Ling Tian rose to his feet, his gaze fixed upon the strange gate before him. "Now… let's see what this is," he murmured to himself.
He walked slowly toward the gate, Ling Yan at his side. As he drew closer, he began to study the intricate carvings etched into its surface. Minutes passed, yet he could not decipher a single symbol.
Placing a hand on his chin, he pondered, "I don't understand these markings… but I will memorize them. Perhaps one day, I will discover their meaning."
With renewed focus, Ling Tian examined the gate carefully. After several minutes, he had committed every symbol to memory. He then turned his attention to a carved pattern on the wall beside the gate.
He studied it with his hands, feeling the subtle indentations, until a sudden realization struck him.
"Could this… really be what I think it is?" Ling Tian whispered, producing a spirit stone from his bag. With precise care, he placed it horizontally into the carved recess.
The moment the stone touched the engraving, it vanished, replaced by a faint glow. Slowly, the light dimmed—but then, Ling Tian noticed the carvings themselves began to shimmer in various hues.
"What… what is this? Have I discovered a gate to a secret world?" he exclaimed, excitement flooding his voice as he stared at the softly glowing portal.
Even Ling Yan howled in response, his eyes gleaming with greed as he gazed upon the gate.
Yet their hopes were soon dashed as the light gradually faded.
Ling Tian shook his head, regaining composure. He looked at Ling Yan with a wry smirk: "It seems we were hoping to trade dung for diamonds."
Ling Yan growled in agreement.
Undeterred, Ling Tian retrieved more spirit stones, placing them one by one into the carved recess—but all efforts proved futile. Frustration stirred within him, yet he did not attempt to force more stones.
"Alright, let's be realistic… this gate won't open anytime soon," he thought calmly, studying the mysterious portal. "And why did I assume it led to a secret world? Perhaps it seals a great demon. In pursuit of gain, I overlooked the potential dangers."
Ling Tian pressed a hand against the cold gate, contemplating quietly: "I will return when I understand these markings."
Turning to Ling Yan, he said softly, "Let's go." Ling Yan nodded and followed.
Ling Yan led the way as they exited the cavern, but Ling Tian paused, glancing back at the gate with a complex expression. Crawling forward, he reminded himself: "Remember, Ling Tian… never let the promise of gain blind you to danger. After all, you need to survive to truly benefit."
After some time, they emerged from the tunnel, greeted by Ling Yan's mischievous face. Startled, Ling Tian jerked backward, his head striking the wall behind him.
Ling Yan's laughter rang out, his tail thrashing the ground in delight.
Ling Tian, anger flaring, shouted, "Damn you! Do you find this amusing, you rascal?"
Ling Yan paid him no mind, continuing to laugh merrily. Ling Tian muttered under his breath, "I must find a way to repay him someday."
"Enough laughing," Ling Yan finally said. "It's time to head to the city."
At the mention of the city, Ling Tian stopped laughing and followed eagerly. Ling Yan's determination seemed even greater than his own. Ling Tian guessed the reason: "He probably wants to see the city from the inside."
They emerged from the cave, soaked from the waterfall. Ling Tian paid no attention, using his chi to dry his clothes. Ling Yan shook himself, splattering droplets onto Ling Tian.
Ling Tian smirked, teasing, "Couldn't you have done that before I dried myself?"
Together, they made their way to the city.
After hours, they reached the western gate. Ling Tian attempted to enter, but the guards barred his path.
"What is the meaning of this? Don't you see I have a permit?" he demanded, waving it before the guard.
The guard regarded him calmly, glancing at Ling Yan. "I know, sir… but do you have a permit for your pet?"
"A permit?" Ling Tian asked, astonished.
The guard anticipated this reaction and said evenly, "Yes. You need it for your companion to enter the city. It's for security. The annual fee is ten spirit stones."
Ling Tian sighed, realizing the logic. If a crime occurred involving a spiritual beast, the city could narrow down suspects. He paid the fee, though bitterly, and entered the city with Ling Yan, heading toward the Xi Chun Inn.
On the way, Ling Yan's eyes widened in wonder, scanning every corner, amusing Ling Tian greatly. Passersby paid no attention to a six-legged wolf wandering through the streets.
Ling Tian felt a sharp shift in his perception. He could now sense who was watching him or Ling Yan, discerning the curiosity or indifference in their gazes.
He shivered at the realization, thinking, "It's exhausting to know so many are watching… perhaps ignorance is sometimes bliss."
Finally, they reached the Xi Chun Inn. Inside, the familiar chaos greeted them: the scent of alcohol, bustling waiters, and the usual crowd. Ling Tian ignored it all and approached the old man.
Upon seeing him, the old man laughed. "Ah, boy! I thought you had died during your two-day disappearance."
Ling Tian's eyes widened. "Two days?"
Ling Yan merely growled, as if saying: Don't ask.
Ignoring him, Ling Tian said to the old man, "Enough. I have questions. Will you answer them?"
Expecting all sorts of responses, Ling Tian was shocked when the old man grinned mischievously, clasping his fingers and moving them in a circular motion.
Ling Tian realized: Ah… he's counting spirit stones, just like handling currency.
The old man's smirk deepened. "What? You think you can get answers without paying?"
"Oh… of course you must pay," he continued, "but that's not what I mean. You haven't paid for the two days you were absent."
Rage surged in Ling Tian. "Impossible! How can I pay for a room I didn't use?"
The old man's smile never wavered. "You should have informed me you weren't using it. Had I discarded your belongings after one day of absence, would you have been pleased?"
Ling Tian scoffed. "And if I never returned? Would you keep the room for me forever?"
The old man ignored him. "Of course not. Three days absent, I assume you're dead."
Ling Tian, too exhausted to argue, let out a sigh: "Fine… I'll pay, but not for answers to my questions."
After a moment of contemplation, the old man said, feigning sadness, "Agreed."
Ling Tian's irritation flared, but he handed over four spirit stones. "Take it, you greedy old man."
The old man rubbed them between his fingers like a child with a newfound toy. Disgusted, Ling Tian said, "Now, answer my questions."
The old man scowled but placed the stones aside. "And what is your question?"
Ling Tian hesitated, fear and exhaustion evident in his eyes. "I ventured into the mountains… nearly perished… and I wondered why I was there. Was it for money? If I could earn it safely, I wouldn't face such dangers."
He leaned on the table, pressing his palm to his forehead. "So… I wish to learn alchemy. Where can I go to study it?"
The old man was surprised. "You fear death, so you wish to learn alchemy?"
Ling Tian hesitated but nodded outwardly. Inwardly, he thought: I must hide that I found the Tranquil Lotus Water. Claiming fear is the best cover.
The old man smiled faintly. "If you wish to study alchemy, I advise you to go to the Ji Lian pavilion in the eastern district of the city."