"There was a way like that?" Shen Luo rubbed his nose and nodded, somewhat embarrassed.
When gathering information about Heavenly Mechanism City, he had always made discreet inquiries to avoid exposing the Jade Pillow's existence, rarely asking anyone directly. He had never expected to make such a blunder, but fortunately, he had reached his destination without further trouble.
"Fellow Daoist Zhou, you said very few people cross the Boundless Sea of Sand to get here. Are there dangers in that desert?" Zhou Ming's words suddenly reminded Shen Luo of something, and he asked.
"Well..." Zhou Ming trembled slightly, a flicker of chagrin crossing his eyes, and began to hem and haw.
"If it's inconvenient to tell me, don't force yourself, Fellow Daoist Zhou. Which shops in the Lower City are worth visiting?" Seeing his reaction, Shen Luo changed the subject.
"There are many shops in Heavenly Mechanism City, including seven or eight large ones, all worth a look. The nearest is the Rainbowlight Pavilion, which sells all kinds of high-grade spirit herbs..." Zhou Ming's expression relaxed, and he hurriedly launched into a detailed introduction.
While Shen Luo wandered through Heavenly Mechanism City, Yan Wushi arrived alone at a palace in the Upper City and waited there respectfully.
A short while later, the rumble of wheels came from behind the hall. A wooden wheelchair slowly rolled into view, carrying a white-haired man in blue robes. He looked very young, only in his twenties or thirties, yet his eyes held the wisdom of someone who had seen through the ways of the world, like a hundred-year-old elder.
"My respects, Elder Wuming!" Yan Wushi bowed.
"Dispense with the formalities. How did this expedition go?" the white-haired man asked gently. His voice was richly resonant and soothing to the ear.
"Once again, we