Chapter Forty-Eight: The Imperial Capital, The Noble Families of the Western City

Xu Wen's talent in alchemy and fire arts, coupled with his careful, meticulous mind, became even more enigmatic in Lin Qingxuan’s eyes. She decided to stay in Xu Wen’s carriage, guiding the four in the details of life at Azure Cloud Academy and the intricacies of fire arts while constantly observing his every move, hoping to glean something more about him.

Yet, after four days, her gains were minimal; instead, her curiosity about Xu Wen only grew stronger. For the first time, Lin Qingxuan found in a young boy none of the restraint or confusion so common among other inner disciples. There was only earnestness, focus, immediate understanding, and the ability to draw inferences from a single example.

By controlling and skillfully wielding third-star level magic, Xu Wen repeatedly exhausted his magical power within the carriage, and in just ten days, forcibly elevated his spiritual strength to the peak of the second star. Lin Qingxuan had never before encountered such a determined youth.

Whether it was the Hortonklin family or those from Silan Academy, no one could maintain their cultivation and advance under the trying conditions of a long journey. Yet this young man kept up his pace—though the comfort of the luxurious carriage undoubtedly played a significant role.

Still, Xu Wen’s perseverance was something she had never witnessed before.

Because of this, Xu Wen missed much of the scenery along the way. When he awoke from his cultivation, the caravan had already slowed as they neared the imperial capital—Azure Cloud City.

People began emerging from their carriages. As soon as Xu Wen stepped down, the prosperity of the capital struck him with full force. The grand avenue stretched all the way to the imposing city walls, which vanished into the distance. The wide road was packed with carriages and pedestrians, a true river of wheels and horses. Occasionally, someone would gallop past on a magical beast, whip in hand. Even outside the city, the spectacle of prosperity was overwhelming, and even someone as accustomed to bustling scenes as Xu Wen couldn’t help but be mildly affected.

Many, like them, disembarked from their carriages, walking the streets with faces alight with excitement and anticipation.

Among them, Xiang Nan was especially jubilant, her cheeks flushed, crying out in amazement at every magical beast mount that flashed past, or huddled with Jin Shi and the other girls to comment on the oddly dressed passersby—typical behavior for children who had rarely traveled far from home.

Compared to them, Xu Wen was more interested in the adult cultivators and their equipment.

It had been over four months since his arrival in this world, yet he still lacked a single decent piece of equipment. The bracers that Xie Zhan had once promised him were on his wrists but had never been put to use; third-star basic bracers were all but useless. During his time with the Hortonklin family, the use of any specialized equipment was prohibited, so he hadn’t given it much thought. However, the events of a few days prior had inspired him.

The Light Thunder Sword—a top-tier, third-star thunder attribute weapon, if memory served—could slightly enhance thunder attribute combat energy attacks. In Irene’s hands, a third-star basic attack became a third-star intermediate assault.

From that day on, Xu Wen realized he ought to arm himself as well.

Cultivation was, of course, essential. But having a suitable weapon and proper equipment was equally indispensable. Now that he had left the Hortonklin family, there was no need to continue living so frugally. Besides, Azure Cloud Academy placed no restrictions on students wearing such gear—equipment was part of one’s strength.

“Sister Lin,” Xu Wen called out, turning to Lin Qingxuan, “Since there are still five days before the entrance examination, could you show us around the city after we arrive?”

“Yes, yes! I’ve heard there are so many things in the capital that you can’t find in Blackwind City!” Xiang Nan’s eyes sparkled as she bounded over from several meters away, making one wonder if she had a sixth sense for such conversations.

“Hm…” Lin Qingxuan pondered for a moment before nodding. “Of course, I can take you sightseeing, but only in the area near Azure Cloud Academy. Touring the entire capital would take ten days by carriage alone. Fortunately, our Hortonklin family’s business is located close to the academy, so we won’t need to travel far.”

“Are there any weapon and equipment shops near the academy?” Xu Wen asked.

Lin Qingxuan was momentarily surprised. “Little brother, what sort of weapon are you looking for?”

“I’d like to see what kind of equipment the capital has to offer and familiarize myself with the elixir and medicinal markets.”

“I see… That’s no problem. If you ever need finished equipment and aren’t in a rush, I can have someone bring it in from nearby cities. Anything below four stars is yours to choose from. As for medicinal herbs, we have dedicated people bringing them from the family every month to ensure all our academy students have what they need for their cultivation.”

“Thank you, Sister Lin.” Xu Wen nodded, blending into the crowd. They passed through the towering city gates, more than fifty meters high, and followed the caravan as it slowly entered the city, heading toward Azure Cloud Academy.

Along the way, many young men and women of their age, dressed in fine and proper clothing, disembarked from their carriages, traveling the broad streets for much of the day before settling into the nearby inns.

“Just two more li ahead is the main gate of Azure Cloud Academy!” Lin Qingxuan explained to the Hortonklin family disciples behind her. “The restaurant up ahead is our family’s business. The academy won’t be open to outsiders for a few days, so you’re free to rest in your rooms or continue your cultivation. If you wish to go out, it’s best to do so in groups.”

Many inner disciples only realized upon arrival that, despite the Hortonklin family’s renown in Blackwater City as a fire arts clan, their business in the capital was merely an ordinary restaurant and an adjacent inn.

The Hortonklin inner disciples settled into a small private courtyard, while the Silan Academy contingent received no such luxury—two to a room, with all expenses billed to the academy.

Xu Wen had no interest in touring lodgings. Led by Lin Qingxuan, he walked along the most bustling avenue leading directly to Azure Cloud Academy, making for the nearest weapon and equipment shop.

Thanks to the presence of the academy, the area was exceptionally lively, boasting every kind of shop imaginable, each more impressive than anything in Blackwater City. Even Xu Wen was dazzled; behind him, Xiang Nan and the other three girls chattered excitedly without pause.

The only ones out of place were the Silan Academy students trailing behind. Having overheard Xu Wen’s conversation with Lin Qingxuan, Irene had insisted on joining, and the other students had followed suit. Out of respect for Irene’s father, the city lord, Lin Qingxuan did not refuse.

Divine Armory Pavilion.

It was the business of the Xicheng family, one of the eight great houses, boasting formidable backing. Its selection of weapons and equipment was unmatched in the entire capital.

As the group entered, the shopkeeper—a middle-aged man—caught sight of them, excused himself from another customer, and hurried over to greet them.

“Manager Lin from Drunken Immortal Pavilion, what a rare honor! Our humble shop is truly graced by your presence!”

“You’re too kind, Manager Wang. These are all youngsters from our family, here to take this year’s Azure Cloud Academy entrance exam. It’s their first time in the capital, so I brought them to broaden their horizons.”

“Ah, heroes in the making! The Hortonklin family outshines itself with each generation. I’ll leave you all to browse at your leisure and hope you find something to your liking.” Manager Wang’s face was wreathed in smiles; even though Lin Qingxuan had implied they might not purchase anything, his cordiality did not waver, making a genuinely good impression.

“No wonder the capital’s eight great houses have earned their reputations,” Xu Wen thought to himself as he walked to the counter, gazing at the dazzling array of armor and weaponry displayed in the grand hall.