The street didn't return to normal.
Even after the fight ended, the atmosphere remained tense.
Whispers spread quickly through the crowd, eyes following Kael as he walked away like nothing had happened.
Some were curious.
Some were cautious.
And some…
Were already calculating.
Behind them, the arrogant youth was slowly helped up by his companions. His face was pale, his pride clearly shattered.
But his eyes—
Burned with humiliation.
"This isn't over…" he muttered under his breath.
Kael didn't hear it.
Or perhaps—
He simply didn't care.
⸻
Further inside the city, the noise grew louder again.
Merchants called out from their stalls. Cultivators bargained over items. The energy of the place was alive, constantly shifting.
Lin Yue walked beside Kael, her expression thoughtful.
"You just caused trouble," she said.
Kael glanced at her.
"I figured."
She let out a small sigh.
"The person you fought… his name is Zhao Ren."
Kael didn't react.
Lin Yue continued.
"He's not that strong compared to true elites, but his background is the problem."
Kael finally spoke.
"Which is?"
"The Zhao Family."
She paused briefly.
"One of the stronger families in this city."
Kael nodded slightly.
"I see."
No fear.
No concern.
Just acknowledgment.
Lin Yue studied his expression.
"…You're not worried?"
Kael looked ahead calmly.
"Should I be?"
She hesitated for a moment.
Then shook her head slightly, a faint smile forming.
"…No. Probably not."
There was something about Kael that made fear feel unnecessary.
Not arrogance.
But certainty.
⸻
They continued walking until Lin Yue stopped in front of a large building.
It stood out immediately.
Elegant architecture.
Carved pillars.
And a steady flow of well-dressed cultivators entering and leaving.
Above the entrance, a sign hung:
Azure Pavilion
Kael looked at it briefly.
"This place…" he said.
Lin Yue nodded.
"Auction house. Trading hub. Information center."
She crossed her arms lightly.
"If you want to survive in this city, you'll need resources."
Kael understood immediately.
Weapons.
Artifacts.
Information.
All essential.
Especially now that he had nothing besides his abilities and the Ring of the First Pulse.
Lin Yue glanced at him.
"And you definitely need currency."
Kael gave a small nod.
"That too."
She smiled slightly.
"Then come on."
They stepped inside.
⸻
The interior was even more impressive.
Spacious.
Quiet.
Filled with controlled energy.
Display counters lined the hall, showcasing pills, weapons, and artifacts of various kinds. Each item emitted faint energy fluctuations.
Kael's Origin Sense reacted subtly.
Some items…
Were far stronger than anything he had seen before.
A middle-aged man behind one of the counters looked up as they approached.
His eyes briefly scanned Kael.
Sharp.
Experienced.
But polite.
"Welcome to Azure Pavilion," he said.
Lin Yue stepped forward.
"He's new. Needs resources."
The man nodded slightly.
Then looked directly at Kael.
"Then what do you have to offer?"
Kael paused.
He didn't have money.
Didn't have materials.
But he had something else.
Experience.
Control.
Power.
Kael raised his hand slowly.
Golden energy gathered in his palm.
Not explosive.
Not overwhelming.
But incredibly refined.
Dense.
Stable.
The man's eyes narrowed slightly.
Interest appeared.
"This level of control…" he murmured.
Kael closed his hand.
"I can help with tasks," he said calmly.
"Anything that requires strength."
The man studied him for a few seconds.
Then smiled faintly.
"In that case…"
He reached beneath the counter and pulled out a small scroll.
"There might be something suitable for you."
He placed it on the table.
"Escort mission. Dangerous. Good reward."
Kael looked at the scroll.
Then at the man.
Lin Yue raised an eyebrow.
"That was fast."
The man chuckled softly.
"We value capable people."
He looked at Kael again.
"And you… are clearly capable."
Kael picked up the scroll.
His first step into the Azure Continent had already brought him into conflict.
Now—
It was bringing opportunity.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"Then I'll take it."