C15 Hongming Continent

However, Feng Yimo believed that the true power of the Yin-yang Spell lay beyond its surface capabilities—it thrived in the harmonious cultivation of both Yin and Yang! Yet, since he had only recently encountered the spell, he hadn't fully mastered it and was left to gradually uncover its deeper secrets. What piqued his curiosity was the fact that the princess of Chu Country had been afflicted with a severe poison.

With numerous Golden Core Cultivators present in Hundred Flowers City, how had none discerned the poison within Chu Ling'er? Could there be more to this situation than met the eye?

Dismissing the conundrum, Feng Yimo shook his head, retrieved a jade slip, and set about acquainting himself with the unfamiliar territory.

Chu Country, Yue Country, Qi Country, and Wei Country were all small-scale Cultivation Countries on the Hongming Continent, each with comparable landmasses. Their existence aimed to maintain a balance of power and resources among the various Cultivation Countries, all of which were under the jurisdiction of a medium-scale Cultivation Country known as Qin Country. The classification of a Cultivation Country was determined by the quantity and rank of its high-level cultivators. In places like Chu Country and Yue Country, the pinnacle of cultivation was the Golden Core Period. Should a fortunate few ascend to the Nascent Infant Period and reach a critical mass, their Cultivation Country would be elevated to a medium-scale status, gaining the right to govern up to five smaller Cultivation Countries.

Should a medium-scale Cultivation Country produce twenty Nascent Infant Period elders, it would be upgraded to a large-scale Cultivation Country. Such a country could then preside over ten medium-scale Cultivation Countries, with a cap of twenty Nascent Infant Period elders. Any excess would be obliged to join a super Cultivation Country, engaging in extraterritorial battles to vanquish alien races!

Thus, smaller entities like Chu Country ultimately fell under the dominion of a super Cultivation Country known as the Profound Yin Sect!

On the Hongming Continent, there were seven such super Cultivation Countries: Profound Yin Sect, Holy Lotus Cult, North Boundary Field, Black Wood Cliff, Hundred Possibilities Sect, Business Alliance, and Qitian Palace.

Rumors abounded that each super Cultivation Country was protected by numerous Nascent Infant Late Period elders, some even boasting Grand Perfection cultivators on the cusp of the momentous leap into the Soul Formation Stage.

The seven supreme Cultivation Countries convene every twenty years to deliberate on significant matters. Outside of these meetings, they dedicate themselves to cultivation, aspiring to achieve Deity Transformation at the earliest opportunity. Every five years, the responsibility of overseeing the external battlefield affairs rotates among the seven nations, with one taking the lead and the others providing support. Currently, it is the turn of the Profound Yin Sect.

The Hongming Continent is firmly under the control of these seven Cultivation Countries, with no entity able to surpass their influence. Notably, the continent adheres to a progression system based on cultivation levels: Qi Refinement, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, Nascent Infant, and Soul Formation.

Upon learning this, Feng Yimo couldn't help but marvel at the continent's rigid hierarchy and the necessity for order. Advancing required not only personal effort but also vigilance against others, as a single misstep could prove fatal.

Despite his eagerness to progress swiftly, Feng Yimo found that the Yin-yang Spell he practiced left him with little spiritual energy; the Spirit Devouring Silkworm consumed nearly all of it. Under such circumstances, he wondered how long his advancement would take and when the little one would awaken.

He dared not wield the rusted knife capable of draining Essence Blood and bones, opting to store it safely in his Storage Bag. Chi Yangzi's Storage Bag had been discarded in an unnamed river along the way, with all its contents now in Feng Yimo's possession. Although he had spirit stones, medicinal herbs, and elixirs at his disposal, he refrained from using them.

The Hundred Flowers Festival was just around the corner, transforming Hundred Flowers City into an ocean of blooms. Despite the autumn season, thousands of flowers, including chrysanthemums, peonies, lotuses, crabapples, and orchids, vied for beauty in a vibrant display. The city was evidently fortified with a special array that simulated all four seasons in different areas. Plum blossoms thrived amidst frost and snow, delighting onlookers. Among the flowers were rare and exquisite varieties such as the Mud Gold Fragrance chrysanthemum, Purple Dragon in Snow, Crimson Red Frost, Jade Feathered Bamboo, and Jade Phoenix, each contributing to Hundred Flowers City's reputation as a true sea of flowers.

Zhou Guangyuan arrived at the southern gate of Hundred Flowers City, straightened his attire, and strode confidently into the city. Learning that dueling was forbidden within its walls, he breathed a sigh of relief. He located a reputable restaurant, ordered an array of dishes, and indulged in a hearty meal. After two months on the run, he hadn't had the luxury of a good meal or rest.

However, he had forgotten that in the secular world, dining out required money. As he rose to settle his bill, he was dismayed to find his pockets empty. The waiter, after watching Zhou fumble for coins to no avail, let his smile turn frosty. "Are you here to jest with us, sir? Coming in to dine without money—do you intend to leave without paying?"

Never before had Zhou Guangyuan been so humiliated. He slammed his hand on the table, fuming, "It's just a bit of money, isn't it? I have treasures that can cover the debt!" He produced a low-grade spirit stone and set it on the table. The waiter, newly hired, mistook the stone for a worthless rock. With a flick of his white towel, he knocked it to the floor, scoffing, "Quite the scheme, sir, trying to deceive us with a worthless stone. If you can't produce the cash, don't think we'll hesitate to call the authorities!"

Flushed with shame and rage, Zhou Guangyuan was about to explode when a youth, no more than fifteen or sixteen, picked up the spirit stone and returned it to the table. The young man then laid down five taels of silver, saying, "I'll cover his bill."

The waiter's mood instantly brightened at the sight of the silver, his concern for who paid it melting away.

Gratefully, Zhou Guangyuan gave a fist salute to the boy. "My name is Zhou Guangyuan. I can't thank you enough, young master!"

Feng Yimo returned the gesture with a smile and a nod before departing. "No need to mention it. It's only right to lend a hand in a time of need."

He had discerned that Zhou Guangyuan possessed the tenth level of Qi Cultivation, with formidable soul power and an unstable realm, bearing injuries and a shaky foundation as if he had tumbled from the Foundation Establishment level. It was this that moved Feng Yimo to assist the unfortunate cultivator.

"Thank you!" Zhou Guangyuan called out to Feng Yimo's retreating figure, realizing that the mortal who had assisted him was no ordinary individual.

...

Half a day after Zhou Guangyuan's arrival in Hundred Flowers City, three anxious-looking cultivators landed just outside the city's eastern gate. Once inside, they headed straight to a tavern, ordered a meal, and began to converse in hushed tones.

"Brother Lan Tianyu, that scoundrel has already made it to Hundred Flowers City ahead of us. We can't resort to violence here, so what's our next move?" inquired a cultivator in his thirties, addressing the one seated at the center of the table. This middle cultivator, with his composed demeanor and large hands, radiated powerful Spiritual Energy, indicating his advanced status in the Foundation Establishment Late Period.

Lan Tianyu surveyed the surroundings. Below, armored soldiers patrolled the main street in groups of ten, maintaining order. Furthermore, a cultivator stood guard on every street, ready to report any skirmishes to the law enforcement team for those breaking city regulations. Outside the city gates, three bodies swayed in the wind atop tall poles, their identities as Golden Core Cultivators discernible despite the passage of time. This served as a stark warning to all cultivators in Hundred Flowers City: those who caused trouble would meet the same fate.

"We can't afford to be reckless with such tight security. Let's eat our fill, then track down that scoundrel's lodging and keep a close watch. Once he steps out of Hundred Flowers City, that's our cue to act," Lan Tianyu declared.

"Agreed, Senior Brother," the others nodded in unison.

The trio devoured the feast before them and, after settling the bill, stepped onto the main street to begin their search for Zhou Guangyuan. They hadn't gone far when they spotted a gang of thugs harassing a beggar, with the patrolling soldiers looking the other way. Seizing the opportunity, Lan Tianyu turned to a junior brother and instructed, "Junior Brother Lan Fan, bring those ruffians here. I have a task for them."

Lan Fan, a thirty-something disciple of the Yin-yang Sect, was puzzled by his senior brother's request but complied. Approaching the group, the thugs ceased their bullying upon recognizing Lan Fan's Taoist robe and his status as a cultivator. One of them bowed obsequiously and said, "Celestial Immortal, what do you command? We shall spare no effort in carrying out your wishes!"

Lan Fan eyed the individual who seemed to be the ringleader of the thugs. With a beckoning curl of his finger, he commanded, "You, come with me. Senior Brother has instructions for you!"