After leaving the tram, the group headed for the Myriad Flower Lodge. Despite being in one of the most expensive areas of the city in terms of real estate, the inn occupied tens of acres of private land, with most of the land having gardens or forestry. There was no gate or person blocking the entrance, but there was an indistinct pressure that intimidated those weak of heart. When the group stepped into the inn's territory, Emily and Shui immediately sensed that they had entered the effective range of several arrays. Paraj was littered with arrays to begin, so it was difficult for anyone to notice when more or fewer arrays were affecting them, but Emily and Shui had the perceptiveness and knowledge to detect this change.
While walking the wide, tiled path that led to the main building of the Myriad Flower Lodge, many rare and beautiful plant and animal species could be seen on either sides of the route. There was no need to worry that any of these creatures would wander onto the path since there was a protection array to block them. Most of these creatures did not cultivate, but they could be used for multiple purposes in alchemy, forging, arrays, and other auxiliary arts. If the Myriad Flower Lodge wanted to emphasize its wealth to all visitors, then this was certainly an effective way of doing it.
When they arrived at the end of the path, they found a small palace decorated with splendid sculptures and fine gems that glistened in the sunlight. Even in this shiny city, it stood out as an establishment of prestige that even robbers were afraid to put their dirty hands on. Usually a high-class place like this would have guards at the front door for an added effect of intimidation and to welcome guests, but this inn had a special way of staying exclusive.
After being impressed by the artistic grandeur of the inn, one would then notice the oddest thing about the building; there was no door. However, the cultivators loitering in the vicinity of the inn knew the way to enter. Once you spoke to the staff member in front of the building, they would give you a puzzle based on the auxiliary art of your choosing. Only by solving this puzzle would you gain the means to enter the inn.
There was no line, so once the group of three arrived, there was no need to wait.
By saying, "You go first, I'll watch," Shui convinced Emily to make the first attempt.
The puzzle that she received from the staff member was stored on a jade slip. When she used her spiritual sense to read the jade slip, the puzzle appeared in her mind was quite difficult, but she was confident that she could solve it with enough time. Sadly, the puzzle changed every five minutes, so one would have to be both quick and knowledgeable to solve it. There was no requirement to solve the puzzle besides knowing the basics of arrays, but only a tier 5 array grandmaster could solve it with pure experience, otherwise one would have to also rely on their talent and luck. Fortunately, Emily had the perfect talent to solve the puzzle.
Once they noticed the change in her atmosphere, both Adrian and Shui were sure that she would be fine. Over the years, Emily grew more and more proficient in entering the Still Heart state, and though Shui could enter a more flexible state of focus because of his various abilities, in the Still Heart state Emily could forget both the self and the world, making only the puzzle her focus. Even if the heavens fell down, she would remain with the intent of solving the puzzle. Such single-minded concentration generally wouldn't be useful in fighting, but for an array master, it was something to die for.
With her unbelievably sharpened mind, Emily briefly touched upon the truth of arrays and easily solved the puzzle, earning her a clear green key transformed from the jade slip.
"What?!"
"Someone solved it?"
"Who is it?"
While the other people trying their luck looked over in surprise and curiosity, Alia nodded in approval after flying out of his pocket and landing on Shui's shoulder.
"That girl is quite the talent. No wonder you want to add her to your harem," she commented.
"Would you please stop with the accusations? If I had to say, she's more like a little sister to me."
"As in, you want her to call you 'big brother'? As expected of a pervert."
Shui was so distraught that he showed visible confusion and exasperation as he looked at the freeloader on his shoulder. He was about to firmly deny it, but he was afraid that he would only give her more figurative arrows to shoot him with.
After a heavy sigh, he turned to Emily, who also faced him with a slightly proud smile from beneath her cloak. It was still restrained, but Shui could feel her true self peeking out. He wouldn't mind letting her relish in this victory, but he had already decided to stay here.
"You're up next," she said.
"Actually, I'm already finished."
Shui showed the green key in his hand without putting on any airs, but that still inspired another round of gasps.
"Huh?!"
"When did he attempt the puzzle?"
"Could he have gotten it beforehand?"
"Impossible. They only last for ten minutes and can't be transferred."
While the crowd began busily speculating, Emily and Adrian looked at Shui in surprise. Adrian had seen when Shui received a jade slip, but he hadn't seen when Shui completed the puzzle. Even Emily had to put in effort to solve it, and yet, he seemed to do it effortlessly.
With an awkward smile, Adrian congratulated him, "Well done, Shui. I didn't even notice that you made an attempt."
Shui knew Adrian didn't truly want to praise him, but he didn't make a big deal out of it because he could tell that Emily wasn't in the best of moods, either.
"I just like puzzles is all. More importantly, shouldn't we enter?"
They were being left alone for now, but Shui feared the spectators would soon rush them for answers. Although she was miffed, Emily knew what Shui meant, but she shook her head and replied with a determined look in her eyes.
"No, it's fine. I still can't afford to stay here. And, I want to wait until after I pass the exam and become a fully recognized array master."
"I see. I look forward to that then."
Once he saw she had made up her mind, Shui no longer tried to persuade her and waved them off. Many were surprised that she gained the key but didn't use it, however, once she faded into the distance, their interest in her waned and more eyes went in search of Shui, who had retreated to the Myriad Flower Lodge. With the key in hand, he walked through the wall with no interference and appeared in a bright entrance hall. On his way to the reception desk, Shui looked at the decorations as well as the guests who were on the first floor. From what he could tell, whether it was a wrinkly old man or a spry young woman, all of them were proficient in the auxiliary arts, or accompanying someone who was proficient. The thought of mingling with them to discuss the auxiliary arts came across his mind, but there wasn't much time for leisure on this trip.
When Shui reached the reception desk, he was greeted by a handsome gentleman with a kind smile, "Good day, respected guest. How may I be of assistance?"
"Good day. What rooms do you have available?"
"We have several rooms available at this time. If you'll be staying by yourself, might I suggest the Twilight Primrose Suite?"
After the gentleman described the features of the Twilight Primrose Suite, Shui decided to take it. He didn't plan to stay long, so his standards weren't very high, but the suite sounded like an excellent option regardless.
"For now, I'm planning on staying for three days. How much will that be?"
"That would be 20 high-quality spirit gems."
It was the highest price he had ever paid for lodgings, but based on the set of rooms and features that were included, it seemed reasonable. Right as Shui paid and finished the registration process, a certain young lady came down to the lobby and spotted him.
"Hi!"
Shui didn't think that there would be anyone here that knew him and he didn't recognize the voice, but since the woman was approaching in his direction, he turned to face her. She wasn't exactly familiar, but since it hadn't been long since they last met so Shui quickly remembered her. She was the young lady who had given him a silver communication terminal at the gate. Just as he didn't expect to meet her again, she didn't expect to see him so soon.
She clapped and said with a pleasant smile on her face, "My, for us to reunite so soon, it must be fate."
"Ah, I suppose you could say that," Shui gave a wry smile in response.
He didn't think she was a malicious person, but given their previous interaction, he didn't want to get too close to her either.
As if she didn't realise his reluctance to speak, the girl pinched the sides of her dress and elegantly curtsied while introducing herself.
"Alicia of the Sphere clan. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Shui was sure that her background was something special, but he put that aside for now and also gave a brief introduction.
"My name is Shui. Same for me."