Nanjiang City

In Front of Nanjiang City Gate

Qi Yuan and Xun Yi found themselves in trouble with the two gatekeepers of Nanjiang City when suddenly, a red-haired man named Zhou Feng appeared. Instead of easing the situation, Zhou Feng made it worse by provoking Qi Yuan and challenging him to a fight. However, Qi Yuan refused to engage in a battle orchestrated by Zhou Feng.

Xun Yi, enraged by Zhou Feng's arrogant insults towards Qi Yuan, attacked him swiftly. Unfortunately, due to Xun Yi's lower cultivation level, she was sent flying by Zhou Feng's overwhelming power.

Just as Zhou Feng prepared to strike again, intending to kill Xun Yi, Qi Yuan shot forward from the city gate, intercepting Zhou Feng's attack with only two fingers. A powerful killing aura erupted from Qi Yuan, forcing Zhou Feng to momentarily freeze and step back from Xun Yi, who lay on the ground.

"Hey, stop it. I'm fine. Don't let your killing intent consume you like that—look at me," Xun Yi said, trying to calm Qi Yuan after seeing the intensity of his rage.

Hearing her words, Qi Yuan took a deep breath and regained his composure. "Huft, you really worry me. Please, don't act so recklessly next time, Sister Xun," he replied while lifting his injured sister, letting her arm rest around his waist for support.

The two then turned away, heading toward the forest to treat Xun Yi's injuries. However, before they could leave, Zhou Feng shouted after them, refusing to let them go.

"Stop right there! Do you think you can just walk away like that?"

Qi Yuan halted, placing Xun Yi against a tree to rest.

Slowly and gently, he set her down and spoke in a soft voice. "I'll borrow your sword for a moment."

With that, he swiftly grabbed the sword from Xun Yi's side and turned to face Zhou Feng.

"Thunder Dragon Step!"

Swoosh!

Slash!

In an instant, Qi Yuan's movement technique activated, and he dashed toward Zhou Feng, slashing his face with Xun Yi's sword.

"I'm sparing your life this time. Let me go, or I won't hesitate to kill you," Qi Yuan declared coldly, his sharp gaze piercing through Zhou Feng. Without waiting for a response, he quickly returned to Xun Yi to tend to her internal injuries.

As Qi Yuan focused on healing her, his intense killing aura dissipated. He channeled his qi into Xun Yi's body, accelerating her recovery.

Zhou Feng and the two gatekeepers dared not approach them after witnessing Qi Yuan's terrifying power firsthand.

"Damn it! I'm so pissed! That brat's cultivation level is below mine, yet I lost face today. I'll make him pay later!" Zhou Feng muttered under his breath. In frustration, he signaled the guards to allow Xun Yi and Qi Yuan to enter the city.

Would trouble await them in Nanjiang City?

After treating Xun Yi's wounds, they finally entered through the city gates, passing the now silent guards, who still feared Qi Yuan's earlier threats.

Inside Nanjiang City, Xinjian Province, Xian Jin Continent

Nanjiang City was renowned worldwide for its skilled blacksmiths who crafted weapons for cultivators. Upon stepping into the city, Qi Yuan was taken aback by the sight before him.

Metal, silver, gold, diamonds, and other precious gems were piled in abundance, yet they seemed to hold little value in the eyes of the city's residents.

"Haha! Don't stand there looking dumbfounded. Come on, let's find you some proper clothes," Xun Yi teased as she grabbed Qi Yuan's hand, leading him toward the bustling market.

As they wandered through the city, Xun Yi's eyes landed on a distant clothing store with a grand nameplate: Three-Floor Pagoda.

"That place looks fancy! Let's go check it out!" she exclaimed, pulling Qi Yuan along at full speed.

Upon arriving at the store, they were greeted warmly by two female attendants.

"Welcome, Young Master and Young Lady. Please, come in," they said politely.

Qi Yuan and Xun Yi nodded in acknowledgment and stepped inside.

"Wow! These clothes are amazing! B-But… they're so expensive… huaaa," Xun Yi whined, staring at a beautiful dress with a hefty price tag.

Seeing the outrageous prices, Qi Yuan immediately grabbed Xun Yi's hand. "Let's go somewhere else. We don't have enough money for this," he said, attempting to leave.

Before they could exit, an elderly man with white hair and a plump figure approached them with a welcoming smile.

"What kind of clothing are you looking for, Young Master and Young Lady? I can help you find something suitable," he offered kindly.

Seeing Qi Yuan hesitate, Xun Yi took the initiative to respond.

"Ah, sorry, Uncle. We're just looking for some clothes for my younger brother, but the prices here are too high. Do you have anything more affordable?" she asked.

The elderly man nodded in understanding. "Please, follow me," he said, leading them to the far end of the first floor.

They arrived at what seemed to be a storage room, yet it was impeccably clean. The man opened the door.

Click.

Qi Yuan and Xun Yi were stunned. Inside, instead of old stock, were beautifully crafted garments that looked like treasures.

"U-Uncle… Are you sure this is the right place? These clothes are amazing!" Xun Yi's eyes sparkled as she eagerly examined the garments.

Qi Yuan sighed, rubbing his temple. "Hey, calm down. Stop running around like that," he scolded.

The old man chuckled and picked out a luxurious black robe with gold embroidery, offering it to Qi Yuan.

Qi Yuan examined it but hesitated. "S-Sorry, Uncle. I'm not used to wearing something this fancy," he admitted politely.

After browsing for a while, Qi Yuan's eyes landed on a simpler, all-black cultivator outfit. "Uncle, I like this one," he said, pointing at it.

Surprisingly, instead of laughing like Xun Yi, the old man smiled warmly. "I'm glad someone appreciates it." He handed the outfit to Qi Yuan.

"Go ahead and try it on," he said, directing Qi Yuan to a changing area.

Moments later, Qi Yuan returned, now dressed in the black cultivator attire, his hair neatly tied up. Xun Yi froze in shock at how dashing he looked.

"Haha! It suits you perfectly! No need to pay, Young Master. You may have it. And Young Lady, feel free to pick something for yourself too," the old man generously offered.

Grateful, Qi Yuan and Xun Yi thanked him profusely. Before leaving, they formally introduced themselves.

"My name is Qi Yuan, and this is my adopted sister, Xun Yi. Thank you so much for your kindness, Uncle. By the way, what's your name?" Qi Yuan asked.

The old man smiled. "I am Gu Huang, the owner of the Three-Floor Pagoda. No need for formalities. You should hurry, though—the sect entrance exams start in two days."

Qi Yuan and Xun Yi bowed respectfully.

"Thank you, Uncle Gu. I swear I'll become the strongest while wearing this!" Qi Yuan declared, waving as they left.

Dressed in elegant yet practical attire, Qi Yuan and Xun Yi now looked like nobles—Qi Yuan with his sharp golden eyes and deep black hair, and Xun Yi with her striking beauty and confident gaze.

As the sun set and night fell, they searched for an inn. After a brief walk, they found one and checked in.

Upon entering their room, Xun Yi was shocked to see only one bed.

"Well… I'll sleep outside then. Why is your face turning red?" Qi Yuan asked, surprised.

"N-No! You're staying here! Just shut up and sleep!" Xun Yi ordered, yanking his collar and dragging him to bed.

A few minutes later, exhaustion took over, and they both drifted into sleep.

In two days, the world's sect recruitment would begin. Would Qi Yuan make it to the Purple Lotus Sect in time?

To Be Continued...