Chapter 835: Chapter 835: City of Light

The mysterious Ancient Immortal Medicine Garden was filled with various divine herbs and even Longevity Medicine!

Shi Hao’s eyes immediately lit up, shining like twin suns, as he yearned for the place intensely.

However, the next words from the Illusory Heaven Divine Vine left him dejected, as it informed him clearly that such an ancient garden was nearly impossible to locate, floating endlessly in the void. And even if one found it, entering would be impossible.

Even Celestial Gods would perish upon setting foot inside!

Shi Hao sighed deeply. He currently craved Immortal Elixirs more than anything; otherwise, his future path would be hard to tread. If he were to proceed recklessly, he would likely face death and the obliteration of his dao, with nothing good to come of it.

It seemed he needed to continuously elevate his strength. He realized he might have to remain in the Immortal Ancient for a long time, hoping that an opportunity would eventually arise.

At the same time, he recalled another matter and asked, “Are there many Celestial Gods here?”

“Some specific regions have them. In the areas where you are active, you generally won’t encounter them,” the Illusory Heaven Divine Vine informed him.

Immortal Ancient was vast and boundless, extremely difficult to fully explore.

“How long have we been here?” Shi Hao asked the Divine Striking Stone, having been focused on cultivation to the point of losing track of time and not feeling the passage of years.

“A year and a half,” the Divine Striking Stone replied, giving him the exact duration.

“That’s not so bad; much shorter than I imagined. I thought several years had already gone by,” Shi Hao remarked. He then glanced at the Emperor Butterfly and noticed it had formed a golden cocoon.

Since devouring a Divine Medicine resembling red coral, the Emperor Butterfly had cocooned itself, entering hibernation and slumbering deeply, never waking up.

It was still just a larva, yet it directly consumed a whole Divine Medicine. This was astonishing; even other legendary Divine Beasts couldn’t display such ferocity shortly after birth.

“When we meet again, it should emerge from the cocoon as a butterfly, revealing its true form, I presume?” Shi Hao looked forward to this transformation eagerly.

Previously, though the Emperor Butterfly had wings, they were merely crystalline embodiments of Divine Power and not true butterfly wings. All along, it had been a plump, golden bug resembling a silkworm.

“Let’s go. Let’s tour some of those Minor Thousand Worlds and check in on how our old friends are doing.” Shi Hao, feeling refreshed, had reached mid-stage Divine Fire Realm in cultivation, experiencing significant progress in his strength and an overwhelming surplus of energy.

They arrived at the original location where the Illusory Heaven Divine Vine had been discovered, where Shi Hao had arranged to meet with Lan Yichen and Luo Dao. However, due to his secluded cultivation, he was long overdue.

In a hidden corner, they found a line of writing marking an address–City of Light.

Clearly, it was situated in another Minor Thousand World and appeared to be well-known; otherwise, such a simple marker wouldn’t have sufficed.

Like bubbles shrouded in mist, the Minor Thousand Worlds were abundant and interconnected, forming the expansive Immortal Ancient.

Shi Hao entered one of them and soon encountered several beings from the outside world, who had since become gods. He approached them to inquire about the City of Light.

Those beings were wary, afraid of being ambushed, speaking with him from a considerable distance since conflicts still frequently arose even among outsiders.

“That city is rather famous in the Realm of Light; many people in the Divine Fire Realm visit it to barter all sorts of heavenly materials and earthly treasures,” one said.

Shi Hao nodded in thanks and followed the coordinates they provided, once again heading to another Minor Thousand World.

A year and a half had passed, and most of the prodigies entering Immortal Ancient had ignited their divine flames. With their cultivation strength growing powerful, they began searching for their destined fortunes.

On this land, Spiritual Medicine was prevalent, and obtaining Divine Medicine was not uncommon. If luck was outrageously good, one could even directly pluck the Celestial God Fruit recorded in the bone texts, ascending to unprecedented heights in one leap.

Among the millions of cultivators who entered, exchanges also took place. At times, they would trade magic artifacts, herbs, and even information about secluded abodes or hidden lands.

The City of Light flourished precisely because of such interactions.

In truth, it was an ancient city that had long existed. Each time Immortal Ancient opened, it would grow lively, becoming an important hub of commerce.

Some less daring and weaker prodigies chose to reside there permanently. They avoided seeking fortune and contented themselves with running businesses, becoming merchants.

The heavenly materials and earthly treasures they amassed through such gambits weren’t necessarily less than what others obtained from adventuring outside.

“The Realm of Light is truly vast,” Shi Hao sighed. After several days of venturing through this region, he finally spotted a city on the horizon.

From afar, the city’s walls weren’t particularly tall, but its territory spanned wide. Faint traces of blood energy–signs of assembled powerhouses–emanated from within.

“There are over a hundred similar cities scattered across various Minor Thousand Worlds. They serve as major gathering points for cultivators to exchange their fortunes and treasures. The City of Light is likely one of the ten largest ancient cities,” someone remarked.

On the way, there were other travelers as well, heading toward this colossal city to trade rare medicines, techniques, sacred treasures, and the like.

“A while ago, someone offered three pieces of Divine Fruit for trade, which caused quite a stir,” a passerby said as they conversed.

Shi Hao’s interest piqued, prompting him to ask for details.

“Apparently, it came from the Wicked Dragon Tree, silver fruits that, once consumed, grant direct ascension to the True One Realm without cultivation,” someone revealed.

“Such rarity?!” Shi Hao exclaimed in surprise. A single fruit capable of instantly creating a True God–it was truly astonishing.

“Of course, there are even more potent treasures out there; they’re just not put up for trade,” another added.

“Who purchased the Wicked Dragon Fruits?” Shi Hao pressed.

“Brother, consider this advice: don’t harbor any schemes. No matter what you offer, you won’t be able to acquire them, and you might lose your own precious items in vain,” someone warned quietly.

“Why is that?” Shi Hao asked in confusion.

“That treasure wasn’t so much traded as it was reluctantly given under pressure–to one of the primordial monsters. Are you capable of claiming it from such people?”

Shi Hao furrowed his brow. Were these ancient monstrosities emerging into the world now?

Eventually, he received an answer. No, the most legendary figures remained in seclusion, holding off their departure for now. Those seeking to surpass the Extreme Hundred Thousand Jin Boundary were still in closed-door training.

“How could one surpass the Extreme Hundred Thousand Jin Boundary?” Shi Hao wondered aloud.

“Certain primordial monsters, such as the Six-Crowned King, who is unmatched throughout the ages, are not taking the same path of advancing to the Divine Fire Realm as we are. They are alternate gods, following a unique path. Once they emerge, even one of them could wipe all of us out and reign invincible across the world!”

“What nonsense you’re spewing,” Shi Hao retorted.

“You shouldn’t doubt it. Such figures have been accumulating their insights across several lifetimes, seeking breakthroughs and moving forward. It is only now that they have found the answers and dare to take that critical step,” someone explained.

Shi Hao’s heart trembled as he nodded thoughtfully. Indeed, years of exploration and determination were bound to lead to tremendous achievements. Likely, they had discovered an unparalleled path suitable to their nature.

Although these prodigies remained in seclusion, they had loyal subordinates. Powerful followers gathered heavenly materials and earthly treasures on their behalf, as the monsters themselves didn’t have time to collect them.

In essence, the strongest forces within the city were connected to these primordial creatures.

“Naturally, other contemporary young Supremes like the Successor of Immortal Hall and the Dark Child are also far from weak. They too command formidable entourages who scour for treasures on their behalf,” someone stated.

That was the current reality: the noted figures were untouchable.

Finally, the City of Light neared, and its ancient gates could now be seen clearly. The entire city was constructed from a shimmering golden stone, radiating brilliance and splendor.

This was the origin of its name.

Before entering the city, Shi Hao made inquiries with others traveling alongside him about matters needing attention once inside.

“No fighting is permitted within the city. If there are grievances to settle, they must be resolved outside the city gates. Otherwise, you risk provoking public outrage and being attacked en masse,” someone warned.

This restriction existed to prevent the destruction of the City of Light, ensuring that cultivators could exchange their treasures peacefully and smoothly.

“Be cautious about provoking the native inhabitants of Immortal Ancient,” added another.

Shi Hao, unfamiliar with the Minor Thousand Worlds, knew little about this, so he listened carefully and was stunned by what he learned.

The native inhabitants fell into two categories: the first lived in mysterious lands, extremely dangerous and untouchable, and were the most primitive beings of Immortal Ancient.

The second category comprised the descendants of prodigies who had entered Immortal Ancient in previous eras but, due to accidents, failed to exit and remained behind. These people were strong but adhered to the principle of non-aggression unless provoked.

Even the descendants among the second category visited the City of Light to exchange heavenly materials and earthly treasures.

“How strong are the elder inhabitants among the native population?” Shi Hao asked.

“We don’t know much about the first kind. As for the second type, they are powerful but not overly invincible. It’s said that they tend to die mysteriously or go insane once they reach certain cultivation realms,” someone revealed.

This revelation shocked Shi Hao deeply.

“Some speculate that this phenomenon is caused by the most primitive beings of Immortal Ancient,” one person whispered.

“That may not be true. Those primordial beings typically stay hidden in special regions and don’t come out,” another argued.

Upon entering the city, the travelers separated to begin their respective exchanges.

The city was massive, radiating a faint golden glow, sacred and tranquil, magnificent as if a heavenly city had descended to the mortal realm, exuding an ancient dao rhythm.

Whenever Immortal Ancient reopened, such ancient cities would revive with activity, bustling with life.

“Dragon Blood Grass, fifty thousand years old, don’t miss this rare find!”

“Divine Medicine, an extraordinary treasure–anyone able to offer a precious symbol that satisfies me will receive this in exchange.”

Just stepping into the city, the atmosphere was overwhelmingly lively. Stalls were everywhere alongside grand shops and auction houses as majestic as palace halls.

“Phoenix Feather Silver Essence, can forge Celestial God-level magic artifacts. Only one piece available–highest bidder wins!”

“I’ve discovered an ancient abode, suspected to be an Immortal’s ruins. Anyone willing to offer a high price will receive its location.”

The vendors hawking such goods were all cultivators who had ignited divine flames. Yet in the city, they behaved like common folk, personally managing their businesses since everyone possessed comparable levels of strength.

“Oh dear, one of the minions of the Dark Child acquired a rare three-legged Golden Toad. That’s a priceless medicinal primer!”

“Over there, another treasure has surfaced. A follower of a primordial monster brought back a Soul Attracting Lotus from outside the city, capable of regenerating the fragmented Primordial Spirit!”

“I wish I could snatch that away!”

“You must be insane! They might rob others of treasures outside the city, but if you dare act here, you will surely die.”

Shi Hao didn’t venture far into the city, yet in just that stretch, he heard whispers about many riches, gaining a quick understanding of the City of Light.

“Has anyone seen Lan Yichen or Luo Dao?” Shi Hao asked passersby casually.

This drew immediate side glances and intrigued expressions.

A Divine Fire Realm cultivator running a stall looked at him with flashing eyes and asked, “Do you know them?”

“I am their big brother. Have you seen them?” Shi Hao responded.

“If you want to know, head out of the city gates. You might hear news soon enough,” the stall owner said with a sly smile.

“Is that so? Then I’ll go take a look,” Shi Hao replied, nodding as he turned toward the city gates. He suspected something had happened to the two of them.

Moreover, the commotion they caused seemed considerable, attracting the attention of many.

Clearly, the stall owner wasn’t kind-hearted. If Shi Hao exited the city, anyone targeting those two would likely recognize him and surround him.

After all, fights were prohibited within the city, but grievances could be settled freely outside.

“He’s practically asking for death,” the stall owner sneered, watching Shi Hao walk away with no trace of sympathy–only schadenfreude.

Shi Hao strode out of the city gates confidently, nonchalantly. Sure enough, several figures followed him–there were at least a dozen.

Not long afterward, Shi Hao returned, once again inquiring about Lan Yichen and Luo Dao’s whereabouts.

Back at the same spot, the stall owner raised his head, instantly stunned, exclaiming in shock, “Weren’t you outside just now? How come you’re… back now?”

To him, leaving the city was certain death.

Shi Hao chuckled and said, “Those dozen or so people told me that the two of them acquired a remarkable, peerless rarity, attracting covetousness and persecution, forcing them to flee. Do you know where they went?”

“I don’t know. However… if you were to step outside the city gates again, perhaps someone else might know,” the stall owner suggested.

Shi Hao nodded in agreement, saying, “That makes sense.”

Once again, he left the city, this time drawing the attention of even more people–over twenty pursued him.

“Among those following him are members of the Immortal Hall, the Dark Child’s entourage, and even subordinates of primordial monsters. With so many forces involved, do you think you can survive?” the stall owner sneered again.

However, half an hour later, he rubbed his eyes in disbelief, staring at the city gates. He was instantly stunned.

The youth reappeared, casually chewing on a golden chicken drumstick, even patting his stomach contentedly.

“Mother of heaven!” He nearly collapsed in terror.

That wasn’t an ordinary chicken leg; it was obviously from one of the most formidable creatures among the previous group–a Golden Luan–and Shi Hao ate it!

The stall owner shivered, his hairs standing on end. None of the dozens of people who followed Shi Hao out returned. Did he… devour them all?

Watching Shi Hao stroll back while burping and chewing, the stall owner was utterly terrified.

“Mercy, I didn’t mean it!” Sweat poured down his face, and he slumped to the ground. He was convinced that this youth was a monster; nothing else could explain how he dared to eat creatures from the most powerful factions.

Shi Hao paid him no mind and casually picked up a Divine Medicine displayed on the stall, saying, “An extraordinary medicine. You actually managed to harvest this.”

“By chance… It’s yours… consider it a gift,” the stall owner stammered nervously.

“Thanks. Can you tell me where those two went?” Shi Hao asked.

“I… truly don’t know. Many people are searching for them, but I do know that they acquired something remarkable, which has drawn the greed of numerous factions,” the stall owner admitted.

“What exactly did they obtain?”

“An Eight Treasures Qilin,” the stall owner replied.

“What?! The world’s greatest delicacy–legendary for its flavor?!” Shi Hao roared angrily, his fury unmistakable.

The stall owner was dumbstruck, feeling that something was amiss. This reason for anger didn’t make sense.

The Eight Treasures Qilin, ranked as the greatest culinary delight of the Primordial Ancients, held immense value not merely for its taste but for its astonishing medicinal properties.

Be it Divine Medicine or Immortal Elixirs, when boiled with the Eight Treasures Qilin, their medicinal potency could increase several-fold. Its value was immeasurable!

“Who dares covet my greatest delicacy? They’re courting death!” Shi Hao fumed.

The stall owner was left speechless and now certain–this youth must have a glutton’s soul. He wasn’t distressed about the medicinal benefits but was consumed with frustration over the potential loss of its culinary delight.

“Several major factions acted, including the Dark Child’s followers, people from the Immortal Hall, and subordinates of primordial monsters.”

“These people are seeking death!” Shi Hao declared.

“Those two mentioned that the Eight Treasures Qilin already has an owner and will be claimed soon. However, some major factions have declared…”

“Declared what?” Shi Hao pressed.

“Declared that if the owner of the Qilin dares to come forward, they will bash their head into a dog’s head,” the stall owner whispered cautiously.

“I’m hungry!” Shi Hao said these three words.

At first, the stall owner didn’t understand. He paused briefly before realizing, and then his hair stood on end. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please visit Qidian (wuxiaworld.site) to vote for it with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is the biggest motivation for me. Mobile users, please visit m.wuxiaworld.site to read.)