Most cultivation sects have a directly affiliated or subordinate cultivation city nearby. Lingyue City is precisely such a place. Just from its name, one can tell it is the direct domain of the Lingyue Sect.
Although the Lingyue Sect is only a fourth-tier cultivation sect, its status within the Xia Kingdom's cultivation world is far from insignificant. It stands as one of only two alchemy-focused sects in the entire kingdom. A vast majority of the pills consumed by cultivators across the Xia Kingdom—especially in the eastern regions—originate from Lingyue Sect.
Joining Lingyue Sect means gaining the opportunity to learn pill-refining techniques and become an alchemist—a dream cherished by countless individuals. Thus, every time the sect holds its disciple recruitment, it attracts numerous rogue cultivators without affiliations, along with even more ordinary mortals clinging to hope.
A Golden Core elder from Lingyue Sect oversees Lingyue City. However, the ambient spiritual energy surrounding the city isn't particularly dense. By classification standards, Lingyue City would rank as only a third-tier cultivation city. Yet its bustling prosperity rivals or even surpasses some fourth-tier counterparts. The reason? This is the largest pill market in eastern Xia Kingdom.
On the path of cultivation, pills are among the most indispensable aids for any cultivator. When cultivators need specific pills, they often flock to Lingyue City for purchases—not only is the variety comprehensive, but prices are generally cheaper than in other cultivation cities.
Even on ordinary days, Lingyue City brims with activity. But during the Lingyue Sect's recruitment period, the liveliness multiplies several times over. "Crowded as a mountain of people" barely does it justice. Compared to the excitement in Qingyun City when Biquan Sect recruited disciples, this scene was like a small stream meeting an ocean.
The peak of Lingyue City's fervor arrived today—the very day of Lingyue Sect's disciple selection. Since dawn, streets and alleys overflowed with crowds. The central square teemed with a sea of humanity, packed so densely it seemed impassable.
However, the congestion eased by noon. Most who failed the tests departed dejectedly. By afternoon, over half of those solely here to join Lingyue Sect had vanished.
...
When Lin Feng arrived in Lingyue City with Xia Zhongshan and his daughter Xia Xin, dusk was already approaching. Had Lin Feng traveled alone, he could have reached here a day earlier. But Xia Zhongshan and Xia Xin were mere mortals. Accommodating their endurance meant the trio took three full days to arrive.
"Wow!! Is this the city where Immortal Masters live? It's enormous!! So many people! Are they all Immortal Masters?"
Xia Xin, on her first journey far from home and encountering such a vast, prosperous city for the first time, bubbled with excitement. She darted her gaze left and right, unable to contain her glee.
Xia Zhongshan, meanwhile, radiated tension and restraint. He tugged gently at Xia Xin's sleeve, whispering, "Xin'er, don't make such a ruckus. Be careful not to anger the Immortal Masters."
"Heh, it's fine. Cultivators aren't all that special, Uncle Xia. You don't need to be so cautious," Lin Feng responded, feeling a twinge of helplessness at Xia Zhongshan's fearful posture—back slightly hunched as if terrified of offending an 'Immortal Master.' Scanning their surroundings, he added, "Wait here a moment. I'll go ask for directions."
He strode a few paces to the side and intercepted a young cultivator seemingly heading out of the city. Politely, Lin Feng inquired, "Excuse me, fellow Daoist, could you spare a moment? My apologies for the interruption, but I have a few questions. Could you enlighten me?"
The cultivator, about Lin Feng's age but only at the peak of Qi Refining stage, seemed approachable. After a brief pause of surprise, he asked, "Oh? What do you wish to know?"
Lin Feng replied, "The Lingyue Sect's disciple recruitment is today, right? Do you know the exact location?"
"Are you here to join Lingyue Sect as well?" The young man blinked, then gestured toward the city center. "It's at the central square. Just follow the main street straight there. But when I left, the recruitment was nearly over. If you're going, you'd better hurry."
"Oh? Really? Then I'll head there immediately," Lin Feng said, clasping his fists in thanks. "Much appreciated."
The cultivator waved dismissively with a smile. "No need for formalities. I wish you success in joining Lingyue Sect."
"May your kind words prove true..."
After parting from the cultivator, Lin Feng glanced toward the city center. He was about to turn and urge Xia Xin and her father to quicken their pace when a sharp cry from Xia Xin pierced the air behind him!
Lin Feng's heart lurched. Whirling around, he saw Xia Xin sprawled on the ground—kicked down by a youth clad in fiery-patterned brocade robes!
"Daring to block this young master's path?! Get lost!!"
The youth snarled the words as if swatting a fly, then lifted his foot to stride onward without a second glance.
"Xin'er! Are you hurt?!" Xia Zhongshan paled with terror, trembling as he cradled his daughter. Anger simmered within him, but fear stifled any outward show. He stared helplessly at the youth walking past.
The sight ignited a blaze of fury in Lin Feng. In a flash, he materialized before the youth, his voice icy. "Halt!! How dare you injure someone without cause and simply walk away?"
"Hmm?" The youth halted, bewildered. "What do you want?"
Lin Feng's expression darkened. "You attack innocents and think you can leave unscathed?"
"Oh? Planning to defend these worms?" Contempt flickered in the youth's eyes as he snorted. "They're mere mortals, bold enough to obstruct this young master. Beating them is lenient—killing them would be justified. What will you do about it?"
"..." Lin Feng's brow furrowed, disgust flashing across his face. Yet another arrogant young master from a powerful family, thinking himself superior. These types are everywhere. The youth appeared similar in age to Lin Feng, at Foundation Building Stage Level 3—one tier higher than Lin Feng's own Level 2—yet his talent was mediocre at best. Beside him stood a middle-aged man, likely an elder, at Foundation Building Stage Level 7.
"Forcing an apology from you seems impossible. Very well—you'll pay a price instead!" Lin Feng had no patience for further words. With a light tap of his foot, he lunged forward.
"Seeking death?!" The youth gaped momentarily at Lin Feng's audacity, then recovered, his eyes glinting with mockery and malice. His right hand shot up, a gleaming short sword materializing instantly as he thrust it forward.
The blade aimed straight for Lin Feng's chest. A cold light flared in Lin Feng's eyes. His right hand flickered, and a streak of crimson-silver brilliance sliced through the air!
Thwang!! Slap!! Thud!!
Three distinct sounds erupted almost simultaneously: first, the clash as Lin Feng's Scarlet Soul Flying Sword shattered the opponent's blade; second, the crack of Lin Feng's palm striking the youth's cheek; third, the impact of his foot slamming into the youth's abdomen.
The youth had expected Lin Feng to retreat from his sword thrust. Instead, Lin Feng didn't even flinch. When the short sword snapped, confusion flickered across the youth's face—but before he could react, Lin Feng's palm and foot connected. He was sent sprawling backward, slapped and kicked in swift succession.
Whump!!
The youth flew several meters before crashing down. A vivid handprint bloomed on his right cheek. Absurdly, he seemed dazed, sitting dumbly on the ground, staring blankly at Lin Feng.
"Ziqii!!" The middle-aged cultivator accompanying him hadn't reacted in time. Seeing the youth flung aside, he gasped in alarm and darted over to help him up.
"..."
Silence descended abruptly. Onlookers, who had anticipated Lin Feng's defeat, gaped in shock. He had overwhelmed his foe in a single exchange.
All eyes fixed on the crimson-silver longsword in Lin Feng's right hand, then shifted to the broken blade in the youth's grip. Astonishment rippled through the crowd—what kind of treasure could be so formidable?
"Aaaah!! Damn you!! Uncle, kill him!! Kill him now!!"
Suddenly, the youth—finally regaining his senses—shrieked hysterically. His eyes burned crimson as he glared at Lin Feng, seeming utterly unhinged.
"Ziqii, calm down!!" The middle-aged man didn't immediately seek revenge. Instead, he gripped the youth's shoulder firmly, his expression grave. Glancing at the shattered sword, a muscle twitched near his eye—deep wariness filled his gaze.
That short sword had been a mid-grade treasure artifact. For it to snap like mud meant Lin Feng's weapon was at least a top-grade treasure artifact!! Moreover, Lin Feng's unflappable confidence suggested a formidable background, possibly tied to a powerful faction.
With such concerns, despite Lin Feng's lower cultivation level, the middle-aged man dared not act rashly. When traveling, provoking influential forces was the gravest taboo. His nephew, spoiled by arrogance, might not grasp this, but the elder did. Initially, he had dismissed Lin Feng as an ignorant weakling. Now, he couldn't afford that assumption. His face darkened as he weighed options silently, then addressed the youth, "Ziqii, compose yourself. This isn't Xicheng. Don't be impulsive. Remember our purpose here—time is almost up. Focus on the mission!"
The youth simmered down slightly, but resentment choked him. He shot Lin Feng a venomous look. "But... are we just letting this slide?!"
The stinging pain on his cheek and the throbbing in his abdomen stoked an inferno of humiliation. Never in his life had he endured such disgrace.
The middle-aged man's voice hardened. "No 'buts'! This person's identity is likely significant. Avoid further trouble! We leave!"
He cast a wary glance at Lin Feng, then tugged the youth forward into the street.
"..." The youth's face cycled through shades of pale and livid, eyes brimming with bitter resentment. Yet with his uncle refusing to act, he dared not confront Lin Feng alone. Swallowing his rage, he shot Lin Feng one last poisonous glare before vanishing with the elder down the road.
Relief washed over Lin Feng as the pair retreated. He hadn't feared them—he simply wanted to avoid major complications. A lesson delivered was enough; he had no intention of escalating.
Sheathing the Scarlet Soul Flying Sword, Lin Feng approached Xia Zhongshan and Xia Xin, who stared in stunned silence. Kneeling, he examined Xia Xin. "Xin'er, are you alright? Were you injured?"
As he spoke, he placed a hand on her abdomen—where the kick had landed—and channeled a wisp of true essence into her body to regulate her qi and blood flow.
"Huh?! The pain's gone!" Xia Xin's pained expression vanished. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she peered down at her stomach, gingerly touching it. Then she beamed with joy. "It really doesn't hurt anymore!"
She gazed up at Lin Feng, stars in her eyes. "Brother Lin Feng, you're amazing!! Are you... are you an immortal?"
Beside her, Xia Zhongshan gaped incredulously. "Lin... Lin Feng... you're actually an Immortal Master?!"
"Immortal? Hardly. Uncle Xia, I told you—cultivators aren't much different from ordinary folk," Lin Feng replied with a gentle smile. "Now, let's hurry to the city center. Lingyue Sect's entrance tests are about to end."
"Oh, oh... right..."
Xia Zhongshan scrambled to pull Xia Xin upright, and together, they trailed Lin Feng toward the heart of the city...—