Xu Tianyi sat cross-legged on the back of his pet beast, the Sky Phoenix, eyes closed and expression calm. His long black hair fluttered lightly in the wind as the giant phoenix soared high above the clouds.
At this moment, he was hovering above Qingluan Immortal City, extending his divine sense over the vast city below. His divine sense had already reached the peak of the Nascent Soul Realm, capable of covering the entire city in a single sweep.
He was looking for a particular person—someone special—Mu Qinglaun, the one destined to become someone who played a great role in the future.
That person was none other than the future City Lord of Qingluan Immortal City.
A woman who, despite being born as a mere loose cultivator, had reached the Nascent Soul Realm through her own efforts, without sect backing or guidance.
Through pure determination and chance, she had achieved what many with prestigious backgrounds could not.
Her perseverance and talent had impressed even the heavens themselves.
Remembering her fate, Xu Tianyi had resolved to take her as his first disciple in this life.
Back then, she had already risen to prominence, but now, she should still be in her early cultivation stages. According to the information he had gathered before, she was born and raised in Qingluan Immortal City, so this was where her path must begin.
Thus, he spread his divine sense in search of her.
Divine sense was something only Foundation Establishment Realm cultivators could normally develop. However, exceptional geniuses, or those who encountered some opportunities, could awaken their divine sense even in the Qi Refinement Realm.
Xu Tianyi's divine sense was powerful enough to pierce through any formation or restrictions and scan every corner of the city, yet after searching for a while, he couldn't find her presence.
Opening his eyes slowly, a thoughtful look flashed across his golden irises.
"Hmm… so she isn't in the city right now."
After a brief moment of contemplation, he spoke to the Sky Phoenix beneath him.
"Feng Feng, head to the Myriad Beast Mountain Range."
The phoenix chirped softly in acknowledgement.
The Myriad Beast Mountain Range was a vast wilderness covering over sixty percent of the Southern Wilderness. It was a place without human settlement — only endless mountains, spirit rivers, and countless powerful demon beasts. Some Fourth Rank demon beasts were strong enough to establish their own immortal cities within the mountain range, though that was a story for another time.
For now, Xu Tianyi only wanted to make sure Mu Qingluan was safe.
He projected her image into Feng Feng's mind through his divine sense and said,
"Search the mountain range for this person. If she is in any danger, save her. I'll head into the city for now."
"Understood," the phoenix replied in a clear, resonant tone.
Xu Tianyi nodded, gently stroking her neck.
He stepped off her back midair and began descending, cloaking his aura.
By the time his feet touched the ground outside the city gate, only the fluctuations of a Foundation Establishment cultivator could be sensed from him.
---
The city was bustling with activity.
Vendors shouted colorful prices for spirit herbs, ores, and beast hides. Cultivators in groups came and went from the gate, some returning bloodied and excited from expeditions in the nearby wilderness.
Most were Qi Refinement realm, though a few Foundation Establishment experts stood out like comets among stars.
Xu Tianyi walked calmly through the crowd, his gaze casually observing his surroundings until he finally arrived at his destination — the Dark Shadow Tower.
The Dark Shadow Tower specialized in gathering and selling information. They operated across multiple neighboring countries and were well-known among cultivators for providing reliable, if not top-secret, intelligence.
Their business was much like a news agency, selling updated information to loose cultivators and sects alike.
Though they dealt only in ordinary intelligence, not guarded secrets.
Entering the tower, a young receptionist quickly approached him with a polite smile and guided him into a private room.
After they sat down, she bowed respectfully and asked,
"Esteemed cultivator, may I know what kind of information you seek?"
In her eyes, a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator was already an important figure.
In this region, such experts could serve as elders in major clans, and in rural areas outside the city, they were even revered as ancestors.
Xu Tianyi replied calmly, "I'm looking for information regarding a person named Mu Qingluan. Please check your records."
After about fifteen minutes, she returned with a jade slip in her hands. Bowing again, she said respectfully,
"This is the most recent record on the individual you mentioned,"
she said. "The cost is one thousand spirit stones, since it concerns a Foundation Establishment realm cultivator."
Xu Tianyi handed over the payment without hesitation, accepted the jade slip, and left the tower.
As he walked leisurely down the street, he infused a thread of divine sense into the jade slip to read the contents.
The information stated that Mu Qingluan was currently a Qi Refinement Sixth Layer cultivator. Her mother, Mu Qing, was a middle-stage Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator and worked as a steward in the City Lord Mansion.
Xu Tianyi's expression turned thoughtful.
"So that's how it is. I didn't know she had such a background in my previous life… but then again, I only learned about her after she reached the Core Formation Realm."
The earlier parts of her life had always been vague in the information he had collected, so this discovery filled in some blanks.
He continued reading as he walked.
"Her mother works in the City Lord Mansion, huh? Then I can find her easily."
Coincidentally, that was his next destination anyway.
---
Qingluan Immortal City's inner region was much more refined than the outer districts. Streets were neatly paved, buildings were arranged in elegant rows, and the shops and restaurants gave off an air of sophistication.
There were even pavilions of entertainment — brothels and tea houses alike — though Xu Tianyi paid them no mind.
Reaching the entrance of the City Lord Mansion, he was stopped by a pair of guards.
"Halt! Please state your purpose for visiting the City Lord Mansion," one of them said respectfully but firmly.
Xu Tianyi calmly took out a Heavenly Sword Sect true disciple token and presented it.
"I have come to meet the City Lord. Please inform him that a disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect requests an audience."
The guard's eyes widened upon seeing the token. He immediately cupped his hands respectfully and said,
"Please wait a moment, Senior. I'll report at once."
He quickly went inside while another guard led Xu Tianyi to a guest room to wait.
About fifteen minutes later, the City Lord arrived.
---
The man was tall and broad-shouldered, wearing a dark robe with a faint aura of power surrounding him. A long scar crossed his chin, adding a touch of ruggedness to his otherwise imposing appearance. His cultivation was at the Core Formation Realm, and his presence radiated the authority of one who ruled a city.
He greeted Xu Tianyi with cupped hands and a polite smile.
"Welcome, young friend. May I ask what business brings a disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect to Qingluan Immortal City?"
Xu Tianyi opened his eyes and smiled faintly, his aura suddenly shifting.
In that instant, the calm young man before him transformed — his presence deepened like an abyss, and the air seemed to freeze.
Removing his disguise, he said lightly,
"I have come to find someone. I'll have to trouble the City Lord for some assistance."
The oppressive force of the Nascent Soul realm descended like distant thunder.
The City Lord's expression changed instantly. His face went pale, and cold sweat formed on his forehead. He could feel the overwhelming pressure radiating from Xu Tianyi — a presence that only one at the Nascent Soul Realm could possess.
He immediately bowed low with cupped hands, voice trembling slightly.
"This junior was blind and failed to recognize Senior! Please forgive any offence! Whatever Senior seeks, I will do everything in my power to assist!"
Though his appearance remained firm and respectful, his heart was racing.
The Supreme Elder of the Heavenly Sword Sect, the legendary Absolute Sword True Monarch, had appeared before him — a man whose name was spoken with reverence throughout the Southern Wilderness.
Rumored to cleave spirit beasts and heavenly tribulations alike. To meet him face-to-face was something the city lord never imagined.
He had only heard of Xu Tianyi's feats before, never expecting to see him in person.
Whatever reason brought this immortal to Qinglaun City, one thing was certain—he could not afford to refuse any request that followed.