33: Chapter 33: Strolling Through Martial Soul City

The morning sunlight streamed through the stained glass of the Elder Hall's high windows, casting colorful light and shadows on the floor.

Lu Jing slowly opened his eyes on the large, soft bed. A night of restorative sleep had left him feeling refreshed, and his Soul Power had solidified and advanced by another notch.

He rose, and the sound of water during his simple wash was exceptionally clear in the quiet room.

Pushing open the heavy wooden window, the morning breeze, carrying the faint scent of vegetation, rushed in, dispersing the stillness of the night.

The silhouette of Spirit City became clear under the morning sun, and the faint sounds of people could already be heard from the streets in the distance. Looking at this majestic city from ten thousand years ago, a thought took shape in Lu Jing's mind.

He straightened his robes, stepped out of his room, and arrived in front of Wang Donger's room next door.

Knock, knock, knock.

Three moderate knocks sounded and echoed through the quiet corridor. The room was silent for a moment before a rustling sound emerged, followed by the sound of footsteps approaching, dragging slippers along the floor.

The door was pulled open a crack. Wang Donger rubbed her sleepy eyes, her powder-blue hair disheveled. She was still wearing a silk nightgown, and the flush on her face had not yet fully faded, betraying clear signs of grumpiness from being woken up and a dazed confusion.

"...Who is it? So early in the morning..." Her voice was thick with nasal tones, impossibly soft and sweet.

"It's me." Lu Jing looked at the beautiful sight of the sleepy girl before him, a hint of imperceptible amusement flashing in his eyes. He softened his voice and said, "I saw you were quite curious about Spirit City before. The weather is nice today; shall we go out for a stroll?"

Wang Donger blinked, her long eyelashes fluttering like butterfly wings as her muddled brain seemed to finally start working. Stroll? In this completely unfamiliar Spirit City from ten thousand years ago? She subconsciously rubbed her eyes again, focusing her gaze on Lu Jing's face, which held a youthful air yet steady eyes.

"Stroll... stroll through Spirit City?" She repeated, and then her eyes gradually brightened. The lingering sleepiness receded like a tide, replaced by a mixture of novelty, exploration, and a hint of adventurous excitement.

"Okay! Wait for me!" Her voice suddenly became energetic.

Having said that, without waiting for Lu Jing to respond, with a "bang," she quickly closed the door again, and the sound of hurried rummaging for clothes immediately came from inside.

Lu Jing shook his head helplessly, leaned against the corridor pillar, and waited patiently. The morning air in the Elder Hall carried a unique solemnity and chill, but this wait was not tedious. About an hour later, the door opened again.

When Lu Jing's gaze landed on the reappearing Wang Donger, he paused slightly.

She had changed into a well-tailored powder-blue dress, with a thin silver-threaded belt tied at her waist, outlining her slender waist and the exquisite curves of her tall figure. Her powder-blue hair had no excessive decorations, just falling smoothly down her back, the ends slightly curled, making her already fair skin appear even whiter than snow.

Her face was lightly made up, her cherry lips touched with vermilion, and her nose was delicate and straight. Her pair of powder-blue eyes shone with brilliance, full of the unique, charming, and bright nature of a young girl. Most eye-catching was the pair of golden strappy high-heeled sandals on her feet, which made her already tall figure appear even more slender. As she walked, she swayed gracefully, and every step seemed to tread upon one's heartstrings.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." Wang Donger smoothed her skirt and smiled, so brightly that the morning sunlight seemed to shine a little brighter.

"Let's go!"

The two walked side by side out of the inner courtyard area where the Elder Hall was located. As they passed through several heavily guarded gates and arrived at a relatively open area on the outskirts, they happened to meet Qian Renxue, who was whispering to several people dressed in Spirit Hall deacon attire in the courtyard. She seemed to be making final arrangements before departure.

Hearing the footsteps, Qian Renxue looked up. When she saw the brand-new Wang Donger, even though she was usually calm and composed, a flash of amazement involuntarily flickered in her eyes. Immediately, her gaze fell upon the two of them, carrying a hint of inquiry.

"Sister Xue." Lu Jing greeted her naturally.

"Are you heading out?" Qian Renxue signaled the deacons to wait a moment and walked over. Her golden hair flowed with a halo of light in the sun, and her temperament was noble and outstanding.

"Yes."

Lu Jing nodded, pointed at Wang Donger, then pointed outside, and replied, "I'm taking her out to stroll through Spirit City, to get familiar with the environment, and while we're at it, see if there's anything we need to purchase."

His tone was casual, like ordinary neighbors heading out.

Qian Renxue's gaze swept between the two of them without leaving a trace, lingering for half a second particularly on Lu Jing's overly calm face.

She did not sense any intention of investigation or restlessness from them; it was purely like the curiosity of two young people who had just arrived in a bustling city.

Thinking that she was about to go on a long journey, and they would remain in the Elder Hall, with every move under her control, the faint doubt in Qian Renxue's heart dissipated.

She revealed an appropriately gentle smile and nodded, "That's fine. Spirit City is indeed worth seeing. Go ahead, have fun."

Her tone carried the tolerance of an older sister. She then added another sentence, her gaze sweeping across the open courtyard and the distant walls, and said softly, "However, be careful, and come back early."

"Understood, thank you, Sister Xue." Lu Jing replied. Wang Donger also smiled politely at Qian Renxue.

Qian Renxue watched their figures disappear into the archway leading to the main street of Spirit City before she turned around, resuming her cold expression. She continued to whisper instructions to those trusted deacons, her eyes, like a galaxy, once again stained with the depth and calculation belonging to the Spirit Hall Young Master.

Once they walked out of the area shrouded by the majesty of the Elder Hall, the bustling and lively atmosphere rushed towards them.

On the wide streets, the flow of people was several times greater than what they had seen yesterday evening. Spirit Masters wearing all kinds of tight-fitting outfits, emitting different fluctuations of Soul Power, rubbed shoulders, either hurrying along or stopping to chat. Shops lined both sides of the street, selling various items related to Spirit Masters: cold, gleaming blades and swords in weapon shops, sturdy armor in defensive gear shops, wafts of medicinal fragrance from herb shops, and even shops specializing in selling Spirit Beast materials and spirit tool accessories. The sounds of hawking, bargaining, and the neighing of Spirit Beast mounts were mixed together, full of a vigorous and flourishing marketplace atmosphere.

"Wow, so many people!" Wang Donger opened her eyes wide, looking around curiously, her face full of excitement. Although technology was advanced ten thousand years later and Shrek City was equally prosperous, that pure, primitive commercial atmosphere centered on Spirit Masters had a unique charm.

Lu Jing appeared much calmer. His gaze swept over the shops and vendors, more focused on observing and memorizing. He held Wang Donger's wrist, skillfully avoiding the crowded people to prevent getting separated. Wang Donger's wrist was slender and soft, her skin delicate and cool. Lu Jing's movements were natural, without any intimacy, just pure care.

The two walked aimlessly. Wang Donger showed great interest in all kinds of novel gadgets, occasionally stopping at stalls selling exquisite ornaments or special snacks. Lu Jing did not rush her, patiently accompanying her by her side, occasionally taking a few extra looks at some peculiar Spirit Beast materials.

After strolling for about an hour, Lu Jing's gaze swept over a shop with a grand scale and a bustling crowd. Hanging on the lintel of the shop was a black sign with gold characters, on which three large characters were written in a flourishing style—Wanbao Pavilion. A mixed scent of medicinal fragrance, metallic smells, and the aura of special materials faintly wafted from inside the shop, indicating the breadth of its business scope.