Shen Yu strolled through the bustling, wide thoroughfares of Crimson Iron City.
The air here was vastly different from the Thousand Waves City, it was heavy with the scent of burning charcoal, ozone from active arrays, and the distinct, metallic tang of iron smelting.
Weapon smithies and artifact shops lined every street, their chimneys belching thin plumes of dark smoke into the reddish sky.
After wandering through the commercial district for a short while, his gaze caught a multi-storied wooden structure tucked away from the chaotic main road.
A hanging banner made of spiritual silk swayed gently near the entrance, embroidered with the characters for the "Crimson Iron Teahouse."
Stepping over the threshold, Shen Yu scanned the room. The first floor was relatively crowded, filled with mercenary squads, independent rogue cultivators, and local merchants, all sitting around low tables.
