Chapter 121: Reunion

The capital of the Tianfeng Empire, Lorkadan, was not far from the Zhou family's main city—only a two or three-hour journey.

As they traveled swiftly on the backs of their Benwing mounts, the group discussed their plans for arriving in Lorkadan. They knew that if the Zhou family discovered the identities of Shen Duo and Feng Jun, they would likely set an ambush at Jocelin Academy. Furthermore, the members of the Shen family's investigation team were not to be trifled with. Only by reaching Jocelin Academy and securing the protection of the Ziyuan branch could Shen Duo and Feng Jun find temporary safety.

Time passed quickly, and by noon, they had entered the territory of Lorkadan. Located in the heart of the Shengmang Continent, the Tianfeng Empire was bordered by the Tianqing River to the south and the edge of the Luohei Forest to the east, making it one of the most resource-rich empires on the continent. Lorkadan, its capital, was like the brightest pearl of the realm.

Looking ahead, the first things to come into view were the ancient, towering city walls. Standing over ten meters high, their blue-gray stone bore the marks of the passage of time. The eagle flag of the Tianfeng Empire flew from the ramparts, fluttering wildly in the strong east wind. Beyond the walls lay an endless sprawl of architecture; red, pointed rooftops were adorned with colorful banners that danced in the spring breeze, making the entire city feel as if it were immersed in a festival. Near the city center, a massive square spanning several thousand square meters was packed with crowds of young men and women singing and dancing.

The royal castle of the Tianfeng Empire was built on a mountain range to the south of the city. With its white exterior and rounded roofs, it looked like a delicious piece of white chocolate from a distance.

"Jocelin Academy is directly north of Lorkadan," Linghu Yu said, sitting down beside Shen Duo and pointing toward the direction of the academy.

Following his gaze, she saw a collection of buildings nestled among lush, verdant trees. Unlike the magnificent and dazzling royal castle, Jocelin Academy exuded a sense of ancient, settled elegance. The houses hidden behind the greenery carried a refined, timeless quality that commanded respect. Further north lay the Kas Empire, home to the Shen family's main city.

Glancing over, Feng Jun saw Shen Duo’s gaze become unfocused and pursed his lips.

"You should stay in Lorkadan for a few days while I return to the academy to make arrangements," Linghu Yu said to them with a smile. "Don't worry. With Eleanor to look after you, and Lorkadan being so vast, even if the Zhou and Shen families want to find you, it will take them time."

Once they reached the city gates, Linghu Yu parted ways with them. As they jumped down from their mounts, Eleanor smoothed her long, curly hair that fell over her shoulders, turned back, and smiled at the two. "Welcome to Lorkadan. Many things here are sure to surprise you."

Eleanor’s beast-drawn carriage fleet was still on the road and not expected to arrive until evening, so she led the others into the city to look around. Lorkadan was a very open city; the guards did not check or register identities, and there was no curfew. This made the bustling city a magnet for many outsiders, resulting in a diverse mix of people.

Shen Duo and Feng Jun followed Eleanor into the throng of people entering the city. The passersby were dressed in strange attire and represented all skin colors. Shen Duo stared wide-eyed as a dark-skinned man walked past with a giant Toad of Wondrous Flowers perched on his head.

Seeing her expression, Eleanor smiled. "Those are the Tu-Zhu people. They are skilled at raising these giant Toads of Wondrous Flowers. Don't underestimate them; most of them are high-level Spirit Illusionists. It is said they can use the toads to absorb spiritual illusion energy, though no one has ever been able to verify if it’s true."

Shen Duo was startled, recalling the River-Turning Crocodile on the upper reaches of the Tianqing River, which had sacrificed lower-level magical beasts in strange pool water to rapidly gather energy for advancement. It seemed this rumor might not be without foundation.

Within just one main street, Shen Duo saw Dai people carrying various jars, Gisai people dressed in revealing outfits, and Yinli people who loved to play with venomous snakes.

"Lorkadan is the only capital where so many different races and regions mingle," Eleanor said, a hint of pride in her voice.

On this continent, strength was everything, and illusionists held an inherent sense of superiority over other types of cultivators. Many family or royal cities forbade entry to minority groups. In this regard, Lorkadan was exceptionally tolerant and benevolent. It was precisely because of this that the Tianfeng Empire had gained the full support of various small factions, allowing it to grow into a major continental power over the centuries and eventually annex the former Hob Empire.

As they strolled leisurely through the city, they drew countless envious gazes. Regardless of their strength, the three of them were so striking in appearance that it was hard to look away. Young female illusionists, in particular, kept casting flirtatious glances their way.

All three wore dark green illusionist robes, their matching style making them even more eye-catching. Feng Jun’s short, slightly curled black hair was a bit messy, only adding to his allure. With his handsome, cold features, narrow eyes, long eyebrows that slanted toward his temples, and thin, pale lips, combined with the icy aura he radiated, he was the picture of a cold, handsome man. Even in a standard dark green robe, his stature and presence made the simple garment look stylish, drawing a string of squeals from the local girls.

Shen Duo, beside him, gave off a completely different vibe. She was slender, and the dark green robe hung slightly large on her, with sleeves that were a bit too long, making her appear even more petite. With her soft eyebrows, large, bright, watery eyes, and small lips, her slightly pale complexion gave her the appearance of an exquisite doll, especially with the curious and hazy look she wore while observing her surroundings. She completely charmed the local youths.

As for Eleanor, she was sexy and confident, equally drawing the attention of passersby. Bold youths on the opposite side of the street even began calling out to them. Used to such things, Eleanor even blew a kiss to those who catcalled, immediately inciting a roar of cheers. However, many who sensed the strength of the trio dared not act out of line.

"So, what do you think? The people of Lorkadan are quite enthusiastic, aren't they?" Eleanor winked at Feng Jun and Shen Duo. Shen Duo twitched her lips helplessly.

"Is there anything you want to buy? Today just happens to be a market day in Lorkadan."

Thinking of her broken spirit-illusion sword, Shen Duo asked, "Are there swords for swordsmen for sale?"

"Of course! In the Lorkadan market, there is nothing you can't buy, only things you haven't thought of."

With that, they headed toward the market next to the central square. It was teeming with people; as soon as they entered the square, the crowd density doubled, a scene no less intense than a modern city’s rush hour on public transit. Stalls lined both sides of the street, stretching as far as the eye could see.

The crowd was a sea of heads, with nobles and commoners alike. Here, everyone was equal; outside the market, royal investigation teams were stationed to handle complaints and emergencies. Even the direct descendants of the Four Great Families held no special privileges.

Seeing the situation, Shen Duo’s eyelids twitched. This wasn't so much shopping as it was a crushing struggle through a crowd.

Eleanor seemed to see through her thoughts and smiled. "Shen Duo, don't mind the crowd. You can really find some great treasures in these stalls."

Squeezing into the crowd with Eleanor, Shen Duo did indeed see many rare items—various unique ores, spirit herbs, and even odd-looking幼兽 (juvenile magical beasts). The market was a free trading venue provided by the empire, with no fees charged. Since auction houses took a commission for listings, many rogue illusionists preferred to wait for market day to sell their prized possessions. This was the very reason the Royal Market of Lorkadan was always packed shoulder to shoulder.

Shen Duo naturally spent a fair amount of money. Eleanor watched as Shen Duo spent lavishly, buying whatever caught her eye without a second thought for the price, and couldn't help but be stunned. This girl was even wealthier than her, a beast tamer! If Eleanor had known that Shen Duo was trading alchemy materials across two different planes, she wouldn't have been so surprised.

They squeezed their way to a weapons shop, where various swords and other armaments were displayed. Jocelin Academy was right next to Lorkadan and housed the continent's most famous swordsman branch, so the variety of swords available here was vast. There were bronze swords for beginners, mixed-steel swords for Great Swordsmen, light, elegant blades favored by female swordsmen, and heavy, thick models preferred by burly men. It was truly a diverse selection.

Yet, there wasn't a single one that caught Shen Duo’s eye. These swords were truly just ordinary steel; despite the variety of styles, none were spirit illusion weapons. Having grown accustomed to her previous sword, her standards had risen, and these common blades simply wouldn't do. Perhaps the other plane had the sword she needed. With that thought, she secretly decided to make time to visit the Lorkadan of the other plane.

"There are so many, and none of them catch your fancy?" Eleanor asked, surprised. This was the weapons shop with the largest inventory she knew of.

Feng Jun, standing to the side, understood why Shen Duo was unimpressed. When they first met, it was with that spirit-illusion sword that she had defeated Little Blue and easily neutralized his armor-state.

"None of these swords are good," even the usually reticent Feng Jun remarked.

Eleanor shrugged. "Alright then, I’ll take you to a few other places. Maybe we’ll find something you like."

Just as they were about to leave, a surprised shout came from behind the crowd. "Xiao Duo!"

The familiar voice made a smile bloom on Shen Duo’s face. She turned quickly and saw that tall, handsome figure in the crowded street.

"Brother Lei!"

Lei Hang could never have imagined he would run into Shen Duo, whom he had been separated from for so long, at the Lorkadan market. He had been wandering aimlessly, bored, when the corner of his eye caught a familiar silhouette. His heart felt as if it had exploded with a surge of immense joy and surprise. He searched the crowd frantically, and with one glance, he confirmed that the slender girl was indeed Shen Duo!