Winteredge City sat on the edge of the northern industrial belt in Heavens Origin Kingdom, on the Eastern Emperor Continent. Though only a mid-sized industrial hub, it boasted a prime location: the Winteredge Mountains to the north and the Longqiao Canal to the south. It served as a vital canal port and the gateway to the mountains. Every day, massive goods flowed through, drawing hordes of adventurers bound for the peaks. The city wasn't large, but it buzzed with vibrant energy.
That morning, Old Zhang, owner of Zhang's Herbal Shop on the city's outskirts, jogged his usual two kilometers. As a non-Anomaly Power user, he couldn't absorb spiritual energy easily. Staying fit relied solely on daily exercise.
"Heard the news, Old Zhang?" Old Li panted beside him, grinning like he relished chaos. "Two Sinan Family members died recently on the Winteredge Mountains' outskirts!"
"Sinan Family? Who'd dare challenge Heavens Origin Kingdom's top clan?"
"Rumor says they got unlucky. An adult Boneplate Lion wandered out there."
"What a tragedy... But why were Sinan members here, not in the Imperial Capital?"
"Word is their head sensed intense spiritual energy fluctuations in the mountains. He sent a team to investigate."
"That alone riled them up?"
"Lately, big overseas events have made the Sinans jumpy. Just rumors though—I don't know details."
"Whatever happens, it's none of our business."
Later, back at his shop, Old Zhang found a small problem: his medicine-prep robe had been stolen.
Old Li returned to his own shop, lounging on the counter while smoking leisurely. Here, stores handled everything—sales, pawning, buying, consigning—but most were small private shops. Big ones were called exchanges.
As Old Li wondered about his first customer, the door opened. A figure in a wide robe entered, hood shadowing most of their face. Beneath the brim, cherry-red lips and an elegant jawline hinted at youth. Old Li's eyes flicked to the robe-straining curves. This girl was a stunning beauty.
She fumbled briefly, then placed an object on the counter. "Boss, name your price."
Her voice flowed like a nightingale's song, sweet and melodic. Old Li felt slightly dazed. He forced his focus onto the item to avoid looking foolish.
"Huh?" He inspected it, surprised. A high-grade Boneplate Lion spirit core—definitely from an adult. If she'd killed it, she was skilled.
But Old Li puzzled over it. Boneplate Lions ranked among the fiercest monstrous beasts in the Winteredge Mountains. Their cores were always in high demand. Past sellers acted arrogantly, naming outrageous prices while he begged for discounts. Yet this woman asked him to set the price. Rare. His experience screamed she was some noble family's heir—strong but clueless about market rates.
Well then... why not rip her off?
He feigned impatience, tossing the core casually on the counter. "This Boneplate Lion core's quality is low. Barely worth six thousand Tong coins. Deal now or leave it?"
The woman fell silent. Her body trembled slightly, as if hesitating. Then she lowered her hood.
"Uncle... this core's worth more. Could you pay extra?" Her coquettish voice melted his bones. A breathtaking face emerged: dark, sparkling eyes squinted mischievously; delicate brows furrowed in mock offense; pouting lips radiated pure temptation. An angelic face, devilish figure, and overly cute expression shattered Old Li's resolve instantly.
"Tell me... what's the usual price?"
"U-usually fifteen thousand Tong coins..." The truth slipped out. Old Li snapped awake. Damn, he'd fallen for her trick!
I stepped out of the shop clutching a wad of cash. Being pretty had perks... Without it, even if I'd seen through his scam, he'd never have admitted fault. Still, using beauty as a tool felt wrong. As someone originally male, it seemed beneath me.
Resistant or not, the money lifted my mood. I'd swapped the stolen robe—for avoiding harassment—for new clothes: a dark red hooded windbreaker over a gray long-sleeved shirt, black fitted trousers, and leather boots. Inside, I was still a man; I chose masculine styles. But my ultra-feminine face clashed oddly with the outfit. Was this wasting a gift from heaven?
I checked my purchases: a large backpack, spare clothes, water, dried rations... That shop had everything. I kept my hood up, hiding half my face. The shopkeeper's reaction proved my looks stunned even here. Stay low-key. Low-key.
As a newcomer, I marveled at everything. I'd expected ancient Chinese customs in this spiritual energy world, like cultivation novels. Reality differed wildly. This place was highly industrialized. Near the city edge, massive factories stood—identical to Earth's. Architecture blended Chinese and Western styles. Earth's fusion-loving architects would've geeked out over it.
Industrial zones meant streets weren't pretty or clean, but they pulsed with modern grit. Roads resembled asphalt, marked with simple traffic lines. Streetlights held glow-stone orbs instead of bulbs. Vehicles passed—elegant, 1930s-Earth-style antiques, but slower.
Work hours left streets nearly empty. I felt lost. My goal was understanding this world. Asking people seemed inefficient; a library would help. But no libraries here among factories. What now? Hail a taxi to downtown? Did taxis even exist here?
As I hesitated, a "beep-beep" honk cut through. A car stopped beside me. A kind-faced middle-aged woman leaned out. "Miss, new here?" I nodded. "Perfect! I'm visiting relatives downtown. Need a ride?"
...So suspicious. Unsolicited kindness hid ill intent. Web novels taught me: the first overly friendly stranger to a newcomer was bad news. But I recalled the Boneplate Lion I'd dismembered. If I handled monstrous beasts easily, why fear petty crooks? Fine, I'd hitch a ride.
"Thank you so much! First time traveling alone—I was stuck." Hooked! Granny Wang gloated inwardly. Seeing her swagger out of the shop with cash, she'd guessed gullible. But this unprepared? Too easy! She missed the young girl watching nearby as she ushered her prey into the car.
Inside, the woman chattered nonstop like an Earth taxi driver. I gave half-hearted replies, studying the car's interior. The cabin was ordinary. The driver's seat held the key: where a steering wheel should be, a smooth stone slab glowed pale blue like a touchscreen. She controlled the car by pressing her palm to it. No pedals, gears, or handbrake. Two gauges showed speed and what looked like remaining energy—though this car ran on no fuel I knew. To my Earth eyes, it needed serious upgrades. Could I consult for manufacturers to earn cash?
"We're here." Her voice startled me. Outside, skyscrapers loomed, pedestrians crowded clean streets, vehicles weaved. Definitely downtown.
"Thanks, Auntie. Drop me here."
"No rush. I'll see you through—let's get you to a hotel..."
The car twisted through alleys, ducking into an unassuming lane and a small building. The door slammed shut behind us. I stepped out. Six burly men surrounded me, faces twisted with menace.
