Where sea met sky, the outline of a massive island gradually came into view, towering like a primordial beast crouched upon the emerald waves. At its center, a silver-white mountain pierced the clouds. Seven brilliant points of starlight crowned its summit in the shape of the Big Dipper, shining day and night, their radiance reaching a thousand miles. This was Tianxing City, the heart of humanity in the Chaotic Star Sea and the headquarters of the Star Palace.
Han Li steered an ordinary spirit boat he had purchased on an island along the way, gazing calmly at those seven stars. After months of sailing across several dangerous stretches of sea, he had finally reached the first major destination of his journey. His cultivation had now fully stabilized at the late stage of Foundation Establishment, and the water spiritual power coursing through him flowed smoothly and purely. Not a trace of baleful aura remained. He looked every inch an overseas independent cultivator whose years of arduous practice had borne fruit.
When his boat reached the outer harbor, he saw a thousand sails vying for berths, their masts standing like a forest. The clamor of voices far exceeded anything on Jade Conch Island. Enforcement squads dressed in the Star Palace's silver-white uniforms patrolled the docks, maintaining impeccable order while exuding an unquestionable authority. Every cultivator entering the harbor had to register their origins at the harbor steward's office and collect a temporary identity token.
Han Li paid the spirit stones and gave the independent cultivator identity he had prepared long before his arrival: "Li Feiyu." He received a "Guest Elder Token" valid for three months. The token felt faintly warm in his hand and contained a simple map and the city's regulations, as well as a faint mark. Clearly, it also served