Tianyuan City

"Such a ferocious aura." Yunxiao frowned slightly, the Primal Chaos Golden Dipper faintly circulating within her sleeve. "Though these sea beasts lack intelligence, their bloodline grants them an innate understanding of combat techniques. Ordinary cultivators will find them difficult to handle."

Before her words faded, a unified horn call rang out from the other side of the bay. A phalanx of Human Race cultivators advanced steadily, led by none other than the City Lord of Tianyuan City, Liu Suifeng. He was now the city's lord—originally, the position rotated every hundred years, but who could argue with Liu Suifeng's prowess? He had even managed to marry a Dragon Clan princess.

As a vital city bordering the Dragon Clan, the selection of its lord could not be taken lightly. Thus, Liu Suifeng, a Human Race prodigy and the Dragon Clan's son-in-law, was naturally chosen. Fortunately, when he took office, his predecessor Su Bai had laid a solid foundation for him!

Now clad in golden battle armor and wielding a Flowing Cloud Sword, he led thousands of young cultivators, all at the Heavenly Immortal level. Their auras were condensed, their eyes sharp as eagles. "All disciples, hear my command! Form the 'Star Array of the Heavens'! Use the Laws to trap and kill the Fierce Beasts. Act within your limits, focus on tempering yourselves, and do not force it!" Liu Suifeng's voice echoed across the bay, causing even the waves to pause.

The young cultivators answered in unison, instantly forming a massive formation. Starlight dotted the array, each cultivator corresponding to a star. The power of the Laws wove into a net, sweeping toward the surging Sea Beast Tide.

A youth in blue robes struck first, his fingertip drawing upon the Law of Wood. Countless green vines burst from the ground, entangling a Stone Armor Beast charging at the front. Beside him, a girl in red robes invoked the Law of Fire; flames soared into the sky, scorching the scales of a Giant Tooth Shark. Another youth channeled the Law of Water, manipulating the waves to counterattack, dragging several octopus monsters into the sea.

Though a few young cultivators were severely wounded by the sea beasts, Human Race healers immediately rushed to treat them, and the formation remained as stable as ever. Watching this, Liu Bai's eyes were filled with satisfaction. "These youths are the future hope of the Human Race. After this battle, their Dao hearts and divine abilities will reach new heights. In another thousand years, the Human Race will only grow stronger."

Zhao Gongming stroked his beard and nodded, a glint of admiration in his eyes. "The Human Race's strategy here is excellent—using heaven and earth as a furnace and the Fierce Beasts as fuel to temper their own disciples. Such boldness and wisdom make it no wonder they've become a great clan of the Primordial World." Qiongxiao watched the young cultivators' coordination and said softly, "This 'Star Array of the Heavens' may not be as profound as the Nine-Bend Yellow River Formation, but it excels in being easy to understand and suitable for large-scale teaching. For the Human Race to popularize formations to this extent is truly rare."

Bixiao's heart surged with excitement, and she couldn't help gripping the Golden Flood Dragon Scissors tightly. "These youths are amazing! If I joined in, I could definitely help them kill even more Fierce Beasts!" Yunxiao gently pressed her hand and shook her head. "Junior sister, no. This is the Human Race's trial. If we interfere, it will lose its meaning as a tempering experience." Though a bit regretful, Bixiao nodded in agreement, her gaze still fixed on the battle in the bay.

The Sea Beast Tide would last a full ten days. Only when the last Giant Tooth Shark was slain by the combined efforts of the young cultivators did the bay gradually return to calm.

Though exhausted, the Human Race cultivators were filled with excitement and pride. Liu Suifeng stepped forward and loudly announced the results of the trial, commending the outstanding youths. On the Tide Watching Platform, the San Xiao and Zhao Gongming watched the cheering Human Race, their hearts filled with myriad emotions.

Liu Bai turned with a smile. "Junior brothers and sisters, since you've seen the prosperity of Tianyuan City and witnessed the Sea Beast Tide trial today, why not come with me to the City Lord's Mansion for a short visit? Taste some Human Race fine wine and spirit food? Don't worry—the City Lord of Tianyuan City is my cousin!"

Zhao Gongming laughed heartily in agreement, while Bixiao was already eagerly tugging at Qiongxiao's sleeve, urging everyone toward the City Lord's Mansion.

The vermilion gates of the City Lord's Mansion stood wide open. Before them, two white jade dragon-shaped lamp posts breathed out soft spiritual light, illuminating the long street paved with bluestone. Liu Suifeng, still in his golden battle armor, had dragon patterns on his pauldrons flowing in the light. Seeing Liu Bai and the others approach, he strode forward to greet them, laughing heartily. "Cousin, you've finally arrived! I've already ordered a feast prepared. Please, three fairies and Senior Brother Zhao Gongming, move to the inner courtyard."

Behind him stood a woman in a Shark Silk palace gown, her jet-black hair cascading like a waterfall, a vermilion dot between her brows. Her eyes shimmered with the pure, clear charm unique to the Dragon Clan—she was none other than the Dragon King of the East Sea's beloved daughter, Princess Ao Ling. Ao Ling stepped forward and gave a graceful bow, her voice crisp as pearls falling on a jade plate. "I have long heard of the renowned San Xiao fairies of the Jie Sect and Senior Brother Zhao Gongming. Meeting you today is truly an honor."

Bixiao's eyes lit up as she stared at the Water-Repelling Pearl hanging at Ao Ling's waist. She couldn't help stepping forward. "Sister Ao Ling, your pearl is so beautiful! Can it let you breathe freely in the deep sea and see a thousand miles away?"

Ao Ling was amused by her lively nature. She took off the Water-Repelling Pearl and handed it over. "If you like it, little sister, take it and play with it for a few days. Though this pearl isn't a supreme treasure, it can ward off water and control the tides. If you ever visit the East Sea, it will come in handy."

Bixiao happily accepted the pearl. As her fingertip touched its surface, she felt a gentle flow of the Law of Water. She immediately thanked her. "Thank you, Sister Ao Ling! One day, I'll bring some spirit flowers and herbs from Three Immortals Island to trade for treasures from your Dragon Palace!"

Chatting and laughing, the group entered the inner courtyard. The City Lord's Mansion blended Human Race pavilions and towers with the watery charm of the Dragon Clan: the courtyard was paved with warm jade from the East Sea, giving off a cozy warmth underfoot.

In an artificial pond, koi fish swam with iridescent tails, and beside the pond stood several potted coral plants—all thousand-year-old red corals unique to the Dragon Palace. Lanterns hung along both sides of the corridor, their shades woven from Shark Silk, emitting a soft, pearlescent glow that illuminated the paintings and calligraphy hanging beneath—both masterpieces from Human Race Great Confucians and depictions of East Sea scenery painted by Dragon Clan artists.

The feast was set in the "Tide Watching Pavilion" by the water. Outside the pavilion was a terrace; leaning on the railing, one could faintly see the shimmering waves of the bay. The dishes on the table were uniquely exquisite: Thousand-Year Lingzhi Braised Spirit Deer and Amber Honey-Glazed Spirit Fruit, meticulously prepared by the Human Race; Deep Sea Scallops and Ten-Thousand-Year Dragon Spittle Rice sent by the Dragon Clan; and Seven-Colored Sea Grapes tributed by the Sea Clan, each plump and sweet, brimming with pure water spiritual energy.

Liu Suifeng personally poured a cup of amber-colored fine wine for everyone, smiling. "This is 'Drunken Flowing Sunset,' brewed from the Thousand-Year Osmanthus Flower Nectar of the Dragon Palace and the Spirit Spring of Tianyuan City. Drinking it clears the mind and sharpens the eyes, nourishing the Dao foundation. Please, three fairies and Senior Brother, have a taste."

Zhao Gongming raised his cup and downed it in one gulp. A pure, mellow sensation slid down his throat, and the spiritual power in his Dantian flowed even more smoothly. He praised, "Excellent wine! It has both the crispness of the Spirit Spring and the richness of Dragon nectar. No wonder Tianyuan City's fine wines are so famous among the East Sea clans."

After several rounds of wine and dishes, the laughter and chatter in the Tide Watching Pavilion settled into a tacit harmony. Liu Suifeng set down his cup, rose, and bowed solemnly in the direction of Jin'ao Island. "Today, with this cup of 'Drunken Flowing Sunset,' I first congratulate Sage Tongtian on moving the Jie Sect's Dao field to Jin'ao Island!"

As he finished, Princess Ao Ling also rose and stood shoulder to shoulder with Liu Suifeng, adding, "Jin'ao Island neighbors Tianyuan City. With a Sage guarding the East Sea, not only is the region's sea territory kept safe, but the Human Race and Dragon Clan have also seen far fewer disturbances from Outer Realm Demons and Fierce Beasts. Though the Sea Beast Tide has shown some anomalies recently, knowing the Sage's Dao field is nearby gives us all three points more confidence."

Liu Suifeng nodded, his gaze sweeping over Liu Bai, the San Xiao, and Zhao Gongming. His tone was earnest. "The Jie Sect's tenet of 'seizing a thread of life for all beings' aligns perfectly with the Human Race's philosophy of 'unremitting self-improvement and benefiting all.' Tianyuan City sits at the strategic crossroads of the East Sea, connecting the Human Race heartland on one side and the Dragon Clan's territory on the other, with Sea Clan tribes trading back and forth. Though Senior Su Bai laid the foundation before, it remains far from the Human Race heartland. We have a large army here, but we lack top-tier Great Experts for protection. Now that the Jie Sect has established its seat here, it is, in every sense, a blessing for Tianyuan City."

He turned to Liu Bai, a hint of cousinly familiarity on his face. "Cousin, as both the Chief Senior Disciple of the Jie Sect and a Human Race elite, I dare to propose, before the three fairies and Senior Brother Zhao Gongming—Tianyuan City wishes to form an alliance with the Jie Sect. From now on, we will watch each other's backs and jointly protect the peace of the East Sea."

At these words, the Tide Watching Pavilion fell silent for a moment. Zhao Gongming stroked his beard thoughtfully, his gaze settling on Liu Bai, clearly waiting for the Chief Senior Disciple's opinion. Yunxiao's expression remained calm, the Primal Chaos Golden Dipper gently circulating in her sleeve, as if calculating the pros and cons of such an alliance. Bixiao toyed with the Water-Repelling Pearl in her hand, saying nothing but looking at Liu Bai with eager anticipation. Qiongxiao gave a slight nod, clearly in favor of the proposal.

Liu Bai rose and returned the gesture, his demeanor solemn yet warm, bearing both the steadiness of the Jie Sect's Chief Senior Disciple and the fervor of a Human Race son. "Cousin Suifeng, your words align with my own thoughts." He looked around at everyone and spoke slowly. "My master moved to Jin'ao Island with the intention of protecting the living beings of the East Sea. Most Jie Sect disciples attained the Dao as non-human beings, so they understand best the hardships of survival. The Human Race, after ten thousand years of tempering, has become unremittingly self-reliant and is now a great clan of the Primordial World. Tianyuan City, moreover, serves as a hub for all clans to trade and coexist. For the public good, the Jie Sect needs this precious land of Tianyuan City to practice its Dao of 'seizing a thread of life.' For private reasons, I am a member of the Liu family, a part of Tianyuan City. To foster goodwill between the Jie Sect and Tianyuan City is also a bit of my own selfish wish. When I return, I will surely report to my master and request a decree."