LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 3 Ziling City
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Heavenly destiny is not only about capability but also a specific trajectory within fate that no one can escape or avoid.
Often, it is preordained and ineffable.
Take Empyrean Kong shi for example, who cultivated Confucianism and established numerous rules of the Master Teacher Continent; he abided by propriety and perfectly aligned with the Heavenly Destiny of Ceremony.
Because of this, he was not sanctioned by the rules but, instead, benefited from his misfortune, which would not have been the case for anyone else.
Violate the rules four times, and be directly erased... The rules in Zhilan Valley are as numerous as cow's hair, even speaking loudly is not allowed... Without prior knowledge, not to mention four times, even forty times would probably not be enough to waste!
As for later, the fact that Shi Yunjing, Mo Baiye, and others could last until the end was because most of the rules in Zhilan Valley had been deciphered by Empyrean Kong shi, and the remaining rules were no longer as fearsome as before. Otherwise, not to mention those at Galaxy 6-dan and 7-dan, even a cultivator at the Life Sea Realm would fear a journey of no return if they carelessly entered.
"You?" After explaining his own matters, Empyrean Kong shi looked over.
Hearing his inquiry, Zhang Xuan recounted all of his experiences after coming to the Source World, which made the other party nod repeatedly.
He thought his own experiences were thrilling enough, but found the other party's to be even more magnificent.
"The Heavenly Destiny of Ceremony is a Second-level Destiny, followed by many. This senior named Zhou Ji should, by rights, have countless disciples, so why did she die here alone and without causing any waves? More crucially... over all these years, has no one sought her or attempted to Forge it?" Zhang Xuan was full of doubts, puzzled.
Mo Baiye's Mo Dao was only a Seventh Level Destiny, and he had countless disciples and followers. Simply by adhering to rites and etiquette, one could not avoid the shackles of this kind of destiny. Yet, the founder died in such a secluded place without any disturbance, and the Heaven Mandate Domain formed here was left unguarded—the whole situation seemed odd.
Empyrean Kong shi said, "As for the specific circumstances, senior Zhou Ji did not leave any clues, but according to my speculation, it is very likely she was killed. As for Zhilan Valley, every year countless experts enter to try Forging it, but all return without success... If not for these people, how could the valley possibly possess such dense spiritual energy, such numerous artifacts..."
Zhang Xuan had an epiphany.
If Zhilan Valley was regarded as a whole, its operation and maintenance of the rules over the years depended precisely on killing the intruders.
The Black-scaled Phoenix Hawk flew for an entire day, and a majestic city appeared within view.
Ziling City and Zouyi City were not much different, stretching countless miles with no end in sight. Before even landing, he saw throngs of people bustling about on the streets.
"Empyrean Kong shi, to avoid trouble, I think we should change our appearance and names!" Zhang Xuan suggested with a laugh.
"Of course!" Empyrean Kong shi nodded, and both his appearance and body shape transformed. Moments later, he was half a head shorter and looked a dozen years younger, around his thirties.
Creating a New World just like Zhang Xuan, Empyrean Kong shi could exercise all the abilities Zhang Xuan could. Altering appearances and covert soul searching were just the simplest of uses.
Zhang Xuan's face also undulated and changed into the likeness of his brother-in-law, Luo Xuanqing.
As for Yu Xiaoyu and others, they had been taken into the Suspended Realm long before and were not here, so there was no fear of being recognized or detected.
The Black-scaled Phoenix Hawk landed slowly at the city gate.
Zhang Xuan glanced at this beast pet and with a thought, the connection between them was instantly severed: "From today on, you are no longer my beast pet. You are free..."
They were heading to the Central Region. To say nothing of whether the Teleportation Formations could transport such a large creature, even if they could, there was no need.
If he wanted a beast pet, he could just tame one on arrival. Although the Black-scaled Phoenix Hawk was obedient, its strength was too weak and no longer of much help to him at present.
"Chirp..." Understanding his intention, the Black-scaled Phoenix Hawk let out a reluctant screech and flew away towards the distance, eventually disappearing into the horizon.
Entering the city and settling down at a teahouse, discussions about Zhilan Valley could be heard everywhere.
"That's a Second-level Heavenly Destiny, to think someone Forged it just like that!"
"That's like ascending to the heavens in a single step..."
"It's said that Prince Shen Ling of the Zhou Yi Dynasty has been killed, and they are currently issuing a manhunt for them!"
"Manhunt? They are happy to issue it now, but once that person completely Forges the destiny and becomes a supreme expert, the Zhou Yi Dynasty might as well cease to exist..."
Ziling City wasn't too far from Zouyi City, and the news had already spread.
Although some details were still somewhat unclear, the main narrative was about right.
"It's said that there are many rules inside Zhilan Valley; as long as one abides by them, they can obtain countless artifacts!"
"The treasures inside emerge in an endless stream..."
"Among those who went this time, there was someone named Zhang Xuan who had just broken through to the Galaxy Realm when he entered, but left at the peak of Galaxy 6-dan and even killed a cultivator at Galaxy 7-dan!"
"What Galaxy 7-dan, I heard he killed someone at Galaxy 8-dan!"
Many people's eyes revealed envy.
After listening for a while, realizing the discussions were just messy rumors, Zhang Xuan shook his head and addressed one of the most voluble persons with cupped fists: "Esteemed sir, the two of us would like to use a teleportation formation to go to the Central Region; where should we head?"
"Teleportation Formations? Wanxiang Sect has one; just go directly there to use it!"
The speaker was a man in his thirties, rather plump, with a receding hairline, looking from a distance like a steamed egg.
"Wanxiang Sect?"
Zhang Xuan was enlightened.
Indeed, Wanxiang Sect encompasses everything; if one were to ask where in a city there was a teleportation formation, this place would definitely be the first choice.
"That's right, that tall building over there, just walk towards it. However... such long-distance Teleportation Formations only operate once a day and must wait for enough people to gather before they can be used. If you want to go there, you need to make a reservation in advance; otherwise, I'm afraid there won't be any slots available."
The steamed egg-like man was very enthusiastic, loudly explaining.
"A reservation is needed?"
Zhang Xuan was taken aback.
"Of course, everyone wants to go to the Central Region. Which cultivator doesn't want to go there? Even if they can't stay long, just a glance would be good. I've been there once; it's teeming with experts, and you've never before seen such food or entertainment. Especially the women, they are so many and so beautiful, dazzling to the eyes. To be honest with you, I just walked around the streets once and fell in love with eight different girls in a row!"
The steamed egg-like man laughed.
Falling in love in a row... that's just being lecherous!
Zhang Xuan was speechless, but his face showed little emotion as he stood up and cupped his fists: "I thank you, brother, for the information..."
With that said, he and Empyrean Kong shi strode toward the towering building in the distance.