Chapter 482: Some Time with Sun Luguo
Chapter 482: Some Time with Sun Luguo
The sun had already begun its slow descent toward the horizon as Sun Luguo led Kyrian through the broad avenues of the Sky Caravan.
The sky was painted in shades of orange and crimson, a celestial masterpiece stretching over the floating city like a mantle of fire and gold.
The clouds, dyed by the colors of twilight, resembled mountains suspended in the air, their shapes slowly transforming as the light changed.
The city remained incredibly busy. The end of the day brought no rest to the Caravan. In fact, the streets seemed even more crowded than they had been that morning.
Thousands of people moved in every direction, each with their own destination.
Merchants loudly advertised their wares, their voices overlapping in a chaotic symphony of offers and bargains. Some carried enormous crates of spiritual wood, while others displayed their goods on makeshift stalls stretching along the sidewalks.
Fabrics that shimmered with their own light, exotic fruits that radiated Qi, weapons that seemed to vibrate with restrained energy, everything was for sale, everything could be negotiated.
Cultivators hurried between the countless trading halls. Some wore fine silk robes adorned with the symbols of their sects or families. Others were dressed in light armor, their hands resting naturally on the hilts of their weapons.
Children ran through the streets carrying spiritual sweets in their hands, their laughter echoing between the buildings. Small spirit beasts followed them, some resembling cats with gleaming fur, others tiny birds that sang melodious tunes.
Street performers displayed simple Qi techniques to entertain visitors, creating illusions of dancing flames or flowers that blossomed within seconds.
But as Sun Luguo continued forward...
People naturally stepped aside.
It was a curious phenomenon to witness. Wherever the enormous blacksmith set foot, the crowd parted like water before a stone. Not out of fear, Kyrian could clearly tell that wasn’t the reason. The expressions on people’s faces reflected genuine respect and sincere admiration.
"Master Sun!" A middle-aged merchant interrupted his negotiation to greet him, a broad smile lighting up his face.
"It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you!"
"Master Sun, I hope you’ve been well!" A young cultivator gave a slight bow, her eyes shining with admiration.
"Master Sun!" Another man, carrying a stack of spirit beast hides, practically bowed as he passed.
Numerous merchants interrupted their work simply to greet him. Some cultivators offered respectful bows. Even shop owners stepped outside just to exchange a few words, as though the blacksmith’s presence itself were an event.
Sun Luguo greeted everyone with a broad smile. His deep, powerful voice echoed through the streets like the ringing of distant bells.
"Hahaha! I’m still alive!" He slapped his chest with an open palm.
"How’s your wife doing, old friend?"
"Still selling those terrible spears?" A hearty laugh followed the teasing.
"One day I’ll teach you how to forge a real weapon!"
"Take good care of your business!" He waved to a group of merchants.
"If you ever need anything, you know where to find me!"
Kyrian walked a few steps behind, silently observing everything. His violet eyes swept across every scene, taking in every detail.
’He truly is respected.’
It wasn’t just fame. Kyrian had seen many famous people throughout his life, nobles who demanded bows, powerful cultivators who inspired fear, leaders who commanded through the prestige of their positions.
But this was different.
The people showed genuine respect, not out of obligation or fear, but because they truly admired the man. Every smile Sun Luguo received was sincere. Every greeting came from the heart.
None of those greetings felt forced. There was none of the tension that usually accompanied encounters with powerful figures, only human warmth and genuine affection.
Kyrian observed the way Sun Luguo interacted with each person. The blacksmith never rushed. He ignored no one. Every greeting received a response, and every question genuine attention. He remembered names, remembered stories, remembered the little details of people’s lives.
"This..." Kyrian murmured to himself, almost inaudibly.
"...is something rare."
After nearly twenty minutes of walking, with the sky now painted in darker shades of purple and deep blue...
The two arrived before an enormous building.
The structure was impressive, even by the standards of the Sky Caravan. It was built entirely from red spiritual wood, a rare material that radiated gentle warmth and the sweet fragrance of ancient cedar. The wood seemed alive, its grain glowing with an inner light that intensified as night approached.
The columns supporting the entrance were as thick as ancient trees, each carved with scenes of celestial banquets. Golden dragons were engraved into the walls, their serpentine forms winding around the windows and doors like guardians carved from wood.
A rich aroma of roasted meat, spiritual herbs, and wine drifted through the massive open doors, enveloping passersby like a fragrant embrace.
The scent was so rich and complex that Kyrian felt his stomach let out a quiet growl, something that, to his own surprise, almost made him smile.
Above the entrance hung an enormous plaque, crafted from the same golden metal that adorned the rest of the building. Spiritual characters glowed softly, forming the establishment’s name.
"Palace of Heavenly Delicacies."
"Ah..." Sun Luguo stopped before the entrance, taking a deep breath.
"Nothing compares to the smell of this place. Worth every spirit coin."
The moment Sun Luguo stepped inside...
The staff practically rushed over to greet him.
It was an almost comical sight. Five attendants, dressed in red and gold silk uniforms, quickly lined up and bowed deeply. A middle-aged man, clearly the manager, appeared immediately, his face lit up by a broad smile.
"Master Sun!" The man bowed almost to the floor.
"It’s been months since your last visit! We were beginning to think you had forgotten about us!"
Sun Luguo burst into laughter, the sound reverberating through the wooden walls.
"Hahaha! I’ve been far too busy hammering iron, my friend. But how could I ever forget the finest restaurant in the entire Caravan?"
The manager laughed, clearly flattered.
"Your private room is ready. As always."
Kyrian observed the exchange carefully. There was no need to ask for a reservation. There was no need to negotiate or prove anything.
They were immediately escorted to the upper floors. They passed through several quiet corridors, each decorated with paintings of celestial landscapes and sculptures of mythical beasts. The red wood beneath their feet was soft, almost like carpet, and every step produced a gentle, pleasant sound.
Until they arrived before a massive pair of double doors, carved with scenes of dragons soaring through the clouds. When the doors were opened...