Snow and Red, guided by the water buffalo spirit, finally reached the first major city of East Sheng Shenzhou: Qingli City. The massive gates stretched dozens of zhang into the sky, forged from dark blue-black xuan iron. Protective runes were etched into the walls, faintly glowing with spiritual energy that pulsed like a heartbeat. The streets beyond were alive with movement. Humans in simple clothing hustled past, cultivators with flying swords strapped to their backs glided above the crowds, and a few small talking demons, only partially transformed, hid their faces beneath cloaks.
Snow's eyes shone with excitement. "Wow, Red, look at this place! It is so big and lively!"
Red tugged gently on Snow's ear. "Stay close. If you wander off, you might get tricked before you even understand what's happening here."
Snow giggled. "I won't wander far. Maybe."
They turned onto a street lined with shops specializing in spiritual tools. Colorful signs swayed in the breeze:
Heavenly Treasures Pavilion: Flying swords from thirty spirit stones.Pinewood Staff Shop: Specializing in beginner spiritual tools for five hundred years.Skylight Artifacts: Today's special, buy ten talismans get one free.
Snow stopped, eyes locked on a shop displaying small, glittering wands. He leaned over the counter eagerly. "Boss, what is this used for?"
The owner, a lynx demon with pointed ears and a twitching mustache, peered at him. "These are Hypnosis Wands. Beginner models cost one thousand spirit stones. They calm young demons, help spirit beasts sleep, and even temporarily stun weak creatures."
Snow's eyes sparkled like stars. "I want this!"
Red's lips twitched. "Check the price first."
"One thousand spirit stones," Snow whispered, his ears drooping.
Red groaned. They did not even have a single spirit stone, let alone a thousand.
The lynx demon chuckled. "I can offer a small discount."
Snow's ears perked up. "Really?"
"Nine hundred ninety spirit stones," the lynx said with a wink.
Red dragged Snow toward the door. "We'll come back later."
As they left, the lynx demon called after them. "We also buy spirit herbs. You can collect them on Mount Qingsong to earn spirit stones."
Snow and Red had no choice but to start from the bottom, earning money by gathering herbs. At the foot of Mount Qingsong, beginner-level spiritual herbs grew abundantly: Qingfeng Leaves, Softbone Flowers, Sweetgreen Vines, and others. Though the spiritual energy was weak, herb merchants offered stable prices.
Every day, Snow and Red woke before dawn. Snow used his keen nose to sniff out the best herbs while Red carried the bamboo basket filled with their finds. The sun beat down fiercely during the day, and at night the mountain air turned icy. They wore simple straw shoes and moved carefully through the grass and underbrush, picking, sorting, and drying the herbs.
Snow often collapsed onto the ground in exhaustion. "I… can't… carry anymore… Red, help me…"
Red panted, adjusting the heavy basket on his back. "You're heavier than the herbs themselves."
Snow giggled weakly. "I'm like a big herb too, then?"
Red rolled his eyes but could not hide the small smile tugging at his lips. Despite the fatigue, they persevered. Ten days passed, then twenty, then thirty. Slowly, the baskets of herbs were exchanged for small pouches of glimmering spirit stones. After much effort, they finally had exactly one thousand.
At last, they returned to the Pinewood Staff Shop.
The lynx demon noticed the protective talismans around their necks and raised his eyebrows. "Well, you really did earn enough?"
Snow handed over the spirit stones eagerly. "I want the Hypnosis Wand!"
The lynx demon nodded with satisfaction and retrieved a small wand, shorter than a carrot, topped with a tiny glowing stone bead. "Use carefully. The beginner wand works on creatures of the same level but do not experiment on humans."
Snow hugged the wand like it was a treasure, his tail flicking with delight.
Red looked at him and spoke softly. "A month of hard work, and you finally got what you wanted."
Snow turned to him with sparkling eyes. "Next time, we can buy stronger ones together!"
Red's lips curled into a small smile. "We'll see. First, survive a few more days without being eaten by a stronger demon."
Snow pouted playfully. "You worry too much. That is not fun."
Red shook his head. "And yet I have to keep you alive."
As they walked through the busy streets of Qingli City, they saw all manner of people and creatures. Merchants hawked spiritual tools, talismans, and strange potions. Cultivators practiced techniques on floating platforms, sending sparks of spiritual energy into the air. Small demons peeked from alleyways, some curious, others cautious, as though assessing the new arrivals.
Snow's eyes darted from shop to shop. "Red, let's look over there. And that one. And maybe that one too."
Red tugged him gently by the paw. "Focus. First, we need to learn the city. Then we can play."
Snow pouted again but obediently followed. Even with the busy streets and dazzling shops, he stayed close to Red, the little wand clutched to his chest. Red's keen eyes scanned every corner, every shadow, alert to any danger.
They passed the same streets daily, learning the rhythm of Qingli City. Merchants smiled at them once they recognized their hardworking faces, cultivators nodded politely as they passed, and even the small demons seemed to respect the two newcomers, perhaps sensing the latent spirit energy they had gained from the spirit fruits.
Snow whispered one evening, as they returned to their small rented room, "Red, do you think one day we could have our own shop?"
Red chuckled softly. "First, survive, then learn, then maybe one day we can. But it will take years."
Snow nodded, hugging his wand. "Years is okay. I have you, and I will practice every day."
Red looked at him, his fox ears flicking, tail brushing the floor. "Then we will do it together. No matter what the world throws at us."
That night, as the moonlight bathed Qingli City in silver, Snow and Red lay side by side, dreaming of flying swords, wandering immortals, and the adventures that awaited beyond the city walls. They had started their journey in the cultivation world with nothing but determination, a little skill, and a hope that one day, they could truly grow stronger together.
With every new day in Qingli City, their courage and bond deepened. Spirit stones would buy tools and wands, but their shared journey, laughter, and trust were priceless. The streets were bustling, the shops glittered, and the world of cultivation awaited two small creatures with hearts full of dreams, ready to face the wonders and dangers ahead together.