The lives of myriad beings contained countless mysteries, yet remained deceptively simple.
From dawn to dusk, diligence repaid effort as people toiled beneath the heavens, day after day.
Li Mu stood quietly, observing the bustling streets. He took a deep breath, drawing in the cool morning dew.
The scent of roasted snacks and peanuts filled the air as the sun slowly rose.
He walked through the streets at an unhurried pace.
The buildings were a blend of ancient and modern, yet a strange solemnity stirred within his heart.
Children played beneath the morning glow. The elderly sat beneath the eaves, basking in their twilight years, their expressions distant—as if lost in quiet reflection.
"Mortals may amount to little… yet their lives are the most fulfilling," Li Mu murmured.
Turning back, the Li Mansion came into view. It loomed like a slumbering beast—magnificent and oppressive.
Eventually, he arrived at the entrance of a store.
The sign read:
Shinzi's Apothecary Hall
Guards stood at the entrance as guests moved in and out continuously. The scene was lively and prosperous.
"It seems quite prominent," Li Mu said softly.
Stepping inside, he realized the hall was far larger than it appeared.
Attendants guided guests to private rooms for discreet exchanges.
A blonde attendant approached him, dressed in a fitted uniform. She extended her hand politely.
"This way, sir."
They walked for a while before arriving at private room 152.
Inside was a simple yet elegant space—a desk, fine furniture, paintings, and an open window overlooking the city.
The attendant poured him a cup of tea.
"Sir, what would you like to purchase today?" she asked.
"At Shinzi's Apothecary, we offer two services: sales and appraisal. We also purchase items of sufficient value."
Li Mu nodded thoughtfully.
If I'm going to that Academy, I need to strengthen myself. Right now… I'm completely defenseless.
Ever since learning his previous world was a simulation, he had been forced to accept that everything he created was gone.
This visit was necessary.
"For research," he said quietly.
He snapped his fingers. A parchment appeared out of thin air.
The attendant's eyes narrowed slightly as she accepted it.
After reading, she exhaled slowly.
"We have everything you need… but the cost will be significant."
Li Mu raised his hand. A crimson card appeared—its surface resembling fresh blood, with black numbers writhing across it.
"Use this."
Without another word, she proceeded with the payment.
After finishing, she stood and gave a small bow.
"Your purchases will arrive shortly. Please enjoy the room."
Click.
The door closed behind her.
Unbeknownst to Li Mu, a hidden camera recorded everything.
In a secluded inner hall, a young woman sat gracefully on a futon, dressed in a kimono—an uncommon sight in the floating city.
Before her, a holographic screen displayed the recording.
She lifted a cup of coffee and took a slow sip.
A maid beside her spoke softly.
"Mistress, what do you think of the new 'dog' of the Li Clan?"
Silence lingered.
"Mediocre," she replied at last.
"Not worth mentioning."
She sighed.
"It seems the Li Clan has produced another disappointment."
Yet her eyes remained fixed on the screen.
The longer she stared… the more her body trembled.
As if she were gazing at something beyond mortal comprehension.
She slowly stood, unpinning her hair.
"It seems… I'll need to enroll in the Academy."
The maid bowed deeply.
"The Lord will be pleased."
A faint smile curved her lips.
"He should be…" she murmured.
Back in the hall, Li Mu gathered his purchases.
With a wave of his hand, everything vanished into a black ring on his finger.
"This storage ring is useful," he said.
As he stepped outside, a commotion caught his attention.
Drawn forward, his gaze sharpened.
At the center of the crowd, a young girl stood chained.
White hair. Red eyes. Ragged clothes.
She looked no older than thirteen.
The guards ignored it—as if it were normal.
Li Mu grabbed a nearby man.
"What is this? Since when are children sold like this?"
The man chuckled.
"This city runs deep. Things like this happen all the time."
His gaze turned greedy as he looked at the girl.
Across from her sat a man in black, his face hidden behind a mask.
"Welcome!" he called out.
"Today, I present a rare specimen!"
He yanked the chain. The girl winced, hatred blazing in her eyes.
"White hair. Red eyes. A truly exceptional breed!"
The crowd erupted.
"The bidding starts at 1,090 universal credits!"
Li Mu's expression darkened.
Disgust surged within him.
His bloodlust… began to rise.
And somewhere behind him—
A shadow stirred.
A demonic figure, quietly eating an apple… seemed to come alive