When Seraphine made her teasing comment about the calligraphy, Siyi actually pulled out that gaudy “May wealth and fortune flow in” scroll from her storage ring and handed it to Echo. The disciples standing behind them, trying to eavesdrop, looked like they wanted to laugh but didn’t dare. Mu Rong draped her arm over Xue Mengtao’s shoulder and couldn’t help muttering, “Elder Si is terrifyingly thorough!” She actually carried that thing with her. Xue Mengtao considered it thoughtfully. “Master knew the location of the second trial. Since we’re coming to Sunset Glow City, she probably expected to meet the city lord. Bringing her calligraphy along might prove useful.” “……” Mu Rong slowly let her arm slide down and patted Xue Mengtao’s back. No wonder you’re Elder Si’s disciple! After just half a year, Xue Mengtao could already predict her master’s thinking patterns. Elder Si really was dedicated to teaching! Unlike them, Echo didn’t overthink it. She cheerfully unfurled the scroll. The city lord’s “apology gift” was truly apologetic in scale—the material was substantial, wide enough for two of Echo to stand side by side. When opened, it fell to the deck with a thunk and rolled across the planks. The moment the scroll opened, golden light reflected off the paper. Disciples on both sides hastily stepped back, shielding their eyes from the blinding brilliance. After the scroll finished unrolling, everyone stared at this carpet-sized masterpiece in stunned silence. “The city lord’s sincerity has been…… received.” Seraphine said with a perfectly straight face. The golden ink flowed across the paper like liquid treasure, forming the characters “May wealth and fortune flow in” in bold, sweeping strokes. At the bottom were two seals—one reading “Zhao Qingcheng’s Seal” and another shaped like a golden ingot. Now I knew the city lord’s name. After scanning this blindingly golden masterpiece, I glanced down at the city below, where golden ingot banners fluttered everywhere, and couldn’t help commenting, “I think City Lord Zhao is refreshingly honest!” She literally hung her desires out for everyone to see. Seraphine chuckled and moved to the other side of the massive scroll, reaching out to help Echo roll it up. When the other disciples tried to assist, Siyi waved them back with a subtle gesture. The golden ink seemed to radiate actual wealth energy—just looking at it made you feel like you could earn big money. I wanted to write something similar for my Main System and friend-systems. As the last bit of gold disappeared, I asked, “Does the city lord write with gold dust?” Seraphine’s mouth curved upward as she gave Echo a meaningful look. “I suspect City Lord Zhao might find gold dust too vulgar. Traditional ink has a certain…… timeless elegance.” Siyi covered her mouth, laughing. She glanced at Echo’s thoughtful expression, her smile deepening. “I understand.” I said. Pixiu, obviously. Seraphine glanced at Echo, noting her calm expression. She raised an eyebrow skeptically, clearly wanting to hear Echo exact interpretation when a small boat approached from the distance—literally just one leaf of a boat. A woman stood on it, beautiful and laughing heartily as she called out from afar, “I’ve been waiting in the city for ages! Finally, the grand ship of Insight Academy Palace arrives! May I ask which fellow daoist graces us with their presence, and from whence do you hail?” On the Insight Academy Palace ship, Lanzhi led the others to the deck. She bowed to the woman respectfully and said warmly, “Lanzhi of Insight Academy Palace, overseeing the Eastern Continent Competition. Greetings, City Lord.” So this was the famous City Lord Zhao Qingcheng herself. As ruler of Sunset Glow City, Zhao Qingcheng wasn’t just renowned across the five continents for her wealth—she was also a powerful cultivator of extraordinary strength, holding dominion over this territory. That she personally came out to welcome the Eastern Continent Competition participants had everyone, including our Luanyang Palace group, feeling honored and excited as they hurried to bow. I followed Seraphine’s lead, cupping my hands respectfully toward Zhao Qingcheng while thinking: The city lord isn’t just enthusiastic—she’s remarkably down-to-earth too. Zhao Qingcheng wore golden robes without makeup, her hair adorned with a single flower—its buds still tightly closed. She smiled warmly and said, “I’ll guide you to your lodgings.” With that, she bypassed the Insight Academy Palace ship and landed directly on the gleaming Luanyang Palace vessel. Seraphine smiled, unsurprised. “City Lord Zhao.” The city lord looked like she wanted to give Seraphine an enthusiastic hug as she declared loudly, “Palace Lord Velka! Though I’m based in the Central Continent, I’ve long heard of Luanyang Palace’s reputation and have been eager to meet you!” Seraphine thought to herself: I wonder if she’s eager to meet me or my spirit stones. Aloud, she said smoothly, “The pleasure is mutual.” “In that case, I’ll hitch a ride on Luanyang Palace’s magnificent vessel!” City Lord Zhao laughed heartily and pointed toward the city. Golden fireworks burst from a high pavilion nestled in the mountains. Lanzhi steered the ships toward the display. Only when we landed did I realize how vast this mountain forest was. It could easily house three thousand people—even thirty thousand wouldn’t be cramped. However, no disciples waited at the mountain gate. Instead, a detailed map hung nearby, showing accommodations arranged by cardinal directions for each continent’s participants, then subdivided by sect. Each compound was spacious and well-separated, complete with marked cultivation rooms and training grounds. As I scanned it, I noticed every area had a “Immortal Ascension Medicine Hall” shop symbol. The Insight Academy Palace disciples would also stay in this mountain forest. Lanzhi bowed to the city lord, saying, “Thank you senior.” “Think nothing of it! If you encounter any troubles, just come find me at my residence. And if you have any needs—” Zhao Qingcheng gestured toward the broad road leading from the mountain gate, saying cheerfully, “Just head straight down this path! Whatever you desire, the city has it for sale!” Lanzhi paused, then asked gently, “Might I inquire about the second trial’s location……?” “Oh!” Zhao Qingcheng clapped her hands and laughed. “Ink-Trace Venerable sent word earlier that he’s making his own arrangements for the second competition. He only asked me to set up a venue, which is right there.” She pointed again to that same broad road, grinning widely. “Just walk straight for two kilometers—you’ll reach the competition grounds!” Standing at the mountain base, I could see rows of shops flying golden ingot banners, looking quite prosperous and impressive. Siyi smiled and said gently to the city lord, “I assume Sunset Glow City has flight restrictions?” “Exactly!” Zhao Qingcheng nodded. Siyi glanced at the quiet mountain, her tone remaining soft. “You haven’t stationed disciples here, City Lord. With the second trial approaching and cultivators from across the realm visiting Sunset Glow City, I imagine they have more pressing matters to attend to?” “Time is precious!” Zhao Qingcheng nodded emphatically. The two women exchanged knowing looks, clearly recognizing kindred spirits. I could practically see Zhao Qingcheng rolling up her sleeves to write Siyi a banner reading “MAKING MONEY IS PRIORITY.” Nearby, Seraphine reached out to touch one of the hanging spirit flowers by the mountain gate. She plucked one, twirling it between her fingers as she smiled and asked Lanzhi, “Senior Sister, when is the second trial scheduled?” “Three days from now.” Lanzhi replied. Seraphine nodded and addressed the twelve Luanyang Palace disciples who’d qualified. “I won’t lecture you about the importance of the Eastern Continent Competition—you understand well enough. Arrange these three days as you see fit.” To the palace attendants—twice as many as the competing disciples—she added, “My focus will be entirely on the competition. Leave only two attendants in my quarters; the rest may make your own arrangements.” Both disciples and attendants bowed respectfully. The attendants seemed particularly excited as they replied, “Yes, Palace Lord!” I tilted my head toward Zhao Qingcheng, thinking she looked ready to write Seraphine a banner proclaiming “KINDRED SPIRIT HARD TO FIND!” The city lord watched cheerfully as her Eastern Continent guests—her kindred spirits—headed toward the mountain forest accommodations. Once everyone disappeared from view, she used spatial techniques to teleport away, presumably to welcome the next ship of distant kindred spirits. Compared to Luanyang Palace’s opulent architecture, the mountain forest pavilions seemed remarkably elegant—like scenes from literary poems, containing entire worlds within intimate spaces. At least the roof tiles here were black. I looked up at the red plaque above the garden where Seraphine would stay. The inscription was fresh, the calligraphy quite familiar: “Phoenix Perch Terrace.” Attendants unpacked various furnishings from storage rings to arrange the rooms. Seraphine strolled through the garden and said with satisfaction, “The city lord put thought into this.” Such consideration certainly warranted a pleasant host-guest relationship. Since Seraphine had already agreed on the ship to take me exploring, I quickly pulled out the golden silk pouch from my waist and extracted two spirit pearls from inside. Error, who’d been “helping” the attendants, heard about their outing plans. She came bouncing over with her invisible tail wagging and her big eyes sparkling hopefully at Seraphine. Seraphine sighed. “……” I forgot about this one. She cleared her throat and retrieved a box of spirit pearls from her storage ring, handing it to Error. “After you took human form, Xue Mengtao and Mu Rong helped you considerably. Take these spirit pearls and show them around the city. Buy whatever catches your eye.” “Okay!” Error chirped happily. Hearing this, I also pulled out a box of spirit pearls from my storage ring and stacked it on top of Seraphine’s gift. I held up one finger and said seriously to Error, “You must learn self-control. When money is spent, you become poor.” Error, who hadn’t yet experienced the trap of consumer culture, didn’t grasp the profound wisdom born from Echo’s painful experience. She just nodded cheerfully and skipped off to find her friends. The dragon wants to buy a big chess set first! I want to buy two candied hawthorn first. I took Seraphine’s hand and happily led her toward the exit. “Seraphine, I’ve memorized the map. Don’t worry—I won’t let you get lost.” Seraphine snorted softly and murmured, “If you dare abandon me, I won’t forgive you.” I chuckled and picked a cluster of pink-purple flowers to tuck into Seraphine’s hair. She glanced at a nearby stone, asking casually, “Does it look good?” “Beautiful!” I declared firmly, not noticing the slight awkwardness in her voice. I continued cheerfully, “You’re more beautiful than flowers—like jade and precious gems, absolutely stunning!” “City Lord Zhao thinks you’re beautiful too!” Seraphine smiled gracefully. “You’re talking nonsense.” “City Lord Zhao probably only has eyes for spirit stones. Even with someone as exquisite as you standing right in front of her, she barely glanced at you twice.” Seraphine spoke leisurely, then glanced at Echo. Echo silver hair was quite eye-catching—anyone would look twice, especially given her appearance. I thought: Seraphine thinks I’m exquisite. Seraphine’s eyes glinted mischievously. “If we carved your likeness from spirit stones and placed it before City Lord Zhao, she’d definitely write a thousand-word praise poem for you!” I hefted Nine Heavens and said with a grin, “I could carve a Seraphine out of spirit stones first.” “Please grant me your portrait rights—I’ll sculpt a beautiful you.” “Ha!” Thinking of Echo’s previous “handmade” creations, Seraphine snorted coldly. “No.” “Sigh.” I said dramatically. “Disappointed.” They chatted as they walked, soon reaching the main street where crowds thickened and shops sparkled like stars, all doing booming business. When Seraphine and Echo walked side by side, those who saw them fell silent for a heartbeat, their eyes inevitably following. Seraphine lowered her lashes, making no attempt to hide her face. With the second trial imminent, there was no point in hiding. Given City Lord Zhao’s management style, Sunset Glow City shouldn’t have too many troublemakers. Just as Seraphine had anticipated, as they strolled forward, the crowd instinctively parted to make way, and shopkeepers greeted them with extra warmth. No one dared to bother them—those who tried were pinned in place by Seraphine’s frosty gaze before slinking away in embarrassment. However, as they made their way down the street, the two discovered that every stall here sold only spiritual treasures and artifacts. There was none of the food Echo had been craving. After asking around, they learned they would have to take a different street to find it. Echo held Seraphine’s hand, the two of them strolling down the long street as if on a leisurely walk. Lanterns began lighting up overhead, colorful paper lanterns hanging like a festival celebration. After passing through a side street, they found a winding river lined with green willows and crossed by an arched bridge. Perhaps cultivators also believed “food is paramount.” The path ahead grew more crowded, forcing them to slow down. I thought: Well, I’ll just chat with Seraphine then. Seraphine, who’d been gazing downward somewhat listlessly, turned her attention to Echo when she felt her stare. Colorful lantern light fell around them in scattered beams, illuminating her eyes until they sparkled brighter than the distant river. I smiled and said, “Seraphine, earlier on the ship I wanted to ask City Lord Zhao if she used such a small flying boat to save spirit stones.” And she even hitched a ride on our big vessel afterward—highly suspicious, I thought seriously. Seraphine paused, then asked, “Why didn’t you?” I smiled. “I felt that asking in front of so many people might embarrass City Lord Zhao.” This time, Seraphine was genuinely taken aback. She pulled Echo a little closer, reached up to pinch her cheek, as if to check whether this was really Echo. She can actually think of such things? She used to show absolutely no consideration for others’ dignity. Has she actually grown? Seraphine’s eyes glinted as she asked, “Then why did you speak to Lanzhi that way before coming to Sunset Glow City?” I thought for a moment. “Oh!” “That was the result of serious analysis—indisputable facts.” I said, my voice slightly muffled. “I believed telling Lanzhi the truth wouldn’t make her feel embarrassed.” Seraphine’s expression darkened. She released the soft flesh she’d been pinching, rubbing it gently while thinking: Some growth, but not much. I touched the spot where Seraphine had pinched me and laughed. Echo’s eyes held the light cast by ingot-shaped lanterns, and within that light was Seraphine’s reflection. So she’s proud of herself now? Seraphine found it amusing as she took Echo’s hand. “Fine. Since you’ve been so considerate today, I’ll treat you to delicious food. City Lord Zhao has a talent for making money and has gathered merchants from all five continents here. Delicacies from across the realm are available—eat to your heart’s content.” My eyes lit up even brighter as I gave her an enthusiastic thumbs up. The most update n0vels are published on novel•fire.net The two moved along with the crowd. As they stepped onto an arched bridge engraved with the words “Golden Jade Abundance” a sudden cry rang out from above. The townsfolk all looked up to see a streak of blue light plummeting like a falling star—headed straight for the bridge. “Heavenly treasure!” someone roared. I watched the surrounding people’s eyes transform into ingot shapes as they rushed forward eagerly, apparently ready to fight over whatever was falling. However, before the blue light could hit the ground, a clear young woman’s voice followed from above, shouting, “Water Dragon’s Hymn!” Seraphine stopped and clicked her tongue. “Tsk.” They both thought of that water-blue dragon at the same time. If this was our acquaintance, I raised one arm and aimed carefully, preparing to catch our falling visitor. The plummeting Water Dragon’s Hymn let out a low roar. The dragon’s cry thundered like rolling thunder, shaking the heavens. No matter how money-obsessed Sunset Glow City’s residents were, they still lost their nerve facing an actual dragon and retreated like a receding tide. Splash splash splash. Only two figures remained on the bridge—one in blue, one in red. Water Dragon’s Hymn struck the ground, creating the sound of jade hitting stone. The spear transformed into a dragon’s shadow, its intimidating form coiling around the bridge. Seraphine remained silent, standing at Echo side, but the water dragon phantom’s eyes turned toward her, tracing down her face to rest on her…… chest. “……” Seraphine narrowed her eyes and clenched her fingers. Since we were holding hands, I felt the pressure and said “Ah!” Water Dragon’s Hymn immediately shifted its gaze from Seraphine’s chest to Echo. One dragon and one system tilted their heads simultaneously, studying each other. I thought for a moment, then waved my hand dismissively. “Shoo, shoo.” Busy here—going to eat good food. Water Dragon’s Hymn moved. It glanced at Echo once, then shot skyward just as dramatically as it had arrived, transforming back into a spear and flying toward the heavens like a meteor. Seraphine looked up to see a large ship with banners reading “Dawn and dusk seeking dao, gentle and lustrous.” “Nanyang Continent?” Seraphine said slowly. “Water Dragon’s Hymn!” High above, Qiu Shuangshuang saw her weapon flying back to the ship without so much as a backward glance. Frustrated, she waved her fist in the air and looked down to see what had caught her weapon’s attention. She spotted a white-haired woman on the bridge, looking up and waving at her. The woman was stunningly beautiful, though completely unfamiliar. “Such a gorgeous woman…… wait?” Qiu Shuangshuang’s eyes lit up. She didn’t recognize the beautiful stranger, but she definitely knew the person standing beside her! “Master!” Qiu Shuangshuang shouted with all her might, delightedly landing and running toward the bridge. “Sigh.” Seraphine sighed and thought: My ears are in for trouble. I smiled and waved at Qiu Shuangshuang. “Qiu Shuangshuang has gotten taller.” Just as Qiu Shuangshuang reached them, Echo’s words deepened the confusion in her eyes. Out of the corner of her vision, she caught sight of their joined hands. Her expression flickered with surprise, her gaze snapping sharply toward them. Master’s holding hands with this beautiful woman! The beautiful woman knows me—she even said I’ve grown taller! Master’s told her about me, her good disciple! And Master’s still holding her hand right now! What’s there to hesitate about? Qiu Shuangshuang’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked at Echo, her thrilled words bursting forth.