Chapter 31: The Path to Mystic River City
Leaving Serenity Valley behind, Xiao Feng moved with purpose. His steps were neither rushed nor hesitant. He had no need to look back; everything behind him was of little consequence now. His direction was clear: Mystic River City. Once a place of familiarity, now shrouded in change.
The landscape shifted as he traveled. Rolling hills gradually gave way to more structured settlements, though much had changed since he had last walked these lands. The once sparse and wild plains now bustled with signs of civilization—cultivators, merchants, and travelers alike. Many bore the mark of lower realms, clinging to modest cultivation levels. To him, their progress was nothing but the faintest flicker of light in a vast abyss. In the grand scheme of cultivation, they were nothing.
As he approached the outskirts of Mystic River City, Xiao Feng couldn't help but notice the heightened activity. The once tranquil region was now swarming with movement. Caravans and sects vied for influence and control. The energy flows of the realm had changed, subtle but unmistakable. He didn't need to rely on rumors to know what was happening. He could feel it—the spiritual energy of this world had subtly shifted, as if old powers were awakening, and the winds of destiny had begun to stir.
The road widened as he neared the gates of Mystic River City, its walls standing tall and imposing. Even though the city had been rebuilt and fortified since his last time here, the energy signatures around the area were still familiar. Many within these walls likely had no idea of the ancient histories buried beneath their feet. But Xiao Feng knew.
**"So, they're all gathering here…"** Xiao Feng mused quietly, his eyes scanning the distance. Cultivators, some even daring to reach the Spirit Formation realm, passed by him with barely concealed ambition. Yet, not one dared to meet his gaze. It wasn't fear, but rather a primal instinct; even though his cultivation was masked, Xiao Feng's presence alone exuded an unshakable confidence. One that came not from arrogance, but from sheer experience.
He could sense the movement of various powers within the city even before entering. Mystic River City had always been a focal point for sects and factions, but now, it was clear something more was at play. Ancient legacies, perhaps even fragments of divine artifacts, had resurfaced. It was no surprise that the city had become a battleground for influence. But to Xiao Feng, it was simply another piece in his grand plan. The treasures hidden here were tools—nothing more, nothing less.
As he walked closer to the gate, he passed a group of young cultivators. They were discussing an upcoming tournament, their voices filled with excitement and anticipation. Xiao Feng listened briefly. Apparently, Mystic River City was hosting a grand competition in the coming days, one that would attract sect leaders, rogue cultivators, and even hidden experts.
**"A tournament… How quaint,"** Xiao Feng thought, his interest barely piqued. Such competitions were beneath him now, though he could see the allure for those still struggling to rise through the ranks. For those hungry for recognition and power, these events served as a chance to gain favor and resources.
Yet, if this tournament brought the right people together—those holding the information or treasures he sought—it might still be worth attending. Not as a participant, of course, but as an observer. He could collect what he needed without raising undue attention.
As he stepped through the massive city gates, the familiar yet altered air of Mystic River City wrapped around him. It had grown since his time, both in size and significance. The streets were more crowded, and the spiritual energy more erratic, drawn to the various sects and rogue cultivators who fought for dominance. Sects that once held power here had either fallen or been replaced by others, but none of it mattered to Xiao Feng. His goals were far beyond the petty struggles of mortals.
As he moved through the bustling streets, Xiao Feng took note of the subtle currents of power flowing beneath the surface. Despite the city's growth, the ancient ley lines that lay buried beneath Mystic River City still pulsed faintly, connecting to the deeper realms. These ley lines held the key to accessing forgotten treasures, lost techniques, and perhaps even paths to higher dimensions. Xiao Feng's eyes glimmered with a brief flicker of interest. The city was more than it appeared, but nothing here could challenge him.
**"I will gather what I need here and move on,"** he decided, his gaze unwavering.
His senses suddenly sharpened. An unusual fluctuation in the energy around him—small but distinct—caught his attention. Turning his head slightly, he noticed a group of robed figures moving quickly through the marketplace. The markings on their robes indicated their affiliation with the Divine Crane Sect, a minor sect by his standards, but they seemed to be in a hurry, as if they were guarding something important.
Xiao Feng's gaze lingered on them for a moment before turning away. Whatever they were protecting was of no concern to him, at least not yet. If it was truly valuable, it would come to light in time.
For now, he had other matters to attend to. Mystic River City was full of hidden powers and factions, each vying for control over its secrets. But Xiao Feng was no longer a part of their games. His only purpose was to reclaim the strength that had been taken from him and prepare for his return to the Heavenly Realm.
After all, he was no longer the naïve boy who first sought power. He was Xiao Feng, the former First Supreme of the Heavenly Realm. His path was set, and no one—whether from this realm or any other—would stand in his way.
As he moved deeper into the city, Xiao Feng felt the pulse of ancient energies grow stronger. Mystic River City had many secrets, and he intended to uncover them all.