Magic cores, on the Dou Qi Continent, are also known as magic crystals or the prototypes of spirit pills. As the name suggests, these are energy crystal nuclei within the bodies of magical beasts, filled with extremely violent world energy. Even a Dou Wang wouldn’t dare to absorb such wild energy directly, risking the danger of self-destruction. Although magic cores cannot be absorbed directly, they are indispensable primary materials for alchemists. After being refined by an alchemist’s secret methods, the violent properties of the cores are neutralized by certain wondrous herbs, transforming them into various spirit medicines that can greatly enhance one’s strength, causing their value to skyrocket instantly! Moreover, magic cores can also be infused into weapons. A weapon enhanced by a magic core not only possesses greater destructive power but also has the enticing effect of amplifying one’s Dou Qi, making it highly sought after by the warrior class on the Dou Qi Continent. Of course, in addition to weapons, magic cores can also be infused into items like armor, providing the owner with formidable defensive capabilities, offering additional assurance of life when facing danger. Given these numerous special effects, it’s no wonder that magic cores have become the most popular mainstream material on the Dou Qi Continent. Not only warriors, but even the noble alchemists, often go out of their way to search the entire world for high-grade magic cores, to refine more advanced pills. Driven by this trend, magic cores on the continent are almost always in short supply, and high-grade cores, once appearing at auctions or elsewhere, are quickly purchased at a high price. The high cost of magic cores naturally led to the formation of many mercenary groups that specialized in hunting magical beasts. However, obtaining a magic core is not an easy task. First, magical beasts are not only powerful but also extremely cunning. Due to their fierce nature and unique attack methods, they often outmatch human warriors of the same level, so attempting to hunt a magical beast alone without extraordinary strength is akin to snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Secondly, not all magical beasts contain a magic core within their bodies; it seems to be a matter of chance. Sometimes, after a mercenary group sacrifices half its members to slay a beast, they may end up with nothing. Such incidents are not uncommon on the Dou Qi Continent. Therefore, the value of magic cores on the Dou Qi Continent has always been extremely high and in high demand.
…
Leading Xuner through the spacious streets, Xiao Yan finally turned into a medium-sized marketplace located in the southern part of the city. There are several such marketplaces in Utan City, each controlled by one of the three major families. The marketplace Xiao Yan entered was managed by the Xiao Family…
Saying “managed” is a bit of an understatement; it’s more about maintaining the order and safety of the marketplace. As compensation, the mercenaries and merchants who set up stalls there pay a certain fee to the family. This is a long-standing rule on the Dou Qi Continent, and few dare to cause trouble.
Entering through the marketplace gate, two Xiao Family guards stood at the entrance. They clearly recognized Xiao Yan and Xuner. Seeing their arrival, they were momentarily stunned before bowing slightly. Nodding slightly, Xiao Yan walked straight in, standing by the gate and watching the constant stream of people inside. He couldn’t help but whistle. No wonder the family strictly controls the marketplace; the profit brought by such a bustling scene must be substantial…
“Third Young Master, Miss Xuner, are you here to buy something?” Just as the two were feeling a bit dazed by the crowd, a respectful voice came from behind.
Turning his head at the sound, Xiao Yan saw a group of seven or eight men in the uniform of the Xiao Family standing behind them. The speaker was a sturdy man around thirty years old, with a badge on his chest showing six golden stars, indicating he was a six-star Dou Zhe.
Seeing Xiao Yan’s puzzled look, the man smiled warmly and said respectfully, “Third Young Master, my name is Payne. I am the guard captain appointed personally by the Clan Head to ensure the safety of the marketplace. Last year, I came to visit during your birthday…”
“Oh, it’s Uncle Payne,” Xiao Yan blinked, though he didn’t remember this man. However, his introduction made Xiao Yan smile. Since he was appointed by his father, he was a direct subordinate, and his loyalty should not be in question.
The Xiao Family, while not a superpower, still had internal factions. If this man belonged to one of the other elders’ factions, Xiao Yan would have been less interested. But since he was loyal to the main line, it was different.
“Bored with staying in the clan, I came out for a walk. You go ahead and do your work, Uncle Payne. I’ll call you if I need anything,” Xiao Yan’s young voice was not arrogant but rather polite and gentle, making the listeners feel at ease.
The respectful “Uncle” made Payne’s smile deepen, and he became even more enthusiastic. Scratching his head, he nodded and said, “Then, Third Young Master, you may wander freely. Our people are everywhere in the marketplace, and if you need anything, just call out.”
Nodding politely, Xiao Yan took Xuner’s hand and merged into the crowd, disappearing from sight…
“Pali, take two men to follow Third Young Master. Warn those cheats in the marketplace that if anyone dares to mess with Third Young Master or Miss Xuner, they won’t be able to stay here any longer.” Watching the two figures disappear, Payne turned to a burly man and ordered, his previously warm expression turning sharp.
“Yes, Captain!” The burly man nodded, waved his hand, and led two others into the crowd.
“Hehe, Third Young Master is still so gentle, really making people comfortable…” Looking at the three men blending into the crowd, Payne smiled, then sighed regretfully, “Such a fine young man, but unfortunately, sigh…”
Shaking his head in regret, Payne also led his men on patrol…
Lazily following Xiao Yan as he browsed, Xuner subtly glanced back at the crowd and smiled faintly, “Brother Xiao Yan, Payne is quite good.”
Xiao Yan softly hummed in agreement, his gaze sweeping over a nearby stall. His soul perception was much stronger than the average person’s, so he knew exactly about the guards following them. Withdrawing his gaze, Xiao Yan slowed down, walking side by side with the girl, and sniffing her fresh, lotus-like scent, he teased, “Nine segments of Dou Qi, yet able to sense three hidden guards, Xuner, you’re quite extraordinary…”
Xuner imitated Xiao Yan, shrugging cutely, and used her trump card again: a silent, sweet smile!
Gazing at the girl who remained silent, Xiao Yan smiled warmly, patting her head gently and whispered, “Although I don’t know your true identity or background, I only know that you are my sister, Xuner. No matter what happens in the future, remember, stand behind me, and I will shield you from the storms!”
Smiling lightly, Xiao Yan patted her head again and quickened his pace, moving forward.
Stopping, Xuner fluttered her beautiful, lively eyes, staring at the boy who had walked off coolly. Standing there for a while, she finally snapped out of it, her soft smile gradually widening until it illuminated her delicate face, rendering her enchantingly charming.
In the bustling marketplace, the girl stood and smiled lightly, her elegant figure resembling a pure lotus flower, serene and graceful…
“A sister? Xuner is a very greedy girl indeed…” Tilted her head, Xuner murmured softly, then chuckled lightly, stepping delicately to catch up with the leisurely boy.
…
Following Xiao Yan through the marketplace, they eventually reached the inner area, where the goods sold were more precious. Thus, the customers who could afford to shop here had some status in Utan City.
While Xiao Yan was busily searching for magic crystals, Xuner, out of boredom, wandered to a clean stall. She paused gracefully, extending her fair, delicate wrist to pick up a light green bracelet. The material was ordinary, but it had some icy silver added, making it cool to the touch and perfect for summer. Though simple, it was uniquely elegant…
Playing with it for a moment, Xuner was about to buy it but remembered she had lent all her money to Xiao Yan. Turning slightly, she saw Xiao Yan engrossed in his task, and could only shake her head in resignation. She gave the elderly vendor a regretful smile, put down the bracelet, and continued her lazy walk…
With her gentle nature, she rarely asked anyone to buy her things, even Xiao Yan…
Walking a short distance, the somewhat bored Xuner was about to return to Xiao Yan when a clear, bright laugh suddenly rang out from ahead.
“Ah, isn’t that Miss Xuner? Haha, I never expected to meet you here. What a coincidence!”
Frowning slightly, Xuner looked towards the source of the voice and saw a group of people approaching. In the center, a well-dressed, handsome youth was surrounded by a throng of admirers.
The youth was around twenty, with a rather attractive face, though his complexion was a bit pale. His eyes, now fixed on the elegant, upright young lady, shone with undisguised admiration.
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