Li Chou and his mother arrived at the gates of a city. The sight before him filled him with both excitement and tension. The city's grand architecture stood tall and majestic, starkly different from the chaotic Dark City he had known. The city walls were engraved with intricate runes that seemed to emit a faint aura of light.
"Mother, we're here," Li Chou whispered, his heart stirring with excitement.
"Mm," his mother replied, her gaze sweeping over the guards at the city entrance and the surrounding crowd, a hint of caution in her expression. Though the city appeared safe, she knew they could never afford to let down their guard.
Along the way, the two had encountered some minor dangers—such as a band of opportunistic robbers and a sudden brawl—but thanks to Li Chou's steadily improving self-defense skills and his mother's mysterious abilities, they managed to avoid these threats. Each close call reminded Li Chou of his own limitations and strengthened his resolve to find a sect and improve his strength.
"Mother, what is this city called?" Li Chou asked curiously.
"This city is called Light City," his mother replied, a trace of relief in her eyes. "It's one of the few relatively safe places in the Land of Eternal Night. Many cultivators and merchants gather here; it's a good place to seek resources and sects."
Li Chou looked up at the towering city walls and the faint glow emanating from the gate, asking with a hint of confusion, "Mother, why is this city called Light City? Is there really light in the Land of Eternal Night?"
Hearing his question, his mother was silent for a moment, a complex expression crossing her face. She sighed softly and said, "The city is named Light City not because it actually possesses light, but because its founders once yearned for it. They hoped that one day, the darkness would be driven away. This city was built by cultivators who pursued the light, believing that no matter how deep the darkness, light would one day shine upon this land again."
Li Chou nodded quietly, though a question lingered in his heart: "But in this eternally dark land, is the legend of light really credible?"
His mother gazed into the distance, her expression becoming profound and mysterious. "The legendary power of light once ruled over this land. But after a great battle between the God of Light and the God of Darkness, light disappeared, leaving only eternal night. However, light never vanished completely—it still exists, though few can find it."
Li Chou felt a surge of mixed feelings about light and darkness. He had never seen light, but his mother's words seemed to spark a glimmer of hope in his heart.
"Maybe, one day, light really will return."
"Let's go inside, then," Li Chou said, gathering his courage, his heart full of anticipation. He knew this city might mark the beginning of a new life for him and his mother, as well as a vital step on his path to cultivation.
Inside the city, buildings primarily in bright white and gold lined wide streets shaded by lush trees. Symbols and sculptures representing light were everywhere, creating a warm and peaceful atmosphere.
Light City was a bustling commercial center with numerous merchants and stalls offering goods ranging from everyday necessities to precious cultivation resources. The local merchants were usually mild-mannered and helpful.
To prevent dark forces from invading, Light City had high walls and guards, with patrol teams maintaining safety for the citizens.
As Li Chou and his mother strolled down the lively streets, he was overwhelmed by the bustling atmosphere and couldn't resist asking, "Mother, who founded Light City?"
His mother smiled slightly, her gaze drifting over the bustling crowd, seemingly affected by the lively atmosphere. She slowly explained, "Light City was founded by a powerful figure known as the Light Saint Master. According to legend, the Light Saint Master was a genius cultivator who grew up in darkness. After overcoming countless hardships, he eventually found a path of balance between light and darkness."
Curious, Li Chou asked, "So where is the Light Saint Master now? Why doesn't he rule the city anymore?"
His mother took a deep breath, her eyes reflecting complex emotions. She replied softly, "The Light Saint Master once protected this city, and under his rule, it was a sanctuary. But as dark forces grew stronger, he had to leave to seek allies and a way to combat the darkness. It's said that somewhere beyond Light City, he is on an important mission, hoping to bring back light and peace."
Li Chou looked puzzled. "Without the Light Saint Master's protection, how do people survive here?"
His mother responded gently, "Even though the Light Saint Master is absent, many light cultivators still protect this city, doing their best to maintain the order of light. We must also learn to rely on ourselves, find our strength, and seek opportunities."
Li Chou nodded resolutely. He understood that since the Light Saint Master was out seeking a way to resist the darkness, he too needed to work hard, protect himself and his mother, and seize every opportunity to change his fate.
"So, even though this place is called Light City, it doesn't mean it's truly filled with light," Li Chou concluded softly.
His mother nodded, sighing as she continued, "Yes, the name Light City symbolizes hope, but in this Land of Eternal Night, true light is hard to come by. People are still struggling to survive, and the power struggles within the city and the encroaching darkness threaten to turn this place's prosperity into ruin at any moment."
With a quiet resolve, Li Chou vowed to grow stronger, to seek true light, and to protect his mother and this once-beautiful land.
As they walked down the streets of Light City, the sights filled Li Chou with awe. The buildings glowed with a gentle radiance, residents wore smiles on their faces, and the streets were lively and vibrant. Compared to the darkness of the Land of Eternal Night, this place filled him with a warmth and sense of security.
When Li Chou asked a passerby about the city, the man informed him:
"You can go to the Light Inn, the largest inn in Light City. It has an elegant environment, but it's expensive, and you'll need Light Coins to pay. Light Coins are the currency here, and you can earn them in several ways: joining the Light Hall, where you can take on tasks and receive Light Coins and other rewards; going to the Light Commerce Guild to trade or sell; or trying your luck at one of the city's casinos. But beware—the risk is high, though if you're lucky, you might win a substantial amount."
After thanking the man, Li Chou turned to his mother and asked, "Mother, what should we do?"
Scanning their surroundings thoughtfully, she replied calmly, "Though Light City is under the rule of the forces of light, as we've seen, darkness still has a presence here. We need to act cautiously and settle down first, finding a safe place. As for what comes next…we should start quietly, gather enough information, and navigate Light City's rules carefully while finding our own path."
She paused before adding, "For now, let's head to the Light Inn. Once we have a place to stay, we can make long-term plans. And remember, we'll need to find a way to earn Light Coins."
Li Chou nodded, his gaze firm, and he began forming a rough plan. As a dark cultivator in a place dominated by light, he would have to proceed with caution and carefully assess the situation. His reliance on and respect for his mother made him trust her foresight, and he knew that, in this place where light and darkness intermingled, he needed to find his own way to survive and cultivate.
Li Chou frowned slightly and muttered, "But we don't have any Light Coins. What should we do?"
His mother gave a faint smile, her eyes hinting at wisdom. "Light Coins may be the main currency here, but there are always other ways. Although light rules here, darkness hasn't vanished entirely. We can keep a low profile and find hidden paths to meet our needs."
She glanced around before continuing, "Besides, not everything has to be solved with money. The Light Hall and other places may offer ways to earn Light Coins or have tasks we can take on. We should first explore and find a suitable path."
Li Chou nodded. "It seems we'll have to rely on ourselves to solve this urgent issue and earn enough Light Coins."
His mother softly replied, "Yes, cultivation requires resources, but wisdom and opportunity are just as important. For now, we can visit the Light Inn or search for other ways to earn Light Coins. We must be patient and careful, learning the situation before taking action."
After making their decision, Li Chou and his mother decided to hold off on any drastic moves. They continued to walk through the streets of Light City, carefully observing their surroundings. This city was far more prosperous than the rest of the Land of Eternal Night, with shops lining both sides of the streets, people bustling around, and an aura of vitality everywhere.
"Mother, the atmosphere here is completely different from what we experienced before. It feels like another world," Li Chou whispered.
His mother nodded slightly. "Light City is indeed different from other places in the Land of Eternal Night. Here, light and order are relatively well-maintained. But remember, the forces of darkness haven't disappeared; they're just lurking quietly in this city. We need to find our own direction here."
As they continued forward, they passed a tall building with a plaque above the entrance reading "Light Hall." Streams of people came and went. His mother paused slightly and whispered, "This is one of the city's main centers. Many cultivators come here to accept tasks, earn Light Coins, or seek advancement opportunities."