The City and the Namgoong Heiress

The next morning, Arthur was preparing for a trip to the city to sell their cores, meat, and the Crimson Underflower.

Tianze, eager to see the world beyond the jungle, begged to come along.

Arthur hesitated but eventually agreed.

The Journey and the Truth About Cores

As they traveled through the dense forest toward the city, Tianze's curiosity burned.

"Father, what exactly are these cores used for?"

Arthur glanced at him and smirked. "They contain violent energies. Each core holds unique properties. Some can cure diseases, some extend life, others increase strength or enhance elemental power."

Tianze's eyes widened in amazement.

"Then why are we selling them? Why not use them ourselves?"

Arthur laughed. "The cores that grant miraculous power are found only in mystical beasts—beings as powerful as the great martial sects of the Jianghu. Finding them is near impossible. The ones we have are usually refined by cultivators to enhance their inner energy or craft powerful weapons."

Tianze frowned. "Then why don't we absorb them too?"

Arthur's voice turned serious. "These cores contain uncontrollable energy. Only masters know how to refine them, and those secrets are passed down in great clans and sects. If we meddle in something we don’t understand, it will destroy us. Those who step into this world… eventually drown in its depths."

Tianze fell silent, lost in thought.

Just before they reached the city gates, Tianze made a request.

"Father, can I keep one of the cores?"

Arthur hesitated. "You must promise never to try absorbing it."

Tianze nodded stubbornly. Arthur sighed and relented, allowing him to keep the serpent's core.

Arrival in the City

By evening, they entered the bustling city streets. Arthur, familiar with every alley and corner, moved with ease.

Tianze’s eyes shone as he took in the towering buildings, colorful banners, and endless crowds. It was nothing like the quiet jungle.

Soon, they reached a familiar street where many elderly people greeted Arthur with warm smiles.

These were people Arthur had helped in the past, and they were delighted to see him. But their joy doubled when they noticed Tianze.

They showered him with gifts—fruits, flowers, small clay toys, and sugar-coated candies.

For Tianze, it was one of the happiest moments of his life.

Meanwhile, Arthur had already set up a stall in the market.

The moment he put out the meat of the Demonic Drake, it was sold out instantly.

However, he saved a portion for the elderly, ensuring they too could benefit from his hunt.

Tianze sat beside his father, observing carefully. He learned how to negotiate, talk, and sell. But more importantly, he studied the people around him.

Meeting the Namgoong Heiress

A small figure caught Tianze’s eye.

A young girl, almost his age, stood before the stall. She was dressed in an elegant blue robe, adorned with icy patterns. Two towering guards flanked her on either side.

She was unlike anyone Tianze had ever seen. Beautiful, delicate, and noble.

Arthur quickly bowed his head in respect and gestured for Tianze to do the same.

Tianze barely noticed. He was entranced.

The girl, however, saw something very different.

Before her stood a boy covered in dirt, wrapped in rough fur and leather, staring at her like a dumbstruck fool.

To her, he looked ridiculous. She held back a giggle.

Still, despite her amusement, she was here for business. She bought a few cores at a reasonable price.

A Priceless Favor

Now, only the Crimson Underflower remained.

A new presence arrived at the stall—a man with a calm yet commanding aura.

Arthur immediately recognized him. He was one of Jianghu’s most famous physicians—an elder of the Tang Clan.

The elder examined the flower before offering 1,000 gold coins for it—an amount that could feed a family of four for two years.

Arthur shook his head.

"Take it as a gift," he said firmly. "I only ask that you use it to help others."

The elder was stunned. Few would refuse such wealth.

After a moment of silence, he smiled knowingly and handed Arthur a jade identity plaque.

"This is my personal token," the elder said. "If you ever need help, present this to me once."

Arthur accepted the token and bowed slightly.

A Lesson for Tianze

As they made their way back to the elderly community, Tianze couldn't help but ask,

"Father, why did you give away such a valuable herb for free?"

Arthur smiled.

"Gold is nothing compared to a master’s favor. In this world, some debts cannot be repaid with money. Remember this."

Tianze held the serpent’s core tightly in his hand, deep in thought.

End of Chapter 4

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