Feng Wei continued to walk with determination, his gaze still carrying the coldness that had intimidated the previous guard. The guard, who was now stammering, mumbled, "N-No, we won't stop you. You've passed the test. You have the qualifications to enter."
Wang Mei was surprised and curious. "Test? I've never heard of that. Obviously, these guards fear death," she thought and asked Feng Wei, "When you said you had your means to enter, were you referring to this?"
Feng Wei nodded in confirmation. Wang Mei, puzzled, continued, "But wouldn't that be against the rules? Besides, even though you're at the peak of the seventh layer of body refinement, you still defeated a Foundation Establishment guard?"
Feng Wei laughed, a cold and ironic laugh. "Rules? In the Crimson Chaos City? Hahaha, if anyone mentions rules here, you just need to forcefully shut their mouths! Let's go." He ignored the last question.
The city gate was colossal and imposing, constructed from incredibly strong materials and standing hundreds of meters wide and tall. At the top, guards armed with spears kept watch.
The city was surrounded by a large water-filled moat, and the only access was across a stone bridge. It was the sole entrance available.
Inside the gates, the Crimson Chaos City seemed alive and vibrant, despite the faint scent of blood in the air. There were countless restaurants and shops, something that surprised Feng Wei.
"With so many people here, how come I don't see any battles?" he asked, observing carefully.
Wang Mei explained, "This is the city's entrance, so there are naturally many people, but no one dares to start a life-or-death battle here. They're afraid of offending the Lord of the City."
Feng Wei grimaced in disgust. "You really need a bath, Brother Wang. Let's find an inn to rest."
The remark irritated Wang Mei, but she held back. "Y-You... follow me, I know a place," she said, taking a deep breath to calm her temper before she might end up hitting Feng Wei.
Ahead of them, a grand building stood out: the Inn of Four Restrictions, one of the most famous establishments in the Crimson Chaos City. The inn was known for its exclusivity and luxury, with four floors, each imposing different restrictions for entry, offering unique accommodations for a variety of guests.
**First Floor - Traveler's Accommodations**: Any cultivator who could afford 10 gold coins per night was welcome on the first floor. The rooms were comfortable, without extravagance, and the restaurant served delicious meals to recharge travelers' energy.
**Second Floor - Status Accommodations**: The second floor was reserved for those with status, such as disciples of major sects or members of prestigious families. It cost 50 gold coins per night and offered larger, well-furnished rooms, with denser spiritual energy to aid cultivation. The restaurant served exquisite dishes.
**Third Floor - Cultivator's Accommodations**: The third floor was for elite cultivators, costing 100 gold coins per night. One had to be above the **Foundation Establishment Level** to enter. The rooms were impressive, with rich spiritual energy, and the restaurant offered high-level delicacies.
**Fourth Floor - Connoisseur's Accommodations**: The fourth floor was accessible only to those willing to exchange a valuable relic or a rare elixir for a stay. The rooms were palatial, with exuberant spiritual energies. The fourth-floor restaurant featured the city's finest chefs.
Each floor offered a unique and exclusive experience, catering to different needs and tastes of visitors.
Before entering the inn, an attendant approached them with a welcoming smile, demonstrating hospitality. He asked politely, "Will you be staying the night today?"
Wang Mei promptly replied, "Yes."
The attendant continued, "Do you have any reservations?" Before he could finish the question, Wang Mei tossed a black token in his direction, similar to a card.
"Th-This is—!"
The worker was momentarily shocked by the token but quickly composed himself and bowed, apologizing, "Please forgive me for the rudeness. I will escort you."
Guided by the attendant, they ascended the wooden stairs and went straight to the second floor, which was quite bustling. What surprised Feng Wei was that despite the crowd, the atmosphere was strangely calm. People conversed in hushed tones, and you could clearly hear the music of a musician playing a Dizi, a bamboo transverse flute, on the third floor.
Curious, Feng Wei couldn't help but ask Wang Mei, "What was that black token for?"
Wang Mei explained casually, "That black token is a VIP card. You can obtain it by killing an absurd number of wanted criminals or by murdering someone who already has it and stealing it. With that card, you can access up to the third floor without restrictions, and that's where we're heading."
After they were led to their quarters and handed the keys, the attendant bid farewell with courtesy. Wang Mei turned to Feng Wei and said with a forced smile, "Rest for the rest of the day. We'll meet in the dining hall tonight." Her eyes revealed a touch of anxiety, as if she were eager to enter.
Entering the room, Feng Wei was impressed by the luxurious ambiance. The room was spacious and lavishly decorated, with elegant and finely carved furniture. The walls were adorned with elaborate tapestries telling tales of ancient legends, and the floor was covered with thick, soft carpets.
The lighting was soft, coming from lamps of exotic fragrances, emitting a golden light that filled the room with a cozy atmosphere. Scented candles were also strategically placed, filling the air with relaxing and invigorating fragrances.
The bed was the highlight of the room. Huge and majestic, with high-quality silk sheets and pillows as soft as clouds. It was the perfect spot for rest and relaxation.
The spiritual energy in the room was dense and palpable, enveloping the guests like a caress. It was an ideal environment for cultivation, allowing cultivators to focus and make progress more easily in their practices.
Feng Wei felt the spiritual energy filling his body, revitalizing his meridians and invigorating his vitality. He knew that during the night, he could make the most of this environment to advance in his cultivation.
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Later, in the dining hall, the Inn of Four Restrictions was an architectural marvel, majestic and imposing. A high, ornate ceiling seemed to touch the sky, while the walls were adorned with intricately carved wood panels and tapestries telling tales of heroic battles and stunning landscapes. Large glass windows provided a spectacular view of the city at night, with its sparkling lights and constant bustle.
The hall was filled with finely decorated and reserved tables, each with its own intimate atmosphere. As the diners enjoyed their meals and drinks, a beautiful woman, with a delicate veil covering her face, played a Dizi with extraordinary skill. The notes and melodies flowed from the instrument as if they were made by magic, filling the hall with an enchanting aura.
Feng Wei caught sight of Wang Mei, who was sitting at one of the tables, enjoying her tea with her eyes closed. He approached her, and she greeted him mockingly, eyes still closed: "You're late, I thought you were dead."
Feng Wei replied with an offended tone, "Brother Wang, what a bad joke." He sat down at the table beside her.
An attentive waiter approached, with a warm smile, and asked, "Hello, how may I help you?"
Feng Wei made his order with determination: "A large bottle of your finest wine."
The waiter nodded and made a note. "Certainly, sir. Immediately."
While waiting for the wine, Feng Wei and Wang Mei enjoyed Dizi's heavenly music. At that moment, Feng Wei felt the presence of something familiar, the same aura that had followed him since he entered the city. Was it an enemy or an ally? He pondered but soon realized that the Emperor's seal on his spatial ring was shaking. With a sly smile, he concluded, "Oh, I see." As he shook his wine glass.