Chapter 32: I can’t win this fight!
The Next Morning
Golden rays of morning sunlight spilled across the cobbled streets of Nine Sky City as John walked into the Eastern Market, hands in his sleeves, stomach growling quietly.
He yawned and stretched his arms overhead. "Let’s start the day with something good, maybe some fried spirit buns and rice porridge," he murmured, his mouth already watering.
But as he turned the corner and stepped into the market street, his eyes widened in disbelief.
The entire marketplace was overflowing with people.
Every food stall had lines trailing back for dozens of meters.
Even the smallest corner vendors, usually quiet and overlooked, had customers huddled around them like bees on honey.
Clamor filled the air, shouting merchants, clinking bowls, and the chaotic shuffle of eager cultivators.
John blinked and stared.
"Even the dumpling cart has a line?" he muttered. "It’s barely dawn!"
A sigh escaped his lips as he turned away.
"It’s all because of the exam. Everyone’s either training, preparing, or just stuffing their faces to calm their nerves."