The streets of Subduing Demon City were not large, but the stone buildings were ancient, and even the ground slate bore traces of time.
While the city wasn't large, it bustled with people. Most were cultivators, ranging from Fleshy Body Realm to occasional Transcendent Realm powerhouses. The presence of Transcendent Realm cultivators was rare, and Long Hao, with his current cultivation, couldn't easily discern them.
Holy Land disciples like Long Hao were uncommon; most individuals were from scattered sects or lone cultivators. Subduing Demon City's primary purpose was to suppress the Abyss Demon Race, attracting cultivators seeking opportunities and treasures or those eager for battle against the demons.
Navigating through the lively streets, shops on both sides displayed a variety of goods, ranging from treasures for cultivation to weapons and martial arts techniques. Long Hao even noticed a shop selling Transforming Dragon Pills.
Transforming Dragon Pills were precious spirit pills that could help cultivators in Fleshy Body Realm break through to Transcendent Realm. Long Hao was enticed, but everything here required spirit stones, and he was currently penniless, possessing only a bottle of Blood Origin Pill for healing.
"I'll have my chance after Uncle Long comes back with some treasures," Long Hao muttered to himself, reluctantly tearing his gaze away from the alluring items.
Crossing a bustling street, Long Hao arrived at the central square of Subduing Demon City.
The square was expansive, paved with hard bluestone plates capable of accommodating tens of thousands of people. This area served as the entrance to Subduing Demon Abyss, witnessing a daily flow of nearly a hundred thousand individuals.
Long Hao joined a long line of people, slowly moving forward. With his Fleshy Body Realm cultivation, he remained inconspicuous.
"Hey, it's Senior Brother Lin. I didn't expect you to come," two purple-clothed youths, responsible for maintaining order at the entrance, greeted an arrogant man with respect.
"Well, these are the members of my Lin Family," the proud man responded, exuding the true qi of a Transcendent Realm powerhouse.
"Hehe, Senior Brother Lin, please come in," the two purple-clothed youths said with a charming smile, welcoming Senior Brother Lin.
However, their attitude changed when they noticed a blue-clothed teenager in the group.
"You there, do you know the rules?" one of the purple-clothed youths sneered.
"What rules?" the blue-clothed teenager, looking around fourteen or fifteen, asked with a puzzled expression.
"To enter, it's ten low-grade spirit stones per person."
"What? Since when does Subduing Demon City have such a rule? And why should they pay..." The young boy's eyes flashed with anger.
Subduing Demon City was established by sages to suppress the Abyss Demon Race, welcoming cultivators from all over without any charges.
"These are inner sect Senior Brothers from Purple Thunder Holy Land. How can you compare to them?"
"Hmph, let me tell you, I make the rules here. If you don't have spirit stones, get lost."
The two purple-clothed youths were arrogant, ready to resort to violence if necessary. Without hesitation, they struck the blue-clothed teenager to the ground.
"Hiss..."
"Look at his posture, Fleshy Body Realm 9th Layer, full of 9000 Jin of strength."
"He's a genius from Purple Thunder Holy Land, achieving such cultivation at such a young age."
Onlookers were shocked, their eyes filled with fear as they witnessed the display of power.
"You..." The young man's mouth bled, furious, but an old man in gray clothing stopped him.
"Young Master, we can't afford to offend Purple Thunder Holy Land. Endure it for now," the gray-clothed old man advised, his words carrying a deeper meaning. He then reluctantly handed twenty low-grade spirit stones to the purple-clothed youths.
"Hehe, that's more like it."
After taking the spirit stones, the two purple-clothed youths smiled, waving the group inside. They then shifted their attention to the people behind, ready to demand their payment.
Soon, it was Long Hao's turn.
"You, are you blind or deaf?" With a disdainful look, a purple-clothed youth stretched out his hand, blocking Long Hao.
"Ten low-grade spirit stones, can't you understand the rules?" The youth raised his hand, displaying an impatient and disdainful expression.
Long Hao frowned, taking out his disciple token and said, "I am an outer sect disciple of Big Dipper Holy Land."
Surprised, the youth checked the token and reluctantly prepared to let Long Hao pass.
Since Subduing Demon City was heavily regulated by nearby Great Holy Lands, Holy Land disciples usually didn't have to pay. However, when the youth saw Long Hao's Fleshy Body Realm 7th Layer cultivation, he couldn't help but show disdain.
"But even so, as a mere outer sect disciple, you still have to pay like everyone else."
"Hmph, what if I don't pay?" Long Hao's expression turned cold as he confronted the youth.
Unyielding, he wasn't about to hand over spirit stones even if he had them. The audacity of the subordinate, who dared to disregard his face, infuriated Long Hao.
"Being ignorant of your status, I'll teach you a lesson on behalf of your teacher."
"Watch out!"
The purple-clothed youth struck with a fierce punch, resembling a tiger descending a mountain, unstoppable.
Bang!
The powerful blow landed, echoing like a tiger's roar, and the impact was intense.
Middle-grade martial arts - Tiger Energetic Fist!