Guarding the River of Time

Chapter 447 - 437: Lifespan Is the Only Currency

Du Ziren descended the stairs with great speed, moving with an urgent and decisive stride.

As soon as he opened the main gate, he saw a large crowd standing outside the red walls.

Upon seeing Du Ziren, these people became excited, their eyes sparkling as they approached, each clasping their hands and bowing deeply in utmost respect.

Yet, Du Ziren did not give them a glance, but rather turned in a different direction, striding swiftly towards a certain place in Reincarnation City, moving with urgency.

Seeing this, the crowd was left stunned and confused, not daring to ask questions, and simply following from a distance.

.....

Su Mu and Nannan disembarked from the ship and stored the black vessel away, standing on the street of the Ancient City.

Nannan gazed at the brightly lit, bustling street ahead, her eyes lighting up with delight as she asked, "Father, where is this place?"

This was the first time her father had brought her to such a lively place, so Nannan was very happy.

Although her eldest brother and Third Brother had also taken her to bustling places, it was different; the feeling of being with her father was completely different, for she felt her father was often too solitary, and she wanted him to enjoy some liveliness.

More than her own happiness, she hoped for her father to be happier.

...

"A lively ancient city."

Come to think of it, Su Mu didn’t know the name of this city, but it didn’t matter.

Su Mu held Nannan’s hand, walking down a road paved with bluestone, the red lanterns hanging from the pavilion casting their shadows on the stone road.

To avoid attracting attention, Su Mu concealed his aura and shielded Nannan’s presence, appearing like ordinary city dwellers walking the bustling, dreamy streets.

...

"Father, what is this?"

Nannan stopped at a small stall, where a variety of paper candy figures were displayed. These figures were intricately crafted, emitting a faint aroma that, upon inhaling, stirred the soul, bringing great comfort.

The vendor was a plump woman who appeared to be in her thirties, still charming with an impressive appearance.

"Such a lovely little girl." The woman’s eyes brightened upon seeing Nannan, she also met such a charming and striking young girl for the first time, and couldn’t help but exclaim.

"Little girl, this is called a Paper Spirit Candy Man." Before Su Mu could speak, the woman answered Nannan’s question.

"Do you want to try it?" Su Mu withdrew his Divine Sense after confirming the candy man posed no danger, then asked Nannan.

Hearing this, Nannan nodded, "Just a little."

"Alright, get one." Su Mu told the vendor.

Though the Soul Paper Candy Man posed no danger, with no poison, it contained a great amount of energy. Nannan, even with decent Cultivation, would find it difficult to digest if she ate two.

Primarily because the candy man contained energy that nourished the "soul," a delicate, sensitive essence, not to be treated carelessly.

"Pretty sister, I want two." Nannan extended two jade-colored, pale fingers adorably.

The woman’s smile grew even wider, increasingly fond of Nannan, reminded of her own daughter, wondering if she’d ever get the chance to leave here...

"Here, for you."

The woman picked up three candy figures and handed them to Nannan.

"Pretty sister, you took one too many; I only wanted two." Nannan said, waving her hand.

"The extra one is a gift from your auntie."

"Be careful not to eat too many, okay? You can only have one at a time." The woman smiled and advised.

"Is that alright?" Nannan shyly said.

"Take it." The woman gently placed the candy in Nannan’s little hand.

"How much?" Su Mu asked.

"Five hundred for one, I’ll charge you eight hundred for two." The woman replied with a smile.

Just as Su Mu was ready to take out Spirit Stones, he realized the currency in this ancient city was apparently not Spirit Stones.

"Do you accept other items?" Su Mu, with numerous treasures on him, sought to trade.

Upon hearing this, the woman hesitated, unsure how to respond, for no treasure compared to "life expectancy" to her at that moment.

She looked at Nannan’s expectant face, her heart softening as she chuckled, "You must be new here?"

"I see you both are newcomers, without much to give, but you are lucky; today happens to have three complimentary shares for new citizens."

"No charge."

The woman smiled softly.

"Really!"

"Father, we’re so lucky!"

"Thank you, pretty sister."

Nannan said to the woman with a smile, revealing two slight dimples.

"No need to thank me." The woman replied, leaning slightly and smiling.

....

At this moment, a commotion erupted on the street, as people coming and going stopped in their tracks, standing aside in attention, their expressions all respectful.

The next second, a tall man in a black and gold robe ran up to Su Mu, "Brother Su!"

Upon hearing the voice, Su Mu turned to find Du Ziren stood behind him.

In an instant, countless eyes turned to Su Mu and Nannan, filled with shock.

Ghost Emperor addressed this young man as "Brother"?!

Who was this man, really?!

Upon hearing this title, and witnessing Ghost Emperor’s fawning and somewhat respectful attitude, the woman was stupefied.

She stared dumbly at Su Mu, her eyes filled with astonishment.

Who was this man?!

"Brother Su, you’re here, why didn’t you tell me so I could welcome you? Look how things have turned out." Du Ziren said with a smile.

"No need for trouble, I’m just here to take my daughter around." Su Mu replied.

Upon hearing this, Du Ziren finally understood and said to the crowd nearby, "Scatter now, go about your business."

As soon as he spoke, the onlookers quickly dispersed.

The woman, unsure whether to leave, lowered her head, not daring to speak.

"Hello, my name is Du Ziren, your father’s friend."

Du Ziren solemnly introduced himself to Nannan.

At the first sight of Nannan, Du Ziren’s heart was shaken; he, in his high position, had seen countless prodigies, never witnessing one as remarkable as Nannan.

Not surprising, she was Elder Su’s daughter!

"My name is Nannan."

"Since you’re father’s friend, I’ll call you Uncle Du from now on."

No matter who she faced, Nannan remained poised, exuding a calmness beyond her years, unfazed, confident, gazing directly.

Hearing this, Du Ziren was taken aback, though their first meeting, he felt Elder Su’s daughter had an extraordinary composure!