Dorian stepped past the great gates of Azure Cloud City, his presence turning heads even when he tried to walk with quiet restraint.
The streets bustled with life—vendors hawking their goods, cultivators striding with pride, beggars calling for alms—but all seemed to dim in comparison to his figure.
Amid the shifting crowd, a bright-eyed youth broke away and approached him with an eager smile.
The boy looked no older than eighteen, his clothes patched yet neatly kept, his energy brimming with optimism despite the faint shadows of hardship written on his face.
His eyes darted around, scanning the streets for rivals, but seeing no one else vying for the stranger's attention, his smile widened with relief.
"Hello, young master!" the youth greeted cheerfully, bowing slightly.
"You must be new to Azure Cloud City. If you'd like, I could serve as your guide. I know every corner, every street, every merchant stall. Just tell me where you wish to go, and I'll take you there."
Dorian studied the young man quietly.
Beneath his thin frame and youthful exuberance, there was courage—the kind of courage born not from strength, but from surviving hardships and still daring to step forward.
He found himself appreciating the boy's spirit.
"Very well," Dorian said at last, the corners of his lips curving into a smile.
"I'll reward you dearly. But first, show me to the finest place in this city that serves wine."
With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the boy a heavy bag.
The youth caught it clumsily, eyes widening as he felt the weight.
He opened it slightly, and the sight of gleaming gold coins almost blinded him.
His heart thudded wildly.
The world seemed to slow.
Passersby who noticed the bag froze mid-step, their gazes sharpening with hunger.
The boy, trembling, fumbled to hide his fortune, shoving it into his tattered pocket with desperate haste.
But in his panic, disaster struck.
The bag tore open, spilling its contents across the stone-paved street.
Clink.
Clink.
Clink.
The golden sound rang through the air like heavenly music descending upon mortal ears.
Dozens of coins scattered, rolling under carts and bouncing against boots.
The youth's face drained of color.
His mind screamed in terror, his stomach twisting into knots.
"I'm dead," he thought, cold sweat trickling down his back as countless eyes locked onto him—hungry, envious, and dangerous.
The youth's mind went into overdrive, thoughts flashing faster than lightning.
The coins lay scattered around him, and he could feel the burning stares of the crowd—greedy, covetous, dangerous.
If he bent down to pick them up like a common beggar, they would fall upon him like wolves.
If he ran, he would be hunted until nothing remained.
Only one path remained, the biggest gamble of his young life.
He straightened his back, forcing his trembling knees to lock in place.
His gaze lifted, steadying itself on the tall figure before him.
The crowd held its breath, waiting to see if the boy would break.
"Young master," he said, voice firm despite the pounding of his heart, "my name is Alvin. Do you perhaps lack any servants in your household? I am hardworking, honest, and loyal. Please—allow me to serve you, master!"
He dropped into a deep bow, forehead nearly touching the ground, wagering his entire fate on the whim of this stranger.
For a heartbeat, silence stretched. The crowd leaned in, their curiosity burning.
Then laughter—deep, genuine, and resonant—rolled from Dorian's chest.
"Hahaha! You amuse me, Alvin," he said, eyes glinting with approval.
"Very well. Gather the coins, and from this moment forward, you are my servant. Follow me."
Alvin's breath caught in his throat, relief and disbelief flooding through him all at once.
The impossible had happened—he had gambled with his life, and won.
Dorian, meanwhile, allowed himself a faint smile.
To him, this was more than amusement.
Having someone who knew the city inside and out would be a useful advantage, a guide and servant in one.
Without realizing it, he had taken his first follower in this new world.
And thus, in his second life, Alvin became the first servant of Dorian Axe.
***
"This is the Jade Nectar Pavilion, young master Dorian," Alvin said with barely contained excitement.
His voice trembled as though he were announcing the gates of heaven itself.
"They serve the finest wine in all of Azure Cloud City. I've heard that even elders, nobles, and powerful cultivators frequent this place. Common folk like me… we've only ever dreamed of stepping inside."
Dorian glanced at the building with a casual nod, his expression unreadable. "I see. I suppose it's passable."
The words struck Alvin like thunder—passable?
To him, this was the greatest establishment in the city, the place whispered about in alleys and taverns.
Yet, he quickly swallowed his awe and followed behind as Dorian pushed open the doors.
Inside, the atmosphere was thick with elegance.
Soft lantern light bathed the polished floors in a warm glow.
Delicate music from zithers floated in the air, mingling with the fragrant aroma of spiritual wines.
Conversations hushed almost instantly as every eye turned to the tall figure entering the hall.
Dorian's presence was magnetic.
His physique radiated power, his bearing was regal, and yet, as dozens of spiritual senses swept across him, the crowd stiffened.
There was nothing—no spiritual energy, no aura of cultivation. He was… a mortal?
The contradiction only made him more unfathomable.
Whispers spread, each one hushed but sharp with curiosity.
A beautiful woman approached, her steps graceful, her robes flowing like water.
Her eyes flickered briefly to Alvin—recognition, perhaps even disdain, for he was just another nameless face of the city's downtrodden.
Yet her gaze quickly settled on Dorian, softening into practiced charm.
"This way, young master," she said, her voice like honey as she led them to a table draped in fine silk.
"What would you like today?" she asked, leaning forward slightly.
Dorian waved his hand lazily. "Bring me a taste of your best food and your strongest drinks."
The woman's lips curved into a smile. A wealthy patron, then.
She bowed deeply, and as she turned, her robe shifted, revealing a flash of pale cleavage.
Alvin's ears burned red, but Dorian remained calm, eyes distant, lost in thought.
"It'll only be a few minutes, young master," the woman said sweetly before departing.
For a moment, silence lingered between master and servant.
Then, Dorian's gaze shifted, piercing into Alvin as though weighing something deeper than the boy could comprehend.
"Tell me, Alvin," Dorian finally asked, his voice low but commanding, "who do you think is the most beautiful woman in Azure Cloud City?"