Riven looked at the peaceful city before him and smiled faintly. Compared to the chaotic places he had seen since arriving in Thaloryn, Murong City appeared exceptionally tranquil.
There were no soldiers rushing around, no emergency formation activated, and no panic among the people.
It was as though the troubles of the outside world had yet to reach this place.
As Rocky descended from the sky, Riven stepped down from his back and looked toward the giant bird with a smile.
"You have traveled quite a lot."
As he spoke, he stretched out his hand.
A moment later, a lotus-shaped herb appeared out of thin air.
The herb was entirely violet in color, and tiny arcs of lightning occasionally danced around its petals.
Seeing the herb, Shen Chu's eyes widened.
"Thundervein Lotus!"
His voice carried genuine astonishment.
This wasn't an ordinary spiritual herb.
The Thundervein Lotus only bloomed in places struck repeatedly by heavenly tribulation, and even then, the chances of one forming were less than one percent.
Such herbs were treasures sought even by Spirit Sovereigns.
Shen Chu had no idea when Riven had obtained it.
For a moment, he even wondered if this was the herb the sea tribes had been desperately searching for.
But he quickly dismissed the thought.
Rocky, on the other hand, was delighted.
Without even asking what the herb was, the Skylance Roc immediately swallowed it whole.
To Rocky, if Riven gave it something, then it must be beneficial.
The moment the lotus entered its stomach, Rocky's eyes widened.
A shrill cry escaped its beak.
Crack!
Lightning erupted around its body.
Countless electric sparks danced through its feathers, illuminating the surrounding forest.
Shen Chu immediately understood.
Rocky had entered a state of transformation.
Not only would its bloodline improve, but even its cultivation would advance significantly, but this process would take time.
Looking at the Roc covered in lightning, Riven turned toward Shen Chu.
"I've already reached the place I wanted to come to."
"Will you remain here while he transforms?"
Shen Chu thought for a moment before bowing.
"If Immortal Master permits, I would like to accompany you."
Riven nodded.
"Then let's go."
The two walked toward the city gate.
Compared to the heavily fortified cities they had previously visited, Murong City seemed almost defenseless.
Only two guards stood at the entrance.
Even the walls, though sturdy, lacked the atmosphere of a city preparing for war.
The two guards were merely mortals.
Although neither possessed qi, their physiques were far stronger than ordinary people, indicating that they had cultivated martial arts.
When they noticed the two approaching, both became alert.
After all, they had clearly seen Rocky descending from the sky.
And one glance was enough to tell them that these two weren't ordinary people.
Still, they respectfully bowed.
"May we ask what brings the esteemed cultivators to our humble city?"
Riven smiled.
"I'm here to visit my family."
Both guards froze, and even Shen Chu was slightly surprised.
The guards exchanged glances.
They knew that every few years, some fortunate children born with spirit roots would leave Murong City to pursue cultivation.
However, very few ever returned, and neither of them recognized Riven.
Still, they didn't dare ask further questions.
"Please enter, esteemed cultivators."
The two immediately stepped aside.
After entering the city, Riven looked around with great interest.
Shen Chu quietly followed behind him.
Ever since meeting Riven, he had constantly wondered about the Immortal Master's identity.
But now, hearing him speak about family, Shen Chu became even more confused.
Previously, he had assumed that Riven was some ancient immortal who simply maintained a youthful appearance.
But now Riven seemed genuinely young, and yet his cultivation was so unfathomable that even the Sword Immortal had addressed him as Senior.
Suddenly, a thought appeared in Shen Chu's mind.
'Could it be...'
'Immortal Master was once an immortal in his previous life?'
'And by some chance, he reincarnated and recovered his memories?'
The more he thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed.
That would explain why Riven knew so little about the current era.
It would also explain why he searched through records of disciples and why he had wanted to come here.
Shen Chu nodded to himself.
He felt as though he had finally solved the mystery.
'Immortal Master must have lived even before the Supreme Sects era.'
'And he was very powerful even among them, and due to some coincidence, he has now reincarnated. '
Still, one thing puzzled him.
Why would someone who had once stood above the heavens care so much about his current family?
But Shen Chu quickly decided not to dwell on it.
Family bonds were not something an outsider should interfere with.
Thus, he quietly followed behind.
After wandering around for some time, Riven suddenly sat down at a roadside noodle stall.
Seeing two cultivators enter his small establishment, the stall owner became visibly flustered. Even the surrounding customers couldn't help but stare.
It was already rare for Murong City to see a cultivator. For many present, this was their first time witnessing one, and no one dared approach.
The stall owner hurried over and bowed.
"What would the esteemed cultivators like?"
Riven smiled.
"Two bowls of noodles."
"Yes, yes!"
The owner immediately went to work.
Meanwhile, the crowd quietly discussed among themselves. Some wondered which sect these cultivators belonged to, while others guessed they were visiting nobles, but no one dared speak loudly.
Soon, the owner returned with two steaming bowls of noodles.
He placed them before Riven and Shen Chu and then stood respectfully nearby.
As Riven ate, he suddenly looked at the owner.
"Do you know about the Millings family?"
The man's eyes brightened.
"Of course, sir!"
"What would you like to know?"
Riven paused.
"How many people remain in the Millings family?"
The owner thought for a moment.
"From what I know, only five family members remain and perhaps five or six servants. Though 'servant' is a generous term. Most stay out of loyalty.
The shop owner thought for some time and said, "Sir, from what I have heard, there are only five people in the Millings family and only five or so servants only."
"The Millings family used to be considered nobles, but their condition has become very poor."
"About a year ago, Lord Millings passed away unexpectedly, and since then, things have only worsened."
Riven quietly listened.
"Three years ago, their son Riven disappeared, and no one knows where he went. The family never told anyone."
"Some people say he was accepted by a sect and left for Solaryx."
"Others claim he offended a cultivator and was killed."
"Still, the Millings family refuses to say anything."
The owner sighed.
"I've heard that Lady Millings sold almost all of her jewelry just to keep the family alive."
"And despite sharing the same bloodline, the other branches of the Millings family haven't helped them at all."
"Not one bit."
Hearing this, Shen Chu frowned.
He had witnessed many things throughout his life, and family members abandoning one another over wealth was hardly uncommon.
Riven, however, remained calm.
"Why?"
The owner looked around before lowering his voice.
"Greed."
"Lord Millings had a younger brother, but after the family head died, everyone thought the inheritance should naturally pass to him."
"But Lady Millings refused. She insisted on waiting for her son."
"So the relationship between both sides became worse."
"Now the other branch simply watches from the sidelines."
"Some even say they are waiting for the remaining family to collapse completely so they can take everything."