Walking out of the VIP channel of Starlight Auction House, the night breeze blew into my face with the unique smoke of Star Luo City.
Lin Ciyan was holding the metal box containing Soul-Devouring Engraving Knife, and could feel that even though the object in the box was heavily sealed, it still exuded an unsettling cold aura.
He subconsciously circulated Holy Radiance Qilin and Soul Power in his palm to dispel the chill.
Xu Jiujiu walked beside him, his high heels tapping a crisp rhythm on the bluestone road.
She walked in silence for more than ten steps, then suddenly stopped and turned to look at Lin Ciyan, her azure eyes shining complicatedly under the street lights.
"Ci Yan, do you really... don't think about it anymore?" she said softly.
Lin Ciyan also stopped and stood face to face with her.
The street lights stretched their shadows very long.
The light at the exit of the passage reflected on Xu Jiujiu's face, making those blue eyes look particularly bright.
"What to consider?".
"Consider... returning Soul-Devouring Engraving Knife." Xu Jiujiu bit his lower lip.
Lin Ciyan's heart moved, and then he shook his head and smiled, "Jiujiu, thank you for thinking about me. But two hundred thousand Gold Soul Coin has been spent, how can there be any reason to return it? Isn't this a loss of blood?"
"I can replenish the money for you!" Xu Jiujiu blurted out.
After speaking, she was stunned for a moment, her cheeks were slightly red, but her eyes were still firm.
Lin Ciyan stopped and looked at her seriously.
"Jiujiu, I know you mean well." He said gently, "But there are some things I have to do. Soul-Devouring Engraving Knife is very important to me, important enough... to be worth taking this risk."
Xu Jiujiu looked at him for a few seconds.
She could see the persistence in Lin Ciyan's eyes.
That kind of look is not reckless or fearless, but rather a determination based on some deep consideration.
She finally sighed and gave in.
"Okay... then you must be careful." She said, "If you need any help, you must tell me. Star Luo Imperial Family still has some resources."
Her tone was full of genuine concern.
The night wind blew her long golden hair, and a few strands of hair brushed her face. She reached out and gently tucked it behind her ears.
This action completely revealed the line of her neck, which was fair and slender, like the elegant Swan.
Lin Ciyan Looking at her serious expression, a warmth surged in her heart.
"Okay." Lin Ciyan nodded, "I won't be polite if necessary."
The two of them continued walking forward.
The block where Starlight Auction House is located is one of the busiest areas of Star Luo City. Even late at night, people are still coming and going on the street.
Various products are displayed in the shop windows on both sides, and the light of Soul Guidance Lamp illuminates the street like daylight.
Star Moon Teahouse soon appeared in sight.
Standing at the door of the teahouse were two maids wearing light blue cheongsam. When they saw Xu Jiujiu, they both bowed and saluted at the same time. "Your Highness."
"Prepare the private room on the top floor." Xu Jiujiu said calmly, "Old rules."
"Yes."
The maid led the two of them directly to the fifth floor.
There was only one elegant room on the top floor. When the heavy wooden door was opened, the scene inside made Lin Ciyan raise his eyebrows slightly.
The room is very big, at least fifty square meters
The entire wall is covered with floor-to-ceiling windows, and outside the window is the bright night view of Star Luo City.
In the center of the room is a large low couch, covered with snow-white animal skins and five or six brocade cushions placed on it.
Next to the couch is a small red clay stove, with two wine bottles warming on the stove.
The aroma of wine mixed with unknown incense filled the room.
The most eye-catching thing is the guqin in the corner of the room. Its body is black and shiny, and it has obviously been cleaned and maintained frequently.
"Here..." Lin Ciyan looked around.
"My private space." Xu Jiujiu took off his high heels naturally, stepped barefoot on the soft carpet, walked to the low couch and sat down.
"Brother Huang doesn't know, and Grandma Man Yi doesn't know either. Sometimes I want to be alone, so I come here."
She patted the seat next to her and motioned for Lin Ciyan to sit down too.
Lin Ciyan placed the metal box on the table by the wall, walked to the low couch, and sat down opposite her.
Xu Jiujiu picked up the wine pot on the stove and poured a glass for each of them.
The wine was pale golden in color, poured into a white jade cup, and glowed like amber under the light.
"Try it." She pushed a cup in front of Lin Ciyan, "This is Star Luo Imperial Family's secret recipe of 'Golden Wind Jade Dew'. It is brewed with thirty-six kinds of rare flowers and fruits. It can only be opened after being sealed for five years. The alcohol content is not high."
Lin Ciyan picked up the wine glass and smelled the aroma of the wine.
The aroma is very special. The first smell is the sweet fragrance of flowers and fruits, but the closer you smell it, there is a hint of freshness, like mountain spring or morning dew.
He took a sip.
The wine is soft in the mouth, with a touch of sweetness, leaving a warmth when it slides down the throat, and then... a strange aftertaste spreads in the mouth.
"Good wine." He praised sincerely.
"As long as you like it." Xu Jiujiu also picked up the wine glass and touched his glass lightly, "Here, let's drink to... the meeting of friends."
"Cheers."
The two drank it all in one gulp.
The alcohol content is indeed not high and it tastes very smooth.
Xu Jiujiu filled the bowl for the two of them again.
"Ci Yan, where have you been during the past few days since you came to Star Luo City?" She asked, leaning forward slightly, resting her elbows on the table, holding her chin and looking at him.
This posture makes the curvature of her neckline more obvious.
Lin Ciyan looked away and looked out the window at the night scene.
"I went to Starlight Auction House, visited the East Market and West Market, tried several time-honored dim sum stores, and also went to see a Soul Master gladiator show. It was very lively," he said truthfully.
"That's natural." Xu Jiujiu said with some pride, "Star Luo Empire has been a country for thousands of years, and the capital has been expanded dozens of times before it reached its current scale. Look over there--"
She pointed in a direction outside the window.
Lin Ciyan looked in the direction of her finger.
That is the central area of the city, with the brightest lights. There are countless buildings stacked on top of each other, and in the center is a majestic palace complex. Even in the night, you can feel the majestic momentum.
"That's Star Luo Imperial Palace." Xu Jiujiu said softly, "The place where I grew up."
There was a hint of complexity in her tone.
There is pride, attachment, and... a trace of subtle fatigue.
She took another sip of wine.
Lin Ciyan looked at her and said nothing.
He can understand.
This princess who seems to have everything is actually burdened with pressure and responsibilities that ordinary people cannot imagine.
The two continued to drink and chat.
From Star Luo City's anecdotes, to Soul Master's cultivation experience, to the customs and customs of various parts of the mainland.
Xu Jiujiu is knowledgeable and well-informed, and he quotes from classics while chatting without making people think he is showing off.
Lin Ciyan is more about listening and occasionally adding a few words of his own opinion.
He was surprised to find that many of Xu Jiujiu's views were completely different from those of most aristocratic children of this era.
She cares about people's livelihood and thinks about the relationship between Soul Master and ordinary people.