CHAPTER 54: CHAPTER 54: THE FRAGILE PEACE BEFORE THE NEXT WAVE

The sun hung high above the skies as Blue Stone City stood proudly, its massive stone walls glistening faintly under the golden light. The city gate was alive with activity—heavy wooden doors wide open, guards in gleaming armor standing tall at their posts. The clamor of footsteps, neighing horses, and merchants shouting about their wares filled the air as streams of people passed in and out. Some were merchants with laden carts, others travelers cloaked in dust, while commonfolk bustled through with baskets and bags.

Among this tide of humanity, a particular group entered silently. They moved together, their figures wrapped in grey cloaks, faces hidden beneath their hoods. Their steps were disciplined yet cautious, a quiet contrast to the noise around them.

The man leading the group turned his head slightly, his sharp gaze glimmering from under the hood. His voice was low, steady, and commanding.

"Stay alert. Don’t put your guard down. The enemy we are going to face is really tough."

One of the men behind him let out a short chuckle, his tone casual though his face was unseen.

"Don’t worry. It’s not the first time."

With that, the group quietly dispersed, melting into the crowds of the city, each heading in a different direction like shadows scattering in daylight.

The scene shifted to the bustling market square, where the liveliness of Blue Stone City revealed itself in full. The market was a vibrant sea of colors, with stalls lined on both sides of the broad street. Bright silks fluttered in the breeze, golden trinkets sparkled beneath the sunlight, and the fragrance of roasted meat, fried dumplings, and sweet pastries filled the air. Hawkers shouted, children ran about laughing, and musicians played flutes and drums in corners, adding rhythm to the atmosphere.

In this joyous chaos walked Shaurya and Lin Shu, side by side, their expressions soft and warm. They moved at a leisurely pace, their shoulders brushing as they explored the city together.

Lin Shu’s lips curved into a gentle smile as she took in the sights. Her eyes sparkled with childlike wonder.

"It’s my first time roaming in a market."

Shaurya raised his eyebrow in surprise, his gaze lingering on her face.

"What? First time?"

Lin Shu’s smile deepened, though there was a faint hint of sorrow hidden in her tone.

"Yeah. After all, for my family I am just a slave."

Shaurya immediately reached out, gently grasping her delicate hand. His voice was firm yet tender.

"Forget your past. Live your present and future with me. If you ever want anything, just say it. No matter what—even if you wish for this whole realm—I can give it to you."

Lin Shu blinked at him, then let out a soft laugh. She reached up and playfully pinched his cheek.

"What fantasies are you making? Why would I wish for this realm? Why are you taking it to the extreme?"

She released his cheek, her laughter still lingering. Shaurya’s hand shifted to her shoulder, his gaze unwavering as his voice carried quiet conviction.

"For you, I can do anything. Come, let’s go. I will give you a tour."

Lin Shu nodded softly, her eyes shimmering, and the two of them began wandering through the bustling street together.

They visited countless stalls: food stalls where savory steam rose in clouds, jewelry stands glistening with gold and jade, clothing shops with vibrant robes draped on mannequins. Shaurya guided her gently, letting her taste exotic foods, his gaze always fixed upon her face, watching each sparkle of joy in her eyes.

When Lin Shu sampled a sweet pastry, Shaurya’s lips curved into a smile, his attention unmoving. When she lifted a delicate robe from a stand to examine it, his gaze never left her. To Shaurya, the bustling world around them no longer existed—his entire focus was Lin Shu.

At one jewelry stall, Shaurya’s eyes fell upon a gold necklace. Without hesitation, he lifted it and carefully placed it around Lin Shu’s neck. She froze, her cheeks flushing crimson as her fingers brushed the cool metal.

The shopkeeper, an old man with a long white beard, chuckled warmly as he stroked his beard.

"This type of couple is rare nowadays."

Both Shaurya and Lin Shu turned towards him at once, their eyes widening. Their cheeks reddened at his words, yet when their gazes met again, they couldn’t help but smile at each other softly.

Not far away, Xiao Rui, Lee Bie, and Zong Bu sat on small wooden stools at a dumpling stall. Xiao Rui took a bite of steaming dumplings and grinned.

"Everything aside, but Master and Lin Shu are made for each other."

Lee Bie and Zong Bu both nodded earnestly.

Zong Bu let out a wistful sigh. "I wish I also got a loving and caring partner."

Lee Bie stuffed another dumpling in his mouth and spoke with his cheeks full.

"Match made in heaven."

Xiao Rui suddenly noticed a nearby fruit stall with bright red pears stacked high. His eyes lit up.

"Hey, let’s go try some fruits."

The three stood and moved off toward the stall, still munching as they went.

Meanwhile, not too far from Shaurya and Lin Shu’s gentle moment, the lively city square hosted another scene.

Inside a glittering jewelry shop, light from crystal lanterns bounced off glass cases filled with ornaments of gold, jade, and silver. The place smelled faintly of sandalwood, and servants bustled about polishing jewels.

There stood Luo Chen, Wang Tian, and Lu Fang, their faces utterly dumbfounded.

Luo Chen rubbed his forehead, staring helplessly at the sight before him.

"Bro, what is going on?"

Wang Tian crossed his arms, equally baffled.

"I also don’t know. I thought we are here for fun?"

Lu Fang gave both of them a flat look, his voice dripping with resignation.

"Get used to it."

The three of them were practically buried under piles of bags—fine silk parcels and boxes stacked on their arms. Their bodies bent under the weight of endless purchases, yet their expressions revealed a mix of exhaustion and amusement.

Meanwhile, their partners—Muo Qian, Su Quan, and Jun Hua—stood happily by the counters, admiring sparkling ornaments, their faces glowing with smiles.

Wang Tian glanced sideways at Muo Qian, who was laughing lightly as she held up a jade bracelet against her wrist. His expression softened instantly.

"Well, I don’t care. As long as I am with her, I can lift a whole mountain."

Luo Chen, too, allowed his eyes to rest upon Su Quan’s radiant face. A smile tugged at his lips.

"I can buy her everything, just to see her smile."

Lu Fang smirked mischievously, unable to resist.

"Oh-ho, someone is getting romantic."

Both Wang Tian and Luo Chen stiffened, their faces reddening. Wang Tian quickly turned his face away.

"Just shut up and focus on yourself."

Luo Chen muttered, half embarrassed, half honest.

"You know your partner for too long—that’s why you’re that relaxed with her."

Lu Fang let out a hearty laugh.

"Just give yourself time. Your shyness will soon go away."

While the men spoke, the women continued their cheerful exploration.

Muo Qian held up a gleaming necklace, her eyes widening.

"Wow, these jewels are really good. I almost forgot how jewelry feels."

The other two nodded in agreement, clearly captivated. After much deliberation, the three finally selected their chosen ornaments and waved to the shop owner.

The owner, a plump middle-aged man with a round belly and oily fingers, waddled over with an eager smile.

"That will be 10,000 gold tales."

The three women froze, their jaws slightly open in shock.

Wang Tian quickly reached into his storage ring, only to pale.

"Oh no... I only have 200 gold tales."

Lu Fang checked his own ring and shook his head with disappointment.

"I didn’t bring too much gold. I only have 2,000 gold tales."

Luo Chen looked the worst off, his voice heavy with guilt.

"My condition is more bad. I only have 150 gold tales."

Muo Qian blinked in surprise, biting her lip.

"Seems like we did too much shopping."

Su Quan gave a gentle smile.

"We can buy it later."

Jun Hua nodded sensibly.

"Just buy one piece for us."

But before they could settle, the owner’s expression shifted. He sneered, his voice dripping with mockery.

"What a poor people. You are wearing some kind of sect uniform, and still you dare to come here?"

Wang Tian’s brows furrowed, his voice firm.

"Watch your tone, mister."

The fatty shopkeeper scoffed, crossing his arms.

"Tsch. Now that you can’t afford it, you’re trying to scare me with power? Talk to me when you have money, you poor bas—"

Before he could finish his insult, a heavy pouch flew across the room and struck his face with a dull thud. Gold coins spilled across the ground, clattering against the polished marble floor.

The entire shop fell silent. Everyone turned.

A sharp voice cut through the air.

"Shut your mouth, fatty."

At the entrance stood Xiao Rui, Lee Bie, and Zong Bu, their grey cloaks drawn back, revealing their presence in full. They strode in like a storm, their expressions dark and dangerous.

Zong Bu and Lee Bie glared death at the owner, their eyes sharp enough to make him tremble. The three walked closer, the sound of their boots echoing.

Xiao Rui crouched down slightly, pointing at the pouch on the floor.

"In this pouch..." He tapped it. "...is your payment. Ten thousand gold tales. Just think yourself lucky that we are here to have fun. Otherwise—"

He cracked his knuckles menacingly, the sound echoing like breaking bones.

Lee Bie smirked, his voice laced with contempt.

"You insulted us, called us poor. Listen, fatty—our master can buy your seven generations."

Zong Bu turned to the others, his expression softening only for them.

"You pick up the jewelry you want. Don’t worry—you have brothers like us."

Wang Tian blinked in surprise, shaking his head with disbelief.

"I never expected you idiots are that helpful."

Luo Chen smiled faintly, bowing slightly.

"Thank you for your help. If you ever need help, just let me know."

The three girls spoke together, their voices filled with gratitude.

"Thank you for your help."

Xiao Rui waved dismissively, his tone confident.

"It’s not a big deal."

Lee Bie added with a grin.

"Let’s go. Our work is done."

The three of them turned and walked away, leaving the stunned shopkeeper pale and silent.

Lu Fang exhaled in shock, muttering under his breath.

"They do many idiot things... but we can rely on them."

The others nodded quietly, before turning back to pick up the rest of their bags, their arms already overloaded.

Scene Shift to City Lord Mansion. The grand City Lord’s Mansion loomed at the heart of Blue Stone City. Its towering walls were built of smooth blue stone, guarded by armored men at every gate. Inside, lanterns glowed warmly, though the air in the main hall carried a weight of tension.

Cheng Fang stood stiffly, sweat dripping down his temples as he trembled before the majestic figure of the City Lord, who sat on an ornate wooden throne. The City Lord’s eyes were sharp, his face serious as he leaned forward. His cold voice sliced through the silence.

"So, you are the one my daughter has selected. What have you done to her that she fell for you? Did you use any poison?"

Before Cheng Fang could even respond, a loud smack echoed through the hall. A fist had landed firmly on the City Lord’s head.

"Bang!"

The one who struck him was a woman, her presence commanding. She wore a light blue elegant robe with a dark blue upper mantle draped over her shoulders. Her skin shone like white jade, her crimson eyes burning with authority. Her beauty carried maturity, and her features bore a strong resemblance to Xu Ran—she was her mother.

Her knuckles cracked as she glared down at the City Lord.

"What are you trying to say? Do you want to scare our daughter’s future husband?"

Cheng Fang’s cheeks turned scarlet at the word husband. His mind spun in panic.

Hu—husband? How should I react? What should I say?

The woman’s expression softened as she turned to him, her demeanor shifting into gentle kindness.

"I don’t care about anything, as long as my daughter is happy. If she has chosen you, then you must be a good boy."

Then she glanced sharply at her husband, her eyes narrowing with a death stare.

"Am I right, honey?"

The City Lord stiffened, his body trembling under her gaze. Forcing a smile, he quickly nodded.

"Yeah, yes... you are always right, my dear."

He let out a defeated sigh, then looked back at Cheng Fang.

"I can’t deny your relationship. After all, you are also from the Sanatan Flame Sect. But... if you ever hurt my daughter, then—"

Cheng Fang’s heart nearly leapt from his chest.

Before the threat could continue, Xu Ran herself entered the hall.

"Enough, Dad! Stop scaring him."

Both mother and daughter turned their crimson eyes toward the City Lord, giving him twin death stares.

The City Lord coughed awkwardly, his stern facade shattering.

"I am not scaring him. I am just— Tsch. I approve of your relationship. Wait one or two years for marriage, okay?"

Xu Ran smiled warmly.

"Fine."

Cheng Fang released the breath he’d been holding, bowing his head respectfully, relief flooding his face.

Scene shift. The lively streets of Blue Stone City bustled with life as Sheng Lu stepped through the crowds. His eyes moved carefully, taking in the vibrant sights around him—the colorful banners hanging from wooden beams, the endless rows of stalls, and the cheerful voices of merchants haggling with customers.

Yet as he walked, his gaze fell upon a particular storefront. It was a clothing shop, its windows displaying silken robes of deep green and crimson.

There, standing together, were two familiar figures.

Sheng Lu blinked in disbelief. Elder Wan and Elder Liya stood close, side by side, laughing softly as they browsed the elegant garments. Elder Wan was lifting a light dress with a serious expression, as though carefully choosing. Elder Liya, cheeks slightly flushed, was smiling brightly.

Sheng Lu’s jaw nearly dropped. His mind froze.

Wait... are they... together? Here... for a date?

He rubbed his eyes furiously, but the scene didn’t change. They were indeed there, talking happily, completely oblivious to the world around them.

Sheng Lu gasped silently, then quickly ducked his head.

I shouldn’t disturb them!

Without hesitation, he slipped into the flow of the crowd, moving swiftly past the shop. Only when he had put a fair distance between them did he release a long sigh of relief, his heart still pounding.

Further down the bustling streets, the sound of cheerful chatter echoed near a food stall. There stood Xiao Rui, holding several steaming packets of dumplings. Before him were three small children, their clothes ragged, their eyes wide with hunger.

Xiao Rui crouched down, handing the food to them with a warm smile.

"Eat well, and take care of yourselves."

The three little ones nodded eagerly, their small hands clutching the food as if it were treasure. Their eyes glistened as they spoke in unison.

"Thank you!"

From behind, Sheng Lu approached quietly, having noticed the scene. His lips curved into a faint smile.

"You are doing nice work."

Xiao Rui glanced over his shoulder, recognition flashing in his eyes.

"Oh, Sheng Lu—you are here also."

"Yeah," Sheng Lu replied, his tone light. "I also thought to explore the city."

Before long, Lee Bie and Zong Bu arrived, joining them with wide grins.

Zong Bu’s laughter rumbled as he patted Sheng Lu’s back.

"Oh, we got another single partner!"

The group chuckled together, their laughter mixing with the lively hum of the marketplace. But their joy was short-lived.

From the crowd, two figures cloaked in grey stepped forward, their movements quiet yet deliberate. Their hoods shadowed their faces, but the air around them carried tension.

One of them spoke, his tone polite but firm.

"Excuse me..."

The laughter died instantly. All four—Xiao Rui, Sheng Lu, Lee Bie, and Zong Bu—turned their gazes sharply toward the newcomers.

Xiao Rui straightened, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"Yes? Do you want something from us?"

The man in the cloak produced a rolled parchment, swiftly unfolding it to reveal a portrait. The inked image showed the face of a young woman.

"Have you seen this person around here?"

The group’s expressions changed at once. Their smiles vanished, replaced by grave seriousness.

Sheng Lu’s jaw tightened, his voice heavy with suspicion.

"What do you want from this girl?"

The first cloaked man remained silent, his expression hidden. But another quickly interjected.

"She is a traitor, and we are finding her."

Xiao Rui’s voice sharpened, probing.

"Finding her? Do you want to kill her?"

The cloaked man leaned forward, his tone urgent.

"If you tell me, then... I guess you’ve seen her. She is a wanted criminal of our sect. Tell us quickly!"

For a long moment, Xiao Rui said nothing. His expression grew darker, his gaze like steel. Then he spoke, his words deliberate.

"If I am right... then I have seen her in the capital city. She is a member of the Sanatan Flame Sect."

The men froze.

"Sanatan Flame Sect?!"

The leader nodded sharply.

"Okay. Boys, thanks for your help."

Without another word, the three cloaked figures disappeared into the crowd, moving swiftly like shadows.

As the noise of the marketplace swallowed them, Lee Bie turned sharply to Xiao Rui.

"Why did you send them to the capital city? We could have killed them here!"

Xiao Rui shook his head slowly, his tone calm yet cold.

"No... not here. Too many people would be injured if we acted. And who knows how many of their members are hiding nearby."

Sheng Lu’s voice was grim, agreeing.

"He is right. First, we must quickly give this information to our sect."

All four exchanged firm nods and departed, vanishing into the crowds.

Moments after they left, the crowd shifted once again. From the shadows, two more men in grey cloaks emerged, blending into the bustling market.

One of them let out a disdainful hiss.

"Tsch. These kids really think they can fool us."

The second man smirked, his eyes glinting coldly.

"I have already distributed the message to everyone. They will be here soon."

The first one clenched his fists, his voice dripping with hatred.

"Very well. We have searched for her after too much hard work this time. We will kill her and take revenge for our holy maiden."

Their figures melted back into the crowd, like predators waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

To be continued...