A Chaotic World

Lu Tianzi and Nanlan Qianxue left Eternal Flame City early next morning, sent off silently by Young Master Xuan Hao and Ruan Ling.

Longshao Wenqin decided to leave as well, but he chose not to tag along with the duo. Instead, he seemed to have made some sort of important decision in his heart, saying that he would be returning to the Dragon Cauldron Kingdom to tie up some loose ends before focusing wholeheartedly on cultivation.

However, instead of heading straight for Frostguard Mountain like they said they would, Lu Tianzi and Nanlan Qianxue chose to first stop by a small cave in the wilds.

After setting up multiple layers of protective formations to secure the perimeter, the duo calmed their minds and prepared themselves to enter a short period of secluded cultivation.

They had gone through quite a bit since their visit to the War Intent Cliff, and thus wanted to take this chance to consolidate their gains.

Had it not been for Xuan Wen's unexpected invitation at the Inscription Meet making it awkward for them to stay any longer, they would have certainly preferred to do this back at Eternal Flame City. Nevertheless, it was unlikely that they would be disturbed here in the wilds.

And they were not wrong.

After a week that went by without any disturbances, the duo finally stepped out of the cave and into the warm embrace of the sun.

Lu Tianzi opened his clenched fist, and watched on with mixed emotions as the gentle breeze carried away the red dust in his hand.

This red dust was all that was left of the Red Wyvern's Eye that he had received from Young Master Xuan Hao.

If Young Master Xuan Hao ever learned about how fast the precious Red Wyvern's Eye had been expended by Lu Tianzi, he would probably feel an indescribable heartache. After all, the Red Wyvern's Eye was no ordinary item.

Of course, Lu Tianzi knew just how precious the Red Wyvern's Eye was as well. He might not have seen the item before, but he had definitely heard of its amazing effects of boosting one's cultivation speed.

Young Master Xuan Hao had given it to Lu Tianzi in preparation for his visit to Frostguard Mountain, but little did he know that Lu Tianzi had already been on the brink of advancement.

Now that he had obtained the Red Wyvern's Eye, Lu Tianzi naturally took this opportunity to attack the next boundary.

After a week of secluded cultivation, Lu Tianzi had successfully broken through to the Fourth Cycle Origin Core realm in the Slaughter Essence system. He was now only a single boundary away from joining the upper ranks among Origin Core martial artists.

Seeing that Young Master Xuan Hao's cultivation level was already lagging behind his competitor Xuan Wen, it must not have been an easy decision for Young Master Xuan Hao to give him such a precious item. So Lu Tianzi truly felt appreciative of the gesture.

"It's a choice he made of his own accord, so you don't have to feel too pressured by it," Nanlan Qianxue walked over and said after seeing Lu Tianzi's expression.

"You are right, but I would still like to repay him in the future if there is a chance to," Lu Tianzi nodded before taking a good look at Nanlan Qianxue.

Just like Lu Tianzi, Nanlan Qianxue had used this time to cultivate freely. Even though she was unable to breakthrough to the next boundary like Lu Tianzi did, she managed to consolidate her current cultivation, bringing her one step closer to the Third Origin Cycle.

"So what are we going to do now?" Nanlan Qianxue asked.

"A beautiful girl like you asking me what we should do? That will depend on whether you are willing to agree to whatever I say," Lu Tianzi said with a evil grin.

Nanlan Qianxue rolled her eyes. "Seriously, where are we going next?"

"Fine, fine," Lu Tianzi shrugged. "In order to get to Frostguard Mountain, we have to cross this region called the Shimmering Plains. For now, we will be heading over to Whitewind Town that lies just before the Shimmering Plains."

"We are stopping by a town first?" Nanlan Qianxue asked in surprise. "Why don't we just go immediately? We have already stocked up on necessities after all."

"Unfortunately, it's not that simple," Lu Tianzi shook his head. "The Shimmering Plains is known for being a dangerous region laden with beasts and bandits. Those who wish to cross the Shimmering Plains usually gather at Whitewind Town to cross the plains as a big group. After all, there is strength in numbers."

"Would it be dangerous?" Nanlan Qianxue asked. "If so, maybe we should avoid going."

"It sounds manageable, but there's no use in us making guesses here," Lu Tianzi said. "Let's try to find out more at Whitewind Town. If it sounds too dangerous, then we can forget about it as you suggested."

"Mm... okay then," Nanlan Qianxue nodded.

This time, the duo no longer made any detours. As Origin Core realm martial artists, their travel speed was extraordinary.

In just three days, they found themselves walking along the streets of Whitewind Town.

Whitewind Town was nowhere near as grand as Eternal Flame City. In fact, there was no comparison between the two at all.

There were no town walls to keep out wild beasts, and the houses were constructed in a disorderly manner, obviously without any proper planning.

The streets were unpaved, though that mattered little. The light but consistent snowfall formed a white layer upon the ground, hiding the dirt roads beneath.

Most people who saw the messy state of Whitewind Town would feel that there was no one in charge, and they were absolutely right.

This was a town without any official figure of authority.

Whitewind Town originated because of people who feared the Shimmering Plains. These people stopped over here in order to form bigger groups – groups that were more capable of challenging the Shimmering Plains.

Over time, others who saw this as a business opportunity started to arrive and open up shops, eventually starting up their families and establishing a settlement of sorts.

Therefore despite its name, Whitewind Town was actually more like a random cluster of houses and shops than an actual town.

Lu Tianzi and Nanlan Qianxue made their first stop at the tavern, and was immediately greeted by a rowdy scene.

The tavern itself was rather huge, boasting over a hundred tables in its main dining hall. Yet all hundred tables were taken, be it by groups of people or individuals.

The guests of the tavern chattered loudly as they downed alcohol like water, not caring about disturbing others whatsoever. There were also many who were directly speaking to those at other tables, as though they were big groups that had been separated.

"Welcome, dear customers! Are you here alone, or are you looking for someone?" a young boy who looked no older than thirteen hurried over to greet them by the entrance.

"We are alone," Lu Tianzi answered while scanning across the dining hall. "Do you still have any empty tables available?"

"Unfortunately not," the young boy rubbed his hands together. "Would you be open to sharing a table?"

"Hahaha! The girl can join our table if she wants! We can even pay for her meal!" someone shouted from within even before Lu Tianzi could answer.

"Our table has seats available too!"

"We have seats as well!"

"Kid, you can join us then! We will take good care of you!"

Laughter filled the hall as shout after shout came from within. It was hard to tell if they were serious or merely joking.

"Pay them no mind. They are just teasing you and have no ill intentions," the young boy tried to reassure Lu Tianzi.

"Don't worry, we don't mind it," Lu Tianzi shooked his head with a smile. "We are fine with sharing a table."

"That's good, follow me then!"

The young boy led them into the dining hall, ignoring wolf-whistles and catcalls on the way, until they arrived at a table occupied by two others.

"What would you like to order?" the young boy asked while gesturing for the duo to take a seat.

"Just a few simple dishes will do," Lu Tianzi answered.

"Got it, I will be back immediately!" the young boy nodded before hurrying off.

"New to Whitewind?" one of their tablemates asked the moment the duo sat down.

Lu Tianzi looked over at the person who spoke.

Her appearance was of a middle-aged woman dressed in tight battle robes, with a set of flexible armour donned over it for added protection. She leaned back in her chair with a confident expression, as though she was not afraid of anything or anyone. That was understandable as well, considering that she was a powerful martial artist at the Ninth Cycle Origin Core realm.

Also seated at the table was an elderly looking man dressed in loose scholarly robes. His long white hair was tied up in a topknot as he leaned over the table, silently savouring the porridge placed before him. Yet despite his fragile demeanour, he was also someone at the Seventh Cycle Origin Core realm.

From how they left an empty seat between them, the two of them did not seem to be too familiar with each other either.

"We just arrived not long ago," Lu Tianzi replied frankly.

"Looking to cross the Shimmering Plains?" the middle-aged woman asked again.

"We are considering that," Lu Tianzi answered. "Regarding that, does Senior have any advice?"

"Hah," the middle-aged woman snorted. "My advice is to forget about it and return to where you came. The Shimmering Plains is not a place that fledglings like you should be going!"

This time, her words seemed to have caught the attention of someone from the neighbouring table.

"Hey Old Qiao, you shouldn't discourage the youngsters like that," a man spoke from the neighbouring table, apparently familiar with the identity of the middle-aged woman. "If they are looking to cross the Shimmering Plains, I'm sure they have some capabilities of their own."

"Shut up, you brat! I don't need advice from the likes of you!" Old Qiao snapped back at the man.

"But I'm just speaking the truth," the man replied. "Brat, why don't you show Old Qiao a little of what you've got? Maybe she will actually agree to bring you along tomorrow?"

"Are you not going to shut up?" Old Qiao narrowed her eyes at the man. "Or are you not intending to come along tomorrow?"

"Fine, fine," the man shrugged before turning back to his table.

It was a short interaction, but it was enough to give Lu Tianzi the information that he needed.

"Senior, may I ask if you will be leading a group across the Shimmering Plains tomorrow?" Lu Tianzi asked.

"What about it? You ignoring my warning?" Old Qiao responded unhappily.

"Pardon my ignorance, but is the Shimmering Plains really that dangerous?" Lu Tianzi asked. "I have heard that there are beasts and bandits, but how strong are they exactly?"

"Definitely more than what a Fourth Cycle Origin Core realm martial artist can handle," Old Qiao answered, obviously referring to Lu Tianzi's cultivation level.

"Even with Senior leading the way?" Lu Tianzi probed further, not at all offended by Old Qiao's remark.

"Heh," Old Qiao smirked. "Of course sticking with me will make things much safer, but it won't be cheap."

"We have some savings," Lu Tianzi replied. "How much would that be?"

"Twenty mid ranked beast cores each!" Old Qiao snapped. "And the price is not negotiable!"

"Deal," Lu Tianzi replied immediately.

Old Qiao revealed a look of surprise, not expecting Lu Tianzi to agree so readily. She could not help but feel slightly regretful for not charging him more.

"Who else will be in the group?" Lu Tianzi asked.

"Who else?" Old Qiao snickered. "Look around you. Apart from the tavern staff, everyone in this tavern right now will be coming along as well."

"Everyone?"

This time, both Lu Tianzi and Nanlan Qianxue were surprised by that reply from Old Qiao.

There were hundreds of guests present right now. If all of them went together, it would be equivalent to a small army.

This explained why people chose to gather at Whitewind Town before crossing the Shimmering Plains.

He did not know about the beasts. But if he was a bandit, there was no way he would pick a fight with a group as big as this!