Chapter 54: The Golden City’s Secrets

Now it was Xian Yuan’s turn to be utterly bewildered.

“Why can’t we investigate?”

“Why?”

“Because this place was formed by the Dao charm of both Zhi Jiu and myself; it isn’t a genuine ecological environment. A Dao Venerable’s Dao charm can simulate an entire ecosystem.”

“What a pity, then.”

Xian Yuan sighed, realizing that if it was merely an illusion, there was nothing to be done.

Had this ecosystem, where extreme heat and bitter cold coexisted, been real, it would surely have harbored some extraordinary creatures, representing an immense discovery!

“Don’t lose heart.”

Leng Xi, observing Xian Yuan’s sighs of disappointment, offered, “Not far from here lies a secret realm. Although I’ve never ventured into it, even my divine sense hesitated to probe too deeply.”

“Really!”

Upon hearing this, Xian Yuan’s eyes instantly sparkled with fervent interest.

Her entire being was immediately infused with renewed vigor!

If even Leng Xi, a mighty Dao Venerable, dared not probe its depths with her divine sense, it unequivocally meant immense treasures awaited within!

“So, are you feeling energized now?”

“Absolutely! I’ve swept away the disappointment and rediscovered my drive.”

“In that case, I shall accompany you from now on. Otherwise, staying with the Ice Demon Dragon Clan would be incredibly dull.”

“Is that really appropriate?”

“What’s inappropriate about it? Do you have confidence in dealing with those people?”

“I do not.”

Xian Yuan shook her head.

“Then that settles it, doesn’t it? At least you’ll be safer with us.”

Leng Xi patted her chest, offering her guarantee.

“Very well, then!”

“Excellent, it’s decided!”

With that, the group resumed their journey, their destination unmistakably the mysterious secret realm!

Xian Yuan, accompanied by Zhi Jiu and Leng Xi, emerged from the marsh and hastened towards the distant secret realm.

****

Meanwhile, within the Ice Demon Dragon Clan.

Inside a colossal palace, an elderly woman occupied the seat of honor.

She was clad in a blue dragon robe, her face withered, her skin slack, and her eyes clouded with age.

She was the venerable leader of the Ice Demon Dragon Clan.

“Mother, do you have any instructions for me?”

Qing, gazing at the woman before him, spoke with reverence.

“Was it truly a wise decision to break free from the control of the True Dragon Divine Maiden?”

The elderly woman slowly lifted her head, her gaze fixed intently on Qing’s eyes.

“I have long been fed up with the facades of those people; I truly do not wish to remain any longer,” Qing retorted, his voice laced with anger.

During the Ancient Human-Dragon War, the True Dragon Divine Maiden had chosen most of the dragon clans to serve as cannon fodder, and mid-tier dragon clans like the Ice Demon Dragons suffered the most devastating losses.

Only a few dragon lineages emerged without significant weakening.

Although the Ice Demon Dragon Clan’s status was not initially very high, they were certainly not mere cannon fodder to be carelessly sacrificed by the True Dragon Divine Maiden.

The True Dragon Divine Maiden believed that only a handful of high-tier dragon clans truly mattered, rendering all other dragon clans insignificant.

“Qing, do not gamble the very existence of our clan for the sake of that young lass, Xian Yuan.”

The elderly woman’s voice, devoid of warmth, drifted out.

“But Mother, I simply cannot reconcile myself to this!”

“In that case, I shall not stop you.

However, remember this: if the high-tier dragon clans come seeking trouble after you leave, your mother will shoulder the burden.”

Though the elderly woman’s tone remained cold, it betrayed a deep undercurrent of concern.

“Thank you, Mother!”

Qing gently embraced the elderly woman’s arm.

“Enough! You may go.”

The elderly woman waved her hand dismissively.

“Yes!”

Qing respectfully withdrew.

****

After days and nights of arduous travel, Xian Yuan and her companions finally arrived at the secret realm Leng Xi had spoken of.

“How utterly dazzling!”

Xian Yuan and the others were utterly dumbfounded, for before them lay a city shimmering with golden light across its entire expanse.

Within this city, several palaces soared majestically into the clouds, radiating brilliant golden hues, appearing as if crafted from solid gold, and exuding an enchanting luminescence.

Murong Fier could not help but exclaim in admiration, “The architectural style of these palaces is simply magnificent! To gaze upon them is to feel an immediate sense of awe.”

Leng Xi furrowed her brow, her expression growing solemn. “The energy fluctuations emanating from this city are incredibly potent. It seems the secrets held within are absolutely not to be underestimated.”

Xian Yuan’s heart swelled with curiosity and excitement as she hastened into the city, drawing closer with each step.

The golden light illuminated her figure, making her appear like a shimmering, golden sprite.

Upon entering the city, Xian Yuan was immediately struck by the breathtaking spectacle before her.

The interior of the city walls boasted lavish decorations, with countless precious gems inlaid into the stone, and the ground was paved with golden marble.

The streets were lined with an astonishing variety of shops, their wares a dazzling feast for the eyes.

A rich spiritual energy seemed to permeate every inch of this city, while the air carried the refreshing scent of flowers, creating an atmosphere that left one feeling utterly refreshed and at peace.

Along the bustling streets, merchants were hard at work.

They offered a myriad of goods, from weapons and clothing to peculiar trinkets and even a wide array of delectable dishes.

“Wow, this is amazing! I’ve never seen such a prosperous city before!”

Murong Fier exclaimed in astonishment, noting the overwhelming aura of extravagance, yet a significant question lingered.

‘Why would a secret realm contain such a city?’

“This isn’t right. Why is there a city here? And people?” Xian Yuan echoed, her voice filled with similar doubt.

“Indeed!”

Leng Xi nodded in agreement.

Zhi Jiu, however, looked at the two of them with a puzzled expression. “Is it abnormal for there to be people?”

“Uh…”

For a moment, all three were left speechless.

This was a secret realm, not the outside world!

A city like this within a secret realm was highly irregular!

“I told you your intelligence was lacking, yet you wouldn’t believe it.”

“Who are you talking about?!”

Zhi Jiu glared fiercely at Leng Xi, for they were no idiot; they knew perfectly well that one plus one equaled four.

“Who knows?”

Leng Xi shrugged her shoulders, observing the city’s inhabitants, and felt a pervasive sense of unease emanating from them.

“Let’s find an inn first.”

Xian Yuan pondered for a moment, ultimately deciding it best to settle down first.

“Alright.”

The group then began searching for an inn along the main street, where people greeted them warmly.

“New faces!”

“Hello there!”

“Welcome to King’s City!”

“Are you also people who entered the secret realm and can’t leave?”

“…”

‘It doesn’t feel bad at all.’

Feeling everyone’s enthusiasm, their initial impression remained quite positive.

Xian Yuan approached a young man and inquired, “Excuse me, how do we get to the inn?”

“The inn? It’s right at the end of this road.”

The young man pointed towards the inn at the road’s terminus.

“Thank you.”

“No need.”

Having received precise directions to the inn, Xian Yuan then made her way towards it.

Soon after, Xian Yuan and her group arrived before an inn named ‘Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion’.

Xian Yuan and the others pushed open the door and stepped inside, finding an elegantly appointed interior.

A cheerful attendant was tidying tables and chairs, and upon seeing them enter, he approached with a smile, asking, “Greetings, esteemed guests, what may I get for you?”

“Hmm, please prepare seven or eight dishes for us, and two rooms,” Xian Yuan replied.

“Right away! Please wait a moment!” the attendant chirped, then turned and departed.

“Xian Yuan, you’d dare to eat here?” Leng Xi questioned.

“What’s wrong?”

“Aren’t you afraid this is a shady establishment?”

A city like this existing in a secret realm was inherently problematic, and eating here? She worried about what strange or unsavory things might be in the food.