After Half a Month — Eastern Continent
Somewhere on a vast, wind-swept meadow—
One leaf drifted down…...A second leaf followed…...Thir—"Tsk…"
A soft sigh escaped as a young man lay sprawled across a flat rock beneath a towering tree. His arms rested behind his head like a pillow, eyes half-open and expressionless as he gazed at the lazy fall of golden leaves above.
He wore a simple brown robe—patched and sewn in several places, its fabric faded from years of wear.
From where he rested, the silhouette of a massive city could be seen in the distance, encircled by colossal walls that gleamed faintly in the afternoon light.
"I'm already twenty-one this year," he muttered under his breath. "Still, not a single female cultivator has appeared before me… and I've never sensed even a flicker of soul resonance."
His brows furrowed, voice low and bitter. "Do I really have no fate for cultivation…?"
He yawned softly, eyelids growing heavy as sleep began to pull him under.
"Hey! Big Brother Shen Yao!"
A young voice pierced his drifting thoughts.
"Hmm?" Shen Yao turned his head lazily toward the source—a small boy, no older than ten, stood before him with a snot-smeared nose and wide, eager eyes.
"Don't you—sniff!—want to play with us?" the boy asked, sniffling as he tried to pull his dripping nose back in.
Shen Yao blinked blankly for a moment, glancing at the group of children gathered behind the boy. "No. I'm doing something important, so don't disturb me," he said with mock seriousness, turning to lie on his side.
"Hehe, don't lie!" the boy giggled. "You don't do anything but sleep here every day! Just admit you can't catch us!"
"You—!" Shen Yao sat up sharply, his expression twisting into mock anger.
"Don't be so full of yourself!" he roared playfully, leaping up and charging toward the boy with clawed hands.
"Ahh! Run! Run! The demon's coming! Don't let him catch you!" the boy screamed, laughing as he bolted across the meadow, the other children following in joyous chaos.
Laughter and shouts echoed across the sunlit field as Shen Yao chased them through the tall grass, his feigned rage blending with their pure delight.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and night began to veil the land, the children gradually dispersed, one by one returning to their homes.
"Big Brother Shen Yao! We had so much fun today! Let's play again tomorrow!" The same boy waved, sniffled, and giggled before running toward the cluster of thatched houses beyond the city walls.
"Haa… haa…" Shen Yao slumped onto the grass, catching his breath. "Damn those kids… they're getting too fast. Last year, I could still catch all of them."
He chuckled softly, brushing the sweat from his brow.
Suddenly, a low hum rolled through the evening air.
"Huh?"
Shen Yao lifted his head toward the darkening sky. A massive flying boat sliced through the clouds, its hull glimmering faintly as it glided toward the distant city.
"A flying boat?" he murmured. "Looks like the city will be busy for the next few days."
He lingered for a moment, watching the vessel fade into the horizon before glancing toward the city walls. "Should I leave too…?" he whispered, eyes drifting to the stars scattered across the indigo sky. "It's already late."
With a long breath, he rose from the grass and began walking toward the city ahead.
Meanwhile—
"The air here is… fresh. "The wind brushed past his sleeves, carrying faint traces of spiritual energy that shimmered in the moonlight."
" Ye Kaishan took a deep breath as he stood near the edge of the flying boat, gazing down at the sprawling landscape below.
"Finally, we've arrived," he murmured, his sharp eyes tracing the enormous city that sprawled across the land like a living jewel.
"It's much larger and grander than Starfall City," he said softly. "And at night… the lights make it look even more beautiful."
The city below shimmered beneath a web of glowing lanterns, rivers of light flowing through streets that never seemed to sleep. Great walls surrounded it on all sides, built of silver-gray stone that glowed faintly beneath the moonlight.
"They've clearly prioritized security for their citizens, "I'm sure the cost of living here must be expensive too."
" Ye Kaishan observed. His gaze shifted toward the outskirts where clusters of huts and thatched houses dotted the landscape.
"And those who can't afford life inside… live beyond the walls. Still, it seems they're being supported somehow."
"The soul energy here is abundant," Song Yan murmured, extending two fingers as faint wisps of spiritual light danced around them. The energy responded immediately, surging into her fingertips like a soft current.
Her expression remained calm, her eyes clear as she looked upon the Eastern Continent once more.
The flying boat began to descend, gliding gracefully into the harbor port within the city. One by one, passengers stepped down onto the vast platform.
Ye Kaishan and Song Yan joined the flow of travelers, stepping off the deck and into the lively streets below.
The road was lined with vendors and stalls, their counters overflowing with trinkets, spirit beasts, herbs, and alchemical tools.
Voices rose and fell in every direction as merchants called out their prices, and the scent of grilled meat drifted through the cool night air.
After walking for some time, the two stopped at a pavilion to rest and eat.
"Looks like all the inns are already full," Ye Kaishan said, glancing out at the bustling streets illuminated by rows of colorful lanterns.
"Well, that's to be expected," Song Yan replied, picking up a piece of roasted meat with her chopsticks. "Whenever travelers arrive, the city stays busy for days."
Ye Kaishan watched her for a moment, then asked curiously, "What's the name of this city? It's massive—it must be under someone's control."
"Name?" Song Yan placed her chopsticks down gently, finishing her meal. "It's called Heavenreach Citadel. It falls under the management of Yaochi Holy Land."
"Heavenreach Citadel, huh…" Ye Kaishan gazed out the window again, the lights of the city dancing in his eyes. "Truly fascinating."
"Well," Song Yan said, her tone soft but firm, "we've wasted enough time. Let's find a place to rest for the night."
"But we've already checked nearly every inn in the city," Ye Kaishan replied while chewing. "Where can we stay now?"
"That…" Song Yan's brows furrowed slightly. "If there's no inn available, we may have to spend the night outside."
Tak—
A soft sound broke their conversation as a waiter set down a wine jug beside them.
"Pardon me," the old man said respectfully. "But are you perhaps looking for an inn?"
"Yes," Ye Kaishan replied calmly. "Do you know of one with any rooms left?"
The waiter, clad in a faded gray robe that matched his age, nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes! I know a place that can accommodate the two of you!"
"Good," Ye Kaishan said with a faint smile. "Show us after we finish eating."
Song Yan's gaze lingered on the man, her expression cool and unreadable. The wrinkles across his face deepened as he smiled nervously.
I hope he's not planning any tricks, she thought silently, sipping from her cup of wine.
After finishing their meal, Song Yan and Ye Kaishan followed the old waiter along the narrow road leading out of the bustling market and into the quieter residential district.
"You said you'd take us to an inn," Ye Kaishan asked, glancing at the old man, who walked ahead with steady, measured steps. "Where exactly are we going?"
"We are going to an inn," the old man replied awkwardly, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "But it's not a famous one. It happens to be in the residential area."
"Residential area?" Ye Kaishan raised an eyebrow. Well, as long as we have a place to rest, it doesn't matter where it is, he thought, his gaze briefly sweeping over the dimly lit street.
They followed the old man for some time until they reached a desolate, rundown manor.
"Umm… is this the inn?" Song Yan asked, her eyes flicking over the cracked signboard hanging loosely by one corner.
The walls were riddled with ant tunnels and fissures that ran deep, like veins of decay. The door somehow still stood, though it looked as if one strong push could send the whole structure collapsing.
"Come, come," the old man said as he pushed open the door. It creaked painfully, echoing through the courtyard as they stepped inside.
The interior was hardly better than the exterior.
Wild grass had overgrown the yard, tangled with creeping vines that climbed the walls.
A lone tree stood crookedly at the center, its shadow wavering in the dim light. Only a single lantern hanging by the door flickered faintly, proof that someone still lived here.
Stopping before the entrance, the old man cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, "Hey, you brat! Shen Yao! Come out!"
After a brief pause, the door inside opened with another long creak. Shen Yao emerged, holding a lantern that swayed with each step. "Old man, what brings you here at this hour?"
"Facing all sorts of trouble, I still managed to bring you two customers for the night. Show some respect!" the old waiter huffed in annoyance.
"Huh? Customers?" Shen Yao blinked, his eyes darting toward Song Yan and Ye Kaishan, who stood silently behind the old man.
"Oh! You should've said that first, old man." A grin spread across Shen Yao's face. "Come, come! Be my guests." He gestured warmly toward the doorway.
"Sigh… Did we make a mistake coming here?" Song Yan muttered under her breath, glancing at the decrepit manor.
"Well, it's just for one night," Ye Kaishan said with a wry smile, stepping forward. "Why not?"
They both entered the manor.
Umm… it's unusually clean inside, Song Yan thought as she looked around. The interior, illuminated by several lanterns, was surprisingly well-kept and far different from the ruined appearance outside.
Author's Note:Hey there, it's your author! I'm not sure if anyone's reading this right now, but if you are — thank you so much for giving my novel a chance. This is my very first work, and your support truly means the world to me.
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