211: Chapter 211 Arrangements before departure! Arrival in Tianxing City!

Chapter 211: Arrangements Before Leaving! Arriving at Tianxing City!

Ten days later.

Kuixing City, Tiandu Street, White Water Tower.

The familiar pavilion still stood at the edge of the square, with people coming and going, and business thriving.

Several shop assistants greeted customers at the door, their faces adorned with professional smiles, welcoming and sending off patrons.

Cultivators entered and exited from time to time, either purchasing Medicinal Pills or selling Materials, making it exceptionally lively.

Lu Qiu stood with his hands behind his back by the third-floor window, his gaze passing through the window lattice, looking at the bustling crowd below.

His expression was calm, but there was a hint of emotion in his eyes.

After decades in Kuixing City, he was finally leaving.

Decades, neither long nor short.

From a newly arrived False Core Cultivator to a Late Core Formation Stage Cultivator, controlling Kuixing Island and the Vice Hall Master of the Liulian Hall on Dengxing Island.

He had already accumulated a considerable force under his command.

Along this journey, there were hardships, setbacks, but also gains and joys.

The sunlight outside the window scattered, casting mottled light and shadow on the ground.

Faint hawking and bargaining sounds came from downstairs; everything was so familiar, so intimate.

Light footsteps came from behind him. Lu Qiu turned around and saw a familiar figure walk in.

It was Third Mother Feng.

After several years, she still maintained her capable appearance, dressed in a purple palace gown with her hair neatly coiled, exuding the Aura of an Early Core Formation Stage Cultivator.

However, compared to before, she was more composed, with an added sense of ease and confidence in her every move.

Her eyes were still bright but held more depth, clearly indicating that years of experience had matured her considerably.

Seeing Lu Qiu, a sincere smile appeared on her face. She quickly stepped forward and bowed gracefully:

"I didn't expect that after several years, Elder Lu has already been promoted to the headquarters and is highly regarded by the Vice Hall Master. Third Mother congratulates Elder Lu here."

Her voice carried sincere congratulations and a hint of emotion.

The Foundation Establishment Cultivator who first arrived at Kuixing Island back then had now become an Elder of the Liulian Hall headquarters, his status far above hers.

And she, too, had grown from a Foundation Establishment deacon to a Core Formation Elder.

All of this, in a way, was related to the person before her.

Lu Qiu waved his hand, signaling her not to be so formal.

He sat down in a chair and gestured to the opposite seat, indicating for Third Mother Feng to sit as well.

Third Mother Feng sat opposite him, her posture dignified yet with a hint of familiarity.

"Third Mother, after I leave, the Kuixing Island branch will be entirely under your care."

He was about to leave Kuixing Island, so naturally, the branch here needed a new Core Formation Cultivator to guard it.

Although the original shopkeeper Cao Hu and others were capable, they were, after all, only Foundation Establishment Cultivators and couldn't hold the fort.

Moreover, the Liulian Hall branch on Kuixing Island needed someone capable, experienced, and trustworthy to manage it.

Therefore, Lu Qiu had Nangong Hai transfer Third Mother Feng back.

She was an old hand on Kuixing Island, familiar with everything here and intimately acquainted with Tiandu Street.

As a Core Formation Cultivator, her cultivation was sufficient, and her abilities outstanding, making her perfectly suitable.

Upon hearing this, Third Mother Feng's expression became serious, and she solemnly said, "Elder Lu, please rest assured, Third Mother will not disappoint you. The Kuixing Island branch, entrusted to Third Mother, will surely be managed impeccably. Third Mother has also learned a lot over the years, which will be put to good use on Kuixing Island."

Lu Qiu nodded.

He had witnessed Third Mother Feng's competence over the years.

When she was a deacon, she managed the business of the six branches in an orderly manner, with profits increasing year after year.

Those marketing strategies and management methods were all handled by her personally.

Now that she was a Core Formation Cultivator, her abilities would only grow stronger, and her vision wider.

With her there, he could rest assured about matters on Kuixing Island.

He did not intend to completely abandon Kuixing Island.

After all, the three main and Vice Island Masters of Kuixing Island.

Wood Dragon, True Person Yuan Jun, and Immortal Master Kan Qin, were all his people now.

Their lives were in his hands, so they had to obey him.

With them there, Kuixing Island was his backyard.

If he encountered trouble in the future, this place could completely be developed into an emergency refuge.

Although Tianxing City was good, it was not his territory after all. There were many powerful Cultivators and intricate forces there; who knew what changes might occur?

On Kuixing Island, he had his own people and his own Foundation; at critical moments, he could retreat here.

Moreover, he could also obtain some rare Spirit Materials through Wood Dragon and the Star Palace channel.

As the overlord of the Chaotic Star Sea, the Star Palace's resources and channels were far beyond what the Liulian Hall could compare to.

Some things that the Liulian Hall couldn't acquire, the Star Palace could.

He took out a Jade Slip from his Storage Pouch and handed it to Third Mother Feng.

"This is a list, detailing some Spirit Materials I need. You should keep an eye out for them in the future, and if you get any information, send it to me via Sound Transmission Talisman."

Third Mother Feng took the Jade Slip, her Divine Sense entering it to quickly browse through.

The list was densely packed with dozens of extremely rare Spirit Materials, each one priceless.

She secretly gasped in her heart, but her expression remained calm.

She solemnly put away the Jade Slip and said, "Elder Lu, please rest assured, Third Mother will do her best. The channels of the Liulian Hall, as well as some of Third Mother's own connections, will all be utilized."

Lu Qiu nodded and gave a few more instructions.

Third Mother Feng noted them all, feeling a touch of emotion.

This Elder Lu, despite his high position and power, never put on airs with his subordinates.

It was true then, and it was still true now.

A moment later, Lu Qiu rose to bid farewell.

Third Mother Feng saw him to the door, watching his figure disappear into the crowd, standing there for a long time.

...

After leaving the White Water Tower, Lu Qiu went to Tian Zhu Peak.

Tian Zhu Peak remained majestic, shrouded in clouds and mist. Lu Qiu landed before the Restriction outside the Peak and sent out a Sound Transmission Talisman.

A moment later, the Restriction opened wide, and Wood Dragon personally came out to greet him.

"Master," he said respectfully, stepping aside to lead the way.

Entering the Immortal Cave, the host and guest took their seats.

The attendant served Spirit Tea and then withdrew.

Lu Qiu got straight to the point: "I am leaving Kuixing Island."

Wood Dragon was slightly startled, then asked, "Where is Master going?"

"Tianxing City."

Lu Qiu said indifferently, taking a sip of Spirit Tea: "The matters here on Kuixing Island are entrusted to you. Watch over Tianmen Peak and that black divine wood, and ensure no mishaps occur."

Wood Dragon solemnly said, "Master, please rest assured, this subordinate will do his utmost. I will regularly inspect the Formation on Tianmen Peak; as for that black divine wood, I will personally guard it and not allow anyone to approach."

Lu Qiu nodded, then took out another Jade Slip and handed it to him.

"This is a list, detailing some Spirit Materials I need. Please help me keep an eye out for them through the Star Palace's channels, and if there's an Opportunity, acquire them directly."

Wood Dragon took the Jade Slip, his Divine Sense entering it to quickly browse through.

He solemnly put away the Jade Slip and said, "Master, please rest assured, this subordinate will do his best."

Lu Qiu looked at him and said indifferently, "Do your work well, and you won't be treated unfairly in the future. Once I successfully form my Nascent Soul, perhaps I can even help you."

Upon hearing this, a hint of excitement flashed in Wood Dragon's eyes.

Nascent Soul Formation!

That was the Realm he had always dreamed of!

He bowed deeply, saying, "Thank you, Master!"

...

Returning to Tianmen Peak, Lu Qiu went into the mountain's belly.

This was the core of Tianmen Peak's Spiritual Vein, where the Spiritual Qi was most concentrated.

Although the spirit eye spring had been taken by him, this place was still the most spiritually abundant spot on the entire mountain.

The air was filled with ethereal spiritual mist; taking a deep breath made one feel refreshed and invigorated.

That black divine wood now lay quietly on the Spiritual Vein, enveloped by rich Spiritual Qi.

Lu Qiu approached and carefully examined the black divine wood.

It was still entirely black, its surface covered with profound patterns, yet it emitted no Spiritual Qi fluctuations.

It had been in the core of the Spiritual Vein for so long, yet there was still no movement, as if it were truly just an ordinary firewood stick.

Lu Qiu frowned slightly.

When would this divine wood regain its vitality?

He had waited for so long, but still saw no change.

Sometimes he even wondered, was this truly a divine wood?

Or was his judgment mistaken?

But gold intelligence never erred. Since the information said it was 'divine wood,' then it must be divine wood.

"I can only wait patiently," he thought to himself.

Thinking about it, since it was indicated as 'divine wood' by the intelligence, it must be extraordinary.

It probably wouldn't regain its vitality in a short time.

Perhaps it would take years, decades, or even centuries to see a change.

This divine wood needed to be nurtured by a Spiritual Vein, so Lu Qiu naturally had no intention of taking it with him.

After all, once he reached Tianxing City, he wouldn't have the ability to acquire a Spiritual Vein to nurture this divine wood.

Every inch of land in Tianxing City was precious; let alone a Spiritual Vein, even an ordinary spiritual land was worth a fortune.

Instead of carrying it around, it was better to leave it here to absorb the essence of the Spiritual Vein.

With Wood Dragon guarding it here, there shouldn't be any problems.

...

A month passed quickly.

On this day, everything was ready on Tianmen Peak.

The morning sun scattered on the Peak, dyeing the sea of clouds a golden red.

A gentle breeze swept by, bringing wafts of fresh air.

Xin Ruyin and Xiao Mei had already packed and stood on the Peak platform, waiting to depart.

Xin Ruyin wore an elegant long dress, her black hair flowing like a waterfall, her features as beautiful as a painting.

She stood there quietly, gazing into the distance, lost in thought.

The sunlight fell upon her, casting a soft halo, making her as beautiful as a Fairy in a painting.

Xiao Mei was still her lively self, holding the purple-glowing Purple Crystal Sable in her arms, her face full of anticipation.

She occasionally stood on tiptoe, looking down the mountain, then turned back to look at Xin Ruyin, muttering something.

Heisha stood silently to the side, his Aura condensed, his crimson eyes showing no fluctuations.

He was like a statue, unmoving, yet constantly vigilant.

Lu Qiu took one last look at the Immortal Cave where he had lived for decades, his gaze sweeping over every corner.

He took a deep breath, turned around, and said, "Let's go."

Xin Ruyin walked to his side and gently held his hand.

Her hand was cool, yet it carried a reassuring strength.

Lu Qiu performed a shifting Formation, collecting the spirit eye spring from the Immortal Cave into his gray spatial bead, and the Spiritual Qi in the Immortal Cave instantly dropped significantly.

Then, he conjured his flying boat.

The flying boat rapidly expanded with the wind, transforming into a three-zhang-long, one-zhang-wide vessel, suspended in mid-air.

The four boarded the flying boat, and Lu Qiu took one last look back at Tianmen Peak.

"Let's go."

The flying boat transformed into a streak of light, leaving Tianmen Peak, leaving the Qingyun Mountain Range, and leaving Kuixing Island.

...

Arriving in the sea area near Kuixing Island, Lu Qiu slowed down the flying boat.

He stood at the bow of the boat, his Divine Sense probing into the sea, like invisible tentacles, extending deep into the seabed.

A moment later, the sea surface broke open, and a blue figure shot into the sky!

"Waaah—!"

The Infant Carp Beast cried out excitedly, circling the flying boat.

It was soaking wet, its dark blue scales shimmering in the sunlight, reflecting a dreamy luster.

Its baby-like face was full of joy, eyes curved into crescents, and a wide grin revealed several sharp fangs.

Lu Qiu smiled and reached out to stroke its head.

The Infant Carp Beast comfortably narrowed its eyes, rubbing its head against his palm, emitting a low 'woo-woo' purr.

"Let's go, I'll take you to a new place," Lu Qiu said gently.

Then, with a thought, he brought the Infant Carp Beast into the spatial bead.

The flying boat continued forward, heading towards Tianxing City, disappearing over the vast sea.

...

Above an endless azure sea, a flying boat swiftly advanced.

The boat's body was sleek, with spiritual light flowing, and its speed was extremely fast.

Four people were seated on the boat: Lu Qiu, Xin Ruyin, Xiao Mei, and Heisha.

All four were Core Formation Cultivators, with Lu Qiu even close to the Core Formation Peak.

Such a combination was powerful, and along the way, no one foolish enough came to cause trouble.

Occasionally, a few probing Divine Senses swept over, but upon sensing the Aura of the four, they immediately retracted, not daring to offend in the slightest.

Over the vast sea, they flew day after day. The surroundings were always endless blue waves, with the sky and water merging into one color. Occasionally, a few desolate islands passed by, or a few flocks of seabirds flew past.

With sunrises and sunsets, waxing and waning moons, three months passed just like that.

Speaking of which, everyone was experiencing continuous travel for three months for the first time.

Previously, on Kuixing Island, the farthest Lu Qiu had traveled was to Dengxing Island, which took only a month.

Fortunately, everyone was a Core Formation Cultivator with profound magical power; otherwise, they truly wouldn't have been able to endure it.

However, even so, three months of monotonous flying left everyone somewhat weary.

That fatigue wasn't physical, but mental. Facing the same scenery day after day, anyone would feel bored.

Xiao Mei leaned on the ship's rail, listlessly watching the sea.

The Purple Crystal Sable lay on her shoulder, equally lazy, occasionally opening its eyes to look around before going back to sleep.

"Young Master, how much longer until we arrive?" she asked for the countless time, her voice carrying clear anticipation and impatience.

Lu Qiu glanced at the astrolabe and said, "Soon."

Xiao Mei pouted and mumbled, "You always say 'soon.' Last time you said 'soon,' we flew for ten days; the time before that, you said 'soon,' we flew for half a month; the time before that, you said 'soon,' we flew..."

Xin Ruyin chuckled beside her and said, "Xiao Mei, be patient. Tianxing City is the largest city in the Chaotic Star Sea, it's worth the wait. Look at this seamless blend of sea and sky, how beautiful it is."

Xiao Mei looked around, seeing nothing but seawater, and couldn't help but say, "Young Miss, what's beautiful about this? I've been looking at it for three months; I could draw it now."

Xin Ruyin was amused by her, shook her head, and said no more.

They flew for roughly several more days.

On this day, at the horizon where the sea met the sky, an extremely vague, giant black dot faintly appeared.

Lu Qiu's eyes lit up, and he pointed forward, saying, "Ruyin, Xiao Mei, that should be Tianxing City ahead."

Xin Ruyin looked in the direction of his finger; that black dot was indeed different from ordinary islands, faintly exuding a majestic Aura.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Mei immediately perked up, jumping from the ship's rail and craning her neck to look forward. The Purple Crystal Sable was startled awake, let out a dissatisfied cry, and then lay back down.

"Where, where? Let me see!" Xiao Mei exclaimed excitedly.

Xin Ruyin also stood up, her gaze fixed on the distance, her eyes filled with anticipation: "I've long heard that Tianxing City is the largest city in the Chaotic Star Sea. This time, I must see it properly."

Lu Qiu smiled slightly, also feeling a sense of anticipation.

He hoped to gain many Opportunities in this Tianxing City.

Especially the nascent soul formation spiritual item; these were what he needed most.

And those gold intelligence, he imagined, would also emerge one after another.

As the distance closed, the black dot gradually grew larger, and its outline became clearer.

When everyone finally saw the full view of the giant city, even the well-traveled Lu Qiu couldn't help but gasp.

It was not an ordinary island, but a colossal city spiraling upwards, clinging to a towering mountain!

Even from a great distance, a majestic, vast, and Soul-oppressing Aura already surged towards them!

The power of that Aura was like an invisible giant mountain pressing on their hearts, making them involuntarily feel awe. It was a shock from the depths of their Souls, an exclamation at a magnificent creation.

As they flew closer, they finally saw the full picture.

The structure of this city was completely different from any city Lu Qiu had seen before.

It was built upon a colossal mountain Peak at the island's center, soaring into the clouds with no visible summit. The buildings, like spiraling vines, wound around the mountain in circles and layers, dense and stacked, until they disappeared into the clouds, with no end in sight.

These buildings varied in style, including pavilions, palaces, courtyards, and shops, all arranged in a magnificent and orderly fashion.

Some were resplendent and golden, some were ancient and elegant, some were exquisite and delicate, and some were grand and imposing.

Each level had streets, shops, residences, and squares, as if many small cities were stacked together.

The base of the giant mountain was also completely covered by various buildings, layer upon layer, densely packed, extending all the way to the edge of the island, leaving almost no gaps.

These buildings were built against the mountain, arranged aesthetically, blending seamlessly with the mountain itself.

Gazing at the countless ant-nest-like houses stretching to the horizon, and the main mountain Peak resembling a giant pillar connecting heaven and earth, even Lu Qiu, who had prepared himself mentally, couldn't help but feel a strong shock upon witnessing it firsthand.

The written descriptions of his previous life were less than one ten-thousandth of what he saw with his own eyes!

Xin Ruyin was also stunned, mumbling, "This... this is too big... How can such a magnificent structure exist in the world..."

Xiao Mei's mouth hung open for a long time, unable to close: "My goodness... how many people must there be... millions, right...?"

It wasn't until they were within dozens of miles of Tianxing City that Lu Qiu slowed his escape speed.

Because the nearby airspace was no longer empty, other Cultivators' escape lights began to appear intermittently, near or far, all heading towards Tianxing City.

There were solitary figures, hands clasped behind their backs, robes fluttering, free and unrestrained; groups of three or five, chatting and laughing, exchanging pleasantries; those riding flying boats, their vessels ornate and shimmering with spiritual light; and those controlling Spirit Beasts, riding various strangely shaped Yao Beasts, looking majestic.

Various lights intertwined in the sky, like rainbows, creating a lively scene.

Flying another ten to twenty miles further, the various lights in the sky became even denser.

Huge sea vessels also appeared on the sea, braving the wind and waves, similarly sailing towards the giant city.

Some of these sea vessels were hundreds of feet long, like small mountains; some were intricately carved and painted, magnificent and clearly belonging to major powers; some flew various flags, including those of the Star Palace, the Four Great Merchant Alliances, major Sects, and various aristocratic families.

Cultivators moved back and forth on the ships, busy and orderly.

Finally, they reached the edge of Tianxing City.

It was then that Lu Qiu discovered this magnificent giant city was actually tightly encircled along the coastline by a towering stone wall, dozens of feet high.

The stone wall was built from huge green stone bricks, each brick about ten feet square and weighing ten thousand catties.

The wall surface was covered with dense runes, emitting a faint spiritual light, clearly indicating the presence of a powerful defensive Formation.

The stone wall stretched endlessly, majestic and imposing, like a giant Dragon lying prostrate by the sea, guarding this colossal city.

Below the wall, there were more than a dozen large and small entrances, including docks for Mortal sea vessels, bays for domesticated Yao Beasts to inhabit, and of course, most commonly, city gates for Cultivators to pass through.

Cultivators continuously streamed in and out of each city gate, some entering the city, some leaving, an endless flow.

Star Palace guards stood watch at the city gates, inspecting the Cultivators entering and exiting.

Lu Qiu and the others disembarked from the flying boat, put it away, and walked towards one of the city gates.

At the city gate, several guards wearing the Star Palace's iconic white robes, with Foundation Establishment Stage cultivation, stood with solemn expressions.

They held Magical Artifacts, their gazes vigilantly sweeping over the crowds entering and exiting, not missing any suspicious person.

Lu Qiu directly took out the Island Master token of Immortal Master Mu Long.

He had taken this from Island Master Mu Long when he left Kuixing Island.

Kuixing Island also belonged to the Star Palace's influence, and with the Island Master token, traveling in Tianxing City would be much more convenient.

At least he wouldn't be interrogated for a long time like ordinary Loose Cultivators.

Upon seeing the token, the guards' expressions immediately became serious, and they bowed in unison: "Greetings, sir!"

Their attitude was completely different from how they treated ordinary Cultivators.

Lu Qiu nodded and said, "We intend to settle in Tianxing City; please process a few passes for us."

According to Star Palace rules, all Cultivators entering the city must obtain an identity ring.

Core Formation Cultivators can obtain a red ring for permanent residence free of charge.

If one's cultivation is below Core Formation, they must spend eight hundred low-grade Spirit Stones to obtain one.

This rule serves both for management and for generating revenue.

"Yes, sir!"

A guard responded, and one of them immediately took out a vibrant red, smooth-textured ring from a special Storage Pouch at his waist, handing it to Lu Qiu with both hands.

"Senior, please keep your identity ring safe. With this ring, you can permanently reside in Tianxing City and enter and exit freely. Private duels are strictly forbidden within the city, and offenders will be severely punished. Please be aware of this, Senior."

Lu Qiu took the red ring; it felt slightly heavy and smooth like jade.

His Divine Sense swept over it briefly; the ring's interior was inscribed with simple identification Formation patterns and the characters "Tianxing," with no other anomalies.

He dripped a drop of Essence Blood onto the ring and wore it on his left index finger.

The ring automatically adjusted its size, fitting perfectly as if custom-made, neither loose nor tight.

Afterward, the guards handed identity rings to Xin Ruyin, Xiao Mei, and Heisha.

The three took them, similarly dripped blood to recognize their owner, and wore them on their hands.

Xin Ruyin put on the ring, gently turned it, and a smile appeared on her face.

Xiao Mei, on the other hand, curiously examined the ring, turning it over and over, muttering, "This thing is quite pretty."

"Please proceed, honored sirs!"

The guard stepped aside to clear the path, his attitude respectful.

Lu Qiu and the others slowly stepped into the city gate, which was several feet high.

The city gate tunnel was deep and wide, over ten feet long.

The walls on both sides were also covered with runes, emitting a faint spiritual light.

Footsteps echoed in the passage, carrying a sense of solemnity.

Passing through the city gate tunnel, their vision suddenly opened up.

Tianxing City, they had finally arrived.