Song Chen looked down through the porthole. The city was built on an enormous lake, its buildings floating on the surface like so many lotus blossoms.
Their petals were transparent psychic energy crystal walls that refracted pale golden light in the sun. Countless psychic energy aircraft hovered overhead.
The aircraft threaded between the lotus-shaped buildings, while psychic energy pleasure boats cruised slowly across the lake.
Sparkling wakes trailed behind the boats. People of all races mingled in the bustling port.
The atmosphere was relaxed and leisurely, nothing like the taut tension on the Heavenly Pivot front lines.
"First time on Azure Blue Star?" a voice asked beside him.
Song Chen turned to see a middle-aged man with yellowish skin and a merchant's smile.
His ears were longer than most people's, pointed and twitching slightly. He wore a gray-blue robe.
A psychic energy nameplate pinned to his chest bore the words "Landu Spirit Materials."
"Yes." Song Chen nodded.
The man extended a hand. "My name is Tuo Shan, a manager at Landu Spirit Materials. You're here to make a breakthrough, aren't you?"
"That's right."
Tuo Shan smiled. "I knew it. Eight out of ten people who come to Azure Blue Star are here to make a breakthrough."
"I've worked here for over sixty years. I know exactly which materials you need to break through at any rank."
"If you don't mind, I can show you around. Whether you're buying a home or materials, I can arrange it all."
"Fair prices, and no swindling."
Song Chen studied him. The man was only at the seventh rank, but his words and manner carried a shrewd edge.
After a moment's thought, he nodded. "All right."
Tuo Shan immediately beamed and led Song Chen through the port's main street, explaining things as they walked.
"Landu's