Chapter 11: Fulong City and the Night-Blooming Cereus

“This place,” Hua Yan declared, “is Fulong City of Great Chu.”

It was early morning, and instead of having Hua Xiangrong cultivate, Hua Yan led her to the deck of their flower boat once more, gazing down at the magnificent city sprawling before them.

“This city, nestled at the foot of a plateau, stands as the premier stronghold on the border of Great Chu.

It was built along the Jade Dragon River—one of the primary waterways formed by the melting snows of the Frost Ridge Mountains—and Fulong City guards its very source.

As the first major city at the river’s headwaters, it earned the name ‘Fulong,’ or ‘Subduing Dragon.’”

Hua Xiangrong leaned over the ship’s rail, her small head peeking down. Just as Hua Yan had described, the winding, surging river, viewed from high above, truly resembled a white jade dragon with shimmering scales.

And the grand city ahead, built tightly against the river, towered majestically. It indeed looked as though it had seized the ‘Jade Dragon’ by its neck, bringing it to heel.

“Great Chu is a considerable nation within the Divine Lands. Situated at the base of the Frost Ridge Mountains, its geographical location is quite advantageous.

In the era when both righteous and demonic paths frequently interacted, Great Chu was once incredibly prosperous. However, those are tales from many centuries past.”

“Let’s go,” Hua Yan said, retracting her gaze. “We are, after all, members of the Demonic Cult, and it’s best not to draw too much attention. We’ll find a secluded spot outside the city to descend, then walk in quietly.”

***

Before the towering city gates, Hua Yan handed a pouch of spirit stones to the gatekeeper. The long-speared guard counted them, then nodded, gesturing for the mother and daughter to follow the flow of people slowly inward.

“Mother, why did you give him spirit stones to enter the city?”

Inside the massive archway of the city gate, Hua Xiangrong looked up, her small face etched with confusion. “Isn’t this a city of mortals? Do mortals use spirit stones too?”

“When did I ever say that Fulong City was inhabited only by mortals?”

Hua Yan turned her head, a hint of amusement gracing her features.

‘That Yun Xueshang… the Frost Ridge Mountains were one thing, but she didn’t even let the child see Great Chu…’

‘Bringing the child on a journey, yet she traveled without a single stop, not even a moment’s rest. Was she truly in such a hurry? Could it be that she made the child cultivate with her? Or did she simply let the child sleep all the way to Hundred Flowers Valley?’

Considering this, she decided to ask outright, “What, your mother didn’t let you see the scenery along the way when she took you to Hundred Flowers Valley?”

“No,” Hua Xiangrong replied, blinking her large pink eyes, having decided to speak as little as possible to avoid mistakes.

“My mother just took me from home and said she was going to find someone. Then my vision went ‘poof,’ black, and then ‘whoosh,’ bright again, and I was in Hundred Flowers Valley.”

‘So, she let the child sleep the entire way? No wonder she hasn’t even seen the Frost Ridge Mountains. I had thought before that Yun Xueshang was too poor to afford a good flying boat.’

‘…Come to think of it, as the chief disciple of the Carefree Sword Sect, how could she lack such a small amount of spirit stones?’

Hua Yan mused inwardly, quickly reaching a conclusion.

“Alright, I think I understand.”

“Let’s return to Fulong City and Great Chu then.”

She led Hua Xiangrong forward.

“Great Chu is one of the rare nations in the Divine Lands where immortals and mortals govern together. Most cultivation sects choose to remain hidden, only appearing when accepting disciples or during major mortal disasters. Great Chu, however, is an exception.”

“Legend has it that the ancestors of the Zhao family, who rule Chu, were originally rogue cultivators.

By chance, they arrived in this mortal nation, which was not yet called ‘Great Chu,’ and established a merchant guild with fellow rogue cultivators.

“Over time, the guild grew steadily, and the Zhao family’s influence gradually permeated the mortal world… Later, ascending to the throne became a natural progression.”

“So, that means the current emperor is also a cultivator?” Hua Xiangrong asked earnestly, blinking her eyes as she pressed for details.

“Precisely,” Hua Yan nodded.

“Because of this lineage, Great Chu boasts numerous rogue cultivators and small cultivation families scattered throughout its lands.

As for Great Chu’s laws and regulations, they were jointly drafted by the Zhao family and those from the righteous path.

It’s said they managed to create laws that apply equally to immortals and mortals… but the intricacies of it are too complex, and I’ve never bothered to understand them.”

“Alright, now let’s find an inn and get some good rest.”

As her words fell, the two happened to step out of the city gate archway. The view suddenly opened up—wide streets, orderly houses, and bustling crowds instantly filled their vision.

Rich merchants in brocade, farmers driving carts and horses, and various commoners moved through the throngs. Occasionally, someone would rise into the air, their robes fluttering—those were clearly cultivators.

“Mhm!” Hua Xiangrong nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling as she surveyed the novel and vibrant border city.

***

“I’m going out for a bit. You stay in the room, cultivate, practice your spells, and that’s all. No need to practice horse stance. I’ll be back tonight.”

Inside the luxurious guest room, Hua Yan instructed Hua Xiangrong. Seeing the girl nod obediently, she curved her lips in satisfaction.

‘Good. This girl has been very well-behaved all along, diligently completing every cultivation task I set for her. Leaving her to cultivate alone in the room should cause no trouble.’

“Take this talisman. If anything happens, use it to contact me. Just infuse it with spiritual energy.”

To be safe, Hua Yan tossed the girl a jade protective talisman. Seeing her tuck it securely into her bosom, Hua Yan finally turned and headed downstairs.

“Shopkeeper, my daughter and I are new to town and wish to purchase some jewelry and clothing. Could you recommend a few good shops in Fulong City?”

The shopkeeper behind the counter, who had been calculating accounts, looked up at the sound of her voice. Seeing the red-haired woman from earlier, he paused for a moment.

‘This young lady looks so youthful, yet she’s already a mother? I thought they were sisters. She must be a cultivator, no doubt.

Her luxurious attire and distinguished demeanor, coupled with the lively and adorable little girl beside her, suggest she might even be the young miss of some prominent family.’

“Ah, ah, of course there are!”

After all, as a shopkeeper running an inn in a major city, such scenes were not uncommon. He immediately put down his abacus and bowed in response.

“For jewelry, Linglong Workshop and Ruyi Studio in the city are absolutely top-notch establishments. For clothing, Tianyi Pavilion is highly recommended. These shops are all in the market district in the east of the city. Esteemed immortal, do you require someone to lead the way, or would you like to use the inn’s carriage to take you there?”

“That would be excellent.”

“Wang Er! Come here quickly!” The shopkeeper called out. “Drive this esteemed immortal to the market district in the east of the city, directly to Linglong Workshop! Hitch up the best carriage we have!”

A young man in a green tunic and black shoes responded, running out from an inner room.

“Aye! Coming! Esteemed immortal, please—”

***

“This is far enough. I can walk back on my own later.”

The carriage came to a steady stop. Hua Yan, without waiting for the youth to assist her, gracefully alighted. She casually bestowed some silver coins, then stood in place, watching the carriage depart.

Hua Yan cast a glance at the exquisitely decorated jewelry shop nearby but did not enter. Instead, she turned and merged into the flow of people. Before long, she stopped before an imposing pavilion.

Three large characters adorned the plaque: Tianyi Pavilion.

Confirming it was the correct establishment, Hua Yan stepped inside with a confident stride.

“Oh, honored lady, what may I help you find?”

The pavilion was bustling with customers, nearly each accompanied by a female attendant enthusiastically introducing and promoting wares. An idle attendant, sharp-eyed, immediately spotted Hua Yan entering. The newcomer’s beauty and aura made her eyes light up.

‘Good heavens, such a refined and noble lady must be a generous patron!’

“Take me upstairs.” Hua Yan’s tone was calm, clearly indicating she was familiar with the procedure.

“Alright! May I ask, honored lady…”

Before the attendant could finish her sentence, she saw a wisp of spiritual light condense on Hua Yan’s fingertip.

Her smile instantly vanished, replaced by a respectful demeanor. Tianyi Pavilion had nine floors. The bottom three floors served common folk of means, the middle three floors catered to officials, nobles, and wealthy merchants’ daughters, while the top three floors were exclusively for cultivators.

If the lady before her were merely a rich young miss, she could have guided her through the middle three floors and earned some commission. But now that she was a cultivator, that fortune was not hers to claim.

The attendant sighed inwardly, yet her attitude grew even more deferential. “Then please, follow me.”

“Mhm.”

With the attendant leading the way and Hua Yan following, they ascended through several flights of stairs, reaching the third floor of Tianyi Pavilion. This floor was distinctly different from the lower ones, devoid of clothing racks.

Instead, one saw only glowing inner armor and light magical robes suspended in plain sight. The attendant stopped here, bowed, and retreated.

“Fellow Daoist, are you perhaps looking for a fine treasure robe?”

A female cultivator emerged from behind the counter, greeting her with a welcoming smile.

‘Hmm, Foundation Establishment cultivation, and a new face. I wonder which sect’s disciple she is.’ The female cultivator secretly speculated, feeling the spiritual energy fluctuations from Hua Yan.

However, Hua Yan’s first words sent a jolt through her heart. “I heard your esteemed establishment excels in Five-Element Embroidery. Is this true?”

The female cultivator’s expression instantly became serious, and her tone grew cautious as she tentatively asked, “You flatter us, honored guest. Our shop only specializes in Four Seasons Floral Embroidery: spring peach, summer lotus, autumn chrysanthemum, and winter plum. May I ask which kind you are inquiring about?”

Hua Yan pursed her lips into a smile and slowly said, “The flower I seek is not among the four seasons. It is called the Night-Blooming Cereus. I wonder if anyone in your esteemed shop recognizes it?”

“That, of course, we do,” the female cultivator’s expression softened, and she made a welcoming gesture. “Please, honored guest, follow me.”

With that, the female cultivator led Hua Yan further up, all the way to the very top floor of Tianyi Pavilion. Here, not a single piece of clothing was to be seen; the only thing that met the eye was an elegant tea room.

After pouring Hua Yan a cup of steaming floral tea, the female cultivator waved her hand to activate a sound-insulating formation, then turned and bowed solemnly.

“I am A Xian of Hundred Flowers Valley. Greetings, Senior. May I ask… how should I address you?”