Zanxing

Chapter 73 - Li'er Country (1)

Li'er's nation is located at the southernmost part of the Duzhou map, an island in the West Sea. This island forms its own country and is named "Li'er" because its shape resembles a human ear.

The West Sea is breathtaking, with clear waters that shine like blue emeralds, and long beaches that remain warm year-round. While spring has yet to arrive on Mount Gu Feng, stepping onto Li'er's land immediately brings a sense of humidity to the air.

Zanxing looked around. Compared to Pingyang Town, the scenery of Li'er clearly fits the description of a "tourist city." The sunlight illuminates the entire island, and within the nation, there is only one city, which is also the capital.

Every ten years, the secret realm of Li'er opens, attracting wealthy sect cultivators from various places has significantly boosted the consumer demand in Li'er, allowing it to quickly ascend from a remote little island to one of Duzhou's "Top Ten Most Beautiful Beaches."

Tian Fangfang was amazed when he saw the sea for the first time, exclaiming, "I thought Pingyang Town was bustling, but I never expected this little island to be so prosperous!"

At the edge of Li'er's beach, mangroves grow. Moving inland, one arrives at the capital of Li'er. The capital is incredibly vibrant, with tall and grand restaurants and various stalls in the marketplace. It's common to see cultivators in long robes on the streets—locals typically don't dress this way; they wear lighter clothing.

The streets are well-paved for the convenience of carriages, and many locals can be seen happily chatting in shops, appearing quite content.

As Zanxing strolled and observed, the expressions on everyone's faces exuded comfort and ease, creating a quick sense of relaxation reminiscent of a vacation.

"The secret realm opens in five days," Tian Fangfang suggested. "Why don't we explore the area and see what good things we can find to buy for our master and uncle to take back?"

"Come on," Men Dong pouted. "We still need to go to the city's chief military office to register and meet the ruler of Li'er. Don't waste time on trivial matters."

Tian Fangfang scratched his head. "I was just saying that casually."

All sect cultivators participating in this secret realm trial must first register at the city's chief military office before meeting the ruler of Li'er. It is said that the entrance to the secret realm is within the royal tombs of Li'er. Without the ruler's permission, no one else is allowed inside. Over the years, the sects in the cultivation world and Li'er have reached an agreement: the sects get opportunities for secret realm trials, while Li'er earns money from the cultivators, benefiting both parties.

Zanxing and her group first registered at the chief military office and then followed their guide to the palace of Li'er.

The palace of Li'er is exquisitely crafted. Unlike the deep and magnificent law halls of the Taiyan sect, it resembles a garden more. The palace roof has a smooth, curved shape, and the walls are covered in white jade-like tiles. The people of Li'er hold white in high esteem, considering it a color of purity and nobility. Occasionally, there are green glass pillars inside the palace, and beaded curtains hang between halls, filling the air with fragrant aromas.

The ruler of Li'er is a slender middle-aged man, handsome and fair-skinned, dressed in ivory white robes and wearing a jade crown. He looked at the group entering with a hint of a smile.

"Esteemed immortals, please take a seat," he said.

This ruler spoke in a refined manner, courteous and polite, showing no hint of the arrogance typical of a ruler.

"I received news from your sect about a change in arrangements, that Immortal Ziluo has been replaced by Immortal Gu. I found it hard to believe, but now I see it is true." The ruler looked at Gu Baiying with eager eyes. "It is a great honor to see the true form of Immortal Gu in this life."

Zanxing felt a bit uncomfortable hearing this, but Gu Baiying was used to such flattery. She calmly sipped her tea, listening as the ruler continued to praise him.

The ruler asked about the recent happenings in the Taiyan sect, seeming to have a deep relationship with them. Just as Zanxing began to feel drowsy listening to him, Tian Fangfang nudged her arm, exchanging glances.

Understanding, Zanxing stood up with Tian Fangfang and said a few words to the serving girl pouring tea. The serving girl nodded and escorted them outside.

Once they stepped out of the hall, Zanxing took a deep breath.

Who knew how long it would take to reminisce with this ruler? It was better for the two of them to step outside for some fresh air, especially since the ruler's attention was mainly on Gu Baiying and Meng Ying. Fortunately, even in the cultivation world, rulers always treated cultivators with courtesy, without excessive formality; otherwise, they might not have found even a moment to breathe.

Just as she was thinking this, footsteps approached from behind. They turned to see Mu Chengxiao walking out of the hall as well.

"Junior brother, why are you out here too?" Tian Fangfang asked.

"I heard there's a market nearby, and I plan to take a look," Mu Cengxiao replied.

Zanxing nodded in agreement. Although she had forgotten many details of the plot, she remembered that the male protagonist often visited the market and always found something.

Mimi also sneaked out from the hall and ran to Zanxing's side, rubbing against her skirt. Zanxing looked down at it. "I won't carry you; you need to walk yourself."

"Junior sister," Tian Fangfang couldn't help but say, "You shouldn't be so harsh on a cat."

"If it doesn't move more, it'll turn into a pig," Zanxing replied. "Parental love is far-reaching; you wouldn't understand."

Tian Fangfang fell silent.

The three of them, along with the cat, left the palace, heading back in the direction they came from. That street was particularly bustling with markets and restaurants, making it the perfect place for aimless wandering.

At this moment, the sun was blazing overhead, and apart from the locals who weren't afraid of the sun, there were hardly any cultivators on the streets. Vendors selling sweet syrup set up long tables with various fruits, and large chunks of ice sat in wooden barrels. When customers arrived, they would fill a flower cup with sweet syrup, add a little crushed ice, and throw in a few slices of fruit, looking refreshing and delicious.

Zanxing thought to herself that tourist cities sure know how to trick people into spending money, making everything look fancy. If she weren't low on funds, she would definitely buy a cup to try.

Tian Fangfang was drooling at the sight but couldn't bear to spend his own spirit stones. He whispered to Zanxing, "Junior sister, let's have our uncle buy some later."

"Dream on," Zanxing replied without thinking. "He'll definitely say, 'Why buy this? Such mundane food with no spiritual energy? It'll only tarnish the reputation of the Taiyan sect.'"

"...Junior sister," Tian Fangfang silently gave Zanxing a thumbs up. "You've learned well."

The vendor glanced at their attire and guessed their identity, enthusiastically greeting them, "Are you all here for the secret realm trial? Li'er has plenty of delicious and fun things to offer. Would you like to buy a cup of sweet syrup and enjoy some fun inside?"

Zanxing looked up and saw the golden characters on the vendor's sign reading "Qiangqiang Gambling House," and hearing cheers from inside as people shook dice, she asked, "A gambling house?"