Xi city was a massive busy metropolis. The city walls seemed to stretch endlessly as Zhao Yi and the convoy approached and rose high into the air that even if he were to stand shoulder to shoulder with over ten others of himself he will still barely reach the top.

Xi Shen stopped as they waited for the city guard to verify their identities “Zhao Yi when we enter we will have to part ways, but take this.” Handing him a small token on a tassel it had an emblem that he assumed meant Xi Shen. “If you show that to Xi family guard they will get me immediately. Stop by if you find yourself in trouble or need help.”

Zhao Yi bowed deeply “I’m truly grateful for all you’ve done for me. I hope I can use this chance well so as not to waste it.”

Xi Biyu rode up next to him as he dismounted. “I hope to see you perform well, but do not push yourself too far. Also a word of caution. Do not step on the toes of young Xi clan youths like many rich families. They have pride that if stepped on can be venomous.”

“Thank you as well. I pray you do well in the tournament and achieve your goal!” Zhao Yi cupped his fist and bowed, waving to them as they continued through the city gate.

Turning he took a deep breath and entered into the city as well.

Time seemed to slow as his heart began to beat steadily with excitement. The city was completely chaotic as people crossed back and forth between wagons, horses, and food stalls. The main street was filled on each side with three floor buildings with various shops and restaurants. The entire atmosphere was almost stifling with so much activity. In Zunhu even if the entire town was on the streets it wouldn’t feel as crowded as this.

Thankfully he had even more money than he expected to have when he first got here due to the time saving by being able to travel with Xi Shen.

After walking in the maze-like streets for a while he stopped by what seemed like an inexpensive yet decent quality inn.

The inn was simple and straightforward. Immediately upon entering he was greeted by the maid whose dress was made of basic linen.

“Greetings. How may I help you?”

“I'm looking for a room for the next few days and a bath if you have it.” Zhao Yi knew he looked like an outsider and didn't reveal his ignorance of the price.

The maid who was probably about twenty gave him a knowing smile “you are new here?”

Zhao Yi knew his hesitation killed it. “That obvious?”

“Yes, but I also do this for a living. Listen, the local rate is one silver for four days and twenty copper for a bath.”

Zhao Yi figured it was right around the amount he had budgeted for and didn't try and haggle.

“I will draw up the bath. It will take about ten minutes before the hot water comes in. Just pull the string and it will come when you are ready.”

Zhao Yi looked at the simple room. It wasn’t much, but was more spacious than the place he previously lived in. Since he left the orphanage and even before then he had never had a warm bath. The nearest place was a small stream that ran near Zun Hu, but that was obviously not the same.

At fifteen this would be his first legitimate bath. Entering into the bathing room he saw a string with a large metallic pipe hanging from the ceiling. It was hinged and a bit of steam leaked from the pipe which told him the water was ready faster than expected.

Pulling the lever hot water which was filled with a fragrant smell poured into the large tub below. Felling the water poured between his fingers the temperature was just tolerable enough to keep his hand in.

Zhao Yi stripped off his well worn clothes and looked across at the mirror. A familiar figure looked back at him. He had never seen such a clear image of himself before besides still water and occasionally a dusty window in Zun Hu he hadn’t had the opportunity to assess himself closely.

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Staring back at him was a well muscled fifteen year old boy. Zhao Yi wasn’t particularly tall, but fairly average, he was tanned from over three years of working outside. Long hair cascaded down his back, but his face was free of excess fat leaving only a strong jaw from years of chewing jerky.

As Zhao Yi eased himself into the hot bath, a sigh escaped his lips, carrying away weeks of accumulated weariness. The warm water enveloped him, a sensation so foreign and yet strangely comforting. It was a caress of indulgence he had never known. The steam rising around him filled the air with a fragrant symphony, a stark contrast to the earthy scents of Zun Hu's outdoors.

Closing his eyes, he let himself soak in the newfound luxury. The heat seeped into his bones, melting away the tension that had become a constant companion in his life. He stretched his limbs, feeling muscles unwind with each subtle movement. For a moment, time seemed to pause, allowing him to savor this rare moment of repose.

Zhao Yi ran his hands over his arms, marveling at the smoothness beneath his fingertips. The steam worked its magic, opening his pores and inviting the scent of the fragrant oils to mingle with the warmth. He lingered in the bath, relishing the simple pleasure of submerging himself fully, feeling the water lap against his chest. He leaned back, letting the heat seep into every fiber of his being, a sensation that bordered on divine.

It was in this moment, in the embrace of the hot water, that Zhao Yi realized the true essence of luxury. This, he thought, was one of the greatest gifts he had encountered since leaving the familiarity of his hometown. Something as simple as a hot bath was a huge divide between people and if he could help it he wouldn’t unwillingly go without a hot bath again if he could help it.

…

Xi Biyu dismounted confidently from her steed the journey from the main gate to the entrance of the Xi clan’s compound deeper in the city was actually longer than she suspected, but regardless she had finally made it. Just behind her Xi Shen shadowed her. While he was technically part of the Xi family he had never married and kept to himself while dedicating all his time to projecting her mother and now her. Xi Shen was like a grandfather to her despite not being much older than her father.

Approaching the gate she saw two guards immediately open the gate as Xi Shen flashed their family tokens to them. The Xi Clan compound was nearly a town within a city sitting on a hill that overlooked the entire city itself; it was filled with people and various descendants and branch families of the Xi clan. The compound's heart was the three floors which rose even slightly more above the streets of Xi city.

Even more so the heart of the Xi family was Xi Zongde, the family's patriarch. While her mother wasn’t high up in the pecking order she was still technically a direct descendent therefore Patriarch Xi made it a strict rule that his direct line were to come to him after coming of age to be assessed and the tournament this year was important way for him to determine the pecking order more so.

As Xi Shen and Xi Biyu walked up the steps and entered the main hall where Xi Zongde sat his figure was imposing and powerful. This man ruled over millions and established the Xi clan as a continent wide power using his own skill. If one hundred cultivators were considered the strongest in Sosea he would be among the strongest. No one dared to try and find out exactly where this pecking order was otherwise it would devastate both sides in any conflict.

Xi Zongde had a noble bearing and despite being a grandfather to many he still looked no older than a middle aged man similar to Xi Shen. At his side was two advisors who Xi Biyu didn’t recognize or recall their names. Xi Zongde looked at Xi Biyu expressionless as she approached and bowed down. “Descendent Xi Biyu greats Patriarch!” She cupped her first and formally greeted her grandfather.

“Rise.” a deep, unwavering, and powerful voice left Xi Zongde’s throat. “It seems my daugher Ninger's descendent has come finally. Tell me how my daughter fairs so far away from home.”

Xi Biyu smiled “Mother is treated well by father and I believe both plan on visiting once my younger brother is of age.”

“Good.” he nodded, satisfied with the generic answer. “I do not wish to beat around the bush. Brother Xi Shen, it has been a long time since I last saw you after this formality. Let's have some tea later.”

Xi Shen bowed slightly “If that is what the patriarch wills I will certainly find the time to visit.”

“So tell me of my granddaughter’s aptitude.” Xi Zongde didn’t like to waste time beyond what was necessary so he got straight to the point.

“Lord your granddaughter advanced into the Core formation realm on our journey here and I determined her soulstone is of Zephryrite.” Xi Shen did not bother to hide any details.

Xi Zongde’s eyebrow raised “I see. It seems the daughter of my Lanlan is more different than I expected. It is interesting to see her be attuned to the element of Zephryrite. This is an unexpected surprise. Also to be barely fifteen and entering the core formation realm suggests you are one of the more talented descendents in the new generation. I’m very pleased.”

Standing up, Xi Zongde approached Xi Biyu putting one hand on her shoulder and squeezing it gently “I’m glad to see you put this effort and look forward to seeing your success in the tournament. Go to the dining hall after me and Xi Shen catch up and all the family descendents who have made it will be eating together. You should meet your cousins anyway.”

With that Xi Zongde and Xi Shen walked together out of the room leaving Xi Biyu standing alone still trying to figure out if what happened was good or bad.