And There She Was

Wudi Egun and his group left, heading towards the Alchemy Field.

While on their way, Eight Brother curiously asked, "Why is the Jiang Family's young master here? Do you have any idea?"

Seventh Brother shook his head, equally curious. "Maybe he has something to do."

"What do you think, Fifth Brother?"

"Maybe it has to do with the Elders," Wudi Egun speculated, though he wasn't certain.

"Elders? Why would they invite him here?" Eight Brother pressed further.

"Don't you know? There's a rumored marriage alliance between our First Young Lord and the Young Phoenix of the Jiang Family. Maybe it has something to do with that?" Wudi Egun explained, though even he wasn't sure of the truth.

Whispers within the Inner Circle suggested that the Wudi Family's First Young Lord, the eldest of the Wudi siblings from the previous generation, was set to be engaged to the Young Phoenix of the Jiang Family, a Saint Child.

If these two great powerhouses were to unite through marriage, their status and influence would soar to unprecedented heights.

"But I heard that the Young Phoenix is in love with the Zhen Family's Green Dragon?" Eight Brother frowned, pointing out the flaw in Wudi Egun's theory.

"Green Dragon…" Wudi Egun murmured, contemplating the name. Though the Zhen Family was not one of the Great Powerhouses, it was still a prestigious force worth mentioning.

As for Green Dragon, he was a prodigious genius, ranked fifth among the senior generation's young talents, possessing a level of skill comparable to the Young Phoenix and the First Young Lord.

Perhaps Wudi Egun was overthinking it. The Wudi Family was a behemoth, with only four other powerhouses capable of matching them. Would the Zhen Family truly dare to go against them? It seemed unlikely.

Lost in their discussion, they soon arrived at the Alchemy Field, where the fragrant scent of Alchemy Flowers filled the air.

"Fifth Brother, you've returned?" A soft, delicate voice greeted Wudi Egun as he entered.

Looking in the direction of the voice, he saw his Ninth Sister, Wudi Lee. She was a little girl, barely four years old, with fair skin and an almost doll-like appearance. Dressed in a pink outfit, she exuded an innocent charm.

"Ninth Sister, why do you sound like you expected me to return injured rather than safe and sound?" he teased with a chuckle.

"No… but Fifth Sister was looking for you,"Wudi Lee answered shyly, her voice soft as if it might dissipate into the air at any moment.

"Fifth Sister was looking for me?" Wudi Egun frowned. Why would his Fifth Sister be searching for him?

"Yes, she said she needs you to accompany her to Luminous City to purchase some array materials," Wudi Lee replied timidly.

"Shit." Wudi Egun's face stiffened. If his Fifth Sister found him, he would be forced to travel to Luminous City—alone with her.

Despite their status as young masters and mistresses, family rules forbade them from ordering servants to run their errands unless absolutely necessary. The Wudi Family emphasized independence and maturity, even for its Saint Child.

Unfortunately, his Fifth Sister had a habit of dragging him along whenever she went shopping in Luminous City. And every time he visited, he inevitably got into trouble with the young masters and mistresses of other families.

That was precisely why he had no desire to step foot in Luminous City.

"Fifth Brother, found you!" A spirited voice, as energetic as Wudi Meng's, rang out.

Before Wudi Egun could react, a girl around the same age as him came running toward him.

Wudi Ying—his Fifth Sister—was only a second older than him and a year or two younger than Wudi Meng. Sharing her elder brother's boundless energy, she was a force to be reckoned with.

"Fifth Sister, although it's nice to see you, I have—"

Before he could finish his sentence, Wudi Ying grabbed him by the collar.

"Let's go, Fifth Brother! To Luminous City!" she declared, her voice filled with irrepressible enthusiasm.

With a flick of her wrist, Wudi Ying tossed something into the air—a jade slip radiating divine energy. As it soared, it transformed into a colossal ship of mysterious wood, a Fairy Ship floating in mid-air.

The ship, an Inferior Magic Artifact, could accommodate a hundred passengers, but today it was reserved for only two.

Holding onto Wudi Egun's hand, Wudi Ying leaped high into the air, her single jump carrying her 300 meters upward—an inhuman feat.

Even Wudi Egun could barely match such an incredible leap.

As they landed on the Fairy Ship's deck, Wudi Ying pointed westward and shouted, "To Luminous City!"

Whoosh!

The moment she commanded, the Fairy Ship—an Inferior Magic Artifact—shot forward at an astonishing speed, traveling 10 kilometers per second.

The Wudi Family's territory was vast and boundless. Even at such a speed, it would take fifteen to twenty days just to leave their land. Beyond that, an additional week of travel would be required to reach the city, making the entire journey nearly a month long.

Wudi Egun was speechless. Should he blame himself for this predicament, or the ever-energetic girl beside him?

Sighing deeply, he decided to let things flow naturally. Relaxing, he walked to the deck's edge and gazed at the far horizon.

Thankfully, the Fairy Ship had a protective shield, preventing him from being torn apart by the force of its immense speed. Otherwise, he would have been reduced to nothing but a smear of blood and dust.

—-------------------

It took them around one month to finally arrive at Luminous City, a city of wonder.

When Wudi Egun laid eyes upon the city, he felt a sense of awe. It stretched endlessly, a vast metropolis that seemed to merge with the horizon. The sheer scale of Luminous City made it feel as if the heavens had descended upon the mortal world.

Despite the Wudi Family being one of the Five Great Powerhouses, Luminous City stood as one of the Seven Prominent Cities, second only to the domains of the Five Great Powerhouses. It was a place where countless forces intersected, where commerce, cultivation, and politics thrived in an intricate web of influence.

Majestic towers, taller than the highest mountains, loomed over the cityscape, adorned with flowing golden runes that pulsed with ethereal energy. Suspended above them, floating islands drifted like celestial bodies, connected by colossal iron chains.

 Yet these were no ordinary chains—they were forged from Cosmic Metal, a material born from the essence of the universe itself. Each link was as heavy as a star, reinforced by the boundless energy of galaxies. They shimmered with an ancient power that defied mortal understanding.

The air buzzed with activity. Immortal Cultivators soared across the sky, riding their flying swords and magic artifacts, their robes billowing like celestial banners.

 Fairy Ships, grand and imposing, cast vast shadows over the city, forming an intricate dance of movement above the skyline. The city pulsed with life, an ever-moving organism of trade, ambition, and power.

As Wudi Egun's Fairy Ship approached the city, it was promptly intercepted by the city guards—men clad in brilliant silver armor, exuding the aura of seasoned cultivators. 

Their mere presence commanded respect. With a polite but firm tone, they requested the entrance fee: one hundred Low-Quality Spiritual Stones.

Spiritual Stones in the current era were divided into four distinct grades: Low, Refined, Pure, and Natural.

 Low-Quality Spiritual Stones contained nearly ninety percent impurities, making them the least desirable for cultivation. Refined Stones held about sixty to seventy percent impurities, while Pure Stones, highly sought after, had only ten to fifteen percent. 

But the most coveted of all were Natural Spiritual Stones—flawless and devoid of any impurities, used exclusively by the highest-level Immortal Cultivators.

Although lesser cultivators could still use the inferior qualities, the presence of impurities made them an undesirable choice. True masters of the Dao sought only the purest sources of energy.

After paying the fee, their Fairy Ship was granted passage. The enormous gates of Luminous City parted, revealing a boundless realm of prosperity. As their ship ascended higher, Wudi Egun took in the view with deep amusement.

Had he not known better, he would have mistaken this city for the fusion of a thousand continents, each woven together into a singular, unparalleled masterpiece of civilization.

Wudi Egun and Wudi Ying descended into Menghao Market, the bustling heart of Luminous City's commerce. The market was a chaotic sprawl of merchants, street vendors, and customers weaving through the narrow alleys.

The buildings on either side were so packed with people that they threatened to burst at the seams. The air was filled with the scent of exotic spices, roasted meats, and freshly brewed elixirs, blending into an intoxicating aroma.

Navigating through the dense crowd, Wudi Egun and Wudi Ying engaged in casual window shopping, their eyes occasionally catching glimmers of rare artifacts and exotic goods. As they strolled, they passed by a slave market, a common sight in the city's trading districts.

A middle-aged man, short and plump, with a well-groomed beard and an expensive silk robe, stood proudly before a large iron cage. His face wore a permanent smile, revealing yellowed teeth as he gestured grandly toward his merchandise. 

This man was Kong Tie, a renowned slave trader. Inside the cage, several individuals sat or stood, their expressions ranging from hopeless resignation to blank indifference. 

There were young women with radiant beauty, men with powerful physiques fit for labor, and even children of various ages, all meticulously groomed to fetch the highest price.

Seeing Wudi Egun's finely crafted faceless mask and luxurious outfit, Kong Tie's merchant instincts kicked in. He immediately recognized a potential high-paying customer.

"Young master, perhaps you'd be interested in purchasing a beautiful female slave?" Kong Tie inquired smoothly, his eyes gleaming with the anticipation of a lucrative deal.

Wudi Egun raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by the direct proposition. A smirk played on his lips as he decided to entertain the man's audacity. Stepping forward, he spoke in an enigmatic tone, "I might consider buying a slave, but... none of these seem to suit my taste."

Kong Tie's smile widened, his hands coming together in an eager gesture. "Worry not, young master! Tell me your preferences, and I shall do my utmost to satisfy you."

Wudi Ying, who had been observing with a frown, crossed her arms. "Fifth Brother, are you really going to buy a slave?"

"Why not, Fifth Sister?" Wudi Egun chuckled, glancing at her amusedly. "Since we're already here, I might as well."

"But that's so bizarre! Our family already has so many servants. Why waste money on a slave?" Wudi Ying questioned, her frown deepening.

"I don't know... maybe I just feel like it," Wudi Egun replied with a shrug, his tone lighthearted but with an underlying curiosity even he did not fully understand.

Wudi Ying tilted her head before nodding indifferently. "Oh, okay. I suppose it doesn't really matter."

Satisfied, Wudi Egun turned back to Kong Tie, his voice carrying a playful yet deliberate weight. "I'm looking for a girl with silver eyes and silver hair, tall and beautiful, with fair skin and captivating eyes. She should be talented and, most importantly, interesting."

Kong Tie's brows furrowed slightly in thought before he nodded enthusiastically. "Ah! I do have such a girl in my collection. Please wait a moment, young master. I shall bring her to you."

Wudi Egun waved a hand nonchalantly. "Go on, then."

Kong Tie hurried off and returned after about ten minutes, dragging behind him a young girl who could only be described as ethereal.

She appeared to be around nine years old, her long silver hair shimmering brilliantly under the sunlight. Her silver eyes, resembling the glow of the moon, held a distant and unfathomable depth. 

Her fair, almost translucent skin was reminiscent of freshly fallen snow, adding to her otherworldly presence. She stood at an impressive 6'4 feet tall, her slim frame carrying an elegance that belied her young age.

However, it wasn't her beauty that stood out the most—it was her expression. Her gaze held no fear, no sadness, not even curiosity. It was empty, like a lifeless abyss. Even if the heavens were to collapse, she looked as though she would not so much as blink.

Wudi Egun narrowed his eyes, intrigued. This girl… was different.

And perhaps, exactly what he was looking for.

Wudi Egun met his eyes with the girl's dead-fish gaze, an expression devoid of life, as if the world itself had lost all color.

 Yet, before he could make sense of it, the girl sneered, her lips curving with disdain, and turned her head away, deliberately ignoring his presence. It was as if he was beneath her notice, not even worth a passing glance.

For a moment, Wudi Egun stood there, utterly baffled.

"May I know where you found this young lady?" he asked, his tone calm yet carrying an undercurrent of curiosity.

Kong Tie, the slave trader, let out a wry smile, his face betraying an odd mix of helplessness and unease. The deep lines on his forehead spoke of frustration and uncertainty, as though he himself couldn't quite believe the situation.

Finally, after a heavy sigh, Kong Tie spoke. "We captured her when she was stealing apple candy from a little girl in the market."

"...What?" Wudi Egun's eyes twitched. He was certain he had misheard, so he asked again, his voice slower, more deliberate. "Say that again."

"I said, we caught her when she was stealing a little girl's—"

"Stop. I got it." Wudi Egun lifted his hand, cutting Kong Tie off mid-sentence. He pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a deep breath, trying to suppress the absurdity of it all. 

Meanwhile, Kong Tie wiped away the sweat forming on his brow, nervously gauging Wudi Egun's reaction.

"Young master need not worry," Kong Tie quickly added, sensing the hesitation in Wudi Egun's demeanor. "This little lady hails from the Northern Palace, possessing the unique Northern Palace Bloodline, making her a highly valuable acquisition."

Wudi Egun's gaze sharpened. "The Northern Palace, you say?"

Kong Tie nodded eagerly, his confidence returning. "Indeed! As you know, young master, those born of the Northern Palace inherit a natural affinity for ice the moment they enter this world. Their connection to the cold is unparalleled, surpassing all others in this realm. Their potential is limitless."

He gestured towards the girl, his eyes gleaming with the fervor of a merchant on the verge of sealing a lucrative deal.

"Not only that, but once this little girl matures, she will possess a beauty no less than an immortal fairy. A treasure beyond measure, young master!"

A smirk played on Wudi Egun's lips beneath his mask, though none could see it. He wasn't so easily swayed.

"Is that so?" he murmured, his voice laced with amusement.

"Yes, young master!" Kong Tie nodded vigorously. "For you, just one hundred Pure Spiritual Stones."

Wudi Egun's smirk faded. His brow furrowed. "Isn't that too much for a little girl?"

"Perhaps, but considering her Northern Palace Bloodline, isn't she still worth it?" Kong Tie countered, his tone smooth, persuasive.

Wudi Egun remained unconvinced. "Is that so?"

Kong Tie, sensing his hesitation, quickly added, "If you believe she isn't worth the price, young master, you may return her within a month for a full refund."

He exuded complete confidence, as though he had never once had a dissatisfied customer in his thirty years of business. 

Wudi Egun glanced at the girl again, whose expression remained impassive, unaffected by the conversation determining her fate. She stood tall, her silver eyes cold and indifferent, as if nothing in this world could move her.

This intrigued him more than anything else.

Wudi Egun narrowed his eyes, deep in thought. Should he purchase her or not?