Chapter Twenty-Three: The Dessert Gathering

Xie Yanluo truly hadn’t lied—the Western Market was indeed the place with the richest cultivation resources in all of the Lanye Empire. After all, the prestigious Nightleaf Academy stood here, and within its walls lived those most in need of training in the empire.

“Take a look at this bottle of Hundred-Spirit Pills! It can increase your cultivation efficiency by twenty percent, and most importantly, there are no side effects and almost no resistance. Don’t miss out as you pass by!”

“Have you heard of the Dragon-Tiger Bone Strengthening Patch? It solidifies the skeleton and boosts vitality—a perfect basic resource. Buying one is never a loss, never a mistake.”

These cries rose and fell on either side of the trio as they walked. Liu Ru turned her head to look at Xie Yanluo. “Are these things really useful?” she asked, for many of the wares being hawked here were ones she had never even heard of.

“Many are formulas that have leaked out from inside the academy,” Xie Yanluo replied coolly. “Very few dare to sell fakes or shoddy products in the Western Market—if reported, the penalties far outweigh any gain. Still, you don’t seem all that interested in these things.”

“I need to pick out some herbs for him,” Liu Ru said, glancing at Su Ziye beside her. “So I don’t need these ready-made pills. Where’s the herb section? Lead the way.”

“Are you really treating me like your personal guide?” Xie Yanluo looked at Liu Ru with a half-smile.

“It’s because you seem so familiar with this place. You must really love shopping,” Liu Ru replied, gazing at her.

For a moment, Xie Yanluo was at a loss for words.

“Follow me,” she said helplessly.

With Xie Yanluo leading the way, the three soon reached the so-called herb section. The Western Market wasn’t an open-air bazaar but was divided into levels and districts within this massive city. Without true familiarity, it was almost impossible not to get lost.

Fortunately, Xie Yanluo knew it like the back of her hand.

“I didn’t expect you to be so knowledgeable about these herbs,” Xie Yanluo couldn’t help but praise Liu Ru.

The herb section of the Western Market was the best and most comprehensive on the continent. Yet before Xie Yanluo’s eyes, Liu Ru bargained seriously with the vendors, inspecting each herb, still damp with fresh earth, and discussing their strengths and flaws in detail—so much so that some stall owners were left speechless.

So, in less than half an hour, Liu Ru was laden with goods, and Su Ziye’s shoulders were burdened with heavy bundles as well.

“It’s nothing,” Liu Ru replied calmly. “It’s just that the selection here is truly complete.”

“Where are you planning to eat?” Xie Yanluo asked. “In Nightleaf City, aside from the academy and the inns, only the Eastern and Western Markets have places to dine.”

“Do you have any recommendations?” Liu Ru asked, looking at Xie Yanluo.

Though Xie Yanluo had seemed hostile when she first approached, Liu Ru was, after all, a girl of extraordinary poise and beauty, impeccable in her manners. After spending some time together, Xie Yanluo realized she genuinely possessed great talent, and her chances of being admitted to Nightleaf Academy were nearly certain. Her attitude had softened considerably.

“I usually eat at the academy, so I’m not really familiar with places out here,” Xie Yanluo demurred.

“My treat,” Liu Ru said lightly.

At once, Xie Yanluo grew excited. “I know a dessert shop that’s absolutely delicious!”

“Eh?” Su Ziye, beside them, couldn’t help making a strange noise, and Xie Yanluo, unable to suppress the flare of excitement in her genes, blushed slightly. “If you don’t like it, then forget it.”

...

“Actually, we academy students aren’t all that wealthy,” Xie Yanluo said as she took small spoonfuls of the golden honey cake in front of her.

“All expenses within the academy are free. For special luxuries, you need to exchange points. Though there’s no tuition to burden our families, the academy doesn’t give out spending money either.”

“If you join the Snowfall Society, there are internal subsidies, but those are usually spent on cultivation resources, rarely for personal enjoyment.”

At the table, Xie Yanluo began to speak more freely. Sweets, after all, did lift one’s spirits.

Having barely slept the night before and now assigning herself the task of supervising Liu Ru and Su Ziye, Xie Yanluo had braced herself for hardship.

But she hadn’t expected this self-imposed mission to be so pleasant and easy.

Just shopping and a dessert gathering!

“Yet so many still aspire to become students at Nightleaf,” Liu Ru remarked, looking at Xie Yanluo. “Let alone joining the Snowfall Society.”

“Nightleaf Academy is the dream of everyone in the empire,” Xie Yanluo nodded. “I always hoped to come here, but I knew very well just how slim the chances were. Even now, I sometimes wonder if I’m dreaming.”

“What do you plan to do after leaving Nightleaf Academy?” Liu Ru pressed, her gaze lingering on the small cup of lemon ice cream before her. Just as Xie Yanluo had said, it was delicious—but what she wanted more was to glean further insights about Nightleaf Academy.

“After leaving the academy?” Xie Yanluo looked into the distance, her eyes growing a little hazy. “To be honest, I’ve never thought that far ahead. If I had my way, I’d stay at the academy for life.”

“But that’s impossible. My qualifications and cultivation aren’t exceptional enough—there’s almost no chance of staying on as faculty. Besides, my family wants me to graduate early, achieve something, and improve our circumstances.”

“Of course, after graduation, whether I join the military—the empire’s army is very eager for members of the Snowfall Society—or work for the state, or even strike out on my own as a mercenary, all these paths are open and promising.”

“The academy is truly the world’s best golden ticket.”

Xie Yanluo spoke softly; she was not one of those chosen few who had always known their destined path.

She was outstanding enough to stand out among millions and earn her place at Nightleaf Academy, but there she was just an ordinary person. No matter how intoxicating life at Nightleaf might be, all things must end. Sooner or later, she would have to leave and embrace a new life.

“I’ve found someone here suspected of theft. Please come with me.”

Just then, an untimely voice broke in.

Xie Yanluo looked up and saw a man in a black uniform standing before them.

“Who are you?” Xie Yanluo asked.

The man in the black uniform opened his palm, revealing a credential with a black snowflake cover.

“Snowfall Society business. All irrelevant parties, step aside.”