Immortal Serenade

2. A glimpse of the mortal realm

As they stepped through the shimmering portal, Lin Xi, Chen Rui, and Hei Bai felt a thrill of excitement mixed with a hint of trepidation. The air around them seemed to vibrate with an otherworldly energy, and the sky above transformed into a deep shade of blue they had never seen before.

The three fairies stumbled slightly, adjusting to the unfamiliar gravity and atmosphere of the mortal realm.

Lin Xi, Chen Rui, and Hei Bai found themselves in the midst of a bustling market. People of all shapes and sizes hurried past them, dressed in attire unlike anything they had ever seen. The three fairies stood out, clad in their flowing fairy gowns, and drew curious glances from the crowd.

Lin Xi's eyes widened as she took in the sights and sounds. "It's so different from our realm," she breathed.

Chen Rui nodded, his gaze scanning the crowd. "And so many people!"

"We need to blend in," Lin Xi said, her eyes scanning the market stalls. "Let's find some clothes."

They spotted a shop with colorful garments on display and entered, hoping to find something suitable. The shopkeeper, a friendly-looking woman, greeted them warmly.

"Welcome! How can I help you?"

Chen Rui stepped forward. "We'd like to buy some clothes. How many can we get for these?" He held out three crystals.

The shopkeeper's eyes widened. "Oh my, those crystals are far too valuable for our humble clothes. You don't need to pay that much!"

The three fairies exchanged confused glances. "But... how does it work?" Lin Xi asked.

Chen Rui's face lit up. "I remember! My father said everything was different in the mortal realm."

The shopkeeper chuckled. "You're not from around here, are you? These clothes don't cost much. You can just take what you like."

Hei Bai nodded. "We're from... a different land."

The shopkeeper smiled. "Well, you can exchange those crystals for money at a nearby shop. Then you can buy whatever you like."

At the exchange shop, the boss explained the mortal realm's currency system to them. With their new understanding, they returned to the clothing shop and purchased comfortable, mortal-style clothes.

As they changed into their new attire, Lin Xi giggled. "I feel like a real human now!"

Chen Rui grinned. "We look like we belong here."

Hei Bai nodded, adjusting his new shirt. "And the clothes are so comfortable!"

Lin Xi twirled, her new skirt fluttering around her. "I love it! Who knew mortal clothes could be so wonderful?"

Chen Rui chuckled. "I think we're going to like it here."

Hei Bai smiled mischievously. "Definitely. Now, let's go explore this mortal realm!"

Chen Rui's curiosity got the better of him as he spotted a colorful calendar on the wall of a nearby shop. He walked towards it, his eyes scanning the unfamiliar markings.

"Guys, come see this!" he called out to Lin Xi and Hei Bai. "I think it's a calendar, but it's so different from ours."

Lin Xi joined him, her gaze tracing the lines and symbols on the calendar. "Time runs differently here," she said, her voice filled with wonder. "Their years are shorter, and they divide them into months and days."

Hei Bai fluttered over to join them, his wings humming with excitement. "What does it say?" he asked, peering at the calendar.

Chen Rui pointed to the date. "It says today is January 10, 1818."