As Liang Yifei stood at a distance, his gaze fixated on Mi Ling and Li Yan as they stepped into the streets of Paradise City, he couldn't help but marvel at the turn of events. Fate had undeniably guided him to this moment, and he knew he had to proceed with caution.
Initially, his plan was to eliminate Mi Ling, perceiving her as an obstacle. He patiently waited outside the Heavenly Mist Palace, hoping for an opportune moment. He even intended to ambush her from the shadows and potentially imprison her if the chance arose.
However, the presence of Li Yan made him reconsider his strategy. Liang Yifei decided to take his time and reevaluate his approach.
But to his great astonishment, his well-considered and initially uncertain decision quickly revealed itself to be the epitome of wisdom and foresight. It was beyond anyone's wildest expectations to imagine that these two women would effortlessly guide him down a labyrinthine path towards the mystical city that had long been relegated between the cultivators as a legend. For countless years, he had yearned to unlock the secrets of this legend, a city inhabited only by dao integration cultivators.
Yet, despite tireless searches and extensive research, every attempt to glean even a shred of information had proven futile, leaving him disheartened and resigned to the notion that it might forever remain an elusive figment of imagination.
A small smile tugged at the corners of Liang Yifei's lips as excitement surged within him. It was clear that he needed to devise new strategies and gather information about the city and its different factions.
As he strolled through the street bedside him, he couldn't help but be taken aback by the sight of mortals inhabiting the city. It was unexpected, as he had assumed the city would only house Dao integration cultivators.
Upon closer observation, Liang Yifei noticed something peculiar about the mortals – they appeared almost lifeless, like empty shells. Their eyes lacked any spark of vitality. Based on these signs, he deduced that they were somehow being controlled by the cultivators within the city, most likely as slaves obeying their every command.
Before long, his eyes locked onto a middle-aged man strolling in close proximity. Curiosity took hold as he studied the individual, taking a moment to observe and analyze before extending his void sense into the man's mind, only to be bewildered by an unexpected discovery - an utter void within the depths of his mind, devoid of any discernible thoughts or emotions.
The wrinkles on his brow deepened as his lips curved into a slight frown. He murmured to himself, "It's as if he lacks consciousness, almost like a lifeless puppet."
Lost in thought, he extended his senses once more, hoping to detect any aura without alerting anyone to his presence.
After a period of focused exploration, a subtle smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He had succeeded in detecting not just one, but multiple distinctive auras within the bustling street.
His smile widened as his gaze swept across the street, eventually settling on a foreboding building. Hanging from its exterior was a worn sign that swayed ominously in the wind, bearing the unevenly painted words "Jade Lotus Inn."
After careful consideration, he fully utilized his Mirage Symphony technique to conceal his true cultivation.
With measured steps, he approached the building until he found himself standing by the entrance. Inhaling deeply, he gingerly pushed the door open and stepped inside.
As soon as he entered the inn he felt a strange sensation wash over him. His vision momentarily blurred, and he could sense a subtle shift in the surrounding space. The air seemed to carry a mysterious energy as if the inn itself held secrets waiting to be unraveled.
As his vision cleared, he found himself in a large and opulent hall, bathed in warm, golden light. The room was filled with the sound of lively conversations and the clinking of glasses, a symphony of voices that resonated with both excitement and intrigue.
Cultivators adorned in exquisite robes mingled, their laughter and animated gestures creating a vibrant atmosphere. Some sat at grand tables, engrossed in discussions about cultivation techniques and recent discoveries. Others chose to enjoy their drinks in solitude, lost in their own contemplation, their eyes filled with wisdom and indifference to their surroundings.
The air was thick with the rich aroma of fine wines, teasing the senses and enticing the palate. Mortal servers elegantly moved through the crowd, carrying trays filled with delicate delicacies, their footsteps barely audible amidst the mingling of the guests.
Amidst the bustling scene, his gaze was drawn to an ordinary-looking youth seated at a table near the window. The young man, dressed in simple, unassuming attire, sat alone with a glass of wine in hand. His body language exuded calm confidence as if he had long ago embraced solitude.
Intrigued, Liang Yifei made his way towards the empty space opposite the youth and took a seat.
As Liang Yifei settled into his seat, he observed the youth's contemplative expression and the way he savored each sip of his wine. There was a certain calmness in his demeanor as if he had tasted the bitterness of life and found solace in the simple joy of the present moment.
The youth glanced up from his glass, meeting Liang Yifei's gaze with a flicker of curiosity. He acknowledged Liang Yifei's presence with a nod before turning his attention back to his drink, seemingly lost in his thoughts.
Intrigued, Liang Yifei struck up a conversation, his voice carrying a gentle tone. "A fine choice of wine, Daoist brother. Mind if I join you?"
The youth looked up, surprise flickering in his eyes before a small smile graced his lips. "Of course, please, have a seat."
Liang Yifei settled himself across from the youth, his gaze filled with curiosity. "Forgive my intrusion, but something about your presence caught my attention. Might I ask your name?"
The youth's smile deepened, his eyes shimmering with a hint of amusement. "I am Zhuo Li, I don't think I have seen you here before, what brings you to the Jade Lotus Inn, my curious friend?"