Chapter 8: The Arrival at Crescent Moon City

The strange sensation Li Wei felt lasted only a moment before it ended, with his system prompt screen appearing soon after.

**Skill Upgraded: Basic Swordsmanship -> Novice Swordsmanship**

Li Wei smirked at the notification. 'So I don't even need to practice to level up? No wonder it's called the Young Master System,' he thought. 

Leng Yue observed him with curiosity. "Did you have a breakthrough in your technique?" she asked, her tone as calm as ever.

Li Wei couldn't help but think she was sharp, maybe even hiding her true cultivation. It didn't worry him much, though. "I got some minor enlightenment, nothing major," he admitted nonchalantly. He knew that while normal cultivators had to practice techniques daily to see progress in a specific technique, he could gain mastery across all techniques in a particular discipline as long as his cultivation was adequate enough to execute it.

Leng Yue's eyes narrowed slightly. "Does this mean you'll take your cultivation seriously now, Young Master?"

Li Wei stood up from his position, dusting himself off. "I don't have much of a choice, do I?" He replied as he glanced at her, curious. "What did Mother leave for you?"

"My spatial ring contains mostly spirit stones and items suited for my cultivation. "Would you like to check, Young Master?"

He waved her off. "No need. I trust what's there will suffice." Given that he was going to depend on her power until he grew stronger himself, he wasn't about to act pompous toward her unless the system said so.

Li Wei then took out a map of the Azure Sky World, carefully examining it. Using the city they had learned of from Liu Mei, they pinpointed where they were.

"This is the Jade Lotus Region, within the borders of the Shimmering Moon Kingdom," Li Wei noted.

Leng Yue nodded, looking at the map. "No wonder Liu Mei was weak. This territory should have very few Core Formation experts."

This gave Li Wei the confidence to carry on with his intent to visit Crescent Moon City. "Alright, let's head to Crescent Moon City."

In response, Leng Yue immediately took out her flying sword, ready to depart. Li Wei was about to do the same, then remembered his sword was Mystic Grade, a rarity even in the Celestial Realm. However, given the lack of threats, he felt he wouldn't encounter trouble. If anything, having that sword on him was extra assurance that no one could harm him.

'Perfect for a young master,' he thought, and took out his sword. As soon as he did though, it released a powerful aura that shot up into the clouds and pierced the sky.

Leng Yue's eyes widened in alarm. "Young Master, refine it quickly!"

Li Wei quickly poured his spiritual energy into the sword, feeling a conscious connection with it. Only then was the aura suppressed.

"We need to leave immediately," Leng Yue suggested. "Many cultivators far and wide will be rushing to this location, and it would be problematic if they knew you had such a treasure, even if they couldn't take it."

Li Wei nodded in agreement. They both mounted their flying swords and swiftly left the scene, the landscape below them a blur as they sped towards Crescent Moon City. 

———

Soon, Li Wei and Leng Yue saw Crescent Moon City in sight, its walls looming in the distance. The city was surrounded by fertile plains and lush forests. As they approached, Li Wei suggested they descend and enter through the gate normally.

Not because he wanted to keep a low profile, but because he wanted someone to offend him or perhaps trigger a quest. Leng Yue, assuming he wanted to learn more about the city quietly, didn't protest.

Crescent Moon City was a bustling small city, full of activity. The outer walls were high and sturdy, built to withstand both human and beast attacks. Inside, the city was divided into districts, each with its own unique atmosphere. The streets were lined with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to mystical artifacts. Mortals and low-rank cultivators mingled, creating a lively but chaotic environment.

As they descended, they noticed a long line of people and caravans waiting to enter the city. The line snaked through the gates and extended far outside the city walls. Li Wei and Leng Yue landed gracefully and made their way towards the city, joining the back of the line.

There, a poor, sickly-looking woman stood nearby with a little boy and girl beside her. The woman's clothes were tattered, and she leaned heavily on a wooden staff. The children, though dirty and tired, had bright eyes and rosy cheeks.

Li Wei approached them and asked, "Why the long line?"

The little boy was quick to answer rudely, "You can't cut in front of us! Our mother is sick and needs help."

"I'm sorry for my son's rudeness, great sirs. The reason for the long line is that a beast tide destroyed our village. We're seeking asylum, but entry has become strict. We've been waiting for days." The mother reprimanded the boy, recognizing Li Wei and Leng Yue as cultivators by their robes and the aura around them. She coughed and bowed deeply. 

The little girl, who had been staring at Leng Yue, suddenly spoke up also, "You're so beautiful, Miss."

Leng Yue gave her a small smile, but before Li Wei could respond, a system prompt appeared.

**Side Quest: A True Young Master Helps the Less Fortunate**

**Objective**: Assist the poor family and ensure everyone knows of your generosity.

**Reward**: 200 EXP, 50 System Coins, 1 Reputation Point

Li Wei was initially about to leave, even though he felt a bit of sympathy for them. But following the quest given, he let out a charming laugh and said, "It is your honor to meet me, who is admired even by the heavens. Follow me, and I will ensure you enter the city."

The woman was reluctant but too scared to disobey. She held her children's hands and followed Li Wei and Leng Yue to the front of the line. As they passed people and caravans, angry murmurs could be heard.

"Who do they think they are?" one man grumbled.

"Must be from a big clan," another whispered, eyeing their robes and the aura they exuded.

At the front of the line, even the guards showed caution when they saw Li Wei and Leng Yue blatantly walking to the front. Unable to discern their cultivation levels, the guards were about to ask who they were when a male voice rang out.

"Who dares cut in front of the Lin Clan?" The voice was sharp and commanding, filled with authority and arrogance.

Li Wei turned to see a tall, broad-shouldered man with an air of arrogance that rivaled his own. The man's robes were richly embroidered, even displaying a flashy insignia.

Li Wei smirked, it was exactly the type of situation he wanted. "I, Li Wei, your grandfather, dare," he replied, his voice full of condescension. "And who might you be?"

The man's eyes narrowed. "I am Lin Shen, a core disciple of the Lin Clan. And you will show proper respect."

Li Wei laughed, the sound echoing boldly. "Respect? You are in the presence of greatness. It is you who should be showing respect to me."

Lin Shen's face darkened, and the tension in the air thickened as the guards and onlookers all waited to see how this confrontation would unfold.