Ning Zhu himself possessed some tailoring skills.

He had stored some primal cloud material with the intention of practicing his craft in the future.

As for these cloud silks, he would first inspect their quality. After confirming they were satisfactory, he would directly refine them into the Cloud Silk Pouch, supplementing the foundation of this magical artifact.

Unbeknownst to Ning Zhu, Zhu Xuanji was not far behind him.

The mask Ning Zhu wore was not particularly potent. It could only slightly conceal him from ordinary cultivators. Many elite cultivators in the Foundation Establishment stage could easily discern flaws in Ning Zhu’s face with a simple spell.

But this was precisely what Ning Zhu intended.

His purpose was to project an image to Nascent Soul cultivators like Zhu Xuanji that he was not skilled at disguising himself.

Since the chaotic battle among the Nascent Soul cultivators, Ning Zhu’s every daily action was a performance, assuming that the Nascent Soul cultivators were constantly observing him.

However, Zhu Xuanji had not followed him into the cloud merchant’s compound.

After merely glancing at Ning Zhu, Zhu Xuanji turned and slipped into an alleyway.

In a dead end, he walked directly forward, then walked right through the wall.

The wall was merely a disguise.

The next moment, Zhu Xuanji entered a small courtyard.

“Brother, it’s been many years. I trust you are well.” A small, youthful boy, who had been waiting for a long time, greeted him with a grin.

His name was Zhu Zhen, a member of the royal family of Nandu.

Unlike Zhu Xuanji, Zhu Zhen had been secretly trained by the royal family from a young age and had spent many years wandering abroad, collecting first-hand intelligence for the royal family.

For the past few years, Zhu Zhen had been in Feiyun Nation, searching for its secrets.

Zhu Xuanji and Zhu Zhen had a close relationship; they had practically grown up together.

Seeing Zhu Zhen, a joyous smile also bloomed on Zhu Xuanji’s face.

He walked up to Zhu Zhen, extended his hands, and clapped Zhu Zhen’s arms vigorously: “Little brother, finally seeing you again! How is it, are you used to the food in Feiyun Nation? I remember you couldn’t eat without spice.”

Zhu Zhen nodded: “Actually, it’s alright. In Feiyun Nation, because it rains year-round and the weather is humid, the dishes themselves are also quite spicy.”

“But their kind of spice is still different from the spice in our Nandu Nation.”

“Ah, it’s a small matter, you get used to it after eating it for a while.”

After speaking, Zhu Zhen led Zhu Xuanji into the house and entertained him warmly.

“This cloud tea is quite extraordinary, harvested from the tea trees in the Boundless Cloud Sea. Have a taste.”

Zhu Xuanji looked at the cup. The cloud tea leaves were slender and silvery white, with a layer of greenish-blue halo, like fine fuzz, covering the tea buds.

He took a gentle sniff.

The tea fragrance was light and unique, like the scent of the mountains and wilderness in the morning mist.

Zhu Xuanji took a sip. The tea soup was clear and translucent, melting upon entering the mouth, instantly giving him a refreshing feeling of being in a sea of clouds.

As the tea soup slowly became sweet in his mouth, the tea flavor gradually became rich, with a subtle sweetness, like the dew contained within the clouds. The taste was layered, full, and mellow.

Finally, Zhu Xuanji exhaled a murky breath, feeling that the tea’s aftertaste was long and sweet, leaving a fragrance in his mouth, like the fresh air after the clouds had dispersed, invigorating his mind and spirit.

Although Zhu Xuanji had traveled extensively, constantly on the move, he was after all from a royal family, a noble, and had considerable skill in tea tasting.

“Indeed, it’s good tea!” Zhu Xuanji praised.

Zhu Zhen laughed heartily: “As long as big brother likes it. Before I leave here and return to the capital, I’ll give you two jin.”

“Don’t think it’s too little.”

“This cloud tea is extremely rare; I only managed to get five jin in total!”

The two chatted while drinking tea, enjoying each other’s company.

Although they hadn’t seen each other for many years, their affection, forged during their upbringing together, had only grown richer with time, like aged fine wine.

After chatting for a while, they discussed future plans.

Zhu Xuanji asked: “Since you’ve returned from Feiyun Nation this time, you shouldn’t be going back in the short term.”

Zhu Zhen nodded: “I’ve received a secret order to return to the capital. It just so happens that this cloud merchant group is coming to Nandu Nation to do business, so I disguised myself as a helper and joined them, essentially hitching a ride.”

“According to the deadline for my previous mission, there’s actually still half a year left.”

“But I think, this time I’m called back, it’s likely because the domestic situation is quite tense. I’ve heard some rumors that the Su family has been acting suspiciously, and the domestic political situation isn’t very stable.”

Zhu Xuanji immediately showed a hint of awkwardness and immediately recounted how he had investigated corruption in Xuanling City, causing the Su family’s reputation to plummet.

Zhu Zhen laughed heartily after hearing this, pointing at Zhu Xuanji: “Old brother, you’re still the same as ever.”

He proactively raised his teacup: “Little brother is inconvenient to drink alcohol now, so I can only use tea instead of wine.”

Their teacups clinked together once, treating the tea as wine, both enjoying themselves immensely.

Zhu Zhen then inquired about Zhu Xuanji’s recent situation.

After briefly informing him, Zhu Xuanji put down his teacup, hesitated for a moment, and then said: “Since you’ve come this time, I want to ask you for a favor.”

Zhu Zhen immediately patted his chest: “Big brother, just say it. If little brother can do it, I will do my utmost!”

Zhu Xuanji showed a hint of struggle on his face, opened his mouth, and after some thought, finally spoke: “I want you to help me investigate someone. After all, your investigation methods are much more varied than mine.”

Zhu Zhen quickly waved his hand: “Big brother, don’t say that. You have the Heavenly Golden Eyes. What disguise can hide from your eyes? Compared to your innate talent, my methods are all acquired through training.”

Zhu Xuanji, however, shook his head: “To be honest, I’ve been reflecting on myself these past few days, wondering if I’ve been too reliant on the Heavenly Golden Eyes.”

“Honestly, if you were to strip away my innate talent, strip away my ability to see through lies, do I truly have the ability to investigate cases?”

Zhu Zhen felt surprised, as Zhu Xuanji’s current demeanor was very different from the impression he had of him.

He had never seen Zhu Xuanji so lacking in confidence.

Then, when he heard the person Zhu Xuanji wanted him to investigate, he couldn’t help but widen his eyes slightly, staring at Zhu Xuanji in disbelief, and asked: “Old brother, are you sure?”

“Letting a Nascent Soul like me investigate a junior at the Qi Cultivation stage?”

“Are you serious?”

Zhu Xuanji slowly nodded, his face serious: “I am serious. Go ahead and investigate; use all your power.”

“Oh, by the way, he’s shopping nearby right now. I’ll take you there.”

At this time, Ning Zhu was browsing in a large shop.

Distinguishing the scale of shops in the Cloud Market was actually very easy; it depended on the height of the shop’s construction.

Feiyun Nation seemed to value height; the taller the building, the higher the status, and this was true for shops as well.

The large shop Ning Zhu was currently in was one of the tallest buildings in the entire Cloud Chamber.

This shop only sold one type of magical artifact or treasure, which was the ‘Traveling Cloud’.

These were practical items that helped cultivators fly and increased their movement ability.

The shop assistant responsible for selling saw Ning Zhu, smiled, and proactively promoted the goods to him.

“Young master, what kind of Traveling Cloud would you like to buy?”

Ning Zhu smiled slightly: “Your store’s goods are dazzling, making me a little overwhelmed. Could you introduce them?”

The shop assistant said: “If young master simply wants to pursue the experience of rapid flight, then I recommend this one, the most classic Traveling Cloud artifact – the Somersault Cloud.”

“The advantage of the Somersault Cloud is that it is very light and flexible, most suitable for beginners. Turning is very sensitive, and it can even roll freely in the air. It’s also very suitable for long-distance travel.”

Ning Zhu looked at the Somersault Cloud.

These Traveling Clouds were generally yellow, some egg yolk yellow, some duck down yellow.

He took a Somersault Cloud and examined it in his hand.

The Somersault Cloud was not as thin and soft as a normal cloud. Instead, its surface was quite tough, like a ball of gluten dough rolled together.

Ning Zhu pressed it with a little force, and the Somersault Cloud凹陷了一點, then quickly sprang back when he released it, showing great resilience.

Ning Zhu returned the Somersault Cloud to the shop assistant.

The shop assistant continued: “If young master wants to fly leisurely and display your elegance.”

“Then, I recommend this Seven-Colored Auspicious Cloud.”

“This type of artifact flies in the air, colorful and dazzling, emitting a soft halo, which is very eye-catching.”

“Although its flying speed is not fast, it is extremely stable. It is rumored that the Seven-Colored Auspicious Cloud can also bring good luck.”

“Imagine, a beautiful woman encounters difficulties and is in a moment of extreme crisis. You step on this Seven-Colored Auspicious Cloud and descend from the sky. Haha.”

“You use a little skill to solve the beautiful woman’s difficulties, and then the beautiful woman actively throws herself into your arms. Isn’t that wonderful?”

Ning Zhu chuckled and shook his head again: “Let me look around more.”

He left the shop assistant and went upstairs.

The higher he went, the higher the quality and grade of the Traveling Clouds.

Soon, Ning Zhu saw a greenish-blue cloud.

This blue cloud had a warm and moist color like jade, floating quietly in mid-air. The cloud vapor did not disperse, gathering into a mass.

But it was not as solidified as the Somersault Cloud; it still carried the ethereal feeling of a cloud.

It was not as ostentatious as the Seven-Colored Auspicious Cloud; the low-key blue was very pleasing to Ning Zhu’s eye.

After all, he was also low-key and had always pursued low-keyness.

The shop assistant nearby saw Ning Zhu and immediately came over with a smile.

However, someone else was faster than him.

“This is the ‘Smooth Sailing’, which flies very steadily and reliably, without any bumps. Generally, middle to high-level personnel in sects use this kind of Traveling Cloud to showcase their identity.”

“It is said that using it can also improve one’s official luck. Of course, I am more inclined to believe that this is just a gimmick set up by the shop to boost sales.”

The person who came beside Ning Zhu was none other than Zhu Xuanji.

Ning Zhu quickly bowed and greeted loudly: “Lord Zhu.”

“Lord Zhu, as expected of the Divine Constable, you are well-versed in the Traveling Clouds of our Feiyun Nation.” The shop assistant’s steps immediately quickened when he saw a Nascent Soul cultivator arrive, and his smile became even more radiant.