This city was colossally huge, spanning across the boundless plains. It stretched to the horizon in both directions, its edges out of sight. The city walls were thousands of feet high, as if they scraped the very heavens!
A striking statue of a Vermilion Bird stood at the city’s main entrance. It was ten thousand feet tall with wings outspread, blotting out the sun. Standing before this statue, one felt an overwhelming, suppressive power wash over them. It sent an uncontrollable tremor through their mind and spirit, giving rise to a deep sense of awe.
"This is the Vermilion Bird Divine Statue," Huang Yunchong said. "It is said to have been formed from the body of the Divine Beast Vermilion Bird when it fell ten thousand years ago. It possesses the power to destroy the heavens, scorch the earth, and burn away all the filth and evil in the world."
[Detected someone boasting. Congratulations to the Host for gaining Mana +99.]
Li Zuoyue curled his lip and sneered, "How could it be formed from a Vermilion Bird? If it were really the body of a Vermilion Bird, the Great Immortal Gates would have dismembered and plundered it long ago."
Indeed. Even among Divine Beasts, the Vermilion Bird was an absolute standout. A single drop of its Essence Blood could create a supreme genius with extraordinary aptitude, and a single one of its feathers could be used to forge an unparalleled weapon. No power, regardless of who they were, would commit such an outrageous waste of a divine treasure by refining a Vermilion Bird’s body into a gate-guarding statue.
Still, the statue must have some connection to the Vermilion Bird. Perhaps its Essence Blood was added during refinement, or maybe its bones or even its core essence was used. That would explain how it could contain a portion of the Divine Beast’s suppressive might, intimidating all who entered the city. It also greatly enhanced the city’s prestige, making visitors dare not take it lightly.
After leaving the Transport Array, the group didn’t rush to Phoenix Perch Building. Instead, they entered through the city gate and began to amble along the main commercial street. After all, besides Li Zuoyue and Huang Yunchong, the other four had never been to Vermilion Bird City before, so the local sights and customs were all new and exciting to them.
"This place is so bustling!"
"Big Brother, quick, look! That street performer has a Core Formation Stage Cultivation Level!"
"That’s a Puppet from Qianji’s Blessed Land. As long as you supply it with enough Spiritual Energy, it can exhibit the combat power of the Foundation Establishment Stage."
"Wow, look at that butcher! He’s actually selling the meat of a Core Formation Stage Devil Beast—the Eight-Treasure Pig! That kind of pig is rare, and I hear its meat is unbelievably delicious!"
The three brothers—Li Longhao, Li Longji, and Li Longyou—were like kids in a candy store. Their eyes were wide with novelty, and even the perpetually sleepy Li Longji was fully awake.
As for Wang Xiu, his joy at this moment was even greater than that of those three. Why? Because this incredibly prosperous Vermilion Bird City was filled with hidden masters and powerful experts. If you tossed a brick, nine of the ten people it hit would be cultivators in the late stage of Qi Refinement.
There were even numerous experts at the Foundation Establishment Stage and above; a casual glance was all it took to spot many of them.
On street corners and in alleyways, one could occasionally spot experts at the Core Formation Stage and above, all dressed in the uniforms of various Immortal Sect Disciples. Some hawked their wares loudly, while others sat cross-legged, waiting silently for buyers. Of course, to attract more business, the hawkers far outnumbered those who waited patiently. And when you hawk your wares... you naturally have to add a little extra flair. You know what I mean.
"Come and see, come and see! The ’Dragon Turtle Dominance Pill’ from the Longhu Immortal Sect! It’s made from the bones of a Flood Dragon and the Essence Blood of a Divine Turtle, supplemented with dozens of premium spirit medicines. Taking just one pill will completely transform your body, granting you an invincible physique at your cultivation level and allowing you to sweep away all other geniuses!"
[Detected someone boasting. Congratulations to the Host for gaining Mana +23.]
"From Hidden Sword Villa, the newly crafted Magic Artifact, the ’Profound Frost Sword’! Dozens of Nascent Soul Stage Sword Venerables poured their heart and soul into its creation, giving it the power to freeze a river for thousands of miles with a single slash. More importantly, this sword has a cool, aloof aesthetic that’s super high-class—enough to drive countless young women crazy! As the saying goes, being strong is a temporary phase, but being stylish is for life. All you young men aspiring to become peerless Sword Immortals, don’t just walk on by! Come and have a look!"
[Detected someone boasting. Congratulations to the Host for gaining Mana +23.]
"Phoenix Blood Nirvana Grass! Get your Phoenix Blood Nirvana Grass! This top-grade spirit herb can only grow where an immortal phoenix has rested, and it possesses endless vitality! Fire-attribute cultivators, by consuming a single plant, you can greatly increase your aptitude! If you’re lucky, you might even awaken and merge with the bloodline of an ancient immortal phoenix! Gain the phoenix flame and become a peerless genius! Fellow Daoists, don’t just walk on by, you can’t miss this!"
[Detected someone boasting. Congratulations to the Host for gaining Mana +23.]
"Fellow Daoists, this humble monk is Hui Yuan, a True Disciple of the Great Vajra Temple. The Shariputra I hold in my hand is a sacred relic left by a holy monk of our temple upon his passing.
"By order of my Sect, I am here to find a destined person for this Buddhist relic. All who are interested may give it a try.
"The deeper one’s roots of wisdom, the more intensely the Buddhist light will shine when they touch the relic. A light of over three feet qualifies one to enter our temple’s gates. Over six feet, and you can become a True Disciple.
"If the light reaches over nine feet, the Shariputra will recognize you as its master, and you will henceforth be a Buddha’s Child of our Great Vajra Temple!
"Three Spirit Stones!
"Just three Spirit Stones for a test.
"This humble monk is not seeking wealth. As someone who has renounced worldly attachments, I view gold, silver, and precious stones as mere dirt. Even if a mountain of gold were placed before me, I would not be the least bit tempted.
"However, the profound teachings of our Buddhist Sect are reserved only for those with destiny and sincerity. These three Spirit Stones are the test of that sincerity." ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ ɴovᴇl_Firᴇ.ɴet
[Detected someone boasting. Congratulations to the Host for gaining Mana +23.]
As expected. City folks really know how to talk big! The way they spin their tales... they’ve really mastered the art!
Listening to the waves of boasting all around him, Wang Xiu felt like he was wrapped in a blanket of pure bliss. The Mana inside him was surging, rising steadily. It was simply exhilarating! If I’d known how prosperous and magnificent Vermilion Bird City was, I would’ve come here to train long ago, even if I had to sell everything I owned! I’m so moved... Truly moved to tears... Once I’m done with Li Zuoyue and his group, I have to find a way to stay in Vermilion Bird City for a few more days. I need to get in on this action!
Though he had made his decision, Wang Xiu’s expression remained calm and unchanged. Following Li Zuoyue and Huang Yunqing, the group strolled along the bustling commercial street, soon arriving in front of an incredibly luxurious restaurant.
The restaurant stood a thousand feet tall, soaring into the clouds. It was adorned with intricate carvings of dragons and phoenixes, giving it an air of ancient elegance. In a clear pond before the entrance, dragon carp leaped, appearing to swallow the rosy clouds reflected on the water’s surface. Above, on the eaves of the roof, rare and exotic immortal birds danced and soared. The sight was breathtaking.
Guests streamed in and out of the entrance, all of them dressed in magnificent attire or the uniforms of the various great Immortal Sects. They were clearly exceptional individuals with plenty of Spirit Stones to spend.
Standing at the entrance, one could faintly hear the music of zithers and lutes drifting out from within. The music held an inexplicable rhythm that made one yearn to draw closer and listen. At the same time, the faint aromas of wine, Spirit Fruits, and other exquisite delicacies wafted out, making one’s mouth water with the desire to go in and feast.
This was Phoenix Perch Building—the renowned gathering place in Nanzhou where geniuses from the great Immortal Sects came to discuss the Dao and exchange pointers. It was truly magnificent, fully living up to its reputation.