Millions of miles separated the Heavenly Divine Demon Sect from the Wildlands, but that distance could be traversed in moments thanks to the powerful teleportation arrays crafted by the most advanced cultivators. These arrays, created by Heavenly Eye cultivators with deep insights into the mysteries of space, were invaluable tools for those who needed to travel vast distances swiftly. The closest array to the Heavenly Divine Demon Sect was under the control of the Zhuge Clan, a family renowned for their mastery of trade and commerce. Their city, often referred to as the "City Built of Spirit Stones," was a hub of activity for all who walked the unorthodox path.
However, not all journeys went as planned.
“How can the teleportation array actually be undergoing maintenance?!” Anissa’s frustration was evident as she confronted the short man behind the counter, who was in the Foundation Establishment realm.
“Forgive me, dear customer,” the man said, bowing deeply, “but the formation array has gradually faded. We will one hundred percent be able to fix it by tomorrow morning. We would appreciate your patience until then.”
Anissa exited the Zhuge Chamber of Commerce, clearly in a foul mood. The streets outside were lively, lined with vendors offering everything from martial arts manuals to weapons, and even a few food carts. The air was thick with the mingling scents of grilled meats and sweet desserts.
She spotted Feng Zhiming leaning casually against a candy apple cart, talking to a group of men she didn’t recognize. His appearance had changed; gone were the sect robes, replaced by a royal blue robe with golden streaks and a matching sash at his waist. They had donned matching outfits as part of their guise as master and disciple, a clever cover that had the added benefit of a discount at the clothier’s shop.
As the men left, Anissa approached, ready to bow as a greeting, but Feng Zhiming’s hand stopped her. He leaned in close and whispered, “Don’t bow to me. It would be inconvenient—we’re pretending to be master and disciple.”
Realizing her mistake, Anissa felt a rush of embarrassment but kept her composure. She quickly adjusted her tone and manner. “My disciple, it seems the teleportation array will not operate until tomorrow morning. Any suggestions?” she asked awkwardly, still not entirely comfortable with her role.
“To begin with...” Feng Zhiming grabbed two candy apples from the vendor, handing one to Anissa and paying the vendor with a gold coin. “Let’s scout out the city, the Zhuge Clan’s masterpiece. It must be somewhat interesting.”
He began walking toward a restaurant down the street, casually biting into his candy apple. Anissa, holding her own apple, followed, her face a mixture of confusion and surprise. This was not the Feng Zhiming she had come to know—a man capable of instilling fear in the hearts of bandit leaders.
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“You know,” Feng Zhiming said between bites, “they say the Zhuge Clan was originally part of the orthodox faction. What are your thoughts on that?”
Anissa thought for a moment before responding. “Of course, merchants often use shady tactics in their trades. The Zhuge Clan went too far and was nearly wiped out by the orthodox sects. They say the current leader of the clan was a survivor who managed to cross the Wildlands and establish himself here.”
Feng Zhiming nodded. “I’ve heard that when the Zhuge Clan leader first arrived, he begged the Matriarch of the Heavenly Divine Demon Sect for protection and support. I have to say, she had great foresight for agreeing.”
They entered a restaurant bustling with activity. The place was lively, filled with the sounds of chattering diners and clinking dishes. Groups of people shared steaming plates of dumplings and bowls of noodles, while children played and darted between tables. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the tension and darkness they had encountered on their journey.
Feng Zhiming led Anissa to a booth in the corner, motioning for her to sit down. She did so, though still confused by the seemingly leisurely pace he was setting.
“You probably think I’m wasting time,” Feng Zhiming said, noticing the way she was looking at him.
Anissa froze for a moment, taking the candy apple out of her mouth. “No, never,” she replied, though her voice betrayed her uncertainty. She didn’t want to question the Forgotten Vessel, as she now regarded him.
Feng Zhiming ignored the obvious insincerity in her response. “So, what are you in the mood for? Seeing those bandits eating meat the other day got me craving some steak,” he said, raising his hand to signal a waitress.
Anissa looked at him, her confusion deepening. “I’ll have some tea,” she said reluctantly. As a cultivator at the Ethereal Core stage, she no longer needed food or drink for sustenance—Qi was all she required. But some cultivators, like Feng Zhiming, enjoyed the simple pleasures of taste and texture.
“This girl is not easy to talk to,” Feng Zhiming thought as he observed her. Their entire journey to the city, which had taken five days, had been filled with formality and distance. Anissa was all “my lord” this, “my lord” that. She didn’t laugh at his jokes, didn’t engage with him beyond what was necessary. Today, he was determined to break through that stoic exterior.
As the food and tea arrived, Anissa’s impatience became more apparent. Feng Zhiming decided it was time to delve deeper into the source of her bitterness.
“I understand you were captured by the bandits, but you never really told me why,” he said, watching her closely.
Anissa gritted her teeth, her grip on the cup tightening. “It’s a complicated story,” she began, her voice low and tense.
Feng Zhiming remained silent, allowing her the space to continue.
“My full name is Anissa Evermore,” she said after a pause, her eyes distant as she recalled the events. “A few days ago—no, maybe a little more than a week—my clan was wiped from existence.”
Feng Zhiming raised an eyebrow, intrigued. The timing of her tragedy was almost identical to the start of the assembly’s game.