A faint, pale flame danced gently between Liu Xi's fingertips, flickering like an elegant spirit of fire.
"What a pity… it's still just a dead flame."
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Young Master, are you awake? Did I disturb you? We're about to exit the wormhole!"
The pale flame instantly darted back into Liu Xi's body with a soft whoosh.
"I'm awake—coming right out!"
Stretching his arms wide, Liu Xi's joints crackled lightly as he loosened his muscles. "Twenty days of work finally paid off… just feeling a bit drained."
A moment later, he stepped onto the deck. Xiao Yixian and Zi Yan were already waiting. Xiao Yixian stood beside the Dou Qi input point, steering the Space Boat with calm control.
Zi Yan rubbed her sleepy eyes, still half-dreaming. "Big Brother~"
"Yes, Zi Yan."
Liu Xi replied with a gentle smile, then lifted his gaze toward the distance. A massive, pitch-black membrane faintly shimmered at the end of the wormhole. Around them, the silver space barriers rippled with quiet fluctuations of spatial power.
"Xian'er, you've worked hard these past twenty days. We're finally about to reach the Central Plains… I can't wait to see it."
Xiao Yixian smiled softly. Another stream of Dou Qi flowed from her fingertips into the input point, making the Space Boat accelerate, silver light trailing behind it like a comet.
"It's nothing," she said sweetly. "The Dou Qi I've used isn't even close to what I've already recovered."
Liu Xi chuckled. "Heh, worthy of a Dou Zong powerhouse. I've been cultivating the True Flame Technique for twenty straight days without rest… I feel like my body's been completely hollowed out."
Xiao Yixian frowned slightly, her voice tinged with worry. "Young Master, that Transmuted Flame puts great strain on the body. The three Elders of Demon Flame Valley were severely injured from practicing the True Flame Technique. Let's stop cultivating it for now. I'll protect you from now on."
"Big Brother doesn't have to worry!" Zi Yan puffed her chest proudly, her violet eyes shining. "Once I break through to Dou Zong, I'll protect you too!"
"Uh…"
Liu Xi couldn't help but laugh softly, his heart warmed. Though it sounded like he was the one being taken care of, that had always been his real wish.
"I'm cultivating the version improved by Earth Demon Old Ghost. It's not harmful to the body—just tedious to control, so it's tiring. Anyway, prepare yourselves. We'll be leaving the wormhole soon. Seems our luck held up—no accidents along the way."
As they spoke, the Space Boat streaked ahead like lightning. Moments later, it pierced through the black membrane at the end of the wormhole, vanishing into light.
---
A vast black stone plaza unfolded before them, surrounded by towering pillars engraved with ancient runes. Suspended above was a massive silver-white ring, radiating dense spatial energy that shimmered like liquid moonlight.
Suddenly, Liu Xi, Zi Yan, and Xiao Yixian fell from the light circle and landed gracefully upon the stone tiles. Liu Xi stretched out his hand, catching the shrinking Space Boat as it reverted to its miniature form.
"So this is the Central Plains? Its overall power far surpasses Tianya City…"
The plaza was bustling with activity—traders shouting, travelers rushing past—but beneath the chaos was strict order. Dozens of armored enforcers patrolled the area, their killing intent sharp and cold.
Even the weakest of them were at the Dou Ling realm, while the captains had reached Dou Wang. Through his Spiritual Power, Liu Xi sensed two Dou Huang-level presences hidden among them. The passing cultivators varied in strength, but even the Dou Huangs kept their heads down.
After all, these enforcers weren't here to "serve the people." Those who caused trouble without the backing of strength or influence would be executed on the spot.
"Come on," Liu Xi said, turning calmly. "Let's find out which city this is, buy a map of the Central Plains, and locate the beasts we need."
Following the markings on the ground, Liu Xi led Zi Yan and Xiao Yixian out of the plaza.
As they stepped into the streets, several figures immediately approached. Their auras weren't strong—around the Dou Zhe or Dou Shi realms—but their smiles were professional.
"Handsome young man, beautiful ladies, first time in Cape City? Need a room? We've got large beds—enough for all three of you to squeeze together if you want~"
"Or maybe a detailed map of Cape City? Covers thousands of li around—every danger zone marked clearly!"
Liu Xi pointed at the first man and tossed him a small pouch of coins. "Introduce this area to me. Take us around the city. You'll be well rewarded later."
He wasn't interested in the "large bed" part—definitely not (probably). He simply appreciated the man's straightforwardness.
After all, I, Liu Xi, am the very definition of a handsome man.
The middle-aged guide caught the pouch and gave it a light shake—the clear clinking of gold coins instantly brightened his expression.
"Sir, you've found the right person! Name's Hong Yingjun. This here is Cape City, part of the Northern Region of the Central Plains. It's one of the major gateways connecting to other provinces—by far the most prosperous city for thousands of li around!"
Pride flickered in Hong Yingjun's eyes as he spoke, clearly proud to be a Central Plains native.
"The Northern Region of the Central Plains, huh…"
Liu Xi's eyes narrowed slightly. 'If I remember right, the 7th Rank Sky Poison Dragon Scorpion Beast was said to dwell near the Central Region, around a place called Fallen God Ravine… wonder if there are any others elsewhere.'
"How far is the Central Region from here? And where's the largest map shop in Cape City?"
Hong Yingjun slowed his steps, surprise flashing across his face. "The Central Region? That's quite far, sir. The Central Plains are vast and boundless—even through wormholes, you'd need several transfers to reach it!"
"If you want a map, go to the Cape Auction House. It's run by the Qin Family—the most powerful clan in the city. They sell everything: Qi Methods, Dou Techniques, Monster Cores, weapons, armor, mounts, heavenly herbs, rare treasures—you name it!"
"The Qin Family's ancestor is a Dou Zong powerhouse. With him overseeing things, the family controls nearly all major industries in Cape City—including the wormhole itself."
Liu Xi gave him an amused look. 'This guy's pitch is a little too polished… probably a shill for the auction house.'
"Fine," Liu Xi said. "Take us there. I need a map covering the entire Central Plains."
Hong Yingjun's eyes lit up with excitement. "Excellent choice, handsome sir! You won't be disappointed. And you're just in time—Cape City's annual grand auction is only a few days away. Last year, someone even bid on a Di Class Qi Method!"
(End of Chapter)
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