Zhao Yun and the others traveled with the Silver Card Mercenary Group, hurrying towards Emerald City. Along the way, although the group encountered harassment from some small Demonic Beasts, they were easily resolved in the face of the strength of Zhao Yun, Leah, and the others.
As they got closer and closer to Emerald City, the mood of the group became increasingly complex.
Aleia and Nia were full of curiosity and anticipation for this unfamiliar city, chattering about the new things they might find there.
Zhao Yun, however, was focused on quickly buying a Great Healing Scroll to heal Ross's injuries and find the way home sooner.
Finally, on a bright and sunny morning, the outline of Emerald City appeared before them.
The city resembled a dazzling pearl, embedded upon the vast land. The City wall was constructed of massive lapis lazuli, emitting a faint blue glow under the sunlight. Mysterious arrow-shaped Demonic Marks flowed across the Battlements, and every so often, an exquisite Griffin statue stood guard.
At the City Gate, the guards, clad in magnificent yet sturdy Armor, held Long Spears, vigilantly checking the identities of those entering the city.
Zhao Yun and the others arrived before the City Gate. Leah negotiated with the guards for a few moments, and the group successfully entered the city.
Upon entering, the bustling and prosperous scene immediately greeted them. On the streets, all sorts of people bustled about: Magicians in long robes, their Magic Wands flashing with strange light; adventurers carrying Backpacks, their eyes revealing a thirst for the unknown; and various hawkers selling a dazzling array of goods, from precious Potions to strange and bizarre magic items—they had everything.
"There are seven magic supply shops in the East District of Emerald City, but I recommend 'Secret Vault'."
Leah rode alongside Zhao Yun, "The shop owner was previously a court Magician in the Dorte Kingdom. After getting old, she opened a magic supply shop; her reputation is very reliable."
She suddenly pursed her lips and chuckled, "When she sees handsome customers, that old woman always gives a bigger discount."
Aleia's tail swept across the carriage shaft, and Nia cried out, covering her reddened knee.
The Cat Ears girl feigned composure, smoothing the fluff on her ear tips: "Some people should hurry up and turn in their quests. I heard the Silver Card Mercenary Group will be demoted if they don't complete enough missions soon."
Leah's gilded earring flashed coldly, just as she was about to retort. Zhao Yun raised his hand in a calming gesture; the tassel on the Star Shattering Spear handle swept between the two women, instantly calming the agitated atmosphere.
"Meet here tomorrow night, and we'll head to the Black Market together."
"Understood. I'll go handle the Mercenary Group's affairs first." The Female Swordsman reined in her horse and turned toward the Mercenary Guild. As she departed, her gaze swept over the faintly flashing Dragon Mark on Zhao Yun's left arm.
When the Female Swordsman's figure disappeared around the street corner, Nia immediately jumped onto the roof of the carriage and cheered, "Finally, I don't have to smell that Frost scent anymore!"
After bidding farewell to Leah, Zhao Yun took Aleia and Nia to the "Secret Vault." The shop's entrance was made of bronze, and the doorknob was carved with a pattern of two snakes swallowing each other's tails, looking incredibly lifelike.
As soon as Zhao Yun touched the snake's eye, the sound of turning Gears came from inside the door. Immediately after, twelve floating candlesticks automatically lit up, casting a soft glow throughout the entire shop.
The walls inside the shop were lined with sandalwood shelves, upon which thousands of crystal boxes were displayed. Each box sealed a Magic Scroll, its Parchment edges shimmering with anti-counterfeiting Runes outlined in Mithril, exuding a mysterious aura.
Behind the counter, the retired royal Magician Lisa was dozing with her eyes narrowed. Hearing the movement, she slowly raised her head and smiled, "Welcome, young man. You carry an interesting aura, especially you."
Her gaze fell upon the faintly shimmering Dragon Mark on Zhao Yun's left arm, and a strange light flashed in her eyes.
Zhao Yun ignored her gaze: "I want to buy a Great Healing Scroll. Do you have one here?"
Lisa smiled and took out a yellowed Scroll from under the counter.
"A Great Healing Scroll? I do happen to have one. This is a fine item, originally twenty Gold Coins. Since you are handsome, I'll give you a ten percent discount—eighteen Gold Coins."
Zhao Yun readily pulled out his money pouch and placed eighteen Gold Coins on the counter.
Lisa took the Gold Coins and examined them carefully. After confirming they were correct, she handed the Scroll to Zhao Yun.
Just as Zhao Yun reached out to take it, Lisa suddenly withdrew her hand, the smile vanishing from her face, replaced by a look of sternness.
"Wait, young man. This Great Healing Scroll can only be cast by someone with sufficient Magic Power. Are you sure you can use it?"
Zhao Yun frowned slightly, circulated his Inner Qi, and the Dragon Pattern Light on his left arm shone brightly. A mysterious and powerful force surged out from within him, enveloping his surroundings.
Seeing this, Lisa's eyes widened: "Such pure Magic Power! It seems this Scroll is destined for you." Only then did she hand the Scroll to Zhao Yun with relief.
Zhao Yun took the Scroll, placed it inside his robes, and prepared to leave with Aleia and Nia.
Just then, Aleia suddenly pointed at a crystal box on the shelf and asked curiously, "What is sealed inside that one?"
Lisa followed the direction she pointed, a mysterious smile appearing on her face.
"That is a Time Reversal Potion. It is said that it can allow someone to return to a specific moment in the past, but it only lasts for a brief moment, and using it is extremely dangerous. A slight mistake could lead to being lost in the torrent of time."
Aleia stuck out her tongue, tugged at Zhao Yun's robe, and urged him to leave quickly.
The three left the shop. Sunlight bathed them, and Aleia and Nia excitedly discussed the strange things they had seen inside.
Zhao Yun, however, fell into deep thought. He gently stroked the Great Healing Scroll in his embrace, calculating his next plan.
In this world full of unknowns and dangers, a set of suitable Armor was crucial for him. He recalled the Changban Slope battlefield, where he, clad in Silver Armor White Robe, charged across the field.
On this unfamiliar continent, he still wished to restore his original attire; it made him feel connected to his former world.
Zhao Yun decided to look for a shop capable of crafting the Armor he envisioned.
He inquired with the owner of a nearby shop and learned that there was an armor shop in the city called "Moon's Radiance," which housed a master craftsman skilled in forging all kinds of unique Armor.
The owner provided the exact location of "Moon's Radiance." Zhao Yun cupped his hands in thanks and set off with Aleia and Nia toward "Moon's Radiance."