The academy market lay beneath an open sky, long stone paths stretching between rows of shops built from dark wood and pale jade stone. Formation lines were carved faintly into the ground, keeping the area stable and orderly. Ancient lanterns floated silently above, emitting a soft white glow.
Students moved through the market in loose groups. Some walked calmly, others spoke in low voices. No chaos only the quiet liveliness of cultivators exchanging resources.
Mike walked beside Jian Wu.
His steps were slow. His eyes moved, but his mind was calm. He did not rush. He did not stop often. He simply observed.
Weapons rested in racks. Pills were sealed in crystal containers. Ores lay on cloths, their surfaces dull or faintly shining. Everything here had passed through time.
After a few moments, Mike broke the silence.
Jian Wu, he said, glancing at her, can I ask you something?
She turned to him with a small smile.
Oh? Why so serious all of a sudden?
It's nothing important, Mike replied. I was just thinking… why can't you go outside the academy?
Jian Wu slowed her steps slightly.
And why are you thinking about that now?
Mike hesitated, then spoke honestly.
Because I want to know more about you. You were the first person in my life who stood up for me when others bullied me.
Jian Wu stopped walking.
She looked at him seriously, her eyes carrying a quiet emotion.
So… you really want to know about me?
Mike smiled lightly. Knowing everything at once is boring and foolish. I'd rather understand you slowly. Calmly. Step by step.
Jian Wu felt a strange warmth at his words. She shook her head softly. Brother Mike, she said, you really are different from others.
Then her tone grew gentle but firm. But I'm sorry. I'm strictly prohibited by the ancestors of the academy from sharing my past with anyone. Even with those close to me.
She lowered her voice. It's to prevent future complications. She looked at him carefully.
I think… you understand what I mean.
Mike nodded without hesitation. Don't worry. I understand.
They resumed walking, blending again into the flowing crowd.
After a short distance, Mike suddenly stopped.
Jian Wu took two steps forward before noticing. She turned back. Brother Mike? Why did you stop? Did we reach the shop?
Mike didn't answer immediately. His eyes moved slowly across the stalls, his brows drawing together slightly. That strange sensation, the same one he had felt before. It was subtle, like a faint pull, as if something unseen was calling him.
I think we did, he said quietly. The last time I felt this… something was drawing me toward it. This feeling is the same.
Jian Wu studied his face. Are you okay?
Mike didn't reply. His gaze had already locked onto a small stall near the corner. Among piles of weapons and scraps of unknown materials, there was a dull, irregular piece of metal lying casually on a cloth. It looked lifeless, no glow, no aura, no markings.
Yet Mike felt his heartbeat slow… then steady. He walked toward the stall. Jian Wu followed.
Mike picked up the metal piece, turning it slowly in his hand. How much for this?
The shopkeeper blinked, clearly surprised.
That? he hesitated, then scratched his head. I won't beat around the bush. Ten thousand gold coins.
Jian Wu's eyes widened. Ten thousand? she snapped. Are you mad? Do we look like fools to you? She grabbed Mike's sleeve. Come on. Let's go. We'll find better things elsewhere.
The shopkeeper raised both hands nervously. No, no! I'm not trying to cheat you!
He leaned forward anxiously. Truth is… I don't even know what that piece is. I found it outside the academy, in a very dangerous area. I thought it was something precious, but in ten years, no one even touched it. He glanced at Mike. You're the first person who's shown interest.
Jian Wu scoffed. Hmph. Another old trick. A fake story to trap buyers.
The shopkeeper shook his head repeatedly.
No, no, that's not...
Before he could finish, Mike interrupted calmly. It's fine, Jian Wu."
He placed a pouch on the counter. Ten thousand gold coins.
The shopkeeper froze, then hurriedly accepted it. Mike placed the metal into his storage ring.
Jian Wu stared at him. But… it looks completely ordinary.
Mike smiled faintly. It's fine.
He looked around the market again. Let's check a few more shops.
They continued walking through the market, but no matter how many stalls they visited, nothing else caught Mike's attention. That piece of metal… was the only thing calling him. And the market slowly fades behind him. The evening light had begun to soften. The academy market, once loud and restless, slowly settled into a calmer rhythm. Lanterns were being lit one by one, their warm glow spreading across stone paths and wooden stalls. Shadows stretched long beneath tiled roofs, and the air carried a mixed scent of metal, herbs, and fading incense.
Mike exhaled slowly. His steps had grown heavier without him noticing. The day's fatigue, the crowd, the constant vigilance, it all pressed down at once. He glanced sideways at Jian Wu, who walked beside him with steady breathing, her posture calm but alert.
I think that's enough for today, Mike said at last, rubbing the back of his neck. We should return and rest. Tomorrow… we'll go to that place. The one suitable for cultivation.
Jian Wu nodded lightly, her sleeves swaying as she turned. That's good. You've done enough for one day. Let's go back.
They had taken only a few more steps when the air suddenly trembled. A sharp surge of spiritual energy rippled through the market like a sudden gust of wind. Stalls rattled. Hanging charms clinked. Somewhere ahead, a loud crash echoed followed by angry voices and the unmistakable sound of steel scraping stone.
Mike stopped. His eyes narrowed slightly. A fight? In the market?
Jian Wu had already turned toward the disturbance. That direction, she said quietly. Let's take a look.
They moved quickly, weaving through scattered onlookers. The closer they got, the heavier the pressure in the air became raw, unstable spiritual currents colliding without restraint.
When they reached the open space, the scene froze them in place.
Around twenty students were gathered there. Ten lay scattered across the stone ground, some clutching their arms, others coughing blood, their swords thrown aside. Their clothes were torn, stained, and dulled, the marks of a one-sided clash written clearly across their bodies. Five students stood protectively near the fallen ones, blades still in hand. Their stances were tense, uneven, clearly injured, yet refusing to step back.
Opposite them stood another five. These five did not look rushed. Their robes were clean, layered with fine patterns and reinforced edges. Even standing still, they carried themselves with ease, like people long accustomed to standing above others. Their swords were unsheathed, but relaxed, more a display than a necessity.
One of them stepped forward. He looked young, but his expression was sharp with arrogance. His chin lifted slightly as he spoke, voice carrying clearly through the crowd. You really think you can act however you want? e sneered. Once I become a Core Disciple just like my elder brother, I'd like to see how you dare threaten me. Snatch my things. Speak to me like equals.
One of the injured students forced himself upright, leaning heavily on his sword. His voice trembled not with fear, but anger. What are you talking about? he shot back. We found that item first. Everyone here saw it. And now you claim it's yours? Where is the fairness in that?
Laughter erupted. Four of the five well-dressed students laughed openly, as if hearing a joke too foolish to deserve anger. Their laughter rang sharp and dismissive, cutting deeper than any blade.
Only one among them remained silent. He stood slightly behind the others, arms folded, eyes half-lidded. His gaze never left the group before him, cold and measuring, as though he were observing prey rather than people.
Mike's jaw tightened. He leaned slightly toward Jian Wu and spoke under his breath.
What do you think?
Jian Wu's eyes swept across the scene, the injured, the smug faces, the imbalance of power. Her fingers curled slowly at her side. We go, she said.
Mike nodded once. Looks like someone's enjoying bullying the weak!
And with that, the two of them stepped forward, into the heart of the tension.