Chapter Eleven: It Is Rather Forward

Frowning, she realized that with her current strength, even protecting herself was far too difficult. In truth, Xuanxuan was simply overthinking things. In the Federation, who could walk around with their mech activated at all times? Even Wan Qi Lianhao couldn’t openly operate a mech and strut up and down the Federation’s streets. Without the aid of mechs, people’s abilities weren’t nearly as formidable as she imagined.

But Xuanxuan didn’t know that. Her mind was filled with awe and an urgent desire to grow stronger. “Kitty, how much money do I have?”

“Xuanxuan, my little master, since your intelligent brain is one of the highest-grade models, upon entering the Star Net, you are gifted ten thousand Star Coins.”

Ten thousand? Back then, ten thousand gold coins wasn’t a huge sum, but it was still considerable—enough to support a wealthy family for a year. She wondered about the purchasing power of ten thousand Star Coins here. “Where can I buy plants?”

“Green World offers the widest variety, gathering every plant registered in the Federation. Location locked in, ready for teleportation at any time.”

“Confirm teleportation.” Teleportation was unique to the Star Net. Within a planet’s city limits, one could choose a location for instant transfer. But beyond the city, teleportation had to be done at designated places. Interplanetary transfers were even more troublesome; each planet had only a few cities equipped for such teleportation, which took time and cost a considerable amount.

Staring at the crystal-made world before her, it was hard to imagine plants sold in such a place. At the entrance, a greeter approached, “Hello, is there anything I can help you with?”

She tilted her head; the service in this world was astonishing. If someone from such an era were to travel to the Mata Continent, they’d surely become the wealthiest person there—without exception. The money of those nobles was so easy to earn, just catering to their tastes.

She shook her head, indicating she needed nothing; it was better not to draw attention to what she intended to buy. Her mental power dispersed, and she quickly located what she needed. Yet, the prices shocked her. Were the people of the Federation truly so wealthy, or was Federation currency worth so little? Everything was so expensive!

Mumbling to herself, she recited the names: Golden Dragon Grass, Oleander, Vermilion Fruit, Fire Dragon Flower… Still, she was too poor. Where could she make money? Maybe she should buy just one batch, then sell it? That sounded promising, but would it be enough? Volcano Potion? That seemed decent. Fire Dragon Flower cost one thousand Star Coins, Star Grass only one hundred, plus two portions of Thick Ganoderma Leaves for another hundred. She didn’t need other materials; a single crystal beaker would suffice, and she’d buy a crystal bottle to store the finished potion. Looking at the equipment section, this vase resembled a beaker—four hundred Star Coins. A set of crystal bottles cost three hundred eighty, saving her twenty coins.

Xuanxuan made her way up, purchasing equipment on the first floor, Star Grass and Thick Ganoderma Leaves on the second, leaving her with one thousand twenty Star Coins. She headed to the third floor for the Fire Dragon Flower. Grasping it, she thought—this was it. Her first potion in this world was about to be made. Hmm?

Just as her hand closed around the Fire Dragon Flower, another hand touched it. It was slender and beautiful, translucent as crystal, though the palm had faint calluses and was very cold. The chill raised goosebumps on Xuanxuan’s skin, but the hand quickly withdrew, showing tact.

Seeing the other hand retreat, Xuanxuan promptly used her intelligent brain to pay. She had spent all her money here, and there was only this one Fire Dragon Flower left. Without it, she couldn’t make her Volcano Potion, and she didn’t have enough money for another batch. Securing the flower, she prepared to leave, carefully storing it before turning away.

“Please wait.” A low, slightly husky voice called from behind.

Xuanxuan knew it was the owner of that hand but did not turn around. She was unwilling to give up the flower. Before she could react, a man’s figure blocked her path. She was displeased; standing before her, she could only look up to his chest. Raising her head, she arched her brow—a very handsome, intriguing man. At first glance, his looks weren’t the kind that stunned, but every feature was flawless, his face remarkably harmonious. He was certainly the kind of man who grew more attractive the longer one looked.

His eyes were a deep black, ink-like and bottomless, drawing one in like a mysterious pool. Though not as exquisitely beautiful as her father, there was a unique charm to him.

“Forgive my boldness. If possible, may I ask you to transfer that flower to me?”

Xuanxuan stepped back—having to look up at someone was tiring. She nodded earnestly, “Yes, it’s quite bold.”

The man seemed at a loss, not skilled with words and unsure how to respond. “I know it’s bold, but I really need that flower.”

“I need it too,” Xuanxuan replied seriously.

Before her stood a man, wrapped tightly so only his blue eyes showed, his earnest expression making him feel as if he were being unreasonable. But if he weren’t in urgent need, he wouldn’t have stopped her so rudely. “If you aren’t in a hurry, I can help you find another. The flower isn’t rare, but I need it now.”

After thinking it over, Xuanxuan nodded to show she was indeed in a hurry.

The man shook his head helplessly. “Sorry for disturbing you.”

Xuanxuan saw him nod and prepare to leave. She said, “I think you’re not in as much of a hurry as you claim.”

He glanced at her but said nothing, turning away. Xuancha considered—this man wasn’t so bad, quite polite in fact. The great Alchemist showed mercy, saying, “If I were you, I’d buy that green plant with red-edged leaves over there. Go home, boil it for an hour, and you’ll rid yourself of the chill in your body.”

The man paused, surprise flickering in his eyes. He instinctively looked at the green plant, then back—only to find the girl, bundled up tightly, had already disappeared.