The next day, Hestia roamed through every street and alley of Thousand Towers City’s surface, encountering many familiar yet foreign things. Though these items were considered outdated in the interstellar era, they now carried a peculiar sense of novelty.
By nightfall, she followed a travel guide to the western underground entrance of Thousand Towers City.
Thousand Towers City was divided into upper and lower sections, with the surface accounting for only a quarter of the city. The underground held far more buildings and residents.
In a narrow alley just wide enough for four people to walk abreast, the ground was lined with dim yellow LED lights. On either side were either rusted iron walls or small, bustling shops. Local residents, off work, dined and shopped here. Stepping out of the alley, one would find themselves seemingly suspended in mid-air, overlooking crisscrossing roads below teeming with vehicles in constant motion.
Unlike the ancient architectural style of the surface, the underground exuded a mix of industrial and classical aesthetics.
Neon lights were everywhere, along with slowly moving trapezoidal elevators, holographic signs and figures, and luxurious night market pavilions outlined in glowing lines. The mix of night and underground light, with overlapping eaves and corners, created an impression of chaotic balance that somehow avoided being disruptive.
That evening, Hestia stopped at a hotpot restaurant. Her table was near a window, and the establishment had about ten other patrons. The owners, a middle-aged couple, ran the place.
Apart from Hestia, the other customers were locals, calling for the owners to bring more food while chatting about recent events.
“Do you think this year’s festival will feature a sword duel? It feels like something’s missing without it.”
“Unlikely. The Federation doesn’t favor such bloody spectacles these days. Sword duels often result in accidents.”
“Ah, what a pity. It’ll probably be the same old sword-dance performance again. I’m sick of it.”
“It does feel lackluster. Sword dances seem so feeble—lacking tension and impact. Only a handful of tourists find it fresh anymore.”
“Well, I’ve heard it wasn’t always like this. Back in the day, it was a masterpiece—though it’s said to have been lost to time.”
“Lost?”
“That’s what the elders say. Plenty of things have been lost in Thousand Towers City over the years, this is just one more.”
Their conversation gradually shifted topics. Meanwhile, a commotion of horns and noise came from the street outside.
“It’s the ‘Divine Generals’ parading through the city,” a local immediately reacted, leaving their meal to rush outside. Even the hotpot shop owners shut off the stove and headed out.
Curious, Hestia glanced out the window but found the crowd outside packed tightly.
She sat back down, ate a few more slices of meat, and even fed some to the large spider at her side. Since no one was paying attention, she took her time.
Petting the spider, Hestia glanced at the bustling crowd outside. Deciding to join them, she placed the spider on her head and stepped outside.
The street outside the hotpot shop was crowded with locals and tourists alike. A procession of festival performers in bright yellow attire held tiger banners at the front, clearing the way. Following them were elaborately dressed figures with painted faces in blue and red, wielding weapons. These “Divine Generals” carried four flags on their backs and moved in unison, their armor’s metal plates and pendants jingling as they walked.
Standing on her toes, Hestia observed the parade. Among the procession, the frontline performers were of Sequence 3 strength, while the vibrant “Divine Generals” were at least Sequence 4. A few leaders at the forefront even reached Sequence 5.
Though their movements and formations appeared simple, their aura was interwoven and commanding, creating an intangible but palpable sense of awe. Every hundred meters, the group would stop to perform, their weapons clashing as the iron chains and armor produced resonating sounds, accompanied by faint waves of energy that subtly impacted the onlookers.
Clearly, this ancient city retained unique secret arts or traditions that allowed it to thrive and draw so many inhabitants.
As the procession passed in front of Hestia, one of the “Divine Generals” suddenly turned and locked eyes with her. His glaring gaze sent the blue and red paint on his face seemingly spilling toward Hestia.
Hiss…
Hestia heard a pained screech from above her head. Startled, she quickly took the large spider off her head and cradled it in her arms, avoiding the Divine General’s piercing glare.
Seeing her protect the spider, the Divine General snorted but said nothing, continuing his march. The brief encounter was noticed by only a few people, while the rest simply watched the parade move further down the street.
As the crowd dispersed, Hestia inspected the spider, stroking its head and ensuring it was unharmed. It seemed to have only suffered a mild shock to its consciousness.
A man in yellow robes emerged from the crowd and approached Hestia, noticing her comforting the large spider.
“Excuse me, is this spider your pet?” he asked.
“Yes,” Hestia replied, slightly concerned. She held the spider close to show it was tame and presented the registration papers Botis had provided her to the staff member.
After inspecting the documentation, which was all in order, the staff member nodded and continued.
“During the Divine Generals’ city patrol, any spectral entities encountered are purged. If you wish to avoid misunderstandings, please keep your pet off their route or hold it in your arms. That way, it won’t be mistaken for a harmful presence.”
“I see,” Hestia nodded. She guessed the earlier Divine General might have thought the spider was dangerous since it had been perched on her head.
The staff member gave a few more instructions before leaving. However, after walking a few steps, he turned to glance back at Hestia.
“Why does she look familiar…? Never mind, I need to report back, or the commanders will accuse me of slacking off.”
Hestia let the spider return to hiding in her shadow, then went back to the hotpot restaurant to finish her meal before leaving.
…
That night, she stayed at an underground inn in Thousand Towers City, with a bustling street right outside her window.
Though the inn was near the street, its soundproofing was excellent. Even with people chatting over barbecue all night downstairs, Hestia slept comfortably.
…
The next day, she continued exploring the underground areas of Thousand Towers City. Through conversations with locals, she gradually learned more about the city’s unique practices, including why federal credits weren’t used for direct transactions.
“It’s like this, big sister,” explained a girl holding a candied hawthorn skewer.
“Most of the goods here circulate internally. If we use official channels, there’ll be taxes and licensing involved. But most of what we sell is handmade, not standardized, so it gets very complicated. Even if shop owners receive money, they have to find alternative ways to transfer it to themselves.”
The girl, about 14 years old, sat on a chair swinging her legs while enjoying the candied hawthorn Hestia had bought her.
In the Rose Federation, strict standards applied to all industries, including classifications like T6~5-grade food and prohibited additives in production. However, Thousand Towers City leaned more toward early-stage craftsmanship and preferred their traditional ways, rejecting federal standards.
Once the explanation ended, the girl had nearly finished her treat. Hearing someone call her, she waved to Hestia and ran to the other side of the street, where her mother seemed to be waiting.
The woman bowed courteously to Hestia from afar, and Hestia returned the gesture before watching them leave.
Despite being conservative and traditional, the locals seemed sincere and kind. Unlike those influenced by modern networks, they were unhurried, content to live in such an environment year after year, generation after generation.
…
Later that day, while following tourists through the city’s streets and alleys, Hestia unknowingly arrived at the entrance of a famous temple in Thousand Towers City.
The alley leading to the temple was only about five people wide. At first, the walls on either side were dark, but as she progressed, lights gradually illuminated the space, revealing faint outlines of intricate carvings. These eventually grew into radiant splendor, with statues of deities smiling benevolently, their expressions serene and kind.
The statues stood bathed in golden light, with radiant, sun-like patterns etched onto golden plates behind their heads. These patterns shimmered, creating an air of solemnity and divinity.
Above the alley, red banners swayed gently in the air. At the end of the alley, Hestia entered the temple, where a statue of a celestial figure in mid-dance stood. The deity’s graceful form was adorned with flowing ribbons, holding six objects: a golden ring, a bell, a clock, and a pipa, among others.
This was Gandharva, also known as the Celestial Musician or God of Song.
The temple’s staff were particularly unusual—not humans but humanoid AI with gold and bronze bodies.
In the Federation, AI with humanoid appearances and behaviors had long been banned from integrating into daily life. This prohibition included resembling human forms or mimicking human actions. However, in abandoned frontier cities like Thousand Towers, such old AI units remained.
It was said that humanoid AI had once caused numerous ethical and societal crises, leading the Federation to adopt more conservative policies. However, some neighboring nations of the Rose Federation fully embraced AI-biological integration for their citizens.
Clad in robes, these nearly 2-meter-tall humanoid AIs stood holding prayer beads beside the deities, maintaining order among worshippers. Occasionally, they assisted visitors with questions or divinations.
“What is your wish?”
“I hope to advance to Sequence 4 this year. May Gandharva bless me,” a worshipper knelt on a prayer mat and said.
“The divine only aids those who help themselves. If you are fully prepared and confident, your wish will surely come true.”
“Thank you, Master.” The worshipper stood up with joy and gratitude, then left.
One after another, people came to pray and ask questions. Some left satisfied, while others walked away with lingering anxiety.
When it was Hestia’s turn, she placed her large spider in a nearby backpack and bowed before the deity to pray, though she did not kneel.
Though not particularly devout, she offered incense and prayers out of respect.
“I wish to learn about my mother’s past and origins,” she whispered softly.
After a long moment, as she opened her eyes, placed the incense in the burner, and prepared to leave, the golden-bronze priest unexpectedly spoke.
“You should visit Bamboo Lane on Agarwood Street. There, you will find clues to your wish.”
He then fell silent and turned to assist the next worshipper.
Though puzzled, Hestia did not press further and began searching for the address, Agarwood Street Bamboo Lane.
Unfortunately, there was no relevant information online, with some results even linking to distant star systems.
After leaving the temple, she decided to ask locals for help, but none of them had any knowledge of the place.
Disheartened, Hestia decided to eat something and return to the temple the next day for more inquiries.
…
Sitting in a tavern, she ordered her favorite dishes and prepared to enjoy her meal when a silver-haired man approached. He carried a folding fan and wore an elegant, moon-white outfit with an Eastern style.
“Hello there, miss!” he greeted with what he clearly thought was a dashing pose.
“Hello. Is there something you need?” Hestia asked, looking at him. She noticed a faint scent of cologne emanating from him.
“I am Feng Jianxue, from the Flying Feather Star Region,” he said, referring to one of the most prosperous central regions of the Federation.
“Mm,” Hestia nodded slightly, remaining impassive.
Seeing her lack of reaction to his looks or background, he let out a nervous laugh and continued.
“The Flying Feather Star Region is extraordinarily affluent, home to numerous corporate headquarters and many entertainment enterprises. Incidentally, I am currently scouting rare talents to become stars of the galaxy.”
“So?” Hestia tilted her head.
“Ahem, so I believe you have great potential in this area. Would you be interested in joining our company?”
“No.” Hestia shook her head. Something about this man seemed suspicious.
“Don’t refuse so quickly…” He sat down uninvited and began elaborating on his company.
“Have you heard of ‘White Swan’ Odette, the famous songstress?”
“Odette is one of our company’s stars. She’s a true genius with incredible vocal talent, not some counterfeit. At just 17, she’s already a rising Starlight-Grade Songstress.”
He showed her a photo of himself with a girl in a white dress on his personal device. The girl, however, appeared a bit arrogant and seemed dismissive of him in the photo.
As the man rambled on, Hestia contemplated how to interrupt when a waiter approached.
“Are you two dining together?”
“Yes, that’s right. I’ll have roasted goose and some elven brew,” the man replied quickly, cutting Hestia off before she could protest.
Seeing Hestia about to refuse, he played his trump card.
“I know where Agarwood Street is. Please, be patient, miss.”
When the dishes arrived, the man began eating heartily, as if he hadn’t eaten in days.
Hestia took her time, eating wontons and steamed bass fillets while sipping hot soup. Once she’d finished, she looked at him.
“Now, can you tell me?”
“Oh, so you’re interested in our company after all? Our benefits are quite attractive…”
“Stop. You know what I want to ask. If you don’t tell me, I’ll leave.” She was nearly done eating and no longer hungry.
“Alright, alright. Please wait. I’ll tell you where Agarwood Street is.” Seeing her get up, he quickly spoke.
“Agarwood Street is located underground in Thousand Towers City. It’s the city’s core area, said to be where generations of city lords lived and the ancestral hall of Thousand Towers City’s Sword Guardians.”
“Ordinary people rarely go there, so it’s not widely known. I overheard you asking about it on the street and couldn’t help but be captivated by your stunning beauty.”
He launched into more flattery.
“And how do I get to such a place?” Hestia asked. She was just an ordinary girl without influence or power.
“Well, I have my ways. Let me finish my meal, and I’ll explain everything to you. Oh, by the way, may I ask your name?”
“Hestia,” she replied coolly, shaking her head.
Though this man seemed suspicious, she detected no malice from him. With her combined talents as a songstress and sequence pathway, few could lie to her face. That was why she had the patience to hear him out instead of walking away.
For now, she decided to listen. This man seemed to know many things. Besides, if her mother was indeed connected to Agarwood Street, it might mean her mother had once lived a sheltered, noble life. Hestia wondered what had caused her mother to sever ties with her family.
She stroked the large spider at her feet and felt slightly reassured.
This trip to Thousand Towers City had finally yielded some clues.