The griffin soared over the plains, gradually entering the mountain range. Soon, wide roads within the mountains came into view, connecting to all directions. On these roads, one could see numerous figures traveling back and forth. Even from such a distance, Xiao Yan could faintly hear the commotion rising from the ground. The sky above the mountain range was not exclusive to Xiao Yan’s griffin. Shortly after they entered the mountainous area, the group heard the sound of wind being parted from afar. Soon, they saw many strangely shaped flying beasts flapping their wings and soaring towards the interior of the mountains. As they passed near Xiao Yan and his companions, it was clear to see the figures riding on the creatures.
The entire mountain range, at first glance, gave Xiao Yan a sense of prosperity. Even in the skies of the Black-Corner Region, it was rare to see so many flying beasts at the same time. Here, it seemed that flying beasts were quite common as a means of transportation. However, most of the beasts they encountered were only ordinary Rank 1 or Rank 2 Magical Beasts; there were very few that exceeded Rank 3. Therefore, Xiao Yan’s griffin drew quite a few surprised glances from the sky. The astonishment in these gazes turned into envy when they saw that such a large beast was only carrying three or four people. High-rank flying beasts like griffins were hard to find. If not for wealthy families or factions, ordinary people would have a difficult time taming them.
“Indeed, this is the most prosperous city within a thousand miles,” Xiao Yan murmured, ignoring the envious stares. He lightly tapped his foot, and the griffin let out a sharp cry before spreading its massive wings and flying deeper into the mountains.
After almost ten minutes, the outline of a gigantic city gradually emerged from behind the verdant peaks. As they approached, the city’s entirety came into view. Xiao Yan carefully observed the city’s scale and nodded appreciatively.
As Xiao Yan inspected the city, the griffin descended closer to the ground. Just as they were about to enter the city airspace, a figure flashed up from the city gate and transformed into a yellow-robed elder. His face was serious, and his pair of Dou Qi wings fluttered slightly. He stood directly in the path of the griffin, speaking sternly, “Are you new to the Horizon City? Do you not know that flying beasts are forbidden in the airspace above the city?”
Blocked, the griffin stopped with a cry, its fierce eyes staring at the yellow-robed elder. But when Xiao Yan stamped his foot, it obediently lowered its wings.
“This is indeed our first time here. I did not expect Horizon City to have so many rules,” Xiao Yan said coolly.
“Battle Emperor expert?” The yellow-robed elder’s expression changed slightly as he sensed the thunderous voice, his gaze cautiously sweeping over the griffin. He was startled to find that besides one person, the other three were much stronger than him. Especially the woman in white, who gave him a heavy pressure, even obstructing the flow of Dou Qi in his body.
“This woman is terrifying. Even in the Luo Family, there are only a few who can make me feel this way! Such strong experts, what is their purpose in coming to Horizon City?” thought the yellow-robed elder, his heart agitated, but his face became calm. He cupped his hands and spoke, “This is indeed a rule of Horizon City. At the city gate, there is a designated area for the Luo Family to park flying beasts.”
“Luo Family? Brother Xiao Yan, Horizon City is home to many powers and factions, but the Luo Family is the oldest. They own the ‘Spatial Wormhole,’ and their patriarch is a five-star Battle Sect, the strongest in the city. Without him, the Luo Family would never have held the ‘Spatial Wormhole’ for so long,” Xinlan whispered behind Xiao Yan.
Nodding, Xiao Yan glanced at the yellow-robed elder, who was merely a two-star Dou Wang. He was here only to use the ‘Spatial Wormhole’ and did not want any other complications. “Thank you for informing us. By the way, where is the ‘Spatial Wormhole’ in Horizon City?”
“Apologies, but the ‘Spatial Wormhole’ is currently under repair and temporarily closed. However, our clan’s experts are working tirelessly, and it should be operational soon,” replied the yellow-robed elder.
“Closed?” Xiao Yan’s brow furrowed. Was their luck so poor?
“How long will the repairs take?” asked Little Healer Immortal, her eyes half-closed, and her tone calm.
“I’m not sure. The duration depends on the severity of the problem. This ‘Spatial Wormhole’ was built by an ancestor of the Luo Family over a hundred years ago. After so many years, it naturally has many issues. Please forgive the inconvenience. If you wish, you can stay in the city for a few days. Results should come soon,” the yellow-robed elder quickly responded, wary of appearing disrespectful.
“Also, our patriarch is currently inviting numerous Battle Sect experts to assist in repairing the ‘Spatial Wormhole.’ If the lady is interested, she can go directly to the center of the city where the wormhole is located,” he added.
Little Healer Immortal neither confirmed nor denied the suggestion, giving a slight nod and looking at Xiao Yan.
“Let’s enter the city first…” Xiao Yan decided, then cupped his fists at the elder and waved his sleeve. A gust of wind surrounded the griffin, guiding it to the ground.
Seeing Xiao Yan and his companions land, the yellow-robed elder sighed. “The problem with the ‘Spatial Wormhole’ seems significant. Otherwise, our patriarch wouldn’t need other Battle Sect experts to help. These experts are hard to invite, with high demands and exorbitant fees…”
Xiao Yan did not follow the elder’s suggestion and chose instead a dense forest outside the city to land.
“Go back…” As the griffin landed, Xiao Yan and his companions hopped down. Looking at the griffin, he smiled and patted its head. Understanding, the griffin nuzzled Xiao Yan, then spread its wings and ascended into the sky, disappearing beyond the horizon.
Watching the griffin leave, Xiao Yan exhaled and waved to the others, leading the way towards Horizon City.
“Xiao Yan, the ‘Spatial Wormhole’ is closed. What now?” Little Healer Immortal walked beside him, her brows furrowed.
“Rest in the city tonight. If there’s no news tomorrow, we’ll visit the city center,” Xiao Yan said, smiling.
No one objected, and they all nodded. Once in the city, Xiao Yan and his group found a clean inn and settled in. In a place where people often gathered, information flowed freely, making it the best and fastest way to gather information.
After ensuring the others were settled, Xiao Yan wandered around and easily obtained the necessary information. As the yellow-robed elder had said, the ‘Spatial Wormhole’ was indeed closed, and the issue was significant. Even the Luo Family’s patriarch, a five-star Battle Sect, could not fix it alone, so they had to invite other Battle Sect experts. However, such experts were rare in Horizon City, and despite the importance, the Luo Family’s invitation had little effect. Due to the lack of personnel, the repairs were delayed, causing the Luo Family great concern. Every day the ‘Spatial Wormhole’ was closed, they suffered significant losses.
“Looks like we must visit the city center tomorrow. Delaying this matter is not ideal,” Xiao Yan thought, closing his eyes and delving into his daily cultivation routine.
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