Chapter 10: Exploring Crescent Moon City

Once Li Wei, Leng Yue, and the sickly woman passed through the city gates, a familiar screen appeared before Li Wei.

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

Rewards:

200 EXP 50 System Coins 1 Reputation Point

Li Wei smiled inwardly at the notification. That was almost too easy.

He came to a halt, turning to the woman. "We'll part ways here," he announced.

Then, with a flick of his hand, he instructed Leng Yue, "Give her the leftover spirit stones we took from Lin Shen."

The woman, trembling with gratitude and awe, bowed deeply, pulling her children into clumsy prostrations beside her. "Thank you, great sir," she stammered. With the spirit stones securely in hand, she scurried off with her children, not daring to linger.

Li Wei watched them disappear into the crowd before turning to Leng Yue. "Let's explore the city. I'm curious to see what it has to offer."

Leng Yue gave him a level look. "It will fall short of what you're used to in the Celestial Realm, Young Master."

"Maybe," he admitted, his tone casual. "But even a grain of gold can hide in the dirt."

They wandered deeper into Crescent Moon City, weaving through throngs of people. The streets grew livelier as they approached the inner districts, where the buildings were taller and more polished. Vendors hawked everything from enchanted trinkets to rare herbs, their cries competing with the chatter of bustling crowds.

Ahead, a large pavilion loomed, its elegant structure unmistakably the centerpiece of the marketplace. A crowd had gathered near its entrance, buzzing with excitement.

Li Wei paused, listening in.

"This is the city's top shop for cultivators," one man explained to his companion. "Their latest stock is drawing all the young clan heirs."

"That's nothing," the companion replied. "Next month, this very pavilion will host a region-wide auction. That's why I'm here—to scope it out in advance."

Li Wei's interest sharpened. A high-profile auction? Perfect. Nothing draws trouble like wealth and ambition.

His musings were interrupted when a familiar figure emerged from a nearby carriage.

Liu Mei.

Draped in flowing white robes adorned with silver embroidery, her serene elegance was a far cry from the venomous woman he had previously humiliated. Beside her stood an older man, his calm presence radiating authority. His simple white robes and streaks of gray hair only added to his dignified appearance.

Li Wei suppressed a smirk. Fate loves a dramatic encore.

He turned to Leng Yue, already heading toward the pavilion. "Let's check it out."

Leng Yue followed, her expression impassive. Of all people, Liu Mei will hate seeing him here. He must be thrilled.

At the pavilion's entrance, they were greeted by a hostess—a petite woman with long black hair neatly tied into a bun. Her light pink robe, patterned with delicate flowers, matched her soft voice.

"Welcome to the Heavenly Treasures Pavilion," she said, bowing gracefully. "How may I assist you?"

Li Wei waved dismissively. "We're browsing. Though I doubt anything here will impress someone of my caliber."

The hostess kept her smile, unruffled by his arrogance. "Of course. Please, follow me."

The pavilion's interior exuded opulence. Silk banners hung from the ceiling, and polished wooden displays showcased treasures that shimmered under enchanted lights. Cultivators of varying ranks moved between shelves, inspecting items or bargaining with attendants.

"The pavilion has three main levels," the hostess explained as she led them deeper. "The ground floor houses Mortal Grade and Earth Grade Low items. The second floor is reserved for Earth Grade Mid items, and the top floor contains Earth Grade High items. Heaven Grade items are auctioned exclusively."

Li Wei nodded absentmindedly, his eyes scanning the crowd. Upstairs, Liu Mei's graceful figure drew admiring glances as she ascended with her escort.

No matter the realm, venomous women always attract admirers, he mused with faint amusement.

Just then, a figure stepped into their path—a tall man dressed in ostentatious robes. His hair was slicked back, and his overly confident smirk was aimed squarely at the hostess.

"Ah, Miss Lan," he said, his voice dripping with false charm. "Last time, you refused to guide me, but today's different. Treat me well, and I'll ensure you're rewarded handsomely."

The hostess's polite mask faltered. "Sir, I—"

Before she could finish, Li Wei cut in, his tone razor-sharp. "Who is this poverty-stricken frog blocking our path?"

The man stiffened, his face flushing red. "You dare insult me?"

Li Wei arched a brow, utterly unimpressed. "Insult? No, I simply described you. I assure you, forgetting your name will be the easiest part of my day."

The man's anger boiled over. "You'll regret this!" he shouted, lunging at Li Wei with a clenched fist.

Leng Yue moved before the blow could land, her sword sheath intercepting the attack with effortless precision.

Li Wei, unfazed, gestured casually. "Leng Yue, strip him and throw him out. I'm in no mood to waste time on small fry."

Leng Yue acted without hesitation, her movements a blur. The man's fine robes were reduced to shreds in seconds, leaving him humiliated and bare as she tossed him out the entrance.

The crowd outside gasped as he landed unceremoniously, scrambling to cover himself amidst whispers and stifled laughter.

Inside, Li Wei adjusted his sleeves and resumed walking, his expression calm. Low-level young masters are tedious. The real ones—the ones worth dealing with—are always at the top.

His gaze flicked briefly to the upper floor, where Liu Mei had disappeared. Let's hope her so-called fiancé is one of them.