Whispers of Power

"Who is that man? He even managed to get Zuo Wanjin, the host of Wind Immortal Tower, to greet him personally!"

"And the girl beside him—she looks like a fairy descended from the heavens!"

These murmurs came from new patrons at Wind Immortal Tower, their curiosity piqued.

Though many had heard rumors of the events that unfolded yesterday, few knew the faces of Luo Chuan and Yao Ziyan, the main characters in those tales.

"Heh, you're bold to have your eyes on her," someone sneered. "Do you have a death wish?"

"Why do you say that?"

"Yesterday, because of her, the second prince ended up exiled to the Southern Protectorate. Do you think your status is more distinguished than his?"

At those words, the room fell silent, as though even the air itself held its breath.

Suddenly, someone recalled a rumor that had swept through Nine Stars City earlier that day.

"The girl with purple hair and eyes... and the mysterious powerhouse who made the Emperor bow his head—could it be them?"

"It has to be. I can't believe that senior has returned here..."

All eyes turned toward the room Luo Chuan had entered, their expressions a mix of awe and hesitation.

Some cultivators even began plotting ways to curry favor with him.

However, when none of them saw Luo Chuan or Yao Ziyan emerge after a long time, one brave soul finally pushed open the door—only to find the room empty.

After finishing their meal at Wind Immortal Tower, Luo Chuan and Yao Ziyan tore through space, instantly returning to Origin Mall.

Luo Chuan's proficiency in spatial manipulation had grown significantly, though such techniques were not for the faint of heart.

Only cultivators who had reached Pathseeker could barely withstand the turbulence and rifts within the spatial void. Even then, many risked losing their way in the endless void.

Only those who had reached Eminence could freely traverse spatial channels. But even for them, such methods were rarely used casually.

Back at the shop, Luo Chuan and Yao Ziyan found themselves with no customers. Both decided to enter the Tower of Trials.

With no pressing system tasks, Luo Chuan had embraced a more carefree attitude. Why bother with promotions when he could spend his days peacefully gaming in his store?

That said, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement for the upcoming Arena Mode. The thought of fair, injury-free battles between cultivators of all levels was thrilling.

Meanwhile, back in the imperial city, Old Bai wasted no time reporting to Ji Wuhui.

Ji Wuhui had been growing increasingly uneasy all morning, worried that the mysterious senior might have taken offense to something he had done.

Would he have to visit in person to make amends? The thought left Ji Wuhui anxious.

After all, it had been his son Ji Tianhao who had caused the initial trouble. Reflecting on it now, Ji Wuhui felt as though Ji Tianhao had been sent solely to embarrass him.

The emperor has no need for incompetent kin.

By the time Old Bai returned safely, Ji Wuhui let out a long sigh of relief.

"How did it go?" Ji Wuhui asked, his tone still carrying traces of tension.

Old Bai smiled. "Mission accomplished."

Ji Wuhui exhaled deeply, finally allowing himself to relax.

Decades of working together had made Old Bai's demeanor easy for Ji Wuhui to read. He couldn't help but notice the elder's unusually cheerful expression.

"Old Bai, you look unusually pleased. Did something good happen? Care to share?"

"I bought something from the boss's shop—something that can extend one's lifespan."

With that, Old Bai carefully produced a bottle of Jelly Dew, holding it reverently in his hands.

"Something to extend your lifespan? That mysterious senior actually has such an item?!"

Ji Wuhui stared at the Jelly Dew, unable to contain his shock. Such an item was nothing short of a miraculous treasure, nearly impossible to find.

"Then let me congratulate you, Old Bai. It seems your breakthrough to the ninth grade of Pathseeker is within reach," Ji Wuhui said with a smile, regaining his composure.

He harbored no thoughts of taking the treasure for himself. His own lifespan was ample, and he had no pressing concerns in that regard.

"Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty," Old Bai replied, bowing slightly.

After a moment, Ji Wuhui asked curiously, "Old Bai, I imagine that such an item wasn't cheap?"

At this, Old Bai's expression turned slightly peculiar.

"What is it?" Ji Wuhui asked, puzzled. "Just say it."

"Your Majesty, you might find this surprising, but the Jelly Dew, like everything else in the boss's shop, has a fixed price."

Under Ji Wuhui's expectant gaze, Old Bai finally revealed the cost:

"One hundred thousand spirit crystals."

For a moment, Ji Wuhui was utterly speechless.