The Blue Silver Emperor

The town of Wurto was surrounded by over a dozen villages, which meant it had two main gates—north and south. During the day, the guards rarely stopped anyone, as the flow of people coming and going was constant.

"It's so lively!" Lin Yongming stood outside the town gate, sensing the bustling evening activity on the streets. Having lived in the quiet village for so long, this was his first time venturing out, and the noise of the town felt overwhelming.

"Blind boy, it's amazing. You've walked so far without tripping even once, and you still seem full of energy. Are you sure you're not pretending to be blind? I'm starting to doubt you," the girl said, walking on Lin Yongming's right side, her curiosity evident.

"Why haven't you gone into the town yet? I thought we agreed to go our separate ways," Lin Yongming said, exasperated. She had been chattering nonstop the entire way.

"Well, I'm hungry," the girl said softly.

"Then go into the town and find something to eat," Lin Yongming replied. If he had eyes, he would have rolled them.

"I'm out of money," she added, her tone even softer.

"What does that have to do with me? I don't owe you anything," Lin Yongming said, feeling a headache coming on.

"Oh, but you do. You saw me earlier today. How about you treat me to a meal as an apology?" the girl suggested, leaning closer with a hint of embarrassment.

"You're accusing a blind person of peeking?" Lin Yongming retorted immediately.

"You have spiritual sense, don't you?"

"..."

During their journey, the girl had explained why she had been bathing in the stream. She had been traveling and, due to the heat, decided to cool off in the water. She had dozed off and sunk to the bottom, only to wake up and see Lin Yongming drinking from the stream.

"Fine, one meal. That's it. I'm just a poor kid," Lin Yongming relented. Although he hadn't seen her with his eyes, his spiritual sense had indeed picked up on her presence. He figured this was the least he could do to make amends.

Moreover, Lin Yongming didn't want to get too involved with the Blue Silver Emperor. If her attributes had any connection to his, he might have considered it, but his Thunder Attribute martial soul had no use for her soul rings. Most importantly, getting involved with her could lead to unforeseen consequences, possibly even putting him on a path similar to Tang Hao's.

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go! I haven't eaten all day," the girl said, dragging Lin Yongming into the town.

"Slow down!" Lin Yongming protested, but the girl was already pulling him through the gate.

"It's so lively! This town has a unique charm," the girl said, releasing Lin Yongming as they entered. The streets were lined with stalls selling various goods, mostly local specialties from the surrounding villages.

"There's so much delicious food here. I want to try everything!" the girl exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.

"Hold on. One meal, that's it. My mother didn't give me much money," Lin Yongming reminded her.

"Fine," the girl pouted.

"There's a restaurant up ahead. It looks busy, so the food must be good."

"Alright, lead the way," Lin Yongming agreed.

As they entered the restaurant, a waiter approached them.

"Young ones, where are your parents?" the waiter asked, glancing behind them.

The waiter likely mistook them for siblings, given their similar hair colors—Lin Yongming's deep blue hair resembling lightning, and the girl's azure blue hair.

"We don't have parents with us. Just the two of us. Bring us four of your signature dishes," the girl said confidently.

"Make it two meat dishes and two vegetable dishes," Lin Yongming added.

"Uh, sure. Right this way," the waiter said, noting their composed demeanor and leading them to a table.

As they sat down, the girl eagerly awaited the food, though the restaurant was busy, and the dishes took a while to arrive.

"Hey, blind boy, we've been together for a while, but I don't even know your name or how old you are."

"I'm Lan Yin, 'blue' as in the color, and 'silver' as in the metal. You can call me Sister A'yin," the girl introduced herself.

"Lin Yongming, seven years old. After this meal, we go our separate ways. No debts owed," Lin Yongming said coldly.

"Hey, don't be so serious at such a young age. You should be more lively and cheerful," Lan Yin chided.

"Thanks, I'm plenty cheerful," Lin Yongming replied with a forced smile.

"That's the fakest smile I've ever seen," Lan Yin muttered.

As they talked, the dishes began to arrive.

"It smells amazing! Let's eat, blind brother."

"Just call me blind. No need to add 'brother.'"

"But you're younger than me. I'm almost twelve."

By the time they finished dinner, the sky had darkened, and the first hints of night were setting in.

"Alright, I've treated you to a meal. You can go now. Goodbye," Lin Yongming said, heading deeper into the town to find an inn for the night.

"Blind brother, wait!" Lan Yin called after him.

"What now?" Lin Yongming asked, not stopping.

"Look, it's getting dark. I assume you're looking for an inn. How about you let me stay with you for the night?" Lan Yin suggested eagerly.

"Why should I? Inns are expensive," Lin Yongming replied, exasperated.

"I won't take it for free. You're heading to the Star Dou Great Forest, right? I can be your guide. Consider it repayment. I'm heading that way too."

"Besides, how are you going to navigate the forest alone? Even if you make it there, the dense environment will disorient you. You'll never find a suitable soul ring."

"I'm a Soul Elder. Having me as your guide is a good deal. What do you say?" Lan Yin laid out her reasoning.

Lin Yongming paused. The Star Dou Great Forest was indeed vast and complex, with countless spirit beasts of all kinds. Some were deceptively dangerous, and without proper guidance, he could easily run into a ten-thousand-year spirit beast, which would be extremely risky.

"Why should I trust you? What if you're lying and plan to sell me off?" Lin Yongming said flatly.

"Why would I do that? I'm just trying to help you out. Besides, how much could you even be worth?" Lan Yin retorted.

"Hard to say, considering someone couldn't even afford a meal or a place to stay," Lin Yongming said with a faint smile.

"Fine, I'll help you get your soul ring. Deal?"

"Deal."

"Ugh, you tricked me into being your bodyguard, didn't you?"

"Do you still want a place to stay or not?"

"Yes!"