Strolling Through Martial Soul City

The morning sun streamed through the stained-glass windows of the Worship Hall, casting colorful patterns on the floor.

Lu Jing slowly opened his eyes from the soft, large bed. A night of sleep had left him feeling refreshed, and his Soul Power had become even more stable and advanced.

He got up, the sound of running water from his simple washing routine exceptionally clear in the quiet room.

Pushing open the heavy wooden window, the morning breeze, carrying the fresh scent of grass and trees, rushed in, dispelling the night's stillness.

The silhouette of Martial Soul City became clear under the rising sun, and faint sounds of people could already be heard from the distant streets. Looking at this magnificent city, which had stood for ten thousand years, a thought took shape in Lu Jing's mind.

He tidied his robes and walked out of the room, arriving in front of Wang Dong'er's room next door.

Knock, knock, knock.

Three knocks, neither too light nor too heavy, echoed in the quiet corridor. A moment of silence from inside, then a rustling sound, followed by the shuffling of slippers approaching.

The door was pulled open a crack. Wang Dong'er rubbed her sleepy eyes, her long, powder-blue hair slightly messy, still wearing a silk nightgown. The blush on her face had not completely faded, revealing clear signs of being woken up and grogginess.

"...Who is it? So early in the morning..." Her voice was thick with a nasal tone, incredibly soft.

"It's me." Lu Jing looked at the beautiful scene before him, like a sleeping beauty in the spring, a subtle smile flashing in his eyes. He softened his voice and said, "I saw you were quite curious about Martial Soul City before. The weather's nice today, want to go for a stroll?"

Wang Dong'er blinked, her long eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings. Her foggy mind seemed to finally start working. A stroll? In this Martial Soul City, completely unfamiliar after ten thousand years? She subconsciously rubbed her eyes again, her gaze focusing on Lu Jing's face, which held a hint of youthful energy but a steady gaze.

"Stroll... stroll through Martial Soul City?" she repeated, and then her eyes gradually lit up. The lingering sleepiness receded like a tide, replaced by a sense of excitement mixed with novelty, exploration, and a touch of adventure.

"Okay! Wait for me!" Her voice suddenly became energetic.

With that, before Lu Jing could respond, the door slammed shut again with a "bang." The sound of frantic searching for clothes immediately came from inside.

Lu Jing shook his head helplessly, leaning against a pillar in the corridor, waiting patiently. The morning air in the Worship Hall carried a unique solemnity and coolness, but this wait was not boring. About half an hour later, the door opened again.

Lu Jing's gaze paused slightly as Wang Dong'er reappeared.

She had changed into a well-fitted powder-blue dress, a thin silver belt tied at her waist, accentuating her slender waist and graceful, tall figure. Her powder-blue hair was left mostly undecorated, falling smoothly down her back, its ends slightly curled, making her already fair skin appear even more flawless.

She wore a light touch of makeup, her cherry lips painted red, her nose elegantly shaped. Her powder-blue eyes sparkled with life, a blend of girlish charm and bright radiance. Most striking were the golden-strapped high-heeled sandals on her feet, which further elongated her already tall frame. As she walked, she swayed gracefully, each step seeming to strike a chord in one's heart.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Wang Dong'er adjusted her skirt and smiled brightly, making the morning sun seem even brighter.

"Let's go!"

The two walked side-by-side out of the inner courtyard area where the Worship Hall was located. After passing through several heavily guarded gates, they arrived at the more open outer area, where they happened to encounter Qian Renxue, who was in the courtyard talking in low tones with several people dressed in Martial Soul Hall official attire. She seemed to be making final arrangements before departing.

Qian Renxue heard footsteps and looked up. Upon seeing the completely transformed Wang Dong'er, even with her usual composure, a trace of astonishment involuntarily flickered in her eyes. Then, her gaze fell on the two of them, with a hint of inquiry.

"Sister Xue." Lu Jing greeted her naturally.

"Going out?" Qian Renxue gestured for the officials to wait and walked over. Her long golden hair flowed like a halo in the sunlight, exuding a noble and extraordinary aura.

"Mhm."

Lu Jing nodded, pointed at Wang Dong'er, then at the outside, and replied, "Taking her to stroll around Martial Soul City, get familiar with the environment, and see if there's anything we need to buy."

His tone was casual, as if neighbors going out for a casual outing.

Qian Renxue's gaze subtly shifted between the two, lingering for half a second on Lu Jing's unusually calm face.

She didn't sense any intention of probing or restlessness from them; it was purely the curiosity of two newcomers to a bustling city.

Thinking about her imminent departure and their staying within the Worship Hall, their every move under control, Qian Renxue's slight doubts dissipated.

She offered a perfectly gentle smile and nodded, "That's good. Martial Soul City is indeed worth seeing. Go ahead, have fun."

Her tone carried a magnanimous air, like an elder sister. She then added, glancing at the open courtyard and the distant walls, "However, be careful and come back early."

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

Qian Renxue watched their figures disappear through the archway leading to Martial Soul City's main street before turning back, her expression regaining its usual coldness. She continued to give quiet instructions to her trusted officials, her eyes, like a galaxy, once again filled with the profoundness and schemes befitting a young master of Martial Soul Hall.

As soon as they stepped out of the imposing area of the Worship Hall, the bustling atmosphere enveloped them.

The wide street was noticeably more crowded than it had been the previous evening. Soul Masters in various outfits, radiating different Soul Power fluctuations, jostled shoulder to shoulder, some hurrying, others stopping to chat. Shops lined both sides of the street, selling all sorts of items related to Soul Masters: gleaming weapons in the armory, sturdy armor in the defense shops, the aroma of medicinal herbs wafting from the apothecaries, and even shops specializing in Soul Beast materials and Soul Tool parts. Shouts, bargaining, and the cries of Soul Beast mounts mingled together, creating a vibrant, bustling marketplace atmosphere.

"Wow, so many people!" Wang Dong'er's eyes widened as she looked around curiously, her face full of excitement. Although technology was advanced ten thousand years later and Shrek City was equally prosperous, this pure, ancient commercial atmosphere centered around Soul Masters had a unique charm.

Lu Jing appeared much calmer, his gaze sweeping over the shops and stalls, more for observation and memory. He held Wang Dong'er's wrist, skillfully avoiding the crowded throngs to prevent them from getting separated. Wang Dong'er's wrist was slender and soft, her skin delicate and cool. Lu Jing's action was natural, without any intimacy, purely for care.

The two walked aimlessly. Wang Dong'er showed great interest in various novel trinkets, occasionally stopping at stalls selling exquisite accessories or specialty snacks. Lu Jing didn't rush, patiently accompanying her. Occasionally, he would glance at some peculiar Soul Beast materials.

After about half an hour of walking, Lu Jing's gaze fell upon a large, bustling shop. Above the entrance hung a sign with gold lettering on a black background, inscribed in flowing calligraphy with three large characters—Myriad Treasure Pavilion. A mixed scent of medicinal herbs, metal, and special materials faintly emanated from within, indicating the wide scope of its business.