As Shuhang and his father, Song Wuji, made their way to the smithy, the vibrant life of Azure Sky City surrounded them. The floating city's unique charm was apparent in every detail, from its meticulously cobbled streets to the hum of activity that filled the air. The sun cast a warm golden glow on the medieval architecture, illuminating stone buildings adorned with intricate carvings and colorful banners that fluttered in the wind.
The city bustled with activity, its streets a harmonious blend of the mundane and the extraordinary. Horses trotted steadily, pulling carriages filled with goods or passengers dressed in finely embroidered robes. Merchants shouted from stalls lining the roads, advertising everything from rare herbs to gleaming weapons. Children ran past, laughing and playing, while their parents haggled over the prices of daily necessities.
Above them, the sky was alive with movement. People soared through the air, some seated on flying swords, others gliding effortlessly without any visible aid. It was a breathtaking sight that never failed to captivate Shuhang, even though he had lived in the city his entire life. The elegance of those who flew, their robes billowing in the wind, contrasted with the grounded life of those walking below.
Intermixed with the human population were beings that added an exotic flair to the city. Some had animal features—ears that twitched like a cat's, tails swaying behind them, or eyes that gleamed with a predatory sharpness. These were the beastkin, humanoid beings with the traits of animals. Their presence was as natural here as the humans themselves, reflecting the diversity of the world they lived in.
And then there were the beasts. Towering over the crowds were intelligent creatures, their massive forms navigating the streets with surprising grace. Shuhang spotted a scaled creature resembling a komodo dragon, its leathery wings folded neatly at its sides as it carried a robed figure on its back. Not far from it was a silver-furred wolf with glowing eyes, strolling beside its companion, who appeared to be a young boy no older than ten.
Shuhang couldn't help but marvel at the seamless coexistence of these beings. It was a testament to the city's significance as a hub of commerce and cultivation. Azure Sky City, as the main stronghold of the Xiao Clan, attracted people and creatures from all corners of the Blue Wind Kingdom and beyond.
"Still amazed by the city, son?" Song Wuji asked, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.
Shuhang nodded, his eyes following a cultivator who flew by on a massive jade fan. "It's hard not to be. Every time I see someone flying like that, I wonder what it must feel like to defy gravity and soar freely."
His father chuckled. "You'll experience it soon enough. Once you break into the Foundation Realm, flying becomes a possibility."
Shuhang's lips curved into a small smile. "That day can't come soon enough."
As they continued their walk, Shuhang observed the subtle differences in the city's inhabitants. The wealthy nobles were easy to spot with their extravagant clothing and entourages of guards or servants. Meanwhile, the common folk bustled about, their simpler attire reflecting their modest means.
As Shuhang strolled through the lively streets of Azure Sky City with his father, a familiar voice called out to him, breaking his focus. Turning his head, he saw his three childhood friends gathered at the edge of the street, each with expressions of varying annoyance and curiosity.
The first to speak was Bai Hong, a large, round boy with a perpetually cheerful demeanor. His parents owned a modest restaurant in the commoners' district, and his love for food and cooking was evident in his robust frame. "Shuhang! What have you been up to?" Bai Hong exclaimed, his tone accusatory but playful. "We waited at the training hall, and you never showed up. We even went to your house, but your family wouldn't let us in!"
Next to him stood Zhou Lin, a lean, wiry boy with sharp eyes and scars decorating his arms and face—telltale signs of his experiences as the son of a city guard. He nodded in agreement with Bai Hong's complaint but kept his expression neutral. Zhou Lin was practical, used to life's harsh realities, and had been Shuhang's sounding board for new ideas and weapons. His contribution to their group often extended to field-testing Shuhang's creations in real combat situations outside the city walls.
Finally, the third member of their group, Mei Lan, stepped forward. The daughter of a shoemaker, she carried herself with an air of confidence that belied her humble origins. Her long hair was tied into a ponytail, and her simple yet elegant dress suggested she had been helping out at her father's shop earlier. "Hey, stop making it weird, Bai Hong," she said, her voice calm yet commanding. "Just ask normally. Shuhang, what did you make yesterday? I'm sure that's the reason you disappeared."
Shuhang smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Sorry for not informing you guys. I just had an idea and couldn't wait to work on it. I didn't mean to leave you hanging."
Mei Lan folded her arms, giving him a knowing look. "You're forgiven this time, but only because we know how you get when inspiration strikes. So, are we going to see this new creation, or do we have to wait until you're done with work?"
Bai Hong immediately perked up at the mention of something new. "Wait, you did make something new, didn't you? What is it this time? Don't tell me it's another crazy contraption for Zhou Lin!"
Zhou Lin smirked, his scarred face lighting up slightly. "I hope it is. His experiments work better than anything else I've used, even if they look strange. Will I be able to test this one out, Shuhang?"
Shuhang chuckled at their enthusiasm, but his expression softened with a hint of guilt. "Yes, you'll get to try it out, Zhou Lin. And Mei Lan, I promise to show you all after work. It's just something I've been experimenting with. I didn't mean to make you guys wait."
Zhou Lin shrugged. "No problem. We already figured you were up to something when you didn't show. Just don't forget us when you come up with something amazing."
"Like I ever could," Shuhang said with a smile.
The group laughed, their camaraderie evident in their easy banter. Despite their different backgrounds, the bond they shared was strong, rooted in trust and mutual respect. However, what they didn't know—what only Shuhang's family knew—was the secret of his past life memories. It was a secret he guarded carefully, even from his closest friends.
Before long, Shuhang realized his father and brother had gone ahead without him. He bid his friends farewell with a promise to meet them later. "I'll explain everything after work. Now, I've got to catch up with my father before he starts teasing me about getting distracted."
"Don't keep us waiting too long, genius," Mei Lan called out, a playful smirk on her face.
With a wave, Shuhang jogged off, catching sight of his father in the distance. As he rejoined Song Wuji, he couldn't help but feel grateful for the small circle of people he could rely on in this unpredictable world. They were his anchors, and he would do everything in his power to protect and support them, just as they supported him.