A vast city streched before them at the foot of the towering sword-like mountain, the peak of which was always hidden by thick clouds. Although the city structure was simple, it exuded an ancient aura.
This vast city was called Azure Sword City!
The city was divided into two parts: outer and inner. The outer part of the city was mainly populated by mortal residents who ran various shops and stores in the inner city.
As for the inner city, only the family members of the Azure Sword sect’s disciples and cultivators were allowed to reside there. But, of course, there was a limit to how many family members each disciple could bring.
…
As Xander disappeared into the bustling crowd, Lucian, Isabella, and Celine turned their attention to their surroundings.
Right now, they were in the teleportation array area of the Azure Sword sect.
This array formation was much larger than the one they had just left, spanning an area of nearly fifty meters. It was situated in the outer part of the city to prevent any unauthorized direct access to the inner sanctum of the city.
As they exited the formation area, they were immediately engulfed by the vibrant atmosphere of Azure Sword City.
Although most of the mortals were now working in the inner city, the outer city was also bustling with activities.
The road was nearly two meters vast and paved with smooth stone. On both sides of the road, as they walked, they could see that most of the buildings were made using wood that, although looked like bamboo, emanated a calming aroma that soothed their senses.
The structures were rising two to three stories high, with gently sloping roofs. Delicate paper lanterns hung from the eaves, swaying gently in the breeze.
As they ventured further into the city, the trio was met with a mix of loud sounds and bright colors.
Mortals, dressed in simple yet colorful robes, bustled about their daily lives, creating a lively atmosphere that was both foreign and exciting to Celine and Isabella.
Although Lucian was used to a modern lifestyle, he gradually adapted to the changes in this new world, which he found far more interesting.
Along both sides of the wide stone road, aside from the large shops, countless vendors had set up makeshift stalls. Many had simply spread woven bamboo mats on the ground, displaying their wares in a disorganized manner atop them, while a few had even erected small wooden stands.
“Fresh fruits! Picked this morning from the Azure Orchards!”
A rotund man with a bushy beard shouted, gesturing to a pile of shimmering, red fruits.
Nearby, a middle-aged woman in a revealing dress with a kind face had spread out a simple bamboo mat, displaying an array of intricately carved yellow-colored papers.
“1st grade Illusion Talismans!”
She called out in a surprisingly strong voice,
“Trap the husband in a dream while you f*ck his wife!”
Her direct way of advertising drew the attention of many men, who quietly bought her wares.
As they walked the bustling streets, the people passing by couldn’t help but steal another glance at the trio, thinking whose family they might belong to.
After all, these days, because of the Azure Sword sect’s recruitment process, many extraordinary young talents had been flooding into the city. Most of them couldn’t enter the inner city, so the outer area became heavily crowded.
Lucian’s crimson eyes were drawn to the strange, shimmering fruits. They were unlike anything he had ever seen before. As he pondered whether these fruits might possess some unique properties, a sudden sound broke his concentration.
“Growl~~”
The noise came from beside him, and Lucian turned to see Isabella’s beautiful face flushed a deep crimson. She quickly averted her gaze, her long lashes fluttering as she tried to hide her embarrassment.
“I-I…,”
Isabella stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Celine chuckled softly, placing a comforting hand on her daughter’s shoulder,
“There’s no need to be embarrassed, dear.”
Lucian also chuckled, his crimson eyes softening as he gazed at Isabella.
“We should find some lunch before looking for an inn,”
He suggested, his voice gentle,
“After all, we’ve had quite the journey.”
As if in agreement, Isabella’s stomach growled once more, causing her blush to deepen.
Celine laughed softly, linking her arm with her daughter’s,
“Come, let’s see what delicacies this city has to offer.”
They continued down the bustling street, their senses overwhelmed by the myriad of sights, sounds, and smells.
Soon, they spotted a bustling two-story restaurant, its entrance marked by a wooden sign bearing the name “Golden Bamboo Restaurant” in flowing calligraphy.
The scent of aromatic spices and sizzling meats wafted from the open door and windows, making their mouths water.
As soon as they entered, a young waiter came rushing over. He bowed deeply, his voice respectful as he greeted them,
“Welcome, honored guests, to the Golden Bamboo Restaurant. Would you prefer to dine on our Spirit Rise dishes and Spirit Beast meats, or would you like our regular dishes?”
Lucian’s crimson eyes flickered with interest at the unfamiliar terms.
“Spirit Rise dishes? Spirit Beast meats? What’s the difference between these and normal food?”
He inquired, his curiosity piqued.
The waiter’s eyes lit up, clearly pleased to explain. He straightened his posture, adopting a more knowledgeable air as he spoke,
“Spirit Rise dishes are prepared using ingredients grown in areas rich with spiritual energy.”
The waiter continued,
“As for Spirit Beast meats, they come from creatures that have absorbed Spiritual Energy from their environment. Eating them regularly can enhance the body.”
Compared to normal foods that could be bought with mortal gold, spiritual-infused foods were really expensive. Two plates of Spirit Rise cost one low-grade Spirit Stone, and one plate of low-grade beast meat cost one Spirit Stone.
Although Celine and Isabella didn’t order after hearing the prices, Lucian couldn’t help but notice their eager faces. And he was also curious about these foods.
Just as Lucian was about to order, two young men rushed into the restaurant and bumped into him.
“Who the f–”
They were about to reprimand the group for blocking the way, but as soon as they saw Isabella’s beautiful face and Celine’s mature body, their words died in their throats.
The taller of the two, a handsome youth with sharp features and eyes, quickly composed himself. He stepped forward, a charming smile gracing his lips as he addressed Isabella directly.
“My apologies for our rudeness,”
He said, his voice smooth as silk,
“I am Arden, May I have the honor of knowing your name?”
Isabella, caught off guard by the sudden attention, hesitated for a moment. Her deep blue eyes flickered with annoyance.
But suddenly, she noticed that the other young man was holding a small pouch from which she could see some Spirit Stones!
Earlier, they were counting the stones, so they didn’t notice Lucian and bumped into him.
Her eyes gleamed with a mischievous light as she turned to face the two young men. Her cherry lips curled into a coy smile, and she fluttered her long lashes demurely.
“Oh my, how kind of you to ask,”
She said, her voice as sweet as honey,
“I’m Isabella, and these are my brother and mother.”
For her, behaving like a weak woman was as easy as breathing.
The taller youth, Arden, bowed slightly, his eyes never leaving Isabella’s face.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you all. This is my friend, Rex,”
He said, indicating the shorter youth beside him.
Rex stepped forward, his gaze darting between Isabella and Celine appreciatively,
“Forgive me for asking, but you three don’t seem familiar. Are you new to Azure Sword City?”
Isabella’s eyes widened with feigned excitement, her lips parting in a dazzling smile.
“Oh yes, we’ve just arrived in this magnificent city!”
She exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement,
“Everything here is so new and fascinating. I feel like I’ve stepped into a dream!”
Arden and Rex exchanged pleased glances, clearly delighted by Isabella’s enthusiasm.
Arden stepped forward.
“Well then, allow us to welcome you properly to Azure Sword City,”
He said, his voice smooth as silk,
“Perhaps you’d honor us by joining us for lunch? We’d be more than happy to share some of the city’s finest delicacies with you.”
Isabella’s “hesitated”,
“The food here is so expensive, so I don’t think…”
Arden’s eyes lit up, seeing an opportunity. He waved his hand dismissively,
“Please, don’t worry about the cost. It would be our pleasure to treat you and your family to a proper Azure Sword City welcome.”
Rex nodded eagerly,
“Indeed! We insist. Allow us to show you the best this restaurant has to offer.”
Isabella glanced at Lucian and Celine, her eyes sparkling with mischief,
“Oh, that’s so kind of you! What do you think, brother? Mother?”
Celine, catching on to her daughter’s game, smiled warmly,
“That’s very generous of you, young men. We’d be delighted to accept.”
Lucian quickly understood his sister’s plan, having already spotted the bag full of spirit stones. He was slightly surprised to see this side of Isabella.
Your next journey awaits at empire
A hint of amusement flickered in his crimson eyes as he watched what happened next.