The southern gate of Qinghe City stood as an imposing testament to the power and wealth of those who ruled within its walls. Massive stone pillars flanked the entrance, carved with intricate depictions of the city's founding legends. Guards in polished armor stood at attention, their vigilant eyes scanning all who passed through the threshold that separated civilization from the wilder lands beyond.
As the morning sun climbed higher in the azure sky, a luxurious carriage drew the attention of merchants and travelers alike. Its craftsmanship was exceptional—lacquered wood polished to a mirror shine, metal fittings of silver rather than common iron, and the Li Family emblem prominently displayed on its side.
A pair of midnight-black horses, their coats gleaming with health and careful grooming, stood in perfect discipline as final preparations for departure were completed.
Driver Mo, his weathered face impassive beneath his wide-brimmed hat, checked the harnesses one final time before climbing to his perch. With a subtle flick of the reins and a quiet command, he set the magnificent beasts in motion. The carriage rolled forward with barely a sound, its wheels turning smoothly as it passed beneath the shadow of the gate and onto the road beyond.
Inside, the interior was a testament to practical luxury—cushioned seats upholstered in fine silk, cleverly designed storage compartments, and windows fitted with translucent screens that allowed light while providing privacy. The gentle swaying of the carriage created a soothing rhythm as it settled into a pace that was neither hurried nor leisurely—the optimal speed for a long journey.
Wudi Egun sat with perfect posture despite the movement of the carriage, his hands resting lightly on his knees. Across from him, Li Meixia adjusted the sleeve of her traveling robe—a garment more practical than her usual attire, though still of exceptional quality. The white silk was replaced by sturdy fabric in a subtle shade of blue, embroidered with cloud patterns that seemed to shift with her movements.
"I must thank you again for arranging our departure so efficiently," Wudi Egun said, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. "The preparations would have taken me considerably longer without your family's resources."
Li Meixia inclined her head slightly, acknowledging his gratitude. "The Li Family has established protocols for travel. It was merely a matter of activating existing arrangements rather than creating new ones."
Her modesty, while genuine, understated the considerable effort involved in organizing such a journey on short notice. Provisions had been secured, routes planned, accommodations arranged at strategic points along their path, and messages sent ahead to family contacts in key locations. All this had been accomplished between their morning conversation and the evening meal, a testament to both her efficiency and the extensive network at her disposal.
"Nevertheless, your competence is appreciated," Wudi Egun replied, his tone suggesting this was more than mere politeness.
As the city walls receded behind them, Wudi Egun turned his attention to the journey ahead.
"Tell me more about this Ghost City," he requested, his eyes revealing genuine curiosity despite his measured tone. "Beyond its potential as a source for our... specific requirements."
Li Meixia settled more comfortably into her seat, her expression becoming that of a scholar sharing knowledge. "Ghost City is one of the most renowned settlements in Lingbei Province, and certainly the largest in the Xueyin District. Its reputation extends far beyond its borders, though opinions vary greatly depending on who you ask."
She paused, considering how best to explain the unique nature of their destination. "The city operates under different principles than most. For one, their currency system is quite unusual—they use what is called Ghost Currency, which can only be obtained by trading valuable items or services with the city's inhabitants."
"Ghost Currency?" Wudi Egun echoed, his brow furrowing slightly. "And they call themselves Ghosts? Are they actual spectral entities?"
The question was logical—in a world where cultivation could lead to extraordinary transformations and where beings from other realms occasionally manifested, the possibility of an entire city populated by genuine spirits was not entirely implausible.
Li Meixia shook her head. "Not in the literal sense, though the distinction has become increasingly blurred over the centuries. The origin lies with a figure known as the Ghost Ancestor, who lived thousands of years ago. After observing true spectral entities, he developed what became known as the Ghost Mantra—a cultivation method that mimics certain aspects of ghostly existence."
Her explanation took on the cadence of a historical lecture, her knowledge of the subject clearly extensive. "When Ghost City was established, its founding cultivators all practiced this Ghost Mantra. Over generations, this shared cultivation path led to physiological changes that were passed down to their descendants. Through this prolonged metabolism and adaptation, they gradually evolved into what some consider a new subspecies of humanity."
"Fascinating," Wudi Egun commented, his interest genuine despite his ulterior motives for the journey. The concept aligned with his own plans for transformation, though his chosen path was far more direct and extreme.
"While they call themselves Ghosts and have developed certain traits reminiscent of spectral entities, they remain fundamentally mortal," Li Meixia continued. "A true Ghost transcends the laws of nature and the restrictions of Heaven and Earth—they exist outside conventional physical limitations. The inhabitants of Ghost City, despite their unique characteristics, remain bound by the fundamental constraints of mortal existence."
Their discussion continued as the carriage rolled through the countryside, passing fields where farmers tended early summer crops and small villages where children paused in their play to watch the elegant conveyance pass by. The landscape gradually changed from the cultivated lands surrounding Qinghe City to more rugged terrain, signaling their progress away from the heart of civilization.
Their conversation was interrupted by a sudden decrease in speed. The carriage slowed and then came to a complete stop, the horses snorting softly as Driver Mo called them to halt.
Li Meixia frowned slightly, her hand moving instinctively to a jade pendant at her waist—a defensive talisman, though she made the movement appear casual.
"Uncle Mo?" she called out, her voice calm despite her alertness. "Is there a problem?"
"No cause for concern, Young Lady," Driver Mo's weathered voice replied from outside. "There are travelers on the road requesting passage. Three young people seeking transport."
Li Meixia relaxed slightly but remained cautious. While banditry was rare on major roads, particularly those patrolled by cultivators, deception was always a possibility.
"Send them to speak with me," she instructed, her tone making it clear this was not a request but a command.
Wudi Egun observed her reaction with approval, noting the balance of caution and confidence. Neither paranoid nor naively trusting—a practical approach that aligned with his own philosophy, though his was born of calculation rather than natural temperament.
After a brief exchange outside, footsteps approached the carriage door. It opened to reveal three young travelers whose appearance immediately commanded attention, each in their own distinctive way.
The young man who led the group stood at approximately six feet two inches, his powerful frame suggesting both natural strength and deliberate cultivation. His features were strikingly handsome—a strong jaw, high cheekbones, and eyes that shone with confidence and vitality.
His bearing was that of a natural leader, reminiscent of the heroic figures celebrated in epic tales of warlords and conquerors. Even his simple traveling clothes seemed transformed by his presence, appearing more like the disguise of a prince than the practical garments they actually were.
Flanking him were two young women of equally remarkable appearance, though in contrasting ways. The first, standing at about five feet eight inches, possessed a delicate beauty that evoked images of mythical fairies.
Her features were petite and perfectly proportioned, creating an impression of ethereal loveliness. There was a sweetness to her expression, an innocent charm that invited protection and affection. Her slender frame and graceful movements enhanced this impression of otherworldly delicacy.
The second young woman, taller at approximately five feet ten inches, embodied the classical ideal of beauty celebrated throughout the cultivation world. Her features were flawless in a way that seemed almost unreal—skin like white jade, eyes clear as mountain springs, lips perfectly shaped and naturally tinted.
She carried herself with composed dignity, her beauty neither diminished by the dust of travel nor requiring enhancement from artificial means.
"Greetings, honored patrons," the young man said, offering a respectful bow that his companions mirrored. "I am Liang Chen. This is my younger sister, Liang Nian'er," he gestured to the fairy-like girl, "and our friend, Tong Xin," indicating the jade beauty.
His voice matched his appearance—clear, resonant, and naturally commanding without seeming arrogant. "We are traveling to the City of Sin and noticed your carriage heading in that direction. If it wouldn't be an imposition, might we request passage? We would, of course, compensate you appropriately for your kindness."
Li Meixia studied the trio with careful consideration. Their appearance and manners suggested cultivation backgrounds of some significance, though they wore no sect emblems or family crests. After a moment's reflection, she glanced at Wudi Egun, who gave an almost imperceptible nod.
"Our destination lies beyond the City of Sin," she replied, "but we will indeed be passing through it. You are welcome to join us for that portion of our journey."
Relief and gratitude spread across Liang Chen's handsome features.
"Your generosity honors us," he said with another bow. "We have been traveling on foot for some time, and the roads have grown increasingly challenging."
At Li Meixia's gesture, the three travelers entered the carriage, arranging themselves with Liang Chen seated beside Wudi Egun while the two young women took places next to Li Meixia. Despite the addition of three passengers, the spacious interior remained comfortable, though the dynamics of the space shifted noticeably with the new presences.
As Driver Mo urged the horses back into motion, Li Meixia performed the necessary introductions. "I am Li Meixia of the Li Family from Qinghe City, and this is Master Wudi Egun, an accomplished alchemist and my traveling companion."
The name Li clearly registered with the newcomers, subtle shifts in their expressions revealing recognition of the prestigious family. Liang Chen's eyes widened slightly, while his sister's gaze became more attentive.
Only Tong Xin's expression remained unchanged, her perfect features maintaining their serene composure.
"The Li Family of Qinghe? We are truly fortunate," Liang Chen remarked, his tone suggesting genuine respect rather than mere flattery. "Your family's reputation extends far beyond your home province."
As the carriage settled into its rhythm once more, Li Meixia steered the conversation toward practical matters. "What brings you to the City of Sin? It's an unusual destination for travelers of your... caliber."
Liang Nian'er, whose voice proved as delicate and charming as her appearance, answered with unexpected enthusiasm. "Actually, we're ultimately bound for Ghost City, but we mentioned the City of Sin because we assumed that would be as far as you were traveling. Most people don't venture all the way to Ghost City unless they have specific reasons."
Her candid response caused her brother to give her a slightly exasperated look, suggesting he might have preferred a more measured revelation of their plans.
"Ghost City?" Li Meixia echoed, genuine surprise in her voice. "What a remarkable coincidence. That is precisely our destination as well."
The three travelers exchanged glances of surprise and pleasure at this news.
"In that case," Li Meixia continued, "you are welcome to remain with us for the entire journey, if you wish. The roads become increasingly dangerous as one approaches Ghost City, and traveling together would benefit us all."
"Your generosity overwhelms us," Liang Chen replied, his expression brightening considerably. "We would be honored to accept."
With this new arrangement established, the conversation naturally turned to the purpose of their respective journeys. Li Meixia posed the question directly: "What business draws you to such a remote and unusual destination?"
Liang Chen answered with the enthusiasm that seemed characteristic of his nature. "We seek a special metal that is rarely found elsewhere. Ghost City's markets are known to trade in unusual materials that cannot be obtained through conventional channels."
His explanation, while plausible, contained just enough vagueness to suggest there might be more to their quest than he was revealing. Such discretion was common among cultivators, whose missions often involved secrets best kept from casual acquaintances.
"And yourselves?" he asked in return, his curiosity evident. "What brings representatives of the illustrious Li Family so far from home?"
Li Meixia's response was equally diplomatic in its calculated incompleteness. "We also seek rare materials, though of a different nature. Ghost City's unique position in the cultivation world makes it an invaluable resource for certain... specialized requirements."
The vague answer satisfied the social requirements of the exchange without revealing their true purpose—the search for demonic remains that would raise uncomfortable questions among most righteous cultivators.
As the conversation continued, touching on safer topics such as travel conditions and recent news from various regions, Wudi Egun's attention gradually shifted.
Though he maintained the appearance of polite engagement, his gaze increasingly drifted toward Tong Xin, studying her with an intensity that, while subtle, did not go entirely unnoticed.
There was something about the jade beauty that had captured his interest—not merely her extraordinary appearance, which was remarkable even by cultivation world standards, but something less definable.
Perhaps it was the perfect stillness with which she held herself, or the way her eyes seemed to observe everything while revealing nothing of her thoughts.
Li Meixia, whose awareness of social dynamics was exceptionally keen, noticed this shift in Wudi Egun's attention. A slight furrow appeared between her brows as she observed his focus on the beautiful newcomer. The conversation continued around her, but her own attention was now divided between maintaining her role as hostess and monitoring the interaction—or lack thereof—between Wudi Egun and Tong Xin.
As Liang Nian'er described a particularly beautiful waterfall they had passed during their journey, Li Meixia found her patience wearing thin. Wudi Egun's gaze had not wavered from Tong Xin for several minutes, though the jade beauty herself seemed either unaware or deliberately indifferent to his attention.
A strange sensation tightened in Li Meixia's chest—an unfamiliar discomfort that she might have recognized as jealousy had she been more experienced with such emotions. Without fully processing her own reaction, she extended her foot beneath the concealment of her robes and delivered a sharp kick to Wudi Egun's shin.
The unexpected contact broke his concentration immediately. He turned to Li Meixia with genuine surprise, his composed facade momentarily disrupted by confusion. What he found was an expression he had not seen on her face before—her lips slightly pursed, her cheeks faintly flushed, and her eyes narrowed in what could only be described as cute indignation.
The sight was so incongruous with her usual composed demeanor that for a moment he simply stared, trying to reconcile this new facet of Li Meixia with the calculating, dignified young woman he had come to know.
The realization that she might be experiencing jealousy—over him, no less—was both unexpected and potentially useful information.
As their eyes met, a moment of silent communication passed between them. Li Meixia's expression seemed to demand an explanation, while Wudi Egun's reflected a complex mixture of surprise, amusement, and calculation. Neither spoke, yet in that brief exchange, something shifted in their relationship—a new awareness that would influence their interactions in ways neither could fully predict.
The carriage continued its journey south, carrying its passengers toward destinations both stated and hidden.
Outside, the landscape gradually transformed as they left the familiar territories behind, each mile bringing them closer to the mysterious Ghost City and whatever fates awaited them there.
And within the elegant conveyance, new dynamics were forming—alliances and attractions, curiosities and suspicions—that would shape the journey in ways none of them could anticipate. For beneath the polite conversation and careful observations, each traveler carried their own secrets and agendas, creating an intricate web of motivations that would eventually either strengthen their collective path or tear it irreparably apart.