Meteorite City spanned thousands of miles, with the inhibiting population exceeding over a billion. The closer to the center, the lower the density of population, while the fringes saw a rapid influx of growing populace. There were a number of establishments, from the Martial Union Guild to the Alchemist Association. But the most surprising thing was no doubt the wall that surrounded the city.
This exceedingly tall wall boosting battlements was said to have been built over the course of an entire millennia. It served as a barrier between the ferocious beasts of the Crystal Mountains and the innocent mortals of the Meteorite city.
While lacking any formal or official partition among the regions of the city, there existed an invisible divide that split poor from rich. The outer region mostly consisted of mortals. They worked as farmers or owned shops for bakery, smithy, and clothing.
While the inner regions were mostly glorified estate lands used for training and other cultivation-related activities by the Yu clan, the middle portion was where most of the establishments and outside forces had taken root.
In a heavily boisterous bar, the patrons were engaged in heated discussion as they took heavy swigs of their frothing beer. The atmosphere was amicable if you ignored the sudden and forceful slams of their jugs against the table. A place to talk to their heart's content and also a place to eavesdrop on the latest news.
In a corner of the bar sat a young man of unearthly appearance with sword-like brows and a sharp, chiseled chin. His complexion was slightly pale, but it only served to enhance his youthful exuberance and his charm. He gulped down the rest of the wine left in his cup and stood up.
Su Yan walked toward the bar counter and rested the cup alongside a single piece of low-grade Qi stone. He took a look around, pausing at a group of four people wearing cloaks, then turned to leave.
It had been two weeks since he first booked that room. Fourteen days of continuous cultivation, and dual cultivation at that, had resulted in startling improvements to their cultivation base.
Xie Lian had gone from a beginner to holding 6 motes in her dantian, while her body transformation was on the verge of completing the skin refinement.
Su Yan experienced even more improvements as he had managed to refine a total of 21 motes. This was more than he had held a mere half a month ago. The results would've sent him spinning in joy, but his lofty goals worked to temper any excitement.
On the other hand, his body transformation had also progressed, though without any noticeable improvements. Only he was able to feel his strength increasing with each passing moment.
As they were nearing the end of their staying duration, Su Yan had decided against selling another technique. Even if they were barely worth mentioning compared to the mountainous wealth of knowledge, there was still a chance of rousing suspicion. And the last thing he wanted was for people to come after him, hoping to find the treasure.
Instead, he selected the bar to update his knowledge on the recent events in the Meteorite City. Who would've known that a group of mysterious fellows would be gathered there? Though they hadn't paid any attention to him, Su Yan had felt a subtle sense of danger emanating from each one of them. This was the first time he had experienced such a feeling, so it left him a bit nervous.
Fortunately, he was able to execute his original mission and found a piece of news that could prove to be a potential stepping stone for their development.
Su Yan smiled as he recalled Xie Lian's face, remembering the heated passion and heartfelt bonding he had shared with her. Even now he could recall the contours of her body, the feel of her soft flesh, and the sound of her moans.
Shaking his head, he walked until he had arrived at their place of stay. Unlocking the door, he moved in and closed it behind him.
Xie Lian opened her eyes from where she sat in a meditative posture.
"Anything?" she asked.
"Something." He answered and proceeded to explain the news he heard about.
Apparently a new ruin had been unearthed in the mountains, and people were climbing to try their luck.
Cultivators from all regions would be storming the place, but only those fortunate enough would end up finding something. Which was not unexpected at all, considering that cultivators risked their lives for profit at every turn. Some could even argue it as a noble struggle against fate.
Su Yan recalled the cloaked figures and wondered if they were also looking to enter the mountains. Meaning the competition would be intense, and their chances of getting lucky would be that much lower.
"Are you sure we will be able to find anything?" Xie Lian asked with a hint of doubt.
Su Yan didn't have any way to guarantee their success, so he simply shook his head and sighed. "Not exactly, but at least we can try."
Results weren't always the best, though they were most favored. Sometimes the journey in and of itself can be a rewarding experience.
Most of all, it would allow them to interact with others, savor the fresh environment, and also give them time to think. Su Yan might have gotten his hands on the ultimate cheat for all the techniques, but he still lacked conventional backing and resources. There was only so much he could do before his limits caught up to him without rousing suspicion.
If someone grew skeptical of his exotic means, then it would only be a matter of time before someone came knocking on his door. He didn't want that to happen, at least not until he had enhanced his strength enough to deter anyone with malicious intentions.
After coming to a decision, Su Yan decided to finally look for combat arts to help him in the field. If he was going to be out there, he wanted to be as prepared as possible.