The Portal of Wonderland

“Brother Shi, this Red Flame Palace was built by the Red Flame City Lord. All of us are earning spiritual stones by taking on the tasks here,” Yu Yi said.

Shi Mu nodded but his attention was suddenly taken by the crowd standing in a circle around the white stone monument. One by one they all stood staring at the stone tablet, pointing and whispering among themselves.

From time to time, someone would take out a token-like item and hold it in front of the monument. As soon as the token was in sight of the monument, a ray of white light would emerge and shine upon the token, fusing with it.

Yu Yi took Shi Mu around the stone monument and toward the hall.

There were small rooms in the depths of the hall and every one of them was occupied. In one of the rooms, a middle-aged man wearing a red robe caught Yu Yi’s eye. He was sitting behind a table holding a scroll and was so immersed in his reading it was as if the whole world around him dissolved.

Yu Yi smiled and greeted him politely, “Deacon Wan!”

“Oh, it’s you! How goes your search for the Fire Ore? Don’t forget today is the deadline for the appointment,” the middle-aged man in the red robe said as he casually put the book in his hand down.

“A request from the respected Deacon Wan wouldn’t be neglected,” Yu Yi said and waved his hand. Instantly, seven or eight pieces of red crystal materialized on the table. It appeared to be a translucent crystal with a long mark in the center that shone with a dazzling bright red light.

The middle-aged man in the red robe looked at the crystals on the table and his eyes immediately lit up.

…

Shi Mu stood outside the house, as he did not enter with Yu Yi. The corner of his wandering eye landed on a specific room.

In this particular room hung a small wooden board with the words “Celestial Fire Residency”.

The other small rooms nearby were exactly the same with at least one person standing guard inside. Each room had a wooden board hanging on it but with different words such as “Dusk Armory” or “Copper Hall”.

Shi Mu remembered the stone tablets he saw earlier and it occurred to him that most of the high-ranking tasks were issued by these shops. Moreover, the shops had special personnel stationed here for protection. This was hardly seen anywhere in other cities and towns.

Yu Yi and the middle-aged man in the red robe seemed to be quite familiar with each other. After a long chat, they finally walked out of the room together.

“Sorry for making Brother Shi wait for such a long time,” Yu Yi said while trying to hold onto Shi Mu’s hand in an apologetic manner.

“Don’t worry. It’s no big deal!” Shi Mu gestured before Yu Yi could grab his hand.

“Brother Shi, these are the major chambers of commerce in Red Flame Palace. Shops and weapon smithies assign various tasks here, which the disciples take on to earn a living. If Brother Shi intends to live here, you can accept some missions and earn spirit stones to trade for resources!” Yu Yi said while showing Shi Mu around.

Shimu nodded but his gaze was focused on the stone monument in the center of the main hall.

“Shi Mu wouldn’t come here to run errands. With his ability, it won’t be easy to earn those spirit stones,” suddenly spoke Cai who was standing over Shi Mu.

“You’re right! It wouldn’t be worthy of Brother Shi’s strength right now,” Yu Yi quickly replied.

“Brother Yu, don’t listen to Cai’s nonsense. I personally think these missions would be a good way to earn spirit stones. If I really do decide to stay in Red Flame Palace for a long time, I will definitely consider it,” Shi Mu said while glaring at Cai.

“To be honest, after I left the Dark Moon Disciple, I was unfamiliar with the mainland. Not to mention there is no other skill available to help earn resources for cultivation. After all, the beasts were unrestrained and the barbarian tribes are very exclusive too. At least in Red Flame City, we can go on missions hunting monsters or looking for jobs like ores in exchange for some resources,” Yu Yi sighed with a desolate expression painted on his face.

Upon hearing Yu Yi’s words, Shi Mu was at a loss. All he could do was nod with a little bitterness and sorrow deep in his heart.

What Yu Yi said was undeniably true. If there had been another opportunity, if he was successful on his path in Charm Magic and as a Magician in general, he would have had it easy on the mainland. He would have been pretty much the same, carrying out missions and tasks similar to Yu Yi.

“Ah… I almost forgot! Brother Shi, instead of purchasing spirits in these shops, I think it’d be better to go to the weapon workshop and order what you require. Celestial Fire Armory down the hall is one of the largest weapon smithies in the city,” Yu Yi said.

“Special orders for spirit weapons? Then are these workshops able to repair damaged spirit weapons?” asked Shi Mu.

“To be honest, I’ve never asked about it, but since it can be refined, I guess repairs shouldn’t be a problem. I have had some contact with the Master of Celestial Fire Armory for the sake of a mission. Master Gong Xi is one of the best blacksmiths in Red Flame Palace. His skill in refining is excellent and his reputation is quite good too. If Brother Shi is interested in ordering or repairing a spirit, I’d be happy to introduce him to you,” Yu Yi said proudly with a big smile on his face.

When Shi Mu heard this, thoughts immediately raced through his mind.

There were several weapons that he had once used but sadly, as his strength improved, the power of the weapons had failed to keep up.

The Heavenly Meteoric Black Iron Knife was still usable thanks to its special elements, but if Sky Splitting Bow could be upgraded to a legendary spirit stage, its power would definitely increase.

What’s more, Shi Mu also possessed a green cloak back when he was in Peaceful Sun City. The cloak is a rare treasure with the ability to hide oneself from the enemy, almost like an invisibility cloak. It was torn in his multiple battles, but if it can be repaired, it would certainly prove effective in the future.

“Thank you, my brother! I will consider this matter. If it is necessary, I will have to ask for your assistance once again,” Shi Mu said with much gratitude.

“Don’t be silly, Brother Shi. Have you forgotten the day you saved my life? I owe you a favor and this is the least I can do for you for now,” Yu Yi said as he waved his hands to stop Shi Mu from thanking him.

The two chatted and decided to leave the Red Flame Palace together.

Not long after leaving Red Flame Palace, Shi Mu looked around. As soon as he saw the huge black mountain in the center of the city, his eyes flickered.

At the top of the mountain range was a large white palace emanating a faint white light. It was too mesmerizing for one to look away without noticing.

“Brother Shi, that’s the transmission hall of the city which is linked to the transmission array of the City of Hell,” Yu Yi said.

Shi Mu nodded as he averted his gaze.

“Brother Shi, perhaps you’re interested in some of the large shops located in the City of Hell?” asked Yu Yi when he noticed Shi Mu staring.

“No, it’s getting late. I’m sure we’ll have a chance to visit the city some other time,” Shi Mu sighed while shaking his head with a hint of regret.

“Well if that’s the case, we better get going. I’m certain Brother Shi must be exhausted. Bear with me a little longer, we’re almost there!” Yu Yi said as he hurriedly increased his pace along the tiny road.

Shi Mu paused for a moment to consider his words but didn’t refuse.

At last, the two made their way to a residential area. It was lined with many small single-family houses and, under Yu Yi’s direction, Shi Mu arrived at the quiet courtyard of their residence.

“This is where we’ll spend the night. I know it may seem a little plain and ordinary. I hope you don’t mind,” Yu Yi said as he placed his hand on the doorknob and opened the door.

“Oh Brother Yu, don’t say that! I don’t mind at all,” Shi Mu giggled as he walked into the residence.

The layout of the little courtyard was quite spartan. There was a small earthen road paved by cobblestones to walk on, and several bamboo plants were placed in front of the window as decoration. The house had but a few rooms. That was pretty much all Shi Mu could describe.

Although it was nowhere close to luxurious, the environment was suitable for quiet living. For that, Shi Mu was pleased and satisfied.

The duo walked into the living room of the main house. There were only a few simple tables and chairs available.

After all their traveling today, they sat down to catch their breath. To aid their relaxation, Yu Yi decided to make some tea for the both of them.

“This is a special tea that is only available in the Hundred-Thousand Volcano Valley. It’s known as Red Dew Tea and the taste is quite exquisite. Brother Shi, please have a taste,” Yu Yi said as he poured a cup for Shi Mu.

Shi Mu did not hesitate. He lifted the cup, took a sip, and nodded in approval. The tea was spicy yet with a touch of sweetness, though the overall taste was rather strange.

Shi Mu was undoubtedly exhausted from his journey but with just a sip of the tea, he instantly felt refreshed.

“Brother Shi, I don’t know how long you plan to stay in Red Flame City but I have to say, the rent for such a small courtyard is quite affordable. It’s suitable for a long-term residence. If Brother Shi intends to stay here for an extended duration, you might want to consider renting one,” Yu Yi suggested and took a sip from his cup.

“This matter can be discussed later, but Brother Yu, there’s something I need to ask you. I was wondering if you know anything about the Lava Pool in the city? To be frank, I was thinking of renting a Lava Pool the next time I return to Red Flame City.” Shi Mu inquired as he continued to indulge in his tea.

“A Lava Pool? I have heard about it before. If I recall correctly, it’s a place where the red volcanic fire was built by Red Flame City. It’s normally only used by large weapon workshops for refining and is generally not leased to individuals,” Yu Yi explained.

Shi Mu’s heart sank at this response.

“Forgive me for asking but does this mean Brother Shi wants to master the Art of Refining as well? Is this why Brother Shi is asking about renting a Lava Pool?” Yu Yi asked with a puzzled expression.

“It’s not that. It had nothing to do with mastering the Art of Refining. The purpose of renting a Lava Pool is mainly for cultivation. It requires an environment that is filled with fire and spirits.” Shi Mu said.

Yu Yi looked a little surprised and fell silent for a moment before saying, “Come to think about it, that’s not entirely impossible but I need to go out and inquire about it. I ask that Brother Shi waits for me till I’m back with more news.”

“Ah… I apologize for troubling you,” Shi Mu said with an embarrassed expression.

“As I said before, this is the least I can do for you after you saved my life. Please rest while I head out and ask about the Lava Pool in greater detail. I’ll be back in a while,” Yu Yi said as he hurriedly walked out of the small courtyard.

“Hey, Shi Mu, why don’t you just go to the Tenth Thousand Volcano Alley and train there instead of staying in Red Flame City?” Cai finally asked when Yu Yi left the courtyard after being silent for some time.

“Do you think that I don’t want to? First of all, to master the Art of Cultivation, I would need an environment with absolute silence. There are too many monsters raging around the area. Don’t forget that the volcano may erupt anytime without notice and the acidic rain that could result from an eruption… There’re too many difficulties so I think it’s better to just stay in the city,” Shi Mu said and sighed.

“Do you honestly think the environment of the Lava Pool meets the requirements of mastering the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Art? In a way, the pool only comes from the formation of the underground fire veins. I’m pretty sure the flame would be limited…” said Cai as he tried to reason with Shi Mu.

“I think the Lava Pool and the flames should be enough for me,” Shi Mu said as he stood up from the chair he had been sitting in since he got into the residence.

“Shi Mu, are you going out?” Cai Er asked abruptly when he saw Shi Mu getting up.

“Yeah. I saw some small shops selling classics books along the way here. I figured I should go get myself some maps and materials to help me learn more about this city.” Shi Mu said.

“Great! I was thinking about going out for a walk too!” Cai said cheerfully.

“Don’t tell me you’re going out for some food again…” Shi Mu said with a smug expression.

“Says who…?” Cai mumbled quietly under his breath.

As quick as Shi Mu left the residence empty-handed, he had then came back after a couple of hours with dozens of thick books in the dust ring.

He took out one and before he could start reading, footsteps outside the courtyard could be heard from a distance. It was Yu Yi.