The Country of Li’er was located at the southernmost point on the map of Duzhou. It was an island in the Western Sea. The island formed a nation by itself, and its name, Li’er
1, derived from its shape, which resembled a human ear.
The Western Sea was incredibly beautiful, with waters as clear and blue as sapphire and long, sandy beaches. While spring had yet to arrive in the Gufeng Mountain, stepping onto the land of Li’er instantly brought a sense of moisture in the air.
Zanxing lifted her eyes to look around.
Compared to Pingyang Town, the scenery of Li’er Country clearly aligned more with the concept of a “tourist city.” The sunlight illuminated the entire island, and within the nation, there was only one city, which essentially constituted the entire country.
Every ten years, when the secret realm of Li’er Country opened, many wealthy sect cultivators from various places flocked here, greatly boosting the demand for consumption. This influx of wealth transformed Li’er from a remote, small island into one of the “Top Ten Most Beautiful Beaches” in Duzhou.
Tian Fangfang was amazed the first time he saw the sea. He exclaimed, “I had been to Pingyang Town and thought it was already bustling, but I never expected this small island nation to be so prosperous.”
Mangroves grew along the beach of Li’er Country. Further inland, close to the beach, was the capital city of Li’er Country. The capital was incredibly bustling, with tall and grand restaurants, and the streets were filled with all sorts of markets. On the streets, one could occasionally see cultivators wearing long robes—local people wouldn’t dress like that, as they usually wore cooler attire.
The streets were smooth and well-maintained, likely to facilitate carriage travel. Many local residents of Li’er Country sat cheerfully in their shops, watching the passing cultivators and chatting idly, looking very content and happy.
Zanxing walked and observed. The expressions on everyone’s faces were so relaxed and comfortable that it quickly gave one a sense of being on vacation.
“The secret realm won’t open for another five days,” Tian Fangfang suggested. “How about we stroll around and see what good things we can find here? We could even buy some to take back for our master and senior uncle.”
“Forget it,” Men Dong pouted. “First, we need to register at the City General’s Office and meet the king of Li’er Country. Let’s not delay our main task.”
Tian Fangfang scratched his head. “I was just making a casual suggestion.”
All sect cultivators participating in this secret realm trial had to register at the City General’s Office upon arriving in Li’er Country. After that, they had to meet the king of Li’er Country. It was said that the entrance to the secret realm was located in the royal mausoleum of Li’er Country. Without the king’s permission, no one could enter. Over the years, the sects of the cultivation world had reached an agreement with Li’er Country. The sects gained the opportunity for the secret realm trial, while Li’er Country profited immensely from the sect cultivators, meeting both parties’ needs.
Zanxing and his group first went to the City General’s Office to register, then followed a guide to the royal palace of Li’er Country.
The royal palace of Li’er Country was exquisitely built. Unlike the solemn and magnificent hall of the Taiyan Sect, it looked more like a garden. The palace roofs were smoothly curved, and the walls were tiled in a jade-like white. The people of Li’er Country revered the color white, believing it to be pure and noble. Occasionally, the halls were adorned with green-glazed pillars, and beaded curtains hung between the halls, filling the air with a pleasant fragrance.
The king of Li’er Country was a slender middle-aged man with delicate, fair features. He wore an ivory white robe and a jade crown. As he looked at the group entering, a slight smile appeared on his face.
“Please, sit down, esteemed cultivators,” he said.
The king spoke gently and politely, showing none of the airs typically associated with royalty.
“We received word from your sect saying there was a change in arrangements, with Immortal Ziluo being replaced by Immortal Gu. I was a bit skeptical, but it turns out to be true,” the king said, looking at Gu Baiying with eager eyes. “To see Immortal Gu in person in this lifetime is an immense honor for me.”
Zanxing felt her teeth ache from hearing such flattery, but Gu Baiying, already accustomed to such praise, sipped his tea unhurriedly, listening as the king continued his adulation.
The king then inquired about the recent happenings in the Taiyan Sect, seeming to have a close relationship with it. Zanxing, feeling drowsy from the conversation, was nudged in the arm by Tian Fangfang. They exchanged a knowing glance.
Understanding the cue, Zanxing stood up with Tian Fangfang. They spoke a few words to a maidservant who was pouring tea, and she nodded, escorting the two of them out.
Once outside the hall, Zanxing took a deep breath.
Who knew how long the king would continue reminiscing? It was better for the two of them to step out and get some fresh air. After all, the king’s attention was solely on Gu Baiying and Meng Ying. Fortunately, in the cultivation world, even kings were always courteous to cultivators, avoiding too many formalities. Otherwise, they might not have found even a moment to catch their breath.
Just as they were thinking this, footsteps sounded behind them. The two turned around and saw Mu Cengxiao also walking out of the hall.
“Junior Brother, why did you come out too?” Tian Fangfang asked.
“I heard there’s a market nearby, so I plan to take a look,” Mu Cengxiao replied.
Zanxing nodded. Yes, although she had forgotten many details of the plot, the male lead often visited markets and always found something valuable.
Mimi also slipped out of the hall and ran to Zanxing, rubbing against her skirt. Zanxing looked down at it. “I won’t carry you. If you want to go, walk by yourself.”
“Junior Sister,” Tian Fangfang couldn’t help but say, “don’t be so harsh on a cat.”
“If it doesn’t move around more, it’ll turn into a pig,” Zanxing said. “Parents’ love means thinking long-term. You wouldn’t understand.”
Tian Fangfang then fell silent.
The three of them, accompanied by the cat, left the palace and walked in the direction they had come from. The street they were on was lined with numerous markets and restaurants, making it look especially bustling and perfect for wandering aimlessly.
At this moment, the sun was scorching, and apart from the locals who weren’t afraid of the sun, there were hardly any cultivators on the street. There were vendors selling sweet syrup at the entrance, with some fruits placed on long tables and large chunks of ice in wooden barrels. If a customer came, they would use a cup made of a flower to fill it with sweet syrup, chip some ice into it, add a few fruit slices, making it look refreshing and thirst-quenching, as well as visually appealing.
Zanxing thought to herself that tourist cities always trick people into spending money with their flashy displays. If it weren’t for her limited funds, she would definitely buy a cup to try it.
Tian Fangfang’s mouth watered as he watched, but he couldn’t bring himself to spend his spirit stones. He whispered to Zanxing, “Junior Sister, let’s ask Senior Uncle to buy some later.”
“You’re overthinking it,” Zanxing replied without much thought. “He’ll definitely say, ‘Why buy these mundane worldly foods that lack spiritual energy? Bringing them into our hands will only tarnish the reputation of our Taiyan Sect.'”
“…Junior Sister,” Tian Fangfang silently gave Zanxing a thumbs up. “You’ve learned well.”
The vendor glanced at their attire and guessed their identities, warmly inviting, “Are you esteemed cultivators here for the secret realm trial? There are plenty of delicious and fun things in Li’er Country. Would you like to buy a cup of ice syrup and have some fun inside?”
“Li’er” (离耳) in Chinese directly translates to “away from the ear” or “detached ear.”