Chapter Nine: The Bracelet

In the frigid northern lands, a grand edifice shaped like a colossal ice dragon loomed. Upon its head stood a figure cloaked in dark robes, his eyes narrowed as he brushed aside half his long hair, casting a glance toward the deepening blood-red haze not far off. His expression grew grave.

“Is my Black Condensation Palace too uncomfortable for you?” A cold, clear voice rang out.

The dark-robed figure nodded in greeting to the newcomer. “The serenity of your palace far surpasses my remote mountain abode.”

“Good, then.”

The speaker was clad in a snow-colored gown, a luxurious ermine mantle draped over her shoulders, lending her an air both aloof and regal. Two strands of long hair were wound into a frosted dragon bun at the back of her head, hinting at a languid, seductive grace. In her arms rested a thousand-year snow fox, and from time to time her slender elbow stroked its snowy fur, prompting the fox to emit contented whimpers.

“Senior sister, you’ve secluded yourself in these northern extremes—have you ever considered leaving the mountains?”

The one addressed as senior sister was none other than Azure Wanderer, a fellow disciple of the dark-robed man. She replied with a cold laugh. “Never.”

“Very well,” he sighed, “you enjoy your freedom.”

Meanwhile, Chi Yuan and Xiao Yuan had finished procuring supplies at the marketplace, and as noon approached, they found a tea stall by the street to rest. Suddenly, loud voices erupted nearby—a man and a woman shoved past, none other than Ling Yan and Sun Lang.

“If it weren’t for my mercy, you’d have died a thousand times over! Have you any shame?”

“That’s unfair. If not for my heroic rescue, the finger tied to your bell would likely be your little soul.”

“You—!”

Chi Yuan and Xiao Yuan exchanged silent sighs, wary of being drawn into another quarrel. Seeing that Ling Yan and Sun Lang paid them no heed, they quietly lowered their heads, waiting for the commotion to subside before raising them again.

“Look at that,” Xiao Yuan sipped her tea, “they seem quite familiar now.”

Chi Yuan glanced at the two figures in the distance and smiled. “Sun Lang truly is a peculiar fellow—carefree as he seems, his abilities are extraordinary.”

“I always thought he was rather unusual,” Xiao Yuan said seriously.

“Unusual?”

“Every time he summons that giant blue hand, I sense the spiritual energy of the world tremble slightly. His inner power is full, seemingly inexhaustible, yet his true qi is very thin...” Xiao Yuan hesitated, then continued slowly, “It’s as if he possesses a special constitution.”

“Something like my Heavenly Sword Bone?”

“No, the Heavenly Sword Bone is a unique fate, but Sun Lang’s situation isn’t caused by fate. I can’t say for certain yet,” she replied.

“In any case, it’s not convenient to ask directly. We’ll leave it for another day.”

“You’re right,” Xiao Yuan’s lips curled into a smile. “After we finish our tea, let’s visit the tailor’s shop.”

“No,” Chi Yuan replied coolly. “You’re a spirit—why bother changing clothes?”

“Are you dense? I’m not buying for myself, but for you. If I want to change, a single thought suffices.” Xiao Yuan pointed at Chi Yuan angrily. To prove her point, she conjured an ice blossom and proudly tucked it into her hair.

Chi Yuan glanced at his own attire. Though the dark-robed man always brought him clothes when descending the mountain, they reflected his own tastes and felt a bit ostentatious.

“Alright,” Chi Yuan paused, “it suits you.”

Xiao Yuan blushed and turned away. “Of course—it’s me, after all!”

Chi Yuan chuckled inwardly. How childish she was.

Arriving at the tailor’s shop, a lean, bearded man greeted them with a smile, rubbing his hands.

“Are you here for new clothes or to alter the old ones?” he asked obsequiously.

“New clothes, ready today,” Chi Yuan said, placing a bag of money on the counter.

Seeing the bulging purse, the previously hesitant shopkeeper’s eyes sparkled with delight. “Certainly, please come in and choose your fabric.”

Deeper in the shop, a wooden door opened to reveal an array of fine silks and brocades. Chi Yuan listened to the shopkeeper’s introductions as he carefully examined the fabrics.

The shopkeeper pressed forward, but Chi Yuan stopped, selecting a bolt. It was deep black, finely stitched, thicker than ordinary silk, and carried a faint sandalwood scent.

“This one,” Chi Yuan said.

“That’s high-quality fabric, not cheap.”

“How much?”

“Sixty taels of silver per bolt.”

Chi Yuan produced a small gold ingot. “Together with the bag, is it enough for this fabric, the workmanship, and two garments?”

The shopkeeper’s eyes narrowed into slits as a smile spread across his face. “More than enough—please, come in.”

Soon, measurements were taken. “I’ll have the tailor make your clothes right away. Come back later to collect them.”

“Thank you,” Chi Yuan replied, turning to leave as the shopkeeper’s voice called after him, “Take care, sir!”

Xiao Yuan emerged beside him. “We still need to pick up your clothes—where are you off to?”

“I’ll accompany you. You looked like your eyes would fall out at those shops earlier.”

“No way!” Xiao Yuan pouted, glaring at Chi Yuan, arms crossed, eyes turned aside as she muttered, “Obviously you’re the one who hasn’t had enough fun!”

“Even if that’s true,” Chi Yuan smiled, “let’s go.”

Xiao Yuan walked ahead, peering curiously at everything. Chi Yuan patiently followed, never complaining despite circling the market several times.

“It’s so lively,” Xiao Yuan exclaimed, gazing at the bustling crowd. “I can’t even recall the last time I saw such a scene.”

“How old are you, anyway? Must be thousands of years by now,” Chi Yuan joked.

Xiao Yuan suddenly stopped and turned, her face wooden. “I don’t know. I’ve forgotten so much. My memories from before are broken.”

“Your memories?” Chi Yuan was puzzled. Wuyá’s memories are yours, aren’t they? Weren’t you born within Wuyá?

Xiao Yuan seemed equally perplexed, shaking her head gently. “No...”

“Miss, would you like a colorful stone bracelet?” A street vendor dressed as a Taoist interrupted. He sat cross-legged on a straw mat, a slender wooden table before him displaying curious trinkets. Lazily propped on one hand, he hooked a finger through a beaded bracelet and offered it to Xiao Yuan.

She took it, and the vendor recited, “The bracelet begins with Imperial Capital gold amber, followed by Demonic Domain phosphorite, then Southern Azure jade, paired with Demon Realm red agate, and finally Immortal Pool sheep-fat jade. All five elements combined, mutually reinforcing—warding off misfortune and evil, bringing good fortune. A rare treasure.”

Each bead was naturally formed, moist and vibrant, their colors harmonious and elegant. Xiao Yuan turned the bracelet between her fingers, then examined it closely—flawless and exquisitely pure.

She slipped it onto her wrist, and a strange sensation washed over her—familiar, yet utterly unknown. Frowning, she stared at the bracelet, lost in thought.

“How much?” Chi Yuan stepped forward.

The vendor propped one leg, hand on knee, chin resting on his other hand. With narrowed eyes and a half-smile, he said, “The young lady is fated—just three taels of gold, honest deal.”

“A stone bracelet for three taels of gold?” Xiao Yuan exclaimed.

“Rare goods, fair price.”

“You charlatan! Instead of cultivating, you scam people. Sell it to yourself!” Xiao Yuan angrily removed the bracelet and threw it back, turning to leave.

The vendor caught it and sighed, “It’s not expensive...”

Chi Yuan hesitated, then pulled a fine brocade pouch from his cosmic bag and handed it over. “This should suffice.”

The vendor weighed the pouch, smiled, “It’s enough.” He tossed the bracelet to Chi Yuan, tucked the pouch into his robe, and watched Chi Yuan leave, shaking his head as if helpless.

“Xiao Yuan!” Chi Yuan caught up, handing her the bracelet. “It’s for you.”

“Are you crazy? Why buy it?” Xiao Yuan was still indignant. “It’s not worth that much—three taels of gold!”

Chi Yuan smiled, shaking the bracelet. “Take it—it’s pretty. I’ve never given you anything before.”

“Hmph,” Xiao Yuan snatched the bracelet and slipped it on. A blush crept over her fair cheeks as she turned away. “You’ve only just come down the mountain and already learned so much. Now you’re trying to please me.”