A week had passed.
Li Wen sat cross-legged in the royal chamber, his focus entirely on the thousand-year turtle shell resting in front of him. The faint glow of his spirit seed flickered within his body as he analyzed the energy within the shell, tracing the unique magic power embedded in its layers. Yet, no matter how much he studied it, something remained elusive.
He had successfully broken down the magic power's structure, understanding its flow and resonance, but his demon energy failed to simulate it. Every attempt to replicate the energy met an invisible barrier, as if a key component was missing from the equation.
Exhaling slowly, Li Wen closed his eyes, forcing himself to step back from the frustration creeping into his mind. He knew from experience that over-focusing on a problem often led to stagnation. What he needed was a break—a fresh perspective.
Standing up, he stretched before stepping onto the balcony. A cool breeze greeted him, carrying with it the sounds of a bustling city.
From his vantage point, he overlooked the vast canyon city, where homes and shops were carved into the rock walls, connected by winding bridges and hanging walkways. The river that split the city glowed with spiritual energy, its waters reflecting the sunlight in shades of deep blue and silver.
Today was Market Day—an event held on the 15th of every month. Given how scattered the various races were across the dangerous Ancient Mountain Range, the market was one of the rare occasions where they gathered in one place to trade.
From his perch, he saw the Elephant-Men towering over the crowd, their thick, sturdy frames moving with slow but deliberate steps. Tree Spirits drifted between the stalls, their leafy forms shifting with the wind. The Eagle-Men stood perched on the upper ledges, their keen eyes scanning the goods below. Even the rare Dark Spirits moved like flickering shadows, whispering among themselves.
The jubilant atmosphere of the market pulled at his curiosity. The sight of exotic materials and rare goods reminded him that he was not limited to his knowledge—perhaps something there could help with his research.
A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips.
Yes, a visit to the market might prove useful. If nothing else, he could search for rare materials that might provide insight into what was missing in his analysis.
With that decision made, Li Wen stepped back inside. It was time to see what the market had to offer.
With a subtle surge of magic power, Li Wen's attire shifted—the fine robes dissolving into a dark cloak that concealed his face and figure. The fabric clung to the shadows, making him blend seamlessly into the dim corners of the balcony.
Without hesitation, he leapt from the balcony, the wind rushing past him as he landed effortlessly on the castle grounds. The impact was silent, his movements fluid as he straightened and strode forward.
The castle guards stationed near the entrance took notice of him but made no move to stop him. They had long grown accustomed to his presence over the past week.
As he stepped beyond the castle gates, he suddenly felt a subtle presence trailing behind him. His sharp senses tingled, and with a slight turn of his head, he caught sight of two guards following at a distance.
"Fox guards," he noted internally.
They weren't attempting to hide their presence, nor did they appear hostile. It was more of a watchful escort rather than an attempt to restrict him.
Li Wen smirked but didn't acknowledge them. If they wanted to follow, let them. He had no intention of causing trouble—not today.
As he reached the market, the atmosphere shifted into one of vibrant energy. Stalls stretched along the streets, filled with goods of various origins. The scent of exotic spices and herbs mingled with the metallic tang of refined ores and the faint hum of enchanted artifacts.
He moved through the crowd, his gaze flickering over the different vendors—beast pelts from the Eagle-Men, spirit-infused wood from the Tree Spirits, and crushed gemstones radiating elemental energy. Each race had something unique to offer, and while nothing immediately stood out, he kept his senses open.
A sudden shout cut through the air, followed by a clamor of voices.
Li Wen's attention snapped toward the commotion, his gaze settling on a large gathering of people around a particular stall.
Curious, he moved closer, weaving effortlessly through the throng until he reached the outer edge of the crowd.
At the center of it all stood a gnome merchant, standing atop a wooden crate, his voice animated as he gestured toward an array of unusual artifacts spread across his stall.
"These treasures," the gnome declared, his voice thick with excitement, "were unearthed from an ancient underground ruin! Each piece holds remnants of lost power—artifacts of forgotten civilizations!"
Li Wen's eyes narrowed slightly.
An underground ruin?
Now, this could be interesting.
Li Wen's eyes swept over the artifacts, analyzing their state. Most were damaged relics, their magic energy long depleted, rendering them useless. A few magic weapons remained intact, but they were designed for Enlightenment Realm cultivators, far below his current strength.
Just as he was about to turn away, something caught his eye—a crystal with a red stone embedded inside. The red stone glowed faintly, its warm light pulsating like a beating heart.
"A Fire Spirit Stone?" he mused.
His interest piqued, he decided to buy it and stepped forward, parting the crowd with ease.
The sudden movement caused a stir, and murmurs rose from the onlookers. However, the moment they sensed his aura—the unmistakable pressure of a Source Realm cultivator—they instinctively stepped aside, clearing a path for him. Some even took a respectful half-step back, their gazes flickering with a mix of caution and awe.
Approaching the stall, Li Wen pointed at the Fire Stone.
"I want this. How much?"
The gnome merchant—a shrewd-looking creature with keen eyes and a wiry beard—rubbed his hands together.
"Master, that piece is 20 silver stones."
Li Wen's brows arched slightly.
"A Fire Stone is worth 1 silver stone. A white crystal's price is even lower—measured in bronze stones. How do you justify such an outrageous price?"
The gnome grinned, undeterred.
"Ah, but Master! This is no ordinary Fire Stone! This is an artistic masterpiece—only a true master craftsman could embed a Fire Stone inside a White Crystal with such precision!"
Li Wen let out a short chuckle, unimpressed.
"If it's not crafted by a master of great skill, why would I even consider buying it?" His voice was cool, measured. "I'll give you 3 silver stones."
The gnome grimaced, shaking his head.
"Master, that is far too low! Do you know the risks I took to retrieve this from the ruins? How about 10 silver stones?"
Li Wen didn't respond immediately. Instead, he extended his hand slightly, and with a flicker of his demonic energy, the Fire Stone lifted into the air, floating toward his palm. The gnome's face tensed as he felt the weight of Li Wen's aura, the unmistakable power pressing down on him.
"Five silver stones," Li Wen said. His tone left no room for negotiation.
The gnome gritted his teeth, frustration flashing in his eyes. But, recognizing the disparity in strength, he ultimately bowed his head in defeat.
"Fine, five silver stones."
Li Wen had no local currency, but he had plenty of valuable herbs gathered from his travels. With a flick of his wrist, he retrieved a Bone Flower—a rare medicinal plant worth exactly five silver stones.
The gnome's eyes lit up with recognition.
"Yes, Master! This is acceptable."
With that, Li Wen handed over the Bone Flower, placed the Fire Stone into his pocket, and turned away without another word.
As he walked through the market, he mused to himself.
"I should sell the rest of my herbs first. No point in carrying them around when I can trade them for money."
Recalling the large herb shop near the main road, he adjusted his path, heading toward it with unhurried steps.
The herb shop was bustling with activity, as expected on a market day. Despite being a bit removed from the market street, its status as the largest herb shop ensured a steady flow of customers.
Li Wen's sharp eyes scanned the interior and quickly found an empty server station. Behind the counter stood a young fox girl, her ears twitching as she busied herself with customers.
Seeing him approach, she quickly straightened up.
"Sir, are you here to buy or sell herbs? Or perhaps you're looking for potions?"
"I'm here to sell."
With a flick of his wrist, Li Wen emptied his storage, and over fifty different herbs spilled onto the counter. The rich aroma of medicinal plants filled the air, drawing a few curious glances from nearby customers.
The fox girl's eyes widened slightly before she quickly regained her composure.
"Sir, please wait. This will take some time."
Li Wen simply nodded, watching as she began sorting the herbs into their respective types and grades, carefully calculating their market value.
As he waited, his keen ears caught whispers from behind.
"Princess, why have you come? You could have sent someone, and I would have personally delivered anything you needed."
His gaze remained forward, but his interest piqued when he heard a familiar voice respond.
"Sir Amatoto, I didn't come for you."
A faint smirk tugged at the corner of Li Wen's lips.
Then, he felt it—a presence approaching from behind, the graceful yet deliberate footfalls unmistakable.
"Did your mother send you to keep an eye on me?" he asked without turning.
Reiko's voice was light, yet firm.
"No, Mr. Li. I heard you left the castle, and since you hadn't explored the city yet, I thought I would personally show you its attractions."
Li Wen simply hummed, unimpressed. He was well aware of her true intentions, but he didn't press the issue. Instead, his focus remained on the fox girl, who was still calculating the value of his herbs—though every ten to twenty seconds, she would steal a glance at them.
"Finished?" he asked, his patience thin but calm.
The fox girl flinched slightly, snapping her attention back to the herbs.
"Just a moment, sir."
For the next minute, she worked with full concentration, her fingers swiftly counting and weighing.
Finally, she looked up.
"Twelve gold stones."
Li Wen nodded. As she handed him the money, he collected it without another word, then turned toward the exit, Reiko and her guards following behind.
Just as he stepped into the doorway, the sound of heavy hoofbeats caught his attention.
He looked up to see a party of ten fox people, riding massive wildebeests, approaching the shop. At the front of the group rode Saito, his face dark with frustration.
Li Wen's eyes narrowed slightly before a smirk played across his lips.
Six days ago, after the humans left, Saito had accompanied them, his true goal being the Barbarian Elder Council. His mission? To persuade the elders to aid the queen in her attempt to break through to the True Source Realm.
Now, seeing Saito return with such a gloomy expression, Li Wen's suspicion was confirmed—he had failed.
"Looks like the plan is going accordingly," Li Wen mused to himself, stepping forward as the group came closer.
Li Wen stood still, watching as the mounted party rode past. The heavy hoofbeats of the wildebeests echoed through the streets, dust kicking up slightly in their wake. He waited until the last rider passed before stepping forward.
His gaze flicked to Reiko, who remained silent, her expression tense. Her brows furrowed, and her tails twitched in agitation, betraying her unease.
Acting as though he was unaware of the situation, he spoke casually.
"Reiko, looks like something happened. Saito's face looks terrible."
She said nothing at first, her eyes locked on the retreating party.
Li Wen's smirk deepened.
"You should go and see what happened. I'll be in the market street."
Reiko snapped out of her thoughts, glancing at him briefly before nodding. Without another word, she turned on her heels and walked toward the waiting carriage, stepping inside gracefully. The carriage wheels creaked as it started rolling, following behind Saito's group as they headed toward the palace.
Li Wen watched them go, then let out a satisfied breath, his mood lifting considerably.
Everything was progressing as planned.
With a relaxed stride, he crossed the street, blending effortlessly into the lively atmosphere of the market street, his eyes already scanning for anything interesting.