Volume One: Entering the Path Chapter Forty: Luan Tower

After finishing his explanation about the uses of spirit stones, Lin Xin led Ye Junze to a new shop. Once outside, Lin Xin stopped and said, “Here we are. In fact, this bracelet I’m wearing was bought right here. I’m sure you’ll find something suitable for yourself too.”

“Alright, thank you, Senior,” Ye Junze replied politely.

Lin Xin waved her hand dismissively. “No need for all that, let’s just head inside and have a look.”

“Okay.” With that, the two of them entered the shop.

As soon as they stepped inside, Ye Junze was immediately captivated by the dazzling array of magical artifacts on display. He couldn’t help but stop and examine the items with curiosity. Lin Xin, seeing his interest, didn’t disturb him. Instead, she looked around the shop as if searching for someone. Just as she was scanning the area, a delighted voice called out, “Xin, what brings you here?”

Lin Xin turned around quickly at the sound, beaming as she replied, “Sister Zhi! I was just looking for you—I thought you weren’t here today.”

The woman addressed as Xiao Zhi responded, “I had to step out for a bit, but I just got back and saw you. What brings you here? It’s rare for you to visit me.”

Lin Xin stuck out her tongue, a little embarrassed. “School’s been so busy lately. Today I’m here to help a new junior pick out a suitable spatial artifact.”

“That’s all? Since when did you become so considerate of others? This junior must be something special,” Xiao Zhi teased, her eyes full of mischief.

“Oh, stop it. Really, he’s just a junior,” Lin Xin protested, stamping her foot lightly.

“Alright, I’ll stop teasing. Is this junior here too? Which one is he? Introduce us,” Xiao Zhi said with a smile.

Left with no choice, Lin Xin called Ye Junze over, who was still absorbed in examining the various artifacts. She approached him and called, “Junior!”

Pulled from his reverie by Lin Xin’s voice, Ye Junze blinked, then responded, “Yes, Senior?”

“I’d like to introduce you to someone. Come with me,” Lin Xin said.

“Oh, okay.” With that, she led Ye Junze over to Xiao Zhi.

Pointing to Xiao Zhi, Lin Xin made the introduction. “This is Yao Zhi, the owner of this shop and a dear friend of mine. You can just call her Sister.”

“Hello, Sister Yao Zhi,” Ye Junze greeted her politely.

“We’re all friends here, no need to be so formal. If you don’t mind, just call me Sister Zhi like Lin Xin does,” Yao Zhi waved her hand, signaling that Ye Junze needn’t stand on ceremony. She then said, “Now, Xin, you’ve been so eager to introduce me, but you haven’t told me anything about your junior.”

“I was going to introduce you one by one,” Lin Xin replied playfully. “This is my junior, Ye Junze. He just started school a few days ago, and like me, he’s in the Daoist Arts division.”

“Wonderful, nice to meet you, Xiao Ze. If you see any artifact that catches your eye, just say the word—Sister will give you a discount,” Yao Zhi said heartily.

“Thank you, Sister Zhi,” Ye Junze replied gratefully.

“It’s nothing. Any friend of Lin Xin’s is a friend of mine, and deserves every benefit,” Yao Zhi said with a warm smile. “I heard from Lin Xin you’re looking for a spatial artifact?”

“Yes,” Ye Junze nodded.

“Then you’ve come at exactly the right time,” Yao Zhi said, her tone mysterious.

“Oh? Why’s that?” Lin Xin was unable to contain her curiosity and asked immediately.

“Because we’ve just released some new products—a perfect blend of modern technology and the world of cultivation. Come, you’ll see for yourselves.” With that, Yao Zhi moved further into the shop and beckoned them to follow.

Their curiosity piqued by Yao Zhi’s mysterious demeanor, the two quickly followed. In the blink of an eye, they arrived at a counter. Yao Zhi picked up an object from the counter—a watch—and handed it to Lin Xin. “Here, take a look at this.”

Lin Xin accepted it, but before she could ask any questions, Yao Zhi began her introduction. “This watch is our latest magical artifact. It may look like an ordinary watch, but it actually functions as a spatial artifact.”

Compelled by curiosity, Lin Xin channeled her spiritual energy into the watch. As Yao Zhi had claimed, a space of over ten cubic meters was revealed within the object.

Seeing Lin Xin’s astonished expression, Yao Zhi knew she must have tried it already. She smiled, “See? I wasn’t lying. But that’s not all,” she added with renewed mystery.

“What? There’s more?” Lin Xin exclaimed in surprise.

“This watch also has a radar positioning function, and it can project maps in 3D—an essential tool for field missions,” Yao Zhi continued.

“Wow, that’s really useful! Let me try it.” Following Yao Zhi’s instructions, Lin Xin activated the feature. Immediately, the watch emitted a beam of light, and the projected image clearly displayed the interior of the shop. The people in the projection appeared lifelike, almost indistinguishable from reality. But that wasn’t all—Yao Zhi manipulated the projection, spinning and shifting the view, revealing a complete, multi-angled display of the entire store.

Both Lin Xin and Ye Junze stared wide-eyed at the projection, captivated by what they saw.

Yao Zhi, seeing their amazement, went on, “There’s still more. This artifact also contains an attack spell—its power should be comparable to a strike from someone in the Foundation Establishment stage, and it’s reusable.”

Hearing this, Lin Xin couldn’t help but say, “Sister Zhi, you’re not joking, are you? Something like this must be very valuable.”

“When have I ever lied to you? If you don’t believe me, try the spell yourself,” Yao Zhi feigned indignation.

“No, no, if I did, you’d have me pay for the damages!” Lin Xin joked, seeing that Yao Zhi wasn’t truly angry.

“So how much does this artifact cost?” Lin Xin asked, unable to contain her curiosity.

“The original price was twenty spirit stones, but for the two of you, ten spirit stones each,” Yao Zhi declared generously.

“What? That’s too much of a discount. No, no, even if we’re close, I can’t take advantage of you like that,” Lin Xin protested.

“But you just said we’re sisters. It’s petty to argue over this. If you really care, just come visit me more often,” Yao Zhi replied, feigning grievance.

Seeing her expression, Lin Xin relented, “Alright, I promise I’ll come by whenever I have time.”

“You brat, that’s more like it,” Yao Zhi scolded with a smile.

Lin Xin then turned to Ye Junze to discuss, “Junior, what do you think? Do you like it?”

Ye Junze, who had been watching the whole time, replied shyly, “Yes, I really do.” Of course he did—an artifact that combined modern technology with craftsmanship was every boy’s dream.

Seeing his expression, Lin Xin grinned, “I like it too. Why don’t we both get one? What do you think?”

“Sure, but…I don’t have any spirit stones right now…” Ye Junze’s voice trailed off.

Fortunately, Lin Xin understood and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll buy it for you first. Consider it a loan; you can pay me back later.”

“Thank you, Senior,” Ye Junze said gratefully.

Having reached a decision, Lin Xin announced, “Sister Zhi, we’ll take two of these artifacts, one each.”

“Alright, same price as before—ten spirit stones each,” Yao Zhi said with a smile.

Knowing there was no use in arguing further, Lin Xin handed over twenty spirit stones and said, “Thank you, Sister Zhi.”

“We’re all family here, no need for thanks.” Yao Zhi packed up the artifacts and handed them to Lin Xin, then added, “Wait, don’t go yet. I have a small gift for this young junior, a token of appreciation for your patronage today.”

The two of them expressed their gratitude once more and waited quietly.

A moment later, Yao Zhi handed over a small box. “It’s our first meeting, and I can’t give you anything too valuable, but I hope you won’t mind this little token,” she said.

Ye Junze accepted it and hurried to thank her. “How could I mind? It’s our first meeting and you’re already taking such care of me. I should be thanking you! If you ever need my help, just ask—I’ll do whatever I can.”

“Alright, I’ll remember that. Go ahead and open it,” Yao Zhi said with a smile.

Obeying, Ye Junze opened the box to find a bracelet resting quietly inside. The design seemed familiar, as if he had seen it before. After a moment’s thought, he realized—it was just like the one Lin Xin wore.

Lin Xin, after a brief pause, noticed too. “Sister Zhi, isn’t this bracelet just like mine?” She raised her wrist for comparison.

“I know,” Yao Zhi smiled. “Actually, these two bracelets are a pair. Yours is called Phoenix Feather, and the one for our junior here is called Luan Crest.”

“When I gave you Phoenix Feather, I thought I’d keep the other one forever, but just now I had a sudden inspiration and decided to give it to our new friend as a gift. Perhaps it’s destiny?” Yao Zhi mused.

Before either could respond, she went on teasing, “Maybe it’s fate for you two as well. Someday you might become a pair, just like these bracelets.”

Lin Xin blushed furiously. “Sister, you’re teasing us again!”

Ye Junze, flustered by the abrupt turn, could only scratch his head awkwardly. “Thank you, Sister Zhi.”

“Alright, now that the gift is given, just infuse it with spiritual energy to use it. If you have any questions, ask Xin,” Yao Zhi said, waving off any further fuss.

“Then we won’t keep you any longer. It’s getting late, you should rest,” Lin Xin said considerately.

“Alright, just remember to visit me when you can,” Yao Zhi replied with a smile.

“We will! We’ll be going now,” Lin Xin said, pulling Ye Junze out of the shop.

Yao Zhi watched them leave, her gaze lingering until the two disappeared from sight.