The town sat at the edge of the Far North, where it snowed almost all year round. Apart from the endless expanse of white, there was hardly any other scenery to be seen.
A thin layer of snow covered the buildings and streets. Without the warmth of the town's lights and activity, it would have been impossible to spot the town from above.
Xu Lanqing walked down the town's streets. It was already dark, but the streets were still bustling and brightly lit, with plenty of people coming and going on both sides.
Most of them were Soul Masters. Some, like him, had come here to obtain Soul Rings.
The rest were chasing delusions of grandeur. They'd come to the Far North to explore, dreaming that they'd suddenly fall into a snowy ravine while walking along and find it filled with precious treasures and legendary Soul Bones, then rise to greatness overnight.
Of course, all they'd bring back was a handful of snow. Maybe even their own ashes.
A streak of golden light flashed across the sky. In the next instant, almost everyone turned to look at the golden sun blazing on the horizon, driving away the cold with its dazzling warmth.
"What's that?"
Xu Lanqing asked blankly.
"It must be powerful Soul Masters fighting."
Jing Hongchen and Zheng Zhan both looked grave. Even from this far away, that imposing force gave them a sense of dread. It was hard to imagine just how powerful the person responsible must be.
"Your Highness, I've already sent someone to investigate. There's no need to worry." Ye Yulin's voice sounded in his mind.
That was true. Those matters were far beyond him. He should focus on his own situation first.
He'd be obtaining a Soul Ring tomorrow. He wondered what kind of Soul Skill he'd get. And those Evil Soul Masters who kept haunting him were really annoying.
His mind filled with all sorts of random thoughts, he walked absentmindedly back toward the hotel.
Suddenly, he caught sight of a shop at the edge of his vision. Something stirred in him, and he changed direction and headed over.
Ju Zi Barbecue.
That was the name of the shop. He was just curious why a barbecue shop would be called Ju Zi.
Jing Hongchen and Zheng Zhan followed behind him, slightly puzzled. Hadn't His Highness just eaten? Why was he going to a barbecue shop again?
The shop was clearly doing good business; more than half the seats were taken. A quick look around showed that most of the customers were men. But when he saw the person grilling meat inside, he immediately understood.
Her fine black hair fell over her shoulders, and her fair, oval face had a gentle softness that made people want to cherish her. She was truly a rare beauty.
The beautiful middle-aged woman in an apron kept turning the meat on the grill. It sizzled as drops of hot oil slowly slid along the plump cuts, filling the air with an intoxicating aroma.
Beside her, a little girl of about eight or nine was helping out. As soon as the meat was cooked, she carried it over to the customers.
After casually ordering a few portions from the server, Xu Lanqing found a quiet spot and sat down.
"Five-Ring Soul King. That makes her a high-ranking expert even in a small place like this," Jing Hongchen remarked casually, glancing at her.
No wonder everyone here seemed so well-behaved. They couldn't beat her.
Xu Lanqing was a little puzzled. Why would a Soul King open a barbecue shop here? She could make far more money doing just about anything else.
Still, that was none of his business. Everyone had their own ambitions. Maybe she simply liked this kind of life.
The barbecue was ready in no time. The little girl brought it over. Apart from the server, she and the beautiful woman were the only ones working in the shop. Her father was nowhere to be seen.
"Hello, your barbecue is ready."
Her voice was as clear and melodious as a silver bell.
"Mm, thank you."
Xu Lanqing nodded. Looking at the girl, whose features were as delicate as a porcelain doll's, he couldn't help thinking how adorable she was.
Her skin was fair, smooth, and rosy, as if a gentle pinch would bring a drop of water to the surface. Her large eyes were clear and pure, her little nose slightly upturned, and her small lips a bright red. Everything about her was just right.
The girl turned away, her glossy black hair tied into a ponytail that swayed behind her head.
Xu Lanqing looked away and picked up a piece of barbecue.
The meat practically melted in his mouth, and its incredible flavor spread across his palate. The ingredients were ordinary, but they had their own appeal compared with the delicacies served in the imperial palace.
"Try some. It's delicious."
Xu Lanqing found himself getting hungry again, even though he'd just eaten.
Jing Hongchen and Zheng Zhan each took a bite and nodded in appreciation.
The night grew quiet.
Most of the customers had left the shop.
Watching the girl tidy up, Xu Lanqing couldn't help asking, "Your shop looks pretty busy. Why don't you hire a few more people?"
The girl answered with a cheerful smile. "We're closing the shop in a few days, so there's no need to hire anyone."
"Oh? Why?"
"Mom says she's taking me to the best Soul Master Academy in Mingdu. I'm a Two-Ring Soul Grandmaster now, you know."
The girl lifted her chin. She didn't hold back at all, freely telling him everything.
Perhaps it was her first time meeting a wealthy young master as elegantly dressed, handsome, and polite as Xu Lanqing, and she'd taken a liking to him. People liked beautiful things, after all.
Xu Lanqing noticed a hint of reluctance in the girl's eyes. "You'll miss this place?"
"Of course. This shop is all Dad left behind. The war took him from me, and all he left was this shop..."
The girl's lively eyes had dimmed. Her eyes reddened, her little nose twitched, and her lips pressed together.
Seeing her sadness, Xu Lanqing opened his mouth, but for a moment he didn't know what to say. The mood turned somber.
"Sorry..."
It took only a little while for the girl to perk up again. Her lively, adorable smile returned, as though nothing had happened.
"Anyway, I still have to clean up. Talking to you almost made me forget."
Xu Lanqing smiled, then finally asked, "I don't know your name yet. I'm Xu Lanqing. What's yours?"
"My name is Ju Zi, just like the shop." The girl blinked her lively eyes.
"What a coincidence. Ju Zi are my favorite fruit." Xu Lanqing hadn't expected that to be her real name. His eyes flickered, and the words slipped out before he could think.
"Hmph."
Ju Zi pouted and stopped talking to him. She picked up the dishes and turned away.
Xu Lanqing shook his head with a laugh, then left the shop.
Zheng Zhan stood where he was, looking confused. He felt that something was off, but couldn't figure out what.
As for Jing Hongchen, he rubbed his chin as if he'd figured something out...
He turned to look at Zheng Zhan, a bachelor of several decades, and shrugged. "Come on. Don't bother thinking about it. You won't figure it out anyway."
Zheng Zhan scratched his head, baffled.
Meanwhile.
Ju Zi walked into the kitchen and set down the dishes in her hands, her mood inevitably sinking.
"What's wrong, sweetheart? Who upset you? I'll teach them a lesson!" The beautiful woman raised an eyebrow, her gaze as sharp as a blade.
"No one. I just thought of Dad." Ju Zi's long eyelashes fluttered, and her voice was soft and sweet.
The woman's anger faded. She took Ju Zi into her arms and comforted her. "Cheer up. You'd want him to see a happy Ju Zi, wouldn't you?"
"Mm." Ju Zi's muffled voice sounded from her arms.
"Good girl."
The woman sighed inwardly. Leaving was for the best. Every time she saw Ju Zi sad, it broke her heart too.
Inside a simple white room.
Ju Zi lay on her bed, holding a portrait of a middle-aged man. She stared blankly at it, looking like a delicate doll.
Crystal tears slipped from the corners of her eyes and ran across her lips. She licked them. They tasted salty and bitter, making her feel even worse.
For some reason, she thought again of the handsome little boy from earlier.
She didn't know why she'd told him so much today. Was it because he was handsome?
Pfft. She wasn't the sort of person who judged others by their looks.
She shook her head irritably, feeling even more frustrated.
"Argh!"
"Little brat, you like eating Ju Zi, do you? Next time I see you, I'll throw Ju Zi at you and stuff them in your mouth. Let's see you eat your fill!"
A flash of light passed, and a bright, plump, orange-red Ju Zi appeared in her hand. She flung it with all her might, and it smacked into the wall. An orange-red stain appeared where it hit.
After venting, she imagined the little boy getting pelted with Ju Zi. A smile crept onto her lips, and she felt a little better.
Before you continue