Feng Tianyu traveled south all the way, taking in the customs and scenery of Douluo Continent beyond Shrek City.
The Star Luo Empire was still quite prosperous. Carriages and horses streamed along the official roads, while merchant caravans traveling north and south never ceased. The goods brought by traders circulated through every city along the roads, filling them with vitality.
Yet the polarization between rich and poor was severe. Within the cities, one could see finely dressed nobles as well as beggars without enough clothes to cover themselves. The nobles spending fortunes with a wave of the hand stood in stark contrast to beggars unable to afford even a full meal.
Some villages beyond the cities had even been abandoned. In broad daylight, not a single person could be seen in the fields.
Feng Tianyu curiously asked around and learned that there were all sorts of reasons. Evil Soul Masters ran rampant in some places, slaughtering entire villages of commoners to cultivate. Heavy taxation was another cause. The Star Luo Empire had to support its army; the Ming Dou Mountain Range alone housed several hundred thousand troops. Soldiers needed food and pay, and military equipment had to be prepared—all of it required tax revenue.
After learning of this, Feng Tianyu fell silent for quite a while. In such a chaotic age, with nations rising side by side, the lives of ordinary people were far from easy.
"Only when the continent is truly unified will ordinary people finally be able to catch their breath..."
Feng Tianyu sighed, then continued toward Star Luo City. Along the way, he dealt with several groups of bandits and reached Star Luo City in just three days.
As the capital of the Star Luo Empire, Star Luo City was exceptionally imposing. Its walls stood one hundred