Chapter 16: Evermore

Millions of miles lay between the Heavenly Divine Demon Sect and the Wildlands, yet it was possible to move quickly between the two so quickly.

The answer was teleportation arrays, powerful tools created by Heavenly Eye cultivators who had insights into the concept of space.

The closest Teleportation array to the sect belonged to the illustrious Zhuge Clan, within the confines of a city considered by almost all who belonged to the unorthodox side of the continent as the center of trade and nicknamed the city of built of spirit stones.

"How can the teleportation array actually be undergoing maintenance?!"

Anissa spoke in an annoyed tone to a short man who was in the foundation establishment realm.

"Forgive me dear customer, but it seems that the formation array has gradually faded, we will one hundred percent be able to fix it by tomorrow morning, we would appreciate your patience until then." the short man at the counter bowed to her.

Anissa exited the building clearly not in a good mode, the entrance that she stormed out of held a large sign titled Zhuge Chamber Of Commerce.

The street itself was lined with various vendors offering everything from martial arts manuals to weapons and even food carts.

Anissa was surprised as she saw Feng Zhiming leaning on a candy apple cart waiting for her while talking to some random men she had never seen before.

He had changed his outfit from the sect robes to another royal blue robe with golden streaks that lined it, along with a sash at his waist that was also golden, they had gotten matching robes because getting matching robes was discounted, and they were pretending to be master and disciple.

This was a far cry from the scene of him towering over Louba Tian she remembered.

When the men had left, she approached him and was about to bow as a greeting when she felt his hand stop her, he leaned in and whispered to her.

"Don't bow to me it would be inconvenient, we're pretending to be master and disciple."

She realized she had messed up and wanted to apologize but understood that doing that would seem even worse.

"My disciple, it seems that the teleportation array will not operate till tomorrow morning, any suggestions?" she spoke awkwardly, still not used to addressing Feng Zhiming in this manner.

"To begin with."

Feng Zhiming grabbed two candy apples from the vendor and handed him a gold coin.

"Let's scout out the city, the Zhuge clan's masterpiece, it must be somewhat interesting."

He handed her a candy apple and began marching to a restaurant down the street.

Anissa was very surprised, her face reflecting her feelings, this was not the sort of behaviour she had expected from Feng Zhiming.

"You know they say the Zhuge clan was originally part of the orthodox faction, what are your thoughts on that."

She thought for a moment before replying.

"Of course merchants often use shady tactics in their trades, the Zhuge clan went a little too far was nearly wiped out by the orthodox sects, they say the current leader of the clan was a survivor that managed to cross the wildlands and make it here."

"I heard that when the Zhuge clan leader first arrived here, he begged the Matriarch of the Heavenly Divine Demon Sect for her protection and support. I have to say, she had great foresight for agreeing." Feng Zhiming added while he took another bite out of his candy apple.

They entered a restaurant that seemed quite popular, it was a lively hub of activity. Groups of people chattered over steaming dumplings and shared laughter. Children darted between tables, there was even a little girl who sat beside her grandfather. Overall, the atmosphere was very upbeat, with shared meals and joyous conversations taking center stage.

Feng Zhiming stole a booth in the corner and gestured for Anissa to sit down. She sat down as instructed but was still confused about why they were wasting time.

"You probably think I'm wasting time."

Anissa froze up for a moment, taking the candy apple she had been eating out of the mouth.

"No, never." she replied in a shaky tone, she didn't want to question the Forgotten Vessel.

Feng Zhiming ignored her obviously fake response.

"So, what are you in the mood for, seeing those bandits eating that meat the other day got me craving some steak."

Feng Zhiming raised his hand and gestured for the waitress to come take their order, the waitress after catching a good look of his face nearly tripped over herself.

"I'll have some tea." she said reluctantly.

After forming their Ethereal Core, cultivators didn't need to eat or drink water to maintain themselves, merely harnessing the Qi that permeated heaven and earth was enough for them. Of course, some people liked tasting good food, so they would eat anyway.

"This girl is not easy to talk to." Feng Zhiming thought to himself as he remembered his entire journey to the city which had taken five days, it was all my lord this, my lord that, she didn't even laugh at his jokes, today he would crack her for sure.

He knew from looking at her that deep in her eyes there lay an intense fume of hate burning ever brightly.

After the food and tea arrived, Anissa seemed to be getting even more impatient.

"I understand you were captured by the bandits, but you never really told me why."

Anissa gritted her teeth and the grip on her cup tightened.

"It's a complicated story."

Feng Zhiming continued to look at her, waiting for her to continue.

"My full name is Anissa evermore, a few days ago, no maybe a little more than a week, my clan was wiped from existence."

Feng Zhiming raised an eyebrow. The timing of her tragedy was almost identical to the start of the game.