Chapter 782

Chapter 782: Young Master Hai Biqing

After several rounds of selection, Lolan Hill tried on a series of intricate long dresses.

“I find them all beautiful, I can’t decide which one to choose,” Aitexi said, looking at Lolan Hill sitting in front of the mirror, her heart filled with indecision.

At this moment, the young lady was wearing a complex Lolita dress in light blue and white, with a hat adorned with multiple layers of lace decorations resembling an arched surface, tied by two slender ribbons that met under her chin, forming an elegant bow.

The upper body of the dress was a light blue base with a complex design, with the shoulders deliberately puffed up, and the collar like lotus leaves. The chest was decorated with vertical white lace trim, and the cuffs were like blooming flowers, revealing pure white lining, with lace edges. The interplay of light blue and pure white displayed the intricate layers of the dress.

Below was a wide skirt supported by whalebone, with silk-made blue and white roses, occasionally revealing small leather shoes beneath while walking.

Such an outfit made Lolan Hill look much younger; if she claimed to be the same age as Ye Ling, people might believe her.

“Alright, let’s buy these five outfits. That should be enough,” Aitexi finally decided after much contemplation.

“If we buy more, we won’t have enough space to store them on the ship. The conditions on board aren’t comparable to those on land.”

Finally, when the sky turned dusky, they bought several sets of clothes and returned home.

The harbor bathed in crimson light under the setting sun. Compared to the morning, it was much quieter now, with some people resting on wooden boxes nearby.

“When will the Dynasty open up new trade routes? The profits have been much lower these past few years,” a worker complained to his companion.

“Don’t even think about it. Haven’t you heard? A strange giant octopus has appeared near the Pearl Islands, sinking many ships. Even the disciples sent to fight it suffered losses, and several died.”

“Now, the Blue Wave Sky Ocean Pavilion is organizing another expedition, led by Young Master Hai Biqing.”

“Didn’t he just return from participating in the Crimson Tower Sword Duel in Luo Capital?”

“Hush, I heard he didn’t do well in the competition this time, so he came back quietly without making a fuss.”

“Isn’t Young Master Hai Biqing the most outstanding genius of the Blue Wave Sky Ocean Pavilion? His grandfather is also a high-ranking elder there. How could he not achieve good results in the sword duel?”

“Who knows? This world is vast, not just limited to Longquan Bay. It’s common for geniuses to fail in competitions.”

“Considering his prideful nature, he must have been disappointed and wants to do something else to regain face.”

“Indeed, Young Master Hai is currently at Sequence 7, which isn’t bad. It’s just bad luck. If he leads Longquan Bay in the future, most people would still be convinced.”

“If he advances to Sequence 8 in the ocean sequence, he’ll open up a new path for cultivation. Many extraordinary beings practicing the ocean sequence would seek advice from the Sky Ocean Pavilion. That would involve countless favors and alliances.”

“That’s true. But how do you know so much about this, and think so far ahead? You surprise me.”

“Haha, don’t judge me by my current state. I used to work in a large trading company, but I had to escape due to some trouble. This brings us back to the upheaval in Yubeile ten years ago.”

Yubeile’s upheaval, Lolan Hill recalled the changes in Vergha after the chaos in Hope Lane. Not only Hope Lane, but Yubeile also experienced significant turmoil. Several large trading companies collapsed. This man probably worked for one of them.

She noted down his appearance and characteristics, planning to inquire later.

The next day, after getting up from her comfortable bed, Lolan Hill changed into a light white blouse and skirt. Today, she planned to meet the manager of Longquan Bay, who was also the head of the Zhenhai Office.

This office was subordinate to the Summer Ministry, overseeing maritime trade, taxation, and passage documents. Since they needed to set sail, they naturally had to report here first.

A light blue carriage left the courtyard, exited the alley, and entered the main road towards the Zhenhai Office.

“Stop!” Just before reaching the gate, several guards in sea-blue metal armor blocked the carriage.

“This is the Zhenhai Office. Unauthorized individuals are not allowed to enter!”

Despite the luxurious carriage indicating the owner’s wealth, the guards remained unmoved.

Longquan Bay was home to numerous trading companies and wealthy individuals, many times more than other regions. They were accustomed to this, but even the wealthiest had to submit to the Dynasty’s rule, acknowledging its power over wealth.

The side door of the carriage opened, and two beautiful elf maids stepped out gracefully. Then, a pair of delicate white hands emerged, followed by silver hair cascading behind. A dreamlike beauty walked out slowly, stunning the guards for a few seconds.

“Hello, may I ask you to deliver this invitation to the head of the Zhenhai Office?” Lolan Hill handed over a gold-embossed invitation.

Seeing the golden invitation, the guards were startled. Such paper was reserved for royal use and rarely forged.

“Sir, please wait a moment.” Carefully taking the invitation, the guards quickly entered the office.

Watching this, the young lady shook her head inwardly. No wonder Aitexi wanted her to handle this. Without a position within the Dynasty, dealing with such offices would be difficult.

Soon, an official dressed in white dragon-patterned robes appeared. He looked like a man in his forties, in his prime.

“Greetings, Lady Golden Sparrow Witch.”

The customs officer bowed respectfully. News of the Dynasty’s appointment of the Golden Sparrow Witch had spread widely via flying dragon messengers. He naturally received the message, but he hadn’t expected her to arrive so soon at Longquan Bay in the west.

If she were merely one of the Four Blessings, Wind Blessing, she would only be considered a major figure within the Spring Ministry. But with the title of Golden Sparrow Witch, it was different.

Although this title was honorary, it allowed her to participate in court discussions. The Golden Sparrow Witch coordinated the dragon veins across the land, influencing many affairs. This was why he respected her greatly. Additionally, she bore the surname Luo, though without a princess title, she was nearly considered part of the royal family by many officials.

“There’s no need for such formality. Please come in.” Lolan Hill glanced around, seeing few people nearby, then led the elf maids into the Zhenhai Office.

Inside the spacious courtyard, two rows of disciplined guards stood, each holding trident halberds, all at Sequence 4 or higher.

Under their welcome, Lolan Hill and her companions entered the main hall. Before her eyes was a young man in sea-blue attire.

Hai Biqing, the current top young talent of the Blue Wave Sky Ocean Pavilion, designated successor for the next leader, Sequence 7 · Seven Treasure Coral Jade, specializing in summoning waves and crafting treasures.

As he saw Lolan Hill enter, his eyes gradually filled with surprise.

(End of Chapter 782)