Strolling Spirit City

Morning sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows high in the Worship Hall, casting dazzling patterns of light across the floor.

Lu Jing slowly opened his eyes on the soft bed. A night of sleep had left him refreshed, and the Soul Power within him had become a little more stable and refined.

He got up, and the sound of his simple washing was especially clear in the silent room.

When he pushed open the heavy wooden window, a morning breeze carrying the fragrance of grass and trees rushed in, dispelling the stillness of the night.

Spirit City's outline gradually sharpened beneath the rising sun, while faint voices already drifted from the distant streets. Looking at this grand city from ten thousand years ago, a thought took shape in Lu Jing's mind.

He straightened his robes, left his room, and stopped outside Wang Dong'er's room next door.

Knock, knock, knock.

Three neither too soft nor too loud knocks echoed through the quiet corridor. The room remained silent for a moment before a rustling sound came from within, followed by the shuffling footsteps of someone approaching in slippers.

The door opened a crack. Wang Dong'er rubbed her sleepy eyes, her long pink-blue hair hanging messily around her shoulders. She was still wearing a silk nightgown, the blush on her face not yet fully faded. Her expression carried obvious morning grogginess and the dazed confusion of having been woken up.

"...Who is it? So early in the morning..." Her voice was thick with sleepiness, soft and adorable beyond belief.

"It's me." Looking at the lovely sight of a beauty not yet fully awakened from spring sleep, a barely perceptible smile flickered in Lu Jing's eyes. He softened his voice as he said, "You seemed pretty curious about Spirit City before. The weather's nice today. Want to go out and take a look around?"

Wang Dong'er blinked, her long lashes fluttering like butterfly wings. Her muddled mind seemed to finally begin working. Shopping? In this completely unfamiliar Spirit City from ten thousand years ago? She instinctively rubbed her eyes again and focused her gaze on Lu Jing's youthful yet steady-eyed face.

"Go... stroll around Spirit City?" she repeated. Then her eyes gradually lit up, and her lingering drowsiness ebbed away like the tide, replaced by excitement mixed with curiosity, exploration, and a hint of adventure.

"Sure! Wait for me!"

Her voice immediately became much more energetic.

Before Lu Jing could reply, the door slammed shut again with a bang. Urgent sounds of rummaging through clothes immediately came from inside.

Lu Jing shook his head helplessly and leaned against a corridor pillar as he waited patiently. The morning air of the Worship Hall carried its distinctive solemn chill, but the wait was not dull. About half an hour later, the door opened again.

When Lu Jing's gaze fell upon the reappearing Wang Dong'er, it paused slightly.

She had changed into a well-tailored pink-blue dress. A thin belt woven from silver threads encircled her waist, outlining her slim waist and graceful, curvaceous figure. Her pink-blue hair was not excessively adorned, merely flowing smoothly down her back with slightly curled ends, making her already fair skin seem even more pristine.

She wore light makeup, her cherry lips touched with red, her delicate nose high and refined. Her pink-blue eyes sparkled as they moved, carrying both a young girl's innocent charm and radiant liveliness. Most eye-catching of all were the golden strappy high-heeled sandals on her feet, which made her already tall figure appear even more slender. She swayed gracefully as she walked, every step seeming to tread upon one's heartstrings.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Wang Dong'er smoothed her skirt and smiled brilliantly, making the morning sunlight seem a little brighter.

"Let's go!"

The two walked side by side out of the inner courtyard where the Worship Hall stood. After passing through several heavily guarded gates, they reached the more open outer area and happened to encounter Qian Renxue, who was quietly speaking with several people dressed in Spirit Hall deacon robes in the courtyard. She seemed to be making her final arrangements before departure.

Hearing their footsteps, Qian Renxue looked over. When she saw the newly transformed Wang Dong'er, even someone as composed and calm as her could not help but have a trace of amazement flash through her eyes. Then her gaze settled on the two of them with a faintly questioning look.

"Sister Xue," Lu Jing greeted naturally.

"Heading out?" Qian Renxue gestured for the deacons to wait, then walked over. Her golden hair flowed with a radiant sheen beneath the sunlight, and she carried herself with exceptional nobility.

"Mm."

Lu Jing nodded, pointed first at Wang Dong'er and then outside, and replied, "I'm taking her out to look around Spirit City, get familiar with the surroundings, and see if there's anything we need to buy."

His tone was casual, as though they were merely ordinary neighbors heading out together.

Qian Renxue's gaze subtly shifted between them, lingering for half a second on Lu Jing's overly calm face in particular.

She sensed no intention to investigate anything or cause trouble. They simply seemed like two young people newly arrived in a bustling city and curious about it.

Thinking that she would soon be traveling far away while they remained within the Worship Hall, where their every move would be under control, the slight doubt in Qian Renxue's heart dissipated.

She revealed a perfectly measured, gentle smile and nodded. "That's fine. Spirit City is indeed worth seeing. Go on, and have fun."

Her tone held the tolerance of an older sister. Then she added, her eyes sweeping over the open courtyard and distant walls, "But be careful, and come back early."

"Got it. Thanks, Sister Xue," Lu Jing replied. Wang Dong'er also smiled politely at Qian Renxue.

Qian Renxue watched the two disappear through the archway leading to Spirit City's main street. Only then did she turn around, her cool expression returning as she continued giving quiet instructions to her trusted deacons. Her galaxy-like eyes once again took on the depth and calculation belonging to Spirit Hall's Young Master.

The moment they left the area shrouded in the Worship Hall's imposing presence, the noisy, bustling atmosphere rushed toward them.

The broad streets held several times more people than they had seen the previous evening. Soul Masters in all manner of fitted outfits, radiating different fluctuations of Soul Power, brushed shoulders with one another. Some hurried along, while others stopped to chat. Shops lined both sides of the street, selling every sort of item related to Soul Masters: gleaming blades in weapon shops, sturdy armor in defense shops, wafting medicinal fragrances from herb stores, and even shops specializing in Soul Beast materials and Soul Tool components. Hawkers' cries, haggling voices, and the neighing of Soul Beast mounts mixed together, filling the air with vibrant street life.

"Wow, there are so many people!" Wang Dong'er's eyes widened as she looked around curiously, her face brimming with excitement. Technology might have been advanced ten thousand years later, and Shrek City was just as prosperous, but this simple, ancient commercial atmosphere centered entirely around Soul Masters possessed a distinctive charm of its own.

Lu Jing appeared much more composed. His gaze swept over the shops and vendors, focused more on observing and memorizing. He took Wang Dong'er by the wrist and skillfully guided her around the crowded flow of people so they would not get separated. Wang Dong'er's wrist was slender and soft, her skin delicate and cool. Lu Jing's gesture was natural and held no impropriety; it was simply consideration.

The two wandered without any particular destination. Wang Dong'er showed great interest in all sorts of novel trinkets, occasionally stopping before stalls selling exquisite accessories or distinctive snacks. Lu Jing did not rush her, patiently accompanying her and occasionally taking a few extra looks at unusual Soul Beast materials.

After wandering for about half an hour, Lu Jing's gaze passed over a large, bustling shop. Above its entrance hung a black plaque bearing three gold characters written in bold, sweeping strokes—Myriad Treasures Pavilion. A faint mixed scent of medicinal herbs, metal, and special materials drifted out from within, revealing the broad scope of its business.