Mysterious Yin Meridian Opening

"Sorry. This concerns my father's life and death; I lost my composure just now. I hope Fellow Daoist Shen will not take offense," Ma Xiuxiu said, her face flushing slightly as she realized her behavior had been inappropriate.

"Miss Ma's concern for her family is only natural," Shen Luo said.

"Thank you for your understanding, Fellow Daoist Shen," Ma Xiuxiu said gratefully.

She took the Dream Recall Talisman and, seeming eager to return, soon bade him farewell and departed.

Shen Luo watched her figure disappear into the distance before turning and slowly walking in another direction.

East of Chang'an City, Everjoy Ward.

Near dusk, lanterns had just begun to light up throughout the market district, bathing the entire street in crimson. Music drifted from the taverns and pavilions lining both sides of the lanes, along with the clinking of cups and bowls. The place remained as bustling as ever.

In the smaller alleys of the ward, rows of nighttime food stalls and small vendors had already set up. Warm white steam rose from stoves and pots by the roadside, while a jumble of cries and calls echoed everywhere.

Shen Luo walked among them, but his thoughts drifted far away. The scene of his battle with the dragon soul earlier that day replayed repeatedly in his mind, leaving him frustrated and stifled. If he possessed the cultivation and skills he had in the dream, he certainly would not have been beaten so badly.

With that thought, his desire to raise his strength as quickly as possible grew even more urgent.

However, he had already used up all his Two-Origin True Water. He could no longer rely on it to continue advancing his cultivation, so he could only think of another way.

"Water-basin mutton! Piping-hot mutton soup, tender, soft meat..." At