By the time they left, Meng Bai's cheeks were sore from blushing—and smiling.
"Well?" Daoist Chu asked as they stepped back into the street.
"…That was fun," Meng Bai admitted, adjusting his collar.
"Knew it," Daoist Chu laughed. "Told you I deliver on my promises. Next time, we visit the Crimson Flute Terrace. They have rooftop dancing."
Meng Bai groaned. "Heaven help me."
As the sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting golden hues over Golden Scales City, Lin Mu continued his shopping spree with an unusual level of enthusiasm.
He walked from one store to the next, making purchases that would make most merchants consider early retirement. Rare herbs, beast cores, scrolls of ancient formations, spiritual fabrics, and even some exotic cooking tools for Little Shrubby—all found their way into his spatial ring.
Little Shrubby followed along gleefully, munching on spirit peach pastries with golden flakes while pointing out things he thought looked fun or tasty.
