After passing through the Great Three Gorges, Ye Tian and his companions experienced an unusually tranquil journey, free from any encounters with robbers or bandits. Finally, after half a month, they beheld the imposing Black Blood City.
The magnificent Black Blood City bore the marks of time, its towering walls standing several dozen feet high. The walls were broad enough to accommodate a patrol of dozens without feeling crowded. The grand gate tower was particularly awe-inspiring, resembling the majestic Southern Heavenly Gate of the heavens, exuding both authority and grandeur.
The city moat was also several dozen feet wide and unfathomably deep. Although it was adorned with blooming lotuses, lurking beneath its surface were the ominous silhouettes of massive crocodiles, their greenish glow sending chills down one's spine.
Ye Tian was profoundly awestruck.
Undoubtedly, Black Blood City was even more magnificent than Blood Jade City. It was no wonder that Zhao Dapeng had advised them to remain low-key upon their arrival, cautioning them to avoid provoking the Black Armored Army.
"At last, we have arrived at Black Blood City!"
"Brother Ye, we truly owe you our gratitude. Without your protection, we would have perished on the journey!"
"By the way, Brother Ye, do you plan to return to Blood Jade City immediately, or shall we rest within the city?"
At the city gates, Lord Wang grasped Ye Tian's hand with a face full of appreciation.
"Ha ha, Brother Wang, you are too kind. It is our duty to escort you, so there is no need for thanks," Ye Tian replied with a smile, then cast his gaze towards the magnificent Black Blood City. His eyes sparkled as he added, "Having come all this way, it would be a shame not to explore the beauty of this city, especially after enduring over two months of travel."
"Oh! That's splendid! Rest assured, I am quite familiar with Black Blood City, and I happen to own an inn within. You can stay there, and I will cover all expenses for your lodging and meals," Lord Wang beamed, knowing that Ye Tian, a genius of immense potential, was someone he wanted to cultivate a relationship with. Naturally, he was overjoyed that Ye Tian had chosen to stay.
"Thank you very much, Brother Wang!" Ye Tian replied, knowing that even if it weren't for the small world of that Martial Sect expert, he would still want to experience the splendor of Black Blood City.
Indeed, this was the furthest Ye Tian had ever traveled. He was eager to discover what wonders awaited him in this bustling metropolis.
As they approached the grand city, Ye Tian and his companions proceeded forward. They crossed the suspension bridge, traversed the moat, and entered the depths of Black Blood City, their passage confirmed by the watchful soldiers stationed at the gates.
Upon entering the city, they were immediately engulfed by the vibrant sights and sounds of urban life—crowds bustling about, carts clattering, and wide streets capable of accommodating twenty galloping horses side by side. Countless shops lined both sides of the avenues, the cacophony of merchants calling out to customers ringing in their ears.
What a lively and prosperous city it was! Ye Tian felt a sense of wonder as he took in the throngs of people and the eclectic array of shops, almost overwhelmed by the sheer vivacity of it all.
"Brother Ye, the inn 'You Ke Lai' up ahead belongs to me. Please settle in there while I return home to arrange for the supplies. I will host a banquet for you in the evening," Lord Wang said, pointing to a sizable inn a short distance away after walking for about half an hour.
"Lord Wang, please attend to your business; there's no need to worry about us," Ye Tian nodded politely before parting ways at the entrance of the inn.
Under the innkeeper's guidance, Ye Tian and his companions were shown to the finest rooms available. Besides Ye Tian and Liu Hongwu, the others were paired in rooms, collectively occupying one-third of the inn.
"You all rest for now; I am going out for a stroll!" After depositing their luggage, Ye Tian exited the inn.
"Wait for me!" Liu Hongwu hurriedly followed him.
Navigating through the throngs, the two reveled in the vibrancy of Black Blood City. They wandered for half the day until hunger prompted them to seek out a luxurious restaurant, where they ordered several delectable dishes.
Rather than opting for a private room, they settled at a table by the window on the ordinary second floor, savoring their meal while eavesdropping on the animated discussions among other martial artists in the restaurant.
Whether in taverns, inns, or tea houses, these were the gathering places for martial artists, serving as the lifeblood for the exchange of information.
"Hey! Even the Blood-clothed Guards have arrived! Has news of the small world already reached Blood Jade City?" a slender, sallow-faced martial artist remarked, casting a glance at Ye Tian and engaging in conversation with his companions.
"That's the small world left behind by a Martial Sect expert. How could it not draw interest? I've heard that the four young masters of the Four Great Families of Nanlin County have all come here. This Black Blood City is becoming increasingly chaotic."
"With the Four Great Families involved, it seems there will be little opportunity for us to lay our hands on the treasures of this small world. I've heard that some of the representatives from the Four Great Families are of the Martial Spirit level."
"Is the information regarding the small world credible? I thought no one had yet found the exact entrance."
"I heard that the representatives of the Four Great Families have already approached the City Lord's residence, suspecting that he knows the whereabouts of the entrance."
"How could that be? If the City Lord were aware, he wouldn't have waited until now; he would have already seized the treasures within."
"You don't understand. The small world left by the Martial Sect expert is not easily penetrable. To put it bluntly, the City Lord is merely at the Martial Spirit level, which pales in comparison to a Martial Sect expert."
"Indeed, I've heard that some of the Martial Spirit experts sent by the Four Great Families surpass the City Lord; he must be under immense pressure right now!"
The entire tavern buzzed with speculation and discussion regarding the small world, and Ye Tian and his companions listened intently, gleaning a wealth of valuable information.
"Ye Tian, with even Martial Spirit level experts arriving for this small world, do we really stand a chance to secure any treasures?" Liu Hongwu murmured.
"It's not 'we'—it's 'I'!" Ye Tian shook his head, his eyes flashing with determination. "The small world is far too perilous; your strength is insufficient. You should not venture inside."
"Hmph!" Liu Hongwu pouted, but then a trace of concern crept onto her face. "Your prowess is among the best of your peers, yet those contending for the small world are seasoned experts. You might just be at the bottom. Should I return and inform my father? Perhaps the City Lord will come too!"
"Impossible! The journey from Blood Jade City to Black Blood City takes over three months round trip. Even for the City Lord and his entourage, it would take more than a month. By the time they arrive, it would be too late!" Ye Tian replied, shaking his head with a wry smile.
"That may not be the case. Are you unaware that the City Lord can fly? With his speed, he could reach Black Blood City in a week," Liu Hongwu retorted with a grin.
"However, you would first need to return to Blood Jade City to notify them. At your pace, it would take at least a month," Ye Tian countered without hesitation.
"You're mistaken! I can take a shortcut; I could be back in Blood Jade City in just half a month!" Liu Hongwu exclaimed proudly.
"A shortcut? What shortcut? Why didn't you tell me about it when we came here?" Ye Tian raised an eyebrow, looking at her skeptically.
"Hey! What kind of look is that?" Liu Hongwu shot back, indignant. "It's not that I didn't tell you; that shortcut isn't suitable for a large group. Even if I told you, you wouldn't be able to take it, but I can manage alone."
"Alright, when do you plan to set off?" Ye Tian asked, suddenly invigorated by her response.
Undoubtedly, if the city lord and the general were to arrive, his safety would be greatly assured, and he might even seize the opportunity to profit amidst the chaos and acquire some treasures.
"I will set off immediately!" Upon hearing this, Liu Hongwu drained her cup and rose to her feet.
"Now?" Ye Tian looked at her in astonishment; they had only just entered the city a short while ago.
"Indeed, the sooner the better. If I return early, the city lord and the others can also arrive sooner," Liu Hongwu said, unusually composed. With that, she strode purposefully toward the entrance of the tavern.
Ye Tian followed her, preparing to see her off.
"Hey, where did this little beauty come from? Quite a sight, isn't she? I like her, hehe!" As soon as they stepped outside, they were surrounded by a group of men.
At the center stood a young man in extravagant attire, his hair slicked back, flanked by a dozen followers. His lecherous gaze fixated on Liu Hongwu as he approached, licking his lips with a mischievous grin, intent on reaching out to caress her face.
Ye Tian frowned but remained silent.
Liu Hongwu, however, glared furiously, and with a sharp shout, she turned and delivered a stunning roundhouse kick to the young man.
"Ahh…" The young man was merely a Level Five warrior; he stood no chance against Liu Hongwu, a Martial Master. He was sent flying, crashing violently against the wall of the tavern, spitting out blood.
"Young Master!"
"Young Master!"
The group of warriors surrounding the young man gasped in shock, quickly disregarding Ye Tian and Liu Hongwu as they rushed to assist him.
"What are you fools doing? Hurry and catch that girl! How dare she strike me? Ah… Pfft!" The young man berated his followers, but his internal energy surged, causing him to spit out another mouthful of blood.
"Young Master!"
"Young Master!"
Panic spread among the warriors, with two remaining to care for their injured leader while the others encircled Ye Tian and Liu Hongwu.
"You dare to strike our Young Master? Do you not know who he is?" one warrior barked, his expression dark and distressed. He feared the repercussions from the Second Young Master if he learned of the injury inflicted on the First Young Master.
"I don't care who he is! If this were in Blood Jade City, he'd be doomed! A beating would be a light punishment, hmph!" Liu Hongwu retorted disdainfully.
Ye Tian understood her words to be true; this girl had been unruly since childhood, and no one in Blood Jade City dared to offend her—doing so was tantamount to seeking death.
"So, you're not from Black Blood City; no wonder you're unaware of our Young Master's reputation. Hmph! I don't care who you are; after striking our Young Master, none of you will leave today. Brothers, attack!" the warrior shouted, lunging at Ye Tian, with the others following suit.
"Hmph!" A cold glint flashed in Ye Tian's eyes as he unleashed his profound energy. The nearly tangible aura erupted forth, sending all the attacking warriors flying.
The surrounding crowd erupted into an uproar!