"Liuzi, bringing more guests again?" 0

A hoarse, weathered voice echoed through the cold, cavernous interior of Binglan Palace. Despite the vast hall, the sound seemed to calm the atmosphere even further. 0

An old woman reclined lazily on a lounge chair. Her eyes opened slightly, casting a casual glance at Luo Chen and his companions.0

Xu Xiaoliu hunched his shoulders and stepped forward. "Senior Shi, these three are friends of my uncle. They’re looking to rent a cave residence."0

The old woman’s eyes flicked toward them again. 0

Luo Chen stepped forward and cupped his hands in a polite salute. 0

She gave a noncommittal grunt and then called into the depths of the palace, "Ah Lan, bring the Spherical Compass."0

"Coming, Granny!" came a cheerful voice from within.0

Moments later, a young girl trotted out, cradling a large, spherical enchanted artifact. Moving with practiced ease, she placed it gently on the table before them.0

"Are the three seniors here to rent a cave residence?" she asked with a bright smile.0

"Yes, yes, they—" Xu Xiaoliu eagerly leaned forward to respond, but before he could finish, the little girl shot him a sharp glare.0

"I asked the seniors, not you. Why are you interrupting?" the little girl barked.2

Xu Xiaoliu scratched his head sheepishly and retreated to the back, not taking it to heart.0

Luo Chen cast him a glance before stepping forward. "Is there anything we should know about these cave residences? And what’s the rent like?"0

The girl, named Shi Lan, nodded and sent a stream of spirit power into the Spherical Compass. At once, images swirled across the orb’s surface, revealing detailed glimpses of various cave residences’ interiors.0

Some were humble and natural; others luxurious and ornate. Some clung to the mountainside with sweeping views of the city, while others featured cascading waterfalls...0