Lin Xia followed the direction she was pointing and smiled faintly.
The changes in Zhu Zhuqing during the journey had been obvious.
After leaving the suffocating environment of Star Luo City and escaping the fate that had constantly hung over her head, the true nature of the six-year-old girl who had been suppressed for far too long finally began to emerge, like a thawing stream flowing freely once more.
She was no longer constantly silent and tense. She would stop to admire wildflowers by the roadside, point at strange clouds in the sky and ask questions, and now she was showing an intense curiosity toward this unfamiliar city filled with strength and vitality.
"What about that? That huge tube with all the smoke coming out of it?"
"That's a smelting furnace chimney. They're burning ore and refining iron inside."
"Wow that smells so good! Is that baked bread?"
"Yeah. Gengxin City's Pepper-Salt Iron Helmet Flatbread is very famous. The crust is crispy, and the inside is soft. I'll take you to try some in a bit."
"Okay! Okay!"
Zhu Zhuqing nodded enthusiastically, her little face filled with pure delight.
Watching her excitement, the smile in Lin Xia's eyes deepened. There was not the slightest trace of impatience.
He knew how hard-won this relaxation and curiosity truly were.
Back in that cold room in the western courtyard of the Zhu family estate, her childhood had long since been stolen away by crushing expectations and cruel competition.
Now, she could finally enjoy the simple happiness that should have belonged to a child all along.
The carriage entered the city gates, and the noisy sounds of the marketplace immediately flooded in from all sides.
Zhu Zhuqing found that her eyes could hardly keep up.
The streets were broad and crowded with people. Blacksmith apprentices wearing leather aprons and sporting powerful muscles hurried past carrying materials.
Exquisite Soul Tool lamp posts had already begun glowing with soft light despite the approaching evening.
Street vendors loudly advertised all kinds of metal trinkets, tool components, and delicious-smelling food.
As promised, Lin Xia brought her down from the carriage and immersed her in the bustling evening atmosphere of Gengxin City.
He held her small hand to keep her from being swept away by the crowds.
At first, Zhu Zhuqing was a little reserved, tightly gripping Lin Xia's fingers, but she was soon captivated by the dazzling sights around her.
"Brother Lin Xia, look! That bird can move!"
She stopped in front of a stall selling handcrafted ironwork and pointed at a metal sparrow skillfully made from thin iron wire. Through a system of springs and gears, its wings could actually flap.
"Do you like it? Then let's buy one."
Lin Xia paid without hesitation.
The little iron sparrow felt cool and pleasantly heavy in her hands. Its intricate mechanism fascinated Zhu Zhuqing, and she examined it over and over again, her face filled with wonder.
"Try this."
Lin Xia bought two freshly grilled Rock Sheep skewers coated with cumin and chili powder. The fat sizzled on the meat, releasing an irresistible aroma.
Imitating Lin Xia, Zhu Zhuqing cautiously took a bite. The hot meat made her gasp, but her large eyes narrowed happily as she nodded repeatedly.
"It's delicious!"
They also bought golden, crispy Pepper-Salt Iron Helmet Flatbread.
Zhu Zhuqing held it with both hands and nibbled at it in small bites, her cheeks puffed out adorably.
Lin Xia then bought her a small paper-wrapped bundle of malt candy dyed in various colors.
As she licked the candy, her sparkling eyes watched a street performer's puppet show powered by simple Soul Tool mechanisms.
Completely immersed in the lively and novel atmosphere, she let out cheerful peals of laughter.
At this moment, she was no longer the Second Young Lady of the Zhu family burdened by the fate of the Hell Civet.
She was simply a six-year-old girl being taken around the marketplace by an older brother, fascinated by everything she saw.
The warm glow of the setting sun gently bathed them both, stretching their shadows and blending the pair into Gengxin City's evening scene, a city of steel and metal that nevertheless possessed its own warmth and humanity.
Only after the city lights had fully come on, when Zhu Zhuqing's little stomach was stuffed full, with unfinished malt candy and several small trinkets still clutched in her hands, her face flushed with satisfaction and slight fatigue, did Lin Xia lead her toward the most magnificent and brilliantly illuminated complex in the center of Gengxin City.
The headquarters of the Blacksmith Association.
Before they even reached the massive gates, forged entirely from refined steel and engraved with the emblem of a giant hammer and an anvil, several guards wearing the Association's standard leather armor immediately recognized Lin Xia.
"It's Lin Xia! Lin Xia is back!"
The guard's voice was filled with surprise and excitement. He immediately straightened his posture, his eyes full of respect.
Lin Xia's status among the younger generation of the Association had long since become unmatched.
The news spread inside like wildfire.
As Lin Xia led Zhu Zhuqing into the brightly lit main hall, where the familiar scent of metal and burning coal lingered in the air, he suddenly heard a series of hurried, heavy footsteps rushing out from the inner chambers.
"Xia! Is that really you?!"
The voice arrived before the person.
Senior Brother Silong's booming voice carried undisguised excitement and urgency as his mountain-like frame charged out like a gust of wind.
Following close behind were Siyu, Sidi, and several other core senior brothers. Their faces were filled with joy and concern, and even the weariness of long travel seemed to have vanished the moment they saw him.
"Xia! You've finally come back!"
Silong's large hand slapped heavily onto Lin Xia's shoulder. The force was so great that even Lin Xia swayed slightly. His voice was overflowing with concern.
"How was it? Did those arrogant fellows in Star Luo City give you any trouble? Did anyone make things difficult for you? Come on, tell your senior brother all about it!"
"That's right, Xia. You've been gone for so long. We were worried sick!"
Siyu also squeezed forward, carefully looking Lin Xia up and down as if checking whether he had lost a piece of himself.
Sidi, meanwhile, noticed the little girl beside Lin Xia.
She was dressed in black training clothes, her delicate face carrying the timid expression of someone arriving in an unfamiliar place for the first time.
Curiosity flashed through his eyes, but at the moment, he was far more concerned about his junior brother's situation.
Faced with the genuine concern of his senior brothers concern as sincere as that of family, a warm feeling rose in Lin Xia's heart.
A relaxed and heartfelt smile appeared on his face as he patted the large hand resting on his shoulder.
"Don't worry, Senior Brothers. I'm fine. Not only am I fine, but I also brought back some good stuff."
"Good! That's all that matters! Good!"
Silong finally let out a sigh of relief, though he quickly frowned again.
"Good stuff? What good stuff could possibly be more important than you coming back safely? You're the future pillar of our Association. Nothing can happen to you Hm? And who's this little girl?"
At last, his attention shifted to Zhu Zhuqing, who was standing close beside Lin Xia.
Feeling everyone's gaze upon her, Zhu Zhuqing instinctively moved half a step behind Lin Xia.
Her small hand tightened around the corner of his clothing.
There was no fear in her eyes, only the caution and curiosity natural to a child.
"Oh, I 'picked her up' along the way. Her name is Zhuqing. She'll be staying with me from now on."
Lin Xia introduced her casually, though the protective undertone in his voice was unmistakable.
He deliberately did not reveal Zhu Zhuqing's true identity. The time wasn't right yet.
Although Silong and the others were curious, seeing Lin Xia's attitude and how clearly the little girl depended on him, they simply smiled kindly.
Sidi even made a funny face in an attempt to make her laugh.
"Alright, Senior Brothers, let's leave that aside for now."
Lin Xia interrupted their curiosity about Zhu Zhuqing.
A mysterious and excited smile appeared on his face.
"Take a look at this first."
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