The group descended as they neared the outer walls of Golden Scales City. Little Shrubby landed softly on a stone-paved road that led to the massive city gates, which stood open and bustling with activity.
Guards in golden lallar armor stood at either side of the gate, their halberds gleaming in the sunlight. Dozens of rchants, cultivators, and travelers queued up to enter, but the mont the guards caught sight of Lin Mu and his companions, they gave a respectful nod and quickly waved them through.
It didn't take much for them to tell these weren't just so common cultivators.
As they stepped into the city proper, the sounds of comrce washed over them like a tide. The streets were wide and ticulously clean, paved with dark jade tiles that reflected the sun in gleaming ripples. Grand buildings lined either side, most adorned with golden trims and painted signs that displayed the various businesses—tea houses, weapon shops, formation scroll vendors, and apothecaries.
But what truly stood out was the overwhelming presence of rchant stalls, each one more flamboyant than the last. Vibrant silks fluttered in the breeze, stalls overflowed with spirit fruits and rare herbs, and hawkers shouted their wares with the practiced volu of seasoned salesn.
"Whoa… this place is even more bustling than I've heard," Daoist Chu said, squinting at a troupe of acrobats flipping through the air atop a moving carriage.
"It's like a rchant's dream," ng Bai added, wide-eyed.
"This city has prosperity woven into its very foundation," Lin Mu remarked, his Immortal sense brushing over dozens of concealed formations hidden beneath the streets. "And strong defenses too."
As they wandered deeper, they passed entire districts dedicated to particular trades: an alchemist quarter where cauldrons stead and popped; a smithing row where the sound of hamrs rang like temple bells; and even an exotic beast market, where caged creatures growled, chirped, or slithered depending on their temperant.
Eventually, the enticing scent of roasted at and fragrant spirit wine drew them to a tall, multi-storied building known as the Crimson Pavilion Dinehall.
"This way!" Daoist Chu grinned, already tugging ng Bai and Lin Mu toward it.
The interior was even more lavish than the exterior—marble floors, ornate lanterns, and waitresses in elegant dresses embroidered with golden koi fish. They were quickly led to a private room on the second floor, where open windows gave them a view of the bustling plaza below.
Platters of food arrived monts after they sat—grilled Cloudfin Carp, crispy Spirit Duck glazed with amber sauce, stir-fried Starlight Mushrooms, and sweet Moonpetal Wine.
Daoist Chu wasted no ti. "MMMMMHHH! This is the stuff! Worth every immortal stone!"
"Agreed," Lin Mu said, chewing slowly as he savored the balanced flavors.
Little Shrubby munched contentedly beside him, his tail swaying back and forth.
"Careful, don't eat the golden fruit slices too fast," ng Bai warned. "They're spiked with spirit qi—burned my throat last ti."
"I eat spicy!" Little Shrubby chuckled as Ashy translated for him before tossing three into his mouth at once. "And I'm a fire beast. this is nothing."
After the al, they split up.
"I'll go get so supplies and see what shops are new," Lin Mu said, brushing off his robes. "Co on, Shrubby."
"Yes!"
"anwhile," Daoist Chu clapped a hand on ng Bai's shoulder, "You, young man, are coming with . I owe you so fun."
ng Bai blinked. "Fun?"
"Don't look so scared," Daoist Chu grinned. "We're just going to a courtesan pavilion or two. Pure entertainnt. So drinks, music, conversation. You need to loosen up a bit."
Lin Mu raised an eyebrow. "Don't get too carried away."
"No promises!" Daoist Chu winked as he led ng Bai away.
Golden Scales City's shopping district was a labyrinth of opportunity. Lin Mu and Little Shrubby visited a talisman shop that claid to have fire-sealing tags made by a Wandering Immortal, a smithy that specialized in spiritual alloys, and even a mysterious fortune-teller who insisted Lin Mu had three overlapping destinies.
Little Shrubby purchased a satchel of rare cooking spices, bouncing with excitent as he sniffed each pouch. Lin Mu, anwhile, found a silent-veil cloak that could suppress his aura more effectively than his old one, and a vial of Moonlight Ice Resin for use with the Omnicore Ascendancy Technique.
"Can we go to the snack street next?" Little Shrubby asked, his eyes shimring.
"Sure. I want to check the herb vendors nearby anyway," Lin Mu replied, smiling.
He was not going to miss this chance to get more herbs for the technique after all.
Across the city, Daoist Chu and ng Bai arrived at the Jade Whisper Pavilion, a famous courtesan house known for its elegance and discretion. The front hall was filled with soft music, the scent of perfud incense, and laughter.
"Welco, sirs," said a courtesan in a flowing silver-blue robe. She bowed gracefully. "Please, this way."
They were guided to a cushioned seating area surrounded by silk curtains and low lanterns that glowed gently with spirit light. Monts later, two more courtesans entered—one with hair like spun gold, the other with sharp, clever eyes.
"Oh my, aren't you two handso?" the golden-haired one said, resting lightly beside ng Bai, who imdiately stiffened.
"Young master looks like soone important," the other added, pouring Daoist Chu a small cup of clear wine.
Daoist Chu chuckled and raised his cup. "Flattery like that will win you a tip. Maybe two."
The won laughed, their sleeves fluttering as they leaned in closer.
ng Bai flushed as one of them offered him a candied lotus snack and said, "Say 'ahh,' young master."
Daoist Chu was howling with laughter by the ti ng Bai nearly choked on a petal.
They stayed for over an hour, enjoying a spread of sweet pastries, roasted peanuts, and fruit wine. The won sang a gentle ballad accompanied by a pipa, then teased ng Bai into trying a few verses himself.
"Not bad!" one of them said, clapping.
"Needs work," Daoist Chu added with a smirk.
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