Yunzhou, Great Qian Dynasty.
The overall strength of the Great Qian Dynasty was the only secular power that could rival the immortal sects and palaces, making it the most prominent dynasty on the Nine Provinces.
Healthy and prosperous commoners, a powerful military, thriving commerce, resplendent and magnificent architecture...
Any word of praise seemed utterly insignificant the moment one first laid eyes on this dynasty and its royal capital.
“Everyone, please show your passes.”
Amidst the endless sea of clouds, at a magnificent mooring point, armored guards waited to guide each incoming immortal ship.
And here, countless mortals and cultivators sold cultivation resources, novelties, and curiosities... a dazzling array of strange goods that left people dizzy with choice.
“Thank you for your trouble.”
Mo Yan took out the Heavenly Martial Immortal Sect badge. Upon seeing it, the guard respectfully cupped his fists and said, “So you are honored guests from the Heavenly Martial Immortal Sect. Please forgive our lack of a proper welcome.”
Guided by the guard, Mo Yan and the others docked the immortal ship. They then took the Cloud Ladder down, setting foot in the true mortal world.
The next moment.
“Buns! Fresh buns!”
“Honored guest, do you need lodging?”
“Spiritual weapons! Choose any quality you like. Fair prices, honest business for young and old alike!”
“A supreme secret technique! I see you're destined for it, so I'll sell it to you for just ten high-grade spirit stones.”
With its prosperous commercial streets, dazzling arrays of goods, and shouting crowds, even a street wide enough for twelve carriages to ride abreast could not fully capture the massive flow of people.
The uniform pavilions lining both sides of the street displayed their unique specialties at their storefronts. This lively scene stimulated everyone who arrived, whether they were mortals or cultivators.
“I'm home!”
Murong Qing was exceptionally excited. It had been over a year since she joined Xiao Hongye's peak, and she was finally home.
“Junior Brother, you all should head to the Li family first. I will take Qing'er back home,” Xiao Hongye said as she lifted Murong Qing from Wang Xuanyi's shoulders.
When the Ancient Immortal Realm ended, the Murong family had invited them to visit. However, the situation back then had been rather complicated, so they had politely declined.
Now that they had some free time to relax, it was only right for her as a master to visit her disciple's family.
“Go ahead and take care of your matters, Senior Sister. The Li family is also within the royal capital. I'll take Xuanyi and the others for a stroll first before heading over.”
Mo Yan bowed. It had been nearly a thousand years since he last saw his beloved. To say he wasn't excited would be a lie.
“Mhm.”
Xiao Hongye gave a soft hum, covering her face with a light veil. She then led Murong Qing, Leng Ning'an, and the others into the surging crowd, while the little girl waved goodbye to Wang Xuanyi and the rest.
“Xuanyi, let's...”
Mo Yan had barely opened his mouth when an incredibly annoying voice rang out near his ear.
“Zhu Huai! This candied hawthorn is great! It's super sweet!”
“Senior Sister Wenren, this stewed offal is pretty good too.”
“Holy crap! A supreme-grade cultivation technique and martial art!”
“What? You're asking for thirty spirit stones? Even robbing people doesn't make money this fast!”
Such a ridiculous voice sounded just like a country bumpkin who had just entered the city, weaving through the crowds and shouting without a care in the world.
It was itching.
His fists were getting a little itchy.
“Forget it. It wasn't easy for us to get out for once. Just let him be.”
Yunzhou was vast and rich in resources, and it should have been a prosperous land. However, with demon beasts occupying much of it, human territory was scarce, and the population was smaller than that of the other eight provinces. For those who had never truly set foot in a human city, excitement was inevitable.
“Junior Brother, since we're here, make sure to relax properly,” Su Qian said, bursting into laughter as she looked at Mo Yan's slightly tense expression.
Her junior brother was truly a romantic at heart.
“Alright.”
Despite his reply, he still felt a bit self-conscious. Whenever he passed by a mirror, Mo Yan would stop to tidy his clothes, terrified that something might be out of place.
Of course, the black robe with gold trim and embroidered auspicious clouds he was wearing was a premium piece that Zhu Huai had personally selected for him from thousands of garments.
Combined with Mo Yan's handsome, middle-aged features, it gave off an indescribable sense of security and stability, fitting him perfectly.
“These meat skewers are pretty good.”
At a food stall, Wang Xuanyi's cheeks were stuffed full. He picked out some lean meat and handed it to Zhu Huai, knowing she didn't like fat.
“Senior Brother, if I eat too much, I'll get fat.”
Zhu Huai had already eaten way too much today, most of which had been personally hand-fed to her by her senior brother. Adhering to the principle of not wasting food and simply enjoying herself, she had eaten it all.
“Alright then, I'll eat the rest.”
“Okay.”
Wang Xuanyi didn't hold back. Girls were naturally beauty-conscious and highly sensitive about their figures and appearance, which was perfectly normal.
Just then, for some reason, the surging crowd voluntarily parted, leaving half of the wide street completely empty.
“Hmm?”
Wang Xuanyi chewed, a question mark practically appearing on his face as he asked the stall owner, “Boss, what's with the massive display? Is the Emperor traveling today?”
“It's not the Emperor. It's the proposal procession for the second young master of the Murong family's vice head,” the food stall owner explained.
“A proposal procession?”
Zhu Huai and Wang Xuanyi were somewhat curious.
They had just arrived in Yunzhou today, and they were already running into a celebratory event for the Murong family? Their luck was almost too good.
“Ah, I can tell at a glance that you honored guests are from out of town. Come, let this humble one explain it to you.”
When it came to gossip, the stall owner seemed exceptionally energized. He tossed his sweat rag over his shoulder, stopped boiling his meat skewers, and said with shining eyes, “You might not know this, honored guests, but that second young master of the Murong family's vice head is a born scumbag. He's lustful, greedy, a compulsive gambler, and a heavy alcoholic. He's used his family's prestige to ruin many young girls. And just half a month ago, he set his eyes on the young lady of the Li family.”
“Sigh!”
The stall owner took a sip of tea and spoke again, “Although the Li family can't compare to the Murong family, they aren't afraid of them either. Since being forceful didn't work the first two times, judging by this display, they're probably coming to negotiate with terms this time.”
Chew, chew, chew...
Wang Xuanyi munched on his meat skewer and asked, “Boss, which young lady of the Li family are we talking about?”
“Heh, now that's a good question! That Li family lady is quite a beauty. Although she doesn't match the number one beauty of Yunzhou, she still ranks near the top of the beauty charts. On top of that, she's a deeply devoted person.”
“Do tell.”
“According to the rumors, the Li family lady is named Li Yarou. A thousand years ago, she was a resounding genius of the Great Qian Dynasty. In the prime of her youth, she met the one she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. But for some unknown reason, the two parted ways, and she's been waiting ever since, letting her entire life slip by,” the stall owner spoke eloquently.
“Isn't that just—mmph!”
Just as Zhu Huai was about to speak, Wang Xuanyi clapped his hand over her mouth and said with a smile, “Boss, these skewers of yours are great. Package some up for me.”
“You got it!”
The stall owner busied himself once again.
Slurp!
A strange sensation came from his palm—wet and slippery. The sensation startled Wang Xuanyi, causing he to immediately withdraw his hand, only to see Zhu Huai's slightly flushed face.
Wang Xuanyi stared in shock at Zhu Huai, who was licking her lips, and then at the wet patch of saliva on his palm. He subconsciously swallowed.
It had only been a few days. How had this girl changed so fast?!
Where had the originally gentle and quiet Zhu Huai gone?
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