Chapter 10: Encounter

Inside a magnificent cave dwelling somewhere in the Immortal Sect.

Xiaoxue packed the luggage and asked, "Miss, are we going back now?"

Song Wanqing's expression was calm as she gave a slight nod.

Xiaoxue's face lit up with joy, "It's been so long since we last visited. Master even gave me some cultivation resources."

She shook a storage bag in her hand.

Watching Xiaoxue's jubilant appearance, a few traces of genuine smiles appeared on Song Wanqing's face.

"Xiaoxue, you seem even happier than I am."

Xiaoxue paused blankly, "Really? Aren't you happy, Miss? We haven't been back in several years."

"I am happy. Let's set off now, then."

Xiaoxue waved her hands excitedly, "Okay!"

On the way, they encountered some disciples and said their goodbyes; Xiaoxue responded to them all on her behalf.

Soon, the two flew to a small mortal city not far from Canglan City.

Xiaoxue said, "Miss, why don't we stop and take a look? We've been cultivating in the sect for all these years; it's really gotten a bit boring."

Song Wanqing turned to the side, "Doesn't Canglan City have all this too?"

"It's different, Miss. Canglan City is full of Cultivators and lacks the human touch of mortal life. Whenever we go to buy interesting items, who would dare to accept our spirit stones?"

Xiaoxue imitated the obsequious manner of those people and deliberately said, "Oh, oh, oh! Miss Song's presence brings light to my humble shop; how could I possibly accept spirit stones?"

Watching Xiaoxue's strange antics, Song Wanqing burst into a soft laugh.

"Very well, as you wish."

In the bustling market, the cries of vendors hawking their wares rang out as crowds moved back and forth. Sometimes, when people spotted novel items, they would stop to haggle with the vendors.

Two beautiful figures stepped into the market, looking somewhat out of place in their surroundings. A vacant circle formed around them, drawing quiet glances from the crowd.

Xiaoxue said with dissatisfaction, "Why are your things so expensive?"

The vendor smiled apologetically, stealing a few glances at the beauty in green behind her, "It's clear at a glance that you two ladies come from a prominent family. How would I dare to deceive you? It's just that this item was truly crafted by me using Tianshan Cold Iron, and I even added some Moon God Stone."

"If I sold it at a low price, I really wouldn't be able to cover my costs. It's a small business, so I hope you two understand."

Xiaoxue laughed in anger. She had heard of Tianshan Cold Iron; it was a precious material for refining tools.

But what the heck was this Moon God Stone? She had never even heard of it in the sect.

Besides, even if it really existed, could a mortal shop like this actually craft with it?

It wasn't that Xiaoxue lacked mortal gold or currency; she just felt it wasn't worth it.

"Forget it, Miss, let's go."

Xiaoxue pulled on Song Wanqing's sleeve, wanting to leave, but couldn't budge her.

Escape, I must escape.

A weak, yet extremely firm and pure thought was transmitted into Song Wanqing's mind.

This thought was so pure and flawless, appearing so distinct amidst all the distracting thoughts of the marketplace.

Song Wanqing was stunned. It was the first time she had sensed such a pure, blank-slate thought.

The vendor said, "Look, your Miss is interested in this item; why not just buy it?"

Xiaoxue was dumbfounded. This thing was clearly fake and just for fun; what hadn't her Miss seen before? How could she be interested in this?

Could it be that Miss is a natural airhead?

Xiaoxue looked at Song Wanqing and realized that her gaze seemed to be attracted by something elsewhere.

Xiaoxue whispered, "Miss?"

Song Wanqing's expression was calm, a flicker of light in her eyes, "Let's go there."

Xiaoxue was a bit curious; where were they going?

What could attract Miss's attention?

The two arrived at a somewhat simple vendor's stall. This place was sparsely populated, as if separated from the bustling street, forming its own world.

A strange figure wearing a black robe and a black mask sat in front of a somewhat dilapidated shop.

Looking closely, some black mist lingered around the black-robed person.

Xiaoxue was somewhat vigilant; this person looked very dangerous. Why did Miss want to come here?

Song Wanqing said calmly, "What do you sell here?"

The black-robed person looked up, their voice indistinguishable as male or female, "I sell everything. I wonder what you would like to buy, customer."

A spiritual light flashed in Song Wanqing's eyes as she pointed into the shop, "I want to buy that person in your shop."

The black-robed person was somewhat surprised, "Customer, you certainly have a sharp eye. This is a slave that just arrived at our shop. I originally intended to sell him to a small sect in the south, but since you have taken a fancy to him, it's just a matter of price."

"How much?"

"Five hundred spirit stones."

What! They actually wanted spirit stones, and five hundred at that?

Xiaoxue stood to the side. She didn't know what kind of background the black-robed person had, nor did she know the background of the person inside.

The black-robed person took the storage bag and counted the spirit stones inside, "Customer, you are truly straightforward. Please, follow me."

The two entered the small shop and discovered that a cellar was hidden inside.

A foul stench assaulted their noses.

Xiaoxue waved her hands in front of her face, attempting to disperse the air.

After walking a few steps inside.

The two saw a youth in tattered clothes lying on a pile of withered grass, on the verge of death.

His figure was gaunt, but there were traces of firm resolve in his eyes.

The black-robed person explained, "This kid kept resisting when he was captured, causing quite a commotion. To make it easier to manage him, I starved him for a few days."

"But rest assured, customer, it's just some minor physical suffering that hasn't harmed his fundamental Immortal path. Once you buy him back and feed him a little, he'll survive. He'll make a fine Cultivator henchman."

"Would you like me to carve a slave mark for you, customer?"

A beautiful arc formed at the corners of Song Wanqing's mouth, "That won't be necessary."

Song Mansion.

Inside a magnificent guest room.

A youth with a somewhat pale complexion woke up.

"Where am I?"

Junior Brother Bai Ming felt dizzy and couldn't quite grasp the situation.

He only remembered seeing the face of a woman in green before he passed out.

Unparalleled beauty—even in that situation, this was the first word that surfaced in his mind.

Xiaoxue brought over some medicine, "Young Master, you're awake."

"Who are you?"

"This is the Song Mansion. It was Miss who rescued you. Do you remember?"

Junior Brother Bai Ming nodded and took the medicine bowl, "Many thanks to you, Miss, for saving me. I, Bai, will surely repay this kindness in the future."

Xiaoxue watched Junior Brother Bai Ming's earnest expression and smiled, "Young Master, your body is too weak. You should take your medicine first."

Junior Brother Bai Ming downed the medicinal liquid in one gulp. His pale complexion became slightly ruddy, and his spirits lifted significantly.

"Is this medicine this potent?" Junior Brother Bai Ming looked at his hands, which were regaining strength, feeling somewhat surprised.

Xiaoxue took the bowl, "That goes without saying. After a few more days of taking it, Young Master's body will fully recover."

Junior Brother Bai Ming's face beamed with joy. He had originally thought it would take at least a month of recuperation for his body to improve.

He cupped his hands, "Such great kindness, I will never forget it."

The wooden door of the guest room was slowly pushed open, emitting the creaking sound of wood rubbing against wood.

A beautiful, lovely face with eyes like clear autumn water appeared in Junior Brother Bai Ming's sight—a figure in green, carrying the gentle aftertaste of autumn.

Junior Brother Bai Ming turned and cupped his hands, "Many thanks to Miss for saving me."

Song Wanqing smiled, "It was just a small favor. Young Master, you may rest at my humble abode for a few days."

"Mm."

Intense gratitude, the joy of being rescued, and longing for the future.

He felt no desire to possess or trifle with something so beautiful, only to gaze at it from afar?

A pure, white sheet of paper.

Interesting.