Chen Zihao stood there holding a card in his hand, studying the information on it as he held it against his forehead. Even though nothing new was discovered during his test, this meridian chart fascinated him. A group of teenage boys and girls walked over to him,he recognized them all: Jia Feng, Mao Bao, Long Wen, and Fang Nuying, friends of his Chen family that he had brought along.
"Young master Chen, can you believe such a place exist?", Mao Bao called out.
"Yes Young Master Chen, let's head over to the currency exchange and prepare for the wonders inside", Fang Nuying added while smiling.
"Let us be off then", Chen said and turned to walked towards the counter with a visible 'Currency Exchange' mounted over it.
The others followed and Chen approached the first open teller window.
"Good afternoon, I am Wan Hong and I will be your teller today. Will you be only trading currencies, or will you be trading resources as well?" A man smiled and greeted Chen in a friendly and polite manner.
"Just currencies", Chen answered.
"Excellent choice, as briefed, coins trade for a one for one deal or you can request to trade up. We trade one hundred copper for a silver, all the up to high quality spirit stones. Please place the amount you wish to exchange here and watch as I distribute your Sun and Moon coins here", Wan Hong explained, "If you heard about the QR pods and were thinking of using them, I would suggest you trade for some low quality spirit coins. I know that sounds expensive, but it's worth every spirit coin."
Chen thought about it for a moment and decided to trade half of his current holdings figuring that he could return if he needed more money later. He placed his coin purse and identification card on the counter. Wan Hong move the coin purse and emptied it. Chen Zihao was nervous at first but when he noticed that no one else could see what was happening he settled down. Wan Hong began counting coins of each material, quickly stacking piles of each type before asking to confirm the amount given. Chen nodded his head that the amount was correct and was a little surprised how fast Wan Hong counted. Wan Hong deposited the coins into a collector and Chen's identification card glowed for a moment before handing it to Chen Zihao.
"Please honored guest, confirm that you have received the correct amount", Wan requested.
Chen checked the card and after confirming everything was order replied, "Yes, everything is in order."
Wan Hong still smiling said, "Do you have any further exchanges you need to make?"
"No, thank you for the excellent service ", Chen looked over at the other four and said, "shall we travel together?"
The four replied that they should, so Chen walked out of the exit and the next sight cause him to stop in his tracks. Buildings of strange designs were everywhere, the vehicles mentioned in the briefing were traveling along pathways, delicious smelling foods wafted in the air, and people walked around dressed in clothes that felt familiar but different. Chen calmed down and located a sign labeled 'Taxi Stand', before walking over and approaching an artifact. It resembled the artifact that Boss Wei had, a flat slate with an image that read 'Touch screen to schedule a taxi'. Chen Zihao reached out and touched the circle on the screen and the display changed, 'Use your voice to answer the following questions', 'How many passengers?', 'What is your Destination?', 'When do you want the taxi to arrive?'
He spoke, "Five passengers, Bank, Five minutes."
The screen changed again, 'Your Taxi will arrive at parking spot Nine in five minutes. You and your fellow passengers must wait for the taxi to stop and the door to open. Once you enter, use your Qphone or identification card for payment and enjoy your ride.'
A few minutes later, the four friends exited the exchange and walked over to Chen Zihao while looking around.
Long Wen exclaimed, "This is amazing, Sister Nuying, I heard some rumors that there are shops that sell robes and beauty products. We simply must go there and see the validity of such gossip."
"Sister Wen, I agree with your proposal", Fang Nuying agreed, "Also, the map shows restaurants with images of delicious food and resorts with Qi infused hot spring water. I heard this water will nurture one's skin and improve your cultivation. What will you gentlemen do?"
Chen Zihao answered first, "Once we have been to the bank and booked a room at a hot, I will find the QR pod cafe. I've heard that it's like entering a secret realm but you're completely safe. From the information given, you can challenge magical beasts, other cultivators, or even yourself. I plan on challenging myself first, the rumors say that the QR pod will create a spiritual clone of yourself that is capable of fighting as the same level. It's said to be so capable, that your clone will only use the same techniques as you but can use combinations of attacks that your haven't realized yet."
The other two men nodded their heads, the road of cultivation is long and anything that can increase strength or comprehension is worth the time.
A larger taxi pulled over and parked as the group discussed their plans, and it's doors opened. The five of them entered and sat on extremely comfortable seats as Chen Zihao placed his card on the required location. The card turned green and the taxi started driving the the destination. The five of them were scared for the first few minutes as they have never ridden a carriage that traveled this fast and smooth before. Ten minutes later, they arrived at the bank.
The five friends exited the taxi and watched it drive away before heading towards the bank. The building was four stories tall with all glass windows and doors, which would automatically open and closed and guests walked through the doors. Nervously the group also mimicked the others, and walked through the doors only to be greeted with beautiful white floors and black marble walls and countertops. They made their way to the closest teller window and lined up behind the other guests. They continued talking about the things they witnessed when Chen heard, "Next please."
He walked up the service window and greeted the woman who spoke.
"Welcome to Sun and Moon City Bank, please present your identification card", she responded.
After a quick exchange, the teller scanned the card and a number appeared on a screen, "Will you be opening an account or withdrawing the money?"
Chen Zihao closed his eyes and put his hand on his chin, "I'll withdraw for now."
The teller began to count out the balance on the card and then updated it. She placed a bag of coins in front of Chen Zihao, "Please verify the amount."
Chen looked it over and once satisfied, he took the money and stored it in his own purse. He thanked the teller and walked away, meeting with the other four.
"Let's find a hotel before we head out, I assume everyone has their own plans once we get a room?", Chen asked the group.
Everyone confirmed his thoughts and entered the taxi when it arrived.
A screen inside the taxi displayed, 'What is your destination(s)?'
Chen Zihao asked, "What hotels are in the city?"
The screen disappeared and reappeared as it listed hotels from cheapest to most expensive.
"Is everyone going to the same one or should we spilt here?", Chen inquired.
"Let's go together, look at the Red Mare, the facilities looks great, and it's close to both the shopping district and the QR pod cafe you wish to visit", Jia Feng suggested.
Everyone nodded.
The spoke their choice and the taxi began to move.
After five minutes, they arrived at a beautiful hotel with a sculpture of a red horse placed in front to greet the guests.
Walking to the first building, going through the lobby, and reaching the reception, the five members of the group went to check in.
"Welcome to the Red Mare Inn, will you be requesting five rooms?", the man at the counter asked.
"Are five rooms available?", Long Wen asked.
"Yes, we have five rooms that face the lake, are you all interested in these rooms?", the receptionist asked.
The five agreed and after paying for their rooms, they separated. Chen Zihao walked into his room, after taking the time to explore all the artifacts in the room he never saw before, he left the room and opened the simple map installed on the crystal card. After following the directions, Chen Zihao arrived at a building who's sign read, 'Sun and Moon's Island QR pod cafe.'