Half a month later.
Within Purple Bamboo Pavilion, Xuanyuan Che slowly breathed in and out. Spiritual Energy surged around him like the tides before finally settling into stillness.
"It was time to set out."
Xuanyuan Che rose and left his cave abode. Morning sunlight spilled over the Purple Bamboo Forest, crystal-clear and radiant. The air was fresh, lifting the heart and clearing the mind.
He strolled to the cave-heaven atop Xuanqing Peak.
In the courtyard, Lu Xuanchen had been waiting for some time. Besides him, Yun Mengyao and Thunder Roar Ravine were already there as well.
"Junior Brother, you're here." Thunder Roar Ravine gave an honest smile and waved at Xuanyuan Che.
Yun Mengyao merely nodded slightly, though there was a gentleness hidden within her cool gaze.
"Where is Fourth Senior Sister?"
"She has important matters to attend to."
Lu Xuanchen stood, his gaze sweeping across the three of them, his expression solemn. "This journey to the Central Continent will not be smooth sailing. Do not stir up trouble."
The three nodded.
With a flick of Lu Xuanchen's sleeve, a streak of light swept the four of them into the sky. They became a long rainbow that tore across the heavens.
A warship was docked in the sky before the Academy gates.
The Core Disciples of the other four peaks had already boarded.
"Come aboard." After greeting the several elders leading the teams, Lu Xuanchen was the first to step onto the warship.
Xuanyuan Che and the other two followed close behind.
The warship's interior was immense, divided into several levels and decorated with an ancient yet grand style. Every corner carried a weighty, imposing air.
There was no sign of the disciples from the other peaks. They had presumably settled into their respective levels already.
Lu Xuanchen led the three of them to a spacious deck on the warship's top level.
The deck offered a broad view, overlooking the magnificent mountains and rivers below. Further inside were several rooms.
"For the remainder of the journey, calm your minds and rest here," Lu Xuanchen said. He then headed deep into the ship's cabin to speak with the elders.
Only Xuanyuan Che and the other two remained on the deck.
"Junior Brother, this is my first time going to the Central Continent too. I hear its geniuses are as numerous as clouds, and powerful experts rise one after another. Just thinking about it gets me excited!" Thunder Roar Ravine rubbed his hands eagerly, anticipation written all over his face.
Yun Mengyao still wore her usual frosty expression, but a faint trace of reminiscence flickered in the depths of her eyes.
Xuanyuan Che smiled without speaking, quietly gazing into the distance.
He too was looking forward to the Central Continent.
The warship sped through the air at tremendous speed, the scenery flashing past below.
Xuanyuan Che sat cross-legged and began circulating the upgraded version of the Chaos Scripture—the Yin Yang Chaos Scripture.
Unlike the Chaos Scripture, this was a supreme cultivation technique that focused on internal cultivation rather than external arts. Its cultivation required no earthshaking spectacle, instead taking shape inwardly. It was the perfect match for his Saint Realm Chaos Physical Body.
The warship itself seemed to possess some kind of Spiritual Energy-gathering formation. The Spiritual Energy on the deck was actually denser than outside, making cultivation here twice as effective with half the effort.
Yun Mengyao and Thunder Roar Ravine each found a spot and sat down cross-legged as well.
Along the way, aside from occasionally exchanging a few words, the three spent most of their time cultivating in silence.
Xuanyuan Che discovered that Yun Mengyao's cultivation method was rather peculiar. She merely closed her eyes to rest, yet a faint white glow naturally radiated from her body, resonating with heaven and earth as though she had merged with this stretch of empty space.
Thunder Roar Ravine, meanwhile, followed a fierce and forceful path. Lightning power coiled around his body, and each breath he took seemed to bring the rumble of thunder, shaking the soul.
Several days later, the warship reached the Central Continent.
The moment they entered the Central Continent, Xuanyuan Che sensed an utterly different aura rushing toward him.
The Spiritual Energy density of the Central Continent far surpassed that of the Eastern Wasteland Domain. There was even a faint trace of immortal charm within it, though it was exceedingly thin.
The power of laws between heaven and earth was clearly more complete as well. No wonder it stood at the head of countless Dao domains.
"So this is the Central Continent. It truly is extraordinary!" Thunder Roar Ravine drew in a deep breath, excitement appearing on his face.
Xuanyuan Che looked around and saw rolling mountain ranges below. Spiritual veins twisted and sprawled like enormous dragons, radiating dazzling brilliance.
Lights of flight occasionally streaked through the skies. Some were warships speeding along, while others were mighty experts riding ferocious beasts through the air. It was a scene of flourishing prosperity.
Unlike the savage aura of the Eastern Wasteland Domain, the Central Continent exuded a far more vigorous destiny everywhere.
The warship continued onward before finally stopping before a towering, majestic giant city.
The city was magnificent beyond measure. Its walls soared into the clouds like a colossal dragon lying across the earth, exuding an ancient and weighty aura.
Above the city gates, the four words "Xuanhuang Ancient City" stretched proudly across the entrance. Spiritual charm flowed over them, making for an imposing and majestic sight.
"We've arrived at Xuanhuang Ancient City. Everyone, gather your things," Lu Xuanchen's voice sounded beside their ears.
Everyone disembarked, unable to resist taking huge gulps of the Spiritual Energy in the air as though breathing in an epic.
At the city gates, people streamed past in an endless tide. Cultivators from all over gathered here, dressed in all manner of clothing and possessing varying levels of cultivation. Yet without exception, they all carried anticipation and excitement.
"So many people!" Thunder Roar Ravine exclaimed.
Yun Mengyao explained, "Xuanhuang Ancient City is itself the fifth greatest city in the Central Continent, and it is also where Xuanhuang Academy has taken root. Whenever the Academy Grand Competition is held, countless cultivators come to watch. Naturally, it becomes lively."
The three naturally gathered together. Not far away, the disciples from each peak had mostly formed their own groups as well, though eyes often drifted in their direction.
There were simply two people among them who were far too eye-catching.
Xuanyuan Che had once again adopted the appearance he wore on the day he entered the Academy. The others could reasonably accept it and would not connect him to the youth who had slaughtered a Saint with one hand that day.
After all, he had revealed his true appearance that day.
The group passed through the city gates and entered Xuanhuang Ancient City.
The streets within the city were broad, shops lined both sides, and all kinds of hawking cries and clamor mingled together in a bustling uproar.
The cultivators on the streets generally possessed cultivation far above those of the Eastern Wasteland Domain. Dao Seed Realm and Xing Yuan Realm cultivators were everywhere, while even Wu Xiang Realm cultivators were not uncommon.
"As expected of the Central Continent. It truly is a place where hidden dragons and crouching tigers abound."
They did not stop until they reached the plaza before the main gates of a sprawling complex of magnificent buildings at the city center.
These buildings covered an enormous area and possessed an awe-inspiring grandeur, comparable to a top-tier miniature city. They were solemn and sacred.
Above the main gates hung another plaque. The four glittering golden words "Xuanhuang Academy" shone brilliantly, inspiring awe at a glance. The entrance was bustling with people, and many academies had arrived in advance.
"This is Xuanhuang Academy," Lu Xuanchen said. "The Academy Grand Competition in a few days will be held within the Academy."
"First, we'll settle into the accommodations arranged by the Academy."
After saying this, Lu Xuanchen led everyone toward Xuanhuang Academy's gates.
Academy disciples stood at the entrance to receive guests. Upon seeing the group, their eyes could not help but light up. After verifying their identities, they welcomed Lu Xuanchen's party inside.
"Damn, there are beauties! They feel no less impressive than our Academy's Heavenly Maiden!"
"Yeah, but have you ever even seen the Heavenly Maiden? Hey, hey, hey, your drool is dripping..."
Within Xuanhuang Academy stood pavilions and towers, artificial hills and flowing streams. Spiritual Energy hung thick in the air, making it seem like an immortal realm.
The Academy disciples wore uniform white Daoist robes. Their manners were measured, and their bearing was extraordinary.
Lu Xuanchen and the others were led to a quiet courtyard. The environment was tranquil, the rooms spacious and comfortable, and every facility was provided.
After arranging their lodgings, Lu Xuanchen told everyone to rest on their own. He and the elders then headed to the Academy's council hall to discuss the competition with the leaders from the other academies.
Since several days remained before the competition, Xuanhuang Academy had not imposed many restrictions. Everyone relaxed, and quite a few disciples arranged to leave the Academy and wander around.
"Senior Sister Yun, Junior Brother, shall we go out and have some fun tomorrow too?" a certain Lei asked enthusiastically.
It was no wonder. When all was said and done, he was the one who had seen the least of the world.
"Sure, Senior Sister..." Xuanyuan Che looked eagerly at Yun Mengyao. Those were the old man's so-called rules of the sect—when the master was absent, senior brothers and sisters came first. Yun Mengyao nodded in agreement.
The sun set, then rose.
Xuanhuang Ancient City was even livelier today than yesterday. There were more young faces, all dressed in dazzling finery.
Yun Mengyao had changed into a light blue gown today, further accentuating her pure and refined temperament. Walking through the crowd, she was like a lotus rising unstained from the mud, drawing attention wherever she went.
"Handsome sir, beautiful miss, come take a look inside Mysterious Yellow Pavilion! One hundred spirit stones, a hundred percent chance of getting something, guaranteed Yellow-grade! The only officially designated stone-gambling house in Xuanhuang Ancient City!"
Suddenly, a shrewd-looking middle-aged man stopped the three of them. His eyes rolled endlessly as he elegantly pointed at the rather imposing building behind him. "With such extraordinary bearing, you must be heavenly geniuses here for the Academy Grand Competition, right? For these few days, our Mysterious Yellow Pavilion is offering competition participants a thirty-percent discount!"
"Also, today the Pavilion Master will personally take the field to demonstrate," the middle-aged man added sincerely.
"Even just coming in for a look would be excellent, everyone."
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