A Cave Abode from High Antiquity?

Upon reaching the light, one finds a stone palace that resembles a tomb, exuding a desolate Savage Wilderness atmosphere.

Shen Ge first looked at the lamp that was emitting a flame. It was an oil lamp, and although it looked very ordinary, Shen Ge did not think it was ordinary.

Putting aside how long this place had been without seeing the light of day, the fact that this lamp could burn for so long was no ordinary thing; however, he didn't recognize any of the materials and couldn't make a judgment.

Shen Ge took out a small knife and heated it over the flame. I hadn't originally planned to sacrifice this knife, since it was one of the few weapons he had. But to my surprise, it melted as soon as it came into contact with the flame, so fast that I didn't even have time to react.

"So intense? Why can't I feel any heat? Instead, I feel a bit chilly?" Shen Ge frowned as he took a few steps back from the flames.

Although he lost a knife, he was certain that the lamp was no ordinary object, so he took a few steps forward to take it away.

But he tried to pull it out several times and couldn't budge it. The lamp seemed to be embedded in the stone wall. Then he tapped the stone wall with another knife, but couldn't even leave a mark, so he was a little stumped.

This lamp is a treasure, but it seems like this treasure can't be taken away, which makes Shen Ge quite uncomfortable, just like having mountains of gold and silver right in front of him but being unable to touch a single piece of it.

"Forget it, I don't want to think about this anymore. I'd better find a place to hide first. That bastard Huang Tao might come down. Once I recover some spiritual power, I'll see who the real bastard is!" Shen Ge raised his hand to cover his left shoulder and muttered angrily. He glanced at the bronze lamp that was emitting a faint spark and then disappeared into the black mist.

In Liuyun Flowing Cloud City, the capital of the Liuyun Flowing Cloud Kingdom, a procession of carriages slowly drove into the city.

On a chestnut horse, a petite girl dressed in brocade looked around, her eyes showing curiosity and excitement, though she didn't express it.

This girl was none other than Han Yu, who had been away from home for more than three years. As for why she was able to come here, it was entirely thanks to the person in the carriage next to her.

She was a princess, the princess of Qinghe Commandery, about the same age as Han Yu. She had met Han Yu in a small town in Kaohai Commandery because of the Detoxification Pill.

"Xiao Yu, how is it? Is this your first time in Flowing Cloud City? This is the imperial city, isn't it very prosperous?" Su Du asked with a smile, lifting the curtain beside the carriage.

Although she was a princess, she did not treat Han Yu as her maid, but as a friend, a friend she could confide in.

Han Yu composed herself, rode her horse a little closer to the carriage, and replied, "Princess, this place has the best security of all the cities we've visited. There are often patrols along the roads. In such an environment, prosperity is inevitable."

Han Yu is no longer the shy and delicate Han Yu used to be. In the past two years, she has learned a lot from Su Du and read many books.

"You, when did I ever ask you to analyze these things?" Su Du laughed. "This is the imperial city of the Flowing Cloud Kingdom, so the security is naturally excellent. After all, most of the high-ranking officials, nobles, and wealthy merchants of the Flowing Cloud Kingdom gather here. But if you ask me, while it's a good place, the atmosphere is a bit too serious. It's not as good as Linhai City in terms of social atmosphere, not as rich as Tianyuan City, and not as mysterious as Changliu. It's just a relatively safe imperial city."

"To be honest, I don't want to come here. This place is very strict with rules, and given my status, every time I come here I have to go to the imperial palace, which has the strictest rules, otherwise it's considered impolite."

"I heard that Consort Li has given birth to another prince, and I happen to be nearby. I was just unaware of this news, but now that I know, it would be inappropriate not to go."

"Princess, isn't this the proper thing to do?" Han Yu nodded and said, "We ordinary people still visit relatives during festivals. Although the royal family's sense of kinship is relatively weaker than ours, some things are still unavoidable. This is a rule that has been passed down for thousands of years, and it is also human nature."

Su Du chuckled, "Xiao Yu, it feels really strange that you're talking about such profound things. By the way, what books have you been reading lately? How come you're acting all old-fashioned one minute and lively and witty the next?"

Han Yu remained composed, without blushing. She replied calmly, "I read some historical books. I read all the biographies of those who have made their mark on history, both the good and the bad. I learn a lot from their stories. Especially analyzing the exchanges of interests and power struggles behind those major events from those fragmented fragments is truly fascinating."

Su Du's smile faded, and he said seriously, "Xiao Yu, I think you should read more books about business. Those other books are of no use to you."

"The more you see and know, the more disappointed you become in a person's character. Sometimes, knowing less can make you happier."

"However, you can't be completely ignorant. Just get a basic understanding of these things; don't go into too much depth."

In response to Su Du's reminder, Han Yu smiled faintly and said, "I understand. I won't be looking at these things lately."

Su Du nodded, beckoned Han Yu to get into his carriage, and then dismissed the maids serving in the carriage.

Once only the two of them were in the carriage, Su Du took Han Yu's hand and said, "Xiao Yu, how long have you been out? Almost four years, right?"

Han Yu nodded and said, "Three years and three months, that's quite a long time."

Do you miss home?

Han Yu shook her head and said calmly, "I don't really want to. The princess left some money for my family back then, and my parents and brother should have been doing quite well all these years. Maybe my brother even found me a wife, and they might even have children by now."

"Xiao Yu, you've learned a lot from me over the years. Why don't you go out and give it a try? The position I mentioned before has been reserved for you."

"Princess, alright, I agree. The books all say that you should apply what you've learned. I've almost finished learning, it's time to put it into practice."

"Alright, after this trip to the imperial city, we'll return to Tianyuan City, and then you can manage those three restaurants."

After chatting for a while, Su Du reached out and quickly grabbed a handful of Han Yu's chest, chuckling, "Xiao Yu, I didn't realize you changed so much! You used to be so small, now I can't even grab all of your breasts."

"But that's fine too, it makes men like you."

Han Yu blushed deeply at Su Du's sudden action, but having spent so much time together, she wasn't jealous. The difference in their social status had long since become insignificant, so she immediately grabbed him back.

"Princess, I'm not Little White anymore. I won't let you bully me and won't be afraid to fight back."

Soon, the sounds of two boys playing and laughing came from inside the carriage, while the accompanying guards outside pretended not to hear anything.

They had all witnessed how good the princess was to this poor girl.