The duo continued onward after their encounter with the caravan. The scenery eventually becoming slightly monotonous to the two travelers. Fortunately, the rain had lessened over the course of the afternoon from a downpour to a light drizzle. Improving Yin Xiu's mood considerably.
As they got closer and closer to the city Hu Meng had to start walking in Yin Xiu's shadow, as the traffic on the road increased noticeably. Frequently they would pass by groups of travelers on the way to the city to start a new life or wagons coming to deliver various goods.
Just before evening, they walked up the crest of a hill, and the walls of the city appeared in their vision. They were tall and had three extremely prominent banners emblazoned with the crests of the families that controlled the city. Acting not only to declare ownership, but as a warning to any potential troublemakers.
"Yin Xiu, we finally made it." Hu Meng growled quietly with excitement. "I know, we'll have to be careful when we enter the city not to have you be discovered. I know you're excited, but we can't cause a scene." Yin Xiu whispered back apologetically.
"Don't worry about it. I'm excited enough just to see things from the shadows." Pausing slightly he continued. "Not to mention I'll really get to explore at night." He said with anticipation clear in his voice.
Ending their brief conversation, they made their way even more urgently as they finally had their destination in full view. A short time later Yin Xiu lined up at the northern gate of the city. "Two silver for entry." A gruff voice sounded from a man with a scar on the left side of his face, his robes emblazoned with a family crest, and a large seemingly heavily used saber hanging from his waist. Yin Xiu hurriedly handed over the fee before taking his first steps into human civilization in a long time.
As he entered the city the air seemed to thrum with the shouts of merchants hawking wares, people bargaining prices, and the low hum of conversations echoing through the streets. The bright colors and smell of food being served at various stalls seemed to speak directly to Yin Xiu's soul as he took a deep breath. Savoring the moment.
A few seconds later a scrawny man with a sly look in his eyes approached Yin Xiu who was busy taking a look at the chaotic scenery distractedly. "Is it your first time here sir?" The man's slightly sleazy voice reached Yin Xiu's ears. When he turned his gaze over to the man the individual seemed to hesitate slightly before his attitude became notcibly more respectful after feeling the slightly dangerous aura Yin Xiu exuded from his long time in the wilderness.
Cursing inwardly that he had mistaken an easy mark due to the rough clothes on Yin Xiu's body the man continued his solicitation naturally. "My name is Fu Ling, a local of Violet Mist city, if you wish to have a guide I'll be happy to serve you esteemed sir." Yin Xiu nodded slightly before asking in a polite tone "What is the fee?"
The man not daring to raise the price too high said humbly "Just two silver coins, and I can guide you for an hour." Yin Xiu nodded naturally before paying the man casually. When he handed the silver to Fu Ling, the coins seemed to disappear immediately, Yin Xiu barely catching the movement. In surprise, he noted inwardly that their guide might be a little more unusual than he expected.
"Take me to a clothing store where I can buy high quality robes, and then take me to an inn where I can rent a private courtyard." Yin Xiu instructed. The man smiled obsequiously before he gestured to follow, turning in a direction leading to a nicer part of the city. A few minutes passed before they arrived outside of a stately building constructed out of some type of fine white stone. Displays of various bolts of fabrics coming in all kinds of colors and patterns, and a myriad of finished robes of exquisite craftsmanship were visible from the street outside.
Fu Ling stopped before respectfully telling Yin Xiu, "This is the finest clothing company in the entire city the Hundred Silks Pavilion. True to their name they have a wide ranging industry across several major cities in Tempestuous Heaven, and each store has the largest selection of clothing materials and robes to choose from." He leaned down and whispered softly, "I've heard that at their headquarters you can even buy garments made from the silk of spirit beasts equivalent to foundation establishment realm cultivators." Yin Xiu's eye brows raised slightly in surprise at this piece of information before saying "This will work nicely, I need robes that will last me for quite a while."
Fu Ling nodded respectfully, "I'll wait for you to finish outside sir." Yin Xiu acquiesced before heading inside. Upon entering the building Yin Xiu quickly noticed several beautiful attendants showing guests various clothing. It took a second for a pretty looking clerk to finally approach the disheveled Yin Xiu with a fake smile on her face. "How may I help you sir?" she asked with feigned politeness as she observed the ragged looking youth with scrutiny.
Yin Xiu offered her a sunny smile while ignoring her obviously perfunctory tone of voice. "I need three sets of robes, two white and one black." The attendants expression became slightly more genuine after hearing the confident tone of voice Yin Xiu used as he stated his needs. "Follow me, and we'll take some measurements sir." She then led him to the back of the store before she measured Yin Xiu's body carefully, holding her breath as she tried to avoid smelling what she assumed would be a rancid odor.
After the measurements she quickly returned with several options to choose from. Pointing to the first set of robes she said "These robes are spun from the silk of ordinary silkworms and are the cheapest option at only four silver coins a set." She then pointed at the next set of robes that gave off a slight spiritual light, "These are spun from the silk of frost-touched silkworms, a type of unranked spirit beasts. The main qualities of these robes are that they have a slight cooling affect, and they are extremely light when worn. Perfect for the current summer heat. These are going for eight silver coins each."
Yin Xiu looked appraisingly at them before shaking his head slightly and asking "Are there any sets of robes that are more focused on durability?" Her eyes lit up slightly at the question before running to the back of the store, quickly returning with a new set of robes.
"These are robes made from the silk of the crystal-backed spider, another unranked spirit beast. Their silk is extremely dense, and has some self protection ability to the wearer once it is fashioned into a robe with our special techniques. It should be able to block at least one attack from a bone refinement realm expert with no damage to your person. This is the most high-end item we currently sell for your cultivation level sir. If you wish to see the Qi refining level garments you'll have to advance further in cultivation. As for the cost of these robes they are a gold coin apiece." Her smile seemed to grow slightly wider as she stated the price.
Yin Xiu observed the robes with scrutiny, the dense material obviously corroborating her statment before nodding in agreement. He reached into his sleeves and handed over the three gold coins for the robes, and asked offhandedly "Is your all's business focused on garments exclusively, or do you sell accessories as well?"
The attendant smiled apologetically at Yin Xiu "I'm sorry sir, but our business is a specialty store focusing solely on the production of various silk garments."
"I see..." Just as Yin Xiu was about to thank the attendant and leave, a thought struck his mind. "Is it possible to buy just a bolt of silk instead of a completely finished garment?" The young ladies expression was puzzled, but she still nodded in agreement. "It is possible, do you wish to purchase the same silk as the robes you've acquired?" Receiving an affirmative nod the attendant went over and selected a bolt of white silk that had a faint spirituality before returning. "The price is five silver coins sir." Paying easily, Yin Xiu walked out of the store contentedly with his purchases safely stored in his storage bag with the silent help of Hu Meng.
Fu Ling quickly approached after seeing Yin Xiu exiting the store before showing his usual subservient smile, not asking any questions about Yin Xiu's lack of goods. "Well, sir please follow me, and I'll take you to a reputable place to stay." Continuing south into the more affluent areas of the city Fu Ling cautiously asked. "Pardon me sir, but may I ask what brings you to Violet Mist City?"
Yin Xiu glanced over slightly before saying, "I'm here to sell some materials I found on my last excursion for materials I need for my cultivation." Fu Ling's eyes lit up slightly before quietly saying "Well since you are looking to get rid of some goods I might have a suggestion." Yin Xiu's interest was aroused at his words. "What advice do you have?"
Fu Ling handed over a small black card with an insignia depicting the head of an eagle emblazoned on it. "The Ye clan runs a small marketplace where cultivators can make deals of any kind. Even some... distasteful materials can be purchased there." Fu Ling looked around slightly to ensure no one was eavesdropping on their conversation. "If you're interested I can take you to that market tonight... For a small fee of course." Fu Ling said as he subconsciously wrung his hands. Yin Xiu chuckled slightly at the man's tone before nodding. "I'm definitely interested, but I plan on taking a rest tonight." He paused slightly before continuing. "If you're able, why don't you come to my residence tomorrow night after I've made some preparations and you can guide me then?"
Fu Ling nodded easily a the request, the light of money seeming to glow in his eyes. "I'd be delighted to."
They continued forward for a few minutes stopping before a sprawling area of residences at which Fu Ling pointed to the main building in front. "Here we are sir, if you wish to rent a courtyard this is the best establishment to do so. It is a property jointly managed by the three major clans in the city. Safety is all but guaranteed." Yin Xiu nodded approvingly and bid farewell, "See you tomorrow night Fu Ling." Not waiting for a reply he walked straight into the large building.