Grimfire City

The first feeling Kalpow got opening his eyes was bewilderment. Before passing through the portal he was told that he would arrive at Grimfire City of the Rosewind Empire. It was also mentioned that the city is one of the top marketplaces in the whole continent. However, right now, he felt that it was an understatement. 

"The Divinity Realm really deserves it's reputation. Even more amazing thing is - this is only the outskirts of the whole realm. Ah… enough enough! I can't get lost in these matters. Time is the essence. Let's look for a spa- eh… spirit ship to go to the Asura World."

Spirit ships are basically space ships which are operated by Calamity Stones. Calamity Stones are neither rare nor uncommon but it's cost is on the lower end. Kalpow never really had any problems with money thanks to his status. 

His eyes swept across the whole area surrounding him. Commotions and conflicts every now and then were heard to which Kalpow turned a deaf ear. He quickly found a lazy-looking shopkeeper selling antics. 

"Brother. Do you know where the National Travel Agency is? You see, I'm new to this empire."

The shopkeeper, noticing Kalpow's formal and expensive attire, politely said, "If you are talking about the National Travel Agency, it's on the capital city but it's quite far from here…. Where is your destination?"

"Asura World."

The shopkeeper thought for a bit, then replied, "I suggest you go to Eight Star Palace where His Majesty Golden Sovereign is currently residing. It is being told that His Majesty Golden Sovereign will soon return to the Otherworldly Divinity Imperial Palace."

Kalpow was quite shocked to hear the name Golden Sovereign. After all, according to the memories of the "real" Kalpow, he too was a fellow Prince Consort. Adding to the coincidence even more is that the "real" Kalpow's relationship with Golden Sovereign is quite good. 

"Thanks, brother." Politely his 'thanks', he departed. 

"Hm… from what I know, the Eight Star Palace is very near to this city. Going through the memories of the previous owner of the body, it seems that his understandings in Time is not on par with other elements. The reason is obvious. Doctor Strange is the best reference. With his time stone, he is undefeated."

"Also, time is directly related to space. So, in order to reach a new boundary in the Space Laws, my understandings in Time must also increase. Well, let's see some Time Scriptures. I'll go the palace at eve."

Stopping a man in motion, he asked, "Brother. Can you tell where I should go to buy Time Scriptures?"

Since the man was not hurried, he wasn't annoyed. "Old Man Soft River's shop is the most renowned shop which sells Space and Time Scriptures in the entire city. It's approximately 4 km North West from here."

"Thanks!" Again giving his 'thanks', he flew away to the given directions. 

In a few seconds, he found the shop but there were some problems. Understanding the situation thoroughly, he figured that conflict has risen due to the price factor. Nothing new. 

Sighing, he dropped and started inquiring about the given conflict to the huge crowd present. The conflict was indeed due to the price factor. 

The shop owner, Old Man Soft River, was helpless and could only lower the price. "Young lady, 1600 green jades is the last price I'm willing to offer! Any less than that will be plain robbery."

The other party was a young lady in her teens wearing a royal attire. She frowned at the price mentioned. "1200!! No more no less! Thank me for being generous by buying a Space Scripture worth mere 1000 green jades."

At this point, the Old Man Soft River was angered. "Not buying? Then get lost. Don't waste my time."

"You!!"

Suddenly, a single voice came from the huge crowd. "Um… I can be called an appraiser in Scriptures. Instead of pointlessly bickering with each other, can you let me see the Scripture and assert it's accurate value?"

The owner of the voice was naturally Kalpow. He couldn't bother wasting time watching the conflict and thought about ending it himself. Seeing him approach, both the Old Man Soft River as well as the young lady in royal attire frowned inwardly but didn't let it show to their faces. 

"Then I'll have to trouble this brother." The young lady said nothing and watched. 

He took around a minute to finally appraise the Space Scripture given and assert its worth. "Hum. Around 1700 green jades should be its actual worth."

Old Man Soft River had no change in expression but he silently appreciated Kalpow. The young lady, on the other hand, upon hearing this, frowned. "This… do you have an appraisal license?"

Kalpow nonchalantly took out a golden token with a dragon mark and showed it to the lady. She looked towards Old Man Soft River and apologised. "My apologies. This girl was ignorant. I'll pay 1700 green jades."

Without saying anything, Old Man Soft River tossed the Space Scripture to her and received the jades. "Excuse me, Miss. Are you from the Eight Star Palace?" This was the main reason he chose to resolve the conflict. Given by the characters on the young lady's attire, it was not hard for Kalpow to guess that she was an Eight Star Palace disciple. 

Taken aback by the sudden question, she silently nodded. 

"Miss. I have some business with Fellow Consort Golden Sovereign. Will it be a trouble for Miss to guide me there?"

Huh? What did he say? Fellow Cons- "Are you a Prince Consort!?" 

Fortunately, she said in a low voice. Otherwise, it would be quite a mess. Without any words, he nodded and showed her the Imperial Token. 

The lady's face paled as she understood the night of the person standing in front of him but soon, regained her composure. "I'm glad I could be of some help. His Majesty Golden Sovereign is my uncle so it makes matters easy."

"Can I ask you to wait a bit? I have to buy some Time Scriptures."

"I don't mind waiting."

Kalpow then turned to the shop where Old Man Soft River was sitting blankly and studying a few books. "Senior. Do you have any Time Scriptures which are above Saint rank?"

Old Man Soft River was shocked but didn't pry further because it was none of his business. "Around ten. All of them are Quasi-God rank. Do you want to check them?"

"No. Give me all the ten."

If it were any other person, Old Man Soft River would have thought that he was messing with him but seeing his accurate appraisal today, he no longer doubted his abilities. "With 15% discount, the total price would be two thousand green jades and fifteen hundred white jades."

Quickly completing the transaction, he was guided to the Eight Star Palace with the young lady. Along the way, he learned that her name was Katy. Upon reaching the palace, the guards looked at Kalpow curiously but didn't stop him. 

… 

Sitting in a spacious Hall for about fifteen minutes, he decided to check out the Time Scriptures he recently brought. "Seems like understanding them is gonna take quite a while. If I had to calculate, two months is the bare minimum. The worst thing is I haven't even touched the God rank Scriptures at all!"

"I've got a long way to go… One year. Yes! By one year, I must return to Earth anyhow! Although I prefer not to keep a limit, it will make future calculations and plans much easier…"

"If my one-year-plan fails, then I only start cultivating for a few more years and somehow get the capabilities to steal the Soul Orb from Empress Divinity… Although my strength is in the higher echelon, it's still a far cry for me to defeat her."

"Is it honestly weird for me to think about things when I came over to this place in less than a month? Shouldn't I go to some adventures? Save beauties, trample sects and stand at the peak of martial arts? If it was me at my teens, then I could have given it some thought. But I have too many responsibilities right now." 

Just as Kalpow was deeply immersed in his thoughts, a knock came from the door. "Come in!"

A blonde haired good-looking middle-aged man came over and had astonishment written over his face. "If it isn't Brother Kalpow!"

Kalpow walked over to him and exchanged some pleasantries. He noticed that Golden Sovereign's complexion was stiff and hesitant but didn't probe and stated his original intentions. 

Hearing Kalpow, Golden Sovereign gave an understanding look. "I will be more than glad to have Brother Kalpow accompany me to the palace. However…" He hesitated and took a deep breath before continuing. 

"Brother, I won't mince words. For the past few days, it seems that I have been the target of assassination."