The Cost of Hope

Thanks to Rainbow666666 becoming a Patreon member.

------

"Brother Wuji, are you alright?"

Back at Drunken Moon Pavilion, Murong Haitang cast a worried glance at Ying Wuji, who sat silently beside her.

Women often had a keen sense for emotions, and though Ying Wuji usually exuded calm, she could tell something weighed on his mind.

Ying Wuji shook his head slightly, indicating he was fine. Yet, after a moment, he extended his palm, revealing an ominous aura clinging to it.

"My time is running out," he murmured softly.

A faint, deathly energy swirled around his hand, its presence undeniable.

Murong Haitang sighed deeply. She was all too aware of the cost of Ying Wuji's technique. Though it granted unparalleled power, it consumed his vitality in return. And abandoning the technique now was not an option—it had become inseparable from his existence.

"Looking at Mr. Bai's breakthrough, it seems he used something capable of restoring vitality," Ying Wuji said, narrowing his eyes.

"You don't mean to..." Murong Haitang's voice faltered, her eyes widening in realization.

Ying Wuji nodded firmly. "I'm heading to the imperial city tomorrow to ask Mr. Bai where he obtained such an item. No matter the price, I'm willing to pay."

A rare fire burned in his usually calm eyes, one of desperation and resolve.

Murong Haitang could only sigh internally. She, too, wished Ying Wuji could find a way to restore his vitality. However, the odds were slim.

Items capable of replenishing vitality were exceedingly rare, practically priceless. Even if Mr. Bai had another such treasure or knew where to acquire one, there was no guarantee he would share it with an outsider.

To extend one's lifespan was a privilege few would willingly give to another, especially when it could mean their own survival.

But Murong Haitang knew Ying Wuji's nature well. Once he decided on a course of action, there was no changing his mind. His unyielding resolve mirrored the very essence of the techniques he practiced.

"Then I wish you good luck," Murong Haitang said softly, offering her blessings despite the doubt in her heart.

---

The Next Morning

As the morning sun rose, Luo Chuan woke, washed up, and prepared to head out to buy breakfast.

But as he opened the door, the sight before him left him momentarily stunned.

Standing outside were Mr. Bai and Ji Wuhui.

Despite Mr. Bai's rejuvenated appearance, Luo Chuan recognized him immediately.

"Good morning, Boss," Mr. Bai greeted warmly, his smile as sincere as ever.

Ji Wuhui, the emperor of the Star Empire, also offered a polite nod and smile.

Luo Chuan blinked, glancing between the two of them. "How long have you been standing here?"

Ji Wuhui quickly replied, "Not long. We just arrived."

Of course, the truth was quite different. Ji Wuhui and Mr. Bai had been waiting outside for over an hour. But how could Ji Wuhui, the emperor, admit that he had been left standing like an ordinary citizen?

Luo Chuan gave a small nod, accepting the answer. "Alright then."

Just as the two thought they could finally enter the store, Luo Chuan's next words left them momentarily speechless.

"In that case, wait a bit longer. I haven't had breakfast yet."

Without another word, Luo Chuan walked past them toward the alley.

---

Ji Wuhui stood frozen for a moment, his eyes widening slightly before a wry smile spread across his face.

The emperor of the Star Empire, a man whose presence commanded fear and respect across the land, had just been brushed off like an ordinary passerby.

Yet, he found no anger in his heart.

"It seems my title holds no weight here," Ji Wuhui murmured with a mix of amusement and disbelief.

Still, he couldn't blame Luo Chuan. A figure of such immense power as Luo Chuan would naturally have his own eccentricities.

"Calm down... calm down..." Ji Wuhui muttered under his breath, trying to calm his pride.

Beside him, Mr. Bai chuckled quietly, finding the situation equally amusing.

And so, the emperor and the spear master stood in patient silence, awaiting the return of the mysterious figure they had come to revere.

------

Read 100+ advanced chapters: pat reon/Siuteo