Many merchants, unable to enter the imperial city or finding its taxes too high, set up stalls outside.
The area was quite lively.
“We’ve used up all the spare clothes in our storage rings. Let’s find a tailor shop and buy something to wear. Looking like this, we might get arrested as suspicious characters,” Ling Xiao suggested.
“I agree!” Ji Mingkong nodded first.
As a girl, she hated being dirty and felt uneasy. New clothes and a hot bath would be perfect.
The others naturally had no objections.
“Alright, let’s go,” Ling Xiao said.
Though their clothes were tattered, they weren’t short on funds.
Shenhuang Continent mostly used spirit stones for transactions, and Ling Xiao’s Mountain and River World held plenty, more than enough.
Perhaps no one realised then, but Ling Xiao’s arrival would profoundly impact Shenhuang Continent.
To passersby, he was just a handsome, sturdy youth, a weary traveller.
Soon, they’d see his presence would turn Shenhuang Continent upside down.
The group entered a tailor shop.
This shop was unique, using mechanical puppet technology to create a mobile store, nearly indistinguishable from those inside the city.
The shop assistant glanced at them briefly before returning to his tasks. He’d seen many wanderers; they weren’t beggars but usually bought cheap clothes.
No need for special attention; they could choose themselves.
“The clothes here are nice, made of fine materials with basic inscriptions, much more practical than ordinary ones, and stylish too,” the girls, who knew clothes well, said, taking their time to pick.
Ji Mingkong, Lan Yuer, Dai Yuling, Dai Yaoling, and Zhao Ci headed to the second floor.
Ling Xiao, Ying Wuya, Leng Hao, Long Chen, and Zhao Zhi grabbed a few fitting outfits.
Men just needed something decent; they weren’t picky.
While waiting for the girls, they sat, listening to the chatter of passersby.
The talk centred on two topics: the Shenhuang Empire, involving the Fire Phoenix and Ice Phoenix Clans, and Tianlong Continent.
The clans ruled the empire.
Every five years, they competed for the emperor’s seat through martial contests. The winner’s chosen warrior would rule for five years.
The current emperor, from the Ice Phoenix Clan, was in his fourth year, with one year until the next contest.
Both clans had standout figures. The Fire Phoenix Clan’s likely candidate was Feng Yinshan, the clan leader’s eldest son, with profound strength, cunning intellect, and a gentle demeanour loved by the people.
The Ice Phoenix Clan’s candidate was Feng Mingqishan, the current emperor’s second son.
Less popular than Feng Yinshan, he’d earned great merit in battle since his teens, revered in military circles.
After discussing the empire, the topic shifted to Tianlong Continent.
“Brother, latest news: Tianlong Continent’s in chaos. The True Demon Empire rose, wiping out dozens of Blue-Eye Clan nations, subjugating them, then crushing the Barbarian Clan’s nine tribes, turning them into lackeys,” one said.
“That’s old news. After that, they invaded the Human Holy Dynasty. Now, only North Han clings to survival,” another replied.
“It’s tragic. The Holy Dynasty was once at its peak, now reduced to this. Where did this True Demon Empire come from, rising suddenly eons ago and now again?”
“They say it’s backed by the sea clan, emerging from the Storm Ocean’s depths, aiming to dominate the Mysterious Realm.”
“Them? Conquering the declining Holy Dynasty’s nothing. Let them try Shenhuang Empire; they’d flee in terror!” one scoffed.
“Exactly. Tianlong can’t compare to Shenhuang. Our empire’s a thousand times stronger than the Holy Dynasty!” another agreed.
“True. I heard the True Demon Empire sent a peace letter to Shenhuang and even dispatched youths to study at Shenhuang Academy.”
What?
Ling Xiao’s heart skipped. The True Demon Empire had people on Shenhuang Continent. Were they connected to him? If they met, it’d be a fierce clash.
He needed to be cautious.
Thud!
As he listened intently, something fell from the second floor.
It was Zhao Ci.
Zhao Zhi rushed over, and Ling Xiao and the others stood, sensing trouble.
Quarrelling voices came from upstairs.
Then, Ji Mingkong, Lan Yuer, Dai Yuling, and Dai Yaoling’s footsteps followed, likely checking on Zhao Ci.
“What happened?” Ling Xiao frowned, asking Ji Mingkong. “With you there, how’d she get hurt?”
Ji Mingkong shook her head. “It was sudden. I didn’t react in time. Who’d expect someone to attack over something trivial?”
“For what?” Ling Xiao asked.
“She touched the clothes I wanted. That’s reason enough, right?” a girl, about Zhao Ci’s age but stronger, descended the stairs.
Her hands were fair as jade, her attire refined, but her words were grating.
Three strong figures followed her.
“Just because she touched your clothes?” Ling Xiao’s brows furrowed. Was this girl so domineering she’d attack over that?
“You think that’s trivial?” the girl sneered. “You look like refugees from Tianlong Continent. Since you’re on Shenhuang, know your place as inferiors. If you’re hit, take it quietly. Don’t talk back, or…”
She flicked her hand, sending a sharp gust like a venomous snake toward Ling Xiao’s vitals.
Attacking to kill over a disagreement, she was much like the old Ji Mingkong.
But compared to Ji Mingkong, her strength and potential were far inferior. What gave her such arrogance?
