Ning Tian led Xiao Xiao through the streets of Azure Dragon City, where Azure Dragon flags hanging from the buildings on either side snapped in the wind.
Compared to when it had still been called Shrek City, this place had undergone tremendous changes.
After the reconstruction, the bustling clamor of the old streets had been replaced by a steady, efficient atmosphere of readiness.
The streets were clean and broad, and pedestrians hurried along with a clear sense of purpose on their faces.
The air carried a faint, peculiar blend of smelted metal, assorted medicinal herbs, and delicious food.
Ning Tian introduced Azure Dragon City to Xiao Xiao. "Aside from the residents who relocated here, everyone in Azure Dragon City belongs to one of the major sects."
"The Body Sect, the Nine Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, the Heavenly and Earthly Dragon Sects, the Proud Sword Sect..."
"The Cao family, the Blue Family, the Jiang Family..."
"Almost every Soul Master faction in the Heaven Dou Empire you can think of has established a branch in Azure Dragon City."
"Everything here operates toward the goal of growing stronger, as well as exploring a new order."
Ning Tian's last remark carried an implication, but Xiao Xiao could not understand its deeper meaning.
Xiao Xiao's gaze followed Ning Tian's directions.
These sects, normally scattered throughout the empire and occasionally even clashing with one another, had actually all put down roots in this newly risen royal city.
Xiao Xiao felt as though she had stumbled into an entirely unfamiliar world.
"The Azure Dragon King isn't actually as opposed to people who withdrew from Shrek as you think."
"The three rounds of withdrawal** correspond to different levels of assessment. Once you pass the assessment, you can still obtain resident status in Azure Dragon City."
With that, Ning