The three — master and disciples — left the cave hidden in the forest, following the dirt road that led toward the center. The atmosphere gradually shifted, from silence and wilderness into liveliness and bustle.
Ho Lam Uyen walked ahead, holding a sealed letter in her hand. Her slender fingers unfolded the creases, eyes swiftly scanning through the lines. The corner of her lips curved into a faint smile.
— "Ah… now that's interesting."
With a casual flick of her finger, a thin chill surged out, sweeping across the letter. The parchment trembled lightly, and the creases disappeared, returning to its pristine state as though it had never been opened.
Vy, having witnessed it, leaned closer to Khanh with wide eyes, whispering with both surprise and reproach:
— "Master… secretly reading a sealed letter like that, isn't it forbidden? Besides, this one has a crimson crest. It must have been sent by the officials."
Khanh blinked, scratching his head in confusion.
— "So… what's this letter for?"
Vy sighed, replying matter-of-factly:
— "Usually, officials exchange letters when the distance is not too close yet not too far either. As for the content… well, how would a merchant's daughter like me know?"
They continued their walk, the sound of life rushing toward them like an incoming tide.
The Tier One Market came into view — right at the center — bustling far beyond Khanh's imagination. Shouts of sellers layered upon the laughter and chatter of the crowd. One particularly loud voice echoed above all others:
— "Welcome to Dai Long!"
Khanh's heart skipped, his eyes wide open. This place… it's even more lively than Tier 0, he thought.
The road they walked on was earthen yet worn smooth at the middle by countless footsteps. To its side stretched a wide lake. From Tier 2 above, slender waterfalls cascaded down, like silvery curtains pouring into the waters of Tier 1. Splashes rose endlessly, scattering into fine mist, with sunlight refracting into scattered glimmers across the surface.
Upon the lake, boats of all sizes floated and crossed paths. Some carried fruits, vegetables, fish; some ferried passengers like miniature river transports. Even the smaller wooden rafts were busy, mainly hauling goods straight to the merchants on the shore. Vendors and customers, loaders and carriers — all blended into one grand painting of life.
Khanh watched it all, smiling faintly to himself. Perhaps it's just my own habit… but I really can't help noticing these things.
Before long, the three reached their destination. At the center of the market square stood a great stone fountain. Though no longer flowing, it still held clear water within. Beneath the surface lay countless scattered coins, and in the middle rose a statue of a deity carved in green stone — solemn, majestic, and silent.
Ho Lam Uyen stopped and gestured toward it, explaining:
— "This is the Earth God, the deity that governs this place. People often come here to pray for fortune and blessings in trade."
Just then, a figure emerged from the crowd. A hood covered the face and form, making it impossible to discern whether it was man or woman, lean or stout. Step by step, the figure approached, then leaned in close to whisper beside Ho Lam Uyen's ear:
— "Are you from The Heaven's Fracture?"
Ho Lam Uyen's eyes narrowed slightly, the corner of her lips curling with a subtle smile.
— "Yes. Void Lust."