"Everyone, let's go," said Lein as he stepped toward the front carriage. His voice was firm, signaling his group to move imdiately.
Without hesitation, the twenty attendants accompanying Madam Fatmawati boarded the four carriages at the back. Five people entered each carriage, quickly filling the available space. anwhile, Lein, Laras, Bagus, and Madam Fatmawati entered the front carriage, which looked more luxurious and comfortable.
Bagus quickened his pace to approach Lein. His expression revealed an enthusiasm he could barely hide. "Excuse , Master Lein. May I drive it?" he asked, his voice filled with eagerness.
Lein turned with a skeptical look. His gaze was sharp, as if ensuring Bagus wasn't joking. "Since when can you drive a horse carriage?" he asked coldly.
Bagus chuckled awkwardly, then answered with confident tone, "Uh... never, Master. But I'm sure I can do it."
Lein shifted his gaze to the carriage owner standing nearby. "Can this carriage be driven by an outsider?" he asked, clearly wanting to confirm.
The owner gave a small nod but appeared hesitant. "It depends on the horse, Sir. Sotis they refuse for no apparent reason," he replied.
Lein glanced back at Bagus, as if giving him one last chance to reconsider. But the man just smiled confidently. "I can do it, Master. I'll give it a try," he said as he stepped closer to the horse.
The original driver reluctantly got down from the horse's back, handing over the reins to Bagus, who looked excited. With a relaxed yet determined movent, Bagus leapt onto the horse's back and grabbed the reins. He paused briefly, waiting for the horse's reaction.
In a few long seconds, the horse remained calm. Its large eyes blinked slowly, as if observing and evaluating the new rider on its back. Finally, the horse let out a light neigh, a sign of approval.
Bagus bead widely, then turned to Lein and the others. "Co on up, Master Lein, Miss Laras, Madam Fatmawati," he called out enthusiastically.
Lein just shook his head slightly. anwhile, Laras gave Bagus a sharp look before stepping into the carriage. That gaze was not only intimidating but also seed like a silent warning. Bagus imdiately felt a weight on his chest. He knew there was no room for mistakes.
Once everyone was ready, Bagus gently tugged on the reins. The horse began to move forward, followed by the four carriages behind it. Its movents were smooth, almost without jolts, as if gliding on a bed of clouds.
"This is incredibly comfortable," comnted Madam Fatmawati from inside the carriage, her voice sounding pleased.
Lein observed his surroundings with sharp eyes, then murmured softly, "No wonder it costs 2,000 energy crystals for one day."
Up front, Bagus, still holding the reins, looked like a child who had just gotten his dream toy. He shouted excitedly, "Hahaha! This horse is amazing!"
***
Seed Shop – Nagung City Branch
A five-story store stood firmly amidst a row of magnificent buildings on the city's main street. With walls coated in premium materials that shimred subtly under the sunlight, the shop beca the center of attention. Above the main door, a large sign reading "Seed Shop – Nagung City Branch" glowed softly with energy crystals. The building was clearly designed to exude class and trustworthiness.
In the front yard, the hustle and bustle were evident. People ca and went, so alone, others in groups. They entered quickly, as if impatient to see the shop's contents. So exited with satisfied expressions, carrying neatly wrapped purchases. However, among them, a teenage boy around fifteen years old caught the eye. His tattered clothes, full of patches and faded in color, contrasted sharply with the luxury around him. The people nearby stepped aside, casting disgusted looks as if afraid his shabby attire carried a curse.
Such scenes were not uncommon in the world of cultivators. The disparity between nobles and commoners was stark, especially for those from the poorest classes, like the boy. Yet he showed no signs of caring. His gaze was sharp, filled with determination, indicating he had co to this place with a clear purpose.
As he entered the shop, his steps were steady despite his worn-out appearance. He moved cautiously, his body seemingly programd to always be on alert. He walked leisurely toward the left side of the first floor, where weapons were neatly displayed on dark mahogany racks. His eyes carefully scanned each weapon, as if asuring their strength.
"Wind Spear," he murmured softly, stopping in front of a long spear. The spear was sleek, with a simple design yet clearly crafted for speed. Its thin blade appeared incredibly sharp, exuding an elegant yet lethal aura.
He reached out, gently touching the spear's shaft, feeling its texture. But his gaze quickly dropped to the bottom of the rack, where the price of the spear was listed.
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"50 energy crystals."
"Not enough," he murmured quietly. Though his voice was soft, the disappointnt in it was evident. He continued scanning the other weapon racks, searching for sothing more affordable. However, all the weapon prices ranged from 50 to 1,000 energy crystals, far beyond his reach.
Across the room, a shop attendant who had been observing him from a distance began approaching. The attendant's gaze was sharp and watchful, like a guard sensing danger.
"Stop. What are you doing?" he asked coldly. Although his voice was calm, his eyes radiated displeasure.
The boy turned slowly, his expression flat but filled with confidence. "I'm looking to buy equipnt that suits ," he replied directly, his voice clear and unwavering.
The attendant raised an eyebrow, scanning him from head to toe with a condescending look. "These weapons aren't enough for you?" he asked sarcastically, seemingly trying to provoke a certain response.
The boy smiled faintly, a smile that seed too calm for soone his age. "I'm very interested if there's sothing better," he said, his tone innocent yet brimming with confidence.
To the shop attendant, the response sounded like arrogance. He snorted softly, then asked mockingly, "How many energy crystals do you have?"
Instead of feeling offended, the boy remained calm. He reached into a small cloth pouch at his waist, carefully untying its knot.
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