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Chapter 8

"Also, with the time you arrived, you are in luck. There is another way you might get the flower."

The guard continued in a mysterious tone.

"Once every ten years, Master Pike holds this tournament for people who are yet to become Essence Artists. The first-place prize is the Blue mist flower. But know that every match in this sort of tournament has the potential to lead to death. Based on the rumors, registration for the competition will occur about half a year from now. "

Ju snorted in response when he heard this.

"How is that supposed to help me?!"

Ju thought in annoyance. Obviously, Such a competition would host some of the strongest people below the level of an Essence artist in the Wastelands. How would someone like him, who did not even know how to use a meditation technique, be able to participate in such an event?

The guard guessed Ju's feelings but said nothing, only chuckling lightly.

It was obvious he just wanted to collect more money

Ju didn't ask anything further, so he left with a dark expression.

"Moonflower did not catch his interest. That is good."

Ju noticed that other than the slightly strange look the guard had when he saw her, he didn't seem to pay much attention to Moonflower afterward, which relieved Ju.

As Ju and Moonflower stepped cautiously into Ender Town, an immediacy of sound and motion enveloped them like a wave from the relentless sea. The streets were teeming with people, vibrant and bustling with a life that pulsed in sharp contrast to the desolation of the mining district they had just left behind.

In the mines, everyone was silent, suspicious, and defensive, not wanting to fall prey to the other scavengers.

"So many Essence gatherers.Much stronger than me."

Yet, beneath the surface of this apparent vibrancy, Ju couldn't shake off the oppressive weight of numerous powerful presences that filled the space. It was as if the very air clung, thickening with an unquantifiable energy that sent prickles up his spine.

Each brush of a passerby sent a shiver coursing through him—a reminder of his vulnerability in a world dominated by those who wielded a deeper level of Essence he could comprehend right now.

He could also feel their eyes upon him—some curious, others calculating—instilling a sense of defensiveness. Ju clenched his jaw as he held Moonflower more tightly, with the rusted dagger at his side a feeble assurance against anyone who might threaten his sister or him.

Moonflower walked closely beside him, her hand lightly resting on his forearm, sensing the tension that enveloped him like a shroud. "Stay close," she whispered, her voice barely a breath against the cacophony surrounding them. Ju nodded, his determination unwavering.

After careful observation, Ju approached a nearby vendor, a robust man with a booming laugh, and inquired about directions to one of the inns. "Excuse me, sir," he began, his voice softly. Could you help us find a place to stay? The type that does not cost so much."

The vendor paused, shifting his weight to puff his chest and take a thorough look at Ju and Moonflower, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. "Two small fry, looking for shelter? Ha! You'll find what you need just down the way," he exclaimed, gesturing towards a narrow alley.

Ju felt a mix of relief and apprehension as the vendor continued, "Head towards the end of Street on the left. There's the Old Hearth Inn. Cheap enough for a couple of stray souls like you!"

Ju gave his thanks, and he could move with purpose for the first time.

After about ten minutes, the teenager was able to find the inn the shop vendor was talking about.

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The inn owner was an old woman with a smile showing some missing teeth.

Her skin was quite dry and scaly, but her eyes were very bright, signifying that she was Essencek in Essence didn'tgh. Ju didn't feel as much pressure from her from the guard at the gate or Old Kai.

Ju concluded that she was not yet an Essence Artist, but the fact that she could run an inn in Ender Town showed that she was more complex than she appeared on the surface.

"Hmm, you really are young, little one, both of you, yet your aura has that familiar scent of blood."

The old woman said, accepting Ju's payment for two weeks upwards.

"And quite rich, too." She chuckled as she looked at the little girl beside Ju. Before coming to the inn, Ju had thoroughly covered Moonflower, especially her skin, and hair, leaving only her eyes, to which he added a bit of soot to make them less bright or appealing.

He was dressed in a way similar to Moonflower, although he uncovered some of his outer clothing to communicate well.

Noticing the older woman's gaze, the little girl instinctively moved closer to Ju.

When she saw this, the Innkeeper's eyes looked amused before giving Ju the keys. The teenager didn't waste any more time as he quickly moved upstairs. The Innkeeper observed Ju and Moonflower until they were out of sight, and then she muttered.

"It seems like another interesting person has arrived."

"This would be fine." Ju thought as he entered the room.

As expected, the room was modest, measuring approximately 300 square feet. It offered just enough space for the essentials of survival and minimal comfort.

The small bed against the far wall was the first noticeable feature. It was crafted from sturdy wooden planks. The bed, fitted with a simple mattress covered by a well-worn quilt, was slightly lopsided as if it had endured countless restless nights.

"I wonder how many people have used it before now.".

A thin pillow rested against the wall. To the left of the bed, a small wooden table—scratched and smudged but functional—stood ready for meals or contemplative discussions.

Ju took his attention away from the bed. On the opposite side of the room, a meditation mat lay unrolled, its faded, patterned fabric, yet Ju felt an odd sense of peace looking at it.

"I am actually feeling motivated to start Tempering formula as soon as possible. Interesting"

The teenager thought as he led Moonflower to the bed.

"I am so tired, Ju."

Moonflower exclaimed softly.

The little girl was exhausted and quick to lay on the bed. After eating their last piece of food, Moonflower was already fast asleep.

Ju observed the room a bit further just for added safety

The cracks in the plaster exposed patches of stone beneath, creating a sense of rugged authenticity. Ju saw the small cracks in the window that provided a glimpse of the outside world but dulled the view with grim" and dust.

"Although I lowered my expectations, it is still disappointing. But I guess I can not ask for too much. This is known as one of the cheapest, after all."

And by cheapest, a day in the room still costs as much as what a small family would use to eat for months.

"I hope she soon starts to be able to feel Essence."

Seeing Moonflower's gentle breathing, Ju felt that by now, with the special grade waster, she should have shown signs of Essence gathering, but her body was still devoid of Essence. Ju didn't feel any spiritual fluctuations from her.

Other than stamina greater than an average person's, there seemed to be nothing special about her yet.

But Ju was sure she was far from ordinary; the fact that she did not seem to age proved his belief.

'Maybe it is her meals. I must make sure to improve the quality of food she eats."

Every parent wanted their child to be stronger and better than them, and Ju was no exception concerning Moonflower. He decided to continue trying to make her suitable enough to gather Essence.

The teenager sat cross-legged on the meditation mat. For the first time, Ju took out the tempering formula and began to study its contents.

Ju's expression was plain. But then, a slight frown appeared, yet it vanished almost immediately. A helpless sigh escaped from Ju's lips as he pondered what to do next.

"I thought it would be easy to start using the tempering formula, but it seemed like I have to make some preparations."

Although he knew some literature, he still found it difficult to understand the contents of the tempering formula completely.

Rather than practice the meditation technique wrongly, Ju decided to put it away for now,

"I might need to visit that place tomorrow."

Ju then quietly stayed beside Moonflower on the bed, drifting to an uneventful slumber.