Vast Sea City!

Afterwards, with heavy hearts, they carefully collected the remains of the villagers from Qingshui Village.

Although their identities cannot be verified, and they cannot be sent back to their homes, at least they can give these innocent people a final moment of dignity.

Far from the bloody clearing, near the edge of the forest, the group worked together to dig a huge pit.

Every handful of soil that falls carries a silent mourning.

Lin Xia stood before the piled-up villagers, the afterglow of the setting sun casting a long, lonely shadow over him.

He was silent for a moment, then spoke in a deep, clear voice to this new land:

"I'm sorry we couldn't save you. But we've avenged you. Those beasts have been reduced to ashes in the flames of hell. You... can rest in peace now. May your souls find peace in this tranquil land."

After he finished speaking, he bowed deeply.

Hu Liena and the others followed closely behind, bowing silently.

Ye Lingling's Nine Heart Begonia bloomed silently for a moment, its soft light shining on the grave, carrying a sense of purification and blessing.

By the time all this was done, it was almost completely dark.

With heavy hearts and weary bodies, the group returned to the carriage, quickly cleaned themselves of the bloodstains, and without lingering, resumed their westward journey.

A subdued silence filled the carriage, broken only by the monotonous sound of wheels rolling over the road.

For the rest of the journey, the group noticeably increased their speed.

Perhaps it was the tragedy of Qingshui Village, or perhaps it was the gradual recovery of the power brought by the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, but Lin Xia's Covet for Sea God Island and his obsession with becoming stronger grew stronger.

They traveled day and night, only changing horses and resupplying when necessary.

As we continued westward, the air subtly changed.

The damp air grew heavier, and the wind began to carry a distinct salty, fishy smell—the unique breath of the sea, both fresh and slightly pungent.

The terrain became more open, with plains gradually being replaced by rolling hills, and in the distance, a deep, boundless blue, completely different from the sky, began to appear faintly on the horizon.

After several days of trekking, the legendary seaside metropolis finally came into view at the edge of the horizon.

Vast Sea City, the largest city in the western border of the Heaven Dou Empire, is also the largest coastal city and hub port in the entire Douluo Continent!

As the distant outline gradually became clear, even Lin Xia and the others, who were used to the grandeur of large cities like Spirit City and Heaven Dou City, couldn't help but be awestruck by this magnificent city built by the sea.

It is not built on a flat coastline, but rather like a giant that has stood here since ancient times, its huge body "growing" directly on the steep seaside cliffs!

The entire city rises up layer by layer, relying on the mountain's terrain, with buildings extending from the foot of the mountain to the middle of the mountain and even higher ridges.

From a distance, the rows of buildings cling to the steep mountainside, their white stone walls and gray roofs reflecting the sunlight, creating a striking contrast with the vast, deep blue ocean below, resulting in a visually impactful scene.

The city walls that encircled the mountain town were even more awe-inspiring.

Its height far exceeds that of ordinary main cities, and its thickness is even more astonishing. It is built of huge granite blocks, and its surface is covered with mottled marks left by the erosion of time and sea winds, yet it still exudes an indestructible and majestic aura.

It stands majestically on the edge of the cliff, unmoved by the crashing waves below that churn up thousands of snow-capped peaks and create a deafening roar. The city wall, however, seems to be rooted in the mountain rocks and remains steadfast.

It's as if it's silently declaring that no matter how many years the tides rise and fall, it cannot shake me in the slightest.

Even before we got really close to the city, the strong smell of the sea breeze was already hitting us.

Salty, moist, and mixed with the aromas of seaweed, fish, tung oil, and canvas unique to seafaring cities, it creates a complex and Hustle scent that permeates everyone's nostrils.

The carriage traveled along the wide official road and finally arrived at the magnificent east gate of Vast Sea City.

The enormous arched doorway resembles the open mouth of a giant beast. Above the doorway, the two characters "Han Hai" are engraved in ancient and vigorous script, conveying a profound sense of history.

At this time, a not-too-long queue had formed at the city gate, consisting of caravans, travelers, and local residents.

Guards dressed in standard armor of the Heaven Dou Empire and carrying long spears were meticulously conducting routine checks on every vehicle and person entering the city.

The armor gleamed coldly in the sunlight, and the solemn expressions reflected the heavy security of this important coastal town.

The two carriages carrying Lin Xia and her group slowly came to a stop.

The coachman skillfully pulled on the reins, and the carriage came to a stop.

"Your His Highness the Holy Son, Your Excellencies, we have arrived at Vast Sea City. Routine inspections are required."

The driver's voice came from the front.

Lin Xia pushed open the carriage door and jumped down first.

The salty sea breeze, carrying with it the clamor of voices, the cries of seabirds, and the roar of waves, instantly filled my ears, a stark contrast to the dull and oppressive atmosphere of the journey ahead, brimming with vibrant life.

He took a deep breath of the sea-scented air, his gaze sweeping over the towering city walls and the bustling scene at the city gate.

Hu Liena, Xie Yue, Yan, Dugu Yan, Ye Lingling also got off the car one after another and stood behind Lin Xia.

Having endured a long journey and previous battles, their faces were dusty, but their eyes had regained some sharpness and vigilance as they surveyed the unfamiliar coastal metropolis, while also preparing to undergo inspection.

The sharp eyes of the soldiers at the city gate had already fallen on this group of distinguished outsiders.

Hu Liena slightly furrowed her charming eyebrows, her delicate nose twitched twice, and she couldn't help but speak:

"This taste... is strange, salty, and a bit fishy."

Accustomed to the dry air of the inland or the fresh air of the forest, she was somewhat unaccustomed to the strong ocean scent.

The soldiers of the Heaven Dou Empire guarding both sides of the city gate passageway wore standard leather armor that gleamed even in the dim light.

Their gazes, almost uncontrollably fixed on the three stunningly beautiful women in the group, were drawn to Lin Xia and her companions almost the instant they stepped through the city gates.

Ye Lingling walked slightly to the side and behind, her figure as graceful as an orchid in a secluded valley. She wore an elegant moon-white long dress, the hem of which swayed gently with her steps, as if untouched by dust.

The sea breeze ruffled a few strands of her silvery-white hair, making her skin appear even more fair and delicate, like a piece of the finest white jade.

That exquisitely beautiful face was expressionless, her eyes calm and still, like a deep pool, exuding a cool and serene aura that kept people at Norman, as if she were completely out of place in this noisy and salty port city.

She walked quietly, yet she was like a moving painting of ice and snow, so pure that one dared not desecrate her.