Dongli City

Biodata

Geography and Cityscape

Dongli City is enclosed by a vast dense forest whose outskirts are inhabited by fierce beasts. Ordinary people avoid the forest, while even third-rate martial artists generally patrol only its outer layers; the deeper areas had been neglected for more than a decade. 1

The city is entered through an ancient gate flanked by walls extending for several miles. Its blue-brick walls are cracked and repeatedly repaired with rammed earth. Beyond the gate lies a broad commercial street lined with tall wooden buildings, shops, and heavy foot traffic. 13

• The Xiao Residence stands at the center of the main city and is described as Dongli City's most magnificent mansion. 14
• Dongli City's food is reputedly famous among surrounding cities. 13
• The city has existed for thousands of years, according to Xiao Huohuo's comparison of Chu Feng's supposed age to its history. 13

Political Structure

The Three Great Families

Dongli City's principal powers are the Xiao Family, Aocheng Family, and Liu Family. The Xiao Family holds the city lordship and had historically suppressed the other two families in both commerce and influence, creating a tense balance of mutual restraint. 24

The Xiao Family is protected by four Houtian-realm martial artists, a force presented as significant within Dongli City. 15

History

Before Xiao Huohuo's return, the city widely regarded him as a weak, disgraced young city lord. Residents mocked his third-rate cultivation, his broken engagement, and his pursuit of purported reclusive masters; even the city guards addressed him with visible contempt. 13

When a massive half-formed finger appeared above the city, its destructive aura caused civilians to flee from the streets and hide in shops. Aocheng Nan and Liu Qing mistook the phenomenon for an attack on the Xiao Family and accelerated their plan to seize its assets. 24

Over the following days, the Aocheng and Liu families occupied Xiao Family markets and gained the support of local powers that believed the Xiao Family was falling. 27 Xiao Huohuo's cultivation of the Great Desolation Prison Heaven Finger reversed this shift: he defeated the rival families' forces, and Aocheng Nan and Liu Qing later came to the Xiao Residence to submit with thorns on their backs. 32 33

Following their submission, the Xiao Family reclaimed its lost markets, gained additional holdings, and turned Dongli City fully into its domain. 34

Notable Incidents

• Three-Year Pact humiliation — Xu Ling'er broke off her engagement to Xiao Huohuo at the Dongli City Lord's Mansion, making him and the Xiao Family objects of public ridicule. Xiao Huohuo then established a three-year pact to surpass her. 3
• Giant Finger phenomenon — A giant half-finger descended through the clouds above Dongli City, triggering panic and being mistaken for a catastrophe directed at the Xiao Family. 24
• Market encroachment — The Aocheng and Liu families exploited the perceived danger to the Xiao Family, occupying multiple markets and pressuring its businesses. 24 27 29
• Xiao Huohuo's retaliation — Xiao Huohuo confronted the Aocheng Family alone, defeated its martial artists, and revealed that the earlier giant-finger phenomenon had been part of his master's instruction. 29 30 32
• Submission of rival families — After Xiao Huohuo used the Great Desolation Prison Heaven Finger against the allied families' first-rate experts, the Aocheng and Liu families pledged allegiance to the Xiao Family. 33

Relationships

• Xiao Family — Dongli City's ruling family; its patriarch, Xiao Zhan, is the City Lord. 15
• Xiao Zhan — City Lord and father of Xiao Huohuo. 3 15
• Xiao Huohuo — Young City Lord whose rise in power restores and expands the Xiao Family's authority over the city. 13 34
• Aocheng Family — Rival great family that attempted to replace the Xiao Family before submitting. 24 33
• Liu Family — Rival great family allied with the Aocheng Family during its challenge to Xiao authority. 24 33