After the encounter with the Vermillion Clawed Bear, Orion set out in the direction where Li Jun, Xin Qiu, and Liu Jian had retreated. Using the drone, it quickly located them. With a command, Orion directed the drone to descend, and as soon as it was within reach, stored it back into the storage ring.

"I need to manufacture more of these, perhaps with some modifications and additional features," Orion mused. Designs and blueprints to upgrade the SO-1 drone already formulated in its mind. However, due to limited resources, these plans had been temporarily shelved.

Orion soon reached the main road where Li Jun, Xin Qiu, and Liu Jian awaited, their expressions anxious.

"Look, that's Mister Orion," Xin Qiu exclaimed, spotting a figure emerging from behind the trees. As it came closer, it was unmistakably Orion. "What did I tell you guys? That bear stood no chance against Mr. Orion," Xin Qiu said with a hint of pride in his voice.

"Sir, are you alright? What happened to the bear?" Li Jun inquired, concern evident in his voice.

"I am fine, and the bear is no more," Orion responded matter-of-factly.

Xin Qiu, having anticipated this outcome, wore a smug smile, reveling in the accuracy of his prediction. Li Jun, on the other hand, was taken aback. The idea that a Rank-2 Vermillion Clawed Bear could be killed by this armored individual was astounding. How did he manage that? Li Jun wondered to himself.

Liu Jian promptly stepped forward, cupping his hands and bowing deeply. "Sir Orion, I cannot thank you enough for saving my life. Without your intervention, I would surely have been killed by that bear. I owe you my life," Liu Jian expressed.

"It's alright. It was just a simple matter," Orion responded dismissively. However, it couldn't help but observe Liu Jian's dire condition, with blood still oozing from his wounds. "Young Master Liu, how are you faring?" Orion inquired.

Liu Jian grimaced, "During the fight, I sustained significant injuries. While I still have a few low-quality Grade-1 medicinal pills, they aren't sufficient for my current injuries. I believe I can endure until we reach the city." He had primarily relied on his high-quality pills during the battle, and what remained now was far less effective. Li Jun and Xin Qiu, too, only had low-quality Grade-1 medicines, which were not potent enough to address Liu Jian's wounds adequately.

After pondering for a moment, Orion recalled the various medicinal pills it had obtained from Hu's bandit group. Having cross-referenced them with books and scrolls, Orion determined that some were high-quality Grade-2 pills, which were highly sought after. Retrieving a ceramic bottle from the storage ring, Orion took out a pill and handed it to Liu Jian. "Take this; it should aid in your recovery," Orion offered.

Recognizing the pill as a high-quality Grade-2 Vitality Restoration Pill, Liu Jian immediately voiced his gratitude and consumed it without hesitation. Previously, during the fight, he had only taken medium-quality Vitality Restoration Pills, and their effects were already commendable. Both Li Jun and Xin Qiu looked on in astonishment. While the pill wasn't rare, it was notably expensive. The fact that Orion had one made them ponder: did he possess more of these valuable items? After Liu Jian swallowed the pill, its potent effects became immediately evident. The bleeding from his wounds slowed, and they began to mend.

Liu Jian, feeling the swift relief, said, "Thank you so much, Sir Orion, for this invaluable pill. My condition is vastly improved. Please allow me to invite you to my residence as a gesture of my gratitude."

Orion was internally taken aback by the rapid effectiveness of the medicinal pill. After a brief moment of contemplation, Orion responded, "We accept your kind offer." Orion anticipated potential rewards, but more importantly, it saw the opportunity to establish connections with one of the most influential families in Yanjing City. Li Jun and Xin Qiu nodded in agreement, seeing no reason to decline the generous invitation.

The four resumed their journey towards the city. Now, with the effects of the pill, Liu Jian could walk without assistance. It was almost sunset, and they anticipated reaching the city by nightfall. Throughout the journey, Xin Qiu shamelessly tried to curry favor with Liu Jian, while Li Jun observed quietly, sneering inwardly.

Orion walked silently, listening to their interactions. Its gaze then shifted to the horizon.

Li Jun noticed Orion's attention elsewhere. "What is it, sir?" he asked.

"Nothing," Orion replied.

Through its advanced camera, Orion zoomed in on a distant point and spotted two human figures levitating in mid-air. They came from the city's direction and, after hovering for a while, they made their way back.

In a cultivation world, humans can fly. I wonder if I could achieve the same, Orion mused internally. As it observed, it detected radio signals emitted by them—25 GHz and 22 GHz. For a cultivator to be able to fly freely like that, they need to be at least at the Golden Core realm.

After hours of walking, they approached the sprawling Yanjing City. Surrounded by formidable walls reaching about 10 meters in height, the city buzzed with activity, housing a population of around 100,000. By the time they arrived, night had enveloped the city, but its beauty remained undiminished, illuminated by myriad lamps and lanterns. Gaining entry into such a prominent city after dark could be a challenge. Yet, as soon as the guards recognized Liu Jian, the esteemed young master of the Liu family, the group was granted immediate access. They swiftly proceeded to the Liu family estate.

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Upon arriving at the Liu family estate, an elderly steward greeted them at the front gate. "Young Master, it's a relief to see you unharmed. Your father awaits you in the main hall," the steward conveyed.

Liu Jian introduced the trio, "Uncle Wei, these three are my saviors. They rescued me from the Vermillion Clawed Bear."

The steward, Uncle Wei, nodded respectfully, "Please, honored guests, the patriarch invites you to the main hall as well." With that, Uncle Wei led the way to the main hall.

The main hall radiated luxury, underscoring the vast wealth of the Liu family. Seated at the main seat was Liu Ming, the patriarch of the Liu family and Liu Jian's father. He is a cultivator at the 5th stage of the Golden Core realm.

Wasn't he the one hovering in the air earlier? Where's his companion? Could he also be from the Liu family? Orion pondered internally. Immediately, Orion activated its multi-band phased array antenna, a tool it used sparingly to conserve battery. In an instant, Orion detected a range of radio signals emanating from the estate, spanning from 1 GHz to 29 GHz, each with varying signal strengths. Among them, Orion identified specific frequencies with unique signatures associated with the earlier levitating figures. One was unmistakably from Patriarch Liu, standing in front of Orion, and the other familiar radio signal originated from a nearby room.

"Greetings, Father," Liu Jian said, bowing deeply. Li Jun and Xin Qiu, slightly nervous, followed suit. However, Orion remained upright, standing as straight as a ramrod, intently observing Liu Ming.

"Mm..." Liu Ming nodded. "I'm relieved you're safe. Your junior sister filled me in on everything." After Xia Ling joined the caravan, she bought a horse from them and swiftly rode to the city to seek assistance from the Liu family. Upon hearing of Liu Jian's predicament, Liu Ming and one of the family elders promptly set out to rescue him. However, midway they learned that Liu Jian had already been saved, prompting their return.

"I owe you a debt of gratitude for saving my son," Liu Ming said, rising from his seat to bow.

Xin Qiu, clearly flustered, stammered, "No... no need... It was just... We did what anyone would've done..."

Li Jun chimed in nervously, "It's really just a minor matter, Patriarch Liu. Please don't make much of it."

Amidst the flustered exchanges from Li Jun and Xin Qiu, Orion remained poised, offering only a slight nod in acknowledgment.

"Please allow me to host a banquet in your honor. Moreover, I invite you to stay at the Liu family estate. Know that you will always be welcomed by our family," Liu Ming declared. Turning to his son, he continued, "Liu Jian, you should go rest and also meet your junior sister. She's been quite worried about you."

Liu Jian bowed slightly, "Yes, father. Everyone, I will excuse myself first. Please enjoy the banquet."

Xin Qiu quickly chimed in, "Yes, yes, please rest well, Young Master Liu."

With a clap of Liu Ming's hands, dozens of graceful servant girls entered, each bearing various delectable dishes and exquisite drinks. They swiftly transformed the hall into a festive setting. As the preparations concluded, five exceptionally beautiful dancers took center stage, their movements synchronized with the melodies played by musicians at the side. Li Jun, Xin Qiu, and Orion were seated off to the side, taking in the lively spectacle. Xin Qiu's happiness was evident; he grinned from ear to ear. Each of them had the company of two lovely attendants - one on each side - who poured drinks and offered food. The girls clung closely, wrapping their arms around Li Jun's and Xin Qiu's. This elicited unusual expressions from them, ones that Orion had never seen before.

As for Orion, it remained indifferent to the ongoing merriments. Its untouched plate of food and untouched cup became increasingly noticeable. The two attentive girls by its side received little to no response from Orion. Sensing the need to clarify, Orion remarked, "Patriarch Liu, please excuse me. While I'm sure the food and drink are exceptional, I shall just enjoy the dance." Orion's comment was an attempt to maintain politeness, given its decision not to partake in the feast.

"It's fine, then please enjoy the dance," Liu Ming said with a smile, choosing not to press the matter further. Also, considering that Orion still wore its metallic helmet, concealing its true appearance, there must be a hidden reason or secret.

The night wore on, and the banquet remained in full swing. Li Jun and Xin Qiu were in high spirits, indulging in the food and drinks generously. Their laughter echoed through the hall, and it was evident they relished the company of the beautiful attendants by their sides. From time to time, they would engage in light conversation with Patriarch Liu. Orion, on the other hand, was mostly silent, only occasionally contributing to the discussions.

"It's getting quite late. I believe we should conclude the banquet. You must all be tired. Let the girls guide you to the guesthouse," suggested Liu Ming.

Both Li Jun and Xin Qiu, now slightly drunk, babbled incoherently, their faces sporting goofy grins. With a girl on each arm to steady them, they began their wobbly journey to the guesthouse. Orion observed the scene for a moment before rising, ready to follow them.

"Mr. Orion," Liu Ming suddenly said, breaking the brief silence. "I truly cannot express my gratitude enough for saving my son. What are your plans going forward? If you're headed to Fengxian City next, why not stay in Yanjing for a while? It would give you an opportunity to get to know our city better, and you're welcome to stay with us."

Orion pondered for a moment before replying, "In that case, I thank you, Patriarch Liu."

"Excellent. When you decide to depart for Fengxian City, you can accompany the Liu family caravan. We frequently trade with Fengxian," Liu Ming offered. "You must be weary from the day's events, Mr. Orion. I won't keep you any longer. Please, follow the young ladies; they will guide you to the guesthouse."

The two girls led Orion to one of the many guesthouses on the estate. Orion wasn't sure where Li Jun and Xin Qiu had gone. Once inside the guesthouse, the girls stood there, watching Orion.

"Is there something else?" Orion asked, noticing they didn't leave.

One of the girls, cheeks flushing with a hint of red, hesitated before replying, "Mister Orion, we've been assigned to attend to you this evening. You... you can ask anything of us."

Orion realized what she meant. "Thank you, but I just want to rest. You both can go," it responded.

After the girls left, Orion remarked internally, Finally, some peace. It then took a seat at the table in the center of the room. Orion then began its regular system diagnostics internally.