A moment later, the black dot gradually grew larger as it approached, slowly revealing an immense and magnificent dark silhouette. Though not yet clear, its colossal outline, like a pillar holding up the sky, already exuded an overwhelming and awe-inspiring presence that struck Han Li with its grandeur.
As Han Li flew closer, inwardly astonished, he finally managed to make out the general shape of the dark mass. It was indeed a city—a super city that occupied the entire island.
But what deeply shocked Han Li was that the main structure of this city was entirely different from any he had seen before. It wasn’t built on flat ground but was constructed in a spiral pattern around a towering cloud-piercing mountain at the island’s center, using the mountain itself as its foundation.
Layer upon layer of various buildings extended from the base of the giant mountain all the way to the edges of the island, leaving almost no empty space.
Without a doubt, this had to be the number one city of the Chaotic Star Seas—Heavenstar City.
Gazing at the densely packed houses that stretched into the clouds, looking as small as ants, Han Li was stunned for a long time. It wasn’t until his Divine Wind Boat came within several dozen miles of the island that he snapped out of his daze and instinctively slowed down his magical tool.
The sky around him was no longer empty. Here and there, beams of light began to appear, some near and some far, all heading in the direction of Heavenstar City.
Han Li sighed inwardly. Truly worthy of being Heavenstar City—he was already spotting other cultivators from such a distance.
Flying another ten or twenty miles forward, the number of colorful lights in the sky increased even more. Below, massive seafaring vessels also appeared, cutting through the waves.
What left Han Li even more speechless was that some cultivators weren’t flying on magical tools in the sky. Instead, they were speeding across the sea on small boats or riding low-level demon beasts.
Shaking his head, Han Li sighed inwardly for a moment before transforming into a streak of white light and accelerating. In a short while, he arrived at the outskirts of Heavenstar City.
Only then did he notice that the city before him was enclosed by a towering stone wall dozens of zhang high, running along the coastline. Beneath this seemingly endless high wall, within Han Li’s line of sight alone, were over a dozen gates of various sizes and styles.
There were docks specifically for mortal ships, bays for demon beasts to rest, and, most numerous of all, small city gates that individual cultivators could pass through. Han Li followed a blue light toward one of the smaller gates.
Though it was called “small,” when Han Li flew over and landed, he couldn’t help but smirk self-deprecatingly at the sight of the massive gate, which stood nearly seven or eight zhang tall.
In front of Han Li was a dignified-looking young woman in blue robes, her cultivation at the mid Foundation Establishment stage. She exchanged a few gentle words with two white-robed cultivators standing guard at the gate, handed over a few spirit stones, and received a blue ring in return. She casually slipped it onto her finger and gracefully walked inside.
Only then did Han Li, accompanied by Soul Puppet, calmly step forward.
“Are the two of you staying temporarily or planning to reside in the city long-term? If— Oh! So it’s a senior! Welcome to Heavenstar City, Senior. According to the city’s rules, all Core Formation seniors are entitled to free long-term residence. Here is your identity ring, please take it!”
One of the white-robed cultivators began reciting what was clearly a well-rehearsed line, but halfway through, the other cultivator beside him noticed Soul Puppet’s cultivation level and urgently tugged his sleeve. The first cultivator, startled, took a closer look at Soul Puppet, quickly adopted a respectful expression, and corrected himself, pulling out a red ring from his robes and offering it.
“This is my first time in Heavenstar City. What is this ring for?” Soul Puppet asked hoarsely.
“This is an identity spirit ring. The blue ones are for cultivators staying temporarily in the city. They just need to pay three spirit stones. The red ones indicate permanent residence. Ordinary cultivators must pay eight hundred spirit stones to stay long-term. The blue ring’s glow only lasts seven days. Before the light fades, the ring’s owner must either leave Heavenstar City or come back to the gate for a new ring. The red ring’s glow is permanent. However, once you drip your blood essence onto the red ring, it will recognize you as its master and glow. There’s no need to worry about it being stolen,” the white-robed cultivator, at the early Foundation Establishment stage, explained to Soul Puppet calmly and respectfully. He raised his hand, revealing a similarly glowing red ring on one of his fingers.
Soul Puppet nodded silently, took the ring, hesitated briefly, then dripped his blood essence onto it and put it on.
“Please give me a red ring as well, Fellow Daoist. I also plan to stay in the city long-term,” Han Li said with a smile, taking eight mid-grade spirit stones from his storage pouch and handing them to one of the cultivators.
The two white-robed cultivators glanced at Han Li with slight surprise but said nothing as they accepted the spirit stones and handed over a red ring.
After dripping his blood essence onto the ring and putting it on, Han Li smiled and walked through the gate with Soul Puppet.
The street beyond the gate was neither particularly large nor wide, but it was spacious enough for four people to walk abreast or two animal-drawn carts to pass through comfortably. Rows of blue stone houses lined the street, clearly shops run by mortals, selling mostly ordinary goods. There was nothing particularly noteworthy.
There were almost no cultivators on the street, only ordinary people shopping or chatting. They showed no particular curiosity or reaction to Han Li and Soul Puppet’s presence.
After a brief glance around, Han Li unconsciously looked up at the sky and noticed numerous beams of light flying back and forth. Cultivators were actually flying on magical tools in the air.
The fact that the number one city in the Chaotic Star Seas had no flight restrictions surprised Han Li greatly. However, it was convenient for him and Soul Puppet. He raised his hand and summoned the Divine Wind Boat, preparing to board it and fly up with Soul Puppet.
“Wait, Immortal Masters!” a man’s voice suddenly called out from the side of the street. A lean man with a thin mustache emerged from a nearby shop and approached them, bowing respectfully to Han Li and Soul Puppet.
His eyes darted around shrewdly, clearly indicating a quick-witted and cunning mind. However, he had no aura of spiritual power—he was undoubtedly a mortal.
A flicker of surprise crossed Han Li’s face. He frowned slightly and asked, “What is it? Do I know you?”
“Hehe! This lowly one is Lu Er. It’s my first time meeting you two Immortal Masters,” the lean man said with an ingratiating smile.
Hearing this, Han Li’s expression darkened with displeasure. But before he could say anything, Lu Er hurriedly continued, “Are you two Immortal Masters visiting Heavenstar City for the first time? You must be unfamiliar with the city’s layout and workings. I’m a native of this city and know it like the back of my hand. If you need to go somewhere or take care of any matters, having me guide you will save you a lot of trouble. And it’ll only cost you two spirit stones.”
After saying this, Lu Er looked at Han Li expectantly. He had already sensed that the young man seemed to be the one in charge.
Han Li chuckled lightly. “Lu Er, is it? If you satisfy me, I’ll give you five spirit stones. But if I’m not satisfied, you won’t get a single one!” With a faint, ambiguous smile, Han Li ignored him further and boarded the Divine Wind Boat. Soul Puppet followed suit.
Standing on the magical tool, Han Li glanced at Lu Er.
The mortal’s face shifted through uncertain expressions. Seeing Han Li looking at him, he gritted his teeth and said, “Alright! It’s a deal, Immortal Master! This lowly one will definitely satisfy you both.”
Han Li nodded faintly, showing no surprise. He stepped on the magical tool, and the Divine Wind Boat descended until it was almost skimming the ground. Lu Er quickly and cleverly scrambled aboard, standing carefully.
The Divine Wind Boat then slowly rose into the air and began flying toward the giant mountain at the city’s center.
When they reached several dozen zhang in the air, Han Li glanced back at Lu Er. Although the mortal looked somewhat fearful, he hadn’t broken down completely. Han Li nodded imperceptibly to himself and casually asked, “You don’t seem like it’s your first time flying on a magical tool. Have you often guided visiting cultivators before?”
“I’ve guided five or six Immortal Masters before, but flying in the sky like this is only my second time,” Lu Er replied with a strained smile. The wind at this height was quite strong for a mortal.
Noticing Lu Er’s slightly pale face, Han Li smiled faintly and raised his hand. A blue light flashed, and a faint blue protective shield enveloped the Divine Wind Boat, covering all three of them. Immediately, Lu Er’s complexion improved.
Before Lu Er could express his gratitude, Han Li spoke again, “First, tell me where I can find a place for cultivators to meditate without disturbance.”
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage