The sun hung high in the sky as Wuji approached the gates of Green Willow City. From a distance, the sprawling city appeared almost dreamlike. Ancient yet lively, its walls stretched wide, with grand gates that stood as a testament to the city's history and importance in the region.

Unlike the modern cities Wuji had known on Earth, this place was a marvel of ancient architecture. The buildings were adorned with sweeping rooftops, curling like the wings of mythical beasts, and the roads were filled with people—merchants, travelers, cultivators, and civilians—all going about their daily lives. For a moment, Wuji stood in awe.

"This is something else," he murmured to himself. His mind raced, comparing the grandeur of Green Willow City to the ancient cities he had read about in history books on Earth, cities like Beijing or Xi'an, but here, there was an unmistakable air of mysticism. The energy that coursed through the city was palpable as if the very air was imbued with Qi.

As he neared the gates, the familiar faces of Li Wei, Yang Lin, and Chen Xiu came into view. The caravan had made it to the city safely after the harrowing encounter with the bandits, though the memory of that bloodshed still haunted Wuji. Yet here he was, about to step into the next phase of his journey.

Li Wei clapped Wuji on the back as they arrived at the gate. "Well, lad, this is where we part ways. Green Willow City's ahead of you now. Remember what I said—stay sharp and always be prepared for the unexpected."

Wuji smiled at the gruff old driver. "Thanks, Mr. Li. For everything. I wouldn't have made it here without you all."

Yang Lin, his boisterous voice cutting through the noise of the crowd, grinned. "Ah, don't get all sentimental on us now! You did good back there with the bandits, Wuji. Got potential, you do. Maybe I'll see you again someday, eh?"

Chen Xiu gave a curt nod. "Keep your wits about you. This city can be more dangerous than it looks, especially for someone new."

Wuji nodded, feeling a sense of camaraderie and warmth. "Before you go, can you recommend an inn? I'm going to stay here for a few days before figuring out my next steps."

Li Wei rubbed his chin in thought before replying. "Aye, there's the Willow Breeze Inn just down the road. It's a clean place, run by a woman named Madam Xu. She's sharp, but she'll take good care of you."

With that, Wuji thanked them one last time and watched as they disappeared into the crowd, the caravan heading toward the city's market district. Turning back toward the city, Wuji took his first real steps into Green Willow City.

---

The streets of Green Willow were bustling with life. Market stalls lined the roads, selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to rare herbs and weapons. Cultivators in long robes mingled with commoners, and the occasional noble carriage passed by, its ornate design a symbol of wealth and status. Wuji marveled at the beauty and complexity of it all.

"This place is like nothing I've ever seen," he muttered, his eyes darting from one incredible sight to the next. He walked slowly, taking it all in, ancient temples with towering statues of deities, teahouses brimming with locals, and blacksmiths hammering away at glowing metal.

As he walked, he finally found the Willow Breeze Inn. It was a modest building, tucked away on a quieter street, but it exuded a certain charm. The entrance was adorned with flowering vines, and the sign above the door depicted a gentle willow tree swaying in the breeze.

Wuji stepped inside, the cool air and scent of incense greeting him. A woman stood behind the counter, her back turned as she arranged some papers. She was striking, with a curvaceous figure wrapped in a flowing green dress. When she turned around to greet Wuji, he froze.

The innkeeper, Madam Xu, had a face that could rival the goddesses of ancient lore. Her dark hair was pinned up elegantly, and her eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint. For a moment, Wuji was lost in her beauty.

"Hello, young master. How can I help you today?" she asked with a gentle smile.

Wuji blinked, realizing he had been staring. His face turned beet red, and he stammered an apology. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to—uh—I just—"

Madam Xu chuckled, clearly amused by his reaction. "Don't worry about it. It's quite flattering, actually. Now, are you looking for a room?"

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Still flustered, Wuji nodded quickly. "Yes, I was recommended to stay here by a friend. I'll need a room for a few days."

She smiled again, taking out a key. "We have a nice room available on the second floor. It's quiet and has a lovely view of the street. I think you'll find it quite comfortable."

Wuji took the key and mumbled his thanks before retreating upstairs to his room, still cursing himself for his moment of weakness. "Curse this young body," he muttered. "I'm supposed to be in my eighties mentally, but my teenage hormones are messing with my mind!"

The room was simple but pleasant. Wooden walls and floors gave it a warm, rustic feel. There was a small bed, a desk, a chair, and a window that offered a view of the bustling street below. After setting down his belongings, Wuji took a deep breath and sat at the desk. He needed to plan his next steps.

From his bag, he pulled out the map he had been working on during his journey. Green Willow City was only one stop along the way, but now that he was here, he needed to think about where to go next. His ultimate goal was the sect exams in two years, but there was much he could learn before then.

"I should stay here for a few days," Wuji thought. "Gather some information, maybe learn more about Qi and cultivation." He looked over his notes, deciding on a few key places to visit in the city.

Satisfied with his plan, Wuji rested for the remainder of the evening. Tomorrow would bring new opportunities.

---

The next morning, Wuji rose early and left the inn, feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep. He made his way to a famous tea shop that Arvid had mentioned during their journey. The Emerald Leaf Teahouse was known for serving the finest teas in the city, teas that were said to have extraordinary effects on the body and mind.

When Wuji entered, the air was filled with the rich aroma of brewing tea, and the shop was elegantly decorated with bamboo furniture and soft lanterns that cast a calming glow. He approached the counter and was greeted by an elderly man with a long white beard.

"Ah, young master, welcome. How may I serve you today?" the man asked.

"I'd like to try your finest tea," Wuji replied, curious about the effects the tea would have.

The old man nodded and carefully prepared a pot of Heavenly Jade Tea, a blend that was said to calm the mind and invigorate the body. When Wuji sipped the tea, he felt a warm current flow through him, as if the tea was awakening something within him. His mind cleared, and a sense of tranquility washed over him.

"This tea…" Wuji whispered to himself. "It's incredible."

As he sat enjoying his tea, Wuji couldn't help but overhear the conversations around him. The shop was filled with cultivators and merchants, all discussing the latest news in the city.

"Have you heard about the rivalry between the Golden Phoenix Sect and the Iron Mountain Sect?" one man whispered to his companion. "The disciples of those sects have been clashing in the streets lately. It's only a matter of time before it escalates into something bigger."

Another group was discussing a dispute between two noble families. "The young generation of the Liang and Zhou families have been at each other's throats. Apparently, they're both vying for control of a major trade route. Things are getting tense."

Wuji listened intently, absorbing the information. It seemed that Green Willow City was a hotbed of conflict, both between sects and noble families. He would need to be careful while he was here.

After finishing his tea, Wuji decided to explore the city further. He wandered through the bustling streets, observing the shops and stalls. Eventually, he came across a small shop that caught his attention. The window was filled with strange papers and leather scrolls, each adorned with intricate patterns.

Curious, Wuji stepped inside. The shop smelled of old parchment and incense. Behind the counter stood a man in his mid-thirties, with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor.

"Welcome, young man," the shopkeeper said, his voice smooth and steady. "What brings you to my humble shop?"

Wuji glanced around at the various papers and scrolls. "I couldn't help but notice the patterns on these... What are they?"

The shopkeeper smiled. "These are talismans, crafted from the leather of demonic beasts. The patterns you see are drawn using Qi, and each talisman serves a different purpose—protection, healing, enhancing one's cultivation, and so on."

Wuji's interest was immediately piqued.

Fascinated, Wuji's mind raced. "The patterns… they remind me of electrical circuits," he muttered under his breath.

"Circuits?" the shopkeeper asked, raising an eyebrow.

Wuji quickly waved off his comment. "Nothing. I'm just curious, can you tell me more about how these work? And how Qi is used to create them?"

The shopkeeper leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I can teach you the basics of talisman crafting and how Qi works. However, I won't teach you a cultivation technique. Qi cultivation is something you'll have to learn elsewhere."

Wuji considered the offer. "What's the price?"

The shopkeeper smiled. "The price is simple. You'll need to hunt demonic beasts and bring me their leather. Only beasts infused with Qi are suitable for talisman crafting."

Wuji remembered his encounter with the Qi-infused beast in the forest. He had survived that battle, and though it had been difficult, he was confident he could face such beasts again. After a moment's thought, he nodded.

"Alright," Wuji agreed. "I'll bring you the leather of demonic beasts in exchange for your teachings."

The shopkeeper's smile widened. "Excellent. We have a deal."

As Wuji left the shop, a sense of excitement bubbled within him. He had just taken his first step toward understanding Qi. But as he walked through the streets, he realized he knew very little about demonic beasts, except for the one he had fought before.

"I'll need to learn more about these creatures," Wuji thought to himself.

And with that, Wuji's journey through Green Willow City had only just begun.