After arriving at the mansion, Xue couldn't help but compare it to the Commander's Mansion on the border. While it matched in size, this mansion had far superior facilities. Advanced auxiliary soul tools lined the walls, ensuring convenience and luxury at every turn. It was a testament to the Sun Moon Empire's technological superiority.
Luan Feng stood before Xue and Ju Zi, her expression calm but observant as she addressed them.
"Do you both really want to see Mingdu City?" she asked, her tone carrying a faint note of curiosity.
Xue glanced at his grandmother, his thoughts hidden behind a composed expression. 'It's not like I have any particular mood for sightseeing, but if you insist, I might as well take a look' he thought, waiting silently for Ju Zi's response.
Ju Zi, however, shook her head decisively. "Teacher, I'm good here. I'd rather focus on learning soul tool carving. You said I could join the Sun Moon Royal Academy, and I think I'd like to try that. Since their admission standards are within my reach and the admissions are happening now, it's better for me to prepare and take the opportunity."
Luan Feng smiled faintly at her response, nodding in approval but adding her own thoughts. "Ju Zi, your decision is good I also think academy is better place for you to make friends and it might help you to recover. However, let me remind you of something: what I can teach you here far surpasses what you'll learn there. If you feel unprepared, it's entirely fine to spend another year or two learning under my guidance before enrolling. The academy will always be there, but a solid foundation cannot be rushed."
She paused, her gaze steady as she explained further. "The Sun Moon Royal Academy is one of the empire's most prestigious institutions, specializing in soul tools and military strategy. The students there are the future pillars of the empire, but they also face fierce competition. If you do join now, be prepared to push yourself even harder."
Ju Zi nodded, "I will think of this teacher, but I think it's better for me join this year and In holidays I will be able to learn from you."
Infact Ju Zi has more ideas for joining academy. 'I can't wait to grow under your wing teacher, I want revenge and as soon as possible.'
Luan Feng thought for a second then replied, "Okay I will take you tommorow for admissions."
Luan Feng then turned her attention to Xue. "And you? Do you wish to explore the city?"
Xue gave a slight nod. "Yes, I'll take a look."
"Very well," Luan Feng said. "Then let's go. Ju Zi, you also join us."
Ju Zi didn't refused second time she followed Xue and Luan Feng
Mingdu City's vibrant nightlife greeted them as they stepped onto its bustling streets. Xue looked around with mild curiosity. The glowing lights from the auxiliary soul tools and the constant crowd created a lively atmosphere, but it wasn't enough to impress him. It's interesting, but not better than what he had seen in my previous life.
As they strolled through the streets, Xue's attention was caught by a vendor selling sugar-coated haws. The glossy red fruit on skewers reminded him of a simpler time. He bought a skewer and, after a moment of thought, handed one to Ju Zi.
"Here, try this," he said, holding it out to her.
Ju Zi hesitated before taking it. She nibbled on the haw, the sweetness catching her by surprise.
"It's good," she said softly, her voice barely audible.
"Of course, it's good! I'd say it's the best sweet snack ever," Xue declared confidently while savoring another bite. "But grandmother never lets me eat much."
"Because eating too much sugar in childhood is bad for your health. You have to understand this," came Luan Feng's sharp voice from behind, catching Xue completely off-guard.
He froze mid-bite, startled. Wasn't she busy buying daily necessities? he thought. He had assumed his grandmother was distracted while preparing for their stay in the city, but who knew she had been keeping an eye on him all along.
Before he could react, Luan Feng was at his side, swiftly catching his ear and giving it a firm twist.
"Ow, ow, ow! Grandma, that hurts!" Xue protested, his hands flying up to try and free himself.
Ignoring his complaints, Luan Feng turned to Ju Zi. "When you see him eating too many sugar-coated haws, tell me immediately, okay? Or better yet, you can punish him yourself."
Ju Zi's lips curved into a light smile as she watched the amusing scene. She nodded silently, her earlier gloom momentarily replaced by the warmth of their interaction.
"Grandma, it's been ten whole days since I've eaten anything with sugar!" Xue complained, trying to plead his case. "And the last time I had haws was over a month ago!"
Luan Feng raised an eyebrow, her voice firm and knowing. "Oh? But I seem to recall Shu Qiu reporting that you asked the chef to make you some sugar-coated haws in secret just a few days ago."
Xue froze, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead. Damn, Shu Qiu snitched on me?
"That… that was just to use as bait for catching some fish!" he stammered, scrambling for an excuse.
Luan Feng's eyes narrowed, her grip on his ear loosening but her voice no less stern. "Is that so? Then why didn't I hear about any fish being caught?"
Xue lowered his head, biting the remaining haws in defeat. Damn it, I can't even give a proper excuse!
"Enough excuses," Luan Feng said, shaking her head in exasperation. "From now on, no sweets for you until after the banquet. Understood?"
Xue sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Fine, fine. No sweets," he muttered, though the longing glance he cast at the last bite of his haws betrayed his true feelings.
Ju Zi chuckled softly, finding the interaction oddly comforting. For the first time in a long while, the heaviness in her chest eased slightly as she watched interaction between Xue and his grandmother.
As they strolled down the bustling street, Xue's attention was drawn to a small store with a display of soul tools and antiques. He felt a strange pull toward it, almost like an invisible thread tugging at him. Deep within his mind, the small ring that had been silent for years began to stir, urging him toward the store.
Without a word, he stepped inside, his eyes scanning the items on display. Luan Feng and Ju Zi, noticing his unusual behavior, followed him in.
"Welcome, dear customers! Feel free to browse and take your time," a cheerful lady greeted them as they entered. Her tone was warm and inviting, but Xue barely acknowledged her. His attention was completely captivated by a small blue box sitting on one of the shelves.
The box emanated a faint chill, and even standing a few steps away, Xue could feel its icy aura brushing against his skin.
"What's this?" Xue asked, pointing at the box, his voice filled with curiosity.
The shopkeeper followed his gaze and smiled, though there was a hint of relief in her expression. "Ah, dear customer, that box was recently sent to us by the Dongyang Chamber of Commerce. It came from the Far North and was found in a cave deep within the icy regions. The cave was completely empty except for this box. Interestingly, the cave seems to boost the cultivation speed of Ice element practitioners. But, ah, sorry, I got distracted."
She quickly composed herself and continued, "The important thing is that this box has remained sealed. No one has been able to open it, so our chamber decided to put it up here as an antique."
Xue's gaze remained fixed on the box, his curiosity deepening. Luan Feng, sensing the unusual aura around the item, stepped forward. She picked it up and examined it carefully.
Even she couldn't open it.
"Strange," Luan Feng muttered, her brows furrowed.
"Grandma, even you can't open it? I thought you were a strong Title—" Xue started teasing, but his words were cut off as Luan Feng reached over and twisted his ear.
"Ow, ow! Okay, I get it!" Xue winced, trying to wriggle free.
The shopkeeper's eyes widened in shock. She stared at Luan Feng, her mind racing when she heard titled Douluo word. A titled Douluo, older woman? There was only one person in the Sun Moon Empire who fit the description.
"Are you… Fire Phoenix Douluo?" the shopkeeper asked hesitantly, her voice trembling.
Luan Feng sighed, her expression calm. "Don't make a fuss," she said flatly. "Now, how much for the box? My grandson seems to like it."
The shopkeeper straightened up, her nerves kicking in. "Ah, greetings, Lady Fire Phoenix Douluo! My apologies for not recognizing you sooner!" She hesitated before continuing, "About the box… sometimes, it causes the surrounding temperature to drop to levels comparable to the Far North. It happens unpredictably, which is why no one has been willing to buy it. To be honest, it doesn't have any real value since we can't even open it."
"No worries. We'll take it." Luan Feng's tone left no room for negotiation as she glanced at Xue, who was staring at the box with a determined look in his eyes.
"Grandmother, please," Xue urged, his voice firm. He didn't know why, but the ring in his mind was practically screaming at him to claim the box. It felt like a ravenous wolf clawing at his consciousness.
Seeing the unshakable determination in her grandson's eyes, Luan Feng sighed. "Alright."
"Just one hundred gold is enough," the shopkeeper said, her tone polite but relieved. Selling the box to someone like Fire Phoenix Douluo felt like the safest decision she could make.
After paying for the box, Luan Feng turned to Ju Zi. "Is there anything you'd like? Pick something for yourself."
Ju Zi shook her head gently. "No, thank you. I'm fine."
Luan Feng nodded. "Alright, then. Let's head back."
As they left the store, Xue held the box tightly in his hands. While ring in his mind wanted to swallow the whole box now only but it was still in Xue control.
"Not now we will check after going back."