...

"Eastwood City is so grand! I can't believe they're still imposing a spirit stone tax!" Yan Xiaobao felt quite dissatisfied with the situation unfolding. Considering his status, he truly wore a face of disappointment. He coughed dryly, hands clasped behind his back, struggling at the doorway.

Upon entering, the sight of countless towering buildings left him breathless.

Everything was enormous! The roads were paved with limestone, each slab emitting spiritual energy. The buildings were adorned with gold and jade, engraved with dragons and phoenixes, utterly extraordinary.

Everything was decorated with beautiful pearls and spiritual stones. The magical glow was ubiquitous, creating an aura of luxury that almost physically struck Yan Xiaobao's face.

"This... this place..." He swallowed as he took in the beauty and opulence. Vehicles roamed back and forth in the streets, people were visible everywhere. He almost felt as though he existed in a different world. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

As for the city's residents, they wore silk and satin, appearing incredibly impressive as they walked about. Regardless of their cultivation levels, they seemed very proud and lofty. Unlike mortals in small towns and villages, the mortals here didn't seem intimidated or deeply impressed by the cultivators around them.

As he passed by, Yan Xiaobao couldn't help but be stunned by all that he saw. After all, he had grown up in a village and then spent all his time at the sect. He had never visited such a big city before.

Of course, considering how he surveyed the surroundings, he stood out from the crowd, the passing cultivators looking at him with disdainful expressions, treating him as a country bumpkin. Some noticed his clothes were torn and bloodstained, realizing he might be someone not to be provoked, they quickly cleared his path.

"I never imagined this place would be so incredible!" The more he saw, the more excited he became. The sheer extravagance of this place left him sighing, already trying to figure out how to have the sect transfer him here.

He continued to sigh, passing by a shop, suddenly rooted to the spot. It was a clothing store, filled with garments of various colors and styles, all beautifully tailored and embroidered. Even the lowest quality garments were meticulously crafted.

Yan Xiaobao couldn't help but think the clothes here were far better than anything back there. His eyes sparkling, he walked into the shop.

Inside were several individuals browsing the clothing selection. As soon as Yan Xiaobao entered, they glanced at him, smirking upon seeing his tattered robe. However, they could sense his Level 7 Qi Condensation aura, so they quickly looked away.

There was a young man in lavish attire, whose eyes widened upon seeing Yan Xiaobao. After a moment, before averting his gaze, a peculiar light could be seen in his eyes.

Meanwhile, a smiling storekeeper approached Yan Xiaobao and began showcasing the attire.

"This heavenly Sky Dragon Robe is made from geranium skin. After being treated with eighty-one medicinal plants, it was adorned by an embroidery master. Within it, a spell form lies hidden, capable of resisting all types of water-based magical techniques!

"Oh, the Thousand Leaf Coat is made from a thousand different types of Spirit Leaf. A secret magic is used for tailoring, and when you wear it, you'll be surrounded by the aroma of herbs and plants. Wearing it for some time, you'll naturally exude the scent of spiritual medicine.

"Oh, this one..."

Yan Xiaobao nodded, feeling clothes here and there, falling in love with everything he saw. Meanwhile, the young man in luxurious attire finally raised his head. He smiled and approached Yan Xiaobao, clasping his hands and bowing.

"Greetings, brother." To his surprise, Yan Xiaobao turned to look at the young man.

"I am your humble servant, Hou Yunqing," the young man said courteously, wearing a splendid smile. "I happen to be the owner of this little store. Brother, I can see you're an extraordinary person, a dragon among humans. If you see something you like, brother, just consider it on the house. Think of it as a gift between friends."[1. Refer back to chapter 144, where Hou Yunfei mentioned Hou Yunqing, his family's close relative]

"Are you serious?!" Yan Xiaobao looked at Hou Yunqing, blinking.

"I absolutely mean it! Hou Yunqing never tells lies."

Yan Xiaobao responded with a sarcastic laugh. There was no reason to refuse a free gift, so he casually pointed at the Sky Dragon Robe.

The storekeeper looked at Hou Yunqing, smiled, and nodded. When he handed the heavenly robe to Yan Xiaobao, the storekeeper shrugged in disbelief. Yan Xiaobao donned it and immediately appeared completely different from before.

Hou Yunqing laughed heartily, saying, "Brother, the Sky Dragon Robe is absolutely fitting on you. It looks as though it was custom-made for you! You certainly know how to pick clothes for yourself!"

"You think so too?" Yan Xiaobao replied, smoothing the robe. He was elated and couldn't help but think the clothes back at the sect seemed too shabby. He had fallen in love with this new world filled with luxury and sensory delights.

Hou Xiaoqing was so astonished at Yan Xiaobao's response that he didn't know what to say next. In the end, he cleared his throat and changed the subject.