Su Mei's eyes were fixed on the wide Southern Territory as she stood at the edge of her flying boat. She saw that only a few plants, such as the Bloodthorn Vine and Voidroot Cactus, could survive here due to harsh spiritual energy present in this region.
Her dark purple hair fluttered in the wind, and her hands gently rested on her swollen belly. She felt that the time for giving birth was near.
According to the map imprinted in her memory, Su Mei knew a small city was nearby. Without hesitation, she adjusted the boat's direction.
The boat responded immediately, flying in the direction of the city.
After a few minutes, as she got closer to the city, a view of the little community surrounded by decaying sandstone walls appeared more decorative than defensive.
Is this really meant to keep enemies out? she wondered, her eyes scanning the faded carvings on the walls.
The city was as simple as inside it the buildings of stone and mud bricks stood close together, their flat roofs built to endure the relentless heat. Narrow, winding streets wove through the settlement, alive with the daily movements of mortals going about their routines.
Slowing the boat, She guided the boat downward, landing smoothly on the sandy ground a kilometer away from the city. As the boat settled, the dry wind brushed against its surface.
Su Mei stepped off the boat, her feet sinking slightly into the golden sand. The sand swirled around her blue shoes, briefly revealing her smooth, jade-like ankles before her flowing sect robes settled elegantly around her legs.
She raised her hand, and with a simple flick, the flying boat shrank instantly, disappearing into the small blue crystal embedded in the golden ring on her finger.
From her spatial ring, she retrieved a plain grey cloak, its fabric light yet sturdy, with faint glowing runes along the edges—crafted to conceal the presence.
She wore the cloak and pulled the hood over her head, letting it drape over her sect robes. Adjusting it carefully, she tied the cloak around her waist before covering her face with a thin white veil, covering all but her purple eyes.
Then Su Mei moved swiftly through the sky in city direction, to keep her presence concealed, she descended into a quiet corner of the city. Her landing was light, barely disturbing the dust on the cracked stone pavement.
Next, Su Mei observed the nearby market through her spiritual sense, she saw mortals exchanging metal coins for goods at various stalls and shops. So they don't use spiritual stones here… the realization made her pause.
In the sect, wealth was measured in spiritual resources, but here you need metal thing's.
Wanting to avoid unnecessary trouble, she decided to search for hidden metal wealth. Su Mei extended her spiritual energy carefully, scanning cracks in walls, the floors of stalls, and hidden shop compartments.
After finding little, she pushed her spiritual energy further in search of hidden treasures. However, due to her unstable cultivation, she suddenly lost control of her energy and sent the strong spiritual waves in random directions.
At a nearby fruit stall, a middle-aged vendor suddenly stiffened, his eyes rolling back before his body collapsed onto the wooden stand, knocking over baskets of fresh fruits.
A woman carrying her child stopped a mid-step, her knees giving out as she fell to the ground. The child slipped from her hand, hitting his head on the dirt road. His cries pierced the air, sharp and panicked.
Near a well, a group of children played joyfully, their laughter filling the streets, until one boy, at mid-jump, suddenly froze and crashed onto the stone pavement. His friends stood frozen, their innocent faces twisting in horror before they erupted into terrified screams.
The city, once bustling with noise and life, was now filled with chaos and confusion.
Shouts rang out as people rushed to check on the fallen, their expressions shifting from concern to dread. Whispers of fear spread like wildfire. A curse? A hidden killer? Panic filled the air.
Su Mei stood motionless, watching the scene unfold with a calm, detached gaze. There was no guilt in her eyes—only cold acceptance.
Life and death are merely part of this world, she thought indifferently.
Once, she might have felt pity for mortals caught in the crossfire of a cultivator's power. But after 200 years, that sympathy had long since faded.
Weakness is a sin.
However, as she observed the city's growing alarm, irritation flickered in her eyes. I was careless… I need to avoid unnecessary trouble. If anyone from the sect realizes I'm here and I am pregnant, my reputation will be ruined.
She swiftly retracted her spiritual energy, suppressing her presence to avoid further deaths.
The city is already on high alert… I need a different way to cover my expenses here.
Her mind worked quickly, searching for a new plan.
Without wasting time, she reached into her storage ring, retrieving a pair of gold earrings gifted by her junior sister. The earrings shone under the sunlight. At the center of each earring, a small jade gem sparkled, adding to their already impressive value.
These should be enough to make a quick trade and avoid suspicion, she thought.
With a flick of her sleeve, Su Mei concealed the earrings within her hand. No distractions now. I need to finish this quietly and disappear.
With the earrings in hand, Su Mei stepped out into the bustling market. The streets were crowded with people, many covering their faces with cloth to protect themselves from the harsh desert winds.
The market was lively, filled with merchants shouting prices, customers bargaining, and the scent of spices and cooked meat lingering in the dry air.
She walked toward a large, well-established shop, its sturdy wooden frame and decorative banners setting it apart from the smaller stalls around it.
The moment she entered, a staff member approached her, his expression shifting to caution.
He knows that People who concealed themselves like her were usually here for big transactions—either selling valuable goods or making expensive purchases.
The staff member, a thin man with sharp brown eyes and dark hair tied back neatly, bowed slightly. "Miss, are you here to sell or buy?"
"To sell," Su Mei responded calmly.
The man nodded and gestured for her to follow. "Please, this way."
He led her to a private area where a middle-aged man sat behind a counter, inspecting a piece of jewelry through a magnifying glass.
This was Manager Xu, the store's chief appraiser. He had graying hair, sharp blue eyes, and wore fine silk robes with a single jade ring on his left hand, marking his status.