her doubts would also be answered.

"I see, so it's like that," Yi Chen stroked his chin in thought and said the next moment, "I'll take Miss Ning's words into account and think about it."

Yi Chen neither agreed nor disagreed verbally. However, in his mind, he had already discarded her suggestion the moment he heard it.

"Yes, do that. Since the clan tournament will start in three months, the clan will be conducting this knockout match soon," Feng Ning informed when she heard his reply, to which Yi Chen responded with only a nod.

'I have no time to waste on such frivolous things. I need to cultivate and raise my proficiency in the Crimson Fire Arts.

And just what pointers can I even learn from competing with those First Level Meridian Refinement Stage cultivators? With my physical strength, I can even defeat a Ninth Level Meridian Refinement Stage Cultivator…' Yi Chen thought to himself dismissively.

It was right at that time that both Qin Yao and Feng Min returned to the counter.

"Sister Ning, Look!" Feng Min showed a nicely embroidered Qipao to Feng Ning and asked, "How's it? Brother Qin chose it for me."

"It looks beautiful on you. Junior Brother Qin indeed has a good choice," Feng Ning praised while smiling gently towards Qin Yao.

"Thank you…" He answered while looking to the side, clearly embarrassed because of the compliment.

It was at that moment that Yi Chen's attention went to a nearly folded light green robe that Qin Yao was holding in his hand.

"Did Miss Min choose this for you?" he asked the next moment.

"Yes…she did. I also liked the design," Qin Yao commented while glancing towards Feng Min with a smile. A hint of awkwardness was still there on his face, but it was clear that they had bonded a little during this duration.

"Hehe, I chose it because I knew it would suit well with Brother Qin's disposition. I'm glad that you like it."

"Yes, t-thank for that," Qin Yao thanked with a pursed smile.

'Looks like things have progressed a little between them," Yi Chen thought to himself and couldn't help but feel satisfied.

The clothes were soon packed by the staff and were handed to them in separate packets.

"See you later then, Brother Qin," Feng Min cheerfully waved her hand towards Qin Yao.

"Y-yes, see you later," Qin Yao waved his hand back at her awkwardly.

"We'll meet again soon, Brother Chen. Goodbye," Feng Ning told Yi Chen with a smile.

"Yes, goodbye," Yi Chen answered with a casual smile and saw them leave.

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