I moved away from the tent with some sadness. It had been so long since I was stimulated like that. My curiosity, my greed... Those emotions were fierce once more. But could not be satisfied.

Yet.

I told her: “Let's continue towards the Azure Sky Clan for now”

She nodded, took back the tent within her spatial ring and we moved on.

As we walked within the forest, I kept asking her questions about the flora and fauna whenever encountering new species.

And there were still many.

Some even she did not know. I started to sometimes wonder if she would be good enough as my guide. Provided, there was no one else around anyways.

…

It was only four days later that we arrived at what seemed to be a village.

However, it was called a city.

After crossing the forest with Rongxia, we arrived at this small city known as Yanbei. From the outside, Yanbei was nestled against a mountain range, its high stone walls weathered but sturdy, marked with talismans to ward off beasts. The city’s gates were wooden, reinforced with iron, and adorned with red lanterns. A river flowed just beyond the city’s edge, feeding the surrounding rice paddies.

Entering the city, narrow cobblestone streets led to bustling markets. Wooden buildings with curved, tiled roofs lined the roads, their walls painted in soft shades of white and gray. Red and gold banners hung between them, fluttering in the breeze. The air was thick with the smell of incense and roasted meats, while I could feel the energy flowing everywhere, attracted here and there by people apparently practicing while sitting cross-legged.

People.

Indeed, there were more people here.

But why were they looking at me like that?

I asked Rongxia: “Why do they look at me like this?”

She stumbled and seemed unsure of how to answer me.

- * -

Finally we reached Yanbei.

It's a small city but it was the closest to our Rong clan, at least in this direction.

They seemed unaware of what happened to us...Should I ask the Senior for a small leave and go tell the mayor? Would he wait for me though? Considering his behavior until now, he might just find someone else to force into guiding him.

While he was clearly a mad man with murder easy, he was strong.

Very strong.

And strength rules in this world.

Accompanying someone strong meant being associated with someone strong which was better than me being alone.

As usual, the city was quite densely packed with travellers from all around.

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And, as expected, we were getting quite a bunch of awkward looks from the passerbys. But it could not be helped: the Senior was dressed quite peculiarly.

So, when he asked me: “Why do they look at me like this?”, I did not really know how to explain it to him without angering him.

Compared to our robes, his outfit was...weird? Or just different, I guess?

In the end, I had to decide between angering him from keeping silent or maybe angering him by being turthful.

I decided to bet on the 'maybe'.

“Esteemed Senior, it is likely due to your outfit as it is rather different from what we are used to around here”

He looked down at himself and then at me and the other people then nodded.

It seems I was safe.

- * -

I looked weird.

To them.

To the inhabitants of this world.

I guess that's to be expected. Different world, different culture. And, as such, different styles of outfits.

At least, they were wearing clothes.

It should be possible for a world in which humans live naked to exist.

That would be quite the sight...

Anyways, my outfit was different and, as such, I looked out of place.

This was bad.

I should not be standing out.

It would only potentially bring problems to attract attention. Not that I would be at risk but my time was too precious to be wasted on attracting random problems because I stood out.

I did not want to deal with those kinds of worthless timewasting troubles.

I told Rongxia: “Guide me to a shop where I can buy clothes that would be more fitting for here”

She relaxed and even slightly smiled as she nodded.

It seems like she might have been self-conscious about it too.

We ventured to a bustling market district, filled with stalls displaying intricate silk robes and elegant garments. The experience was a sensory overload: vibrant colors, the hum of lively bargaining, and the scent of exotic herbs. I can't even recall the last time I mingled with peasants or went to buy something. It was a fresh experience considering that I could not remember the last time it happened. It felt as if new.

Rongxia guided me through shops with an expert hand, selecting garments that suited the local fashion.

I tried on various outfits—flowing robes with embroidered patterns, fitted tunics, and wide, comfortable pants. The fabrics were light and breathable, designed for ease of movement. The process was both amusing and enlightening; the local fashion was quite different from my own, but I appreciated the craftsmanship and practicality.

By the end, I was dressed in a robe of deep blue and silver, with subtle patterns resembling flowing water—both elegant and appropriate for the wuxia world.

I strapped Axis to my right side and now looked ver much like someone living in this world.

As I left the store, it seemed like people still took glances at me though.

It made me frown.

I asked Rongxia again: “Why do they still look at me like this?”

“That would be because of your...beauty... Senior.” she said while slightly embarrassed to say that aloud.

Oh.

I looked handsome.

I did.

I nodded. I could accept that.

I decided to move on.