"The scenery and customs of Great Xia truly are vastly different from those of the Sky-Piercing Realm. There are so many marvelous things here. Especially after arriving in Ping Province, it feels as though Ping Province is even more prosperous than the other provinces and commanderies..." Bian Heng said to Zhang Tie beside him as he looked down at the mountains, rivers, land, cities, and villages flowing past beneath their feet.
There were more than a dozen observation decks aboard the Xuanyuan-class airship, spread throughout the vessel to suit the needs of different people. The deck where Zhang Tie and Bian Heng stood was at the highest point of the airship's prow, offering the broadest and most complete view. Its perimeter was enclosed by a ring of alchemically treated crystal screens. Here, one could enjoy the sights without fear of wind, sun, or rain, while taking in all the mountains below at a single glance.
Had the Emperor Xuanyuan once stood here too, gazing over Great Xia's magnificent rivers and mountains?
This strange thought turned in Zhang Tie's mind, but he replied aloud, "Ping Province is one of Great Xia's nine divine provinces. Those nine divine provinces are all the finest regions of the Hua Clan, each with a population of tens of billions. Their prosperity is beyond comparison with other provinces and commanderies. But once we reach Xuanyuan Hill, you'll see the most prosperous and magnificent city in the world for yourself!"
"It really is strange. Great Xia has so many people and cities, yet no one can condense a divine wheel and advance to Divine Emperor!" Bian Heng shook his head and sighed. "It seems that where there is gain, there must be loss. If a temple in the Sky-Piercing Realm could possess such an enormous population, it