Gengjin City!

After entering the northern borderlands of the Star Luo Empire, the landscape became drier than that of the Balak Kingdom. The vegetation along both sides of the official road gradually shifted from mixed forests to drought-resistant low shrubs and sparse grassland, while exposed rock strata gleamed grayish white beneath the sun.

The humidity in the air had noticeably dropped. When the wind blew in from the north, it carried a scent of minerals mixed with dust, as though reminding travelers that vast untapped resources lay buried beneath this land.

After the two had followed the official road for two days, a city built against the mountains appeared ahead.

Its walls could not compare to those of an imperial capital like Star Luo City, but both their thickness and height far exceeded those of ordinary cities. Large numbers of polished metal plates were embedded in the walls, giving off a cold, dark gray sheen under the sunlight.

The three characters "Gengjin City" were carved above the city gate, their strokes vigorous and forceful, with fine metal patterns inlaid along their edges.

The gate was crowded with people. Most entering and leaving were miners pushing ore carts, carrying mineral samples on their backs, or chamber of commerce managers wearing uniform clothing.

Two guards in dark gray uniforms stood on each side of the gate. Pinned to their chests was Gengjin City's emblem: a crossed mining pick and iron hammer.

Qian Yaoting paused outside the city gate for a moment, his gaze sweeping across the metal plates on the walls and the inscription above the gate before he stepped into the city.

Li Long followed behind him, the Dragon Emperor Rod in its short staff form tucked behind his waist and mostly concealed by his outer robe.

After entering through the gate, the