Chen Chang'an: I Do Have Some Status

"Ten thousand?"

Chen Chang'an's words left both Shen Yunfei and Sun Niantang momentarily stunned.

Shen Yunfei knew how long Chen Chang'an had been here, but he hadn’t expected him to have already accumulated so many spirit stones?

As for Sun Niantang, his surprise stemmed from sensing Chen Chang'an's ignorance—was ten thousand really a lot?

"Do you know that the Celestial Pride Pavilion has another name?"

"It's called the 'Money Pit.'"

"The meaning is, if you want to live well, eat well, and spend spirit stones like water, this is the place."

"Ten thousand low-grade spirit stones may seem like a lot, but it’s far from enough."

"An ordinary room costs five hundred low-grade spirit stones per night."

"Even if all four of you qualify for the basic rooms, that’s two thousand low-grade spirit stones a day."

"Ten thousand would only last you five days."

"And don’t even think about the courtyards—those cost five thousand low-grade spirit stones a day."

"Besides, now that you’re here at the Celestial Pride Pavilion, don’t you want to try the delicacies?"

"They’re not just delicious but also infused with vast, pure spiritual energy."

"Though, they’re even more expensive than lodging. Most people can’t afford them."

After saying this, Sun Niantang immediately regretted it. He had originally planned to take advantage of Shen Yunfei’s unfamiliarity with the place to enjoy a free meal.

But now that he’d spilled the truth, would Shen Yunfei still treat him to a feast here?

Shen Yunfei wasn’t a fool—he could see right through Sun Niantang’s little scheme. With a bitter smile, he said, "I’ve saved up some over the years, but most of it went into cultivation."

"Right now, I only have about thirty thousand low-grade spirit stones on hand."

"This is the tragedy of having no backing."

Shen Yunfei had no background or connections. Everything he had, he earned through sheer effort. When he first ascended to the Ancient Immortal Realm, he was full of ambition, thinking that his talent alone would let him thrive without relying on anyone.

Little did he know, this place was worlds apart from the Tai Xuan Realm. If given another chance, he would never have turned down the Zhou family’s offer back then.

He felt like he had missed a real opportunity to rise—a powerful backer.

"Maybe we should just go somewhere else," Shen Yunfei said helplessly.

"No need. We’re staying here at the Celestial Pride Pavilion."

"Did you not hear what we just said?"

"This isn’t a place you can stay just because you want to. You need spirit stones."

"I said I have them."

"Ten thousand low-grade spirit stones won’t get you far."

"Who said anything about ten thousand low-grade spirit stones?"

At this, Shen Yunfei and Sun Niantang froze. Not low-grade? Could it be mid-grade?

If it were ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones, that would indeed be enough—but still… How could he possibly have that much?

"Brother Shen, let’s go."

Chen Chang'an wasn’t particularly fond of Sun Niantang, so naturally, he didn’t feel like engaging with him further.

As for treating him?

Joke. Why would he spend his spirit stones on someone like that?

"Brother Chen, are you sure you really have enough?" Shen Yunfei asked in disbelief.

"Have I ever lied to you?"

"Didn’t you trick me enough back in the Tai Xuan Realm?"

Shen Yunfei’s words made Chen Chang'an slightly embarrassed, reminding him of certain events from their past.

"Ahem, that’s all in the past. No need to bring it up," Chen Chang'an coughed lightly, trying to brush it off.

"Oh, we have to bring it up. I need the truth this time—I don’t want you selling me out again," Shen Yunfei said warily.

Selling him out again?

Hearing this, Qingluan and Xiao Yao grew curious, eager to know what had happened back then.

Da Huang, meanwhile, was barely holding back laughter—Shen Yunfei had been thoroughly scammed by Chen Chang'an in the past.

"Da Huang, do you know?" Xiao Yao asked.

"Da Huang!"

"Cough—brother, I didn’t say anything."

Chen Chang'an’s reaction only deepened Qingluan and Xiao Yao’s curiosity, but Da Huang clearly didn’t dare speak further.

"You don’t know, do you?"

"Back then, this guy right here—"

"Do you still want to eat well or not?"

"Uh… you’re not lying to me, are you?"

"Stop wasting time."

Chen Chang'an didn’t bother explaining further and strode straight toward the Celestial Pride Pavilion. Shen Yunfei quickly followed.

Sun Niantang frowned, hesitated for a moment, then decided to tag along out of curiosity.

"I refuse to believe you actually have that many spirit stones."

"You’re only at the peak of the Quasi-Immortal Realm," Sun Niantang muttered before following them.

"Esteemed guests, welcome!"

"How may we assist you today?"

"You’re aware of our rules here at the Celestial Pride Pavilion, yes?"

The attendant was polite, with none of the arrogance one might expect from such a prestigious establishment.

"Of course."

"My friend here qualifies for the Celestial Pride Ranking, so he meets the requirements, correct?"

"We’ll take one of the courtyards—ten days to start." Chen Chang'an said casually.

The attendant glanced at Chen Chang'an, then at Shen Yunfei, puzzled. Why was the weakest cultivator in the group calling the shots?

"May I ask which tier of courtyard you’d prefer?"

"We have three options: the standard costs five thousand low-grade spirit stones per day."

"The mid-tier is ten thousand, and the premium is twenty thousand per day."

Huh?

So there were three tiers? Seems Sun Niantang didn’t know as much as he pretended.

"If we’re staying, we’ll take the best."

"Twenty thousand a day."

"Ten days upfront."

Shen Yunfei was dumbfounded. So was Sun Niantang, who had just caught up. Twenty thousand a day? Ten days?

That was two hundred thousand low-grade spirit stones! How could this kid be so rich?

"Very well. Please make the payment first, young master."

"No problem."

Chen Chang'an casually produced two hundred thousand low-grade spirit stones, leaving Shen Yunfei and Sun Niantang utterly shocked.

So many spirit stones!

How could he possibly have this much?

"Oh, one more thing."

"If someone doesn’t qualify for the Celestial Pride Ranking, can they still stay here?" Chen Chang'an asked after handing over the payment.

"Not necessarily. Those with status or influence are also welcome," the attendant replied with a smile.

Hearing this, Chen Chang'an nodded, then glanced back at Sun Niantang.

Under his gaze, Sun Niantang’s face burned with humiliation. Was this kid mocking him for pretending to know everything?

"What are you looking at?"

"Was anything I said wrong?"

"You don’t qualify to stay here."

"Unless, of course, you’re someone important?" Sun Niantang snapped.

"Funny you should mention that—I do have status. Xiao Yao."

"Listen carefully. This is the Huan Hua Immortal Sect’s Grand Elder. Is that enough?"