Wuji Market.

The petite and delicate Feng Xi, carrying a bundle on her back and two small wooden buckets in her hands, followed closely behind a middle-aged man.

Beside her was a girl of about the same age.

All three carried packages, large and small, as they walked briskly along the bustling Willow Street.

Feng Xi’s eyes were wide, constantly darting around to take in the sights, her gaze filled with wonder.

This was her first time here.

This was the center of the immortal realm—a place many dreamed of reaching. Just thinking about being here made Feng Xi secretly rejoice, her eyebrows lifting with delight.

She had just turned fifteen. Her family had been self-sufficient farmers, a happy household of five living in a quiet village.

But unfortunately, their peaceful days were destroyed by a sudden locust plague.

The swarm ravaged not just their village, but the entire county and prefecture. Facing such a disaster, their grain stores were far from enough to survive the famine.

Her father led the family on a desperate flight to a neighboring prefecture in search of food. It wasn’t just them; the entire county had set out on this journey to escape starvation.

But the distance of over a thousand li and more than a month of travel turned the journey into a nightmare.

It seemed as if all the evils of the human world manifested during those days. Internal strife, theft, bandits, and robbers ran rampant. For just a handful of grain, people cast aside their shame and humanity.

Because there wasn’t enough food, her parents, younger brother, and grandfather all starved to death along the way.

The resilient Feng Xi barely survived by eating wild vegetables, grass, tree roots, and even dirt.

Just as she was on the brink of death, she encountered a luxurious merchant caravan. Desperate refugees hurried forward to beg for help.

To everyone’s surprise, the caravan generously provided enough food and clean water for them to reach their destination. The refugees knelt on the ground, weeping with gratitude.

Only then did they learn that this caravan was an immortal-seeking team led by an Immortal Master. Even more surprising was that the Master was willing to take a small group of people to the blessed lands where immortals resided.

Fortunately, Feng Xi was selected.

She followed the caravan as a slave all the way to the market town. A month ago, during a street sale, she was bought by an elderly Immortal Master and taken to his home.

She performed miscellaneous chores there without issue. But two days ago, for no apparent reason and without having made any mistakes, she was suddenly sold back to the slave agency.

Just as she was feeling lost, another Immortal Master came to the agency today and bought three servants at once.

She was lucky enough to be included.

Now, the three of them were on their way to report to their new master’s courtyard.

Soon, they arrived outside a mansion at the end of the street.

The middle-aged man leading them stopped and turned to the two girls.

“This is the Immortal Master’s residence. You’ve both been in this market for a month now; do you understand the rules?”

Hearing this, Feng Xi and the other girl quickly nodded.

“Alright then. Let’s introduce ourselves first. My name is Chen Ming,” said the middle-aged man softly.

“My name is Feng Xi.”

“My name is Chu Xiaoyi.”

After the brief introductions, Chen Ming gave them a few more reminders before turning to knock on the door.

Not long after, the gate opened.

A lean and capable Immortal Master appeared. He glanced casually at them before stepping back.

“Come in.”

They entered the courtyard. The Immortal Master stood before them and pointed south.

“There are several rooms over there. You three will live there…”

“This is the kitchen. The well is in the central courtyard. I live in the rear courtyard…”

“You’ll usually help me with cooking, chopping firewood, washing clothes, fetching water…”

“When I’m practicing swordplay or drawing talismans in the courtyard, you absolutely must not disturb me. You must knock before entering…”

“…”

The Immortal Master continued explaining the rules of the household.

As she listened, Feng Xi carefully observed his appearance. He looked about thirty, with bronze-colored skin and clear-cut features. His eyes were bright and spirited, and his voice was loud and clear.

He’s quite handsome… And his mouth is so big and nice-looking… Feng Xi giggled internally.

After speaking for a while, the Immortal Master finally asked, “What are your names?”

Hearing his question, all three hurried forward to introduce themselves.

“Alright. Chen Ming, you’re older. From now on, you’ll be the steward in charge of miscellaneous affairs. And you two will listen to Steward Chen. Understood?”

“Understood!” The three bowed in acknowledgment.

“Oh right. My name is Qin Lu. That’s it for now. Go put away your luggage first.” Qin Lu waved his hand dismissively.

“Yes, Master!” Feng Xi and the others responded immediately.

They picked up their packages and went to the servant quarters located in the outbuilding facing away from the main gate.

Entering the room, Feng Xi glanced at the layout.

The room wasn’t very big. Two small beds were placed side by side in the corner—clearly where she and Chu Xiaoyi would sleep. Steward Chen had the room next door.

After putting away their few belongings, Feng Xi sat down on the bed. Feeling the softness under her, she couldn’t help stroking the bedding, her face showing pleasant surprise.

This kind of quilt is only for high officials and lords. I never thought I could use one too…

Feng Xi knew well from traveling with the caravan that goods transported to the immortal realm were the most precious items of the mortal world. In the immortal realm, this was the lowest-grade bedding. But in the mortal world, it would be a luxury beyond price.

“Feng Xi, were you driven out by your previous master?” Her roommate, Chu Xiaoyi, suddenly asked.

Feng Xi looked at the girl, who was slightly younger than herself, and shook her head.

“No, I never provoked that Immortal Master. But he suddenly sold me.”

“Why?” Chu Xiaoyi sat down beside her, curious. “Was he very fierce? What kind of person was he?”

Feng Xi whispered, “Actually, he was quite okay. But the place he lived was far worse than here! I heard him say it was called ‘The Slums.’ Everything was broken down and a bit… smelly!”

“Ah?” Chu Xiaoyi looked surprised. “There are such places within the immortal realm market?”

“Yes, outside the city wall. Actually, I suspect he ran out of money, so he sold me.”

“Immortal Masters also run out of money?” Chu Xiaoyi widened her eyes.

“That’s just my guess…” Feng Xi spread her hands, then asked, “How about you? Where did you serve before?”

“I… I never went anywhere. At the last auction, nobody wanted me. I stayed at the slave agency for the whole month…”

“That’s fine. From now on, I’ll look after you. Don’t worry too much. I saw earlier that Master Qin seems easy to talk to.”

“Mhm!” Chu Xiaoyi nodded gently. “Then what do we usually need to do?”

“Just the things servants and miscellaneous workers should do. Don’t worry, it’s not too difficult… Oh right, what did you do before?”

“I came from an ordinary family. When the Immortal Master’s caravan passed through our county town, my father sent me off. He said he wanted me to pursue the chance of encountering immortals,” Chu Xiaoyi said softly.

“You’re much better off than me, then. My family encountered a locust plague…”

“…”

The two young girls sat in the room, talking about their respective pasts. Their relationship quickly grew closer.

Even though they were merely the lowest-level servants within the market, their expressions were filled with longing and anticipation for their new life.

After all, being able to come here already meant they had surpassed countless mortals, crossing class strata to become people above others.