Everyone had originally thought that outside the city would be a barren, deathly wasteland, an uninhabitable land filled with lethal danger.
Yet after leaving the city, what met their eyes was a lush, vibrant mountain forest.
In the distance, mountains rose and fell in an unbroken stretch, like colossal dragons winding and coiling. Mist curled among them, making the place resemble an immortal realm.
Faint waves of dense Spiritual Energy drifted over, seeming both present and absent. Such an exceptional sacred ground for cultivation was enough to make anyone yearn for it.
"This place really does look pretty good!" An ordinary cultivator who had followed from afar widened his eyes, his face full of amazement as he muttered to himself.
"I wonder whether any peerless treasures are hidden here. If we are fortunate enough to find one, we could ascend to the heavens in a single step!"
"Mm, it truly is a heaven-bestowed blessed land."
"Damn the City Lord's Mansion. They kept us from leaving the city all this time. They must have been afraid we would discover such a treasure land outside and wanted to keep all the benefits for themselves." Another cultivator spoke indignantly, his eyes filled with greed and resentment.
The scouting teams made up of young disciples from the Lineages were likewise deeply drawn in by the magnificent scene before them, their steps unconsciously slowing.
A young disciple looked uncertain and uneasy as he said softly, "Th-this place doesn't seem dangerous at all."
Though he said so, his hands unconsciously tightened around the Magic Artifact in his grip, and there was not the slightest trace of carelessness in his expression.
The leading young man stood tall, his gaze sharp as an eagle's. As he vigilantly scanned his surroundings without overlooking the slightest rustle of grass or