11 Chapter 9: Exploring the Capital

It took the girls about two hours to reach the Capital from Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace, even with Xu's hyper-speed wings, despite the Capital's close proximity to the Wasteland of Death and Northern Region of Extreme Ice. Although the journey was longer than she had expected, Xu was happy to spend more time with her pupils, relishing their company and witnessing the surprise on their faces as they witnessed her profound strength firsthand. During their journey, she had even managed to slay two horny male Earth Dragons of the Sky Profound Realm who were forcing unwilling women, as well as vanquish seven groups of bandits led by Earth Profound Realm experts, all of whom were rapists and looters.

Finally, Xu landed the trio just outside Blue Wind Imperial Capital to avoid attracting unnecessary attention from the normal people and alarming the imperial family and their experts of her arrival. She despised the fake smiles, flowery words, and lewd gazes she often encountered when standing in front of men, even teenage boys, making her feel as if she were completely exposed. After their landing, she handed her pupils two crystal tokens adorned with the crest of an Ice Goddess. These tokens served both as their authentication as disciples of the Frozen Cloud Immortal Palace and as a shield against the advances of unsavory individuals, wielding the intimidating might of a Great Sacred Ground. Additionally, she presented them with two spatial rings, each holding a space measuring thirty by thirty meters, similar to the spatial pocket of a Monarch. Within each ring, she had placed ten thousand purple profound coins, allowing them to purchase souvenirs and gifts.

"Should we grab something to eat before embarking on a tour of the magnificent cityscape of the Capital?" Xu asked, observing the awe on the girls' faces as they gazed at the towering walls and gates. Recognizing their curiosity and wonder, she couldn't help but smile, vividly recalling her own initial interactions with society centuries ago. With their nods of agreement, she led them to one of the most prestigious restaurants in the Capital. This establishment, known as Heaven's Feast, prided itself on its delectable cuisine. Housed within a ten-story building, the restaurant boasted impeccable cleanliness and organization. Professional waiters and waitresses attended to each customer's table with grace and etiquette, ensuring a refined dining experience. Moreover, given the restaurant's affiliation with the Imperial Family and its powerful figures, any disruption or disturbance caused by unruly individuals would surely be met with severe consequences.

Another reason for their choice of this restaurant was its reputation for maintaining a respectful and righteous atmosphere. Here, Xu could enjoy her meal in peace, free from the constant worry of being objectified by others' wild imaginations. She had also developed a friendship with the restaurant's owner, Xin Xiaomeng, a playful and teasing woman in her mid-twenties. Xin was undeniably attractive, with her curvy figure, perky personality, and infectious kindness. She had become a great friend of Xu's, and their conversations transcended the superficial.

Xin Xiaomeng, a playful woman in her mid-twenties, appeared before Xu wearing a vibrant qipao, a traditional dress. The qipao hugged her curves, accentuating her figure, while the colorful floral patterns on the fabric added a touch of elegance. The dress had a high mandarin collar and delicate embroidery along the edges, symbolizing her refined taste.

With a mischievous smile on her face, Xin approached Xu and the girls, her dress swaying gracefully with each step. "How may I assist you today, Sister Xu?" she asked, her voice filled with warmth.

Xu admired Xin's traditional attire, appreciating how it complemented her playful nature. "Ah, Sister Xin, could you recommend some light dishes for my two pupils and some desserts that aid digestion?" Xu inquired.

Xin paused for a moment, her eyes gleaming with excitement, and then proceeded to jot down a few items on her notepad. "Of course, Sister Xu. Would you like to go with our regular meal selection?" she asked, her tone filled with anticipation.

"Yes, please, Sister Xin. Your recommendations are always invaluable," Xu replied, acknowledging Xin's expertise.

With a playful wink, Xin added, "Pffff, you haven't experienced my secret service yet, Sister Xu."

Curiosity sparked in Lingxi's eyes, and she leaned closer to Xu. "Master, what's Sister Xin's secret service?" she whispered.

Xu chuckled softly and patted Lingxi's head. "It's just her way of teasing, my Ling'er. Don't take it too seriously," she reassured her pupil.

While Xu and Lingxi engaged in their conversation, Qingyue observed Xin's playful demeanor. She couldn't help but be captivated by Xin's lively spirit and friendly nature. 'She truly is a mischievous fox,' Qingyue thought to herself, trying to unravel Xin's mysterious charm.

As they continued their delightful exchange, Xin skillfully served the food to Xu and the girls, ensuring that each dish was presented with care and attention to detail. The aroma of the freshly prepared delicacies wafted through the air, enticing their taste buds.

After savoring the delectable meal, Lingxi exclaimed with excitement, "Wah, the food tastes so delicious, Master! We should definitely come here more often after our training sessions, right, Master?" She turned to Xu, her eyes shining with anticipation.

Xu smiled warmly at Lingxi's enthusiasm. "We'll consider it after each training session, but only if you both give your utmost effort," she replied, her voice filled with encouragement.

Qingyue, on the other hand, maintained a composed demeanor. "The food was satisfactory, nothing extraordinary," she remarked with a hint of nonchalance.

Xu chuckled at Qingyue's straightforwardness. "We'll see if your opinion changes after each training session," she said, playfully challenging her pupil.

With their appetites satisfied, Xu led the girls away from the restaurant and towards the bustling Merchant District. The vibrant atmosphere and the myriad of shops filled with treasures awaited their exploration. Xin bid them farewell with a knowing smile, confident that their interactions would further contribute to Xu's growth and bring her closer to finding peace within herself.

As Xu, Lingxi, and Qingyue continued their exploration, Xin's words lingered in Xu's mind. She couldn't help but reflect on her own journey and the healing she had experienced. With each step she took alongside her pupils, she felt a glimmer of hope and a renewed sense of purpose. The Celestial Stars guided her path, reminding her that even amidst the trials and tribulations, there was always room for growth and transformation.