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The news of the auction in Stonegate Town buzzed in Wu Ken's mind like an excited bee. He knew he had to go. This wasn't just curiosity—it was a chance to witness real cultivation, to see the world beyond Sunstone Village, and maybe even find something that could unlock the next step in his path.
That morning, as the sunlight streamed into their hut, Wu Ken sat with Auntie Mei and Old Man Li. He hesitated, then spoke.
"I want to come with you to Stonegate."
Auntie Mei's hands paused over her stitching. "Wu Ken… the road is dangerous. Bandits, wild beasts, and the town itself—it's crowded and chaotic. It's not a place for someone still growing."
Zang Ai's voice rang in his mind, dry and amused. "Perfect. Danger, chaos, and overpriced trinkets. A flawless training ground. Let the child walk into the fire—he might just learn to dance."
Old Man Li grunted, rubbing his chin. "He's strong, sure. But that place isn't for dreamers chasing shiny things. You need caution, experience, and a clear head."
"I can help carry supplies," Wu Ken said quickly. "I won't wander. I just want to see it. Please."
The discussion dragged on, Auntie Mei voicing her protective instincts and Old Man Li his practical doubts. Just as Wu Ken's hope began to dim, Elder Huan stepped into the hut, his presence quiet but commanding.
"He's ready," the elder said simply. "He's proven it. The well, the firewood, the grove. He's steadier than most adults. If a child has the strength and clarity of an adult, then he must face the challenges of the world."
Auntie Mei looked from Elder Huan to Wu Ken, then sighed. "If you're sure…"
Old Man Li grumbled but nodded. "Fine. But you stay close. No wandering off."
Wu Ken's face lit up. "Thank you!"
Zang Ai chuckled in his head. "Excellent. Try not to trip over your own excitement, little sprout. You're representing me, after all."
A short while later, Wu Ken joined Elder Huan, Old Man Li, Brother Tian, and Sister Lei. They quickly gathered their provisions and set off immediately toward Stonegate Town. Since the auction was happening today, there was no time to waste.
The path was familiar, but this time every step felt charged with urgency and meaning. Zang Ai kept up her usual commentary in his mind. "Elder Huan walks like a tired ox. If he shifted his weight properly, he'd save half his Qi. And that snack Old Man Li is carrying—truly? It has the spiritual essence of a brick."
They moved at a brisk pace, passing hills and streams. Wu Ken spotted a few herbs along the way that Zang Ai quietly pointed out, but there was little time to linger.
After several hours of steady travel, the sounds of Stonegate Town finally reached their ears. The town was alive—cultivators in flowing robes, merchants shouting prices, and children darting between stalls.
They followed Elder Huan through the bustling crowd until they reached a towering structure of dark stone. Carvings of beasts curled around its archway, and guards with sharp eyes and sharper Qi stood watch.
This was the Stonegate Auction House.
Wu Ken stared, heart pounding. This was it. A glimpse of the true cultivation world. He was no longer just a child from a forgotten village—he was a cultivator-in-training, standing at the edge of something vast.
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