As the imperial capital of a kingdom, it bustled at any time, let alone now, with the Stone Emperor's birthday approaching. Naturally, it was even livelier.
Carriages flowed like water and horses streamed like dragons, while crowds surged through the streets. As the hub of a kingdom, this place possessed a prosperity unmatched by other great cities. Its vast population filled it with endless clamor, and even its broad streets were packed shoulder to shoulder.
Since he had gone straight to the Stone Kingdom's imperial palace earlier, Di Yi had not closely observed the scenery along the way. Now, however, he had time to look around.
Shops of all kinds lined both sides of the streets, with many customers coming and going. Those selling beast hides, precious bones, aged medicinal herbs, weapons, and the like did especially roaring business and could be found almost everywhere in every district.
"Is the Stone Kingdom trying to turn its imperial capital into a thriving center of trade?" Di Yi compared this place with the Fire Kingdom Imperial Capital and found that, when it came to commerce, the Fire Kingdom could not catch up even riding ten horses.
"It isn't trying to become one. It already is," Lie Wan'er explained. "Our kingdom has abundant mineral and biological resources, especially in the Western Frontier, where Primordial Remnants congregate and spiritual medicines grow. In certain respects, it far surpasses other kingdoms. Even the Primordial Divine Mountain frequently comes here to trade. Over time, that created this environment."
"I see." Di Yi nodded. The Western Frontier was indeed rich in resources. Leaving everything else aside, there were plenty of enormous beasts, and to the creatures of the Eight Regions of the Lower Realm, every part of their bodies was treasure.
Even if they could not hunt those