In the bustling streets of the massive Immortal Phoenix City stood countless grandiloquent structures decorated with blossoming flowers that gave an air of mysticism and vibrant plants that inserted more life into the vigorous environment of the city.
A red-robed youth walked along the streets, greeted and looked upon with admiration by the crowd. Beside him were two imposing figures that emanated a fiery aura, which acted as a barrier for the massive crowd that gathered around him.
The youth himself had outstanding physical features and a distinct red glowing phoenix mark between his eyebrows. This signified his high status within the city as the young prince of the ruling empire.
He continued to walk along the seas of buildings, passing by a few shops to buy some souvenirs and snacks. He eventually came across a rather ordinary looking bookstore within an alley.
The bookstore did indeed look quite shabby compared to the incredible architecture of the buildings around it. But overall it still looked good. It would even stand out more if it wasn't located in this obscure alley within the city.
The Great Shang City was so massive, with so many places to visit that most people would simply miss this bookstore.
The youth noticed the bookstore. Looking at it, he saw the sign saying "Li Yongcai's Bookstore". It was a rather generic name for a store. However, the sign gave him a strange feeling.
The feeling kept growing and growing as time slowed to a crawl, with the youth finding himself getting dragged into a completely different realm.
He was dragged into a rather cozy store. However, the simple appearance of the store couldn't hide the incomprehensible amount of power contained within.
He felt like he half stumbled upon the forbidden lair of a terrifying dragon... countless horrifying presences could be felt inside.
"What on earth have I stumbled upon..." The youth muttered, horror present in his bright amber eyes.
"Ah! My first customer. Finally." A serene voice rang out.
It came from a white-robed youth behind the counter that stood beside the youth.
The red-robed youth was put into a daze for a few seconds before he sprang back up and shook in fright. That voice hypnotized him. Had it had bad intentions, he would be no more.
He look beside him and saw the white-robed person. He was sitting in a chair behind the counter, with his deep purple eyes staring right through him. It seemed like he could see all his secrets. All were naked before this man's gaze.
And yet he could feel no aura emanating from this man. He was a mortal.
'No aura... this must be an old monster! An old monster powerful beyond words! Could he be one of those legendary Dao Sovereigns?!'
The youth thought of many possibilities within a single breath. Finally, he gave up and greeted the man.
"Greetings, senior, this junior's name is Feng Jun..."
"Hm? Why are you calling me senior? I am clearly a mortal. You who is nearing the level of Spiritual Enlightenment are calling me a senior? Are all juniors these days so respectful?"
Feng Jun almost spurted blood.
'This is definitely one of those old monsters who like to play mortal! But this guy is actually bad at it! He just mentioned my cultivation base, which people of my realm and above could only see through! These are definitely the eccentric types of old monsters. If I say the wrong words, he might completely destroy the empire!"
"Of course, of course senior. Just a sign of respect to our elders."
"Elders? I am only 19 years old, do I really look that old?" The white-robed person showed a thoughtful expression.
'Shit! I'm actually stupid! What greatest genius of the Feng Clan in millions of years? I have made such stupid mistakes! I'm done for! He might completely annihilate me any moment now!'
He was about to burst into tears but he definitely had to maintain his composure. Otherwise, he might really end up getting annihilated in this life-and-death situation.
"Ah, it's just a sign of respect. You look bright and beaming with life! May I have your name?"
"Oh, I see I see. My name is Li Yongcai. Anyway, you could look around the bookstore and see if anything suits to your liking. I will be sitting here if you need anything."
"Alright. Thank you for your kindness!"
Feng Jun immediately clasped his hands and took off. He decided to head on further into the bookstore and look around. He should be returning to Immortal Phoenix City now, but he definitely had to go along with the act first.
He was absolutely horrified by the books he saw. They had seemingly simple titles, but they were all filled with limitless power.
There were all manner of books around. Some had blazing wild Sword Qi flying around, threatening to destroy him... some had a mysterious force, pulling everything into a mysterious void...
He then came across a bright red book. On the cover was written "Primordial Phoenix King's Ascent Into Glory"
This book seemed to attract his bloodline. It seemed to be covered in white flames. The flames were calm yet inconceivably powerful.
The youth touched the book. He felt his bloodline was about to boil. He could not wait to read this. He must pay any price to get this book, which will definitely bring glory to his clan...
He walked back to the counter, holding the book tightly as his arms got covered by the white flames. Yet he felt no pain from these flames that were so hot they could burn the heavens.
"I wish to purchase this book!"
"Oh, that book. It's not a bad story, but it gets boring at some parts... all right. 5 Copper Coins."
The youth felt his blood boiling in his throat... 'Boring? This old monster is definitely different from the other usual ones... 5 Copper Coins. It is definitely not that cheap! There must be some hidden message he is trying to convey.'
He placed the copper coins on the counter.
"Thank you. Come back again if you like our books." Li Yongcai proceeded to take the Copper Coins.
As he grasped the Copper Coins and placed them into his pocket, Feng Jun felt a terrifying force.
His soul was now bound to Li Yongcai! His life and death are in the grasp of his palms! He could do whatever he wished to him! If Li Yongcai died, then he will die as well! The karmic ties to him were so strong. It was at this moment he started to realize the true horror of the white-robed youth behind the counter.
He paid his respects and left. Little did he know, such things were unintended side effects from the sheer horror of that man... the heavens themselves forged the karmic ties for they were afraid of offending him themselves!