On weekends, Ernst Institute had a rare day off. Most students chose to rest or meditate in their dormitories, or browse the institute's commercial street. Yale Dawson, the young master of the Dawson Chamber of Commerce, had a more appealing suggestion.
"Brothers, aren't you bored staying in the institute all day? Come on, let's go explore Fenlai City! It's my treat!" Yale slung an arm around Linley's shoulder and spoke to Reynolds, George, and Lin Qin, who had just come to discuss a magical problem with Linley.
Reynolds was the first to leap up in agreement. "Sounds great! I've wanted to see the biggest magic-item shop in Fenlai City for ages!"
George pushed up his glasses and smiled. "It'll be good to have a look around and broaden our horizons."
Linley was tempted, too. He still hadn't properly explored the city since arriving in Fenlai Royal Capital.
Lin Qin had meant to refuse. He preferred to use the time to consolidate the transformations of his Earth Wall Technique. But seeing Linley's eager gaze and Yale's cheerful smile, he hesitated, then nodded. A little relaxation once in a while might not hurt.
The group rode in a carriage arranged by Yale, leaving the peaceful Ernst Institute and heading for bustling Fenlai City.
As soon as they entered the city, the noise washed over them. The broad streets teemed with traffic, shops lined both sides, and hawkers' cries rang out without pause. Pedestrians in all kinds of clothing jostled shoulder to shoulder: ordinary citizens, armed mercenaries, and mages in splendid robes. The atmosphere was utterly different from the quiet, studious mood of the institute.
"What do you think? A lot livelier than that little shopping street at our institute, huh?" Yale introduced proudly. "This area is near the Mercenary Guild, so there are plenty of taverns and weapon shops. Up ahead is the noble district. The goods there are more refined, of course, and more expensive."
Reynolds could hardly take it all in, especially when he spotted the magic-item shops with their strange signs.
They first visited a rather large magic-item shop. Its shelves were packed with goods, from the lowest-grade Magic Crystal Cores and blank scrolls to magic staves glowing in every color and gemstone-studded ornaments. It had everything.
Reynolds picked up a staff that was bright red from end to end, with a red Magic Crystal Core set into its tip. He couldn't bear to put it down. "Wow, this staff must enhance Fire Element magic!"
George was carefully examining some magic scrolls inscribed with intricate patterns, analyzing their structure.
Linley took a closer look at a jade pendant said to slightly improve the speed at which one gathered mental energy, but shook his head when he saw its exorbitant price.
Lin Qin's gaze swept over the expensive magical equipment without much reaction. He was more interested in the basic materials displayed in the shop, such as the hides of magical beasts with various elemental affinities, tough vines, and unusual minerals. He wondered what effects these materials might have if used in forging or in the construction of magical traps. His Heaven Rewards Diligence seemed to have made his thinking more practical, too, and he was accustomed to approaching problems from the basics.
After leaving the magic-item shop, Yale took them to the famous Champs-Élysées Avenue, a shopping district frequented by nobles and wealthy merchants. The street was even cleaner, and the shops were lavishly decorated, selling nothing but luxury goods.
In front of an elegant pastry shop, Yale waved a hand and bought several boxes of treats that looked quite expensive, then passed them around.
"Try some. These were made by the most famous pastry chef in Fenlai City." Yale picked one up and popped it into his mouth.
Lin Qin accepted a delicate pale-green pastry and took a careful bite. It was sweet but not cloying, with a refreshing tea fragrance and a fine texture. It was truly a delicacy unlike anything he had tasted before. He ate slowly, savoring this simple pleasure unrelated to cultivation.
Linley, Reynolds, and George enjoyed the treats as well, voicing their admiration now and then.
"What do you think, Lin Qin? It's nice to come out and look around once in a while, isn't it?" Yale asked with a smile.
"Mm, thank you," Lin Qin said sincerely. As he watched the crowds bustling along the street, some working hard to make a living and others enjoying their leisure, he was moved. This world was about more than cultivation and strength; it had many other facets.
They wandered around some more, looking at shops selling artwork and all sorts of curious knickknacks. On a street corner, they even came across a troupe performing fire-breathing and knife throwing, drawing cheers from the onlookers.
As the sun began to set, Yale suggested they have dinner at a restaurant he knew.
"No," Lin Qin said. "I'm going to look around the weapon shops over there, then head back on my own."
He knew the restaurant Yale had chosen would be expensive, and he didn't want to owe him too many favors. Besides, he was more interested in weapons themselves.
Yale paused, but didn't press him. "All right. Be careful on your own. Linley, what about you?"
Linley thought it over and decided to join Yale and the others for dinner.
So they parted at the street corner. Lin Qin headed alone for the weapon district, which was noisier and filled with more of the bustle of everyday life. He looked into the blacksmith shops one by one, taking in the swords and armor hanging inside and listening to the clang of hammers. From time to time, he went in to inspect the finished goods, hefting a weapon to feel its weight, balance, and the texture of its forging.
That half-day had shown him prosperity, let him taste delicious food, and introduced him to the energy of everyday life. It gave him a more complete understanding of the Yulan Continent. In the end, though, he had returned to the field he knew best: all things related to strength and skill.
When Lin Qin took a public carriage back to Ernst Institute alone, dusk was already near. He walked through the familiar gates, felt the magic elements growing dense around him again and the peaceful atmosphere return, and drew a deep breath.
His relaxation was over. He gripped the hilt of the sword on his back and strode toward the rear hills. Tonight, a thousand sword swings and two hours of meditation awaited him.
The clamor of Fenlai City remained behind him, while his own path—the path of Heaven Rewards Diligence—continued to stretch out beneath his feet.
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