As they approached the island, the Tortoise Dragon lowered its altitude, gliding over the ocean and slowing as it neared the battlefield above the island.
The group of guards in the air hurried over, each with a sense of unease as they approached the newcomers. They stopped advancing for a moment as their gaze met the Tortoise Dragon, whose aura caused all of them changes in expressions.
Not only was it releasing a very powerful and dangerous aura, but it was also a beast that they had never seen before. However, its energy alone indicated that it was at least a rank 4 beast.
After a while, a tall man in tattered yet dignified armor approached, his sharp eyes gazing at the Tortoise Dragon before it looked at the several people atop such a powerful beast.
His gaze flickered as it landed on the trio of girls, instantly discerning their realms by the aura they released. His gaze stopped on Meng Lin, to whom he offered a respectful bow.
"Honored fairy," he began, "thank you for your assistance. I am Captain Zhu Wei, head of the city guard." He straightened. "We were not expecting aid, but it was timely."
Meng Lin nodded, her expression impassive. "I merely intervened because I don't like bandits." She surveyed the guards, noticing their strained, fatigued faces. "It seems your city has been facing some trouble."
Captain Zhu Wei sighed, glancing back at his men, who were catching their breath after the intense fight. "Yes, several bandit groups have been more aggressive lately, though this is the first time the Veil of Shadows made a move this far south. It was a difficult battle, and they would have overwhelmed us if not for your presence."
Meng Lin shook her head. “I merely wanted to come to get some ingredients for my alchemy.”
Captain Zhu Wei straightened, a glimmer of hope igniting in his gaze. He was about to speak when suddenly a woman's melodic voice filled the air.
"Honored guest," the voice began warmly, "I am Yue Lan, the Lord of Sky Mist City. For your timely intervention, I extend my deepest gratitude."
Meng Lin’s eyes narrowed slightly, recognizing the voice transmission; only a Soul Wandering Realm cultivator could project their voice so clearly from a distance.
However, she had not sensed any Soul Wandering Realm cultivators when she released her spiritual consciousness, it left her a bit baffled.
She replied, "City Lord Yue Lan, it was merely a passing gesture. As you are here, even if I didn't intervene, you would have taken care of it."
The voice remained silent for a moment, as though thinking about something. Then it responded with a calm yet serious tone.
"Honored guest," Yue Lan's voice continued, "I invite you to join me at my mansion. There, we may discuss matters of mutual concern, and I would be pleased to offer my hospitality to you and your companions."
Meng Lin considered the invitation, sensing the underlying importance in Yue Lan’s tone. She smiled, thinking to herself.
The city lord was not merely offering thanks—she clearly valued Meng Lin’s earlier remark about being an alchemist; otherwise, she would have probably continued to observe rather than send a voice transmission.
“Very well,” Meng Lin replied evenly. “I’ll accept your invitation.”
A soft note of satisfaction touched Yue Lan’s voice as she responded. “Thank you, honored guest. Captain Zhu Wei will guide you to my residence. I look forward to our meeting.”
With that, the voice faded, leaving only the sound of the wind and the steady hum of the Tortoise Dragon’s energy. Captain Zhu Wei gave Meng Lin a respectful bow. “Please, follow me, honored fairy.”
As Captain Zhu Wei led the way, the Tortoise Dragon followed him as they quickly arrived at the city before descending toward a platform in a less crowded section of the city.
As the Tortoise Dragon landed, Meng Lin's gaze swept over the area, noting the sparse gathering of mortals and a handful of lower-realm cultivators nearby, each casting curious glances at the group. Around the platform was a group of guards that made way for them.
The trio of girls along with Meng Lin disembarked from the Tortoise Dragon. De Sijie let out a breath, a bit relieved to be on solid ground.
Xi Lin and Xi Lan looked around with slight interest; although the place had fewer cultivators than normal, it was still a sight for the two, who had been with Meng Lin and hadn't seen much of the cultivation world.
Once on the ground, Meng Lin waved her hand, causing the Tortoise Dragon to turn into a torrent of red light that swirled around before sticking to her forearm.
The guards around gasped, and Captain Zhu Wei asked with a stammer, “A seal? You have a spirit seal?” He glanced at the light on Meng Lin's arm, which turned into the mark of a beast on her forearm.
Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
"Oh." Seeing their shocked expressions, Meng Lin asked with interest, "You know what this is?"
Captain Zhu Wei nodded, his expression a mix of fear and respect. “Yes, I have heard of spirit seals, particularly ones that bond a cultivator with a powerful ancient beast."
Meng Lin regarded the captain thoughtfully, recognizing his knowledge. “It seems your city has encountered such a situation before. Do you have experience with other cultivators who possess similar seals?”
“Yes,” he replied, glancing around at his guards who were listening intently. “We had an encounter with a cultivator some time ago who wielded a spirit seal. However... that man became crazy and went on a rampage before he was ultimately slain. The destruction he caused was significant.”
Meng Lin’s brow furrowed slightly. “He went crazy."
She recalled the events within the Nether Cloud Domain, how an old man was taken over by the will of the ancient beast, the Crimson Lizard.
It appears someone who received a spirit seal couldn't control it fully and had their wills taken over by the ancient spirit beast.
Although the thought left her with a sense of unease, she knew how the Tortoise Dragon came to be, so she quickly shifted her thoughts and calmed her mind.
Captain Zhu Wei led them through the city, followed by a couple of guards who maintained a vigilant watch over the group.
As they walked, the bustling sounds of the city began to fill the air, contrasting sharply with the quiet tension of their earlier encounter.
The streets were lined with stalls selling various goods, fragrant herbs to intricate items. Despite the earlier chaos, the people seemed to have become accustomed to it, with merchants calling out to passersby and cultivators darting between stalls.
Meng Lin took in the sights, her heightened sense recognizing some things. She could feel a small undercurrent of anxiety on the face of the crowd.
The past bandit attacks had undoubtedly left a mark, and the air was thick with the lingering dread of potential threats.
After navigating through a maze of bustling marketplaces, they arrived at a grand mansion that stood out amidst the surrounding architecture.
As they approached, a pair of intricately carved doors swung open, revealing a lavishly decorated entryway.
Upon entering the mansion, they were led by a maid through a few hallways before arriving at a wide room.
They were greeted by the scent of fragrant tea wafting through the air, calming yet elegant. A woman draped in a long red robe sat elegantly on a plush chair, her demeanor exuding grace. Her long, flowing hair framed her features, and her eyes sparkled with an intelligent glimmer.
She got up and cupped her hands. “Yue Lan of the Breeze Sect greets fellow cultivators." Her voice was melodic, resonating with authority and warmth.
Meng Lin walked forward, returning the gesture. “I am Meng Lin of the Soul Shattering Sect,” she replied, a subtle smile gracing her lips. She was still wondering why she couldn't sense any energy fluctuations from Yue Lan.
She noted the flicker of surprise in Yue Lan’s eyes, but it was quickly replaced. “Ah, the Soul Shattering Sect,” she mused, her tone reflecting respect. “I’ve heard of your esteemed sect. It’s a rare honor to have you here, especially considering the recent turmoil."
Meng Lin replied, “Thank you for your kind words, City Lord Yue. I appreciate your hospitality.”
As they settled into the plush seating, the maid served them fragrant tea. Yue Lan leaned forward, her gaze piercing yet inviting. “I heard that you are an alchemist. What ingredients did you come here to obtain?"
Meng Lin smiled, noticing how Yue Lan didn't beat around the bush. Reaching into her robe, she took out a small folded slip of paper and tossed it, explaining, “I am looking for the ingredients for three different pills; here is a list of ingredients."
Yue Lan looked at her maid at the side, who waved her hand, drawing the slip of paper into Yue Lan's hands. She scanned the ingredients. Her brow furrowed in thought, a hint of intrigue in her expression.
'These ingredients… I can’t recall any specific pill that would require this combination. More importantly...' Yue Lan looked over the list of ingredients carefully, her expression thoughtful as she read each item.
After a moment, she glanced up at Meng Lin, curiosity in her eyes. 'These ingredients… they’re uncommon, advanced-level materials. If I wasn't looking for all sorts of exotic spiritual plants, then I wouldn't recognize them.' Her gaze lingered on Meng Lin, a touch of admiration showing through. “Are you perhaps a Rank 4 alchemist?”
Hearing Yue Lan’s words, the trio of girls by Meng Lin’s side were taken aback. Their miss a rank 4 alchemist? When and how did that happen?
Just a few months ago, Meng Lin had barely learned how to concoct a single pill, and the first time they met Meng Lin had to ask them what some normal pills could do and now she was already a Rank 4 alchemist. Obviously, their miss would say no, right.
Meng Lin inclined her head slightly, acknowledging the compliment without adding more. “Yes, I am a Rank 4 alchemist,” she said simply, meeting Yue Lan’s gaze with calm assurance.
Hearing the statement from Meng Lin herself, the eyes of the trio widened in disbelief, and De Sijie, being the blunt one, opened her mouth to speak but was quickly silenced by a gentle tap of Xi Lin’s fingers.
Yue Lan nodded slowly, her expression turning serious as she folded the list and set it aside. 'To reach such a level at her age—it's no small feat. She should be only in her mid-20s to early 30s. Even in the Breeze Sect, Rank 4 alchemists are revered. Just who is she?' She leaned forward. “I do have the ingredients you’re looking for, but I would like to make a proposal."
Meng Lin looked at her steadily, waiting for her to continue.
Yue Lan looked at the trio of girls beside Meng Lin and shook her head before speaking. “Years ago, my soul core was damaged. The cracks in it limit how much spiritual energy I can use, affecting almost all my abilities.”
She straightened slightly, her tone becoming firm again. “I’ve searched for all the ingredients; however, I wasn't able to get the help of any Rank 4 alchemist."
“If you could assist me in concocting a pill that would mend the cracks in my soul core, I would be willing to exchange all the ingredients you need for the pills you mentioned earlier. Additionally, I can offer my assistance in any way you see fit within Sky Mist City.”
Meng Lin weighed the proposal carefully. Helping Yue Lan could benefit her in the long run. “What kind of pill are you looking to create?” she asked.
“A Core Restoration Pill,” Yue Lan explained. “It’s a rare concoction, requiring specific spiritual herbs that can stabilize and heal a damaged soul core."
After a moment, she nodded. “I’ll help you refine the pill."
Relief and gratitude softened Yue Lan’s expression as she nodded. “Thank you. This… this means more than I can say.” She gestured to a maid nearby, who bowed and left the room.
“I’ll have everything you need delivered to your quarters, and when you’re ready, we can begin the refining process.” Yue Lan got up and excused herself in a slightly hurried manner.
Meng Lin gave a small nod of acknowledgment, turning to her companions. De Sijie, Xi Lin, and Xi Lan still held looks of amazement and puzzlement.