As the minutes passed, the conversation naturally shifted to the Nine Stars Mountains and Nine Stars City.
"Life as a mercenary is getting harder these days," Zhou Hu said with a heavy sigh. "The beasts in the Nine Stars Mountains are far more aggressive than before. Creatures that used to stay deep in the mountains are now appearing near the outskirts."
"Why is that?" Bu Lige asked, frowning.
"How would I know?" Zhou Hu replied with a bitter smile, spreading his hands helplessly.
Jiang Shengjun, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "Have any of you noticed there seem to be more unfamiliar cultivators in Nine Stars City lately? Yesterday, I even saw mysterious experts fighting."
Jiang Shengjun suddenly recalled that the so-called mysterious master was sitting just a few steps away. He cast a cautious glance at Luo Chuan. Seeing that Luo Chuan showed no reaction, he exhaled in relief.
"Could it be that a treasure has appeared in the Nine Stars Mountains?" someone speculated hesitantly.
The suggestion caused the group to fall silent, the atmosphere growing heavy.
After a few moments, Zhou Hu broke the tension with a laugh. "Haha, even if some treasure has appeared, what's that got to do with us? If the heavens fall, let the tall ones hold it up. There's no point worrying over things we can't control!"
His lighthearted words brought a few bitter smiles, but none could deny the practicality of his statement.
---
After chatting a bit longer, Zhou Hu and his group, along with Jiang Shengjun and Bu Lige, said their goodbyes to Luo Chuan and left.
The instant noodles they'd consumed granted a tenfold boost in cultivation speed for one hour, and they were eager to make full use of it.
Once again, the shop fell into peaceful silence.
---
"Ziyan, do you know what's happening in the Nine Stars Mountains?" Luo Chuan asked after some time, glancing at Yao Ziyan, who was meditating behind the counter.
Yao Ziyan slowly opened her eyes, a faint purple light flashing briefly before disappearing. She nodded. "An ancient ruin has emerged."
---
"Ancient ruin?" Luo Chuan repeated, his curiosity piqued.
Yao Ziyan explained, "The Nine Stars Mountains are vast, stretching across nearly the entire Azure Continent. Nine Stars City is merely one of many cities near its edges.
"The mountain range is home to countless beasts, as well as untold dangers and opportunities. Ancient ruins are one such phenomenon."
She paused before continuing, "It's said that these ruins are remnants or trials left behind by ancient sects whose power was unimaginable."
Luo Chuan nodded slowly as her explanation clarified the situation.
---
"By the way," Luo Chuan said after a moment, "aren't you part of the monster royal family? Shouldn't the appearance of an ancient ruin be especially significant to you?"
Yao Ziyan's expression darkened at his words, a flicker of anger crossing her face.
However, when her eyes met Luo Chuan's, her anger faded, replaced by calm resignation. She shook her head and sighed softly. "When it comes to profit, monsters and humans are no different. The last time an ancient ruin opened, I had to reveal my identity due to the betrayal of certain individuals."
Luo Chuan fell silent, realizing he had inadvertently touched on a painful topic for her.
---
"Do you need my help?" he asked after some thought, his tone serious.
This was his employee, after all. As the owner of the shop, wasn't it only natural to lend a hand when needed?
"Yes," Luo Chuan thought to himself, nodding internally. "That's exactly why I offered."
---
Yao Ziyan looked at him, momentarily stunned by the sincerity in his voice and the seriousness in his expression.
Then she smiled—a smile so dazzling that Luo Chuan found himself briefly captivated.
"I like the life I have now," she said gently. "Let the past stay in the past."
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