Siuteo

In the heart of the Azure Continent lies a legendary establishment known as Origin Mall.
This extraordinary store offers goods beyond imagination: a sip of its cola can instantly replenish one's vitality; its spicy snacks grant the strength to overcome powerful foes; the games it offers can accelerate cultivation progress; and its novels impart profound techniques and insights.
Origin Mall boasts a vast array of offerings, catering to leisure, entertainment, dining, and training needs alike.
However, there’s one rule that all visitors must remember: never cause trouble in the store. The owner, though unassuming, is unimaginably powerful.

The Omniversal Merchant

The day carried on with lively activity in the Tower of Trial.

Meanwhile, Ying Wuji had left Drunken Moon Pavilion and was heading toward the imperial city. His destination? The palace, to seek out Old Bai and inquire about replenishing vitality.

Determined to secure a solution, Ying Wuji had even brought a space ring containing all his possessions. Failure was not an option.

It wasn't long before Ying Wuji reached the grand gates of the imperial city.

The city radiated magnificence, its towering vermilion walls imbued with faint spiritual energy, likely a sign of a protective formation.

Flanking the main gate were dozens of imperial guards. Their gleaming armor reflected the sunlight as they stood silently, exuding an aura of authority.

Each guard was a seasoned Soul Dominion cultivator, and their leader—a commander named Xia Yu—had reached the ninth level of Origin Mastery.

As Ying Wuji approached, their sharp gazes fixed on him, their vigilance evident.

"Stop where you are!" one of the guards barked, breaking the stillness.

In unison, the guards raised their weapons, their blades glinting menacingly. Even the average Origin Mastery cultivator would have hesitated in the face of such disciplined force.

However, Ying Wuji was no ordinary cultivator. Standing at the peak of Pathseeker, he could obliterate these guards without effort.

Still, Ying Wuji had no intention of causing trouble.

He spoke calmly, his voice resonating with authority. "Ying Wuji, Elder of Soaring Cloud Academy, requests an audience."

At the same time, he released a faint trace of his immense aura, asserting his presence.

The guards, despite their rigorous training, couldn't suppress their unease.

Soaring Cloud Academy—one of the most prestigious institutions on the Azure Continent—was a name they all recognized. And the oppressive aura radiating from Ying Wuji left no doubt about his strength.

Xia Yu's expression shifted. While he didn't know Ying Wuji personally, the power emanating from him was undeniable.

Signaling his men to lower their weapons, Xia Yu stepped forward with a respectful nod.

"Please wait a moment, Senior. I will notify His Majesty immediately," Xia Yu said, his tone steady despite the overwhelming pressure.

Xia Yu quickly made his way toward the imperial hall, where Emperor Ji Wuhui typically reviewed memorials.

But to his surprise, the emperor was nowhere to be found.

Frowning, Xia Yu approached a nearby maidservant. "Where is His Majesty?"

The maid fumbled nervously before replying, "General, His Majesty and Old Bai left the imperial city early this morning."

Xia Yu's frown deepened. He was aware of the recent upheaval—the second prince's exile to Southern Protector and the emperor's personal intervention to quell tensions. Now, with both the emperor and Old Bai absent, he couldn't help but wonder what new matter required their attention.

Unable to dwell on it further, Xia Yu hurried back to the gates.

Ying Wuji remained patiently where he'd been left, his serene demeanor unchanged.

Xia Yu approached and delivered the news with a bow. "Senior, His Majesty is currently away from the imperial city."

Ying Wuji's expression didn't falter. "That's fine. I'll wait for his return."

With those words, he closed his eyes, standing motionless as if he were one with the world around him.

Xia Yu felt a pang of frustration. What could he do? This was a peak Pathseeker cultivator—far beyond what they could afford to offend. But letting him linger conspicuously outside the gates? That would undoubtedly draw attention.

Already, curious bystanders had begun to gather, whispering and pointing at the enigmatic figure standing before the imperial city.

Xia Yu sighed inwardly. This was going to be a long day.

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Awaiting an Audience