The destruction of the long-standing faction Demon Flame Valley and the death of its 7-Star Dou Zong, the Earth Demon Old Ghost, sent shockwaves throughout the entire Black-Corner Region. Liu Xi's fearsome reputation once again swept across the land like wildfire.
Yet by then, none of it had anything to do with him anymore. Liu Xi had already left the Black-Corner Region, taking Zi Yan and Xiao Yixian with him.
After refining the Heavenly Demon Puppet that day, he had led the two to the nearest city for a brief rest before setting out toward Tianya City.
Though Tianya City lay tens of thousands of miles away, to experts above the Dou Huang level, that distance meant little. Traveling under their own power was faster than riding any flying beast.
After more than twenty days of flight, a vast mountain range appeared in their sight — clouds curling around endless peaks like waves of mist.
Comparing the landscape to his map, Liu Xi's eyes lit up. Putting the map away, he smiled. "Ahead lies the Tianqing Mountain Range. Once we cross it, Tianya City won't be far."
Zi Yan's amethyst eyes brightened with joy. "Finally! I thought this endless trip would bore me to death!"
Liu Xi chuckled. "Of course you're bored. You spent half the journey hanging off me, making me carry you while we flew!"
Zi Yan blinked and giggled playfully. "Big Brother, it's your fault for being too fast! Besides, when I curled up in your arms, you didn't seem to mind…"
"Uh…" Liu Xi could only laugh helplessly. At the time, when Zi Yan had clung to him mid-flight, he hadn't objected — in fact, part of him had thought, 'If she's the one riding now, maybe someday when she can transform freely, I'll have her carry me instead. A proper dragon-riding experience!'
Zi Yan suddenly pouted. "I'm tired. Don't wanna fly anymore."
Before he could answer, she neatly folded her bone wings and leapt into his arms. Her soft white arms wrapped instinctively around his neck, her slender legs winding about his waist. Her smooth cheek brushed against his, and Liu Xi couldn't help but note how impossibly soft her skin felt.
"Big Brother, faster!" Zi Yan laughed, her tone sweet and mischievous.
Liu Xi gave her a light swat on the hip, his other hand supporting her waist. "What am I to you, a flying mount? Are you asking for another smack?"
Nearby, Xiao Yixian stepped lightly through the air, every stride spanning several meters. Her gaze flicked toward the two entangled figures, a faint pout touching her lips. Though she said nothing, a trace of envy rippled through her heart.
She knew better than to interfere — her current condition made close contact with Liu Xi unwise. And besides, since it was Zi Yan being spoiled, she could only sigh inwardly. If it had been any other woman acting that way, Xiao Yixian wouldn't have hesitated to let her experience the terror of the Woeful Poison Body firsthand.
Zi Yan stayed nestled against Liu Xi's chest while he flew, his bone wings cleaving through the sky. As for Xiao Yixian — a Dou Zong herself — she followed swiftly behind, unwilling to lag far.
Half an hour later, they crossed a vast plain and entered the Tianqing Mountains.
The scene ahead was one of grandeur — broad roads cutting through the valleys, filled with endless travelers and caravans. Above, the sky swarmed with all manner of flying beasts, their wings stirring the air as they ferried people toward the mountains.
Bustling. That was Liu Xi's first impression of Tianya City.
Even the most prosperous cities in the Jia Ma Empire couldn't compare to this sea of movement. The sheer traffic and commerce here weren't just wealth — they were a spectacle of power.
Liu Xi couldn't help but laugh softly. "The ancients were right — if you want to grow rich, build roads. The same goes for wormholes."
As they drew nearer, the faint outline of a colossal city emerged between verdant peaks, half-hidden by mist. The air itself seemed to hum with vitality.
Flying beasts became even denser, and when those riding them noticed Xiao Yixian walking effortlessly through the sky, their eyes widened in awe. One after another, they veered aside to give her space.
After all, even in a place as prosperous as Tianya City, a Dou Zong expert was an exceedingly rare sight.
Just as Liu Xi's group was about to descend, a streak of yellow light shot up from below. It stopped before them, revealing an elderly man in yellow robes. His face bore respectful awe as he bowed deeply.
"Honored Dou Zong," the man said reverently, "may I ask what business brings you to Tianya City?"
Xiao Yixian did not reply. Her calm gaze slid toward Liu Xi.
Liu Xi's tone was light. "What else could we come for? Naturally, we're here to use the wormhole to reach the Central Plains. Why, is that a problem?"
The yellow-robed elder's heart trembled. The one in charge wasn't the Dou Zong woman, but the young man beside her — which only made him more cautious. Anyone who could command the respect of a Dou Zong was no ordinary figure.
He quickly bowed lower. "N-no, of course not! Might you wish for me to guide you there personally, my lord?"
Liu Xi thought for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. Lead the way."
"Yes, at once!" The elder straightened and gestured respectfully. "Please, this way, my lords!"
Following his lead, Liu Xi's group descended into the city.
The moment their feet touched the streets, a tide of noise washed over them — the chatter of crowds, the cries of merchants, the ring of weapons. Shops lined the roads on both sides, displaying scrolls, elixirs, and glittering treasures of every kind.
The yellow-robed elder's presence carried clear authority within Tianya City. Wherever he passed, the crowd instinctively parted, making the journey smooth and unimpeded.
Before long, they reached the heart of the city — a vast square paved with dark stone. The air buzzed with energy, and from every corner came shouting voices:
"First-class space boat, seven more passengers needed before departure! Discount for group buyers!"
"Second-class boat, only three spots left! Guaranteed safety — prices negotiable!"
The entire square pulsed with vitality and opportunity.
The elder pointed ahead toward a cluster of glowing space arrays. "My lord, that is Tianya City's wormhole. Would you like to purchase a private space boat?"
"Of course," Liu Xi replied simply. As a high-rank alchemist — the most esteemed profession on the Dou Qi Continent — how could he possibly share a vessel with strangers?
The elder's smile widened. "Excellent, my lord. Please follow me. All space boats in Tianya City are sold exclusively by our Luo Family. Top quality, guaranteed satisfaction."
Their destination wasn't far from the Blackstone Square. Within minutes, they stood before an elegantly built shop, its plaque embossed with three golden words: Tianya Pavilion.
"Please, my lords," the elder said, bowing slightly as he held the door open.
Liu Xi entered with Zi Yan and Xiao Yixian at his side. The shop was not large but lavishly decorated. Rows of crystal display cases lined the walls, each containing miniature ships the size of a palm, shimmering faintly under the light.
The atmosphere inside, however, was oddly quiet. It was easy to tell that business wasn't exactly booming. Yet as Liu Xi crossed the threshold, four distinct surges of Spiritual Power swept across him — all belonging to Dou Huang-level experts.
'Interesting,' he mused. 'Even a merchant shop here has four Dou Huangs as guards.'
A moment later, a curvaceous young attendant swayed forward, her smile bright and practiced. "Welcome, honored guests," she said sweetly. "Please take your time browsing. Should you need anything, simply let me know."
(End of Chapter)
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