Meteorite City lay close to the Crystal Mountains and saw much struggle from the local beasts living among these hills. The beasts were no normal animals either, but those evolved from the grace of the heavens. Cultivators usually designated them as monsters, and much like cultivators, they were divided into different ranks.
The city itself was huge, and judging by the walls that rose a hundred feet into the air, it illustrated the status of the prestigious Yu Clan. A number of soldiers kept watch from the watchtowers, and ballistics were mounted on the battlement.
Su Yan stood alongside Xie Lian as they gazed at the overreaching gates studded with metal caps. A small barricade stood to the side of the gates while a smaller gate was left open. They made their way over.
"Entry fee is three pieces of low-grade Qi stones." A guard hollered from before him.
They duo shared a look, and Su Yan let out a sigh. He pulled open his pocket and withdrew three pieces, now left with only four. He had forgotten about the fee entirely and had to reevaluate his budget now. He realized they might only have a day or two's worth of expenses.
As they were let inside, the two were greeted by a plain field that extended for quite a distance. A group of carriages being pulled by sturdy steeds stood off to the side, probably for the purpose of carrying people from the gates to the inner city. Xie Lian stared at them longingly, but Su Yan pushed forth with a hard face.
Following close behind, Xie Lian couldn't help but ask, "You don't have much money left, do you?"
Su Yan felt his lips twitch and sighed. "I don't. So we might have to be frugal for the next couple of days."
Xie Lian nodded and kept pace. "Hey, about that thing earlier?"
"Yeah?" he urged.
"Well, I think you aren't half bad-looking." She spoke. "And if you mean what you said earlier, then I am willing."
"You do understand what you're agreeing to?" He cautioned.
She nodded.
"Very well." Su Yan paused. "But let me warn you one last time: once you're mine, you will never be able to shake me off."
"I think I can deal with that." She nodded. "Cultivation, right?"
Su Yan smiled and nodded. "Cultivation."
As they passed the fields and orchards, they finally saw the beginnings of the market in the form of establishments and shops. Most sold fruits and vegetables, and some sold seeds. There were a number of inns too, and the duo climbed the stairs to enter one.
"Welcome to Boar Inn. How may I help you?" A smiling young girl greeted them, her eyes briefly flickering to Xie Lian's attire, trying to avoid making it obvious. Su Yan caught her stare lingering longer at his garments and wondered if she was being judgmental about their attire. She didn't comment, though, so he forgave the slight and answered.
"We are looking to book a room; how much for a night?"
The girl answered with practiced ease. "That will be two pieces of low-grade Qi stones sans the food."
Su Yan shared a look with Xie Lian and nodded. "We will take one."
As they were led to their rooms, he felt despondent at his financial situation. He had finally scored a woman, and he was now burdening her with more hardships. Truly unbefitting of a gentleman.
They were handed the key to their room and led inside. The girl left soon after, and Xie Lian snorted.
"What?" he asked.
"She was looking at me like I was trash." Xie Lian spoke with a glower.
Su Yan sighed. "No, this is my fault. I should've brought more funds before I decided to leave the clan."
"Wait, you left your clan?"
"Yeah." He nodded. "That's something you should know about me. Some people might be coming after me, and it could get dangerous. I also don't have capital to provide you with better shelter or ensemble. So, sorry about that."
Xie Lian snorted. "Do you really think of me as a shallow woman?" She paused. "I didn't agree to become your partner only because you will provide me with resources, but mostly because you promised that I will be your companion. Not your trophy wife or relieving aid. But your partner, your Dao Companion. So let me make it clear also: I don't care about your past; I only care about our future."
"I think my past matters." Su Yan frowned.
"Not in that way!" She chided. "I meant your choices. Of course your past matters. I am just saying that we will deal with everything together."
"You know what," he said, "I am already starting to like you."
She smiled. "Well, you'd better."
Xie Lian set the sack near the bed and frowned at the narrow frame of the cot.
Su Yan looked around only to conclude there wasn't much to look at. The room wasn't small, but beside a single bed, there was only a room divider beside a cabinet. A window overlooked the street, and the slight altitude provided a look into the far reaches of the city. Despite that he couldn't even see the end, barely able to make out a giant blue tower.
"I have always wanted to visit that tower." Xie Lian arrived beside him. "They say it's made of ice from the Crystal Mountains."
"Maybe," he offered. "I promise to take you for a tour while we are here."
"Nah, I'm good." She denied. "Besides, it costs much for a tour inside."
Su Yan felt his smile widen at the offer. 'An understanding partner,' he thought, 'maybe this could work indeed.' "Don't worry, we will address that problem sooner rather than later."
Xie Lian didn't protest, but her expression made it clear that she wasn't pressing.
"So, what now?" She asked.
"Now, we cultivate." He smiled. "But before that I have to try something. It will be quick, so please sit on the bed."