"First things first—I need to find a town," Li Ran told himself, forcing a calm he didn't fully feel. "I've got to figure out the local language, the currency… and everything else."
He still didn't know exactly where this world was or how he had arrived here, but he sensed one thing clearly: in this realm, he possessed an extraordinary edge—one that far surpassed any ordinary person's capabilities.
Before long, Li Ran and the Darkmoon Dragon Princess arrived in the bustling town of Feya. Quaint shops and lively stalls lined the main street, selling everything from precious curios to everyday essentials.
Mesmerized by the colorful displays, the Darkmoon Dragon Princess wandered happily among stalls displaying jewelry and earrings, her eyes sparkling at each exquisite accessory.
Seeing her so captivated warmed Li Ran's heart. He decided to pick out a special gift for her.
"Darkmoon Dragon Princess, let me find something that suits you," he said with a gentle smile.
He headed toward a magic jewelry shop filled with an array of dazzling gemstones and ornate necklaces. After some careful consideration, he chose a delicate necklace set with moonstone, a rare gem in this world said to enhance its wearer's magical powers.
Li Ran quickly noticed that the currency here bore no resemblance to anything he knew. Instead, people seemed to use something called crystals alongside silver coins.
He asked a passing merchant, "Excuse me, could you tell me what language is spoken here? And what's the difference between crystals and silver coins?"
The merchant smiled. "Our common tongue is known as the Ancient Language. As for currency, crystals are our high-value medium of exchange, used for rare goods and costly services, while silver coins are for everyday transactions. If you need to learn the Ancient Language, you can visit the language academy in the town center."
Li Ran nodded. Determined to acclimate, he decided to stay in Feya Town for a few days to get his bearings and brush up on the local language.
While exploring the shops, he was drawn to a jewel that radiated a faint ruby light—perfect for the Darkmoon Dragon Princess.
"This necklace looks ideal for you," Li Ran said, carefully placing it around her neck.
As soon as she felt the stone's energy pulsing with a subtle glow, the Darkmoon Dragon Princess sensed a surge of shadowy power. The necklace's rich ruby hue perfectly complemented the spirited warmth of her radiant red eyes. They shimmered with joy and gratitude at receiving this personal gift from her master for the very first time. A soft blush of delight crept across her cheeks, and Li Ran couldn't help but notice how that gentle pink flush added a new kind of charm to her regal bearing.
A few days later, a grand combat tournament took place in Feya Town, drawing in scores of spectators and skilled contenders alike.
Ignoring the Darkmoon Dragon Princess's cautious objections, Li Ran boldly chose to enter the fray. He wanted to test the attributes he had honed through years of virtual battles—and to make a few new allies along the way. During the competition, he employed his signature Void-Cleaving Blade skills and near-preternatural evasion techniques from The End of the Divine Realm. Competitors of all calibers fell before him, and he claimed the championship with ease.
His victory earned him not only a lavish prize—a magical storage pouch of immense value—but also instant fame throughout Feya Town.
Yet triumph seldom comes without a price. News of Li Ran's success soon reached the ears of a notorious bandit organization known as the Mosa Syndicate. Renowned for extortionate ransoms and illicit dealings in rare artifacts, they had long coveted the magical storage pouch—a powerful item capable of holding vast quantities of objects in seemingly endless space. To the Mosa Syndicate, it was an irresistible treasure.
Little did Li Ran realize that this new chapter of his journey would pit him against a threat far beyond ordinary foes—a threat that would test not only his formidable prowess, but also his resolve to protect what he held dear.