“Boom~~~” The space twisted and collapsed with a tremendous commotion.
Two figures emerged side by side—one was Dongbo Xueying, and the other was the silver-haired, silver-robed, dark-skinned Hall Master of the Hall of Inquiry. Though the Hall Master’s aura was restrained, those with keen enough senses, like ordinary Chaos Realm powerhouses, could discern that this was merely an avatar of the Hall Master.
The Star Conference was underway, and powerhouses from the two Sacred Realms and six Holy Lands would attend as observers. Normally, at least one Chaos Realm expert would be present. However, since the Grandmaster candidate from the Voidsky Palace this time was Dongbo Xueying, a Unity Realm cultivator, the Hall Master of Inquiry had sent his avatar as the additional observer.
In truth, many attendees were merely avatars. At the Chaos Realm level, unless there was a critical mission requiring the elimination of a formidable enemy, true bodies rarely acted. For casual meetings, ceremonial observations, and other non-combat occasions, avatars sufficed!
“This is my first time visiting the Bladelord City,” Dongbo Xueying remarked, gazing into the distance.
Far away stood an immense city. Under the suppression of the Sacred Realm’s laws, even with his strength, he couldn’t discern its full outline. Yet, according to records, Bladelord City spanned sixty-eight trillion miles in length and width. While such dimensions were common in the chaotic void, within the Sacred Realm, it was an awe-inspiring metropolis—the largest across both Sacred Realms.
“Boom, boom, boom~~~”
Above Bladelord City, layers of formations churned, constantly stirring the surging energies of heaven and earth like tidal waves. Countless radiant hues pulsed outward in all directions.
Under the glow of the high sun, the city shimmered dazzlingly.
“Quite extraordinary, isn’t it?” the Hall Master of Inquiry chuckled. “The Bladelord spared no expense in constructing this city. It’s said even the Witch Ancestor and Lord Luo contributed, and rare treasures were embedded as safeguards. Even if the Sacred Master were to attack, shattering the entire Eastscale Sacred Realm, Bladelord City would likely remain unshaken—after all, it’s the foremost power of our two Sacred Realms!”
Dongbo Xueying nodded. Though the Voidsky Palace had deep roots, it still paled in comparison to Bladelord City.
“Let’s go inside,” the Hall Master said.
With a single teleportation, they arrived at the eastern gate of Bladelord City and entered. Moments later, city officials greeted them, arranging accommodations for Dongbo Xueying and the Hall Master.
…
Two lavishly furnished abodes became their residences during the Star Conference.
“Hall Master of Inquiry, Elder Dongbo, your abodes are equipped with servants for any trivial matters,” said a man clad in purple metal, three blades strapped to his back. “For anything urgent, simply contact me directly.”
“Thank you, Commander Qiudao,” the Hall Master replied calmly.
“My duty,” Commander Qiudao smiled before bowing out and teleporting away.
Watching him vanish, the Hall Master turned to Dongbo Xueying. “Dongbo, your appointment as one of the five Grandmasters has already stirred controversy. Thus, you must be especially prudent in selecting disciple candidates. Remember, you represent not just yourself, but the Voidsky Palace.”
“I understand,” Dongbo Xueying affirmed.
The Ancestor had entrusted him with this role as a trial. He would ensure his actions brought no disgrace to the Voidsky Palace.
…
Three months before the conference, Dongbo Xueying received the list of participating cultivators and their profiles. Registration had closed a year prior, and organizers had already dispatched enforcers to scour cities across both Sacred Realms, gathering participants in Bladelord City.
“Sixteen thousand and more,” Dongbo Xueying mused, reviewing the list. Restless, he began exploring the ancient city, sampling its famed delicacies.
One day, at the Snow Dragon Tavern—a renowned establishment in Bladelord City—he indulged in dishes crafted from the rare “snow dragon,” a creature specially bred for its blood, meat, tongue, and liver. Over eons, the tavern had earned its place among the city’s top culinary destinations.
Cultivators needed resources, and beyond battles and adventures, gourmet ventures were another lucrative path. Some ancient cultivators possessed exceptional talent in gastronomy.
“Mmm,” Dongbo Xueying savored translucent slices of fragrant snow dragon meat, his eyes narrowing in delight. “This easily ranks in my top hundred delicacies. Once I reach the Chaos Realm and can openly perform ultra-long-range teleportation, I’ll bring Jingqiu, Yuer, and Qingyao here to try it. Ah, this liver—so tender it melts the heart. Exquisite.”
Great strength allowed one to witness grander vistas, and gourmet experiences were among them.
*Clatter.*
A wine pot shattered on the floor, its lid rolling aside.
Dongbo Xueying glanced up from his corner seat. Nearby, three cultivators—all unusually at the Unity Realm—sat at a table. One, a plainly dressed man in green robes, stood pale-faced, while a golden-robed youth and an enchanting woman remained seated.
“A Unity Realm expert, yet you drop a wine pot?” The golden-robed youth shook his head. “Brother Fujun, can’t handle a little setback? How did such fragile resolve even reach this realm?”
The green-robed man trembled, staring at the pair with disbelief. “Yan’er… why? Why this?”
This woman was his beloved, his life’s companion. Their time together had been pure joy.
“Fujun, I’m sorry,” the red-robed beauty murmured. “Since meeting Xun Yi, I’ve realized he’s my true love. As cultivators, we know feelings can’t be forced. With your mental fortitude, you’ll move on.”
“Move on?” Fujun’s voice cracked. “What does he have that I lack? My cultivation time is shorter, my strength greater! I’ll surely enter a Holy Land in this conference. We’ve spent eternity together—you and he, mere centuries! Is it just because his father is Emperor Xinghuo?”
“Emperor Xinghuo has nothing to do with it,” she replied. “When true love strikes, even a year is enough.”
Fujun turned to the youth. “Xinghuo Xun Yi, I considered you a brother. Yet you betray me so. Fine. Don’t fail Yan’er, or I won’t let it slide.”
“Brother Fujun,” the golden-robed youth sighed. “First, your wife secretly seduced me.”
Fujun froze. The red-robed woman gasped, hastily casting a sound barrier—though Dongbo Xueying, amused, easily pierced it with his domain.
“Second, after her advances, I investigated through the Xinghuo Divine Palace. She’s had three partners before you. With me, that makes four.”
The woman paled.
“Impossible!” Fujun exclaimed.
Powerful cultivators cherished lifelong bonds. Even if tragedy struck, most remained solitary. To switch partners four times? Only a schemer would do so—one who exploited devotion for resources, like Dongbo Xueying sacrificing endlessly for his wife.
“Yan’er… you—” Fujun’s voice broke.
“Don’t listen to him!” she protested, though inwardly she regretted targeting Fujun for his potential. Meeting the Xinghuo Divine Palace’s young master—whose father, Emperor Xinghuo, was a ninth-level Star Tower expert—had been too tempting.
“Ni Yan, still lying?” The youth sipped his wine. “Shall I summon investigators to verify your past?”
Defeated, the woman stood. “Well played, Young Master Xinghuo. I concede.” Without a glance, she strode away.
The youth smiled at Fujun. “You should thank me, brother.”
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