The mountains gradually faded behind him.
After several days of travel, the dense forests gave way to open terrain. The air felt different—richer, heavier with Aether, yet more chaotic.
Kael could already tell.
This was no longer the isolated region near the Iron Flame Sect.
This was the Azure Continent.
And ahead of him—
A massive city came into view.
Tall stone walls surrounded it, stretching far beyond what the eye could see. Watchtowers stood at regular intervals, each one guarded by cultivators whose auras were far stronger than the disciples Kael had encountered before.
The gates were enormous.
Dozens of people moved in and out constantly—cultivators, merchants, travelers, and warriors of all kinds.
Kael slowed his steps slightly as he approached.
His golden eyes scanned the area.
Even at a glance, he could sense it—
This place was filled with people at or above the Mortal Body Realm.
And among them…
A few presences stood out.
Stronger.
Sharper.
Clearly beyond that level.
So this is the standard here… Kael thought.
The gap between regions was obvious.
Back in the sect territories, reaching the peak of the Mortal Body Realm was considered impressive.
Here?
It was normal.
Kael stepped into the flow of people and approached the gates.
Two guards stood at the entrance, their eyes sharp and alert.
One of them stepped forward, raising a hand.
"Stop."
Kael halted.
The guard looked him over briefly, his gaze lingering for a moment on Kael's calm expression.
"First time here?" the guard asked.
Kael nodded slightly.
"Yes."
The guard extended his hand.
"Entry fee."
Kael paused for a brief moment.
He had no currency.
No spirit stones.
Nothing of value—except his Storage Ring and the Ring of the First Pulse.
Neither of which he would part with.
The guard noticed the hesitation and frowned slightly.
"No payment, no entry."
Before Kael could respond—
A voice interrupted.
"I'll cover it."
Kael turned.
A young woman stepped forward from the crowd.
She wore light blue robes, simple but elegant. Her aura was calm, controlled—clearly stronger than most people nearby.
She tossed a small pouch to the guard.
The guard caught it, checked its contents, then nodded.
"You're good."
He stepped aside.
Kael looked at the woman.
"…Why?"
She smiled lightly.
"Because you looked like someone who didn't belong outside the gates."
Kael studied her for a moment.
She wasn't mocking him.
She was curious.
"Kael," he said simply.
"Lin Yue," she replied.
They began walking into the city together.
Inside—
The atmosphere changed instantly.
The streets were wide and busy.
Shops lined both sides, displaying all kinds of items—weapons, pills, artifacts, and materials Kael had never seen before.
Cultivators moved everywhere.
Some calm.
Some arrogant.
Some clearly powerful.
Kael's senses picked up everything.
Energy fluctuations.
Hidden auras.
Even subtle tensions between groups.
Lin Yue glanced at him.
"You're new to the Azure Continent, aren't you?"
Kael nodded.
"Yes."
She smiled slightly.
"Then you should be careful."
"Why?"
She looked ahead, her expression becoming a bit more serious.
"Because this isn't like the small regions."
She paused briefly.
"Here… strength decides everything."
Almost immediately—
A loud voice echoed from ahead.
"Move aside!"
The crowd shifted.
A group of young men pushed their way through the street.
At their center was a well-dressed youth, his expression filled with arrogance.
His aura was strong.
Stronger than most people around.
He didn't even look at those he shoved aside.
To him—
They didn't matter.
Lin Yue sighed softly.
"Speak of the devil."
The arrogant youth suddenly stopped.
His gaze landed directly on Kael.
Then slowly—
A smirk appeared on his face.
"Well… what do we have here?"
The street grew quiet.
Tension filled the air.
Kael met his gaze calmly.
No fear.
No reaction.
Just silence.
And that—
Was enough to provoke him.
The youth stepped forward.
"You're new," he said.
Not a question.
A statement.
Kael didn't respond.
The youth's smile widened.
"Good."
He cracked his knuckles slightly.
"Then let me teach you something."
His aura flared.
"In this city… you either bow—"
He stepped closer.
"—or you get crushed."
The surrounding crowd stepped back.
Everyone was watching now.
Lin Yue frowned slightly.
But she didn't interfere.
She wanted to see something.
Kael stood still.
Completely calm.
Then he spoke.
Quietly.
"Try."
The word fell into the silence like a spark.
And instantly—
The situation exploded.