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

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Gu Yunxi and Jiang Wanshang halted in their tracks upon hearing Murong Haitang's concerned tone.

The two exchanged a glance, a silent understanding passing between them.

"Teacher Haitang, we're just going out to have some fun!" Gu Yunxi said with a bright, innocent smile.

"Yes, we've been curious about Nine Stars City, so we've been exploring," Jiang Wanshang added, nodding enthusiastically.

Both students deliberately avoided mentioning Origin Mall.

Are you kidding? The shop only has ten machines. If too many people find out, what will we do?

Murong Haitang nodded, satisfied with their explanation.

"There's nothing wrong with exploring," she said, her tone softening. "But you must prioritize your safety. Nine Stars City is not what it used to be!"

Her voice carried a trace of nostalgia and unease.

Even as a cultivator at the pinnacle of Pathseeker, Murong Haitang admitted to feeling slightly on edge in Nine Stars City these days. The sudden influx of powerful and mysterious individuals had transformed the city into a hub of uncertainty.

Gu Yunxi and Jiang Wanshang found her concern amusing, though they kept their smiles hidden.

After all, they knew that many of the "major events" in Nine Stars City were orchestrated by Luo Chuan himself.

The idea of knowing such a monumental secret while others remained oblivious brought a strange sense of satisfaction.

"Ahem, we understand, Teacher Haitang," Gu Yunxi said dutifully.

"By the way, where is Teacher Ying Wuji?" Jiang Wanshang asked, suddenly realizing the absence of their usually present mentor.

Ying Wuji rarely left Zui Yuexuan and was known for his disciplined nature. To see him absent for so long was unusual.

Murong Haitang sighed. "He had some personal matters to attend to and went out."

"Oh, I see," Jiang Wanshang nodded, curiosity evident in her eyes.

The two students then retreated to their rooms, eager to consolidate the combat experience they'd gained in the Tower of Trial. They knew these lessons could only translate into true power if properly internalized.

As the door closed behind them, Murong Haitang glanced toward the entrance and sighed.

"I wonder what's keeping Ying Wuji so long," she muttered to herself, worry clouding her thoughts.

Meanwhile, Ji Wuhui and Old Bai had returned to the imperial city. As they approached the gates, they immediately noticed someone waiting for them.

Even amidst the bustling activity, his aura as a Pathseeker at its peak was impossible to miss. For individuals like Ji Wuhui and Old Bai, his presence stood out like a beacon.

"Is that Ying Wuji from Soaring Cloud Academy?" Ji Wuhui frowned, puzzled by the sight of the renowned figure standing at his gates.

Bai Lao nodded in recognition. "Yes, he was present when I transcended my tribulation. Although he didn't interfere, his presence left an impression."

Ying Wuji's dual reputation as a mentor at Soaring Cloud Academy and a peak Pathseeker made him a figure of considerable influence.

"What could he want here?" Bai Lao wondered aloud.

As they approached, the imperial guards bowed respectfully, and the captain, Xia Yu, stepped forward to greet them. "Your Majesty, welcome back!"

Ying Wuji, sensing their arrival, turned toward them and cupped his hands in greeting.

"Emperor of the Heavenly Star Empire and the Black Spear God," he said in a deep, steady voice. "Ying Wuji requests an audience."

Ji Wuhui smiled, his earlier curiosity giving way to warmth. "Come in, please. The Heavenly Star Empire doesn't treat its guests at the gates. Let's discuss inside."

Ying Wuji nodded without hesitation and followed the two into the imperial city.

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