...
Under the glow of the setting sun, Di stood before the massive city gates, gazing at the towering stone pillars adorned with intricate carvings pulsating with energy. The gates themselves, towering tens of ters high, were forged from a dark tal he did not recognize, fused with interwoven enchantnts that flickered with strands of light whenever soone approached.
On either side of the entrance stood colossal statues of unknown creatures—beings that were a fusion of celestial beasts and primordial entities, as if they had guarded the city for millennia. The guards, clad in armor that radiated an aura of strength, observed the incoming travelers with cold eyes. Each one was at least a Foundation Master of the first layer.
Di sighed silently as he passed through the gates with steady steps. He knew this city was different.
The mont his feet touched the city streets, a world unlike any he had seen unfolded before him.
The wide roads were paved with spiritual stones that emitted a faint glow, gently channeling energy through the ground. On either side, towering buildings rose—so carved into mountains, others floating in the air, defying the laws of nature.
But what stood out the most were the people…
In every direction, Foundation Masters moved freely, each surrounded by a unique aura indicating their rank. From the early to the late stages, they were everywhere, talking, arguing, and making deals.
In other cities, a Foundation Master was a rare sight, but here… they were the norm, not the exception.
At a street corner, Di saw a young man hovering in the air, a massive spiritual beast shadow crawling beneath him. On the other side, an old man sat quietly before his shop, his eyes closed, as a halo of blue fire revolved around him—an unmistakable sign of a late-stage first-layer master.
Everything pulsed with power.
Di continued walking, his eyes scanning the hanging signs and shops lining the street.
"Heavenly Auction House"—one of the largest auction houses, where rare treasures were sold, capable of inciting wars between sects.
"Ancient Martial Arts Hall"—a place where warriors gathered to test their skills in exchange for incredible rewards.
"Tower of Enlightennt"—a towering structure radiating a golden glow, said to enhance one's comprehension of the laws simply by ditating near it.
Every corner of the city promised power, but at the sa ti, it issued a clear warning: those without strength would not last here.
As he walked through the street, Di felt gazes following him. They weren’t re glances of curiosity—there was sothing else… sothing like evaluation.
He halted for a mont, turning slightly, but saw nothing unusual. The crowd continued moving, life went on, yet the feeling did not fade.
“…This city is not simple.”
He muttered to himself before resuming his pace, ignoring the stares for now.
Before another massive gate, the roads branched into multiple directions—residential districts, markets, private palaces, and places he couldn't even begin to identify.
He paused, contemplating which path to take first.
This city was full of opportunities… but also dangers.
Deep inside, he knew that his true journey was just beginning.
---
Inside the inn.
Di sat on the bed, eyes closed, holding several primordial stones in his right hand.
The stones emitted a faint glow, their pure energy seeping out and flowing into Di’s body. A warmth spread through his veins as the energy circulated within his foundation, slowly rging with his power.
He remained motionless, his breathing steady, his eyes shut. With every inhale, his foundation absorbed more energy, gradually expanding, edging closer and closer to breaking through the barrier between the first and second layers.
Ti passed in silence, with only the dim light of the stones and the rhythmic pulses of energy within him. But suddenly, his body trembled slightly—
An invisible barrier had erged within his foundation, one he could not easily overco. The pressure of energy intensified, saturating his entire being, yet it was still not enough.
Slowly, he opened his eyes, his gaze steady and expressionless.
"I’m still missing sothing..." he muttered, glancing at the stones that had lost their radiance.
He needed more energy—or perhaps… a different thod to break through this barrier.
---
After finishing his training, Di stood quietly inside the room. He looked at the old man—the innkeeper—who now lay lifeless on the floor. There was no sign of struggle—one swift, decisive strike.
He retrieved the primordial stones he had paid earlier and tucked them back into his pocket without a trace of remorse. Then, after ensuring that everything appeared normal, he left the room and walked through the corridors as if nothing had happened.
As he exited the inn, the city's noise greeted him once again.
---
The streets were teeming with activity—rchants shouting about their goods, ard warriors moving with confidence, and disciples in simple robes excitedly discussing their ambitions.
Amid this organized chaos, Di moved quietly, ignoring almost everything. He wasn’t in a rush; he was observing and learning.
After a while, he stopped before a massive, bustling building. The structure had multiple floors, its dark blue stone walls inscribed with ancient runes. Above the grand entrance, bold words were carved:
Mission Hall
Di did not enter imdiately. Instead, he stood in a nearby corner, listening to the conversations around him.
Gradually, he pieced together an understanding—
The Mission Hall was a hub where cultivators of all layers gathered, from the first layer to the second. Here, they could accept missions in exchange for rewards—primordial stones, techniques, or even rare weapons.
But most importantly, the Mission Hall was not controlled by the city lord or any single sect. Instead, it was managed by an independent organization, making it a neutral ground for all factions and lone cultivators alike.
So missions were simple, like gathering resources or escorting caravans. Others were deadly—requiring the assassination of specific targets or the exploration of perilous regions infested with savage beasts.
This place was essentially a market of contracts, where the strong could grow stronger, and the weak could carve their path to greatness… or perish trying.
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